THE UNSIDED PODCAST

This week I’m back with my longtime friend, Gabrielle Stone, for an unfiltered conversation about showing ourselves some much-needed compassion. We also dive into her recent health scare and how it shifted her view on vulnerability—not just in life, but especially in parenting.Gabrielle shares the raw realities of juggling motherhood and personal struggles, reminding us that it’s okay to not have everything figured out. We talk about the pressure to appear perfect, the beauty in embracing our flaws, how we can learn and grow through the chaos and what it means to actually believe you deserve to have the life you want.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or uncertain, this episode is your reminder that you’re not alone. Grab your headphones and join us for a chat that’s equal parts insightful, relatable and empowering. Let’s get into it.Have a conversation you’d like us to explore? Send us a text!Support the showProduced by Kristofer McNeeley Engineered and Edited by Kristofer McNeeley Original Music by Abed KhatibCover Art Design by Mohamad Jaafar

What happens when the parenting playbook we thought we had all figured out suddenly feels like it’s missing pages? In this episode of Unsided, I dive deep into the emotional landscape of raising teenage daughters, where joy and heartache coexist in unexpected ways.This isn’t just about the challenges; it’s about the profound growth we experience as we learn to let go and trust the process.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the expectations of parenting or questioned your own worth as a parent when the ground suddenly seems to be shifting underneath you, yeah - me too. Let’s get into it. Have a conversation you’d like us to explore? Send us a text!Support the showProduced by Kristofer McNeeley Engineered and Edited by Kristofer McNeeley Original Music by Abed KhatibCover Art Design by Mohamad Jaafar

In a world more connected than ever, why do we struggle so much to have real conversations? In this episode of Unsided, we dig deep into the reasons behind our reluctance to engage in meaningful discussions.We confront the discomfort and fear that often keep us silent and explore the power of active listening and open-heartedness in bridging divides. By understanding our barriers, we can create spaces for honest dialogue that fosters genuine connection.Join me as we unravel these complexities together. With curiosity and compassion, we can learn to embrace tough conversations, enrich our connection, and discover our shared humanity. Let's get into it. Have a conversation you’d like us to explore? Send us a text!Support the showProduced by Kristofer McNeeley Engineered and Edited by Kristofer McNeeley Original Music by Abed KhatibCover Art Design by Mohamad Jaafar

Emotions shape every part of our lives—but too often, we aren’t given the tools to understand or express them fully - especially men. In this episode, I sit down with my friend, actor/producer Robert Buckley, to explore what it really means to be emotionally available in a world that prizes strength over vulnerability.We dive into the differences between being nice and being kind, the subtle pull of people-pleasing, and the courage it takes to set real boundaries. Through honest stories from therapy, fatherhood, and everyday life, we unpack how embracing vulnerability and speaking your truth can transform the way you live, work, and love.More men are leaning into their emotions than ever before—but without a roadmap, it can feel like stumbling in the dark. This conversation doesn’t offer a neat conclusion. Instead, it’s a raw, honest, and surprisingly hopeful look at what it means to open your heart, take risks, and grow emotionally.Let's get into it. Have a conversation you’d like us to explore? Send us a text!Support the showProduced by Kristofer McNeeley Engineered and Edited by Kristofer McNeeley Original Music by Abed KhatibCover Art Design by Mohamad Jaafar

Have you ever carried the quiet (or not-so-quiet) belief that you’re supposed to do something extraordinary with your life? That if you don’t hit some invisible mark of greatness, you’ve somehow fallen short? Yup… me too.In this episode, I’m unpacking a thought that stopped me in my tracks: What if I’m not here to do anything “special” at all? I share how growing up praised for potential, chasing achievement, performing at high levels, and measuring myself against others created a constant pressure to prove something—and how one simple social media video felt like permission to exhale.If you’ve ever felt the weight of needing to be the best, the most successful, the most accomplished… this is your invitation to pause. What if special isn’t fame or fortune or impact on a global scale? What if it’s how you move through your ordinary Tuesday? How you love your people. How you keep your heart open. How you show up when no one’s watching.You don’t have to change the world to have a meaningful life. You don’t have to fulfill some grand potential to be enough. So what are YOU striving for—and why?Let’s get into it.Have a conversation you’d like us to explore? Send us a text!Support the showProduced by Kristofer McNeeley Engineered and Edited by Kristofer McNeeley Original Music by Abed KhatibCover Art Design by Mohamad Jaafar

Have you ever looked at the world of beliefs you've built your life around  and thought..."something about this just isn’t sitting right anymore."  But actually saying that out loud feels risky? Yeah. Your'e not alone. In this episode, I sit down with returning guest and Congressional candidate from Arkansas's 3rd Congressional District, Robb Ryerse, to talk about what happens when our personal beliefs begin to outgrow those of the communities that have shaped us. We explore faith without certainty, politics without tribal loyalty, and what it means to have the courage to ask questions. This isn’t a debate. It’s a conversation.  A conversation about curiosity, courage, and the quiet bravery of going first—especially when shifting your perspective could cost you belonging. If you’ve ever felt politically homeless, spiritually conflicted, or just exhausted by the us-vs-them narrative, this episode is an invitation to slow down, listen deeply, and remember that shared values might matter more than the sides we’ve chosen.Let’s get into it.SUPPORT ROBB'S CAMPAIGN https://www.robbforcongress.com/LEARN MORE ABOUT ROBBhttps://www.votecommongood.com/robb-ryerse/https://www.instagram.com/robbryerse/?hl=enHave a conversation you’d like us to explore? Send us a text!Support the showProduced by Kristofer McNeeley Engineered and Edited by Kristofer McNeeley Original Music by Abed KhatibCover Art Design by Mohamad Jaafar

Have you ever woken up on New Year’s Day—or any “big” day—and thought, This is it. I’m finally going to be different…and by the afternoon, you’re exactly the same? Yeah, me too.In this episode, I’m ditching the guilt, ditching the resolutions, and leaning into something far more powerful: curiosity and grace. I’ll share how I noticed my patterns without judgment, how I gave myself a little breathing room, and how one small choice changed my day—without “fixing” myself.If you’re tired of the pressure to have it all figured out, or if you’ve already failed your resolutions, this episode is your reminder: you don’t have to start over to start smarter. How about we get curious about who we are right now, show ourselves a little grace, and see where that takes us?Let's get into it.Have a conversation you’d like us to explore? Send us a text!Support the showProduced by Kristofer McNeeley Engineered and Edited by Kristofer McNeeley Original Music by Abed KhatibCover Art Design by Mohamad Jaafar

Recently I sat down with my friend and colleague Brandon Routh—you know, SUPERMAN Brandon Routh—and it wasn’t about movies or stunts or about Hollywood at all really. It was about life. About being vulnerable and brave enough to show up fully and lean into who you really are. About figuring out what matters to you when no one’s watching and how you can make the world a better place for those around you by first going within. We get into some of the big moments that have shaped him, the lessons he’s learned about trusting himself and others to allow him to be exactly who he is, and the ways he works to live intentionally—honestly, I think there’s a lot in here that anyone can relate to, whether you know him as a celebrity or just as a human figuring things out like the rest of us.It was definitely a conversation that stuck with me long after we stopped recording, and I think it’ll stick with you too. Let’s get into it.Have a conversation you’d like us to explore? Send us a text!Support the showProduced by Kristofer McNeeley Engineered and Edited by Kristofer McNeeley Original Music by Abed KhatibCover Art Design by Mohamad Jaafar

Sometimes it's just about showing up. It's not about perfection or greatness.  It's not about having it all figured out or controlling the outcome.  And that's not an easy pill to swallow if you have centered your life around planning everything out and following a prescribed path like I have.  The hard part of just showing up and allowing things to unfold is that it can feel incredibly vulnerable.  Terrifying even.  But we do hard things here.  We tackle hard conversations and we show up for ourselves.  Even when we don't think we have anything to give.  Let's get into it. Have a conversation you’d like us to explore? Send us a text!Support the showProduced by Kristofer McNeeley Engineered and Edited by Kristofer McNeeley Original Music by Abed KhatibCover Art Design by Mohamad Jaafar

If you have anything in your life that you feel like you are often asked to explain  or educate others about, this is the perfect podcast for you.  While my particular experience in this dynamic revolves around my sexuality, you could insert any word into that space; Race, Religion, Culture, Gender  - whatever the case is for you.   Our world operates in a binary understanding of most things, which leaves little room for those of us somewhere outside of that paradigm, and that kind of gap in understanding  leaves a lot of room for shame and fear to grow.  Whether you've spent your life feeling misunderstood for who you are or are just coming to understand what makes you the diving being that you are, I feel you.  We all deserve to live a life of acceptance and understanding - that's undeniable. The good news is, once we find those attributes within ourselves, the need to explain yourself  and pull the rest of the world along after us starts to fade away.  And that's when life can really begin to flow and unfold in ways you've only ever dreamed of.  If this resonates with you, stick around and join the conversation - I'd love to have you.  Let's get into it.  Have a conversation you’d like us to explore? Send us a text!Support the showProduced by Kristofer McNeeley Engineered and Edited by Kristofer McNeeley Original Music by Abed KhatibCover Art Design by Mohamad Jaafar

Free will is real.  At least as it relates to our freedom to make decisions in every moment. The freedom to choose to do things differently than we have in the past or to react with a different emotional choice to patterns we recognize in our lives.  No matter what is happening outside of us, we have the power to choose.  To simply decide.  It's not a new concept, and seems to have gathered a little bit of momentum lately on social media.  But what does that really mean?  And is it really that simple?  Listen in as I share the ways in which I've been exploring this concept and searching for my own answers.  Maybe something will spark for you. Or maybe it will just remind you that you held the power all along. Either way, I'd love to have you in the conversation with me.  Let's get into it. Have a conversation you’d like us to explore? Send us a text!Support the showProduced by Kristofer McNeeley Engineered and Edited by Kristofer McNeeley Original Music by Abed KhatibCover Art Design by Mohamad Jaafar

If you find yourself needing a bit of encouragement to forge your own path towards authenticity - no matter what others think of your plan - this is the podcast for you.  From growing up a queer kid in the suburbs of Ohio to leading a national conversation on LGBTQIA2+ awareness and acceptance, Jonathan Bennett has a wealth of wisdom to share with us about the road less travelled, and the rewards that await on the other side of the struggle to become our true selves.  You don't have to be queer to resonate with our conversation - you just have to be human.  And  have a desire to live your most honest life, regardless of the pressures you face to fit in.   Jonathan's story will inspire you to strive for more than just getting by.  And, you might just find the courage to speak your truth out loud, which is always a beautiful thing.  Let's get into it. Follow Jonathan:Jonathan's InstagramJonathan's TikTokHave a conversation you’d like us to explore? Send us a text!Support the showProduced by Kristofer McNeeley Engineered and Edited by Kristofer McNeeley Original Music by Abed KhatibCover Art Design by Mohamad Jaafar

The internet is terrible. Social media is ruining our children.  It was better before all of this.  That's where my brain was today before is sat down to record this podcast.  And, lucky you, I decided to bring you along as I try to make sense of all of the conflicting thoughts in my head.  Is it really that bad?  Is it ruining our mental health? Or are we simply approaching it the wrong way? It's such a fascinating topic, I could talk about it for hours. But we should probably start with 30 minutes for now...Let's get into it. Have a conversation you’d like us to explore? Send us a text!Support the showProduced by Kristofer McNeeley Engineered and Edited by Kristofer McNeeley Original Music by Abed KhatibCover Art Design by Mohamad Jaafar

I find the best conversations - the kind of conversations that are expansive and  life-changing - come with at least a bit of discomfort.  A bit of uncertainty. Because expansion of any kind involves growth and growth stretches us to look beyond what we think we know to be true.   Today's conversation with my friends Devin & Rowan will absolutely challenge you to step outside your structured thinking and open yourself up to the possibility that there are still so many things we have yet to learn about ourselves and others.  I will let the episode speak for itself, but suffice it to say I doubt you will have heard a story quite like theirs before. My hope is that one day soon a love story like theirs will not need a platform to promote acceptance and understanding. But for now this is the work we do to bring awareness to others.  I'm honored to have had the time with them and thrilled to share with you now.  Let's get into it. Want to learn more?Devin and Rowan's website, social media links, podcast info and more can be found by clicking  HEREHave a conversation you’d like us to explore? Send us a text!Support the showProduced by Kristofer McNeeley Engineered and Edited by Kristofer McNeeley Original Music by Abed KhatibCover Art Design by Mohamad Jaafar

If ever there were an episode that encapsulates the reason I started this podcast, this would be the one.  I recently had the opportunity to sit down with my dear friend, Tiffany Cooper, and just talk - my favorite thing to do, as you know.  Tiffany and I could not have come from more varied backgrounds and yet we have managed to forge a bond over decades that has allowed me to challenge and grow myself perhaps more than any other person I have ever met. Every single time I speak with her I learn something new about myself and about how remaining curious about other people's life experiences can teach me to be a better human.  Most importantly, she has taught me how to move through difficult conversations with grace and to put aside my preconceived notions so that I might expand my understanding of what it means to walk in another's shoes.  She's a fierce talent, a whip-smart intellect and an exceptional conversationalist.  So happy to share this hour with her and now with you, and if you'd like to know more about Tiffany - which I highly suggest you do -  follow the link below.  Let's get into it. https://www.tiffanycooper.com/podcast.htmlHave a conversation you’d like us to explore? Send us a text!Support the showProduced by Kristofer McNeeley Engineered and Edited by Kristofer McNeeley Original Music by Abed KhatibCover Art Design by Mohamad Jaafar

If ever there were a time for us to put aside our preconceived notions about others and truly think critically, that time is now.  Through the mediums of social media and the 24 hour news cycle, the weaponizing of belief systems to divide us and to shut down connective conversations is more prevalent and persuasive than ever.  If you've ever listened to an episode of this podcast you will know not to expect a takedown of any particular ideology or subject and this conversation will be no different.  So if you've come here for any other reason than to better understand how to listen and speak with grace about the seeds of division being sewn amongst people all over the world, I would kindly ask you to find something else to do with your time.  But if you want to challenge yourself to look for understanding across religious or political belief systems and look for the intersections of our shared humanity, please stay and join the conversation.  Still here?  Ok good - let's get into it...Have a conversation you’d like us to explore? Send us a text!Support the showProduced by Kristofer McNeeley Engineered and Edited by Kristofer McNeeley Original Music by Abed KhatibCover Art Design by Mohamad Jaafar

Do you have a fear of being perceived? Of putting yourself out into the world? Are you ever afraid of what people will think of you if you show up as your full, authentic self? Because same. And despite hosting a podcast and working in a very public industry for much of my life, sometimes it can all just become too much and the safest option feels like blending into the background of life.  But what's the fun in that? Where's the opportunity for growth in playing small?  So here I am.  And here we are.   And I'm so happy to be back in conversation with you again. Now...let's get into it. Have a conversation you’d like us to explore? Send us a text!Support the showProduced by Kristofer McNeeley Engineered and Edited by Kristofer McNeeley Original Music by Abed KhatibCover Art Design by Mohamad Jaafar

My guest for this episode is a man of many, many hats  - author, pastor, politician, husband, father to name a few.  Aside from being the current Political Strategist and Political Director at VOTE COMMON GOOD , he has been an outspoken thought leader  encouraging and embracing inclusion within the Christian Church. He is also currently a candidate for the United States House of Representatives  for Arkansas 3rd District, having begun his political career as part of the BRAND NEW CONGRESS initiative in 2018 - running alongside politicians the likes of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.   It's hard to encapsulate Robb's life into a small bio here, but needless to say he's a fascinating human and we had an equally fascinating conversation, primarily centered around his experience growing up in a fundamentalist religion and the ways in which that upbringing has inspired him to create and recreate his own understanding of what it means to be a Christian.  Whatever your religious or political leanings, if you come with an open mind and curiosity I can guarantee you will find something of value here to further expand your mind. And that's what our little corner of the podcast world is all about.  Let's get into it. LINKSRobb Ryerse InstagramBrand New CongressVote Common GoodHave a conversation you’d like us to explore? Send us a text!Support the showProduced by Kristofer McNeeley Engineered and Edited by Kristofer McNeeley Original Music by Abed KhatibCover Art Design by Mohamad Jaafar

There are very few statements I make with absolute certainty, and this is one of them: You will never find happiness from the perspective of blaming yourself or another.  Blame in any form is a soul killer. Trust me - I've tried it for much of my life. The key is to shift away from an "at-fault" mentality and really come to understand that blame leaves you powerless. That thing you are blaming halts your ability to move forward. When you focus on blame instead of growth you quite literally give your soul energy away to something you will never be able to change or control. It's madness and it's also built into the fabric of our relationships. But there is a way out of the cycle.  And it's simpler than you think. Let's get into it. Have a conversation you’d like us to explore? Send us a text!Support the showProduced by Kristofer McNeeley Engineered and Edited by Kristofer McNeeley Original Music by Abed KhatibCover Art Design by Mohamad Jaafar

On this episode I had the pleasure to sit down with musician, actor, father and my friend,  Marvin Jones III  - aka Krondon to his music fans -  and to dive into a topic that is often seen in western society as too vulnerable or weak to be discussed with the seriousness that it deserves - Men's Mental Health.  Speaking from my own personal experience I have spent much of my life resigned to my fate as a man.  Resigned to assigning my worth solely based upon what I have achieved and how much is in my bank account.     And while we as a society have made vast improvements in opening the dialogue, there are still millions of men suffering in silence to understand their value outside of their ability to produce. And it's killing men. Mentally, spiritually and physically.  If you are a man or have a man in your life that you love, this is an important conversation for you.   Certainly we can't answer all of the big questions on such an important topic in one podcast, but we can offer a safe space to explore our own understanding of what it means to take personal responsibility for how we show up as men and to offer support to the men in our lives who are doing their best to level up and look after their own mental health.  So stick around. This is a good one. Let's get into it. RESOURCES:MARVIN JONES III INSTAGRAMMARVIN JONES X/TWITTERKRONDON WIKIPEDIAHave a conversation you’d like us to explore? Send us a text!Support the showProduced by Kristofer McNeeley Engineered and Edited by Kristofer McNeeley Original Music by Abed KhatibCover Art Design by Mohamad Jaafar

Calling all my people pleasers out there!   You may think it's helping others or keeping the peace by sacrificing  your own happiness for another person or group of people, but trust me it's not.  And I speak from decades of experience.  It's actually quite harmful to everyone involved.  No shame, btw.  It's a pretty remarkable survival tactic and it probably helped you make it through a lot of your worst days  - especially as a kid with no control or agency over your life.  But now it's time to let it go. To show up authentically for YOU.  To speak and live your truth. To ask for what you need.  Easier said than done?  Maybe.  But worth it? Absolutely.  Let's get into it. Have a conversation you’d like us to explore? Send us a text!Support the showProduced by Kristofer McNeeley Engineered and Edited by Kristofer McNeeley Original Music by Abed KhatibCover Art Design by Mohamad Jaafar

Let me ask you a few questions - and be honest. How much do you REALLY know about US Immigration Policy?  Do you think you have enough of an education to have a solid opinion on the matter?  Do you think everything you hear about the current state of immigration in the United States is accurately portrayed in the media and by politicians?  Need more information? Luckily we have Immigration Attorney Robert Perkins with us for this episode.  Known by many as "The Immigration Professor",  for over 35 years Mr. Perkins  has successfully represented thousands of individuals and companies from all over the world in their immigration cases. He joins us to shed some light on the origins of the current U.S. immigration policies and offer his unique and experienced perspective on  perhaps why we are unable to come together as a nation  on such a crucial issue.Obviously, one podcast is too short a time to unpack all of the complexities here, but it's a good beginning towards understanding how we got to where we are. Oh, and as with every episode,  I've done my best to present this conversation as free from political ideology as possible and offer it as an unbiased education.  Just know that was my intention, and pay attention to any reaction you may have.  You might learn something about yourself, too.Let's get into it.Resources for Robert A. Perkins - The Immigration ProfessorWebsiteInstagramDisclaimer: The views of the guest do not necessarily represent the views of the host or this platform and should  not be construed as an endorsement for any specific point of view. This conversation is intended solely for educational and entertainment purposes and not as legal advice or opinion.Have a conversation you’d like us to explore? Send us a text!Support the showProduced by Kristofer McNeeley Engineered and Edited by Kristofer McNeeley Original Music by Abed KhatibCover Art Design by Mohamad Jaafar

Have you spent your life thinking one day you would FINALLY get to a place where you would just BE HAPPY?  Where all of your particular puzzle pieces would fall into place and you could kick back and coast on the good vibes? Yeah. Me too. That might just be a huge myth.  Or it might not. Let's get into it and you can decide for yourself.Have a conversation you’d like us to explore? Send us a text!Support the showProduced by Kristofer McNeeley Engineered and Edited by Kristofer McNeeley Original Music by Abed KhatibCover Art Design by Mohamad Jaafar

Gabrielle Stone literally wrote the books (Eat, Pray, FML and The Ridiculous Misadventures of a Single Girl) on how to heal from unimaginable grief and betrayal and build the best possible version of yourself.  She's a take no prisoners kind of gal and is definitely not afraid to tackle the uncomfortable questions.  She's also a great friend and a rad human, so who better than her to be my first guest ever?  Absolutely no one. Let's get into it. **EXPLICIT SUBJECT MATTER AND LANGUAGEHave a conversation you’d like us to explore? Send us a text!Support the showProduced by Kristofer McNeeley Engineered and Edited by Kristofer McNeeley Original Music by Abed KhatibCover Art Design by Mohamad Jaafar

Before we begin, you should probably know what you are getting into, don't you think? I'm Kristofer and I'm pretty much just a guy who's been through some stuff and has a lot of questions about a lot of things.  Probably very much like you.  I am insatiably curious. And, believe it or not, I profess to have no answers for you.  ZERO.  What I do have is a deep drive to explore every angle of a topic.  To  ask the big questions - the tough questions - and hopefully uncover some commonality amongst the billions of different ways each of us choose to live our lives.  Just one rule here:  Kindness and Respect above all else, no matter how uncomfortable  the conversations get, seeking always to better understand ourselves and others.  So stick around if you feel like it.  I'd love to chat with you.**EXPLICIT LANGUAGE**Have a conversation you’d like us to explore? Send us a text!Support the showProduced by Kristofer McNeeley Engineered and Edited by Kristofer McNeeley Original Music by Abed KhatibCover Art Design by Mohamad Jaafar

Join host Kristofer McNeeley on his search to uncover his own limited thinking and  better understand himself and others. Have a conversation you’d like us to explore? Send us a text!Support the showProduced by Kristofer McNeeley Engineered and Edited by Kristofer McNeeley Original Music by Abed KhatibCover Art Design by Mohamad Jaafar