It's What You Do Next Monthly Newsletter
July 2025
Summer camp is supposed to be a safe space where kids giggle through singalongs, climb mountains and try on who they’re becoming– free from the heaviness of the world.
That’s what camp was for me as a young girl. That’s what it was for my son, Max.
In Tuesday’s post, I wrote about Max’s experience one summer when a wildfire came dangerously close to camp. Thanks to fast action and coordination across local, state and federal agencies, he and every other camper made it out safely.
What happened at Camp Mystic last week is devastating and every parent’s nightmare.
But let’s be clear: this was not an “act of God.” This was a systemic failure of early warning systems, of underfunded infrastructure and of a government too busy denying the climate crisis to prepare for it.
The full story is personal. It’s political. It’s a call to action.
Podcasts: Miss Understood with Rachel Uchitel
I recently joined the incredible Rachel Uchitel on her podcast Miss Understood to talk about my journey– leadership, loss, resilience and what it takes to keep going when your life unravels in public view. All experiences I’ve shared in my memoir, It’s What You Do Next.
First Female Mayor of Nashville Megan Barry: It's What You Do Next After Scandal That Counts
Check it out and share with your family and friends!
Book Club Corner
I had a lovely time at the Blackhorse Brewery for an It’s What You Do Next book talk and signing. It was truly something special. Thank you to everyone who came out and a heartfelt thank you to Karen Reynolds for bringing us all together and creating such a powerful space for connection, reflection, and growth.
Want me to come and speak to your group or organization?
Since my book launch, I've had the pleasure of speaking to lots of groups and organizations. I recently joined Gray+Miller and am excited to bring my voice to even more audiences. Check out the link here.
Recent Book Reviews on Amazon and Goodreads
My book It’s What You Do Next is part memoir, part love letter to resilience, and part call to action. If you’ve read it, thank you. I would be honored if you would do a review on Amazon or Goodreads. Here are some reviews from this month:
"Leaving a review for It's What You Do Next doesn't just help me and my team out– it increases the chance of it reaching someone exactly when they need it most." - Megan Barry, Author
Also, I would be thrilled if your book club reads my book! Here are some resources - and let me know if you want me to zoom in and join the discussion!
New Writing: On Grief, Love, and Public Places
I’ve shared two new essays to kick off the summer. In times like these, when the news is so heavy, compassion can feel like it's in short supply, and I keep coming back to the idea of showing up.
📄 June 26, 2015: What I witnessed the day love won in Tennessee – I wrote about what it meant to say “Dearly beloved…” to two women in love– and why we must stay vigilant to protect all our fundamental rights.
Media watch as Metro councilwoman and mayoral candidate Megan Barry, center, performs the first same-sex marriage in Davidson County between Lauren Mesnard, 25, and Nikki VonHaeger, 26, at the Davidson County Clerk's office in Nashville on June 26, 2015, after the U.S. Supreme Court has overturned state bans on same-sex marriage. Larry McCormack / The Tennessean
🇺🇸 A Tale of Two Presidents – Just last week, I found myself grieving again for the tone of our national leadership. In this essay, I reflected on my personal interactions with President Biden and President Trump and why compassion, empathy and integrity in leadership still matter.
Our country is facing a lot. But if I’ve learned anything in public life and in private grief over the years– it’s this: We are at our best when we show up for each other. Let’s keep doing that.
Upcoming Events - Join me!
In Orlando - Human Behavior Con 2025
I’m honored to take the stage at Human Behavior Con 2025 alongside some of the most brilliant minds in leadership, psychology, and behavioral science.
I’ll be speaking on Vulnerability in Leadership—how transparency, honesty, and resilience shape stronger teams, communities, and movements.
This year’s powerhouse lineup includes:
Chris Hadnagy – Insider Threats & Social Engineering
Judd Shaw – Unleashing Authenticity
Dr. Abbie Maroño – The Science of Nonverbal Communication
Brad Beeler – Mastering Communication
Stay Connected.
Let’s keep the conversation going! Follow me on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and more.
One Last Thing
We may only be able to grow roots in water right now. But we’re still growing. Help me connect to others by sharing this newsletter.
In the meantime, keep sharing your story. Keep showing up for those around you. Keep holding space for yourself.
Thanks for being here. It means more than you know.
Lovingly,
Megan
