The V_Va_Ya Podcast

Welcome to the V Va Ya Podcast and the Art of Peace series. The one where I share my journey of cultivating inner peace in stillness.Usually I read a passage from “The Art of Peace” by renowned martial artist and founder of Aikido, Morehei Ueshiba. Instead I'm sharing a quote from arguably the most famous martial artist, Bruce Lee. Then I share my immediate thoughts and reflections.Wanna Support the Show?Share this shareable link.Where Else Can You find me?➡️Instagram🤳🏽➡️Substack✍🏼 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vvyprods.substack.com/subscribe

The Art of Peace series continues.With the help of wise words from Morihei Ueshiba, founder of the art of peace, Aikido, the way of harmony, the way of peace.How much should spirituality can I scientifically handle? Let's find out in today's passage.Wanna Support the Show?Share this shareable link.Where Else Can You find me?➡️Instagram🤳🏽➡️Substack✍🏼 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vvyprods.substack.com/subscribe

Spring is here! And so another installment of “The Art of Peace” sprouts forth from the detritus of winter.Morihei Ueshiba, founder of Aikido, believes we all can be warriors for peace. I've been using his collection of thoughts and poems to help guide my practice of finding a moment of stillness through contemplation and reflection.I'll read a passage and offer my interpretation.Wanna Support the Show?Share this shareable link.Where Else Can You find me?➡️Instagram🤳🏽➡️Substack✍🏼 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vvyprods.substack.com/subscribe

Today we take break from our usual programming!V Va Ya! has taken on many forms since it’s initial debut. Not everything makes the cut. Sometimes the material isn’t resonating with me. Sometimes I’ve moved on to greener pastures.But..!Sometimes a lil gem (or two) fall through the production cracks, only to be unearthed after I pry back a few floor boards and do some scooping, cus I smell something delightfully decaying that needs to gasp putrid gas into my ear one last time before it’s lost to eternity.Wanna Support the Show?Share this shareable link.Where Else Can You find me?➡️Instagram🤳🏽➡️Substack✍🏼 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vvyprods.substack.com/subscribe

Seeking peace in stillness? I sure am. And renowned martial artist, founder of Aikido, Mr Morihei Ueshiba, has offered us guidance.I'll read a passage from “The Art of Peace” by Morihei himself and offer my interpretation and reflections.Wanna Support the Show?Share this shareable link.Where Else Can You find me?➡️Instagram🤳🏽➡️Substack✍🏼 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vvyprods.substack.com/subscribe

Does it still feel like a new year in February?Maybe. Depends on the calendar you follow, as we have an upcoming lunar new year!But I digress. This is another installment of me reading a passage from “The Art of Peace” by Morihei Ueshiba, renowned martial artist and founder of Aikido aka the art of peace. And he's convinced me that anyone can be warrior for peace.Does that require strict asceticism? Or is it more about intention and flexibility than purity?Listen along as I share a passage and offer my reflections as I strive to cultivate my inner peace.Wanna Support the Show?Share this shareable link.Where Else Can You find me?➡️Instagram🤳🏽➡️Substack✍🏼 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vvyprods.substack.com/subscribe

Zomg guys it's a new year!? I'm still alive.Still trying to be peaceful as I look for guidance (and offer self- reflection) through “The Art of Peace” aka the way of unifying harmony aka aikido.Morihei Ueshiba, this martial art’s founder and author of, will expound. I share a passage from his manifesto-like collection of poems.craving.Wanna Support the Show?Share this shareable link.Where Else Can You find me?➡️Instagram🤳🏽➡️Substack✍🏼 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vvyprods.substack.com/subscribe

Hey y'all, it's the last episode of the year! More will come of course. I ain't done yet.Today I read another passage or two from “The Art of Peace” and offer my reflection. All recorded within the peacefulness of a winter snow storm. I hope the 2026 brings us all the peace we're craving.Wanna Support the Show? Share this shareable link.Where Else Can You find me?➡️Instagram🤳🏽➡️Substack✍🏼 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vvyprods.substack.com/subscribe

Another installment on “The Art of Peace” by Morehei Ueshiba. In an effort to cultivate and strengthen my inner peace, I’ve been using this collection as a guideline for each AoP episode. I read aloud a passage and share my most immediate thoughts.I was taught that martial arts are about building character. I believe this what Ueshiba means when he says that the art of peace fashions sincere human beings. He believed that when our mind, body, and spirit are unified, we can achieve harmony with universe. Our natural existence is to be peaceful. What does that mean exactly? Listen to find out. And I hope this episode can bring some peace for you and I.Wanna Support the Show? Share this shareable link.Where Else Can You find me?➡️Instagram🤳🏽➡️Substack✍🏼 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vvyprods.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to another installment of my series on “The Art of Peace” by Morihei Ueshiba. Today’s passage is much longer than usual but chock full of practical martial artistic perspective. Su refers to the cosmic breath of the universe that we must seek to harmonize our own voices with. I ponder this while sharing my immediate thoughts and reflection on the passage. Hope this helps you bring some peace into your life as it does for me.Wanna Support the Show? Share this shareable link.Where Else Can You find me?➡️Instagram🤳🏽➡️Substack✍🏼 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vvyprods.substack.com/subscribe

Hello, and welcome back to another installment of my finding peace in stillness. My usual go-to’s for peace involve movement, and lately I’ve found myself needing to sit still much more often and regularly. So when I came across “The Art of peace” by renown martial artist Morihei Ueshiba, I took that as my sign to sit still and reflect on his wisdom.Today’s reflection is on a passage of about the meta astro physical origin of everything and how everything works best together. In other words, the universe and all it’s components, including our little galactic corner, are all connected and emerged from one thing and want to exist as one thing. This thing, among other things, and collections of things, will be discussed!Wanna Support the Show? Share this shareable link.Where Else Can You find me?➡️Instagram🤳🏽➡️Substack✍🏼 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vvyprods.substack.com/subscribe

Heaven is right here! That is, according to the “Art of Peace” by renowned martial artist, Morihei Ueshiba. I read another passage and offer my immediate reflection. Morihei believed everyone could be a warrior for peace, and that we need nothing else than what we’re born with: mind, body, and spirit.Another passage and another day of me trying to focus on finding peace in stillness. I will admit, I feel very peaceful when I record these, so… so far, so good.Wanna Support the Show? Share this shareable link.Where Else Can You find me?➡️Instagram🤳🏽.➡️Substack✍🏼. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vvyprods.substack.com/subscribe

I continue my reading of the “Art of Peace“ by Ueshiba Morehei, reknowned martial artist who founded aikido, the way of unifying harmony. It’s a compilation of his philosophy, as recorded and compiled by students and/or admirers.I started this series as a way to guide my journey to find more peace and presence in stillness.Today’s passage focuses on how anyone can be a warrior for peace.Wanna Support the Show? Share this shareable link.Where Else Can You find me?➡️Instagram🤳🏽.➡️Substack✍🏼. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vvyprods.substack.com/subscribe

…After a well needed Summer hiatus…I've returned to uploading fragments of myself to the e cloud.And I'm starting a new series!I introduce the written work “The Art of Peace” by Morihei Ueshiba, how it relates to my life, and that we can all fight for peace without actually fighting each other.Wanna Support the Show?Share this shareable link.Where Else Can You find me?➡️Short form pictorial content via Instagram🤳🏽.➡️Long(er) form written content via Substack✍🏼.Discussion about this episode This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thevmang.substack.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vvyprods.substack.com/subscribe

We're back with another minimally edited installment of the ¡V VA YA! Podcast. Follow your intrepid host and main character traverse the Buffalo Summer scape, completing one side quest after another. And a special guest😎.Links to accompanying photos coming soon.Wanna Support the Show?Share this shareable link.Where Else Can You find me?➡️Short form pictorial content via Instagram🤳🏽.➡️Long(er) form written content via Substack✍🏼. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thevmang.substack.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vvyprods.substack.com/subscribe

In this long overdue episode, I break the hiatus silence, shooting from the hip, and reveal thunderous news: I’m still kicking after 39 rotations around the sun. There’s so much to share these days, I can’t keep up. But don’t worry, you can, cus you literally control the speed of the audio. I’m throwing caution to the wind and investing in the spiritual trust fund. I’m recording this as is, with minimal post, no re-listen nor post edit. Just all of it, unadulterated, and hot off the V vocal chord press. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thevmang.substack.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vvyprods.substack.com/subscribe

In case you missed it two episodes ago, here’s a standalone release for easier sharing of Bath Time with SJ! 🛁🧖Buffalocal sassy babe SJ decants the details of her signature ritual, how it’s evolved, and why you should make more time for selfcare.If you want more, let me know!I think she’s unlocked more podcasting cred in five minutes than the entirety of my multi year span of podcasting efforts. So, also let her know (nicely) how fun that segment was and that y’all definitely want more.Wanna Support the Show?Share this shareable link.Where Else Can You find me?➡️Short form pictorial content via Instagram🤳🏽.➡️Long(er) form written content via Substack✍🏼. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thevmang.substack.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vvyprods.substack.com/subscribe

I post up under a balcony to wait out the rain for a quick update episode. And location wise it’s thematically relevant, cus I recap some fun from Porchfest, among other happenings!Play Where’s Waldo but instead it’s my friends and I at porchfest.https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ7DDNNR6v_/?img_index=10&igsh=MWcydmZyZGh4Y2hyWanna Support the Show?Share this shareable link.Where Else Can You find me?➡️Short form pictorial content via Instagram🤳🏽.➡️Long(er) form written content via Substack✍🏼. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thevmang.substack.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vvyprods.substack.com/subscribe

The Buffalo Bicycle life continues as I share a typical weekend day in the life of Buffalo Bicycling. I just finished an epic manga that’s taken me years to read. I share a quick synopsis and my initial thoughts before arriving at our next debut segment…Bath Time with SJ! 🛁🧖She shares the details of her signature ritual, how it’s evolved, and why you should make more time for yourself.If you want more, let me know! I think she’s unlocked more podcasting cred in five minutes than the entirety of my multi year span of podcasting efforts. So, also let her know (nicely) how fun that segment was and that y’all definitely want more.Then I’m back on the road, gathering ingredients to make a soup for a sick clown girlfriend. Feeling pensive and reflective after finishing that epic manga, I opt for a sunny day rip around in one of Buffalo’s prettiest and (bikeable) cemeteries while I share some more thoughts about life and death.Wanna Support the Show?Share this shareable link.Where Else Can You find me?➡️Short form pictorial content via Instagram🤳🏽.➡️Long(er) form written content via Substack✍🏼. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thevmang.substack.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vvyprods.substack.com/subscribe

May is National Bicycle Month! Here in Buffalo, the bicycle community comes out in full. To semi-quote a bicycle song, get on your bikes and ride!I open the show with a personal update: slightly less depressed! Bicycling is not only my primary mode of transport (no car), it is also my favorite mode of recreation and go-to mood booster. If I’m on my bike, I’m having fun, minimum. I practice some gratitude before activating bike podcast mode.I hop on my bike, activating bike podcast mode, sharing my Bike Month favs here in Buffalo as I intermittently interweave my navigational narrative. Many of my favs are also regular staples but are concentrated and more frequent in May to kick off the warm bike season. Check out the 2025 calendar compiled by Gobike.I’ll share some bicycle riding tips and advice for newbies from a defensive bicyclist perspective. That means I assume (at best) I’m invisible to motorists. At worst, I’m a target for motorist harassment since my legal bicycle’d existence on public streets is a perceived inconvenience to car-world-domination.Wanna Support the Show?Share this shareable link.Where Else Can You find me?➡️Short form pictorial content via Instagram🤳🏽.➡️Long(er) form written content via Substack✍🏼. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thevmang.substack.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vvyprods.substack.com/subscribe

Another episode in the life of the car-less, and bicycle-fueled! Listen to your domestically heroic host hurdle over motorized obstacles with careful abandon. I also share my thoughts on defensive bicycling and weather appropriate bicycle gear, as I take Buffalo rush hour traffic by the mechanical horns.Oh and a debut unexpected surprise guest.Wanna Support the Show?Share this shareable link.Where Else Can You find me?➡️Short form pictorial content via Instagram🤳🏽.➡️Long(er) form written content via Substack✍🏼. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thevmang.substack.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vvyprods.substack.com/subscribe

A quick fan featured episode!I really appreciate all the support. So glad the show has fans. If you want to be on the next fan segment, you can reach me at thevmang.substack.comWanna Support the Show?Share this shareable link.Where Else Can You find me?➡️Short form pictorial content via Instagram🤳🏽.➡️Long(er) form written content via Substack✍🏼. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thevmang.substack.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vvyprods.substack.com/subscribe

A short episode documenting my temporary escape from work.I contemplate life and death aloud as I watch imperceptibly slow drifting chunks of ice, while enjoying the shoreline view of Lake Erie. Expect a steady stream of seagulls squawking it up in the background.Wanna Support the Show?Share this shareable link.Where Else Can You find me?➡️Short form pictorial content via Instagram🤳🏽.➡️Long(er) form written content via Substack✍🏼. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thevmang.substack.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vvyprods.substack.com/subscribe

I talked with another of Buffalo’s finest doctor educators then shared my immediate thoughts after the interview. Which inspired me to share the major source of fuel behind all my creative online output. If you’ve been following the ‘cast this far, it shouldn’t be a surprise. If you haven’t…Surprise! It’s not just morning-of oats.Wanna Support the Show?Share this shareable link.Where Else Can You find me?➡️Short form pictorial content via Instagram🤳🏽.➡️Long(er) form written content via Substack✍🏼. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thevmang.substack.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vvyprods.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to the V_va_ya Podcast!Today we have new and improved audio for this bicycle podcast. Thank you light snow shower for providing me a mobile recording booth.Vicariously live my bicycle life as I pedal my way through errands while sharing thoughts on pedestrian/cyclist infrastructure, cyclist etiquette, and my bicycle podcast aspirations. Plus other random thoughts and observations. Wanna Support the Show?Share this shareable link.Where Else Can You find me?➡️Short form pictorial content via Instagram🤳🏽.➡️Long(er) form written content via Substack✍🏼. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thevmang.substack.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vvyprods.substack.com/subscribe

I had no idea how much creative intellectuality lay dormant within me until I was mentally unlocked by none other than Well Worn Matt the Wisz Kid aka the Hunstman. None of this made sense until Matt made sense of me.Share in the afterglow✨ with me.And!Stay tuned for the full interview, sometime in the kinda near, maybe a bit distant, future on a separate podcast🎙😎Wanna Support the Show?Share this shareable link.Where Else Can You find me?➡️Short form pictorial content via Instagram🤳🏽.➡️Long(er) form written content via Substack✍🏼. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thevmang.substack.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vvyprods.substack.com/subscribe

Perk those ears for the mushy, gushy, flow of love for one of my dearest, closest, friends, who also happens to be a total instababe. Learn why and how she inspires me as I sing her praises of adulation.Wanna Support the Show?Share this shareable link.Where Else Can You find me?➡️Short form pictorial content via Instagram🤳🏽.➡️Long(er) form written content via Substack✍🏼. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thevmang.substack.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vvyprods.substack.com/subscribe

Some lil updates on thangs, my first remote segment, and an invasive species inserting itself into my show.Wanna Support the Show? Share this shareable link. Where Else Can You find me? ➡️Short form pictorial content via Instagram🤳🏽. ➡️Long(er) form written content via Substack✍🏼. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thevmang.substack.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vvyprods.substack.com/subscribe

Personal Life Update!What have I been up to? Who did I spend Valentine's day with? Did my winter bicycle aka my main mode of transport survive the freezing touch of Old Man Winter's gnarled finger tips?Where do I get my vitamin C?All this and more is answered.Wanna Support the Show? Share this shareable link. Where Else Can You find me? ➡️Short form pictorial content via Instagram🤳🏽. ➡️Long(er) form written content via Substack✍🏼. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thevmang.substack.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vvyprods.substack.com/subscribe

I know some of y'all can't wait for winter to be over. While the haters wait, I'm playing as much as winter allows. In today's episode, I vanquish all opposition to winter by sharing a little bit about how I enjoy the frozen hellscape. Plus an original poem written and vocalized by yours truly.Wanna Support the Show? Share this shareable link. Where Else Can You find me? ➡️Short form pictorial content via Instagram🤳🏽. ➡️Long(er) form written content via Substack✍🏼. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thevmang.substack.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vvyprods.substack.com/subscribe

Does a life full of travel, with an eager audience waiting for you to share about it, sound like a dream come true?Like a life to aspire to? It's definitely not for everyone, and I really did it - for a minute. Join me as I dive into a quick backstory on the lifestyle I once led and the wisdom bestowed upon me as I shed my wings and devolve into a sniveling, ground groveling, trollish beast who delights in gnashing his teeth on roots and tubers.Wanna Support the Show? Share this shareable link. Where Else Can You find me? ➡️Short form pictorial content via Instagram🤳🏽. ➡️Long(er) form written content via Substack✍🏼. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thevmang.substack.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vvyprods.substack.com/subscribe

Steady your ears for the swooning, waxing, and waning of your host as he proclaims the heroic deeds of his gentlemanly, fire spinning, clown friend.And already a special surprise guest!Wanna Support the Show? Share this shareable link. Where Else Can You find me? ➡️Short form pictorial content via Instagram🤳🏽. ➡️Long(er) form written content via Substack✍🏼. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thevmang.substack.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vvyprods.substack.com/subscribe

V_va_ya  Episode 1: Intro to Me, V! published February 7, 2025In this inaugural episode heralding my imminent arrival into the dark web of podcasting, I share a bit about myself: where I've been, where I am, and where I'm going (hopefully). Get ready to be briefly acquainted with me in just under 15 minutes.Wanna Support the Show? Share this shareable link. Where Else Can You find me? ➡️Short form pictorial content via Instagram🤳🏽. ➡️Long(er) form written content via Substack✍🏼. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thevmang.substack.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vvyprods.substack.com/subscribe

V_va_ya  Episode 0: Trailer! published January 23, 2025The official Trailer for the V_va_ya Podcast! Listen as your host, V, spins his wheels in trailer form. I’ll pump you up, get you spinning, and set up expectations for new listeners of the show. This podcast will be very personal, a sort of audio diary that will also vary in format and content as I attempt to entertain you and incessantly request your validation (just keep listening). I’ll share the full stack front to back behind-the-scenes experience of me gamifying my life to battle the adversity and challenges that threaten to pull me back to the bottom of the deep depression that originally inspired and motivated me to climb out of it's gropey grips.The through line will always be me, your host, V, along with musings, playfulness, and interactions with the externalities outside my corporeal domain.Thank you for listening!Wanna Support the Show? Share this shareable link. Where Else Can You find me? ➡️Short form pictorial content via Instagram🤳🏽. ➡️Long(er) form written content via Substack✍🏼. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thevmang.substack.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vvyprods.substack.com/subscribe