In The Shoes Of - See the World From Another Perspective

This is part 5 of the “If an alien who looked like Benedict Cumberbatch asked you this…” series.    At the end of each episode, I usually set the scene and ask the guest to advise an alien how they see life on the planet. Because it's always at the end, there's a good chance you've missed some of these gems! Welcome to the Alien Answer series. 

This is part 4 of the “If an alien who looked like Benedict Cumberbatch asked you this…” series.    At the end of each episode, I usually set the scene and ask the guest to advise an alien how they see life on the planet. Because it's always at the end, there's good chance you've missed some of these gems! Welcome to the Alien Answer series. 

This is part 3 of the “If an alien who looked like Benedict Cumberbatch asked you this…” series.    At the end of each episode, I usually set the scene and ask the guest to advise an alien how they see life on the planet. Because it's always at the end, there's good chance you've missed some of these gems! Welcome to the Alien Answer series. 

This is part 2 of the “If an alien who looked like Benedict Cumberbatch asked you this…” series.    At the end of each episode, I usually set the scene and ask the guest to advise an alien how they see life on the planet. Because it's always at the end, there's good chance you've missed some of these gems! Welcome to the Alien Answer series. 

At the end of each episode, I usually set the scene and ask the guest to advise an alien how they see life on the planet. Because it's always at the end, there's good chance you've missed some of these gems! Welcome to the Alien Answer series. 

In this talk, Dan gets real about drug addiction and what’s really going on in the hearts and minds of addicts. He offers tools for dealing with reality when drugs are no longer an option, and at the end shares an incredibly enlightening fable that sums up the whole conversation.

In Prince Edward Island, Canada, Nicholas gets real with talks about schizophrenia, the ubiquitousness of music in all things, drug and alcohol use, being a Christian, paranoia, not fitting into the standard mold of society, and how in the midst of this diorama he is a Canadian Trump supporter.     Check out his music on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ftYwXJpnR50

If asked the question "if New York was a person, what would it say about humanity?" what would you say? That's the very question that was presented to various people in Manhattan, and their answers are right here in this episode. 

In this short and sweet episode, a few parade-goers were asked what message the Austin Pride Parade would give to the world. 

This episode is different. In it, you'll "hear" from 15 people who are no longer with us in the realm of the living, narrated by Jeremy Nickel. Information about the person will be presented first, then quotes (if available) will be read.  Here are the 15:  * Marcus Aurelius * Harriet Tubman * Finds Them and Kills Them * Mirabai * William Lloyd Garrison * Aaron Swartz * Amina, the Queen of Zaria * Nelson Mandela * Robin Williams * Jalal-ad-Din-Muhammad Rumi * Yaa Asentewa * Chief Joseph * Helen Keller * Maya Angelou * Charlie Chaplin

Living in accordance with the authentic self, true communication, surrendering to life, and much more is discussed in this interview with Nadine Blochberger.    From her website at https://www.imagimo.me/.   And what is the Art of Life itself? Our life is a work of sacred art in progress. It cannot be dictated to us by the expectations of others. Our essence is expressed in the world through the choices we make about how we wish to live.

In a serendipitous meeting at a cafe in Washington D.C., I spoke with Michael Harris II and found out that he not only had some great insight into humanity but was the nephew of Dr. Lucas. Dr. Lucas is the daughter of Dr. Curtis W. Harris Sr. and Dr. Ruth Jones Harris, who are both fascinating figures in and of themselves (Curtis W. Harris can be seen in many a photograph with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.). We talk about family, freedom, equitability, and much more in this talk.

How does one stay positive after being diagnosed with cancer? Jodie Guerrero offers her advice on the subject as an expert. Why an expert? Because she’s been through it three times.   Jodie is a triple cancer survivor - a multiple medical trauma survivor - and has dodged death six times   Learn more about Jodie at: http://www.jodiesjourney.com/

Bridget Clinch was in the Australian army, and was pretty content in life with one exception: she knew she was a woman, had the body of a man, and the Australian army at the time didn’t allow transgender soldiers.    Rather than letting the ruling policy of a nation’s armed forces deter her, she fought. Listen to the episode to gain valuable insight into Bridget’s life, how she did what she did, and moreover, how she sees life on this pale blue dot.    Follow or get in touch with Bridget on all major social media platforms.

Zakiyyah Walker is a Personal Revolution Coach for Black Women. She helps Black Women get clear on what they really desire absent of societal expectations. She knows that women are tired of fighting for others and neglecting themselves.  She’s committed to helping Black Women remove their “crown of thorns” and heal from societal and generational baggage and ancestral trauma. Together, we face hard truths, break unhealthy patterns and embark on the path to your very own Personal Revolution. Visit her at LeoSeason.com  She is also the owner of the Legacy Apparel Line Joyceskid.com."

Stress. Sacrificing health and vitality for a job and others. Complete and utter burnout. You may be experiencing these things, and if so, listen to this episode.  There are many who are stuck in the proverbial rat race, vying for perfection in the name of accumulating more things and titles, only to find themselves unable to function because of the high price it takes on the psyche.  Bronwen Sciortino explains how she arrived at her breaking point, how she got out, and now works to empower others to approach life a bit differently. She is the author of the book "Keep It Super Simple" and runs the website Sheiqlife.  

While visiting Mont Royal in Montreal, Canada, I stumbled upon a truly masterful pianist. But the story didn't stop at the masterful piano playing; William was born in Syria and has a fun and interesting story to tell regarding how he ended up in the Western World. 

Sex is a fundamental aspect of the human social condition and human biology (obviously we wouldn't be here without it). Why is it still so...misunderstood, sometimes abused, feared, or associated with darkness? Sarrah Rose works full time with those who need help with healing in the area of all things sexual. We discuss taboos, where they originate, what sexual repression can lead to, and much more.  Check her site out at http://tantricactivation.com. For a special gift, go to http://join.tantricactivation.com/pop.  

In The Shoes Of is back in business! Planned interviews will still be done, but like this episode, many in the future will be raw on the fly footage from random meetings with interesting people around the world. In this episode, we meet a 77-year-old taxi driver who has some wisdom regarding health and longevity, representatives from the longest protest in U.S. history, and from a mother and daughter who had just experienced the Museum of African American History and Culture.   *FYI: I changed the title to DC Discussions because the original name was a tad too close to an established band’s name; no worries YouTube, it’s been changed. The audio may or may not be edited to reflect that. Stay tuned for a new episode every Monday.   

In part 3 of the three-part interview with Christopher Moore, we discuss the impact his books have had on individuals, and if that's something that he is ultimately conscious about, specifically with regard to his legacy as an author. Then, theft of original work; how his work has been stolen time and time again. Finally, we find out how Chris would explain life on planet earth to an alien being. 

In part 2 of the three-part interview with Christopher Moore, Chris sheds some light on things that annoy him and bring him joy. He's traveled around the world to research the places and people he writes about, which lead to some interesting discussions around the drink Tuba and the mild stimulant Betel Nut. Lastly, we talk about how current events and the Internet can affect the work of a writer. 

Welcome to the world of Christopher Moore, author of 16 bestsellers. Chris has a superpower, which is being able to write stories that somehow take you completely out of your own life and world, and into one that is poignantly hilarious, emotionally vivid, authentic, and outrageous in the best sense of the word. In a world where screen celebrities are, well, celebrated, take some time to read some of his books and become a fan of someone who can introduce new worlds in your imagination.  In part 1 of the three-part interview, we talk about whether there are any autobiographical aspects to his writing, evolutionary biology, beta males, and the fact that there is no "there-there" when it comes to being a successful novelist.   

Erica Blocker is a mother, side business strategist, founder of Moms With Dreams University, and fellow podcaster. In this episode, we talk about the Black Panther movement, Black culture, being a mom and all that entails, and living a life of purpose and pursuing dreams especially because you're a parent. This conversation sparked some parallel thoughts from the incredible "Seeing White" series from Scene on Radio, which I believe should be listened to with an open mind by everyone on the globe, though especially Americans.   

Juan Escalante came to the United States when he was 11. When he found out later that he was undocumented and how much it would cost him and his family just to live, he decided to fight for change. Then DACA was introduced, and it seemed like a dream come true. Now that dream is being meddled with and shattered for almost 1 million people and will affect millions more. Curious about DACA and Dreamers? Listen to what Mr. Escalante has to say on the subject. 

Shintaro Shimosawa is a writer, producer, film director, and always a DJ based in Los Angeles, CA. In this episode we talk about his roots in Chicago, taking risks, and truly following passions in life. Want to know what some of the best advice is that he’d received from his high school football coach? Listen to find out!

Can the US military be compared to Buddhist monks? Is there a matrix? Are there zombies among us? In this fascinating discussion, we talk about all of this and more, including a very powerful illustration of life painted with words at the end of the episode. 

It's a rare thing to come across a modern day renaissance man, but Dr. Sharad Paul certainly fits the bill. He is not a dilettante; he knows and commits to quite a few amazing things in life. He's an author of fiction and non-fiction (including the Genetics of Health), a Scientist, a Geneticist, an animal Biologist, a Skin Doctor, a University Teacher, a Ted Talk alumni, Blue Zone Expert, and an Entrepreneur. He also wears cool shoes. 

A marriage and family counselor in Newport Beach, CA, Aida Vazin has an incredible story. She was born in Iran, fled from war with her family to Sweden, then ended up in the U.S. In this episode, we talk about physical memory, mythology, religion, holistic psychology, and many other topics.    One question that was asked of Aida was what she thought drove people to commit atrocious acts of mass murder, and her answer was very different from what was expected.    If you've ever wondered why some people decide to do heinous acts like shooting people en masse, she has an answer, though it may not be what you’re expecting. 

He’s an Emergency Room doctor, a Muslim, and hails from Guyana. Dr. Kudrath addresses the current political polarization in the States and abroad in perhaps the most open and diplomatic way imaginable. We talk about curiosity, the importance of seeing life from other's perspectives, and overall just living life fully.

The vagus nerve, collective hypomania, suicidal contagions, alcoholism, sensing sociopaths, and a whole lot more. In this talk, Yossarian discusses why we tend to do things that have unfortunate effects on our lives, how he himself has fallen in life, how he's biohacking his way to a new and improved self, and of course much more. 

Born in Okeana, OH, after college Amy got a job as a costumer in New York. She talks about long working days in NY, how the film industry utilizes church basements “religiously," the relationships that develop among co-workers (both good and bad), modern day misogyny, drugs and death in the midwest, and her switch from the entertainment industry to tech.

Stone Movers. Ancient prayer traditions. Wandering at the age of 3 on the California coast. Zak Flying Around embodies curiosity and humility and has some great stories about his life as a stone mover. 

In this episode, I spoke with Tina Russek, the gifts-in-kind manager at the L.A. Mission in, you guessed it, Los Angeles, CA. Tina has a background in radio, hotel catering, and sales. That is what she used to do...until she was called to work in an area of Los Angeles called Skid Row.