Inherently Human

Aden Debord, 21,is a student of "meme culture," and the extent to which memes are ingrained in the internet experience. His friend, Jim Newman, 73, is familiar with the word "meme." But that's about it. In this episode he learns -- thanks to Aden's understanding of the subject -- just how dimly he's comprehended the interlocking complexities of what memes on the internet are all about. Turns out, meme's are their own subculture!

Aden Debord, 21,is a student of "meme culture," and the extent to which memes are ingrained in the internet experience. His friend, Jim Newman, 73, is familiar with the word "meme." But that's about it. In this episode he learns -- thanks to Aden's understanding of the subject -- just how dimly he's comprehended the interlocking complexities of what memes on the internet are all about. Turns out, meme's are their own subculture!

Aden Debord, 21, and Jim Newman, 73, engage in a philosophical discussion of the benefits of expressing deep emotions quickly and clearly as an aid to communication. Actors, of course, train to display a multitude of emotions with great ease and clarity. Aden suggests that perhaps the average man or woman becomes an actor too, though with the goal of concealing true emotions behind a mask. The two friends agree that, as ironic as that theory is, it's probably true. Aden is facing his senior year at Portland State University. His focus won't be on acting or entertainent but on helping people. Jim and Aden talk about remarkable technologies available to help care givers save lives.

Aden Debord, 21, and Jim Newman, 73, engage in a philosophical discussion of the benefits of expressing deep emotions quickly and clearly as an aid to communication. Actors, of course, train to display a multitude of emotions with great ease and clarity. Aden suggests that perhaps the average man or woman becomes an actor too, though with the goal of concealing true emotions behind a mask. The two friends agree that, as ironic as that theory is, it's probably true. Aden is facing his senior year at Portland State University. His focus won't be on acting or entertainent but on helping people. Jim and Aden talk about remarkable technologies available to help care givers save lives.

Aden Debord, 21. delves deep into the internet, playing games on-line, watching YouTube channels, etc. He says people as involved as he is sometimes risk encountering "trolls" --anonymous misfites whose sole purpose seems to be to attack others in remarkably cruel ways. His friend, Jim Newman, 73, is fascinated by the stories Aden tells. Partly because of the chilling nature of the attacks. But also because of the new words emerging in US English to describe such events!

Aden Debord, 21. delves deep into the internet, playing games on-line, watching YouTube channels, etc. He says people as involved as he is sometimes risk encountering "trolls" --anonymous misfites whose sole purpose seems to be to attack others in remarkably cruel ways. His friend, Jim Newman, 73, is fascinated by the stories Aden tells. Partly because of the chilling nature of the attacks. But also because of the new words emerging in US English to describe such events!

Aden Debord, 23, and Jim Newman,73, have been discussing video games and the unlikely creatures one confronts in those fantasy landscapes. Dragpns inhabit Aden's favorite game. But in the real world, creatures no less strange -- such as bigfoot, and the Loch Ness monster -- may or may not exist. The discussion leads the two friends to contemplate human fascination with legedary monsters and the mindset that may lead a person to believe or disbelieve.

The immersive world of video games is very familiar to 21-year-old podcast host, Aden Debord. His friend, and co-host, Jim Newman, 73, has never played a video game in his life -- except maybe Donkey Kong, or Pong, when those earlier games were the rage in bars and arcades 40 years ago. Turns out that nowadays veteran gamer Aden, in the guise of his avatar, "Woodsly the Wood Elf," has entered an exponentially more exciting landscape that has riveted him to the screen in recent days. He did it by upgrading his processor a month or two ago!

Aden Debord, 23, and Jim Newman,73, have been discussing video games and the unlikely creatures one confronts in those fantasy landscapes. Dragpns inhabit Aden's favorite game. But in the real world, creatures no less strange -- such as bigfoot, and the Loch Ness monster -- may or may not exist. The discussion leads the two friends to contemplate human fascination with legedary monsters and the mindset that may lead a person to believe or disbelieve.

The immersive world of video games is very familiar to 21-year-old podcast host, Aden Debord. His friend, and co-host, Jim Newman, 73, has never played a video game in his life -- except maybe Donkey Kong, or Pong, when those earlier games were the rage in bars and arcades 40 years ago. Turns out that nowadays veteran gamer Aden, in the guise of his avatar, "Woodsly the Wood Elf," has entered an exponentially more exciting landscape that has riveted him to the screen in recent days. He did it by upgrading his processor a month or two ago!

Aden Debord, 21,has just watched himself in a short film in which he plays a young man who's recently passed away. It's his first acting role. Jim Newman, 73, has had some acting experience and was also in a short film set in the afterlife. The two friends compare notes on acting, movies, and what it's like to watch yourself on screen.

Aden Debord, 21,has just watched himself in a short film in which he plays a young man who's recently passed away. It's his first acting role. Jim Newman, 73, has had some acting experience and was also in a short film set in the afterlife. The two friends compare notes on acting, movies, and what it's like to watch yourself on screen.

Aden Debord, 21, and Jim Newman, 73 agree that they are friends and that that's something to celebrate. The reassuring declaration doesn't really define their relationship, though, or say anything about what it actually means for any two people to be "friends". In this episode, Jim and Aden undertake a meandering journey through personal recollections, trying to define their individual experience of friendship. They don't necessarily wind up with a workable definition. They both conclude after heartfelt discussion that they'd be lost without their friends.

Aden Debord, 21, and Jim Newman, 73, go deep on the topic of self-anaylysis and the pysychological rewards the process might provide. Jim shares that he's had 35 years of traditional psycho-therapy and most recently has discovered a way to open the door to the subconscious on his own, without the presence of a traditional therapoist -- aided only by a moderately high dose of THC and the guidance of several books and some one-on-one discussions with experts in the process. Aden reveals that he too is taking steps to learn more about himself through a unique type of solo talk therapy!

Aden Debord, 21, and Jim Newman, 73 agree that they are friends and that that's something to celebrate. The reassuring declaration doesn't really define their relationship, though, or say anything about what it actually means for any two people to be "friends". In this episode, Jim and Aden undertake a meandering journey through personal recollections, trying to define their individual experience of friendship. They don't necessarily wind up with a workable definition. They both conclude after heartfelt discussion that they'd be lost without their friends.

Aden Debord, 21, and Jim Newman, 73, go deep on the topic of self-anaylysis and the pysychological rewards the process might provide. Jim shares that he's had 35 years of traditional psycho-therapy and most recently has discovered a way to open the door to the subconscious on his own, without the presence of a traditional therapoist -- aided only by a moderately high dose of THC and the guidance of several books and some one-on-one discussions with experts in the process. Aden reveals that he too is taking steps to learn more about himself through a unique type of solo talk therapy!

Aden Debord, 21, and Jim Newman, 73, wade into deep philosophical waters and wrestle with the creation of the universe and whether there is meaning to be found in the "Big Bang" and infinity and black holes and all the mysteries that taunt the brilliant minds in physics today. The conversation is free-ranging and, remarkably, comes to very definite conclusion -- about Aden!

Aden Debord, 21, formulates a theory that each of us enjoys a gift in life -- such as the ability to find a great seat in a restaurant before the crowd arrives. But the gift is always balanced-out by a curse. For instance, Aden believes his best laid plans are always doomed to come to nothing. Jim Newman, 73, expands on Aden's theory. He asks whether, say, the gift of creativity always comes with a corresponding downside.

Aden Debord, 21, and Jim Newman, 73, wade into deep philosophical waters and wrestle with the creation of the universe and whether there is meaning to be found in the "Big Bang" and infinity and black holes and all the mysteries that taunt the brilliant minds in physics today. The conversation is free-ranging and, remarkably, comes to very definite conclusion -- about Aden!

Aden Debord, 21, formulates a theory that each of us enjoys a gift in life -- such as the ability to find a great seat in a restaurant before the crowd arrives. But the gift is always balanced-out by a curse. For instance, Aden believes his best laid plans are always doomed to come to nothing. Jim Newman, 73, expands on Aden's theory. He asks whether, say, the gift of creativity always comes with a corresponding downside.

Aden Debord, 21. and his friend Jim Newman, 73, talk about Aden's interest in broadcasting. Aden is even considering giving up a career in aquatics for a job in front of the microphone. Jim is all for it, but he admits that that may be because he'd have the vicarious thrill of reliving his youth through Aden.

Aden Debord, 21. and his friend Jim Newman, 73, talk about Aden's interest in broadcasting. Aden is even considering giving up a career in aquatics for a job in front of the microphone. Jim is all for it, but he admits that that may be because he'd have the vicarious thrill of reliving his youth through Aden.

Aden Debord, 21, loves pets. Jim Newman, 73, loves them too. But his affection is more theoretical. They share pet stories and expore the upside of living with an animal!

Aden Debord, 21, loves pets. Jim Newman, 73, loves them too. But his affection is more theoretical. They share pet stories and expore the upside of living with an animal!

Saving lives is a worthy ambition but lifeguard Aden Debord, 21, knows there're factors beyond health and safety involved. Legal concerns loom and anyone charged with keeping the public out of harms way needs to know the risks that come with the daunting responsibilities. Jim Newman, 73, learns how risky life saving can be!

Saving lives is a worthy ambition but lifeguard Aden Debord, 21, knows there're factors beyond health and safety involved. Legal concerns loom and anyone charged with keeping the public out of harms way needs to know the risks that come with the daunting responsibilities. Jim Newman, 73, learns how risky life saving can be!

Aden Debord is now 21. Jim Newman turned 73 about 3 weeks prior to Aden's birthday. Aden wants to talk about love on account of his tendency to lavish the word on his friends whenever he's had enough to drink. Does he mean it? Most of the time, yes!

Aden Debord is now 21. Jim Newman turned 73 about 3 weeks prior to Aden's birthday. Aden wants to talk about love on account of his tendency to lavish the word on his friends whenever he's had enough to drink. Does he mean it? Most of the time, yes!

Aden Debord, 20, just returned from an aquatics conference in Boston, MA, has an idea that could add a new dimension to the pool experience -- a slack line traversing the width of the pool. Turns out, he may have some hurdles to contend with before that dream becomes a reality. Meanwhile, Jim Newman, 72, remains hard at work on yet another draft of his Vietnam novel. He thinks he may have had a breakthrough in his writing, and believes his use of marijuana is partly responsible.

Aden Debord, 20, just returned from an aquatics conference in Boston, MA, has an idea that could add a new dimension to the pool experience -- a slack line traversing the width of the pool. Turns out, he may have some hurdles to contend with before that dream becomes a reality. Meanwhile, Jim Newman, 72, remains hard at work on yet another draft of his Vietnam novel. He thinks he may have had a breakthrough in his writing, and believes his use of marijuana is partly responsible.

Aden Debord, 22, Jim Newman, 72, expore the way people develop into stronger, more capable, and more open human beings. Jim tells stories from his past that suggest avoiding defensiveness may have helped him develop attributes of character that serve him well today.

Aden Debord, 20, and Jim Newman, 72, discuss a momentous decision Aden has made, specifically, getting a haircut. It's a pretty serious change as it's his first visit to the barber in four years, and has resulted in a remarkable transformation in his appearance. He describes the utter strangeness of the change.

Aden Debord, 22, Jim Newman, 72, expore the way people develop into stronger, more capable, and more open human beings. Jim tells stories from his past that suggest avoiding defensiveness may have helped him develop attributes of character that serve him well today.

Aden Debord, 20, and Jim Newman, 72, discuss a momentous decision Aden has made, specifically, getting a haircut. It's a pretty serious change as it's his first visit to the barber in four years, and has resulted in a remarkable transformation in his appearance. He describes the utter strangeness of the change.

20-year-old Aden Debord schools Jim Newman, 72, on the anime TV series Jojo's Bizarre Adventure, and more particularly, the significance of a certain ultra-muscular action figure on Jim's shelf in the studio. Aden's a big fan of the Jojo saga. Jim learns about Millennial culture.

Aden Debord, 20, and Jim Newman, 72, record for the first time in a professional recording studio. They endure the distractions of this strange environment while exploring possible conncections between relaxation, vulnerability, and deeper connection to other people.

20-year-old Aden Debord schools Jim Newman, 72, on the anime TV series Jojo's Bizarre Adventure, and more particularly, the significance of a certain ultra-muscular action figure on Jim's shelf in the studio. Aden's a big fan of the Jojo saga. Jim learns about Millennial culture.

Aden Debord, 20, and Jim Newman, 72, record for the first time in a professional recording studio. They endure the distractions of this strange environment while exploring possible conncections between relaxation, vulnerability, and deeper connection to other people.

At 20, Aden Debord can expect a considerable number of years on this planet. He sees it as a mixed blessing considering the state the world is in. Jim Newman, 72, is sympathetic but thinks the Millennials generation and the generations to come might just be able to handle it -- unless, of course, nature takes a hand.

Aden Debord, 20, and Jim Newman, 72, shift studio space (at least temporarily)from Portland State University's Millar Library to Jim's condo. Aden praises Jim's paintings,framed versions of which cover his walls. Creativity and its pitfalls are the topic. Jim shares his experimentation with marijuana as a boost to his fiction writing.

At 20, Aden Debord can expect a considerable number of years on this planet. He sees it as a mixed blessing considering the state the world is in. Jim Newman, 72, is sympathetic but thinks the Millennials generation and the generations to come might just be able to handle it -- unless, of course, nature takes a hand.

Aden Debord, 20, and Jim Newman, 72, shift studio space (at least temporarily)from Portland State University's Millar Library to Jim's condo. Aden praises Jim's paintings,framed versions of which cover his walls. Creativity and its pitfalls are the topic. Jim shares his experimentation with marijuana as a boost to his fiction writing.

In this heart-to-heart conversation on how people learn to cope with life, Aden and Jim identify multiple styles of mentorship.

Aden recounts a sick day video game adventure. Jim remarks that if video games mimic life he hasn't learned to play that well yet.

Aden Debord, 20, and Jim Newman, 72, confront the generation gap head on.

We explore the levels of achievement of which humans are capable and the committment necessary to transform skill into pure artistry.

In this heart-to-heart conversation on how people learn to cope with life, Aden and Jim identify multiple styles of mentorship.

Aden recounts a sick day video game adventure. Jim remarks that if video games mimic life he hasn't learned to play that well yet.

Aden Debord, 20, and Jim Newman, 72, confront the generation gap head on.

We explore the levels of achievement of which humans are capable and the committment necessary to transform skill into pure artistry.

Aden Debord, 20, and Jim Newman, 72, share their experiences on psilocybin mushrooms and try to draw some conclusions from the insights they gained under the influence of the powerful hallucinogen.