The Morning Ride Pedal Powered Podcast

Lot's of folks have asked so here's the gear I use to record and produce a podcast and vlog while riding a bicycle. And, some very big news for The Morning Ride Pedal Powered Podcast at 6:20 in this episode.www.jefferyoliver.com

We saw "Fantastic Fungi" last night and was again inspired and left in a state of wonder at the world of mushrooms, their ability to heal the planet, medicinal properties, and how they help us think straight. More at www.jefferyoliver.com

We've got a big announcement today about our international short film festival in Boise, Idaho. Details at www.sunsetgrovefilmfest.com.

Brad Pitt is an aging stuntman, Laura Dern, a high-powered lawyer...but only in the movies. As people, what responsibility to actresses and actors have as public figures, as celebrities? And a shout out to Lulu Wang for her win at the Film Independent Spirit Awards for "The Farewell"!Notes at www.jefferyoliver.com

We just watched "Ford v Ferrari" and I got to wondering, "Is it more difficult for actresses and actors to play historical or fictional characters?" 5.04 | February 6, 2020 www.jefferyoliver.com

We've been hosting “tiny film festivals” in our living room for 10 years and now we're starting a “real” film festival. We're looking for short films that inspire wonder and uplift the consciousness of the planet. Visit the Sunset Grove Film Festival (www.sunsetgrovefilmfest.com) for more info. Next screening is April 18 in Boise, Idaho.

How does acting work? How do actresses and actors get into roles? What role does a director play in creating character? And a big announcement for people who love films and love filmmaking.

The Academy Awards have been under a lot of scrutiny in recent years and I'm wondering, do the Oscars still matter? And, I share my favorite nominations of the films I've seen so far. 5.01 / 2020.01.27 © Sunset Grove Media / www.jefferyoliver.com

What is it about “Dead Poets Society” that this 30-year old film continues to inspire me today? What does it have to do with Plato's “Allegory of the Cave” or Joseph Campbell's ideas on mythology? What does this film teach me as a filmmaker? What does this film teach me as a human being? Also, big news about this podcast and, very sincerely, Happy Thanksgiving. Season 4, Episode 35 | Nov. 28, 2019 © Sunset Grove Media

What makes something memorable? What makes a story meaningful? What's the connection between the artist Michelangelo and Vito Corleone in “The Godfather”? Notes at www.jefferyoliver.com | Nov. 4, 2019

I've been reading Ed Burns book, “Independent Ed (https://amzn.to/2PxpiH4 - affiliate link),” on indie filmmaking and I was surprised last night to discover a life lesson I've been wrestling with for years. Also some Edgar Allan Poe for Halloween. Notes at www.jefferyoliver.com | 2019.10.31 © Sunset Grove Media

To be fair with you, this episode is a little moany. The back pain is getting me down a bit, but here's a quote by Walt Whitman, some Biblical poetry, and a photography video you need to watch.

In today's news: a health update, status of the Cormorants in Quinn's Pond, and a neo-surrealist poem by Charles Simic. “...downright frighening…to be reminded of one's own solitude...” Notes at www.jefferyoliver.com | 2019.10.24 © Sunset Grove Media

Physics is better at getting at how we're here than why we're here which is more the domain of art and especially Jeanette Winterson's novel “GUT Symmetries” where she weaves the metaphor of the Grand Unified Theory with three characters on a sailboat and reminds us that Paracelsus gave us the idea that the potency is not in the poison but in the dose. All this to say that even at the particle level, humans can only ever imitate the light and energy within our universe. Notes at www.jefferyoliver.com | 2019.10.21 © Sunset Grove Media

I'm not on the usual ride this morning(?)! I'm on another ride and reading one of my favorite poems for you by Bob Hicok from his collection called “This Clumsy Living.”

We visited four artist studios this weekend as part of the Boise Open Studios event and got to see some great artwork! Boise really has some great visual art.Notes at www.jefferyoliver.com | 2019.10.14 © Sunset Grove Media

It's cold this morning–26 degrees! And, I'm building a bicycle trailer to haul my camera gear so it stays dry and secure this winter.Notes at www.jefferyoliver.com | 2019.10.10 © Sunset Grove Media

Obviously a riff on the Emily Dickinson poem, which we hear, but also about how I'm the only person that can make art the way I make art. Or try to make art. Season 4, Episode 26 | October 7, 2019 © Sunset Grove Media

I can't get that Rilke poem about the statue of Apollo out of my mind. And that's the point.“Archaic Torso of Apollo” poem by Rainer Maria Rilke“Night Sky With Exit Wounds” book of poems by Ocean VuongSeason 4, Episode 25 | October 3, 2019

What happened last night!? It got cold. This changes everything! I love how fall changes my reading, listening, and movie watching lists. And biking gear.Episode References:“Archaic Torso of Apollo” by Rainer Maria RilkeThylacine Threadworks (best bicycle panniers)Season 4, Episode 24 | September 30, 2019

I love riding in the fall. The air is cool and perfect for reading poetry. Here's one of my favorite poems about the fall by Russell Edson. What are some of your favorite fall poems or books?Season 4, Episode 23 | September 26, 2019

How do we see the future, or the past, in writing? What about in the edit? Is this why stories are so compelling? They present life the way we wish it was?Season 4, Episode 22 | September 23, 2019

To become an artist, one must make and share and that means sharing work that's not mature (obviously). I'm excited to make and share some short films soon that are part of the suck of learning to become a filmmaker.X Casey Neistat | Make & Share - video with Shantell Martin talking about how she makes and shares and makes and shares to learn how to draw a line that is distinctly hers.Season 4, Episode 21 | September 19, 2019

In episode 4.19 we discussed where does art come from. Today, how do we access art as a creatives and artists? Something about transitions and giving thanks?Season 4, Episode 20 | September 12, 2019

Does art come from something inside of us or somewhere external? Is it fully formed or does it come in bits that we have to decipher and co-create with the universe?Where does the idea, the musical phrase Beethoven heard for his Fifth Symphony come from? Or Shakespeare's “Hamlet”? Or any artwork?This episode is part of a discussion of ideas from Steven Pressfield's book “The War of Art. (affiliate link)”Season 4, Episode 19 | September 9, 2019

It's simple folks. I make it so difficult sometimes, but it's really simple.Season 4, Episode 18 | September 5, 2019

It's Labor Day so I thought I'd run through my work history to see when I've been most creative and when my job and creative output were at odds. Season 4, Episode 17 | September 2, 2019

Jeanette Winterson gets at how to develop a palate for new art (music, films,...people(?)) in her fantastic essay “Art Objects.” She posits that art challenges the “I” we think we are and that the true artist is after the problem itself, not the solution. Season 4, Episode 16 | August 29, 2019

Do you give yourself permission to do your creative work or do you feel guilty or selfish when you take time to work on your art? Is it part of your daily routine? Let's chat.Season 4, Episode 15 | August 26, 2019

What originally inspired the thing you do or want to do? Does it still or was it a stepping stone to where you are in your development as a creative, professional, and/or human being?Season 4, Episode 14 | August 22, 2019

How do you find your thing? My evolution as a video producer and filmmaker started with boring poetry readings. This is just my story. (What was with that intro? Ugh!)Season 4, Episode 13 | August 19, 2019

Part 2 of 2. In part 1 we discussed Maslow's Hierarchy and what I thought was professional dissatisfaction. In part 2, we discuss that it's not professional dissatisfaction. It's a career decision I made when we moved to Idaho that my ego hates me for. And, there's no guarantee this decision will ever pay off.Season 4, Episode 12 | August 15, 2019

Part 1 of 2. A friend asked me to break down my thoughts that I have a great life but I experience professional dissatisfaction. Can both of these be true? In part 1, let's ask Maslow. Part 2 we'll get into the decision that makes me complicit with my current professional situation.Season 4, Episode 11 | August 12, 2019

Estonian folklore invented beings called kratts that can become self aware and the owner must kill them. Someone made a beautiful film with kratts and they are also a cautionary tale in the development of artificial intelligence.Season 4, Episode 10 | August 8, 2019

America has been producing “summer road trip” poems since the 1800's! Here's one from a few years ago I think you'll enjoy along with a report on the Goathead Fest pedal-powered parade.Season 4, Episode 9 | August 5, 2019

One of the ways I stay on my ride is to ride with others. Especially when the others love bicycles (almost) as much as I do. I'm talking about Goathead Fest in Boise and why you need to be there.Season 4, Episode 8 | August 1, 2019

Obviously, some things may come easily for you and others not so much. Photography is really difficult for me artistically. But, here are some practices that are helping me evolve more quickly as an artist.Here's the video with Shantell Martin I talk about called, “x Casey Neistat | Make & Share.”Season 4, Episode 7 | July 29, 2019

It's hot and you've got a lot to carry. Here's how I deal with water, sweat, and choosing the best bag for the summer ride to the office.Season 4, Episode 6 | July 25, 2019

I had a profound moment at breakfast yesterday in Baker City, Oregon when I fully realized how important are the people in my life. Not just important, but critical for me to grow and evolve as a human being.Season 4, Episode 5 | July 22, 2019

Here are four things I've read about, and put into practice, that help me stay positive and generally happier. And they're really simple to do. Like so simple you may not think they'll change your life.Here's the John Greene video I reference: http://bit.ly/GreeneLifeHacksSeason 4, Episode 4 | July 18, 2019

Here's what you need to know about music, and yourself, to find the perfect music to listen to for concentration and productivity at work. And I have some recommendations too.July 15, 2019 (c) Sunset Grove Media

Here are the four ways I experience inspiration, how I stay inspired, and what I do when nothing seems to inspire me. It's really easy stay inspired when I do these simple things.“The War of Art” by Stephen Pressfield is a great book for understanding what keeps me from being inspired and creative.July 11, 2019 © Sunset Grove Media

It's so good to be back on the ride with you! Today, we're talking summer movies by Spike Lee, one on eco-terrorism in Iceland, and a music documentary you have to see.July 8, 2019 (c) Sunset Grove Media

Happy Solstice (tomorrow)! I polled a handful of people and came up with a list of our favorite summer movies. Also, after 122 podcast episodes, I'm going to take a break for at least a week while I'm developing a new idea for season 4 of The Morning Ride Pedal Powered Podcast. Thanks for letting me ride with you!www.jefferyoliver.com 6.20.2019 (C) Sunset Grove Media

I paid an Apple Premium Service Provider in Boise $50 to replace my battery, they killed my iPhone 6s in the process, and now they won't refund me. But, am I being too principled to get the $50 back?www.jefferyoliver.com 6.17.2019 (c) Sunset Grove Media

Does the sentiment of Father's Day cards really represent how we feel about our fathers and our relationships to them? It seems desperate.www.jefferyoliver.com 6.13.2019 (C) Sunset Grove Media

I'm looking for a great everyday sunscreen, and we're coming up on the one-year anniversary of this podcast!www.jefferyoliver.com 6.10.2019 (c) Sunset Grove Media

Today, I consider a video essay by Will Schoder, “David Foster Wallace - The Problem With Irony,” the twitter rhetoric of Mr Trump, and David Foster Wallace's idea that, "postmodernism has...run its course."www.jefferyoliver.com 6.6.2019 (c) Sunset Grove Media

I have an idea that all films are documentary films. Also, don't eat a lot of hummus while watching "Zombieland" just before bed. Bad combo.www.jefferyoliver.com 6.3.2019 (c) Sunset Grove Media

I watched a fantastic film this week about a woman dealing with the death of a close friend and how music played a role in her healing process. And monsters.www.jefferyoliver.com 5.30.2019 (c) Sunset Grove Media

You don't have to believe in war to die in a war. I get a little emotional thinking about all the people who have died to make the United States a great place to live.