OPES: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Stories
by Tristan Allen
Hello! My name is Tristan and welcome to my podcast! Throughout my life, I have met amazing people, and heard amazing stories. So much that I decided to do this podcast so that YOU get to meet these wonderful people. Ordinary People, Extraordinary stories (or OPES), is going to be my monthly podcast where I will introduce a guest and share a bit about their story. From this we will go into other discussions relating to that story. We're talking differences between mice and men, to talented artists or just working joes. Our saying goes, "Every person a gem, every story, a treasure."
Episodes
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Son of a Trekkie: The Next Generation | Mother's Day Special | OPESpodcast
Happy Mother's day to all you moms, grandmas, MILFs, and mother figures to those in need! Today I get to have my own mother on board, talking about her favorite things: star trek, star wars, and comfy movies. Check it out! Find us on other platforms here: https://linktr.ee/opespodcast
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Ere The Son Rises!
He has risen, risen indeed! Today's episode we get to talk to my good friend James, creator of NarrowNetMinistries; a Youtube channel discussing Christian themes in various media. We talk about the importance of what you consume, and the wonderous power that is Jesus Christ. Happy Easter…
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God Bless Failed Attempts | OPESpodcast
*TRIGGER WARNING*They say the Lord works in mysterious ways. Sometimes we have an idea of what our life should be, but it goes completely different. Sometimes we cry out in pain and are met with silence, only to go through a personal journey so intense and profound, you will be a completely...
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Tales From The Creep Zone | Horror Anthology Tier List | OPESpodcast
Step into the shadows as we rank the best horror anthology films of all time — from Creepshow to Trick R Treat, Tales from the Darkside, and beyond. Which eerie collection of stories reigns supreme… and which ones should stay buried? Find us on other platforms here:...
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What You Shouldn't Do In the Porta-potties | AfterShock 2025 | Ft The Washington Waldo | OPESpodcast
Waldo is back from another adventure at Aftershock—and today, he's here for a brand-new episode in a fresh series I'm calling OPES: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Sequels.In this bite-sized episode, I catch up once again with The Washington Waldo himself, Mr. Cody Woods. We chat about the...
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Don't Play Magic The Gathering | OPESpodcast
Choose your favorite color and scoop into this returning episode of Ordinary People, Extraordinary Stories! Today's episode we have a good friend I met while playing Magic The Gathering. He was a former radio DJ for his college radio and we discuss his time being homeless, as well as our thoughts...
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The Passion of Paulie Walnuts | An Easter Sunday At Satriale's | OPES Novella
Gather your easter eggs and various salted Italian meats, because we got another OPES novella coming your way! In today's episode we are joined by yet again my man Mr. Rome Freeman, where we talk about the entirety of The Sopranos series. We discuss our favorite moments and episodes, my overall...
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Django Reinhardt Helped Created Heavy Metal | Ft Gretchen Menn | OPESpodcast
Been a long time, been a long time, been a long lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely time since you guys had another episode of OPES! Today we have Gretchen Menn with us, composer and lead guitarist to the band Zepparella. We talk about all things guitar, making music, and just a bit of the…
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We Could Use Some More Love | Valentine's Day Special | OPESpodcast
This episode is for all you lovers out there. Welcome to another star crossed episode of OPES, the only podcast that has a Valentine's day card for everyone! And today's no different with my guest, Paul Zolman. We discuss his creation of the "Role Of Love", a dice and program about the love...
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The Sopranos is Just Italian Anime | OPES Novella | OPESpodcast
So no f***kin ziti?? No, but what we do have is another OPES novella. You know what it is, shoes off, off script, and vibes the limit. Today we speak with a former guest I've had, Mr Rome Freeman. Rome came on the show previously for our first novella and today the hijinx continues! We talk about...
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Exchanged Lives, Extended Families | Ayusa Exchange Program | OPESpodcast
Get your passports ready—we're going global! Welcome to another exciting episode of OPES! Today, we’re thrilled to sit down with Hope Walter, a passionate community representative who has hosted over 20 foreign exchange students and currently works with Ayusa Exchange, a foreign exchange school...
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You'll Cowards Don't Even Listen To My Podcast | An Evening with Rabbit Junk | ft. Rabbit Junk
New year, new me, new episode of OPES coming your way. Today we talk to Dr. JP Anderson, creator of the band Rabbitjunk. We talk inspirations and processes of making music for over 20 years. We also get into video game soundtracks and his teaching career in San Diego. If you want to check out…
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You NEED to Watch These Christmas Horror Movies RIGHT NOW | OPESpodcast
Merry Christmas and a HO HO HO HORROR to you! Today we're doing things different this holiday season with an OPES novella. You know the drill, we drop our expectations and just vibe with your yule tide host Tristan. In today's episode I give you 5 solid Christmas horror movies to check out for…
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Unconditional Positive Regard in a Judgement Free Zone | ft. Arlene Miller | OPESpodcast
Happy holidays everyone! With everyone getting into the holiday season, I thought it important to release this episode. Today's guest is Arlene Miller, an attorney turned life coach. Arlene's story is that of love and sacrifice, as we get into her story about the struggles she had raising her son...
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Broken down, Lyfted up | Phillip Joseph Johnson Jr. | OPESpodcast
Of all the things I am thankful for, it's that I was able to get Ambrosia's husband, Phillip Johnson Jr., on for an episode to finish out our 2-parter. If you haven't seen the previous episode, be sure to check it out to see how these 2 love birds found each other. Phillip is a godly, artistic,...
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From Lion, to Lambboutique | ft. Thelambboutique | OPESpodcast
Welcome everybody to my first 2 parter episode! Today we will be speaking with the Johnson family, primarily Ambrosia Johnson of Thelambbboutique. She is an artist, entrepreneur, dancer, mother, woman of God, just all the things. And today we talk about her backstory, her artistic inspirations…
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Grave Conversations | Halloween Special | ft. Grave Time | OPESpodcast
Hello ghouls and gals, and welcome to another episode of Ordinary People, Extraordinary Stories! I am the ghost with the most Tristan, and today are tales are coming straight from the crypt! Say hello to Christian Appel, drummer of the fantastic christian pop-punk band Light The Way (link below),...
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OPES: The Secret Coven of Waldos Or: It's Time For Thiccc Boys! Ft: The_Washington_Waldo
Can you find Waldo? I mean hes literally right in the thumbnail... anyways welcome to another episode of Ordinary People, Extraordinary Stories! I'm your heavy metal host with the most, and today we get to talk to my friend Cody, otherwise known as the Washington waldo! Cody has been to over 200+...
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OPES: The Yes And Podcast Or: Preteens Scare The Living S**t Outta Me
Brighten your clothes, and strike a comfortable pose, for another episode of Ordinary People, Extraordinary Stories! Today's episode is about the roman emperor himself, Marcus Aurelius Higgs. Marcus is a relational communicator, who helps both the child and parent navigate those early personality...
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OPES: Touch Grass Or: The Rejuvenating Powers of the Sun
Get those protein shakes and sunblock ready because we're going to Panama for today's episode of OPES!! Today's episode is all about my guest, Jim Laird. He is a former professional lifter, turned health and life coach. He talks about the importance of not only being physically active but the…
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OPES: The Art of Subtlety Or: Looking Both Ways Before Crossing Traffic
Are you ready to take your SSRI's and head bang our trauma away?? Because we are on today's episode of Ordinary People, Extraordinary Stories, and boy, what an episode we got for you. Today I get to interview my good friend, Nick Creary, creator of the online comedy series Garbage Day, and…
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OPES: Singing Eminem At The Talent Show Or: Navigating Life With Navi
In today's episode we getting deep with my main man, Mr Jonathan Navi. Navi is a kind, spiritual man where we talk about sobriety, marvel movies, rap music, and growing up in white neighborhoods. This man means alot to me, so I hope you get any kind of wisdom for this episode. If you want to get...
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OPES: Steel Rain, Steel Pain Or: Tube Stroking With Condorman
Alright maggots listen up! We got another exciting episode of OPES here for you! Today, we talk about my favorite marine, Israel Doering. Israel talks about his time in the military but more importantly, his new pen and paper game he is building called, "Hero's Journey Through Phobos". Besides a...
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OPES: Love, Basketball, and Smack N Cheese Or: Your Guiding Northstarz
Everybody get up it's time to space jam.. for another episode of OPES! Todays' episode is my good friend, Jasse Chimuku. Now Jasse is a man of many hats: a mentor, a coach, a father, a chef, and even an amateur painter! In this episode we talk about his origins of his coaching program…
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OPES: This Is My Ride and I Am Proudly Going To Represent That
Gather round and prepare yee self for a tale of wizards and warlocks, as we begin another epic episode of OPES! Today's episode is all about my friend Ryan Guzman. I got a chance to meet Ryan at an open mike for poetry and short stories. He had ended up closing the night with a very special short...
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OPES: All That It is; Is Distance, Time, and Blue Or: Being Orlando Blooms Stunt Double on Pirates 2
Ahoy there mateys! On today's episode of OPES, we go throughout the seven seas with my good friend, Dr. Captain Brian. You see Brian was the doctor to diagnosis and boot my broken ankle back in September. In just a short time, found out he was a ship captain/crew member of the HMS bounty, and…
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OPES: From Afghanistan With Love Or: PTSD Today, Gone Tomorrow!
Good morning and thanks for checking out another episode of Ordinary People, Extraordinary Stories. What with today being memorial day, I felt it appropriate to have our next episode be released today. Meet Jared Laskey, veteran/author/pastor the man does it all. But what is truly remarkable…
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OPES: The Idiots In The Temporary Chairs Or: An Evening With Colin Quinn's Cat
K R O P S, KROPS the only radio station that's fighting for your right to party!! Now here's your host, Sleezy T!! Well hello guys, thanks for coming to another episode of OPES! Today I get to have my friend Mr. Bob Lement, one of the host/creators of Static Radio, one of the longest running…
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OPES' Novella: We Broke Up At the Vacant Taco Bell Or: 4/20 Is National Coldbrew Day
Got another novella for you guys. Today we get into a variety of topics ranging from P-Diddy, creating art, coldbrew coffee, and that sticky green stuff everyone's talking about (money!!). We get a little silly with this one, so if you don't want your humor blue, may want to wait for the next…
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OPES: Vibrations Of The Big Picture Or: Terry Bozzio Has Too Many Pedals
(Starts performing the sickest drum solo you've ever seen!) THANK YOU PORTLAND, GOODNIGHT! .... And welcome to another rocktastic episode of Ordinary People, Extraordinary Stories. I am your jukebox hero, and today we are talking to a real good friend of mine, Clementine Moss. Besides being an...
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OPES: He Has RIZZen Or: From The Pulpit To The Battleship
Did you know in the navy, you can sail the seven seas? Did you know in the navy you can put your mind at ease? Well to all those Village People out there, WELCOME to another patriotic and spiritual episode of Ordinary People, Extraordinary Stories. Today's episode we get a very special man on…
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OPES: God Save The Scene Or: The Hard And Scary Reasons To Do Stand-Up
Everyone put your hands together for another exciting episode of Ordinary People, Extraordinary Stories! For today we got master emcee, Alfie Noakes, creator of the We Are Funny Project, a program designed to not only teach stand-up comedy but also enhance your stand-up too. Alfie has been a long...
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OPES: Making Groceries Or: I Got A Bomb A** Sugar Scrub
Its time to spa down in today's episode, as we talk to local portland vendor Lanisha "Nish" Brown, owner of Queen's Kitchen. Nish sells various body butters and scrubs. Inspired to make a "spa in a jar", we talk about her journey into making her small business, but also get some insight on her…
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OPES: You Have To Walk Or: Dancing Helps Your Brain
Good evening everyone, and welcome to another episode of Ordinary People, Extraordinary Stories. I'm going to be your dance instructor as we get into the life of my good friend Linda Plunkett. See Linda is a special person: author, dancer, therapist. But it wasn't until a tennis-ball-sized tumor,...
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OPES: Santa Claus Likes Jimmy Buffet Or: An Evening With The Real Santa Claus
HO HO How is everyone doing this holiday season? It's me the host with the Christmas most, Tristan, welcoming another fabulous episode of Ordinary People, Extraordinary Stories! Though today's episode is a bit different, because I am not speaking to a person but the living embodiment of Christmas...
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OPES: That's Why They Call It, God's Love Or: Getting Intimate With Karl Beckstrand
Let's get some comfortable music, and get the lights down low, for another episode of Ordinary People, Extraordinary stories. I'm Tristan and today, we truly get intimate, talking about... well intimacy! My good friend, author Karl Beckstrand, wrote the book on it, literally! His most recent work...
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OPES: Zane In The House Or: From Darkness To Light
Seasons greetings everyone! Publishing this a little after Thanksgiving, but that does not make me any less thankful for you guys tuning in to today's episode. Today we are greeted by a good friend of mine, Mr. Zane Landin, a very accomplished young man with a desire for mental health. Not only…
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OPES' Novella: Scream Kings Or: Don't Watch A Nightmare On Elm Street 2
Hello my ghouls and ghosts (man I love saying that)! To another blood curdling, spine chilling episode of an OPES novella. This is where I go off script, and just kinda do my thing. Don't let that dissuade you from checking this out, today we are talking about scary movies and all the stuff...
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OPES: RESPECT, Find Out What It Means To You Or: Safer Shores
What you want? Well baby, we got it. Or should I say my guest Dr. Julie Pham, has it. She is the author of the book and course, 7 Forms of Respect: A Guide to Transforming your Communication and Relationships at Work. We talk about the current job market, and how employers can retain and keep…
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OPES: Other Worldly People, Extraterrestrial Stories Or: That Doesn't Sell Newspapers
Greetings Earthlings! Today we go beyond the stars, as we deal with our first, non-human guest! His name is Hermes, and he describes himself as a traveler among the universe. He will not tell me specifics, only that he has infiltrated a country's military, and that there may be more like him…
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OPES: Speaking Naked in a Snowstorm Or: Cardboard Boxes Are Cardboard Boxes
Welcome back guys to another exciting episode of Ordinary People, Extraordinary Stories! Today we're heading up to Canada to speak with my good friend Tyler Foley. Tyler is an actor/author who helps teach people the power in telling their story. His book, "How to Speak Naked" is a New York times...
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OPES: This Episode Was Made Entirely From A.I.... Or Is It?
DEATH TO ALL HUMANS!!!!!!!! I mean, hi, welcome to another episode of OPES. I'm Tristan's artificial intelligence, that writes these descriptions. Today we get to talk with Associate Director Richard Rosser, and his journey with A.I. and what it means for Hollywood. This was one of Tristan's...
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OPES: Own Your Flaws Or: Big English In Little China
Schools in session!! Everyone take a seat and practice your mandarin, because we get to talk to my good friend Mr. Tony Rambles. He is the host of The Living Numbers Podcast, rookie teacher of the year 2019 (and he just started in 2018), and even taught English in China!! Sit with us as we talk...
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OPES: Embracing The Life You Never Planned Or: The Guest Imbibes
We got an episode I particularly enjoying recording today. Today's episode is all about my friend Andrew Davie. Now Andrew is the kinda guy that the more you get to know him, the cooler he gets. Once a documentary film maker, Andrew has moved between author, teacher, podcast host, and all around...
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OPES: Firewalk With Me Or: 69 Is A Good Year
Oh boy do we got a hot one for you here! Today's episode is with non other than America's Number 1 Firewalking Instructor, Dave Albin. Having worked with Tony Robbins for over 19+ years, the guy's been hired by NASA and Google, to lead people into conquering fear, and literally walking on FIRE!!!...
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OPES: The Faith to Move Mountains Or: Aloha Means Hello and Goodbye
Well aloha everyone! We got a special luau for you today, as we meet my friend Krys. She is a life coach, and the leader/creator of her Hawaiian ministry, Grace For Generations. She is incredibly kind, strong, and loving woman, and I only hope you can see this when you listen to today's episode.…
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OPES: Inappropriate Laugh Times Or: The RoboCop Defense
Get yourselves settled down now, cause we got a very funny comedian coming up tonight. On this episode of OPES, we get my very own comedy "sensei", Keith Lowell Jensen for an episode. We get to talk about more comedy, being a comedian and raising a family. We also talked about the lead singer of...
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OPES: Comedy = Tragedy + Time Or: What Floridians Drink
Hey guys, dudes, non-binary palerinos, Tristan's back with another episode of OPES. Today we jump right into the funny matter, and speak with a good friend of mine, Kyle Adams. He's an up and coming comedian whose played all over the country, and was nice enough to stop by Portland and share his...
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OPES: Tales of Addiction and Hope Or: The Anatomy of A Sadboy
Hello everyone who actually ends up reading this. Today's episode is about my good friend Zach Van Dyck, a Sacramento musician who has had the chance to perform with Trace Cyrus and even open for Drake Bell (that didn't age well). He's a wonderful person who was transparent enough to talk about…
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OPES' Novella: 4/20 Praise it! or Gabagool and Prozac too!
We're all going to pretend I released this on 4/20 so it can still be relevant.... Hey guys! Your Host with the most here, bringing you a bit different of an episode today. In spite of the holiday, national cold brew/high five day, a close friend and I banter between life's hard subjects....
About this show
Hello! My name is Tristan and welcome to my podcast! Throughout my life, I have met amazing people, and heard amazing stories. So much that I decided to do this podcast so that YOU get to meet these wonderful people. Ordinary People, Extraordinary stories (or OPES), is going to be my monthly podcast where I will introduce a guest and share a bit about their story. From this we will go into other discussions relating to that story. We're talking differences between mice and men, to talented artists or just working joes. Our saying goes, "Every person a gem, every story, a treasure."
Hosted by
Tristan Allen
Categories