The Other Side of The Tracks

Rafe and Steve talk to Frank White, Space Philosopher, author of The Overview Effect and co-founder of the Overview Institute. The guys take on heavy topics and try to explain the Overview Effect and how it applies to the future of human consciousness in these tumultuous times.  They are guided through the conversation by Frank White. More than 30 years ago, Frank White coined the term Overview Effect; to describe the cognitive shift in awareness that results from the experience of viewing Earth from orbit or the moon. He found that, with great consistency, this experience profoundly affects space travelers' worldviews - their perceptions of themselves and our planet, and our understanding of the future. White found that astronauts know from direct experience what the rest of us know only intellectually: we live on a planet that is like a natural spaceship moving through the universe at a high rate of speed. We are, in fact, the crew of Spaceship Earth; as Buckminster Fuller described our world. In The Overview Effect, Third Edition Frank White expands on his original concept, which has now gained worldwide recognition and exposure. Using interviews with and writings by numerous astronauts and cosmonauts, he describes space exploration and settlement as necessary next steps in the evolution of human civilization and consciousness. The third edition features new interviews with the following astronauts, space advocates, and New Space entrepreneurs: *Frank White is a magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Harvard College. He attended Oxford University on a Rhodes Scholarship, where he earned a Master of Philosophy degree in politics. He is a leading thinker and advocate on the topic of space exploration and its impact on human thought and society. He first published The Overview Effect in 1987 and has since authored, co-authored, or edited nine other books, including Think About Space and The March of the Millennia (with Isaac Asimov), The SETI Factor, and The New Camelot. He is co-founder of the Overview Institute, created in 2008 to communicate the nature and psychosocial impact of the space experience to the space community and the general public. He is also co-founder of the Earth Rider project and appears in Overview, a short film about the Overview Effect released by Planetary Collective in 2012 that has been viewed on the Internet by more than 6 million people. Buy the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Overview-Effect-Exploration-Evolution-Library/dp/162410262X/ref=la_B004LQJBWW_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1504152127&sr=1-1   Excerpt from The Overview Institute "We live at a critical moment in human history.  The challenges of climate change, food, water and energy shortages as well as the increasing disparity between the developed and developing nations are testing our will to unite, while differences in religions, cultures, and politics continue to keep us apart.  The creation of a "global village" through satellite TV and the Internet is still struggling to connect the world into one community.   At this critical moment, our greatest need is for a global vision of planetary unity and purpose for humanity as a whole."  

Rafe and Steve talk to Filmmaker and Producer, Josh Mcnew about "going native" as an Expatriate,  global politics, and why Lost was the biggest piece of garbage in TV history.  Along the way, they also discuss this episode's topic: Evolution of TV/Film & Storytelling. Fresh off of making a film in Honduras, Josh reflects on the history of storytelling in TV and Film.  The guys discuss silent movies, the birth of "white male buffoonery", guilty viewing pleasures, and the age of binge watching.  Josh is the creator and producer of STL Up Late and freelance film producer. He also produced a local documentary about the brother of Donald Trump. Check him out at: www.stluplate.com "The Ballad of Ronnie Jenkins-Trump" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ur6AtPaQ6Vc      

Rafe and Steve talk to Director of Campfire, Steven Harowitz about Jewish tradition, the art of taking compliments and criticism, a Boo Radley themed restaurant, technology creating sociopaths, and in honor of Father's day...Dad Dicks. Along the way, they also discuss this episode's topic: Emerging Adulthood. Emerging Adulthood is a Theory of Development that is neither adolescence nor young adulthood but is theoretically and empirically distinct from them both. Emerging adulthood is distinguished by relative independence from social roles and from normative expectations. What is adulthood?   Our generation is discovering it's own version and we discuss our personal experiences and views on the matter. Steven Harowitz is a Champion of Creativity and Director of Campfire: A Multi-sensory Storytelling Event. Working with a team of designers and public speaking coaches, one storyteller will create an immersive retelling of a seminal moment in their lives. Check it out at:   http://www.yoursandbox.org    

Rafe Talks to Tina Dybal and Bobby Jaycox about different city bum experiences, childhood secrets, self-discovery, and how Bobby learned to lick a butt. Along the way, they also discuss this episode's topic: Friendship. We chose friendship as a topic because it's Memorial Day and most people take this day off to hang out with pals, eat, drink, and reminisce.  It's like a cooler Thanksgiving where you are not obligated to spend it with blood relatives, but rather the family you have chosen...your friends. Tina, Bobby, and Jason were great on the show as we delved into what it means to be a friend, maintain lifelong friendships, Deal-breaking behavior and how different expectations of friendship can sometimes get in the way. We also poured out love and admiration for those nearest and dearest to us. Bobby and Tina are wonderful friends and fantastic stand-up comics who perform comedy all over the city. Catch all of us in the Upcoming Helium Funniest person in STL competition. Check out dates and tickets here: http://st-louis.heliumcomedy.com/events/10838 Follow Bobby at: @bobbyjaycox https://www.facebook.com/bobby.jaycox.5?fref=ts https://twitter.com/bobbyjaycox And Follow Tina at: @tinadybal https://www.facebook.com/tina.dybal?fref=ts https://twitter.com/tinadybal   A wise man once said, "Friendship is the only animal on earth that is known to bite you well after it is dead."   I say that is all the more reason to make sure it is well fed. Thanks for visiting us, on The Other Side of the Tracks.

Rafe and Steve talk to "Hazard to Ya Booty" Funk Band members Ryan Stewart and Pat Alexander about Ricardo Montalbán's second grade experience, altitude sickness, and the globally common comedic language of bowel control. (It actually does relate to the topic, but if you want to skip the stories about #2, then start at 25:00 minutes in).  Along the way, they also discuss this episode's topic: Destiny or Free Will? Ryan and Pat were great guests and we delved into some fantastic conversation about income inequality, politics, hard work in comedy/music, and answering your life's calling.  Check out Hazard to Ya' Booty's album "The Precipice" on iTunes, Amazon, or Spotify. Check out and follow HTYB on their Facebook page and get updates for upcoming shows including May 28 at Schlafly Bottleworks and May29 at Atomic Cowboy as part of Mound City Music Fest! https://www.facebook.com/hazardtoyabooty/ Music featured in this episode include: "The Precipice" - https://open.spotify.com/track/5tzOu1TuSe7cBRs83qsWd2 "Simple Things" - https://open.spotify.com/track/0mMcTrAVhhEr1Hl0S4IaFa Support Live Comedy and Music.      

Rafe and Steve talk to Destination Nowhere founder and earth tenant, Tony Kovicak about Storms, BMX Bandits, and the first guy to get pegs in his bicycle.  Along the way, they also discuss this episode's topic: Big Risks & Life Choices Tony left his safe, lucrative corporate job at 37 years old to complete the dream of his 13-year old self...Traveling the world and riding his bike across country. Tony Rode from Daytona, Florida to Seattle, Washington in a four month adventure and chronicled his journey along the way at www.destinationnowhere.net You can also follow Tony on Instagram At:  https://www.instagram.com/d.nowhere/  

Rafe and Steve talk to Professor of Religious Studies, Steve Stopke about Rumspringa, celebrity worship, Thanksgiving arguments, Preacher's daughters and Steve's predilection for wearing a bathrobe to class.  Along the way, they also discuss this episode's topic: Religion. Religion has depth and breadth that could not possibly be fully explored in a two hour podcast.  The fellas make an honest attempt to provide an overview of the major religions of the world, both past and present, and address the modern day issues that relate to them.  To help guide their discussion, they have enlisted Steve Stopke, a Professor of Religious Studies at Fontbonne University.  Professor Stopke also has a degree in Biology, so he has the bonafides required to approach this topic from both a scientific and spiritual viewpoint. Religion can be a very inflammatory subject to broach.  Religion taps into the core beliefs and value systems of a person and any challenge to these viewpoints can be met with massive emotional resistance. All we ask is that you listen with an open mind and understand that what you hear are different viewpoints about religion.  Big thanks to  Professor Stopke for approaching every religion with respect, authenticity, thoughtfulness, and tact.  Steve Stopke has been an Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Fontbonne University for 23 years. He holds a Masters in Religious Studies from Washington University, a Bachelor in Biology from the University of Missouri, and an MBA in Accounting.  He also loves Guinness.  

Rafe and Steve talk to Carlo Sanfilippo about the ultimate Peeping Tom, dream interpretations, and the hellish landscape of hot Yoga classes. Along the way, they also discuss this episode's topic: Integral Theory. Integral theory is Philosopher, Ken Wilber's attempt to place a wide diversity of theories and thinkers into one single framework. It is portrayed as a "theory of everything" trying" to draw together an already existing number of separate paradigms into an interrelated network of approaches that are mutually enriching."   Carlo is a comedic improviser on The Improv Shop house team, Scottie. He is also a Certified Financial Planner, Wealth Consultant, and President of Integral Wealth Planning. http://theimprovshop.com/teams/#scottie http://www.integralwealth.net   More info on Ken Wilber: http://www.kenwilber.com/home/landing/index.html  

Rafe and Steve talk to Comedian, Writer, and Musician Jeremy Essig about the effect that the internet, social media, and removal of gatekeepers has had on the music scene.  In the process they discover many parallels between the musical and comedic landscapes in terms of creativity and managing your career.  They also delve into tough topics like Al Boreland: America's first Bear,  renting out a Porta-Potty for profit during Mardi Gras,  and the life-long ramifications of wearing a full length stone-washed denim duster to school.   Follow Jeremy at: https://www.facebook.com/jeremyessigcomedy/?fref=ts    

Rafe and Steve have an open, personal, and honest conversation with comedian Tina Dybal about the topic of addiction and all of the struggles that come with it.  In between, they also talk about Belorussian anchor babies, gross fermented foods, crazy behind-the-scenes tales working in hospital surgery, and the infamous "Suh-Dude" viral video.  A word from Rafe: This topic is near and dear to my heart as I have had my own personal struggles with the demons of addiction.  I commend Tina on her honesty and bravery in having a straightforward, visceral, and raw discussion about the power of addiction and the fight for recovery.  If you are struggling with addiction of any kind, I promise you that you are not alone.  Check out the links below and remember that every day is an opportunity to make a big change.   Stay in touch with Tina at: https://www.facebook.com/tina.dybal?fref=ts Links to help with addiction and recovery: Alcoholics Anonymous http://www.aa.org/pages/en_US/find-local-aa Narcotics Anonymous http://www.na.org/?ID=phoneline Here is a list of hotline and helplines that can get you into addiction treatment, or to a safe place to wait for help. Please note that not all hotlines are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you don't get in touch with a live person, keep calling and move down the list. 1-800-999-9999 National Directory of Hotlines and Crisis Intervention Centers 1-800-662-HELP Drug and Alcohol Rehab/Treatment Referral Service Alcoholics Anonymous 24 hour helplines by zip code Narcotics Anonymous hotlines and helplines  1-800-356-9996 Al-Anon & Alateen crisis line 1-800-COCAINE National Cocaine Hotline, 24-hour counseling and referral 1-800-9-HEROIN National Heroin Hotline 1-888-MARIJUA National Marijuana Hotline 1-800-273-TALK National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-WORKPLACE Drug-Free Workplace Help    

Rafe and Steve interview Chris and Travis from We Are Live radio show and talk about everything from casting a Tyler Perry Batman Movie, to almost fighting Hodor in a Kmart. In between, they talk about the topic of building your own creative idea from a grass-roots effort into a successful business. Speaking of the building-from-grass-roots topic, this our 3rd episode and a faulty wire caused a slightly annoying clicking sound about 40 minutes in. The guests and content were too good to scrap the episode, we have fixed the problem so bear with us and don't leave snarky, clever comments about the audio glitch or Jason our producer might lose his mind and move up into the mountains again.   Chris Denman and Travis Terrell co-host and co-created We are live! on CBS Sports Radio 920AM 105.7 HD-2 FM St. Louis www.insidestl.com for more information.  Check out their podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/we-are-live-travis-terrell/id1052759370?mt=2 Website: http://www.weareliveradio.com/  Music by Grandhouse: https://grandhouse.bandcamp.com/ 

Kevin Bobby Devine is an Improviser and professional wrestling expert from St. Louis. Kevin performs at The Improv Shop in St. Louis, Missouri, with IS house team Burnside. https://www.facebook.com/kevin.b.devine 

Libbie Higgins is a St. Louis comedian, and founder of The White Trash Network. Follow her at facebook.com/LibbieHigginsComedy.