Cafe Ribbit

"When did you become friendly with someone, who at first seemed too different or strange?" Hear answers from the beneficiary of a cat lady, a kickboxer with a low tolerance for bullying, and an Iowan, tasked in elementary school with her Venezuelan friend, to build a marshmallow pyramid.

Why is it harder for Glen, an English nurse, to see medical operations on television than in real life on the job? – SHOW NOTES "Casualty" (1986-ongoing): UK drama television series set in a hospital's Accident and Emergency department

When was it difficult to give time and energy to someone, but you still chose to? Hear answers from this week's guest writer, Daniel Olivieri, and a stranger in Philadelphia. – SHOW NOTES Chronometry by Daniel Olivieri (to be published after May 2023): https://www.speculativenonfiction.org/ Daniel's Writing and Design Work: https://epigraphing.com/ The Seven Day Circle by Eviatar Zerubavel You Don't Miss Your Water by The Byrds

"How have you tried to become more normal in the last two years?" Hear answers from a sunbathing man, a day-long gym member, a touring dancer, and other strangers in Philadelphia.

Sam M. combines musical genres for his electronic songs and mixes. In this interview, Sam and I laugh our way through defining "ambient" music, talk about falling under the spell of performers, and commiserate about presenting a consistent self and body of artwork on social media. – SHOW NOTES Sam's music and recommended mix: Bandcamp https://panphilia.bandcamp.com/ Mix https://soundcloud.com/milkw33dzero/rainbow-bridge-w-panphilia-0105 Song stuck in Sam's head: "Next Time Might Be Your Time" by "Blue" Gene Tyranny https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z84emXzTerc  

Which of your professional behaviors translate well to your personal relationships? Hear answers from a strategic gardener, a journalist, the owner of a variety/trinket shop, and other strangers in Philadelphia.

Michael Hudson Casanova is a jazz musician and teacher based in Chicago. In this interview Michael talks about creating his debut album "Echoes of Thought", specifically, writing for the play styles of his bandmates, post-producing over Zoom, and framing this milestone project as, simply, a point in his career worth documenting. – SHOW NOTES Michael's Music: Bandcamp https://mhcsounds.bandcamp.com/album/echoes-of-thought Music Video, "Felt Cute, Might Delete Later" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4FOiP3Vl2A&t=30s Michael's Recommendation: "Basu" by David Binney and Kenny Wollesen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyMNE75IuA4&t=1526s

What's a risky piece of information you wrote on your dating profile? Hear answers from a guy who is 5' 11", a friend group that shares one boyfriend, and a gentle giant.

Recall a strong memory of looking at yourself in the mirror. Hear answers from a pimply college freshman (class of 1981), a graphic designer who paints his face, and someone who knows how pretty they are.

Compliment something or someone you dislike. Hear answers from an upright bass player, a child who disdains Skechers, an art curator, and other strangers in Philadelphia.

When do you feel most like a child, and when do you think most like a child? Hear answers from a surfer, a vegan who loves ice cream, an animal rights activist, and other strangers in Philadelphia. – SHOW NOTES Interviewee's Music Recommendations: Wake With by TR/ST https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRY_YeL8Sbs Spray Paint by Black Moth Super Rainbow https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbY3bQI-OVA

What about your future is most difficult to not know the outcome of? Hear answers from an opera singer, a news stand owner, a poet, and other strangers on the streets of Philadelphia. – SHOW NOTES Audrey Lee Poetry Selected Work: https://neutralspaces.co/audreylee/ "Probably, Angels" Book: http://www.maverickduckpress.com/probably_angels.html  

What's a decision you're glad you made that not many people supported at the time?

Tim Hogeboom shares the process and personal impact of creating his Appalachian Trail documentary, North to Katahdin. — SHOW NOTES North to Katahdin film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVqr9Q7g8DI&t=36s Vagabonding by Rolf Potts: https://rolfpotts.com/books/vagabonding/

The staff of Viva Video, one of the last video rental stores, responds to... 1. Describe a life event that changed you and how it changed you. 2. If you made the event into a film, who would you choose to co-direct it with, and why?

What would you title the first and last chapters of a novel that told the history of your love life?

Four educators respond to... 1. How can a teacher facilitate a classroom in which students feel safe to share differing opinions? 2. Recall a memory of when you shared a different opinion in class.

Five Christians answer... 1. When you feel guilt, do you have trouble knowing if Jesus is judging you or you are judging yourself? 2. What do you think Jesus would say is strengthening your relationship with him, and what is weakening it?