Rainbows in the Dark

After a few weeks of posting silence, DK back — riding in a self-driving car that somehow already knows his taste in music, which is either impressive or creepy, and possibly both. In this episode: the push-pull of creating content in a system that benefits people you didn't vote for, why small acts of random goodness still matter anyway, the Old Dominion ROTC cadets who "rendered a shooter no longer alive," and what collective energy shifts actually look like when they're real. Also: why we're all peasants, and why that's not as hopeless as it sounds.

It's Transgender Day of Visibility, so here are some unscripted, unpolished thoughts on being a "passing" trans person who benefits from male privilege — and why that makes visibility feel important right now. Plus: the division game, why trans people are perennial easy targets, the up-down vs. left-right thing, and why "trans rights are human rights" isn't just a slogan. Also featuring: brown eyes as a metaphor. No notes.

January can be a heavy month — and this year feels heavier than usual. Not just personally, but collectively. A lot of people are sensing that something big is shifting, even if no one can quite name what comes next.In this episode of Rainbows in the Dark, I talk about what it’s like to live inside a major transitional time in history — when old systems stop working, the new ones aren’t fully formed yet, and people quietly start blaming themselves for feeling lost or exhausted.If you’ve been feeling confused, disillusioned, anxious, or like the old rules don’t apply anymore, this episode is a reminder that you’re not failing — you’re responding appropriately to a world that’s changing faster than our nervous systems were designed to handle.This is a gentle reframe, a little nervous-system grounding, and an invitation to replace fear with curiosity — without bypassing what’s real.Pause. Breathe. You’re not broken.Keep on keeping on — and keep shining in the dark. 🌈✨

On a walk by the ocean, I found myself talking about aging, limits, and the things we stop doing as we get older.And then the universe sent a rebuttal.This episode is about getting older, staying embodied, and the strange freedom that comes from letting go of shame, certainty, and pants. It’s a reflection on mortality, movement, and the moments when life answers you faster than you expect.As always, this is Rainbows in the Dark: noticing what’s real, even when it’s awkward — and sometimes especially then.

Last week, my new book Booze to Balance officially launched, which meant my very first bookstore events — and a level of imposter syndrome I did not see coming.Right before the events, my inner critic went into overdrive:“You don’t know anything.”“This book is too small.”“Who do you think you are?”But the show had to go on.This is a short reflection on doubt, visibility, and doing the thing anyway — even when your nervous system would very much prefer to hide.A little darkness.A little truth.And, as always, a rainbow somewhere in it.

In this episode, Dr. Kim shares the unexpected link between addiction, brain chemistry, and liver health — and what he learned during his intensive addictionology training back in the mid-2000s.You’ll hear:• a simple, clear definition of addiction• what different addictions have in common neurologically• why supporting the body (and especially the liver) matters• how somatic and mind-body tools fit into modern addiction recovery• why Booze to Balance focuses on physiology, not shameThis isn’t a “fix everything” approach. It’s a grounded, compassionate look at how supporting the liver and nervous system can create meaningful shifts — especially for people exploring healthier, more balanced habits.A little light blinking in the dark. ✨Get details, links, and upcoming event info at:👉 https://linktr.ee/drkimsf

Ever mess up your perfect plan—only to realize it worked out better that way? Dr. Kim shares the story of his 88 Blessings project, a missing day, and the eerie synchronicity that turned a math error into a moment of magic. A funny, soulful reminder to trust the process and keep creating, even when it doesn’t go according to plan.

This episode runs a little longer than usual, because the story is worth it. I open up about my struggle with type 2 diabetes and how nothing seemed to help much — until art, music, and love cracked something open. From Tribal Baroque’s prayformances to a fog-soaked Macbeth at Fort Point, I discovered what one woo-woo healer once told me I was missing: the sweetness of life.If you’ve ever wondered where true healing comes from — and why it’s not always in the doctor’s office — this one’s for you.And guess what? My new book Booze to Balance: A Chill 30-Day Liver Healing Program is now on pre-sale! You can find it at Bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble, or Amazon:https://linktr.ee/drkimsf Pre-sales are hugely helpful for authors, so grab a copy — maybe even one for a friend — and give your liver some extra love!

Sometimes self-care feels impossible—not because we don’t know how to care for ourselves, but because… human condition, trauma, blah blah blah. In this episode, I share a simple thought experiment: imagine swapping bodies with someone you love dearly for a year. How would you treat their body differently than your own? More rest? Better food? More water, more joy? And then—what if you treated yourself with that same level of love and care?A short reflection that circles back (as always) to self-love.

Sharks and cockroaches may have evolution all figured out—but humans? We’re still chasing infinity tasks and arguing with our asshole brains. In this episode of Rainbows in the Dark, I step into the endless loop of self-improvement, productivity, and ADHD-era attention spans…

What if some of your biggest emotional struggles… were never yours to begin with? 🤯In this episode of Rainbows in the Dark, we rewind to before you were breathing air—when you were a tiny water-dweller in utero—absorbing every vibe your mom was running. Stress, fear, chaos? Your little nervous system felt it all.The good news? Those old patterns aren’t set in stone. Awareness—and a little somatic magic—can help you finally release what was never truly yours to carry.Want to dive in deeper - way deeper - into the topic of picking up family stress that predated your birth? Check out Mark Wolynn's excellent book, It Didn't Start With You.#healingjourney #innerchildhealing #generationaltrauma #traumarecovery #mindbodyconnection

We’re all headed to the far side of the rainbow someday. In this episode, I’m talking about Swedish Death Cleaning, why it’s one of the most loving things you can do, and why it might be time to let go of all those random paper mementos cluttering your life. Spoiler alert: nobody wants your old Yosemite brochure.

Ever feel like you want to paint, dance, write, or make music…but tell yourself you shouldn’t because you’re “not good enough”? Or feel like if you can’t make it your career, then it’s not worth doing?In this episode, I talk about why creative expression is not optional if you want a happy and fulfilled life. I’ll share thoughts on how to rediscover your creative spark, even if you think you’ve lost it—or never had it in the first place.Plus, a little story about my lifelong obsession with writing letters (and playing post office as a toddler).Go forth and art—and keep shining in the dark!#PermissionToCreate #CreativeExpression #SelfCare #RainbowsInTheDark #HealingThroughArt #MentalHealth

On the day of San Francisco’s 21st Trans March, I reflect on showing up in times of rising hate, the unique compassion many trans people hold, and how transitioning gave me a deeper understanding of humanity.I talk about the fear that often hides inside trans hate, why trans and nonbinary people are “bridge people,” and why it’s okay to sink into your own being and explore who you truly are.Plus, a story about how my kid once asked what the rainbow flag means—and how the simple answer might be the truest one: Anyone can love anyone.Keep shining in the dark. 🌈

In this bite-sized episode, I’m shining a light on the truth about your survival instincts.Fight, Flight, Freeze, or Fawn — there’s no wrong way to stay alive, no matter what your inner critic says.So if you’ve ever shamed yourself for not fighting back… listen in, breathe deep, and thank your beautiful nervous system for having your back.HUZZAH, my friend — you survived. That’s enough.💡 Want more nuggets like this? Subscribe, share, and keep on shining in the dark!

You think you’re fine… but your neck is locked, your sleep is trash, and your fuse is about an inch long. So—how stressed are you really?In this episode, we talk about the sneaky kind of stress that builds up under the radar and how it quietly wrecks your body, mind, and emotional bandwidth.Enter: the Holmes-Rahe Stress Inventory—a decades-old psychological tool that actually quantifies your stress load based on major life events (good and bad).Want to take the quiz for yourself?👉 Click here to access the online assessmentWhether you're a low-key anxious overachiever or someone who swears “I’m not that stressed” while clenching your jaw like a pit bull, this episode is your gentle wake-up call.🎧 Listen in, tally your score, and see where you land: Zen, Frazzled, or Danger Zone.

I went on a 2-week solo cruise to Alaska, fully convinced I’d write an entire book while watching glaciers drift by. Spoiler alert: I didn’t. Not even close.In this episode, I share how this “unproductive” vacation turned into an unexpected rite of passage — the moment I realized I’ve officially become a real writer… because my brain refused to “work” on vacation.This one’s for the creatives, the self-employed, and anyone who struggles with the blurry lines between rest and work.💌 Includes: postcards, love letters, writer guilt, and a gentle reminder that doing nothing might be doing everything you need.✨ Love and learn, friends. And keep shining in the dark.

When you're first self-employed, an empty calendar can feel terrifying. You dream of being "booked solid"—stable, successful, secure. But what if not being booked solid is actually where the real magic lives?In this episode, I share how chasing constant productivity nearly burned me out—and how following excitement (instead of fear) changed my whole relationship with work, money, and life itself.

We’ve all heard the advice: trust your gut. But what if your “gut” is actually just your overcaffeinated monkey mind, spinning tales and hijacking your peace?In this episode, Dr. Kim shares a painfully funny real-life story from a peaceful sunrise walk that turned into an unexpected ego smackdown.If you’ve ever caught yourself judging strangers for imagined offenses 😬, this one’s for you.✨ Learn how to tell the difference between true intuition and neurotic storytelling🧠 Why your meat pudding brain doesn’t always have your best interests in mind🌈 And how to gently re-center in love, presence, and compassion when you’ve gone full Ragey McJudgersonKeep shining in the dark.#RainbowsInTheDark

Why do billionaires get weird? Why does whipped cream lose its magic after the fifth mouthful? And why did my long-running booty call survive for 15+ years… while a more “serious” relationship went off the rails in a fog of too much?In this episode, I dig into hedonistic adaptation—the sneaky way your brain gets used to pleasure, and how chasing “more” can quietly ruin the very thing that once brought you joy.We’re talking snacks, mailbox-shaped pools, and the science behind why modern life leaves us so unsatisfied (even with whipped cream in a can).If you’ve ever felt stuck on a treadmill of diminishing returns… this one’s for you.🧠✨ #HedonisticAdaptation #ThePleasureTrap #RainbowsInTheDark

After tracing the lifespans of over 100 of my ancestors—some going back to the 1600s—I’ve got news: the average human lifespan hasn’t changed as much as you think. Despite all the modern longevity fads, most people who survived childhood back then lived into their 70s and 80s… just like today. So maybe you can relax and skip the $500 cryotherapy membership?#Longevity #Ancestry #BiohackingMyth #GhostGrandpaWisdom #RainbowsInTheDark

Have you ever had something from the past sneak up on you and knock you down? You know it’s not really about the thing in front of you, but it still feels heavy—like a weight you can’t shake. That happened to me last week.I had one of the most intense self-healing experiences of my life, and I had to share it—because you can do this, too. No therapy, no substances, no rituals. Just you, your breath, and a willingness to feel what needs to be felt.In this episode, I share:✅ The unexpected emotional trigger that took me down✅ The simple but powerful self-healing method that changed everything✅ The 3 essential ingredients for deep emotional release✅ How you can try this for yourself—anytime, anywhereHealing is always available. We don’t have to force it—we just have to create space for it. If you try this for yourself, let me know what happens for you.🎧 Listen in and keep on shining in the dark!

Why are people so scared of trans women? Why is ‘trans panic’ always about penises? And why, across history and culture, has the penis symbolized power? In this episode, we dig into the unspoken gender hierarchy that shapes transphobia, misogyny, and why some men seem more afraid of unexpected genitals than actual violence. Buckle up—it’s a weird ride.

What if I really am a secret agent of the Dark Lord? What if my radical calls to love yourself and be kind to others are just part of Satan’s long con? Luring people into his diabolical trap of Love… only to slam the gates shut and start the fiery butt-poking?? 🤔Yeah. Let’s think about that for a second.In this episode, we dive into religious trauma, the fear of divine rejection, and the absurdity of the whole “what if I’m wrong?” mind game. If you’ve ever struggled with leaving a faith that told you you were doomed without it, this one’s for you. Spoiler alert: You can’t be left out in the cold because there’s no “out” to be left in. You’re already part of it all. And when you pop out of your meat suit, you’ll remember.Until then? Keep shining—even in the dark. 🌈🔥😈

Ever judged someone—only to later learn something about them that completely changed your perspective? The truth is, we never know the full story behind someone’s actions, struggles, or choices.In this episode, we explore:🔍 How much we assume about people without knowing their reality💔 Why understanding someone’s story can change everything🤯 The surprising way this applies to self-judgment, too🌎 How shifting your perspective can create more connection & compassionPeople are carrying so much more than they show. And sometimes, if we knew their secrets, we’d feel differently.✨ Has your perspective on someone ever changed after learning their story? Drop a comment —I’d love to hear it.

Transformation sounds beautiful in hindsight, but when you’re in it, it often feels like chaos, loss, or even destruction. The journey from dark to light isn’t instant—it’s a process.In this episode, we explore:⚫ Why darkness is often the first step toward real change🌅 How to navigate the in-between when you’re not where you were but not yet where you want to be🔄 The patterns and phases of true transformation🔥 Why forcing “positivity” too soon can actually slow down healingReal change doesn’t happen overnight—it happens in the messy, uncertain, uncomfortable middle. But if you trust the process, the light always finds its way through.✨ Have you ever gone through a dark-to-light transformation? Drop a comment —I’d love to hear your story.

Life is a wild ride—full of beauty, chaos, transformation, and unexpected twists. From the moment we arrive to the day we exit, we’re all navigating the same mystery.In this episode, we explore:🔄 Why birth and death are more connected than we think⚡ The unexpected magic in life’s messiest moments🌱 How every phase of life holds growth, loss, and renewal🌀 Embracing the unknown instead of fearing itLife isn’t just a straight path from A to B—it’s a wild, unpredictable, and sometimes ridiculous adventure. So how do we make peace with that?✨ What’s one magical mayhem moment from your journey? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear it!

In a world that moves fast and thrives on instant gratification, rituals can feel outdated—but what if they’re exactly what we need?In this episode, we explore:🔄 Why rituals ground us in times of chaos🔥 The difference between a habit and a ritual🧠 How small, intentional acts rewire your brain🌍 The role of ritual across cultures, healing, and personal growthRituals aren’t just for the “woo-woo” crowd—they’re for anyone who wants more meaning, stability, and connection in their life.✨ Do you have a personal ritual that helps you feel centered? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear it!

We all have monsters—those deep, hidden fears that lurk in the shadows of our minds. But what happens when you have to face them head-on… literally?In this episode, we explore:👀 The surprising ways our "monsters" show up in daily life🔥 How facing your biggest fears can lead to real transformation💀 That one time I actually came face-to-face with a real monster (or did I?)If you’ve ever felt like fear is holding you back, this episode is for you. Because sometimes, the only way out is through.✨ Have you ever faced a fear head-on? Drop a comment —I’d love to hear your story!

So, why Rainbows in the Dark? The name isn’t just a catchy phrase—it’s personal. In this episode, I share the weird, wonderful, and totally unexpected ways rainbows have shown up in my life, long before they became a cultural symbol. 🌈 How a mystery "Rainbow Man" mailed me joy as a kid 🎤 My very early media career as an elementary school Library Reporter 💀 Why I’ve always been drawn to both light & darkness 🚌 The day a bus driver changed my life by choosing black as his favorite colorIf you love rainbows but also appreciate a little shadow, you’re in the right place. This episode is a deep dive into why this podcast exists and what it means to me.✨ What’s your most memorable rainbow story? Drop a comment —I’d love to hear it!

Healing sounds beautiful—light, love, peace, rainbows… but let’s be real: it’s also messy, uncomfortable, and sometimes downright ugly. If you’ve ever felt like your healing journey doesn’t match the soft-focus Instagram version, this episode is for you. Why real healing is more than just “high vibes” The hard truths that come with deep healing work Why avoiding darkness actually slows down growth How to navigate the ugly, painful, and frustrating parts of healingIf you’ve ever wondered why healing doesn’t feel like a spa day, this episode will help you reframe the process—so you don’t get stuck when things get tough.✨ Have you ever hit a rough patch in your healing journey? Drop a comment —I’d love to hear your story!

Mainstream self-help is everywhere—books, podcasts, Instagram gurus telling you to "just think positive!" But what if some of this advice is... not so helpful? In this episode, we unpack the biggest myths, misconceptions, and downright bad advice that mainstream self-help often pushes. Why “just manifest it!” can backfire The toxic side of “good vibes only” When personal growth becomes a shame trap What actually works when you want to change your lifeIf you've ever felt like self-help is missing something, this episode is for you. Let’s talk about what actually helps—and what’s just feel-good fluff.🔹 Have you ever followed self-help advice that totally flopped? Drop a comment —I’d love to hear your story!

Love is powerful—not in some cliché, greeting-card way, but in a real, world-shifting way. In this episode of Rainbows in the Dark, we explore how deeply loving just one person—a friend, a partner, a child, even a stranger—can change the way we see the world, ourselves, and what truly matters.What if the ripple effect of love is bigger than we ever imagined?🎙️ Let’s talk about it.

Fear is the Real Enemy (Not Each Other) 😨➡️💡Fear divides us. It isolates, distorts, and keeps us from seeing each other clearly. In this episode of Rainbows in the Dark, we peek at some of the ways fear shapes our world—and how recognizing it can set us free.What if the real enemy isn’t “them” but the fear we project onto each other? Let’s talk about it.🎙️ Tune in for insights, stories, and maybe a perspective shift.

Welcome to Rainbows in the Dark! 🌈✨In this debut episode, I introduce the heart of Rainbows in the Dark—a podcast about finding meaning, beauty, and even a little magic in life’s hardest moments. We’ll explore grief, transformation, love, loss, and the unexpected ways darkness can lead to light.Expect real talk, deep dives, and perhaps the occasional kazoo solo. (No promises.)Let’s begin. 🎙️💫LMwznVpLHBLbHbEWllNj