My Views Are My Own

In this episode, Andrea Manges, lead singer and songwriter from the iconic Italian punk band The Manges, joins me on the podcast to discuss the meaning of life, AI music, interdimensional travel, and replacing soundtracks of classic movies. He also answers some ignorant American questions and takes part in a lightning round like only a true professional could. 

In this episode, I am joined by writer, lawyer, Navy veteran, and philosopher Brian Plemmons to discuss building your own philosophy, the concept of identity, and what it means to quit things that are wrong for you in a world that says you shouldn't quit anything. Brian tells me the story of choosing to end his Navy SEALS training and how it changed the trajectory of his life, as well as his stories of growing up in Appalachia and what his life has taught him culturally and psychologically. We also dive into the almost impossible-to-define term of masculinity and what it truly means to contribute to the world in a meaningful and fulfilling way.    

Chaz Powell is an explorer, expedition leader, bushcraft instructor, and ranger. He undertakes remote expeditions on foot along Africa's wildest rivers to raise funds and awareness for wildlife conservation and anti-poaching. In this episode, he tells me about traveling over 2,000 miles solo on foot along the Zambezi River from the river source to the Indian Ocean, avoiding land mines and lions, while also surviving extreme heat and dehydration. He also tells me about journeying across Madagascar while following the Mangoky River, where he met many amazing people and encountered one very dangerous group of bandits. We also discuss what might be some future solutions to the global crisis regarding wildlife habitats and illegal poaching. 

In this episode, I am joined by Rebekah Senanayake to discuss what it means to be an explorer in the modern world. We talk about her time alone in the Amazon jungle with nothing but a bottle of ayahuasca and five dogs, traveling to the Himalayas to learn from the spiritually advanced Saddus and Babas, and how being the first person to do something opens the doors for others to conquer their own fears. 

In this episode, I am joined by singer, songwriter, author, and musician Giulia Millanta to talk about songwriting, music, and the power of relationships. We discuss healing fractures, whether it be a fracture of the occipital lobe from falling off a horse, or healing a fractured human relationship. Giulia plays guitar, upright bass, and ukulele, and sings in four languages. She has toured with some of the world's most successful musicians, and believes storytelling is one of the most important things music can accomplish. Giulia explains to me the meaning of one of my favorite songs of hers that I didn't understand, why it's so important to appreciate human artists in a world being overtaken by AI, and what it was like playing shows and spending the night in some of the most haunted venues in the world.

In this episode, I am joined by comedian Sean Porter to discuss current events and discover the true essence of rizz. If you're famous and you've done something fascist lately, you might find yourself on the naughty list in our new segment "Tsk Tsk, You Should Be Ashamed of Yourself." But, if you've done something honorable lately, you might find yourself in our other new segment "Good Job, I'm Proud of You." 

In this episode, I am joined by professional football player Bianca Mouton, who plays defensive tackle for the Seattle Majestics in the Women's National Football Conference. Bianca is also a driven businesswoman who serves as a community leader for women in sports at WISE (Seattle Chapter), and is an all around rad person. Bianca tells me the story of how she became a professional football player as a walk-on and shares her best stories from working security for the Seattle Mariners. Off the field, Bianca works as a project manager and a chief of staff to help maximize the work and impact of wellness and business professionals.

In this episode author and professional boxer Daniel Mendes joins the podcast to talk about finding purpose, writing poetry, training to win, and his book T.I.S.S.U.E.S. 

In this episode, New Zealand musician Lexytron joins me to talk about the weather, what is the best kind of bread, and how we feel about the current state of the world. I add the word "sardonic" to my vocabulary, and we talk about what it's like having someone describe your music back to you. We debate which is the most sardonic band, which is the least sardonic band, and which Australian animals we think are most likely to eat us.

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Spyder Dobrofsky and actor Blake Jenner to talk about witchcraft, camping, surfing, and their new supernatural horror film "The Weeping." "The Weeping" is a story about a group of friends camping in a protected forest who accidentally awaken an ancient witch who haunts trespassers. Obviously, I have to ask if this film has a future as a Broadway musical prequel. What will happen next?? YOU decide!!!

In this episode, actor, stunt driver, and movie producer Cecile Cubiló joins me to talk about Tokyo drifting, making movies, crashing cars, and living life. We discuss her extensive career in stunt driving in shows like West World and what it's like pulling a stunt with millions of dollars of equipment on the line as well as the lives of other performers. We also discuss one of her latest movies, Neighborhood Watch, where she stars alongside Jeffrey Dean Morgan (The Walking Dead) and Jack Quaid (The Boys) and how they pulled off such a rad movie. 

In this fast-paced world, sometimes it's hard to tell where the information superhighway begins and the regular highway where cars drive ends. With so much information coming at us so fast, and with so many people saying so much shit, it can be hard to tell what's lit and what isn't even at all remotely lit. That's why I've enlisted the help of San Francisco-based comedian Darlene Bereznicki to answer some of the most pressing questions on our collective society's mind. We discuss the former antebellum plantation mansion lighting aflame (weee!); did a haunted doll light it on fire? If you buy a cyber truck and put a bumper sticker on it that says you don't like Elon Musk, are you cool? Is my bespoke pickle company going to make it?? Am I good at business? What about the rising trend in people having romantic relationships with artificial intelligence? Wouldn't it be cooler if billionaires went on submarines instead of spaceships again? I wrote an incredibly heart wrenching and beautiful song about tug boats to the tune of Sade's No Ordinary Love, which also comes up too. And of course this podcast ends with one of the most heartwarming stories you've ever heard in your life.

In this episode, Brooklyn-based comedian, voice actor, and writer Allie Lawrence joins me to help make sense of this wild, wacky world we live in. We set out to heal society. And even though we didn't heal all of society in one podcast episode, boy did we sure get close. We investigate the appropriate ways to approach road rage, trash art, and the dangers of living in a too-litigious society. I talk with Allie about her comedy series "The Barista Diaries" and we recreate one of the most realistic coffee shop scenes in history. And we make an amazing MadLibs script about the American Dream.

In this episode, I am joined by Mount Everest summiteer, improv comedian, member of the Explorers Club, and filmmaker Alex Harz to discuss his trip to Nepal and his climb to the top of Mount Everest while shooting a virtual reality and 2D documentary of his journey. This climb to the top of Mount Everest is part of a series hosted by Alex called "The Quest," which is designed to take audiences on thrilling and educational adventures to some of the most interesting place in the world. Alex tells me about the country of Nepal, the culture of the people of Kathmandu, as well as giving me a much deeper understanding of the Sherpa culture than I ever had before. Alex explains to me the physical and mental training it takes going into climbing the tallest mountain in the world, and we even find out how he used his improv comedy skills to reach the top.

In this episode, award winning filmmaker, storyteller, and host of the podcast "The Film Nuts Podcast" Taylor D. Adams joins me to discuss filmmaking, movies, and why we love them. Of course Taylor is first put through a psychological test to ascertain his movie watching mentality. We discuss Taylor's short film "Time is the Thief of Memory." And then of course Taylor goes through another rigorous challenge of film knowledge and creative obstacles.

In this episode, I go on a journey of science with the charismatic, enigmatic, and downright beloved actor Brian Norris. We solve some of the most pressing matters concerning biological science, social science, and botany. We delve into which hats are socially acceptable to wear, which mushrooms in your garden might be poisonous, and the world of habitat overlap between grizzly bears and polar bears creating pizzly bears. We also discuss how to create a compelling character as an actor. And of course, Brian is given a pop quiz testing his ability to identify TV and film characters with iconic hats.

In this episode, actress and ER nurse Eden Lee joins me to get to the bottom of a couple bizarre conspiracy theories, give great advice on writing fan fiction, and discuss how she balances her two very different careers. We talk about her Netflix limited series "Zero Day," where she acts alongside Robert De Niro as Special Agent Angela Kim. We also discuss the difficulties of creating media that directly reflects current events in a world where the media cycle is non-stop and overwhelming. I do a perfect impression of Robert De Niro and Eden takes a pop quiz on quotes by fictional presidents vs. real presidents. 

In this episode, author Edward Ashton joins me to discuss the film Mickey 17, directed by Bong Joon Ho, based on Edward's book Mickey 7. The film and the book series explores themes of unfettered capitalism, whether or not people have souls, and the theoretical possibilities of colonizing other planets. In an earlier episode, I interviewed Edward Ashton about his book Mickey 7 and the sequel Antimatter Blues. At the time he had told me that Brad Pitt had picked up the rights to his film for Warner Brothers starring Robert Pattinson in the title role and costarring Toni Collete, Naomi Ackie, and Mark Ruffalo. Now that Edward is free from the NDAs he had signed during filming, we are able to discuss the exciting process of seeing his book turned into a new creative work.

In this episode, I am joined by explorer, innovator, storyteller, lawyer, and climate activist Tiffany Duong. She tells me the story of her experience holding onto a rock on the bottom of the ocean, deciding to let go and go with the drift, and how that one moment in her life helped her decide to leave her career in corporate law to become a leader, educator, and campaigner for the planet. We talk about swimming with orcas in the Arctic, as well as one of the most incredible and inexplicably thriving reefs in Honduras. We also discuss accidentally falling into a role on a movie set, working with former Vice President Al Gore, and some of the most exciting developments on the horizon for environmental protection.

Artist, musician, and rising star Paris Heart joins me on the podcast to discuss the modern music industry and how artists’ creative processes have evolved. Paris tells me about his experiences being born and raised on a Native American reservation, and we share which musician from any era we would choose to resurrect by performing a séance and then do a music collab with. We also talk about how to pick a side when your friends break up, how to deal with burnout, why being a positive person is contagious, and whether or not a coupé de ville is a cool car.

Spooky Season is upon us, and stand-up comedian Hunter Collins joins me on the podcast today as a foreign correspondent deeply embedded in the Czech Republic. If you love learning, get ready to learn. We discuss some of the most undiscussed news stories, such as the grand prize winner of the Python Florida Challenge in the Everglades. Things get a little bit more intense when we discuss that the Czech Republic is building the first soccer stadium larger than Hunter's hometown stadium in Montreal, Canada. We inform our listeners how, why, and if there are more vampires in the Czech r\Republic than Canada and then we get extremely scientific with Cryptid News. Guess what?? A dog's sense of impending disaster might just save your life. And of course, we have to talk about the upcoming release of Hunter Collins' sketch comedy horror album Monster Orgy.

This episode was originally published on January 31, 2023. Nathaniel Stinnett is the Founder and Executive Director of the Environmental Voter Project, a non-partisan nonprofit that uses data analytics and behavioral science to mobilize environmentalists to vote. He joins me on the podcast today to discuss how the project was created, why some environmentalists don't vote, and why some people consider the environment to be a partisan issue. We also identify some of the largest obstacles to environmental protection, most notably billions of dollars spent by Citizens United and the fossil fuel industry to influence elections and hinder regulations. However this is one of the most optimistic conversations I've had on climate action and environmental conservation in a very long time. The Environmental Voter Project has mobilized millions of non-voting environmentalists to vote over the last few years. And environmentalists are on track to become an increasingly powerful and influential voter block that will be impossible to ignore in future elections.

In this episode, I am joined by professional diver, ocean and cave explorer, shark ecologist, photographer, speaker, writer, and conservationist Cristina Zenato to talk about shark behavior and how to care for these vital members of the ocean ecosystem. Cristina alone has pulled out over 300 fishing hooks from sharks' mouths with her own hands. She tells me how she first got started doing this and how she has developed close relationships with so many of the sharks she's helped in the reefs of the Bahamas. We discuss how certain sharks have personalities and Cristina dispels many of the widespread myths about sharks. We talk about her organization People of the Water and how she was able to make sharks a protected species in the Bahamas, which was a major legislative victory. For more information about Cristina's work, visit https://cristinazenato.com/

In this episode, I am joined by screenwriter, actress, and director Jessica Anderson to discuss the horror filmmaking genre. We talk about classic horror films, modern horror films, and the tropes that have stood the test of time and which ones need to be retired. We also talk about her latest short film "Money Back Guarantee" that is currently in the film festival circuit, and her two feature-length screenplays that will soon be in production. 

Bruce Grossman is a photographer and filmmaker from New York City currently based in Denver, Colorado. He is currently premiering his short documentary "FRANK," depicting the life of Denver tattoo artist Frank Simanton. Bruce and I discuss his strategies and processes for finding a great story and telling it in a compelling way that allows audiences a close personal glimpse into the real lives of ordinary yet impressive people. Bruce tells me the story of how a project he began but was ultimately unsuccessful in eventually resulted in a year of manic photography of some of the most skilled tattoo artists and their work, and then led to the creation of not only "FRANK," but also a successful coffee table book. Bruce explains why he's not going the traditional film festival route and is instead promoting his work on his own. He also encourages me to take my own short documentary film idea and run with it, because it not only sounds cool and rad, but also why not.

Actress Samantha Ireland gets swept up into the heart-pounding action in Universal Pictures' epic storm disaster film "Twisters" and then lands safely here at My Views Are My Own podcast. We talk about her role in the film, the best and most exciting scenes, and the movie magic that went into the creation of this blockbuster hit. We discuss the creative decisions and incredible use of CGI and special effects that made the film so exciting, and which aspects of the film were actually based in science. We also discuss how the movie stays true to the original 1996 film starring Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt, which made me and many others want to become meteorologists. And we solve a conspiracy involving Alanis Morissette.

In this episode I am joined by journalist and labor activist Joe Mayall to take a deep look at and discuss solutions for the current state of American domestic politics. We discuss relevant and important questions such as: Why do conservatives fetishize debate? What is the difference between people like Ben Shapiro that use debate for social media clicks and politicians that use the same strategy to change policy and laws? We also take a trip down history lane to explain how James Madison and the Federalist Papers laid the groundwork for dividing the working class to preserve wealth and power for the elite. Joe breaks down how dividing the working class has become a modern tactic, what can be done about this phenomenon, and why volunteering and human contact is one of the best strategies to stay positive in the midst of challenging times. 

If you guessed I was going to ask Alison Chace about her role in the Tubi original disaster film "Continental Split" then you’re a pretty good guesser. But if you also guessed that I was going to surprise her with an improv scene that proves beyond the shadow of a doubt that I would be the best chief of staff for any governor in the country, then you’re practically clairvoyant! Alison shares with me some of her best stories of her experiences an author, actor, documentary film maker, and app developer. We also create a short story through one of co-producer Colleen's Mad Libs that should be adapted into a high-budget blockbuster action film immediately.

In this episode, I am joined by environmental science journalist and photographer Avery Nunn, who shares with me about her love for the planet and all things nature and how she uses visual storytelling to share this love with others. She tells me about her work in investigative climate reporting and what she hopes to accomplish by sharing information and illuminating both problems and solutions. She tells me about the connection between talking to whales and talking to aliens, and about how the rich social lives of dolphins can help teach humans about climate solutions. Avery tells me about the most incredible places she's been and how she's captured some of her most difficult photos. She also shares her advice for everyday ways to develop a stronger connection to nature and the outdoors.

In this episode, I am joined by actor Bryan McClure, who most recently appears as a documentary filmmaker opposite Oscar winners Jessica Lange and Kathy Bates in the newest HBO original movie "The Great Lillian Hall." McClure has also appeared in a number of films and TV shows, including as the Headless Night in the Disney mystery adventure film Haunted Mansion, as well as The Walking Dead, Atlanta, The Summer I Turned Pretty, and Mindhunter. In his latest film, loosely based on a true story, Bryan's character is documenting the production of a play in which the lead actress, a renowned Broadway star, suffers from memory loss and struggles with an increasingly noticeable illness. Bryan explains what it is like making a movie within a movie and shares his experience working alongside the stars of the film. Of course I ask about his intense scene in The Walking Dead where he stabs himself in the throat with a giant screwdriver while facing off with some of the show's most iconic characters. Bryan also talks to me about his upcoming comedy short which he wrote and produced, Roast Pork Butt, based on the worst date he ever had. 

In this episode, I talk to sustainability and ESG strategy expert, best-selling author, and award-winning documentarian James Fountain about protecting the environment, making lasting global change, and seeking adventure in the farthest corners of the planet. James, who has been referred to as a "real life Indiana Jones" talks to me about his new show, "The End of the Road," in which he travels by motorcycle to visit Indigenous communities across the globe, highlighting the unique cultures of each community and challenges with climate change and sustainability. James explains to me what ESG strategy means and how this concept has influenced his work in leadership and as a corporate consultant. He shares some of his greatest stories travelling and working in remote areas as well as some tips for leading a more sustainable lifestyle.

In this episode, I am joined by award-winning science journalist and author Kavin Senapathy to discuss her forthcoming book "The Progressive Parent: Harnessing the Power of Science and Social Justice to Raise Awesome Kids." We talk about the inspiration for digging into this topic and how to help children develop the traits and characteristics that help them grow to become awesome adults. We also talk about how and why to prioritize science and research-based information in parenting, but also to be aware of and question the relationship between medical science and capitalism. She shares her perspective on trendy parenting advice, and also tells me about the time alt-right figurehead Jordan Peterson attacked her on Twitter for discussing the ethics of Monsanto's genetically modified foods.  

In this episode, I talk with married filmmaker duo Lisa Hammer and Levi Wilson about their newest short film, "Luke and Emma at a Gas Station on Franklin Ave," a semi-autobiographical story about a mixed Asian-American boy and his mother and the interactions they have while stopping at a convenience store. Levi is an award-winning playwright and Lisa is an award-winning producer and the voice of Trianna Orpheus on Adult Swim's The Venture Bros. We discuss the process of creating an autobiographical film, what it's like casting actors to play yourself or people you know in real life, how to work together as husband and wife, and how documentaries and narrative films can be a powerful method for driving social change. We also talk about Lisa and Levi's participation in the Occupy Wall Street movement, and the bizarre irony of the fact that many other participants have since moved to the extreme right, such as Tim Poole, who I consider my personal podcast nemesis. We discuss gas stations at length, including the weirdest things we've ever seen sold at a gas station and which gas stations are the nicest ones and the grossest ones. 

This episode was originally released on October 19, 2021.   In this episode, Cindy Moore tells me how she maintains 1,300 beehives and the millions of bees that live in them to pollinate farms in Florida, California, and New York so that we can continue to have food and oxygen. Thanks Cindy! We also talk about how 75% of the honey in supermarkets is not actually honey, but the good news is real honey is extremely good for you. And we both share several honey-based home remedies. And there is 1 in 12 chance I will read you your horoscope.

This episode was originally released on August 7, 2022.   In this episode, I am joined by author and journalist Amy Fusselman to discuss the religion of money. Is it ethical for a cognitive behavioral therapist to sell real estate to their clients? Why are so many people who work in high finance so attracted to mysticism? What is Eco-Marxism? Can a shipping container house be haunted? Is my dog talking to me? All these questions and more get answered on this week's episode. Prepare to develop a healthy relationship with money! OR ELSE!

In this episode, I am joined by Adam Butler, author of Butler's DMT Field Guide: A Brief History, Step-by-Step Recipes, and Personal Experiences from a DMT Saturated Consciousness. Adam had a successful, lucrative career in real estate but, in his own words, was a "narcissist asshole alcoholic." Seeking a dramatic change, he took a huge leap by leaving his past life behind and embarking on an intense journey of self-discovery through DMT, one of the most powerful hallucinogens on the planet. He emerged with a completely new outlook on what he wanted to do and who he wanted to be. Now the happiest he's ever been, Adam is sharing his story and information with those seeking a similar experience. He also shares how it is possible to achieve an experience similar to taking DMT through deep meditation and breathwork for those seeking a substance-free journey.

In this episode, I am joined by actor Jeff DuJardin, who plays the Marquis de Morès on the new TV show Elkhorn. The Marquis de Morès was most known for being an adversary to Theodore Roosevelt while both men lived in the badlands of North Dakota. Jeff and I discuss whether his historical character, a French entrepreneur who married into money and started his own meatpacking industry in a town he founded in honor of his wife, was really a villain or just an ambitious dude that was a little misunderstood. We also talk about how the Marquis de Morès notoriously challenged Teddy Roosevelt to a duel and which of the two men was really responsible for starting their infamous beef. We debate whether duels should be legalized in modern times and why the genre of westerns remains popular to this day. And we hear one of the best MadLibs stories ever written.

Actor PJ Sosko joins me on the podcast to talk about his role as the iconic Hunter S. Thompson on the HBO MAX series "Girls on the Bus." We talk about his method for how he prepares to portray such well-known and legendary figures such as Hunter S. Thompson and Ernest Hemingway, as well as other acting techniques for playing larger-than-life characters. We also discuss his role on Reservation Dogs and how his impromptu Shakespearean quote got him turned into a meme. We discuss the struggle of modern journalism and of course I ambush PJ with a series of drug-fueled improv scenarios that we act out. We also inadvertently write an incredible script that I am sure HBO would love to acquire. 

Doug and Kaelin set out to answer the question that seems to be on everyone's minds: Should I move to Nashville?? Together, they dispel some myths about Nashville, take a deep dive into several news articles, and analyze some claims about whether or not the city should be considered a hotspot. While Doug responds to this burning question with a resounding "NO" and proceeds to get out of his rocking chair to tell everybody how Old Nashville used to be, Kaelin responds with a resounding "maybe" and acts as the voice of reason. We discuss the ridiculous rise in housing costs and rent, why Nashville is indeed a good city for music, how nearly all of Doug's favorite places have been bulldozed, and how the first fur trapper to move to Nashville lived in a place called the Demonbreun Cave.

In this episode, filmmaker Caden Douglas joins me to talk about his new horror comedy film "Mother Father Sister Brother Frank," the keys to writing great dialogue, the role of set design in creating the right mood for a scene, and the joys of witnessing great stunt work. We also talk about several activities that can either bring a family together or tear them apart. 

Filmmaker and educator Cat Brewer joins me on the podcast to discuss her award-winning documentary feature film Sign the Show, which tells the story of American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters at live performances. The film aims to amplify voices in the deaf and hard of hearing community and raise awareness about the quest for access to live entertainment events, including music performances, comedy shows, and more. The film was recently released in April 2024 in celebration of National Deaf Awareness Month. Sign the Show combines informative storytelling with humorous and heartfelt conversations, educating audiences about the need for ASL interpretation at live events, the ways interpreters creatively overcome challenges, and the important difference this type of accessibility makes for event attendees. Cat shares amazing stories with me about the filmmaking process, including meeting Andre 3000 from Outkast and his enthusiasm for bringing sign language accessibility to his live performances, and about her interactions with Matt Maxey, who interprets live shows for Chance the Rapper and several other performers. I share some of my favorite stories from the film, including how Maxey describes how he creatively interprets slang terms in lyrics such as "lit" and "trap" to Waka Flocka Flame, who is also an executive producer of the documentary. 

In this episode, I am joined by the phenomenal magician Gabriella Lester. Gabriella started her magic career at the age of ten, performed Houdini's legendary straight jacket escape at 14, and by 20 years old she had been featured in the New York Times as one of the most important women in magic, making her mark in a male-dominated industry. We discuss why being fooled by up-close magic is so entertaining and brings out your inner child, how she maintains control over the show even when audience participants get a bit unruly, and some of the most daring plans she has for her future in magic performances. We also talk about the mentalism branch of magic and I'm pretty sure I get mentalized into conducting a better interview than I usually would. Woohoo! Sorry, she mentalized me into saying that word. Gabriella is also a serious dirt bike and motorcycle expert and we talk about how that could possibly be integrated into one of her future magic shows. 

Dave Carnie is the former Editor-In-Chief of Big Brother Magazine, one of the co-creators of MTV's Jackass, the owner of Whalecock Skateboarding, the proud father of two dachshunds, and my new favorite pen pal. He joins me on the show to talk about his experience writing and working with the greatest magazine in the world and how it launched the hit TV show and movie franchise Jackass, featuring Chris Pontius, Steve-O, and Johnny Knoxville. We discuss how dachshunds are particularly talented at hunting badgers, and how in German, dachshund means "badger dog." My dog is part dachshund too, so we have that in common (part of why we are such great pen pals). We also discuss his time working at a highly successful magazine that broke all the rules and how he has continued to seek creativity through art throughout his career. I share how Dave Carnie inspired me as both a skateboarder and a writer. Turns out you should meet your heroes! All this and more on this week's episode.

In this episode, I am joined by Marina Pirkle, a clinical hypnotherapist, shamanic healer, and spiritual coach who has traveled the world to study under some of the most powerful healers across the globe. Marina shared with me how the mind is capable of healing most anything, why guilt is often attached to grief, and how our psychological reality can affect our physical well-being. We talk about our beliefs on the spiritual realm and why people find it so frightening (and why they shouldn't), and how she worked as a spirit guide at one of the most haunted locations in America, the Stanley Hotel. Marina also explains to me how hypnotherapy works and shares several examples of how this practice has helped people heal in remarkable ways. 

In this episode, I am joined by New York Times best-selling author, journalist, and former Editor in Chief of Transworld Snowboarding Magazine Eric Blehm to discuss legendary pioneer snowboarder Craig Kelly. Craig Kelly is arguably the most influential snowboarder of all time. Eric's new book, "The Darkest White: A Mountain Legend and the Avalanche That Took Him," explores the life and legend of Craig Kelly and the controversy surrounding his untimely death in an avalanche. Eric shares with me several firsthand stories of what it was like to snowboard with Craig Kelly and the life philosophy that Kelly lived by.

In this episode, I am joined by sci-fi author and penguin enthusiast Kris Bird to discuss her new book series, everything about emperor penguins, and why Benedict Cumberbatch struggles to say the word "penguin." We consult two important sources - the Wildlife Federation and Buzzfeed - to measure Kris' immense expertise on penguins, and we discuss one of my favorite GWAR songs on the same topic. We also name our top picks for the most anticipated films of 2024, and Kris drops some big news about her Time Bender series that may or may not rhyme with Shmetflix. We also solve all of the issues regarding Big Pharma and explain the top ways to fight back through an epic Mad Lib story. 

In this episode, I am joined by internationally renowned conservationist Ian Redmond who has more than 45 years of experience ranging from field research to developing anti-poaching policy for the United Nations. Ian is the Head of Conservation at Ecoflix and is an ambassador for the UN's Convention on Migratory Species.  Ian takes me on a journey through his work to protect endangered species including working with Dian Fossey on creating the film Gorillas in the Mist and being the first to introduce Sir David Attenborough to gorillas back when he was just David. We talk about Ian's trip around the world following Sir Francis Drake's circumnavigation of the globe and taking a detour into Kenya to find the only elephants that are known to go deep into caves to mine salt.  Ian gives us insight into how ecotourism helps endangered species by creating ecological parameters to preserve natural habitats while increasing anti-poaching efforts. We discuss what people can do in their day-to-day lives to help endangered species thrive and continue to exist, and Ian inspires me to want to meet, learn about, and respect the world's most vulnerable animals while respecting and protecting their natural habitats. 

Libertarian billionaire Peter Theil and several other venture capitalists are bankrolling an alternative version of the Olympics that will allow athletes to take as many performance enhancing drugs as they want. Is this idea cool? I'm joined by special co-host Zach Wilkinson to find out. 

In 1992, a wealthy elderly gentleman and a young anarchist punk boarded a plane from London to the United States as part of an international drug smuggling operation with the intent of getting caught. They hoped to alert authorities to the drugs they were bringing into the country and use this act of rebellion to change American history forever. As a result, the highly visible and highly controversial fight began to bring the abortion pill to America. Activists against the abortion pill were using increasingly aggressive tactics to stop women from accessing healthcare clinics providing abortion, such as arson and assassination attempts against doctors. Those in favor of the abortion pill were inspired to put more efforts toward increasing women's access to healthcare options including the abortion pill.  In this episode, I talk to T.J. Raphael, host of a podcast series intended to shed light on how the fight for reproductive rights played out and what these events meant for our society. We discuss the important information presented in her podcast episodes and why this information is particularly relevant today. From Sony Music's description of the podcast series, “The Pill Plot exposes an important piece of history and the fight for reproductive rights in the United States, at a time when these stories are more relevant than ever,” said host T.J. Raphael. “The show plays out like a crime thriller, spotlighting the raucous battle between anti-abortion forces, and activists who were determined to legalize the abortion pill in the United States – even if it required breaking the law.”" Learn more about T.J. Raphael's podcast here: https://www.sonymusic.com/sonymusic/sme-launches-the-pill-plot

In this episode, I am joined by the multi-talented Hélène Cardona, who is a poet, linguist, literary translator, actor, award-winning writer and author of seven books, and who speaks six languages and holds U.S., French, and Spanish citizenships. We discuss a wide range of topics, including her role as the voice of Cerebro in several X-Men movies, her new film Caralique, and her role in the upcoming Apple TV drama series The New Look about the rivalry of fashion icons Christian Dior and Coco Chanel. Hélène teaches me about being a literary translator and we work together to translate several silly words and phrases from English to French.