My Views Are My Own

In this episode, author Edward Ashton joins me to discuss the film Mickey 17, directed by Bong Joon Ho, based on Edward's book Mickey 7. The film and the book series explores themes of unfettered capitalism, whether or not people have souls, and the theoretical possibilities of colonizing other planets. In an earlier episode, I interviewed Edward Ashton about his book Mickey 7 and the sequel Antimatter Blues. At the time he had told me that Brad Pitt had picked up the rights to his film for Warner Brothers starring Robert Pattinson in the title role and costarring Toni Collete, Naomi Ackie, and Mark Ruffalo. Now that Edward is free from the NDAs he had signed during filming, we are able to discuss the exciting process of seeing his book turned into a new creative work.

In this episode, I am joined by explorer, innovator, storyteller, lawyer, and climate activist Tiffany Duong. She tells me the story of her experience holding onto a rock on the bottom of the ocean, deciding to let go and go with the drift, and how that one moment in her life helped her decide to leave her career in corporate law to become a leader, educator, and campaigner for the planet. We talk about swimming with orcas in the Arctic, as well as one of the most incredible and inexplicably thriving reefs in Honduras. We also discuss accidentally falling into a role on a movie set, working with former Vice President Al Gore, and some of the most exciting developments on the horizon for environmental protection.

Artist, musician, and rising star Paris Heart joins me on the podcast to discuss the modern music industry and how artists' creative processes have evolved. Paris tells me about his experiences being born and raised on a Native American reservation, and we share which musician from any era we would choose to resurrect by performing a séance and then do a music collab with. We also talk about how to pick a side when your friends break up, how to deal with burnout, why being a positive person is contagious, and whether or not a coupé de ville is a cool car.

Spooky Season is upon us, and stand-up comedian Hunter Collins joins me on the podcast today as a foreign correspondent deeply embedded in the Czech Republic. If you love learning, get ready to learn. We discuss some of the most undiscussed news stories, such as the grand prize winner of the Python Florida Challenge in the Everglades. Things get a little bit more intense when we discuss that the Czech Republic is building the first soccer stadium larger than Hunter's hometown stadium in Montreal, Canada. We inform our listeners how, why, and if there are more vampires in the Czech rRepublic than Canada and then we get extremely scientific with Cryptid News. Guess what?? A dog's sense of impending disaster might just save your life. And of course, we have to talk about the upcoming release of Hunter Collins' sketch comedy horror album Monster Orgy.

This episode was originally published on January 31, 2023. Nathaniel Stinnett is the Founder and Executive Director of the Environmental Voter Project, a non-partisan nonprofit that uses data analytics and behavioral science to mobilize environmentalists to vote. He joins me on the podcast today to discuss how the project was created, why some environmentalists don't vote, and why some people consider the environment to be a partisan issue. We also identify some of the largest obstacles to environmental protection, most notably billions of dollars spent by Citizens United and the fossil fuel industry to influence elections and hinder regulations. However this is one of the most optimistic conversations I've had on climate action and environmental conservation in a very long time. The Environmental Voter Project has mobilized millions of non-voting environmentalists to vote over the last few years. And environmentalists are on track to become an increasingly powerful and influential voter block that will be impossible to ignore in future elections.

In this episode, I am joined by professional diver, ocean and cave explorer, shark ecologist, photographer, speaker, writer, and conservationist Cristina Zenato to talk about shark behavior and how to care for these vital members of the ocean ecosystem. Cristina alone has pulled out over 300 fishing hooks from sharks' mouths with her own hands. She tells me how she first got started doing this and how she has developed close relationships with so many of the sharks she's helped in the reefs of the Bahamas. We discuss how certain sharks have personalities and Cristina dispels many of the widespread myths about sharks. We talk about her organization People of the Water and how she was able to make sharks a protected species in the Bahamas, which was a major legislative victory. For more information about Cristina's work, visit https://cristinazenato.com/

In this episode, I am joined by screenwriter, actress, and director Jessica Anderson to discuss the horror filmmaking genre. We talk about classic horror films, modern horror films, and the tropes that have stood the test of time and which ones need to be retired. We also talk about her latest short film "Money Back Guarantee" that is currently in the film festival circuit, and her two feature-length screenplays that will soon be in production. 

Bruce Grossman is a photographer and filmmaker from New York City currently based in Denver, Colorado. He is currently premiering his short documentary "FRANK," depicting the life of Denver tattoo artist Frank Simanton. Bruce and I discuss his strategies and processes for finding a great story and telling it in a compelling way that allows audiences a close personal glimpse into the real lives of ordinary yet impressive people. Bruce tells me the story of how a project he began but was ultimately unsuccessful in eventually resulted in a year of manic photography of some of the most skilled tattoo artists and their work, and then led to the creation of not only "FRANK," but also a successful coffee table book. Bruce explains why he's not going the traditional film festival route and is instead promoting his work on his own. He also encourages me to take my own short documentary film idea and run with it, because it not only sounds cool and rad, but also why not.

Actress Samantha Ireland gets swept up into the heart-pounding action in Universal Pictures' epic storm disaster film "Twisters" and then lands safely here at My Views Are My Own podcast. We talk about her role in the film, the best and most exciting scenes, and the movie magic that went into the creation of this blockbuster hit. We discuss the creative decisions and incredible use of CGI and special effects that made the film so exciting, and which aspects of the film were actually based in science. We also discuss how the movie stays true to the original 1996 film starring Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt, which made me and many others want to become meteorologists. And we solve a conspiracy involving Alanis Morissette.

In this episode I am joined by journalist and labor activist Joe Mayall to take a deep look at and discuss solutions for the current state of American domestic politics. We discuss relevant and important questions such as: Why do conservatives fetishize debate? What is the difference between people like Ben Shapiro that use debate for social media clicks and politicians that use the same strategy to change policy and laws? We also take a trip down history lane to explain how James Madison and the Federalist Papers laid the groundwork for dividing the working class to preserve wealth and power for the elite. Joe breaks down how dividing the working class has become a modern tactic, what can be done about this phenomenon, and why volunteering and human contact is one of the best strategies to stay positive in the midst of challenging times. 

If you guessed I was going to ask Alison Chace about her role in the Tubi original disaster film "Continental Split" then you're a pretty good guesser. But if you also guessed that I was going to surprise her with an improv scene that proves beyond the shadow of a doubt that I would be the best chief of staff for any governor in the country, then you're practically clairvoyant! Alison shares with me some of her best stories of her experiences an author, actor, documentary film maker, and app developer. We also create a short story through one of co-producer Colleen's Mad Libs that should be adapted into a high-budget blockbuster action film immediately.

In this episode, I am joined by environmental science journalist and photographer Avery Nunn, who shares with me about her love for the planet and all things nature and how she uses visual storytelling to share this love with others. She tells me about her work in investigative climate reporting and what she hopes to accomplish by sharing information and illuminating both problems and solutions. She tells me about the connection between talking to whales and talking to aliens, and about how the rich social lives of dolphins can help teach humans about climate solutions. Avery tells me about the most incredible places she's been and how she's captured some of her most difficult photos. She also shares her advice for everyday ways to develop a stronger connection to nature and the outdoors.

In this episode, I am joined by actor Bryan McClure, who mostly recently appears as a documentary filmmaker opposite Oscar winners Jessica Lange and Kathy Bates in the newest HBO original movie "The Great Lillian Hall." McClure has also appeared in a number of films and TV shows, including as the Headless Night in the Disney mystery adventure fil Haunted Mansion, as well as The Walking Dead, Atlanta, The Summer I Turned Pretty, and Mindhunter. In his latest film, loosely based on a true story, Bryan's character is documenting the production of a play in which the lead actress, a renowned Broadway star, suffers from memory loss and struggles with an increasingly noticeable illness. Bryan explains what it is like making a movie within a movie and shares his experience working alongside the stars of the film. Of course I ask about his intense scene in The Walking Dead where he stabs himself in the throat with a giant screwdriver while facing off with some of the show's most iconic characters. Bryan also talks to me about his upcoming comedy short which he wrote and produced, Roast Pork Butt, based on the worst date he ever had. 

In this episode, I talk to sustainability and ESG strategy expert, best-selling author, and award-winning documentarian James Fountain about protecting the environment, making lasting global change, and seeking adventure in the farthest corners of the planet. James, who has been referred to as a "real life Indiana Jones" talks to me about his new show, "The End of the Road," in which he travels by motorcycle to visit Indigenous communities across the globe, highlighting the unique cultures of each community and challenges with climate change and sustainability. James explains to me what ESG strategy means and how this concept has influenced his work in leadership and as a corporate consultant. He shares some of his greatest stories travelling and working in remote areas as well as some tips for leading a more sustainable lifestyle.

In this episode, I am joined by award-winning science journalist and author Kavin Senapathy to discuss her forthcoming book "The Progressive Parent: Harnessing the Power of Science and Social Justice to Raise Awesome Kids." We talk about the inspiration for digging into this topic and how to help children develop the traits and characteristics that help them grow to become awesome adults. We also talk about how and why to prioritize science and research-based information in parenting, but also to be aware of and question the relationship between medical science and capitalism. She shares her perspective on trendy parenting advice, and also tells me about the time alt-right figurehead Jordan Peterson attacked her on Twitter for discussing the ethics of Monsanto's genetically modified foods.  

In this episode, I talk with married filmmaker duo Lisa Hammer and Levi Wilson about their newest short film, "Luke and Emma at a Gas Station on Franklin Ave," a semi-autobiographical story about a mixed Asian-American boy and his mother and the interactions they have while stopping at a convenience store. Levi is an award-winning playwright and Lisa is an award-winning producer and the voice of Trianna Orpheus on Adult Swim's The Venture Bros. We discuss the process of creating an autobiographical film, what it's like casting actors to play yourself or people you know in real life, how to work together as husband and wife, and how documentaries and narrative films can be a powerful method for driving social change. We also talk about Lisa and Levi's participation in the Occupy Wall Street movement, and the bizarre irony of the fact that many other participants have since moved to the extreme right, such as Tim Poole, who I consider my personal podcast nemesis. We discuss gas stations at length, including the weirdest things we've ever seen sold at a gas station and which gas stations are the nicest ones and the grossest ones. 

This episode was originally released on October 19, 2021.   In this episode, Cindy Moore tells me how she maintains 1,300 beehives and the millions of bees that live in them to pollinate farms in Florida, California, and New York so that we can continue to have food and oxygen. Thanks Cindy! We also talk about how 75% of the honey in supermarkets is not actually honey, but the good news is real honey is extremely good for you. And we both share several honey-based home remedies. And there is 1 in 12 chance I will read you your horoscope.

This episode was originally released on August 7, 2022.   In this episode, I am joined by author and journalist Amy Fusselman to discuss the religion of money. Is it ethical for a cognitive behavioral therapist to sell real estate to their clients? Why are so many people who work in high finance so attracted to mysticism? What is Eco-Marxism? Can a shipping container house be haunted? Is my dog talking to me? All these questions and more get answered on this week's episode. Prepare to develop a healthy relationship with money! OR ELSE!

In this episode, I am joined by Adam Butler, author of Butler's DMT Field Guide: A Brief History, Step-by-Step Recipes, and Personal Experiences from a DMT Saturated Consciousness. Adam had a successful, lucrative career in real estate but, in his own words, was a "narcissist asshole alcoholic." Seeking a dramatic change, he took a huge leap by leaving his past life behind and embarking on an intense journey of self-discovery through DMT, one of the most powerful hallucinogens on the planet. He emerged with a completely new outlook on what he wanted to do and who he wanted to be. Now the happiest he's ever been, Adam is sharing his story and information with those seeking a similar experience. He also shares how it is possible to achieve an experience similar to taking DMT through deep meditation and breathwork for those seeking a substance-free journey.

In this episode, I am joined by actor Jeff DuJardin, who plays the Marquis de Morès on the new TV show Elkhorn. The Marquis de Morès was most known for being an adversary to Theodore Roosevelt while both men lived in the badlands of North Dakota. Jeff and I discuss whether his historical character, a French entrepreneur who married into money and started his own meatpacking industry in a town he founded in honor of his wife, was really a villain or just an ambitious dude that was a little misunderstood. We also talk about how the Marquis de Morès notoriously challenged Teddy Roosevelt to a duel and which of the two men was really responsible for starting their infamous beef. We debate whether duels should be legalized in modern times and why the genre of westerns remains popular to this day. And we hear one of the best MadLibs stories ever written.

Actor PJ Sosko joins me on the podcast to talk about his role as the iconic Hunter S. Thompson on the HBO MAX series "Girls on the Bus." We talk about his method for how he prepares to portray such well-known and legendary figures such as Hunter S. Thompson and Ernest Hemingway, as well as other acting techniques for playing larger-than-life characters. We also discuss his role on Reservation Dogs and how his impromptu Shakespearean quote got him turned into a meme. We discuss the struggle of modern journalism and of course I ambush PJ with a series of drug-fueled improv scenarios that we act out. We also inadvertently write an incredible script that I am sure HBO would love to acquire. 

Doug and Kaelin set out to answer the question that seems to be on everyone's minds: Should I move to Nashville?? Together, they dispel some myths about Nashville, take a deep dive into several news articles, and analyze some claims about whether or not the city should be considered a hotspot. While Doug responds to this burning question with a resounding "NO" and proceeds to get out of his rocking chair to tell everybody how Old Nashville used to be, Kaelin responds with a resounding "maybe" and acts as the voice of reason. We discuss the ridiculous rise in housing costs and rent, why Nashville is indeed a good city for music, how nearly all of Doug's favorite places have been bulldozed, and how the first fur trapper to move to Nashville lived in a place called the Demonbreun Cave.

In this episode, filmmaker Caden Douglas joins me to talk about his new horror comedy film "Mother Father Sister Brother Frank," the keys to writing great dialogue, the role of set design in creating the right mood for a scene, and the joys of witnessing great stunt work. We also talk about several activities that can either bring a family together or tear them apart. 

Filmmaker and educator Cat Brewer joins me on the podcast to discuss her award-winning documentary feature film Sign the Show, which tells the story of American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters at live performances. The film aims to amplify voices in the deaf and hard of hearing community and raise awareness about the quest for access to live entertainment events, including music performances, comedy shows, and more. The film was recently released in April 2024 in celebration of National Deaf Awareness Month. Sign the Show combines informative storytelling with humorous and heartfelt conversations, educating audiences about the need for ASL interpretation at live events, the ways interpreters creatively overcome challenges, and the important difference this type of accessibility makes for event attendees. Cat shares amazing stories with me about the filmmaking process, including meeting Andre 3000 from Outkast and his enthusiasm for bringing sign language accessibility to his live performances, and about her interactions with Matt Maxey, who interprets live shows for Chance the Rapper and several other performers. I share some of my favorite stories from the film, including how Maxey describes how he creatively interprets slang terms in lyrics such as "lit" and "trap" to Waka Flocka Flame, who is also an executive producer of the documentary. 

In this episode, I am joined by the phenomenal magician Gabriella Lester. Gabriella started her magic career at the age of ten, performed Houdini's legendary straight jacket escape at 14, and by 20 years old she had been featured in the New York Times as one of the most important women in magic, making her mark in a male-dominated industry. We discuss why being fooled by up-close magic is so entertaining and brings out your inner child, how she maintains control over the show even when audience participants get a bit unruly, and some of the most daring plans she has for her future in magic performances. We also talk about the mentalism branch of magic and I'm pretty sure I get mentalized into conducting a better interview than I usually would. Woohoo! Sorry, she mentalized me into saying that word. Gabriella is also a serious dirt bike and motorcycle expert and we talk about how that could possibly be integrated into one of her future magic shows. 

Dave Carnie is the former Editor-In-Chief of Big Brother Magazine, one of the co-creators of MTV's Jackass, the owner of Whalecock Skateboarding, the proud father of two dachshunds, and my new favorite pen pal. He joins me on the show to talk about his experience writing and working with the greatest magazine in the world and how it launched the hit TV show and movie franchise Jackass, featuring Chris Pontius, Steve-O, and Johnny Knoxville. We discuss how dachshunds are particularly talented at hunting badgers, and how in German, dachshund means "badger dog." My dog is part dachshund too, so we have that in common (part of why we are such great pen pals). We also discuss his time working at a highly successful magazine that broke all the rules and how he has continued to seek creativity through art throughout his career. I share how Dave Carnie inspired me as both a skateboarder and a writer. Turns out you should meet your heroes! All this and more on this week's episode.

In this episode, I am joined by Marina Perkle, a clinical hypnotherapist, shamanic healer, and spiritual coach who has traveled the world to study under some of the most powerful healers across the globe. Marina shared with me how the mind is capable of healing most anything, why guilt is often attached to grief, and how our psychological reality can affect our physical well-being. We talk about our beliefs on the spiritual realm and why people find it so frightening (and why they shouldn't), and how she worked as a spirit guide at one of the most haunted locations in America, the Stanley Hotel. Marina also explains to me how hypnotherapy works and shares several examples of how this practice has helped people heal in remarkable ways. 

In this episode, I am joined by New York Times best-selling author, journalist, and former Editor in Chief of Transworld Snowboarding Magazine Eric Blehm to discuss legendary pioneer snowboarder Craig Kelly. Craig Kelly is arguably the most influential snowboarder of all time. Eric's new book, "The Darkest White: A Mountain Legend and the Avalanche That Took Him," explores the life and legend of Craig Kelly and the controversy surrounding his untimely death in an avalanche. Eric shares with me several firsthand stories of what it was like to snowboard with Craig Kelly and the life philosophy that Kelly lived by.

In this episode, I am joined by sci-fi author and penguin enthusiast Kris Bird to discuss her new book series, everything about emperor penguins, and why Benedict Cumberbatch struggles to say the word "penguin." We consult two important sources - the Wildlife Federation and Buzzfeed - to measure Kris' immense expertise on penguins, and we discuss one of my favorite GWAR songs on the same topic. We also name our top picks for the most anticipated films of 2024, and Kris drops some big news about her Time Bender series that may or may not rhyme with Shmetflix. We also solve all of the issues regarding Big Pharma and explain the top ways to fight back through an epic Mad Lib story. 

In this episode, I am joined by internationally renowned conservationist Ian Redmond who has more than 45 years of experience ranging from field research to developing anti-poaching policy for the United Nations. Ian is the Head of Conservation at Ecoflix and is an ambassador for the UN's Convention on Migratory Species.  Ian takes me on a journey through his work to protect endangered species including working with Dian Fossey on creating the film Gorillas in the Mist and being the first to introduce Sir David Attenborough to gorillas back when he was just David. We talk about Ian's trip around the world following Sir Francis Drake's circumnavigation of the globe and taking a detour into Kenya to find the only elephants that are known to go deep into caves to mine salt.  Ian gives us insight into how ecotourism helps endangered species by creating ecological parameters to preserve natural habitats while increasing anti-poaching efforts. We discuss what people can do in their day-to-day lives to help endangered species thrive and continue to exist, and Ian inspires me to want to meet, learn about, and respect the world's most vulnerable animals while respecting and protecting their natural habitats. 

Libertarian billionaire Peter Theil and several other venture capitalists are bankrolling an alternative version of the Olympics that will allow athletes to take as many performance enhancing drugs as they want. Is this idea cool? I'm joined by special co-host Zach Wilkinson to find out. 

In 1992, a wealthy elderly gentleman and a young anarchist punk boarded a plane from London to the United States as part of an international drug smuggling operation with the intent of getting caught. They hoped to alert authorities to the drugs they were bringing into the country and use this act of rebellion to change American history forever. As a result, the highly visible and highly controversial fight began to bring the abortion pill to America. Activists against the abortion pill were using increasingly aggressive tactics to stop women from accessing healthcare clinics providing abortion, such as arson and assassination attempts against doctors. Those in favor of the abortion pill were inspired to put more efforts toward increasing women's access to healthcare options including the abortion pill.  In this episode, I talk to T.J. Raphael, host of a podcast series intended to shed light on how the fight for reproductive rights played out and what these events meant for our society. We discuss the important information presented in her podcast episodes and why this information is particularly relevant today. From Sony Music's description of the podcast series: "“Cover Up: The Pill Plot exposes an important piece of history and the fight for reproductive rights in the United States, at a time when these stories are more relevant than ever,” said host T.J. Raphael. “The show plays out like a crime thriller, spotlighting the raucous battle between anti-abortion forces, and activists who were determined to legalize the abortion pill in the United States – even if it required breaking the law.”" Learn more about T.J. Raphael's podcast here: https://www.sonymusic.com/sonymusic/sme-launches-the-pill-plot

In this episode, I am joined by the multi-talented Hélène Cardona, who is a poet, linguist, literary translator, actor, award-winning writer and author of seven books, and who speaks six languages and holds U.S., French, and Spanish citizenships. We discuss a wide range of topics, including her role as the voice of Cerebro in several X-Men movies, her new film Caralique, and her role in the upcoming Apple TV drama series The New Look about the rivalry of fashion icons Christian Dior and Coco Chanel. Hélène teaches me about being a literary translator and we work together to translate several silly words and phrases from English to French. 

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Spyder Dobrofsky to talk about the trajectory of his filmmaking career and his new movie "Down Below." Now directing major motion pictures, Sypder appeared on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno as a teenager to talk about his popular website he created with his brother, "Car Paparazzi." We talk about the journey from using camcorders with tapes to recording with iPhones, to now working with entire film crews as a director. In addition to talking about how being on My Views Are My Own is much more prestigious and impressive than being on the Tonight Show, we also discuss whether it is cooler to get killed by a great white shark or get sucked into a blackhole. I also get Spyder's input on making great casting choices for films and how to develop a fear tolerance to sharks, and we talk about how one of his screenplays was picked up and directed by one of the most controversial directors out there, and why we are not fans of our names being turned into silly nicknames like "Dougie." And then of course we do an incredible Mad Lib based on the Oscar-winning film The Shape of Water.  

In this episode, screenwriter Tom Schrack joins me to embrace the era of life where you can be a skateboarding dad without caring if anyone tries to judge you. Tom teaches me about how to do elevator pitches, which is a skill I've always wanted to learn. We discuss what we would want to do if we had the rights to certain intellectual properties and millions of dollars to create amazing films. And of course, we do a script read of one of Tom's screenplays and turned it into an audio drama. 

What does it mean to be on the extreme political right? How is Aristotle considered a historical right-wing figure? What is the connection between conservatism and nostalgia? These are just some of the questions answered by Matt McManus, lecturer of political science at University of Michigan and author of "The Political Right and Equality: Turning Back the Tide of Egalitarian Modernity." He breaks down concepts such as how the right is unified by a hostility toward equality, reactionary politics, and the rise of fascism. We also discuss why Trump is the figure-head of the right wing movement in America but is not considered an intellectual, and who, then, is considered the intellectuals of the right wing movement in America and abroad. We then talk about why fascists believe there is a superior authority and what is required ideologically to make their arbitrary hierarchy function. All this and more in this week's episode.  

Obviously, that is a rhetorical question. I am joined by special co-host Zach to discuss why, when, where, and how "The Muppet Christmas Carol" became the greatest Christmas movie of all time. We Bah-Humbug some of the most beloved Christmas films ever created. Then we explain why we love this movie and why it is one of the greatest musical, acting, and directing masterpieces for a Christmas movie that has ever happened. Don't believe us?? Listen to the episode, watch the film, and tell me why. 

In this episode, the amazingly talented and hilarious actor Will Blagrove joins me to talk about leaving law school to pursue an acting career. We discuss several actors that have started liquor brands and I immediately become obsessed with being the marketing director for Blagrove Bourbon. We also create movie magic with a cold script read of some of the best arguments I could find between my neighbors on the Next Door app. I take the opportunity to ask Will for some much needed legal advice and we talk about his latest film "The Christmas Classic." Will has several other projects coming up including "American Rust" with Jeff Daniels. And we find out which New York borough every McDonald's Playland character is probably from. Spoiler alert: Mayor McCheese is from Manhattan, obviously.

In this episode, Amerigo Gazaway returns to the podcast to discuss his career as a DJ, producer, and emcee who is most known for his innovative mashup productions such as Fela Sol and "The Miseducation of Eunice Waymon." We discuss his recent album "Radical Dreamers," a departure from the mashup productions he is most known for. In "Radical Dreamers," Amerigo returns to his roots of 1990s video games which served as the inspiration for his career as a beat-maker and producer. We talk about Amerigo's journey from Nashville, TN where I first met him as a rapper and extraordinary DJ, to Croatia where he currently lives and produces his own music. I also debut my own track based on my favorite nostalgic video game.

This episode was originally released on October 6, 2021.   In this episode, Brandon Case tells me about hiking 2,653 miles from Mexico to Canada solo on the Pacific Crest Trail while recovering from a traumatic brain injury from a motorcycle crash. We talk about treasure hunting, encounters with mountain lions and bears, and hiking through wildfires. And there is a 1 in 12 chance I will read you your horoscope.

In this episode, I am joined by author, actor, and producer D. Elliot Woods. We discuss the power of entertainment media and the arts and how storytelling through film, television, and books has the ability to change society in ways that are often much more effective or pervasive than government policy or news media. We discuss his latest suspense/thriller novel Rise of the Unicorn, and how his own lived experiences help inform and inspire his creative works. Elliot has acted in many popular shows such as NCIS: LA, Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, and several Star Trek films and TV shows. We discuss the particular impact Star Trek has made as a franchise that has long centered inclusivity and diversity. We also talk about how Elliot is from the same city as my favorite author, Kurt Vonnegut, and the humbling and epic journey of fatherhood. 

In this episode, actor, director, and filmmaker Steve Young joins me to talk about why he decided to quit his lucrative job as an actuary on Wall Street to pursue his passion for making movies. We discuss how he landed several roles in feature films as well as his directorial debut "Hell's Kitchen," a short film about mobsters in New York City. Steve and I talk about our shared love for gangster films and how we surprisingly have the almost exact same top five ranking for best gangster films of all time. Obviously I had to ask Steve to join me in some improv to find out what it would be like if the Godfather Don Vito Corleone went to Jurassic Park or played Pokémon. You can find out too by listening to this podcast episode.

This episode was originally released July 10, 2021.   In this episode I talk with renowned explorer and gnarly wilderness dude Frank Wolf. I get inspired to go on an adventure. And I hope this conversation inspires you to go on an adventure too. 

When I first discovered there was a raging debate on the internet about whether the state of Florida or the state of New York was a better place to live, I knew that I had to bring a voice of reason to this age old argument. That's why I called actor and comedian Torrey Huggins to help settle this dispute once and for all. We use the latest advancements in journalistic excellence to analyze, dissect, and scrutinize the top headlines from both states to come to a decisive conclusion about which place is worse. Which one comes out on the bottom? The only way to find out is to listen to this podcast episode. Obviously, Doug and Torrey remain extremely unbiased and professional, and this is the most objective analysis of Floridian and New York news that has ever been done. We also write an entire Law and Order episode using a Mad Lib that we will submit for Dick Wolf's consideration.

In a terrifying turn of events, Doug and Zach were kidnapped by the clown puppet from the Saw movies and are being held hostage on a train! Clown puppet is threatening to release their nude photos to TMZ and ruin their chance of ever getting a People's Choice Award! The clown puppet's demands are clear. Doug and Zach have to produce five terrifying Zoom calls in order to unlock the train car doors and escape the train as well as keep their nudes off of TMZ forever. Will they survive this harrowing predicament? The only way to find out is to listen to this spooky episode.  Featuring: Special co-host Zach Wilkinson, Danny Moss, Marianna Barksdale, Jasna Celovic, Liz Saydah, co-producer Bill, and co-producer Colleen.

In this episode I am joined by William J. Kole, award-winning journalist and author of "The Big 100: The New World of Super-Aging," an exploration of extreme longevity. We discuss the rapidly increasing demographic of people who are 100 years old and older and how this trend is continuing. We also talk about blue zones and how they may or may not affect people's ability to extend their lifespan due to their surroundings and lifestyles. In Bill's incredibly impressive career, he has reported on several extraordinary events including being a reporter at the Hague. I ask Bill if there's a chance we'll see a 120-year-old Nazi go on trial there, and he says it's certainly a possibility. We also discuss the increased risk of elder poverty and how we can combat that as a society, the implications of our youth-obsessed ageist culture and how this is a modern development, and all of the tricks and tips you might need if you want to live to be 100 years old yourself. 

For long-time listeners of the show, you've probably heard me talk about "Old Nashville" vs. "New Nashville." And I haven't always been objective on how the city has changed. But thankfully I met photographer Nita Ann who not only inspired me to take a new look at the city, but also inspired me to even make a new vision board for myself, no joke. Nita Ann moved to Nashville from Ohio and turned her side hustle into a full-time career, doing professional photography with her iPhone. In this episode, she shares step-by-step instructions on how to get the perfect photo. We discuss the fun and not-so-fun parts of networking, the dos and don'ts of taking a great picture, and why Nashville is such a fun city to be a photographer in. 

It's time for another holiday special. And this time we're celebrating Ask A Stupid Question Day. I'm joined by special cohost Zach Wilkinson as we learn everything there is to know about this holiday and how to celebrate it. And we celebrate it. Hard. So join us on this journey of knowledge and discovery as we grow to love and admire the stupidity in all of us.  

Award winning filmmaker Choice Skinner joins me on the podcast today to talk about deciding to go from running his own martial arts studio to working in the music industry. Then we talk about why he left the music industry to become a stuntman. After being a stuntman he moved to acting. And then he moved from actor to director. Then from director to starting his own production company Darkan Entertainment. We also discuss the making of his latest film A New Life. All that and more in this episode.  

When I first met Andrew Steiner, he told me that he was a stand-up comedian. But I felt like there was more to the story. So I investigated. Deeply. On Google. And I was astounded to find out there was so much he wasn't telling me! The first thing I uncovered in my research is that Andrew Steiner teaches theoretical nuclear astrophysics to graduate students. My research further revealed that he holds a senior position at a leading medical research organization and has had a decades-long career in finance. He has been passionate about cheese for years, and even rose from a waiter to become a nationally renowned cheese expert. On top of all that, he died in 2009 and yet still showed up to our interview. The following podcast you are about to listen to is my interrogation of Andrew Steiner and the discrepancies in his resume.

In this episode, the amazing and talented Elizabeth Saydah joins me to share her talents as a voice actress. You may recognize her voice from some of your favorite video games! It also turns out she is a master of improv, and we are finally able to find out what it would be like if Ian McKellen acted in Red Dead Redemption, if Joe Pesci was in Halo, if John Malkovich was in Mario Kart, and if Hugh Jackman was in Grand Theft Auto. But more importantly than all that, she teaches me the difference between how to voice act in a Mercedes Benz commercial compared to a Hyundai commercial. I forgot which country Mercedes Benz and BMW fought for in WWI, but that's because I drive a Hyundai, and if they want me to care about things like that they can contact me at myviewsaremyown.podcast@gmail.com!