Tangentially Speaking with Christopher Ryan

Malith walked away from his home in France about 15 months ago and has been walking ever since. He walked past me last night and I knew I wanted to hear his story. He wandered along the Camino de Santiago then kept going south in Portugal until he reached Gibraltar, where he met a couple sailing to the Canary Islands. He'll be here for a while, then hopes to find a boat going to the Caribbean, South America, and on to Asia. He's a bit over a year into a 5-year journey. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

I consider the difference between appreciating something and wanting it, porn addiction, the importance of constructive crashing and burning in one's love life, and serve a large dollop of troll chow. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

That Dos Equis guy's role model must have been my uncle Dan. Has Mr. Dos Equis ever delivered babies? Has he piloted several types of planes all over North America? Has he been rolling in money and then seen it rolling away? Does he effortlessly charm women 30 years younger than him without so much as a hint of creepiness while laughing about two types of cancer and serious nerve damage from a motorcycle accident? Go on, Mr. Dos Equis, have another drink and listen to my uncle Dan's story. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

What began with a shrimp boat to Colombia in the late 70s grew into a major drug smuggling operation using a fleet of military transport planes over the next decade before it all came crashing down. Charles kindly agreed to share his extraordinary story with us. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Listener emails, including a Homeric epic rendering of episode 99 (Justin de Ruyter's brush with death on the Deschutes), intergenerational relationships, how to escape the rat race, and advice for someone else's kid. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Pree spent six months on the Appalachian Trail, searching for organic time and avoiding becoming the kind of person who spends their life wishing they'd taken the time to take some time for themselves. You can follow her on Instagram at @preeconceptions. This conversation was recorded just 20 days after she'd returned to "the real world," or its opposite. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

"Tom Spanbauer is the critically acclaimed author and founder of Dangerous Writing. As a writer he has explored issues of race, of sexual identity, of how we make a family for ourselves in order to surmount the limitations of the families into which we are born. His five published novels Faraway Places, The Man Who Fell In Love With The Moon, In The City Of Shy Hunters, Now Is The Hour, and I Loved You More." (from Tom's site) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

My pal Justin joins me in Spain to talk about prehistoric cave art, his first impressions of Spanish culture, and the challenges of living life to the fullest without getting stressed about it. And of course, we answer your emails. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Extensive research and clinical trials have demonstrated that the introduction of small doses of intestinal worms may be effective in the treatment of asthma, allergies, and some autoimmune conditions. Dr. Llamas is a pioneer in this emerging field. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

I respond to two listener emails in this one: 1. How to handle old friendships gone sour. 2. How did/do hunter-gatherers treat people with disabilities? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Jake and I drink too much coffee and discuss what to do when you get sand in your twat, the dubious nature of having a circus-sized penis, guaranteed basic income, blind pigs looking for acorns, and the coming Age of Trumpocracy. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Dr. Dan Engle, MD is a practicing psychiatrist, board certified in psychiatry and neurology. He graduated medical school at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center in San Antonio, and finished his residency in psychiatry at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. After residency he completed a fellowship in child psychiatry at the Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland, OR. His current practice combines functional medicine with integrative psychiatry to enhance the foundations of regenerative health and peak performance training. Before completing his medical degree he was a collegiate soccer player for St. Edwards University in Austin. (Bio from Dan's bio at Onnit.com, where he is a consultant.) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Susie has been at the forefront of progressive socio-sexual change for decades. She's written books (most recently, a memoir: Big Sex, Little Death), several plays, countless articles and editorials, and hosts a popular podcast called In Bed with Susie Bright. She's a very smart woman with a lot to say about some of the most important issues of our age. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Dan Pardi is one of the most knowledgeable people I know in thefields of sleep and health research. He does research with thePsychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Department at Stanford, and theDepartments of Neurology and Endocrinology at Leiden University inthe Netherlands. His current research looks at how sleep influencesdecision making (publications). Dan also works with Naval SpecialWarfare to help the most elite fighters in the world maintainvigilant performance in both combat and non-combat conditions. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Reid is one of the leading sex educators in the United States.His humor, thoughtfulness, and common sense have made him a muchsought-after presence on the college speaking circuit. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

In which I respond to listeners' responses to my responses tolisteners. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

The second episode devoted to responding tolistener emails. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

This conversation was recorded March 10th, 2016, six weeksbefore Bennett died unexpectedly. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Zach Leary (like Kelly Carlin, ep #172) managed to grow up in a world somewhat distorted by his father's fame without becoming distorted himself. As you'll hear, he's got a very thoughtful, balanced, and deeply informed perspective on himself, the world, and his place in it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Charles was raised as a Mormon, became an Eagle Scout, went to Japan for a while, and then began exploring various consciousness-altering substances. He eventually stumbled into a heroin addiction. From there, things took a dark turn for a while. He now works helping others find their way back. Download this episode. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

The first episode in which I just rant for a while, then respond to a few of your emails. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Somewhere around 2001 or 2002, a friend gave me a cd of some of his favorite tracks, which included a few by a South African singer I'd never heard of named Simon van Gend. Yesterday, I finally met the man who's been singing to me all these year This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Kelly grew up in the blinding glare of her father's brilliance and fame. It's been a long road, but she's emerged as a smart, funny, relaxed woman. We talk about her life, her new book, and poker. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

After selling his donkey in Pakistan, Viram's adventures continue... This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

I met Viram on a beach in Goa, India in 2003 and we've been close friends ever since. He's one of the most interesting men I know, and I'm very happy to be able to share a taste of our friendship with you. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Stanley Krippner is a world-famous authority on parapsychology, altered states of consciousness, mythology, and just about everything else interesting. He's also one of my best friends. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Carli Davidson is a well-known animal photographer whose career got a huge boost when she recognized the esthetic potential of dog drool. Seriously. Carli's site: http://www.carlidavidson.com/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Alexander was on episode 143, and returns now in a two-part conversation. The first part took place on Venice Beach a few weeks ago, and Part II happened here in Chiang Mai, Thailand. We talk about Justin's 18,000 miles on a motorcycle in the American west, as well as his visit to a hunter-gatherer village in the Philippines and our recent motorcycle trip to a town call Pai, in the mountains north of Chiang Mai. Always fun to chat with this guy. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Stephan Schwartz has been involved in trying to make the world a better place for a long time. He's worked in the upper reaches of the defense department, helping transform the military from the draft-era to the professional, volunteer force of today. He's also worked in grass-roots social change organizations fighting for social justice. His insights into the trajectory of history are informed by decades of paying very close attention from multiple perspectives.The Schwartz Report. Amazon link to Stephan's book.Song: "Only a Mirage," by Jean Marc Yee. Information about Jean Marc and his music. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Lodhy is my favorite kind of person. An unassuming man who has lived a life full of adventure, learning, challenges, love, and generosity. His life has ranged from living in a house formerly occupied by Winston Churchill in Pakistan to riding a motorcycle from London to Islamabad and from LA to the Arctic Circle. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Shane's photography combines the natural beauty of women with the beauty of nature. He's got the focus and obsessional creative need of a true artist. Check his work at http://www.thethingsiveseen.com/. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Daniele and Thad both teach history in southern California, study martial arts, and have a lot to say about pretty much everything. Join me for this conversation with two of the smartest, most engaging guys I know. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Heather was born in Arkansas and grew up with few advantages. But thanks to an indomitable spirit, hard work, and some solid friendships, she's got a great thing going. We talk about poverty, meth culture, Portland, and planning one's escape.Heather's blog. Her Instagram feed.Music: Humans from Earth on iTunes. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Jeff went to Yale, where he was a stand-out linebacker and came to the attention of the Cowboys, who drafted him in the second round. He brought his laid-back vibe from the beaches of southern California to the NFL, where he excelled for seven years. He now lives in Venice, CA, where he is raising two great kids with his wife, Heather, and does a lot of cooking and painting. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Jake Johannsen appeared on “The Late Show with David Letterman" 45 times. He has appeared in the “HBO Young Comedian’s Special” and PBS’s “Comedy Tonight” series, and was the host of Comedy Central’s series, “Two Drink Minimum”. He has also been nominated as “Best Male Stand-Up Comedian” for the American Comedy Awards. And he makes fantastic cajun food. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Martin is the founder and director of the center, and Maria is a counselor helping patients integrate the experiences they have at Crossroads into more healthy lives. They use ibogaine, a very potent African hallucinogen, to help people with addictive behavior patterns break those patterns and "reset" their lives. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Tre Hardson is "a journalist of the times" who just happens to be a rapper, dancer, musician, and something of a philosopher as well. Best known as one of the founding members of The Pharcyde, his current band is called Bizarre Ride. This conversation covers the long road from South Central Los Angeles to Laurelhurst Park, in Portland, Oregon. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Graham Hancock became a world famous bestselling author with Fingerprints of the Gods, a book that questioned the mainstream narrative concerning the origins of civilization—among many other things. Now, he's just published a follow-up, Magicians of the Gods, bringing recent discoveries to his controversial, compelling narrative. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

This is Part 1. Part 2 is on Andy's podcast: On The Block Radio. Check it out! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

First episode of the SOMA series. We start in Norway, head to Mississippi, Mexico, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Senegal, and then back to Rehab Mountain in Malibu. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

I met Lois in her 83rd year. We talk about her loves, her passions, some of her famous friends, and reflect on special moments from a very special life. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Sheldon Solomon is a psychologist and professor of social psychology at Skidmore College, best known for developing Terror Management Theory, along with Jeff Greenberg and Tom Pyszczynski which is concerned with how humans deal with our own sense of mortality. Solomon co-authored the book The Worm at the Core: On the role of Death in Life with Jeff Greenberg and Tom Pyszczynski. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Mark Davis, ND is a founder and the medical director of Good Life Medicine Center, and his naturopathic practice, Bright Medicine Clinic, focuses on gastroenterological health. Dr. Davis is one of a handful of physicians in the North America with clinical expertise in fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

After spending some time in Thailand teaching tigers not to eat people, Ben went to Chile, bought an old VW camper van, and set off for Alaska. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Roger has worked in film and television as a director, writer, producer and editor. He's worked with lots of famous people (Larry David, David Spade, Leonard Nimoy) and has made a series of unique documentaries about fringe communities and thinkers: Trekkies, Suckers (about car salesmen), Six Days in Roswell (UFO enthusiasts), The Nature of Existence. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Jonathan is the host of Outside TV's The Road Less Traveled. We talk about everything from the wonders of Colombian women to the dangers of swimming naked in cold water to what Robert Frost really had in mind. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

This bonus episode was recorded last week at The Strand bookstore on Broadway, in New York. The three of us talk about intimacy, sexuality, and the often opposing appetites for novelty and intimacy. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Neil and I became friends after he'd already outgrown The Game, his colossal best-seller. The Truth, just released this week is one of the bravest, funniest, most vulnerable books you'll ever read. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Jenn and Bryan left the security of good jobs and a nice house in Portland in an old VW van and spent a year meandering south with Karma, their dog. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

West stopped in Portland on his way back to Cambridge from a research trip to the Amazon. This episode features music by his pal, Kim Churchill. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe