Coffin Talk

Margaret Harchut is an extraordinarily ordinary woman who has spent her professional life in the law enforcement/legal world. She has also raised two fiercely independent women, which she considers her greatest accomplishments. Ultimately, she wholeheartedly embraces her life, wherever it takes her.Please rate us on Apple and/or Spotify and subscribe for free at mikeyopp.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe

Reverend Doctor Paul Meckes is an Ordained Minister and doctor in metaphysics with 30 years of field research in the paranormal and spiritual studies. He is also the host and director of Conscious Radio Network which broadcasts a weekly audio and video podcast series, "The Seance” that helps bring to light tools to help the human race live in harmony with itself and the cosmos.Please rate us on Apple and/or Spotify and subscribe for free at mikeyopp.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe

Houston Pierce is the Host of "1000 Crazy Questions." He is also a film lover and critic. He can talk about almost any topic and really loves nerdy pop culture, but he also thrives in deep conversations. For more, please visit “1000 Crazy Questions.”Please rate us on Apple and/or Spotify and subscribe for free at mikeyopp.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe

Dr. Lynn Banis is no stranger to grief. In three short years, she lost her mom, little brother, and husband. With a PhD in human behavior and decades of experience in coaching, Lynn knew she had the tools to help others. That's why she created Widows Rising Together - to help grieving men and women overcome loneliness and rediscover joy and purpose in life. Please visit her site: Widows Rising Together.Please rate us on Apple and/or Spotify and subscribe for free at mikeyopp.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe

Jenn Wodtke is an Orgasm and Pleasure Coach. She believes that when we experience our orgasm and pleasure to their fullest, we move into the divine and become fully empowered in all areas of life. No matter where you are on your pleasure journey— from pre-orgasmic to consistent—she can help you tap deeper into your pleasure, power, and divinity. Please support her at jennwodtke.comPlease rate us on Apple and/or Spotify and subscribe for free at mikeyopp.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe

Danny Whitson is a professional Stand-up Comedian, Magician, Podcaster, and Actor from Oak Ridge, TN. For the past 20 years he's been entertaining people with cards, coins, ropes, and anything else he can make disappear or crack a joke about. He has performed for celebrities, super bowl champions, and Grammy award winning artists, including Kevin McDonald from Kids In The Hall. He performs regularly at Harrah's Casinos and you can catch him on Amazon Prime in the Comedy horror movie WJHC-AM. In 2015, Danny helped break and set a new record for the Guinness World Record for the longest comedy show. Please support him at dannywhitsonmagic.comPlease rate us on Apple and/or Spotify and subscribe for free at mikeyopp.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe

Bjorn Lestrud focuses on helping others align with their authentic expression through sound and spirit. Drawing on years of exploration, including qigong, biofield tuning, and intuitive voice work, he guides people toward deeper connection and self-discovery. He believes the only true guru is you. For much more, please visit BlueDragonHealing.netPlease rate us on Apple and/or Spotify and subscribe for free at mikeyopp.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit mikeyopp.substack.comNikki and I talk about how to grieve, how to console, and even how to avoid compassion fatigue. We also talk about having pets even though we know we'll have to see them leave well before we want them to. This one is for Coffin Talk die-hards, but also normal people who need “end-of-life” advice. Thank you for being a premium subscriber!

Gloria Battini is a globally respected spiritual guide, mentor, and advocate for conscious living. She empowers individuals to find harmony within themselves, unlock their psychic gifts, and connect with the universal energies that surround us. For more please visit gloriabattini.comPlease rate us on Apple and/or Spotify and subscribe for free at mikeyopp.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe

Nikki Smith is an INELDA certified death doula and a grief coach, serving the terminally ill, dying, elderly and their loved ones with dignity and respect. Her goal is to help others embrace the end of life and share open and honest communication with their loved ones. She can take the burden and hold space so you can focus on what matters most in your final days and leave this world at peace. For more, including her podcast, please visit: nikkithedeathdoula.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe

Jummie Moses is the host of the Shifting Dimensions podcast, a thought-provoking space that delves into the mysteries of existence. Through conversations that explore spirituality and metaphysics, Jummie seeks to uncover the hidden threads weaving through these realms.Please rate us on Apple and/or Spotify and subscribe for free at mikeyopp.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe

Wes Woodson is a mental health public speaker, author of I Have Anxiety (So What?) and founder of The Wes Woodson Company. He is on the mission to inspire students everywhere to believe 3 words: I AM ENOUGH. Please check him out at weswoodson.comPlease rate us on Apple and/or Spotify and subscribe for free at mikeyopp.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe

Hi,I spent more than 100 hours on this 3 minute song and video.First, I wrote the song. Then I practiced the song. Then I recorded my guitar and vocals. I next sent those files to my amazing friend Ryan Dicker, a musical genius and sound engineer, who added bass and drums, before mixing it down. He's amazing.Then, I drew. Fifty times. Then I edited. And re-drew. And edited. Then I stopped. Warts and all…Please give it a listen, and please send it to a friend if you think they'd like the song and its message. I sincerely hope you enjoy this. I had so much fun. So much. And life is supposed to be fun, right?Lyrics:The Biggest Giant Ever (in the World)The biggest giant everThe biggest giant everThe biggest giant ever, in the worldOnce upon a time when dinosaurs ruled this landThere weren't any humans but the giants had clansand in this special group there was an extra-large manHe was the biggest giant, but no one understandsThe biggest giant everThe biggest giant everThe biggest giant ever, in the worldSwimming and sunshine and darkness and coldIn Flagstaff ya know, in Flagstaff I'm toldSwimming and sunshine and darkness and coldIn Flagstaff ya know, in Flagstaff I'm oldFear is just a word that people give to thingsBut there's no such thing, yeah there's no such thingFear is just a word that people give to thingsBut there's no such thing, yeah there's no such thing.The biggest giant everThe biggest giant everThe biggest giant ever, in the worldSwimming and sunshine and darkness and coldHe was the biggest giant at least that's what I'm toldbut even if he's tired or he's just feeling oldhe was the biggest giant in the whole wide worldAnd once upon a time when dinosaurs ruled this landThere weren't any humans but the giants had clansand in this special group there was an extra-large manHe was the biggest giant but you will never understand This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe

Susan Hensley is a transformational coach, speaker, and author dedicated to helping people navigate life's transitions with joy, creativity, and resilience. With decades of experience as a corporate executive and leadership coach, Susan has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that come with major life changes. For more, including her book, please visit: susan-hensley.comPlease rate us on Apple and/or Spotify and subscribe for free at mikeyopp.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit mikeyopp.substack.comThis month's bonus pod goes all over as distinguished tech columnist Jesse Hirsh and I discuss accountability, consequences, opinions, and positions. We even talk about Bill Maher, which makes no sense, since neither of us even likes him. Click HERE for the clip from CBC that got Jesse “canceled.”***THANK YOU FOR BEING A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER!***

Aaron French is a Spiritual Mentor, Medium and Akashic Reader. With a deep nondual foundation rooted in Daoist teachings, Aaron creates a grounded and heart-centered container which reveals the messages from the Akashic Records and our Guides, Angels and Ancestors. For more, please visit his website: naturalheartalchemy.com. You will NOT be disappointed!Please rate us on Apple and/or Spotify and subscribe for free at mikeyopp.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe

Jesse Hirsh is a futurist farmer who lives to mix ancient wisdom with contemporary technology. His farm, the Academy of the Impossible, is located in rural Northern Canada and combines agro-ecology with media and technology. He also runs an incredible news enterprise, Metaviews, which includes thoughtful essays and podcasts, as well as biting humor that fans of Mike Oppenheim will surely enjoy. For all that and more, please visit jessehirsh.com.Please rate us on Apple and/or Spotify and subscribe for free at mikeyopp.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe

Meilin Ehlke is an internationally acclaimed speaker, author, and visionary leader known for guiding individuals to connect deeply with their inner wisdom and the flow of life. With a unique blend of spiritual insight and practical grounding, she inspires transformative conversations about life's purpose, transitions, and the beauty of embracing the unknown. Meilin's heartfelt approach has empowered audiences around the globe to live with authenticity and intention. For more, please visit: meilinehlke.com.Please rate us on Apple and/or Spotify and subscribe for free at mikeyopp.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe

Gina Economopoulos was born in Syosset, New York to a loving Italian and Greek family. She graduated from Eastern CT State University and bartended then embarked on a 12-year convent journey after her mother's death. Now settled on the Jersey Shore, Gina works as an End-of-Life Doula, extending her compassionate heart to those in their final chapter. She found solace in sobriety as a proud Alcoholics Anonymous member, and her story of resilience through tragedy and faith inspires others to face life's challenges. To hear the full story, please buy Gina's book!Please rate us on Apple and/or Spotify and subscribe for free at mikeyopp.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit mikeyopp.substack.comIf you want to hear something that isn't designed to tell you what to think, this is the podcast for you. Adam Zuckerman is an intelligent, passionate, kind human, and he's also really smart and well informed. If you're exacerbated by the vibes of our cultural zeitgeist, he has realistic, practical advice for what you can do to help us unite and prosper…

Neil Matthews is a God-respecting, family-loving podcast host who also worships at the altar of UNC basketball (He has 45 plus pairs of shoes). If you're in need of inspiration and comradery, look no further, as you'll find both in his weekly podcast Other People's Shoes. Please rate us on Apple and/or Spotify and subscribe for free at mikeyopp.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe

Mike Farabelli is a 75-year-old human who has experienced life, death, and tragedy in many social classes and belief systems first hand. The one big lesson he's learned is to help others and to not intentionally hurt anyone, and he views himself as “basil in spaghetti sauce that should leave a good taste for humanity.”Please rate us on Apple and/or Spotify and subscribe for free at mikeyopp.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe

Candice Raine serves as the CEO of the Arizona Trauma Institute, whose mission is to “revolutionize the understanding of trauma-informed care and resiliency through authoritative research-based education, fostering transformation in every life we touch.” Driven by a deep commitment, she has dedicated her career to reshaping the dialogue around trauma, focusing on hope and the power of transformation. If you are interested in taking classes, for personal or professional development, Candice is offering a 10% discount across their entire training platform with the special code “raine-podcast”. Thanks for listening!Please rate us on Apple and/or Spotify and subscribe for free at mikeyopp.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe

Tim McCoy is a combat veteran, former law enforcement officer, tech and physical security business owner, and advocate for healing PTSD through alternative medicine. He also hosts “Tim Teaches,” a podcast that asks its guests to relate their trauma and growth, so others can learn better ways to overcome their personal struggles. Please rate us on Apple and/or Spotify and subscribe for free at mikeyopp.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit mikeyopp.substack.comIn this hilarious podcast, Mike opens up about what it feels like to be middle aged and dealing with two toddlers, an estranged son, two aging parents, one of whom is near the end of their life, and why a lot of people truly don't care about what other people care about and how we can find peace in that…

Cesar Cardona is a public speaker taught by Sri Lankan and Tibetan Buddhist monks. Originally an Atheist, after surviving death-like trauma three times after childhood, he decided to investigate other disciplines and fell into Buddhism. He now offers a unique perspective on resilience and mindfulness, inspiring audiences to embrace growth and strength through life's challenges. Click here to learn more from his site.Please rate us on Apple and/or Spotify and subscribe for free at mikeyopp.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe

Steve is a podcaster and occasional YouTuber for all things literature and content creation, among other things. Check out his phenomenal community at “pagechewing” and see for yourself why he became so successful. Please rate us on Apple and/or Spotify and subscribe for free at mikeyopp.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe

There is a popular saying in America that offers succinct insight into our culture. I think it was coined by Gen-X, but I'm not sure. What I do know is that this cliché is unique, because the only way to understand it is by hearing the speaker's tone.The expression is a reply to the American greeting, “How's it going?”, and, at face value, the response, “I'm living the dream,” sounds nice. However, as all native speakers know, this can imply that the person is elated, or absolutely miserable!Which, full circle, is the best example I can think of to illustrate the impossibly inconsistent reality of “life in America.” For some, “life's a dream,” but for others, it's an endless, devastating slog of 40+hour work weeks with little to no time off.I won't bore you with statistics, but suffice it to say it's common knowledge now that Americans, for decades, have been taking less vacations and paid-time off than other first-world countries, even the ones bosses love to stereotype as “worse than us.”Why does this matter? It matters because Americans now use, “I'm too tired from work” as an excuse for everything, even giving up on ourselves and others, and it's harming society. People are now “too tired” to be healthy, spend time with family, keep in touch with friends, and care about their community, and the result? Obesity, crime, suicide, and “low information” rates are skyrocketing “from sea to shining sea.”I started writing about the conspicuous meanings for “I'm living the dream” because it's a “binary term” that exposes our division, but I also think it's important to study because it uses sarcasm, a relatively new, but now stable aspect of American culture. Sarcasm is my favorite rhetorical device—FULL STOP. I'm deeply sarcastic, and it gets me in trouble all the time. For example, I often offend others with “wry jokes” about my son's abduction, and I recently made a sarcastic joke about an item in a stranger's grocery cart that 99% of us would get, but she didn't, and I hurt her feelings.However, the older I get, the more I see the disturbing reason for why and how people like me are so attracted to sarcasm. It's because, sometimes, it's a device we can use to deceive others when we're emotionally broken and can't handle our devastation.Like, I obviously don't find anything funny about what my ex-wife has done with our son and how it's affected him, me, my family, and even my friends, all of whom abruptly lost access to a boy we love and had been investing our hearts into.Ergo, it's probably not funny when someone is asked, “How are you?” and their impulse is to employ a sarcastic comment about The American Dream to mask the fact that they're emotionally broken from their participation in our “work culture.” Which makes sense, since some jobs are degrading and others are meaningless, and in both cases, they embitter the person to the point where they feel like they aren't valuable or valued, both of which create resentment. This is how “classism” works.But there's a third reason many Americans have a sarcastic opinion of our “work culture,” and this is why many of us feel like social order is breaking down. The other reason our working-class has resentment against the system/culture is because many Americans have jobs that are not degrading and do have meaning, but they're forced to do it so much that it bleeds into their “regular life” and this is why we now use the scariest term I've ever heard in my life: “work-life balance.” If you really think about this term, it's psychotic. It implies that we have a life, and then a “non-life” called work. That's deranged, and it ‘promotes' rage and apathy.And before you call me “pink,” I know that “work” and capitalism aren't the problem. People are resentful in socialist and communist countries too. What people resent is feeling like they're not helping the team, or that the team is taking them for granted.Here's my advice (because you shouldn't complain unless you offer a solution):Few, if any of us, can stop corporations from “doing what corporations do,” but all of us can give compassion to people with degrading or meaningless jobs, and we can also show compassion to wealthy people who were bamboozled into trading free time for money. These people might have more than others think they need, but they also suffer as they age and realize that instead of “living,” they worked all the time.The point I'm trying to make, and I think it's consistent, is that with deep, philosophical inquiry, it's possible to understand people who are not like us and whom we will never be like, and with this process comes great peace. No wise person ever said “love everyone,” let alone “like everyone.” What they say, over and over again, is “accept everything,” which includes “bad” systems and “bad” people.I love the environment and so do you! After all, the environment gives us everything we love and need, from the oxygen we breathe, to the junk food we eat, standing over the trashcan at 11pm (Just me?). That's why I think you should listen to my interview with David Auge, a prominent figure in the field of environmental management. David is on a mission to transform the humanities' approach to looking at sustainability issues. He is a Certified Sustainable Development Professional, Energy Manager, Hazardous Material Manager, a registered Professional Engineer. He's also really, really, like super-duper smart. Let's hope osmosis works! Listen here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe

David Auge is a prominent figure in the field of environmental management. He is on a mission to transform the humanities' approach to looking at sustainability issues. He speaks at business and environmental conferences and has invested numerous hours of practice and research into the areas of how best to communicate sustainability. He is a Certified S… This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe

Tina Olive Jenkins (now Thilmony, pronounced: TILL-MONEY, not THIL-MOAN-Y like 'Moaning Murtle' from 'Harry Potter') is a 32-year-old who quit her job at a call-center 3 years ago to focus on her career as an author. She was also born pre-mature, weighing less than three pounds, and is considered a “Miracle Baby.” Both of her novels are in the editing stages, but she tides her fans over with short stories on her Substack, so please check that out as your host Mike is a HUGE fan! Please rate us on Apple and/or Spotify and subscribe for free at mikeyopp.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe

Ellen Sickenberger is a professional dance artist currently based in Phoenix, Arizona with roots in the northeast. She spent many years working as a freelance artist in NYC and abroad in the middle east, where she performed and toured with various contemporary dance companies and presented work as a choreographer. She currently works as an arts coordinator and continues to develop her company, Depth Dance.Please rate us on Apple and/or Spotify and subscribe for free at mikeyopp.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit mikeyopp.substack.comThis is a personal podcast, meaning, it's just me, trying to get personal, with you…If you like this, it's what the premium package features: compelling non-fiction, fiction, and personal podcasts. Enjoy! Please heart and share if you enjoy this.

Peter Teuscher is a business and life coach who draws from his broad range of experiences to inspire others with coaching and writing. Peter's personal development journey really kicked off when he faced serious mental health issues in his early thirties. He uses his diverse background and experience to help others discover their highest potential by becoming aware of and changing the thoughts, beliefs, and habits that stand in their way. For more please visit: https://www.peterteuscher.comPlease rate us on Apple and/or Spotify and subscribe for free at mikeyopp.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe

Jonathan Aslay is a dating coach with an expanded philosophy of love. After losing his 19-year-old son Connor in 2018, Jonathon's grief led him on a soul-searching inner journey, where he became aware of an often-overlooked dimension of the dating conversation: a distressing lack of self-worth, self-regard, and self-love. He is now on a mission to encourage everyone to fully love themselves and he wrote about it in his book, “What the Heck Is Self-Love Anyway?” Click here for more!Please rate us on Apple and/or Spotify and subscribe for free at mikeyopp.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe

Sean O'Grady is a global god of photography and videography. He's also been sober for nearly 8 years. And not “California sober.” This man participates in the same grueling world as everyone else, only he does it without any chemicals, all day, every day. Thanks to his tremendous drive and heart, Sean initiates positive, social change with his photography, and he feels blessed to do what he loves. However, we barely talk about his work because Mike is too busy asking him every question he can think to ask someone who has been sober for nearly a decade. Check out Sean's work HERE. Please rate us on Apple and/or Spotify and subscribe for free at mikeyopp.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe

Alina Bartuli is "just another Korean Ukrainian American podcasting from El Salvador."Please rate us on Apple and/or Spotify and subscribe for free at mikeyopp.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe

Kirk rose to international prominence as the lead counsel for the infamous Jodi Arias. He has written for the New York Daily News and authored eight books.  He has also appeared on Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, Court TV, Law and Crime Daily, Dr. Oz, The Mel Robbins Show and The Today Show. Kirk has also been featured in documentaries on Discovery ID and the Oxygen Network and worked as a model and actor. Yet of all he has done, nothing brings him more joy than spending time with his wife of 32 years and his dog Ron. Want more? Visit www.kirknurmi.comWe talk about the Menendez Brothers, mental illness + insanity, the Supreme Court, punishment, incarceration, rehabilitation, corporal punishment, corrections, prison, retribution, shame, justice, ethics, social control, deviance, juvenile delinquency, policing, reform, lockdowns, and why Mike is absurdly paranoid. It's a fun time.Please rate us on Apple and/or Spotify and subscribe for free at mikeyopp.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe

Marshall Roupp is a teacher, performer, and family member. He has taught special education and worked in mental health for over 20 years, has been on stage for comedy shows, and is the proud father of a 3-year-old girl who makes him happy to be alive. He tells us about his road to success, which features an "insanely lucky MS diagnosis" that certainly didn't seem that way when it came on his thirtieth birthday!Please rate us on Apple and/or Spotify and subscribe on your favorite app! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe

"Nurse Jenn" is a Registered Nurse in Ontario, Canada who has worked in Emergency Rooms all over Ontario. She has a passion for helping those recent nursing graduates grow into the nurses they dream they'll be, while avoiding the common pitfalls along the way. She is always happy to help healthcare workers looking for wellness resources, and has recently written a book about nursing and intuition!Please rate us on Apple and Spotify and subscribe for free at mikeyopp.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe

Please join me in a large milestone in my life: Coffin Talk's 200th show!This episode features me, alone, answering listeners' solicited (and unsolicited) weird, invasive, and interesting questions. I also talk about my most memorable episodes and reveal the most downloaded episodes from our 3+ years of weekly programming.I'll be honest: I was very afraid to do this, so that's exactly why I did it.Please take 1 minute to rate our podcast on Apple and/or on Spotify. Also, setting an app to auto-download really helps, even if you occasionally listen. Downloads and positive reviews take us to the next level. Thanks for continuing to support us! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe

Joe Van Wyk is an author, father, and Christ-follower who has served clients with his gifts in photography, videography, design, and publishing for over 30 years. A previous urban street photography fanatic, he is now a lover of mindful photography and hikes in the pine trees and walks along roaring rivers. Joe lives in Glenwood Springs, Colorado with Frankie the Doodle. You can find Joe's mindful photography vlogs and helpful resources at JoeVanWyk.com and MindfulPhotography.org.Please rate us on Apple and Spotify and subscribe for free at mikeyopp.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe

Kat Jutras is the state advocacy director for Death Penalty Alternatives for Arizona (DPAA). DPAA focuses on death penalty abolition and issues related to the criminal justice system in Arizona. Website: www.azdeathpenalty.orgPlease rate us on Apple and Spotify and subscribe for free at mikeyopp.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe

James F. Richardson is a Ph.D. cultural anthropologist who has studied American society for twenty years as a market research consultant. He is also the author of a new nonfiction book, Our Worst Strength, which questions our American approach to individualism as a way of life. He lives in Tucson, Arizona where he writes a weekly Substack, Homo Imaginari, for a growing international readership.Please rate us on Apple and Spotify and subscribe for free at mikeyopp.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe

Laura Alyn is a polymath whose goal is to reignite the joy of learning. She is also the founder of Belaspri Productions, a publishing company that opens the gates of knowledge to catalyze personal, societal, and universal growth. She also hosts two podcasts: Grounded Spirits and ILA Radio, and she's an author of many books. For all this and more, please check out her Amazon page!Please rate us on Apple and Spotify and subscribe for free at mikeyopp.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe

I have known Chris Davis for more than 20 years (we met in college). A frequent listener of the podcast, he has the honor of being our first repeat guest! He wanted to come on to update and revise some of his prior statements about technology, the future, and humanity, and boy does he! This is one for the record books. Follow Chris on IG @all.night.wrong. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe

After growing up overseas and traveling extensively, Kirsten realized it's more fun when everyone is invited to the sandbox, so she went to Seminary and got her MDIV. Now she is a creative who strives to bring different voices and points of view on her podcast Byte Sized Blessings as well in her re-writes of the Peter Rabbit book series.Please rate us on Apple and Spotify and subscribe for free at mikeyopp.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe

Leah Lothringer is a 40-year-old Australian living in Washington DC and working in IT strategy. She was on a business trip in the United States with no family or connections when COVID-19 broke out in 2020 and was legally forbidden from returning to Australia for more than a year! She ended up meeting her significant other and remained here, only to receive a diagnosis for a rare aggressive cancer that was cured in 2023. She's also connected to death through her life-long hobby of identifying, visiting and photographing abandoned buildings all over the world (the older, more distressed, and haunted, the better). Oh, and her grandparents were Holocaust survivors! Check out her photography on Instagram.Please rate us on Apple and Spotify and subscribe for free at mikeyopp.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe

Josh Abbandonato calls himself the ultimate derelict. Why? Because he, like every other successful person on the planet, has experienced failure. He's failed at marriage, business, parenting, friendship, you name it—and he's learned from all of it. After all, failure is just the next step in success. He recently joined the ranks of middle age after turning 40 and started a podcast, The Derelict Podcast, where he opens up his soul every week to help other successful people deal with “failure” in their life. He's also the father of 3 wonderful kids!Please rate us on Apple and Spotify and subscribe for free at mikeyopp.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe

Jenks Farmer is a renaissance plantsman. He fell for plant sciences at Clemson University, for botanical garden design at the University of Washington, and for the natural world during an early education from a family of artists, musicians, and farmers. For 20 years, he has led teams to plant and establish the vision for two of South Carolina's major botanical gardens. He also designs gardens for homes, museums, and businesses and has established multiple internship programs. Jenks is also the author of numerous books. He lives with his husband and family on an 18th-century South Carolina farm, now the site of a pioneering mail order nursery specializing in organically grown plants of the genus Crinum. For MUCH more, please visit jenksfarmer.com. This episode has an inspiring ghost story too!Please rate us on Apple and Spotify and subscribe for free at mikeyopp.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe

After the death in 2019 of her husband Sam, the love of her life, Vicki Paris Goodman was unexpectedly flooded with optimism and presented with a host of possibilities for an exciting and meaningful future. She wrote To Sam, With Love: A Surviving Spouse's Story of Inspired Grief. For more information, including a discount on her book, please visit VickiParisGoodman.com and InspiredGrief.comPlease rate us on Apple and Spotify and subscribe for free at mikeyopp.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe

Furkhan Dandia is a therapist, podcaster, author, and men's group facilitator who puts his mental, physical, and spiritual health at the forefront to embody discipline, integrity, consistency and hard work. However, this wasn't always the case. First, he spent 20 years in the corporate world as an engineer, then he became a father, and finally he went through a divorce that helped him to start aligning himself with his purpose in life. For more, please visit: eunoiazen.comPlease rate us on Apple and Spotify and subscribe for free at mikeyopp.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe