Opening Presence with Aaron Robinson
by Aaron Robinson
Opening Presence explores health, relationships, and spirituality through the Art of Human Connection. Join Aaron and his guests as they dive into meditation, creativity, and the practices that help Awaken the potential of humanity.
Episodes
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Strong Heart with DaVEGA
I hadn't seen my brother Vega since he left Portland in 2025. Finally, The Boys are back! This time on the beach in Hilo, Hawaii. Happy, healthy and riding the communal waves that feed the soul.
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Dreamy Earth with Shanti Aum
On my most recent visit to the island of Oahu I was introduced to Shanti Aum - A medicine woman and founder of Dreamy Earth. In this conversation we embody the lived expression of our Devotional practice. Exploring what is available to us in plain site when we surrender to the mystery. As always,...
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151 Alex Lee Schwartz & Deagan Maki: Living An Examined Life
Alex Lee Schwartz and Deagan Maki are the husband-and-wife co-founders of Blue River Breathwork, located just outside Asheville, NC. I first met Alex earlier this year at Heart of Men: Men’s Prayer for Peace, and a few months later I returned for the Liberate Your Life Force men’s cohort with...
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150 Patrick Merle Sellin: The Self Healing Path
Patrick Merle Sellin is a heart-centered healing artist specializing in psychosomatic therapy, psycho spiritual guidance, he is also a Certified Facilitator and Senior Trainer in Breathwave Conscious Connected Breathing community. In this conversation we discuss the evolutionary relationship of…
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148 Peter Roman: The Courage to Heal Through Love (Heart of Men Part 2)
Peter Roman is a Wellness Professional, social justice advocate and community builder based in New York City. In this conversation you’ll find us basking in the afterglow of Sacred brotherhood forged in the fire of our 5 day immersive retreat in Asheville, NC- Men’s Prayer for Peace. Peter shares...
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147 Thomas Doochin: Heart of Men Part 1 (Men's Prayer for Peace)
Thomas Doochin is the founder and lead facilitator for the Heart of Men. A council of Brothers restoring the conditions for men to unlearn the distortions of a broken masculine paradigm. In this conversation we explore healing the wounded masculine, harnessing sexual energy for creation, and we...
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146 Ramel Wallace: Building Community in America's Finest City
Ramel Wallace is the Heart and Soul of Building Community in America’s Finest City, he’s also an artist and the Host of Creative Mornings San Diego. In this conversation we explore the impact of social media and taking responsibility for message, the importance of self reflection and the…
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145 Integrating the Higher Dimensions
Integration is often overlooked in practice. We chase peak transcendent experience without giving space and grace to our need to ground and allow this new information to settle in the body. One of the ways that we can do this without being heavily outcome oriented is through the use of PLAY.
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144 Discover Your Medicine
Take responsibility. It is in your hands to heal the mind, body and soul. There is no time to look outside of oneself for the answers. This is your reminder to seek the wisdom which is searching for you.
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142 Inner Peace is a Gift We Give Ourselves
We often search outside ourselves for answers, believing that once we get what we want, we’ll finally feel complete. But this is the great illusion of our species. True freedom begins when we realize that external circumstances don’t have to dictate our inner world. When we take full…
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141 Ryan Williams: Put an End to People Pleasing & Start Living Authentically
Ryan Williams is a Spiritual Teacher, Breathwork Practitioner and One of my closest friends. In this conversation we discuss the ever unfolding wisdom of the body, disrupting the pattern of co-dependency, and finding refuge in the Sangha. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a...
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140 I Found My Purpose Hidden Beneath My Pain
My Purpose and deepest lesson on this Earth is to SERVE others from an Empowered and Abundant State of BEING.
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139 Lessons Are Blessings
Hello Beautiful Listeners, I know that I've been up and down with posting new episodes. A lot has changed in my life and I am in the process of adapting into new ways of being. Establishing new rituals, routines and deeper devotion. Thank you for your patience. I look forward to sharing more…
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138 CJ Thomas: Manifesting Your Dream Life with Grounded Sincerity
CJ Thomas is an artist and marketing coach who helps people find their authentic voice and communicate from a place of grounded sincerity. In this conversation we discuss everyone’s favorite topic manifestation, we also give a healthy critique of polyamory and CJ takes over as host of the podcast...
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137 Lavonte Barnett: Health is a Habit
LaVonte Barnett is a master of movement and the Founder of Tae Logic Fitness In this conversation we discuss his fitness philosophy, Tae breaks down the challenges that the average person faces when adopting a healthiery lifestyle and how we can stay motivated with our commitments by tracking our...
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136 Allie Lyon: The Yoga of Creativity
Allie Lyon is an Abstract Artist, yoga and meditation guide. In this conversation we discuss the therapeutic process of creative expression, subconscious healing benefits of yoga Nidra and how her experience with chronic migraines has awakened the ability to transform her pain into beauty,. If…
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135 Malcom Hoover: Rebel with a Cause (Black Futures Farm)
Malcom Hoover is a community organizer, educator and co-founder of Black Futures Farm. In this conversation we discuss the nature of EMPIRE and its inherent destruction of people. We also dive into the inner workings of community, creating cooperative systems and the wisdom of watching plants…
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134 Kemper Woodruff: Strong Philosophy
Kemper Woodruff is an entrepreneur, life coach and Founder of Strong Philosophy. In this conversation he shares his miraculous life story and the various obstacles he’s had to overcome to rebuild himself mentally, physically and spiritually. We also explore personal fitness and the pain we must...
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133 Solocast: 6 years of Sobriety
6 years of sobriety from alcohol has taught me a lot about myself and the ways that I still cope and create distraction through substances like food and social media. Sobriety has taught me a valuable less about how one commitment can change the entire trajectory of your life, but even on that…
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132 Cartier Rob: Vulnerability Rep
Cartier Rob is a therapist, relationship guru and host of the play no games podcast. In this conversation we discuss self forgiveness, being a HERO, relationship dynamics and the history of our dating event for Portland singles, The Match. Instagram: @lookhere.playnogamespod
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131 Tai Pfeifer: Growing up Huichol & the Breath of Life
Tai Pfeifer is a Breathwork Facilitator and entrepreneur based in Portland, OR. In this conversation we discuss his not so typical childhood growing as a member of the indigenous Huichol people of Mexico , the dark night of the soul which tested the strength of his longterm partnership and his...
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130 Troylu Speaks: RE- HUMANIZE
TroyLu is an entrepreneur, authenticity coach and father of 5. In this conversation, we explore what it means to Re-Humanize, to Be Your Own Platform and how defining to our values and sticking to them shows us that Authenticity is Our Authority.
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129 BEAR: Offensively Beautiful
BEAR is a lover of nature, an anchor for community and a brave soul who’s authenticity is catalyst for the evolution of human relationships. In this conversation we speak about the harm that occurs when inner traumas are projected onto others and the desire for societal acceptance overriding the...
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128 SUNRU & VEGA: SOUL FAMILY
In today’s episode I sit down with Sunru and Vega. Two of my brothers who are stewards of the collective through their art ,intentionality while honoring Mother Nature as a spiritual practice. Vega is a subconscious healer, artist and energy worker originally from France. He is also the Co…
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126 Will Hardy: Suan Sati (The Garden of Mindfulness)
Will Hardy is the Founder of Suan Sati :The Garden of Mindfulness. It is the set and setting of where I completed my 200 HR Yoga Teacher training in beautiful Chiang Mai Thailand. In this conversation we delve into Will’s journey into meditation , how he manifested his dream life and the beauty…
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124 Kary Youman: From Misery to Hope
Kary Youman is an Entrepreneur, Mindfulness Facilitator and Mental Health Advocate. In this converdastion we discuss the series of events that lead him to his first 10 day Vipassana retreat, the importance of investing in our mental wellbeing and From Misery to Hope - a book that he co-authored...
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122 Beautiful Listener Q & A #1
Thank you to everyone that submitted a question for this week's episode of Opening Presence. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend.
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121 Change Starts Now as we Fumble into Majesty
I know you're still feeling full and lethargic from the holiday but you gotta get up and get moving if you want things to change for the better. At least that's what I keep telling myself. Eventually my actions match my words.
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120 Morgan Jones: Burn it Down & Build it Back
Morgan Jones is a Political Analyst & Co Host of the Unrefined Sophisticates Podcast. In this conversation we discuss the failures of the American education, justice and political systems, the dangerous rhetoric of YE , Portland's unearned progressive reputation & how actor Sinbad did in fact…
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119 Jay Ulinwa: Neighbors
Jay Ulinwa is a photographer and creative visionary based in Portland, OR. In this conversation we discuss language and the sacred exchange of communication, what it's like growing up in a Nigerian household and our duty to nurture the growth of our creative community. If you enjoy this episode,...
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118 Trust Your Inner Guidance
Just checkin in on y'all. Reminding you to trust your inner guidance and everything will work out for you. The universe knows all there is to know. Don't get in the way of the divine.
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117 Tyler Joanou: How R U Healing?
Tyler Joanou is an artist, a U.S. Army Veteran and the "Host of the podcast How R U Healing?" In this conversation we discuss how overcoming our conditioning requires a relentless spirit, why getting married at a young age is not the greatest idea and finding fulfillment in serving others. If you...
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116 Angela Sevilla Lugo & Dustin Le: Beauty of Imperfection (Los Objects/EARTHIAN)
Angela Sevilla Lugo and Dustin Le are industrial designers based in Portland, OR and the Creatives behind Los Objects and Earthian respectively. In this conversation we discuss the dangers of constructing a narrative without direct experience, bringing value to others through design and the…
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114 Nubien Hopkins: BRAVE NU WORLD (Raw & Uncut)
Nubien is a cosmic voyager and an energy existing in multiple dimensions. In this conversation we discuss our relationship to spirituality and the massively unspoken subject of male sexual trauma. I can't stress how important it is to have conversations that challenge common perceptions and give...
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113 Sean Coolidge: The Art of Showing Up with Love & Holding Space for Others
Sean Coolidge is known by some as the Jonny Appleseed of Joy, Mr. Mary Poppins...but I am honored to call him a brother and an amazing friend. In this conversation we discuss what makes a good coffee shop, the importance of community and the art of showing up with love and holding space for…
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112 Page Ray & Pretty Boy Prince: WUNNA. FULL. LIFE.
Page Ray is a creative, stylist and curator based in Portland, OR. In this conversation we bond over our mutual admiration for YSL rapper Gunna, we talk about the journey of sobriety and how much fun it is to try new things without the pressure to monetize. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to...
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111 Darrell Wade: Black Men's Wellness
Darrell Wade is a community activist, educator and the Founder of Black Men's Wellness - a non profit and community based initiative that addresses the health concerns commonly affecting Black and African American men. In this conversation we discuss the importance of having a hands on approach…
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109 Malik Coburn: Eco-Logic, Layers & Lessons
Malik Coburn is a DJ and Outdoor Educator originally from Chicago, Illinois but currently based in Portland, OR. In this conversation we discuss what it was like growing up in Chi Town and his earliest experiences being drawn to the beauty of ecology. WE also dive into the simple things that we…
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108 Elana Seskin: UNA PLUMA
Elana Seskin is the Owner of Una Pluma - super soft organic cotton clothing crafted with care for you and our planet, designed in Portland, OR and sewn in Kathmandu. In this conversation we discuss Elana's love for Nepal and what has kept her coming back for the last two decades. We also explore...
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107 Colin Chapman: Challenging our Personal Beliefs and Perceptions
Colin Chapman is a physical therapist and adventure athlete based in Bend, OR. In this conversation we discuss what it was like for us growing up in Carlsbad, the importance of taking responsibility for our physical health and finally we do our best to get cancelled by talking about gender...
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106 Brandon Scott Herrell: Doing it Anyway
Brandon Scott Herrell is a photographer, writer and key contributor to my favorite outdoor lifestyle brand Earth Studies. In this conversation, we discuss the freedom and chaos of growing up in a punk band, the divisive sorcery of online marketing and the importance of seeing the bigger picture...
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105 Ralen Jones: PDX Black Excellence / Walking a New Path
Ralen Jones is the Executive Director of PDX Black Excellence - a non profit organization that is dedicated to creating awareness, equity and unity amongst Portland's Black Community. In this conversation Ralen shares the experiences that lead him on to the path of sobriety from alcohol. We also...
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103 Ashley & Saki: The Connection is the High
In today's episode I sit down with Divine Lovers Ashley and Andrew Arasaki. In this conversation we discuss their journey of awakening , the importance of holding space for others and how we are consciously creating the new earth. Ashley and Saki also peel back the curtain of their intimate life...
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102 The Gard3n (Chilifa Nem, IVY, Neeks FM): Expression has no Bounds
In today's episode I sit down with the sonically ephemeral trio known as The Gard3n - a music group comprised of members Chilifa Nem, IVY, & Neeks FM repping the banner Never Home Music based in Portland, OR. In this conversation we discuss astrology, emotional self awareness and the process of...
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101 Ray Thatch: You Know the Vibes
Ray Thatch is a Chef, Entrepreneur and Hospitality Extraordinaire. In this conversation Ray shares his journey of transformation through trusting his inner guidance and seeing first hand how every experience is meant to teach us a valuable lesson. We also dive into how Ray got his start in the...
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100 WHAT CAN I GIVE?
In today's solo episode I reflect on the journey of Opening Presence. It's been 2 years since I started the pod and it has been the ride of lifetime. I started with a deep desire to speak my truth , connect with amazing people and to share my growth in real time. I'm extremely grateful for the...
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99 Jesse Morrow: How to NOT get rich quick scheme
Jesse Morrow is a designer, musician and the Co-Founder of OLD FRIEND - a branding studio based in Portland, OR. In this conversation we discuss Jesse's creative journey starting from a small town in Michigan. Embarking on this non linear process that could be summarized as a lot of learning by...
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98 Thy Thy: Healing Songs
Thy Thy is a singer, songwriter and music teacher based in Portland, OR. She discovered music at an early age and has since dedicated her life to pursuing her dreams. In this conversation we discuss how writing songs about love helps her to process and move through difficult emotions. We also…
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97 Murphy Welch: Do What Excites You
Murphy Welch is a Multidisciplinary artist who's work embodies the magical spirit of Nature. In this conversation we discuss the hidden beautry of death & how giving ourselves the permission to do what excites us is an act of self love. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a...
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96 Rob Lewis: WE SPEAK OF THIS DAY’S MAGIC
Rob Lewis is a Creative Director, Graphic Designer, Visionary and the Host of Stellar Regions on KMHD Portland. In this conversations we discuss Rob’s earliest musical influences - being a child of Remix culture. We also dive into the process of intentionally programming our inputs through…
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About this show
Opening Presence explores health, relationships, and spirituality through the Art of Human Connection. Join Aaron and his guests as they dive into meditation, creativity, and the practices that help Awaken the potential of humanity.
Hosted by
Aaron Robinson
Categories