Adding Context

How do you rebuild your life when everything changes? In this episode of Adding Context, Michael Bollentin sits down with award-winning author, speaker, coach, and brain tumor survivor Risa August to explore resilience, personal growth, and the power of reinvention. After navigating a brain tumor, a rare disease, the end of an 18-year marriage, and a solo 1,845-mile bicycle journey from Canada to Mexico, Risa shares how one simple question—"What CAN I do?"—helped transform adversity into purpose. Together, they discuss overcoming life's unexpected challenges, redefining identity, embracing change, and finding hope through uncertainty. If you're interested in resilience, mindset, healing, self-discovery, and turning setbacks into opportunities for growth, this conversation offers practical wisdom and an inspiring perspective on what it means to keep moving forward. Follow Risa at www.risaaugust.com

In this episode of Adding Context, Michael Bollentin sits down with Jack Myers to explore one of the defining challenges of our time: the growing erosion of trust. Their conversation examines why skepticism has spread beyond the media into government, healthcare, education, business, and other institutions, while unpacking the difference between authority and legitimacy, why trust is a relationship rather than a metric, and what today's leadership challenges reveal about the systems we've built. Michael and Jack also discuss the changing expectations of younger generations, the role of authenticity and transparency in leadership, and how artificial intelligence is reshaping communication, decision-making, and human connection. From collaboration under pressure to the future of media and technology, this episode offers a thoughtful look at what it will take to rebuild trust in an increasingly complex world. Follow Jack at www.jackmyers.com for all of his books, shows, and content. 

In this episode of Adding Context, we sit down with Patrick Pianezza - former paramedic, screenwriter, and co-creator of the film Code 3 - for an unflinching conversation about the realities of emergency medical services, burnout, and why authentic storytelling matters. Drawing from more than a decade on the truck, Patrick shares how Code 3 became a “love letter to EMS”: a project rooted in lived experience rather than Hollywood myth. Patrick explores the emotional toll of first response, the stigma surrounding mental health in EMS, and the cultural tendency to avoid uncomfortable truths about violence, death, and exhaustion. This conversation goes beyond film. It’s about orientation—how first responders survive the weight of the job, how storytelling can impose a societal cost on ignoring burnout, and why changing your mind, asking better questions, and adding context may be the most honest way forward.

In this dynamic episode of Adding Context, Dale Sky Jones, President and CEO of Oaksterdam University, shares her journey from corporate America to leading the charge in cannabis education and reform. She recounts founding Oaksterdam and her role as a Prop 19 spokesperson, which sparked global legalization efforts. Dale’s passion for equity drives her to empower diverse voices through hands-on training, turning students into courtroom-ready professionals who advance reform in states like NJ, CT, and LA. We also discussed federal barriers, such as banking restrictions, and shared her experiences briefing Congress on descheduling in 2025. Despite personal challenges, from raids to family pressures, Dale’s commitment to restorative justice and education remains unshaken, with Oaksterdam’s 110,000 alumni as proof of impact. She urges listeners to support descheduling by contacting lawmakers and exploring Oaksterdam’s courses at oaksterdamuniversity.com. Follow updates on X for news on equity programs and an upcoming documentary. Dale’s story is a powerful call to action for a more equitable cannabis industry.

In this vibrant episode of Adding Context, Leigh Larson, the force behind @followtheleighder, shares the origin of her unique platform blending outdoor adventures, activism, and theological insights. From her theology degree to trekking various mountain ranges, Leigh reveals how her first big hike and seminary skills, like unpacking scripture, shaped her bold voice tackling women’s rights and religious nationalism. She discusses transforming trail chats into viral policy-shifting content, navigating online trolls, and dodging burnout by balancing vulnerability with an explorer’s joy. Her immersive approach, from crashing summits to live-streaming pilgrimages, amplifies marginalized voices while exposing manipulative tactics like fake spiritual retreats. Leigh’s advocacy weaves spiritual literacy with equity, from LGBTQ+ inclusion to environmental justice, to safeguard democracy against rising theocratic pushes post-2024. Despite risks like doxxing and trail isolation, she keeps her community vibrant with rituals like post-hike toasts, fueled by unexpected allies and a viral thread toppling myths. Listeners can dive deeper at followtheleighder.com and follow her on Instagram for updates on her book tour and rally series. Leigh’s call to action: engage with her content, share your story, and challenge disinformation to join the fight for justice.

In this episode of Adding Context, Darbi Keene, a neurodivergent therapist and founder of Walking with Wildflowers, shares her inspiring journey. Based in Missouri, her virtual practice offers neuroaffirming therapy and adult autism assessments, empowering neurodivergent adults to embrace their identities. Tune in to explore how Darbe’s lived experience shapes her compassionate approach and drives her mission to make mental health care accessible. Feel free to visit Walking with Wildflowers. #Neurodiversity #AutismAcceptance #MentalHealth #NeuroaffirmingTherapy #Neurodivergent

Join Adding Context as we dive into the eclectic career of Peter Moore, a Fort Collins-based writer, cartoonist, and commentator. From editing at Men’s Health and Playboy to crafting KUNC commentaries and Colorado Sun cartoons, Peter shares how he traded national magazines for local storytelling. Discover his creative process, reflections on Colorado’s culture, and insights on journalism’s evolution. Visit petermoore.substack.com for more of Peter’s drawings and commentary. #ColoradoCulture #LocalJournalism

Join us for a vibrant conversation with Jordon Bourgeault (@jboairbrush), the master airbrush artist behind some of the NHL’s most iconic goalie helmets. From superhero-inspired designs to heartfelt tributes, Jordon’s work transforms protective gear into personal storytelling canvases. In this episode, we dive into the heart of his craft, the pressure of painting for elite athletes, and the wild, human moments that make his art unforgettable. Get ready for stories that blend creativity, hockey passion, and raw emotion—plus a hilarious “Would You Rather” closer that’ll leave you laughing! Jordon shares how he captures a goalie’s personality in designs like his fierce Wolverine claw or glowing neon skull helmets, turning their stories into visual roars that shine under arena lights. Hear about a nail-biting moment when a helmet design nearly went wrong, and how Jordon’s quick thinking saved the day, revealing the intense precision behind his airbrush magic. Jordon reflects on the emotional weight of painting memorial helmets and how he balances bold crowd-pleasers with deeply personal touches for goalies facing NHL pressure. Laugh along as Jordon recounts a time a goalie swore his dragon-themed helmet was a game-changer, or a jinx, and how that shaped his approach to the next project. From quirky studio rituals to the surreal thrill of seeing his art on TV, Jordon opens up about the duality of creating for one athlete and thousands of fans. Check out Jordon’s jaw-dropping designs on Instagram and other socials at @jboairbrush and see how he brings NHL goalies’ stories to life. Inspired by Ed’s story? Subscribe to Adding Context on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music or Podbean for more tales that unpack the human experience. Share your thoughts on X with #AddingContext—what’s a moment that changed your path? Stay tuned for our next episode with Jordon Bourgeault. Don’t miss out!

Buckle up for an inspiring ride with Ed Bauter, a paramedic, medical student, and co-host of The Overrun Podcast. From intense EMS calls to the trenches of medic school, Ed’s journey is a masterclass in turning challenges into purpose. In this episode, we explore the life-changing moments that shaped his path, the brotherhood of emergency medicine, and how he’s passing the torch through education and storytelling. With raw honesty and a dose of humor, Ed shares what it means to save lives while finding your own. Plus, we wrap with a laugh-out-loud “Would You Rather” segment that’s pure chaos! Ed opens up about how medic school transformed him from someone who swore off medicine, despite a family of medics, into a passionate EMS advocate, forging lifelong bonds in the process. Hear about a heart-pounding EMS call that tested Ed’s skills and left a lasting mark, revealing the emotional weight of being a first responder. Ed shares how his love for educating others, from students to peers, fuels his mission to make EMS smarter and more human. Discover how co-hosting The Overrun became Ed’s way to bridge the gap between classroom and chaos, amplifying voices in pre-hospital care. Ed reflects on a moment of doubt that nearly derailed him, and the spark that kept him pushing forward, connecting his story to anyone chasing a dream. Dive into Ed’s world of EMS and education on The Overrun Podcast at www.overrunproductions.com or on social media. Inspired by Ed’s story? Subscribe to Adding Context on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music or Podbean for more tales that unpack the human experience. Share your thoughts on X with #AddingContext—what’s a moment that changed your path? Stay tuned for our next episode with Jordon Bourgeault. Don’t miss out!

Kevin Palmieri is the Founder, Host and CSO of Next Level University. He went from a life in which he felt very comfortable to hitting rock bottom. Kevin shares his journey from contemplating taking his own life to running a successful media empire and helping other along the way. Catch his show here or reach out to him on Instagram or at Next Level University.

Anne Butler Montgomery has worked as a television sportscaster, newspaper and magazine writer, teacher, author, and amateur/ youth sports official. She has traveled the country sharing her love of sport and fostering integrity in sports officiating. She has authored several books based on her life experiences. She is currently promoting her newest book, Your Forgotten Sons. To learn more about her and her writings, please visit her links:  https://annemontgomerywriter.com/ https://www.facebook.com/anne.montgomery.359/ https://twitter.com/amontgomery8 https://www.instagram.com/annemontgomeryauthor/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-montgomery-1b995b23/, https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14081564.Anne_Montgomery, https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00JOEIL4A, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_Montgomery_(sportscaster)

Given recent decisions and tumult surrounding the US Supreme Court, I wanted to dive into the well again with Dr. Stephen Wermiel. We revisited previous topics we had spoken about and how they had played out. Then we discussed his thoughts regarding the current chaos embroiling the court and its sitting justices. Other hot topics were SCOTUS leaks, potential reforms, and the consequences of all the fallout.

Joe Hannan is a writer, journalist, and consultant hunting for the next story to tell or lesson to learn. He's also a husband, father, and martial artist. As a writer, he wakes up and tries to write better than he did the day before. Journalistically, you’ll find him asking questions and writing stories about health, medicine, cybersecurity, social undercurrents, and how human beings develop. As a consultant, he takes all that he learns along the way and funnels it into peak performance, helping people and organizations operate at their highest levels. Martial arts are his playground for embodying and training these lessons and principles, specifically Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, in which he is a black belt. Here you can find Joe's BJJ meditations podcast, Instagram, and Substack

Brandon Foss grew up in the northeastern part of the U.S and is a man of experiences. He left home at 18 and has been living and learning. We spoke about his early upbringing and how that directed him as an adult. Branson is also a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. We spoke about how his journey through the martial art has transformed him from who he was about 8 years ago to the man he is now.

Jess Zafarris is many things. An author, a lover of words, an editor, and so much more. She recently released “Words from Hell,” a book on the origins of words. Written with a blend of fact and snark, it is highly improbable for you to finish it without laughing and coming away with a new respect for both our more common and more obscure words. We covered a spectrum of words from the subdued words like shenanigans to the more colorful words, which I won’t mention here, and how their usage varies around the world.  You can find her on all the socials through here.

Scott Beuerlein went from working for Delta Airlines to turning his hobby and passion into a new career as the Manager of Botanical Outreach and a hortoculturist at the Cincinnati Zoo. He did something many hope they can, to live by the adage, “If you find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” We spoke about his adoration for all things botany, his love of the environment, and how we can both help the planet while making it more pleasing to the eye.  You see his labor of love all around the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, read his writings and rants at hortmag.com, gardenrant.com, and scottbeuerlein.com.

Karen Simmons CEO/Founder of Autism Today Foundation, author of several books including Chicken Soup for the Soul: Children with Special Needs. She has been on a mission crossing three decades in advancing awareness and strategies for individuals that are neurodiverse and/or on the Autism spectrum. We spoke about what drove her into becoming an advocate (being the mother of an autistic child) and how she continually adapts to the changes in her mission.    She partnered with Lindsey Duncan to develop natural supplements for nuerodiverse people. If you want to see more of what she has accomplished and what she is working on currently, please visit her site or  autismtoday.com and of course neuronutritionals.com. 

Jordan is a just a guy from rural Minnesota, with a little bit of property and some horses. He, to his surprise, accidently gathered nearly half a million followers on TikTok. His content of choice? Pretty much everything. Science? Check. Random stories? Check. History? Check. He just puts his thoughts out to the world and the people like it.  Please check out his content and his website, https://linktr.ee/off_jawaggon.

We are back! Our apologies for the extended hiatus. We return with a “2-fer.” This episode I spoke to Jean Dvorak and Vivian Scavo, two women I have known for many years. Two women who are true educators. Two women who helped me try to grasp the current state of education. Given headlines across the nation of hyperbolic nonsense and cringe worthy anti-intellectualism, I wanted to talk to people who actually are in the classroom. As the episode title says, we nicked the tip of the iceberg.

This episode’s guest is DeTravis Bethea. Detravius is an old friend, we both “took the scenic route” after high school. He is an attorney, business coach, public speaker, entrepreneur, educator, and more these days. DeTravius moved to my hometown in 8th grade, after moving 5 times during his K-8th years! He is living proof people are more than their class rank or GPA in school. He shows that with personal drive, you can become what you envision in your mind. His vast experiences and career changes have given him insight that he shares with others. If you are in need of an attorney or some advice on how to start a business the right way, you can reach him at TheBethea.com

Debbie Peterson’s story reads like some dark noir script from the ’30s. Full of intrigue, shady backroom deals, and death, possibly murder?! Debbie is, like me, a wearer of many hats. Of her many ventures in life, she is a mother, a 2X Best Selling Author, a well-established entrepreneur, an orator, an atypical politician, an educator, and just a pleasant person to chat with! Check out her link tree for all her socials, books, podcast, and more! linktr.ee/DebbiePeterson.com

We happily welcome back Professor Stephen Wermiel. Prof. Wermiel is a professor of law and the history of the U.S. Supreme Court. When we last had him as a guest, we spoke about the Court’s history, nuances regarding its workings, and some of the hotter topics at the time. Well, a lot has happened since his first appearance. In this chat, we discussed recent additions and decisions to and by the SCOTUS.

Charles Chadwick is a former college student who experienced the challenges many others face in these times of predatory college lending. He made the decision to use his trials to help others. Charles has two degrees but he also learned a trade before going to college.    He believes that learning a trade can add more value given today’s very competitive job market as it adds marketable and tangible skills to one’s resume. Careers like Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC and other trades typically survive weak economies and recessions which allows for flexibility and possibly less stress in volatile employment climates. They give more job security by performing essential services that the world needs at all times.  The author of two books, “Chadwick’s College Checklist 2 Steps W/Tips On How To Cut College Costs” and “Chadwick’s Cultivated Circumstances: Experience Is Sometimes Priceless.” Check them out and all he has to offer at chadwicksexperiences.com.

Nick Klingensmith has received “bad news” more than he cares to count. Obstacles seem to find a way of appearing before him, although now, they more often come on his terms. Battling cancer four times, type-1 diabetes, a litany of physical injuries including herniated discs and torn chest ligaments, and the demons of alcoholism, he shifted his perspective from that of a victim long ago. Now he faces self-imposed challenges of Spartan races and marathons, yes, THOSE marathons. Balancing all the nuances of managing his medical conditions with the needs required to endure 26.1-mile runs or a slew of runs that culminated in 127 miles in 6 weeks, Nick does not do it for the personal accolades, he does it to show that you should not allow yourself to be defined by you medical or mental health issues, or allow those circumstances to be your limitations. You are only a victim of your situation if you allow yourself to be. Pick up a copy of his incredible story, “Through the Fire” on Amazon. You can also follow his treks through the Spartan courses and marathons on Instagram or Twitter.

Roger Smith is the “unlikely leader.” His life story is full of peaks and valleys, an incredible mix of productivity and addiction, and a turnaround worthy of a Hallmark movie. From a high school dropout to a CEO, something that seems to be an essential element for some of the most successful people like “Auntie Anne” Beiler and Ralph Lauren. Roger has taken the less-than-orthodox lessons he learned on the streets and intertwined them with the more polished lessons from his mentors to become the CEO of two large insurance companies. He shares his story and thoughts on the qualities and practices he has employed and trained over his career to lead his companies to success. Now, with a little more time on his hands, he has written a new book, “The Most Unlikely Leader: An Unbelievable story from GED to CEO.” For more from Roger, visit his website for his social media links, appearances, and more.

Jackie London is a Registered Dietitian (RD), a New York State Certified Dietitian-Nutritionist (CDN), an author, and the former head of Nutrition & Wellness for Weight Watchers, these are just some of her titles. We spoke about a number of aspects of personal health and nutrition. Given her extensive background, she shared her knowledge on ways we can improve our health by small changes to what we eat. We spoke about some of the “fad” and restrictive dieting methods. Check out her social media contacts for more information at:   Website, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.

Marlene Sharp hails from the entertainment town of New Orleans. After college, she wanted a change of pace, so she headed out west to LA, for a different kind of entertainment. In the time she has spent building her resume, she has held several positions in the gaming and video industries. She has worked for Sega of America in a number of production capacities, most notably developing SONIC the Hedgehog from a game to an animated series and movies. She is currently the head of Pink Poodle Productions and the Head of IP Strategy and Acquisitions for Rainshine Entertainment. We chatted about her path into the entertainment industry and some of the wide array of jobs involved in making movies. You can follow all of her adventures through her Linktree.

Geoffrey D. Calhoun is an award-winning screenwriter. When not writing his own original scripts, he is a sought-after consultant and re-writer. He also enjoys teaching newer writers how to sharpen their skills in storytelling. Through his seminars, his book, and his podcast, he explores all elements of narrative storytelling to help writers create pitch-ready scripts. Tune in to hear about his experiences in the industry and some nuggets of knowledge he has to share.

Nick Loper is an author, entrepreneur, and a lifelong student in the game of business. Through his personal experiences, he has amassed a nuanced knowledge of how to properly navigate the side hustle. He shares his ideas and thoughts on his website, his podcast, in his TED talk, in his books. He thrives on helping people better understand the “Side Hustle” and how to help choose the right for them. The “gig economy” is growing exponentially and people are looking for ways to become more financially stable. Nick has some wise words to share.

Melanie Gibson is a martial artist and an author among her many titles. She has been to some dark places, as many of us have. She shares her journey from her “madness” in her book, “Kicking and Screaming: a Memoir of Madness and Martial Arts. She wants to use her experiences and the methods she employed to get to a better, healthier place to help others. We spoke about the slow deteriorating stigma that envelopes many aspects of mental health, the struggles many have with finding adequate help, and some less conventional ways to help course-correct to a better, happier person. Check out her link tree for all the ways to follow and see what she is up to, including her long-running blog (Littleblackbelt) and her podcast, Movie Pain or Pleasure?

Dan Henk is a talented, multi-medium artist. Raised under a conservative roof, he grew into a punk rockin’ tattoo artist. His well-traveled life has provided him with a wealth of experiences and traumas that come with being human. Dan is a survivor of many obstacles including cycling accidents, being stabbed, and brain cancer. Dan is a painter, an illustrator, a tattoo artist, an author, and much more. Find his various works on his IG, Twitter, or his Website.

David Fishof is a walking example of a self-made success story. From the Catskills to Los Angeles and around the world, he has been the guy behind the scenes. He is an entertainment architect that knows how to put together not just a show, but all-out tours. He revived groups like the Monkees and the Association with sensational tours. He has represented athletes as an agent on the side of being a music promoter. He is not just there for the musicians, he is a life changer. He founded the Rock n’ Roll Fantasy camp where everyday musicians get to work with and learn from their favorite musicians. Icons of rock from Roger Daltrey and Alice Cooper to Kiss and the Eagles to Vernon Reid and Slash, these masters of their instruments share stories and techniques while changing lives forever.

Ezra Dyer is a writer for Hearst Publications covering automotive news. A career that began as a humorist for The Improper Bostonian has transformed into a career of traveling and test driving a broad spectrum of vehicles. Covering everything from supercars, like Bugattis, to daily commuters like Dodge Caravans, to midnight cannonball-esque drives to Florida, to clandestine meetings with other writers to discuss the newest models. Check out Ezra’s work for Car & Driver and follow his adventures in writing and driving @EzraDyer on Twitter and Instagram. 

Capt. Travis Rosbach has experienced a lot of highs and lows, as a pilot, as a divemaster, and in life. His journey has been long and full of trial by fire. While he has lived in a nomadic style, it has provided him with many opportunities to innovate. Climbing exposed a “problem” and frustration manifested into a tangible solution, the creation of the Hydro-Flask. His newest venture, the Tumalo Group, where he uses his trial and error to help others realize their dreams. Follow his next big adventure on Instagram or contact him on LinkedIn.

Christopher Moore is a New York Times best-selling author. He writes stories that blend mystery, satire, adventure, comedy, and a little horror in a unique and extremely entertaining way. He has penned and released 18 titles since 1992, which include five different series full of hilarity and intrigue. We talked about his childhood, radio DJing, scuba diving, and writing. His latest book, Razzmatazz, is due to be released in May 2022, is a follow-up to Noir. His books are available on Amazon and are where books are sold. Check out his website ChrisMoore.com and follow him on Twitter at @TheAuthorGuy.

Harriet Hunt is a 2-time NASA intern who is working to complete her Aerospace Engineering degree. Recipient of the prestigious Brooke Owens Fellowship, she has had her hands, and mind, on a number of space-related projects. Whether she is working with astronauts or engineers, helping build the next lunar EVA device, or calculating fuel consumption for the Mars entry vehicle, she is sure to have a smile on her face. With a combination of “I’ll show you” and a passion for science, she is pursuing the stars in a number of ways. Currently, she is interning at the Goddard Space Flight Center. Follow her journey around the globe and into outer space on her website, Twitter, and Instagram.

This episode I spoke with Pamela Esposito. Pam started T.E.A.L. with her sister about 13 years ago. T.E.A.L. or Tell Every Amazing Lady is an organization that informs, supports, and educates people who are impacted in one way or another by Ovarian Cancer. T.E.A.L. offers many support services to people fighting cancer, their families and caretakers, and the survivors. One of Pam’s goals is to make sure every woman is aware of this type of cancer and knows what to look for so it can be detected early. TEAL strives to raise money for expanding their reach and services, and for the continued advancement of medical research in diagnostics and treatments for ovarian cancer. To learn more or see how you can help in your area, visit: www.TellEveryAmazingLady.org. 

Have you ever wondered what the difference between a bartender and a mixologist is? Are they not the same thing? What is this trendy thing “craft” bartending? Enter Adam Brogan, or “Boots” as he affectionately referred, a world-renowned, award-winning bartender. Raised in the pubs of London, he fell in love with the proper craic of a drinking establishment. Now, he writes about and trains people in the beautiful artistry that is bartending. There is so much more to being a bartender than simply serving a beverage, he dives into the details about the tips and tricks he has learned over the years serving around the world. Enjoy Part 2 of our chat and find out more about Adam on his website, and his social media spots on facebook, instagram, twitter, and youtube.

Have you ever wondered what the difference between a bartender and a mixologist is? Are they not the same thing? What is this trendy thing “craft” bartending? Enter Adam Brogan, or “Boots” as he affectionately referred, a world-renowned, award-winning bartender. Raised in the pubs of London, he fell in love with the proper craic of a drinking establishment. Now, he writes about and trains people in the beautiful artistry that is bartending. There is so much more to being a bartender than simply serving a beverage, he dives into the details about the tips and tricks he has learned over the years serving around the world. Enjoy Part 1 of our chat and find out more about Adam on his website, and his social media spots on facebook, instagram, twitter, and youtube.

This episode’s conversation was with the iconic Tommy Chong: entertainer, entrepreneur, storyteller. From his early days as a musician to meeting his iconic comedy partner, Tommy has lived a life full of entertainment. We spoke about music, comedy, movies, and his advocacy. He reminisced about being a part of Motown and befriending other icons like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Willie Nelson. For more about what he is up to these days visit his website, TommyChong.com.

In this episode, we dove into the United States Supreme Court with Professor Stephen Wermiel. Prof. Wermiel is a professor of law and the history of the U.S. Supreme Court. His career has revolved around the court and its inner workings for more than 40 years. We spoke about the origins of the court and its function. We also discussed the notion of expanding the court and some of the staple cases that are still relevant today. 

This episode’s guest was Captain Paul Watson. From swimming with beavers as a kid to founding two of the most influential conservation and environmental supporting groups, Greenpeace and Sea Shepherd. We spoke about his life at sea, rising through the ranks until he became a captain of his own ship and eventual fleet. Navigating the world in hopes to educate the masses about the importance of caring for and supporting all the sea life on the planet. He was named Time Magazine's Top 20 Environmental Heroes of the 20th Century for his work to save the planet.

This episode’s guest is Steve Shwartz. Mr. Shwartz is an expert in artificial intelligence. We spoke about the history, many of the various sub-topics, and possible uses of AI. We parsed out facts from fiction and whether or not AI will take over humanity. Follow him on Twitter here. You can also look out for his new book here. 

This episode was a first for the show, with multiple guests. We spoke with Justin Handlin and Austin Sargent from Crit Academy. The crew from Crit Academy are more than creators and gamers, they are extremely passionate about tabletop gaming. We talked about Dungeon and Dragons while sharing personal perspectives on the game. We discussed their multiple projects and resources from their content publishing to their podcast and more. Sit back and let your mind wander into the realm where your imagination can be the greatest escape from reality.

Lane Rasberry, as his name shows, is a very colorful person with a mission. From Texas to Seattle, to India and back, he is on a quest to better the lives of those in need. We chatted about being a kid in rural Texas to a college student in not-so rural Seattle, editing for Wikipedia, his life goals, and a lot of ways to help a broad spectrum of people. Follow him on his blog or on Twitter.

This episode’s guest Rehka Rao is an attorney who specializes in “elderly law.” However, what she does is far more than just assisting with the legal matters of the elderly. She helps people of all ages prepare for the Golden Years. We talk about the importance of retirement and estate planning, as well as the benefits and potential perils of legal guardianship. If you take anything from this episode, it is the importance of getting your affairs in order.

Part 2 of our chat with Deborah Driggs-Gaylord. She has experienced traumas and blessings. While navigating her path in life, she’s driven herself to success in her ventures. From dreams of Olympic gold as a kid to modeling for one of the most popular magazines ever to a top insurance agent in California, she’s proven two things: she is a strategic risk-taker and she doesn't like being told “No.” Her collection of accolades and accomplishments are long and impressive. More information on her can be found at her Website or her social media accounts: LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and IMDB. 

Like all of us, Deborah Driggs-Gaylord has experienced traumas and blessings. While navigating her path in life, she’s driven herself to success in her ventures. From dreams of Olympic gold as a kid, to modeling for one of the most popular magazines ever, to a top insurance agent in California, she’s proven two things: she is a strategic risk-taker and she does not like being told “No.” Her collection of accolades and accomplishments are long and impressive. More information on her can be found at her Website or her social media accounts: LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and IMDB.

This episode’s guest, Jessica Cale, and I went on a journey about pirates. Yes, the Golden Age Pirates specifically, with the likes of Blackbeard, Black Sam, Anne Bonny, and Ching Shih (the Pirate Queen). We dispelled some myths and discussed some misconceptions about the considerably progressive pirate life on the high seas. Jessica is a historian, an author, a podcaster, and a blogger. Follow all of her adventures at dirtysexyhistory.com.

In this episode, we dive into ancient Persia. Trevor Culley knows ancient Persia. We chatted about the empires, battles, and lives in the post-iron age era up to the Muslim conquests. We hope you enjoy the little journey into the region that was conquered by Alexander the Great.