14. Thomas Brown on Healing Through Art and a 7,000-Mile Journey

In this episode of ILA Radio, host Laura Alyn sits down with mental health advocate, artist, and author, Thomas Brown to explore his profound passion for art, self-exploration, and the healing power of creativity. Thomas, who also works in a library, shares the inspiring story behind his debut book—a memoir chronicling his 7,000-mile bike journey to raise awareness about suicide. Along the way, he uncovered the transformative role art plays, both in his own life and in society at large. Thomas opens up about the importance of pursuing what you love, even when it doesn’t bring financial rewards, and how storytelling has been a vital tool in navigating his fears, desires, and hopes. He reflects on the terrifying yet life-changing process of writing his memoir and how his experiences with travel and creative expression helped him overcome codependency and build self-confidence. In this raw and candid conversation, Thomas also delves into the importance of self-awareness, using breath and silence to find balance, and the essential role that knowing oneself plays in personal growth and in resisting external pressures. Memorable Moments: - "Art has the potential to save the world." - "Know yourself." - "Language is an archaic form of technology." - "You can't save them. You can show them the door, but you can't walk through it for them." Tune in for an inspiring discussion on how art, self-discovery, and personal expression can shape not only individual lives but the collective world. For more on Thomas Brown: http://www.risephoenix.org/ https://www.instagram.com/_rise_philosophy/ https://www.amazon.com/2012-Bicycle-Odyssey-Journey-Awareness/dp/B0D5GXWVQS For more on Laura Alyn: https://www.instagram.com/itslauraalyn https://a.co/d/2rk1w7A For more on ILA Radio, polymathy, astrology, and museums: https://www.tiktok.com/@ilainstitute ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ilainstitute