Let's Talk

With the explosion of new free tools like Canva, pretty much anyone these days can call themselves a designer. But how about someone who's been a designer since 8? On this episode, I talk with graphic designer extraordinaire Emma Kumer about her love of all things fonts and design, as well as her tips for getting started in the field. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ryan-wangman1/support

What's it like being a first time voter now, and in the 1980s? On this episode, I talk with my dad and sister about the different experiences they've had with voting, and how this election could end up being the most important one yet. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ryan-wangman1/support

Sometimes, just figuring out where to go next is hard. On this episode, I talk about struggling with being still, and the effect it's had on me. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ryan-wangman1/support

As we inch toward the general election in November, progressive politicians across the country have been fighting to address inequities that have been exacerbated by the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and incidents of police brutality. Representative Charles Booker is one of those progressives, a legislator from Kentucky who gained national recognition after narrowly losing a high-profile Senate bid in June. On this episode, he talks about gaining a critical mass of support for progressive policies like Medicare for All and the Green New Deal, his strategy for building broad coalitions of voters, and his new advocacy group, Hood to the Holler, which you can find at https://hoodtotheholler.org/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ryan-wangman1/support

What do you put on your hot dog? (Wrong answers only) I talk with friend of the program Sam Brief on his career as a professional broadcaster for the Chicago Dogs, including the lessons he's learned along the way and the challenges he's faced as a broadcaster during the COVID-19 pandemic. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ryan-wangman1/support

How do you do, fellow kids? On this episode, I sat down with Talia Schulhof, a rising sophomore at Northwestern University who also happens to be a budding star on TikTok. We talk about her rise to TikTok clout, the increasing popularity of the app, and where she sees TikTok going forward. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ryan-wangman1/support

How would you like some poetry to end your week (it's good for the soul)?!? This episode features me reading three poems aloud - all with the theme of love and loneliness. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ryan-wangman1/support

The man! The myth! The legend! On today's episode, I'm joined by my former cross-country coach and longtime friend Billy Poole-Harris, as we reflect on our team's 2015 postseason run and talk lessons learned along the way. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ryan-wangman1/support

A derecho roared through Chicago on Monday, leaving me and my family without power for about 32 hours! On this episode, you'll get an inside look on what it was like to be with my parents and I as we weathered the storm in our basement -- and then in the only room in our house with a wall of windows and two skylights... --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ryan-wangman1/support

Today's show is all about gratitude, and I wanted to kick it off by talking about my favorite show of all time, Community (#SixSeasonsAndAMovie)! I binged three seasons this weekend! On this episode, I talk about the reasons the show has had a profound impact on me and why I am thankful to have it in my life. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ryan-wangman1/support

What's there to do without a national strategy on testing? On this episode, Ryan talks about why the lack of rapid and effective COVID-19 testing is crippling our ability to move forward as a country in a safe and effective way. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ryan-wangman1/support

As the United States continues to face a national reckoning on systemic racism in the wake of George Floyd's murder, many of the underlying issues that perpetuate these oppressive systems are being reexamined with a fresh lens. It's extremely important to recognize the people and organizations that have long been in this fight for justice and equal opportunity, and that group includes Lost Boyz Inc, which is committed to positively impacting vulnerable Chicago youth's lives through violence prevention, mentorship and sports engagement. On this episode I am joined by LaVont'e Stewart, who founded the organization in 2009 after witnessing antisocial behavioral patterns increasingly impacting local youth. You can learn more about the organization on their website: https://www.lostboyzinc.org/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ryan-wangman1/support

Last month I talked about what it means to have white privilege and why understanding it now is more important than ever. On today's episode, I walk through an important resource to take action and use this privilege as a source for good, ally.wiki. On this website, you will find a litany of ways you can help, many from the comfort of your home. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ryan-wangman1/support

Feeling down or lacking a sense of purpose? This pandemic has been hard on many people, but there are actionable steps you can take to try and ease those feelings. In this episode, I walk through three things you can do to start feeling more motivated each day. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ryan-wangman1/support

A combination episode between Survivor and politics is right in my wheelhouse, and that's what you'll get on today's episode of Let's Talk. The central question on today's show: What similarities are there between the greatest supervillain in Survivor history and the President of the United States? This episode also features my DJT impression, as well as my patent-pending Hantz-to-Trump speech translator. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ryan-wangman1/support

As the pandemic rages on, the efficacy of various sports return plans has varied wildly. In this episode, I talk with the hosts of "Beyond the Gameplan," Andrew Golden and Kenny Carter, about the "hope and pray" plan from the MLB and the "bubble" plan from the NBA. We also discuss the social justice movements that have been taking place across a variety of leagues. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ryan-wangman1/support

Over the past two days, I've spent time volunteering with Digs with Dignity, a nonprofit whose mission is to elevate the lives of those transitioning from homelessness by filling their houses with everything that makes a beautiful, dignified home. They recently needed to move all of their donated items from six storage lockers to their new warehouse, and me, my mom and the wonderful Sam Wischnewsky answered the call. This episode features an audio diary of the two day's work as well as an interview with co-founder Kim Hannay. You can find Digs with Dignity's website here to learn more about the cause and to get involved: https://digswithdignity.org/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ryan-wangman1/support

Last weekend marked the conclusion of the English Premier League, and on Championship Sunday, all 20 teams in the league played at the same time. Ella Brockway, top-notch journalist and noted Manchester United fan, sweated out the games as she waited to see if her team would qualify for the Champions League. We talk about that Sunday and her thoughts on the potential for growth in soccer over the next five years. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ryan-wangman1/support

To All The Girls has been the most popular essay on my website, so I decided to do a reading of the first part on Let's Talk! Hopefully this will give you a much-needed boost of energy to start your week. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ryan-wangman1/support

As we inch closer and closer to election season in November, efforts to mobilize voters across the country are ramping up. I sat down with two members from Salsa The Vote, a New Jersey-based non-profit organization dedicated to building the political power of the Latinx population, and we talked about their efforts for this November's election, their messaging and why they both joined the organization. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ryan-wangman1/support

Finally, we get to talk some REAL baseball on Let's Talk! On this very special Opening Day episode, I sit down with my dad to discuss our hopes for the season and our thoughts on the current Cubs roster. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ryan-wangman1/support

Welcome to Let's Talk, a new podcast created by writer and journalist Ryan Wangman aiming to promote and facilitate important conversations for a better world. This episode features Wangman discussing the clash between peaceful protestors and unmarked federal agents in Portland, and the importance of checking Donald Trump's overt fascism. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ryan-wangman1/support

Welcome to Let's Talk, a new podcast created by writer and journalist Ryan Wangman aiming to promote and facilitate important conversations for a better world. This episode features Wangman reading the latest essay from his series, Demons. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ryan-wangman1/support

Welcome to Let's Talk, a new podcast created by writer and journalist Ryan Wangman aiming to promote and facilitate important conversations for a better world. This episode features Wangman interviewing Amy Boyle, a Chicago-based photographer, about her project designed to answer a simple question: What would happen if once a week we recognized someone who we think is phenomenal and shared her story with our community? You can find her project at this website: https://www.52phenomenalwomen.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ryan-wangman1/support

Welcome to Let's Talk, a new podcast created by writer and journalist Ryan Wangman aiming to promote and facilitate important conversations for a better world. This episode features Wangman interviewing his great aunt Molly about what it was like to grow up in Ireland and why she decided to come to America. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ryan-wangman1/support

Welcome to Let's Talk, a new podcast created by writer and journalist Ryan Wangman aiming to promote and facilitate important conversations for a better world. This episode features Wangman reading his latest essay, Chipotle. You can read the first two parts on his website, ryanwangman.win/blog. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ryan-wangman1/support

Welcome to Let's Talk, a new podcast created by writer and journalist Ryan Wangman aiming to promote and facilitate important conversations for a better world. This episode features Wangman and one of his best friends, Sam Wischnewsky, as they explore the homebrewing process and talk about their experiences with their high school cross country coach, Billy Poole-Harris. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ryan-wangman1/support

Welcome to Let's Talk, a new podcast created by writer and journalist Ryan Wangman aiming to promote and facilitate important conversations for a better world. This episode features Wangman reading essays from his latest series, Demons, and talking about the importance of self-love during a pandemic. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ryan-wangman1/support

Welcome to Let's Talk, a new podcast created by writer and journalist Ryan Wangman aiming to promote and facilitate important conversations for a better world. This episode features Wangman giving a book recommendation, Tuesdays with Morrie, and talking about the importance of love in your daily life! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ryan-wangman1/support

Welcome to Let's Talk, a new podcast created by writer and journalist Ryan Wangman aiming to promote and facilitate important conversations for a better world. This episode features Wangman talking about Psychology Today, a resource he used to find his therapist and a good starting point for anyone looking to embark on their own journey to better their mental health. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ryan-wangman1/support

Welcome to Let's Talk, a new podcast created by writer and journalist Ryan Wangman aiming to promote and facilitate important conversations for a better world. This episode features Wangman interviewing Isabelle Sarraf, a copy chief for The Daily Northwestern, on her latest story about the impact of ICE regulations on Northwestern's international student community. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ryan-wangman1/support

Welcome to Let's Talk, a new podcast created by writer and journalist Ryan Wangman aiming to promote and facilitate important conversations for a better world. This episode features Wangman reading three poems aloud - one about the night sky, one about a toxic relationship, and an ode to nature's beauty. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ryan-wangman1/support

Welcome to Let's Talk, a new podcast created by writer and journalist Ryan Wangman aiming to promote and facilitate important conversations for a better world. This episode features Wangman stressing the importance of not spending money on #BLACKOUTDAY2020. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ryan-wangman1/support

Welcome to Let's Talk, a new podcast created by writer and journalist Ryan Wangman aiming to promote and facilitate important conversations for a better world. This episode features Wangman talking about the importance of positive self talk and one simple step to get started today. Additionally, he reads the best letter he's ever received. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ryan-wangman1/support

Welcome to Let's Talk, a new podcast created by writer and journalist Ryan Wangman aiming to promote and facilitate important conversations for a better world. This episode features Wangman making an argument for why white people need to do the work of being anti-racist to promote a more equitable and fair America for all. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ryan-wangman1/support

Welcome to Let's Talk, a new podcast created by writer and journalist Ryan Wangman aiming to promote and facilitate important conversations for a better world. This episode features Wangman discussing how players who have perpetrated domestic violence have changed the way he views baseball and the Chicago Cubs. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ryan-wangman1/support

Welcome to Let's Talk, a new podcast created by writer and journalist Ryan Wangman aiming to promote and facilitate important conversations for a better world. This episode features Wangman reading an excerpt from DO NOT OPEN. MONSTERS INSIDE. This is a fictional short story about the antics of Master Sergeant Conlan O'Meara, the youngest astronaut to ever attempt a non-lunar interplanetary landing in history. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ryan-wangman1/support

Welcome to Let's Talk, a new podcast created by writer and journalist Ryan Wangman aiming to promote and facilitate important conversations for a better world. This episode features Wangman reading a profile about Katie Krall, one of 22 members who were a part of a new diversity initiative from Major League Baseball in 2018. The group is composed of people from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds in baseball who were matched with various front offices around the league. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ryan-wangman1/support

Welcome to Let's Talk, a new podcast created by writer and journalist Ryan Wangman aiming to promote and facilitate important conversations for a better world. This episode features Wangman reading three essays from when he applied to colleges aloud (Stanford, Syracuse, Northwestern) and some advice on taking the pressure off of the college search process. You can find written versions of the essays read in the podcast at ryanwangman.win/blog. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ryan-wangman1/support

Welcome to Let's Talk, a new podcast created by writer and journalist Ryan Wangman aiming to promote and facilitate important conversations for a better world. This episode features Wangman reading three poems aloud - one from his eighth grade mind, one from high school, and a flaming hot sonnet he wrote while at Northwestern University. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ryan-wangman1/support

Welcome to Let's Talk, a new podcast created by writer and journalist Ryan Wangman aiming to promote and facilitate important conversations for a better world. This episode features Wangman solo, who reads a story about his personal struggles with anxiety in the hopes of being a voice for people who may not feel they're being listened to properly. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ryan-wangman1/support