Minds Wide Open

After a 3 month break I'm back with a new episode to reflect on the hiatus and to celebrate one year of podcasting! I start  with an explanation for the much needed break, then touch on some minor changes to the show as well as my thoughts on what I've been able to learn during this unsettling year. Through it all, art, loved ones, and striving for a better attitude each day have kept me more than happy. I hope you can find some comfort in relating to my word vomit. There may be more of these sort of episodes coming sooner than later! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/joey-becker7/support

Killer Mike says kill your masters. In the same vein, I say fuck your pimps. Not literally, but stop letting them fuck you. Are you getting unfairly pimped out? Are you literally a prostitute to an abusive pimp? Or are you selling your soul to a job you hate for a boss that doesn't give a shit about you, polices your thoughts, and then gets rich off your tireless labor? If you haven't listened to part one of our conversation, make sure to head over to the Articulate podcast with Steve McJones to check it out. So far we covered the industries of boinkin', both legal and illegal. This included pimpin', prostitution, and porn - especially through the lens of Dave Chappelle's bit about Iceberg Slim. After addressing the problems of all three aspects, in part two we dive deeper into the morality of casual sex, making money off it, and whether prostitution should be made legal in the same way that porn is. But first, we open by completing our thoughts on how the flaws of capitalism and politics empower the most wealthy individuals in executive positions, and how the rest of the society is left to figure out a way to escape their pimp and become one themself. Stay tuned for the end of the episode to hear Kenicray's new banger "Rust Belt". Then be sure to go check out the sweet visuals of the music video on YouTube. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/joey-becker7/support

Even as someone who is in full support of the movement and changes being called for, it's been hard for me to defend that my actions have been little more than performative in the last few months. Not entirely so, because I sincerely mean what I've said and done - petitions, emails, protests, listening, sharing - but how much more does doing this alone help? Especially when it's usually only to the witness of people who want to see or hear it anyway? We have to (I'm talking to all my honkies) not give up on those who are ignorant until they've proven to be arrogant and totally unwilling to learn. Just because you're offended, doesn't mean you can't address the nuance of ignorance. When no conversation is compared to having a long, uncomfortable conversation with someone I believe doesn't want to hear that information, but would listen better when not surrounded by what they perceive as a mob of keyboard warriors and a crowd of protesters, conversation wins every time. Yes, we should support the proper politicians, policies, and organizations, but unless we continue to change the public perception on these issues, we are only slowing an inevitable expansion of an already widespread inequality. We need real change in our institutions, and that starts by convincing anyone willing to have a conversation, in the best learning environments, that elitism is largely controlling the institutions. The votes will follow the more you speak truth. It's for all of these reasons I find it imperative that we spend more time talking with one another in a personal way. Form a connection. In this episode I've sat down with one of my very best friends, Montavio Avery, who I believe has balanced and constructive ideas about race and racism. Although we do agree on most everything here in our conversation, I felt it was important to speak with someone I truly believe in to open the discussion on this topic. You may not agree with everything we say, but you should listen. A lot of what we discuss here should pertain to anyone, from any background. We talk about our privilege, our experiences with racism (or the lack thereof), our complacency with an unjust system, systemic racism, identity politics, the "N-Word", language, poverty, classism, change, cancel culture and how we can move towards a world free of "othering" one another. Stay tuned for the end of the episode to hear "For the First Time" a song from Montavio and Kelo's debut EP "Worth It", streaming everywhere. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/joey-becker7/support

One thing I've noticed getting people through the lock down is creating, sharing and listening to more music. That comes as no surprise considering how deeply music has inspired us as a species throughout any crisis. We celebrate that which can never be taken away from us a little more when we face an unpredictable threat. Sitting down to talk with my friend David Bays to discuss his new album "Aspects of Adjustment" (streaming everywhere) was an especially inspiring experience because it reminded me during this bleaker time of everything good about our struggles we have no control over. They can make us into better people for ourselves and those around us. I think now is time we could all use that reminder and you'll feel the power of such an idea when you listen to his music. It moves through him as naturally as the blood in our veins and will soothe you into a calmness about things which may be difficult, reassured by David that eventually the suffering will stop and we will be alright. We talk about each song in depth, covering what inspired their placement on the project as well as the central ideas presented in each. This is largely an album about David's battle with cancer, being diagnosed soon after graduating high school, but it's also a reflection on the things he loves most, such as his family, friends, mentors, and the music that ultimately allowed him to adjust to his life, embracing it for all that it's worth. And of course, this week's featured musician is also David with his lead single off the album called, "Another Chance to Breathe" a song about those in his life who helped him through chemotherapy. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/joey-becker7/support

"Tell all the hunters to lay down their guns. Tell 'em that the tiger needs a little bit of love. Let 'em run the jungle, let 'em roam their land. Then stand back and marvel, what a beautiful cat. 'Cause I saw tiger. Now I understand. I saw tiger, and the tiger saw man." If you've seen the docuseries all the way through, you know not a damn word of this were actually values upheld by anyone who ran these zoos. Shae Bickel and I get together on another zoom meeting to discuss the phenomenon that has taken the world by storm. And I'm not talking about the Rona, although we do talk about how the experience of quarantine is relevant to the Tiger King the wild antics of humanity. From questioning the morals of anyone involved with the zoos, what the best course of action is moving forward, and how people seem to have perceived the show, Shae and I are shocked and skeptical in this episode. I hope you're all staying safe, healthy, and curious during these strange times. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/joey-becker7/support

These violent delights have violent ends but your guess is as good as mine when it comes to where in the holy hell this show is going to end up. Just when you think you know, it's guaranteed you'll be hopelessly clueless by the next episode. My boy Louie is back to join me in an attempt to dissect what we've discerned thus far. Between the trajectory of Dolores's rampage, Maeve's questionable autonomy, Serac's enigmatic form, Rehoboam and other bizarre parallels to our own reality, we truly don't know what the fuck is happening in Westworld. Still, we're here, we're stoned, and we're trying. Stay tuned for the end of the episode to hear this episode's featured artist, myself! This is a demo of my song "Awakening" which will be featured on my upcoming album "OD BOY". Check it and a couple of my other songs out on my Soundcloud (albums will be released on streaming services). --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/joey-becker7/support

TechTalk, TikTok, ShitTalk. The world around us is changing at an alarming rate, no matter how you spin it. If our current conditions haven't made that abundantly clear, and you have yet to consider the illusion of normal you were likely under the spell of prior to this lockdown, you're probably a victim of a blissful if not willful ignorance. While neither Sawyer or myself are experts on computers, robotics, or technology, we both consider ourselves enthusiasts of curiosity and make an effort in our daily lives to be more aware of how these things are affecting us socially and evolutionarily. Obviously, the reach of these subjects goes well beyond that alone, but we spend most of our time focusing on calling into question how much they help and hurt as we pursue engraining them into these facets of being. After all, they are the basis of our survival. Show some love for those keeping jazz alive and well at the end of the episode with this week's featured song "Feelin' Good" off Jamr's EP "Illegal Noise" streaming everywhere. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/joey-becker7/support

The only thing longer than the quarantine is this episode. My pal Evan Henning and I sat down a couple weeks before this to discuss our passion, second only to filmmaking: ROCK ‘N FUCKIN ROLL, BABY. This episode title is brought to you by the name of the Twisted Sister song (the one my dumbass can’t remember the name of during the episode and think is an AC/DC song; also parodied in the classic Spongebob Sqaurepants movie). And although they don’t make it into any of our lists, we go in detail about our top ten favorite rock artists, three honarble mentions, as well as three dishonorable mentions. In the words of Fantano, y’all know this is just our opinion, right? If you do manage to make it through the entire behemoth, or want to skip to the end, check out local rock band Grigio’s heavy anthem, “Let Go of Me”. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/joey-becker7/support

Would you? In this episode Max McCroby and I sit down to discuss the future of human life expectancy and the possibility of de-aging technology. Taking that into consideration, we also talk about how long we would like to live given the choice. Forever is a long ass time. But oooooo boi if it ain’t tempting. Stay tuned for the end of the episode to hear one of my favorite songs of his bands upcoming album, 3:11. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/joey-becker7/support

Like any good journey, this conversation is a bit scattered. Nick Martin and I have been friends for years now, and one of my favorite things about our friendship is our ability to talk about anything and still be hanging on each other’s every word. In this episode, we get into everything from the Boy Scouts, theater, movies, criticism, science, religion, expertise, and why we don’t claim to follow one philosophy. The content of this episode continues to keep the ball rolling with the theme of the last couple, revolving around our thoughts and feelings about the world around us. Stay tuned for the end to hear “Messed Up” by K.A.M., a soulful and inspiring ballad about letting go of the past and finding a way to move forward. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/joey-becker7/support

It doesn’t take too much pondering to get lost in the sauce with the magnitude of the universe. Just one glance up to the sky on a starry night is often enough to get one curious about their place in the world. If nothing else, as your mind starts to wander, it’ll likely be amazed by every minute coincidence that has coalesced into your life until you’re so overwhelmed you settle back into the reality that gives way to passing thoughts, no matter how mesmerizing and existential. But to engage with the thoughts and feelings is such a large part of our individual uniqueness. In this episode, Hailey Noll and I go down that rabbit hole, touching on Astrology, Zodiac signs, Psychics, and other types of readings. She was even nice enough to give me a tarot reading during the episode! We also spend time talking about specific experiences with these topics to further distinguish what parts we buy into and others that get a bit too “woo-hooey” (as Podcasting Sensei Joe Rogan would say). It’s always special to sit down with someone new and talk to them about the inner workings of the universe. You’re guaranteed to get new thoughts and feelings every time! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/joey-becker7/support

While religion can be a sensitive subject to discuss, it’s one Monty and I share a passion for. And while we may find ourselves on the other side of the coin of people who consider themselves passionate about religion, given we are no longer religious, it’s an extremely important concept to discuss today and historically. In this episode, we try to touch on why truth is so vital to our perception of existence, how podcasting helps work towards improving that perception, and how religion plays a part in it all. We also compare/contrast religion to spirituality and talk about the reasons we left the Christian faith. I had been raised Catholic for fifteen years. He the church as a teenager of his own accord, and then choosing to leave after entering young adulthood. Be sure to check out the full version of Monty and his boyfriend’s (whattup up Kelo) collaboration on their new track, “The Agenda” at the end of the episode! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/joey-becker7/support

Last week Bong Joon Ho, the cast, and crew of Parasite made history at the Oscars. The night before, Louie and I hopped on the mic to sing praise for our favorite movie of the year, and what is sure to be one of our favorites of all time. We talk extensively about the twists and turns of the script, the genre bending elements, the exquisite performances among the endless other things that coalesce to seamlessly demonstrate a universal truth of poverty and socioeconomic class division in a way only a story can do. This was my first experience with a Bong Joon Ho film. For Louie, he had already been a big fan of The Host (2006). But it’s safe to say that Parasite has opened a new vault in our brains and that viewing Bong’s catalog of filmmaking will proved to be one of life’s many extraordinary pleasures. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/joey-becker7/support

It appears this episode lives in a society. If you’re sick of this meme, then here’s some fresh material reviewing one of last years most controversial movies. In this episode, Louie and I go all in, discussing the origin story of Arthur Fleck, also known as Travis Fleckle, also know as the Joaquer, also known as Rap Master Bottom, Theodore “technomaniac” Twambly, and occasionally Johnny Cash, performed by none other than our Lord and savior (yes, he also played Jesus), Joaquin Phoenix. And although his performance, we agreed, was magnificent, we spend little time discussing that. Instead, we focus on the score, it’s role in filmmaking today (especially compared to Marvel and cinema from the 70’s), as well as how successfully we feel it pulled off a fresh take on such a widely popular villain. This conversation was a real good time. I think we covered some topics from the movie that haven’t been discussed as frequently because we’d spent some time talking months ago after first seeing it about how we felt on more obvious things such as the performances, meaning, and controversy. That being said, there are an abundance of spoilers, so make sure you see it...then enjoy! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/joey-becker7/support

The first time I ever laughed so hard that I cried as a result of a viewing experience was during the Family Matters Key & Peele Skit (if you haven’t seen it, watch on YouTube. It’s even better than the classic A-Aron skit). In 2017, Peele took a sharp pivot from the Comedy Central content to explore his ability to make visionary feature films, writing and directing his first with “Get Out”. While I’m quite aware of the hellish tendencies that come with filmmaking, this transition seemed effortless. Never have I seen someone redefine their career in a new craft with such grace. In this episode, one of my best friends and film guru, Louie Kurtzman, and myself sit down to discuss Peele’s next move, another dive into the realm of horror, this time with a symphony of uncanny, supernatural chaos. For the last eight years, Jordan Peele has been responsible for consistently painting more smiles on my face than essentially anyone alive. Today, with his first two features, he still does, but one of bewilderment and awe to experience air tight storytelling with a hypnotic soul. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/joey-becker7/support

This week I go lone wolf - well, sort of. Earlier in the week I had a variety of people who I’ve crossed paths with in the Mindwest share their thoughts on personal growth. In this episode, I share the comments from Facebook and explore how their advice to themselves resonates with me. Thank you to everyone who contributed! This was a special experience. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/joey-becker7/support

After a three week hiatus, Minds Wind Open returns with another introspective episode to discuss the internet as a canvas. My next guest, Sulay Chappelle, sits down with me to explain his vision for expressing himself and his dream to form a creative team to collaborate on various art forms. Whether it be music, comedy, poetry, drawing, or filmmaking, his passion to be more human is apparent. So get ready, get comfortable, and take a listen to another wicked mind work from the great state of Ohio. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/joey-becker7/support

There’s a lot to be anxious about in any lifetime but there seems to be a wider variety of pressures to overcome today than ever. In this episode, Maddie Smith and I open up about some of the things that make us anxious, speaking generally on dealing with anxiety and how it is perceived in the present versus the past. Hopefully you can find a nugget of truth and relate to some of our thoughts, finding the same peace of mind that Maddie brought me. She reminded me that anxiety is a part of being human. I hope to have a similar conversation in the near future so we can continue to elaborate and understand ourselves better. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/joey-becker7/support

“Hell is other people” according to Jean Paul Sartre‘s existentialist tragedy “No Exit”. While this is certainly true, that’s not always the case. In this episode I have a grand ole time discussing with actor and vocalist Will Graber about a performance of the show done at Wright State’s D-Lab. After briefly touching on the sketchy resignation of our university’s president, we dive brain first into an open conversation about consciousness, nothingness and somethingness, as well as how the “self” depends on our relationship with others. Food for thought. Bon appetit! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/joey-becker7/support

Get those gears turning with this thought provoking conversation with Montavio Avery on phenomenological cognitive therapy. If the that sounds like a helluva subject to engage with, let Monty break it down for you. It’s sure to open your mind up to its wondrous nature, involving an approach for how to move forward with the good life despite it’s many trials. He’s currently working on his undergraduate in psychology and produces hypnotic dance-anthems during his free time, occasionally hopping on the track to lay down his always enthusiastic, sometimes graphic descriptions of various life experiences. Let’s get crackin’. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/joey-becker7/support

Put on a pot of coffee or tea, then sit back and relax with this mellow introduction. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/joey-becker7/support