Tangentially Speaking with Christopher Ryan

This commercial-free episode of What Makes This Book Great? includes listener responses to "Cat Person," and a reading of Ursula K. LeGuin's story, "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas," written in 1974. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Intro music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range. 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 Belinda are close friends of mine and have been married to each other since before either of them can remember. This is what happens when the three of us hang out WITHOUT wine. Belinda's show on YouTube, Twitter, Instagram. Jake on Twitter, Instagram. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Intro music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; "Making Do," by Lake Street Dive; "Smoke Alarm," by Carsie Blanton. 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

TK Coleman is a writer, motivational speaker, entrepreneur, teacher, and a few other things -- but that's enough to give you the idea. He's smart, funny, thoughtful, and overflowing with optimism. We talk about race, Muhammed Ali, and whether the free market can save us from the free market. Learn more about TK and what he's up to at fee.org/rev1. TK on Instagram and Twitter. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Intro music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; "Sometimes," by Daniel Lanois; "Smoke Alarm," by Carsie Blanton. 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

Miguel has become a good friend, due to his always-smart comments on many episodes of this podcast, his help with editing and graphic design, and his insights on everything from UFOs to Mexican culture and history (which can be found at The Daily Grail). I always enjoy our conversations, and am thrilled we finally got around to recording one! Miguel's graphic design site, and his Twitter. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Intro music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; "God's Child," by Selena and David Byrne; "Smoke Alarm," by Carsie Blanton. 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

Those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it. Too bad it’s usually boring as sh*t. Enter Kyle Creek, aka "The Captain," the ultimate storyteller who brings history to life (and to your life) in this hilarious, intelligent, brutally honest, and crude compendium to events that happened before any of us were born. Find F*cking History on Amazon here, and The Captain on Twitter and Instagram. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Intro music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; "Contract on the World Love Jam," by Public Enemy; "Smoke Alarm," by Carsie Blanton. 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

Beth Ryan, my younger sister, has lived in a multitude of places and now resides in Los Angeles. She attended college in Boston and worked for two start-up computer companies. Wanting to get a better work-life balance, she took a year off and traveled around the world. This trip allowed her to find her passion and her voice. She now runs a non-profit called Stepping Forward LA (www.steppingforwardla.org) supporting foster youth who age out of the foster care system. She was my first "listener" and probably has more embarrassing stories of me than anyone else. Stepping Forward LA Instagram feed. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Intro music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; "I Wish," by Stevie Wonder; "Smoke Alarm," by Carsie Blanton. 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

Julie Carr married my dad, Frank Ryan in 1960, and had me two years later. My sister, Beth, was born four years after that. While raising us, she worked as a teacher in Middle and High Schools and in various administrative positions. She's smart, sweet, and a hell of a mom. She doesn't do social media, bless her heart, but you can leave her messages when you order swag from "the cottage," as many of you have done over the years -- much to her delight. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Intro music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; "All Along the Watchtower," by Bob Dylan; "Smoke Alarm," by Carsie Blanton. 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

Daoist Monk Yun Rou (his name means Soft Cloud) has been called the new Alan Watts for his Daoist teachings and the zen Gabriel Garcia-Marquez for his works of magical realism set in China. Born Arthur Rosenfeld in New York City, he received his academic education at Yale, Cornell, and the University of California. He was ordained a monk at the Chun Yang (Pure Yang) Daoist Temple in Guangzhou, China. His award-winning books, optioned for film in both Hollywood and Asia, bridge spirituality, philosophy, and history. From 2010 – 2013, he hosted the national public television show "Longevity Tai Chi with Arthur Rosenfeld." Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Intro music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; "Smoke Alarm," by Carsie Blanton. 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

Callie is the original bada$$. She spends months at a time alone in the wilderness with her goats, living off the land. She was among the last three people on this season's "Alone," on the History Channel, lasting 89 days before frostbite ender her run. (This episode is co-hosted with Anya Kaats, host of A Millennial's Guide to Saving the World.) Learn more about Callie at caprakhan.com // Instagram: caprakhan Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Intro music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; "Long Time Coming," by Leela James; "Smoke Alarm," by Carsie Blanton. 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

Andrew has been a pal since he showed up in Topanga in the same van I drive (2006 Dodge Sprinter), with a cool little mutt named Pele and a plan to drive from Alaska to Chile. He and his wife, Tiffany (and Pele) got as far as Costa Rica before things went sideways. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Intro music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; "I Got So High (That I Saw Jesus)," by Warren Delaney, "Smoke Alarm," by Carsie Blanton. 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

J.R. Martinez is a burn survivor (over 40% of his body) and Army veteran who, after many surgeries and months of healing, went on to win Dancing with the Stars, become a New York Times best-selling author, star in the television series All My Children and become a keynote speaker at events all over the world. Dude's on quite a ride. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Intro music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; "Take a Ride" by The Vegabonds; 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've been falling behind on the ROMAs, so here's a mega-ROMA. Lotsa music, lotsa my dumb opinions on things like toilet paper, camp chairs, sexual communication, the Me Too movement, and how to have a good time on a sinking ship. Hope you find something of value in this tossed salad. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Music: “Inner City Blues,” by Marvin Gaye; "Moment of Surrender," by Nick Mulvey; "I Don't Want to Be a Billionaire," by Theo Katzman; "Two Warm Hands," by Out of the Pine; "Mississippi," by Afroman. 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

Anya Kaats hosts A Millennial's Guide to Saving the World podcast, and co-hosts Whore Rapport, with Erin Ginder-Shaw. Anya consistently challenges her listeners to reconsider what's really going on within discussions of gender, power, sexuality, spirituality, regenerative agriculture, trauma, grief and community. Through curiosity, creativity and conversation, Anya hopes to encourage others to dream new dreams, ask new questions & interpret the world in new ways. Anya's Instagram and Website Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Intro music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; "Border Country" by The Paper Stars; 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 guess when you grow up surfing waves taller than the trees that tower over your house, you learn to be careful. Kyle is one of the most deliberate, thoughtful, open-hearted dudes I know. He makes as many mistakes as the rest of us, but he squeezes every possible lesson from each one of them. Check out his podcast here, follow his adventures on Instagram here. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Intro music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; "Your Wicked Ways" by The Mighty Olas; "Suffer Well," by Simon van Gend Band; “Smoke Alarm,” by Carsie Blanton. 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

Diana Rodgers, RD, is a “real food” nutritionist and writer living on a working organic farm. She runs a clinical nutrition practice, hosts the Sustainable Dish Podcast, and speaks internationally about human nutrition, sustainability, animal welfare and social justice. Together with Robb Wolf, Diana has created Sacred Cow, a documentary film and book exploring the ways regenerative agriculture can lead to better health for humans, animals, and ecosystems. Far from being the destroyers of land, she argues, cattle can help bring it back from desertification. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Intro music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; "I Wish I Was a Cowby" by S.E. Rogie; “Smoke Alarm,” by Carsie Blanton. 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

Fabian has been around. A bout with malaria in Congo somehow led to a high-pressure job in Silicon Valley which somehow led to running a company from a Range Rover while bumping through African backroads. He's now teaching free-diving in Montenegro. (Of course he is!) No idea what's coming next in this guy's life, but I'm looking forward to hearing about it. Fabian's links: Instagram Freediving in Montenegro Website Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Intro music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; "Good American Life" by Ed Dupas; “Smoke Alarm,” by Carsie Blanton. 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

Ben Horton's passion is to use photography as a means to inspire people to take stewardship of the planet. He aims to give people who may not be able to see something for themselves a vicarious experience through his images that will instill a passion in them they would never have otherwise. Ben started his career with National Geographic by telling the story of the sharks of Cocos Island. He traced the illegal fishing industry from Costa Rica to China, and as a result of his work helped to increase the park boundaries and protection of two of Costa Rica’s national parks. He was awarded the National Geographic Society’s first ever Young Explorer Grant for his work, and he has since moved on to receive a number of other National Geographic grants, assignments, and recently stared in a documentary for National Geographic featuring his work in Thailand. Ben is based in southern California, where he works primarily on adventure campaigns Ben's Instagram. (Trust me on this one!) Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Intro music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; "Iwoya" by Angelique Kidjo (with Dave Matthews); “Smoke Alarm,” by Carsie Blanton. 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

Dacher Keltner is a professor of psychology at University of California, Berkeley, where he directs the Berkeley Social Interaction Lab. He is also the founder and faculty director of the Greater Good Science Center. and host of the podcast The Science of Happiness. He is the author of The Power Paradox: How We Gain and Lose Influence (2017), Born to Be Good: The Science of a Meaningful Life, (2009) and a slew of academic books and scientific articles. Many thanks to Kyle Thiermann for letting me sit in on this one. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Intro music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; "Into the Country" by Three Dog Night; “Smoke Alarm,” by Carsie Blanton. 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 Doty, is an EVRYMAN co-founder and former director of cult hit TV show MeatEater. His many media appearances include multiple segments on the Joe Rogan Experience and Today Show, always sharing that today to be a man means to be yourself all the way through. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; "One Good Man" by Janis Joplin; “Smoke Alarm,” by Carsie Blanton. 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

Theo Rossi is an American actor, producer, and podcast host (THEOry). He's best known for his portrayal of Juan Carlos "Juice" Ortiz on the FX series Sons of Anarchy (2008-2014). He is also known for his portrayal of Hernan "Shades" Alvarez in Luke Cage (2016–2018). Despite his fame and success, Theo has both feet on the ground and is a no BS dude. You can listen to Theo picking my brain on his podcast here. This episode sponsored by Kettle and Fire. 15% off your first order when you use code CHRIS at checkout. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; "Old Green House," by Sail Cassady (Colin Craveiro) -- Check out the video here; “Smoke Alarm,” by Carsie Blanton. 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

Together with Saagar Enjeti, Krystal Ball co-hosts Rising, a show featuring sharp political analysis seemingly free of commercial bias. Ball has worked for over a decade as a political consultant, analyst, and journalist -- having appeared on MSNBC, Real Time with Bill Maher, Fox News, and elsewhere. Ball has published two books: The Populist's Guide to 2020: A New Right and New Left are Rising (2020, with Saagar Enjeti), and Reversing the Apocalypse: Hijacking the Democratic Party to Save the World (2017). Follow Krystal on Twitter: @krystalball This episode sponsored by Kettle and Fire. 15% off your first order when you use code CHRIS at checkout. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; “To Ndje” by Kaissa; “Smoke Alarm,” by Carsie Blanton. 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

Rick Beato is a multi-instrumentalist, music teacher, producer, dad to Layla and Dylan, and host to three deaf animals (2 dogs and a cat). His YouTube show (What Makes This Song Great?) is the best guide to the magic and mystery of music I know. This episode sponsored by nobody at all. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; “Kid Charlemagne” by Steely Dan; “Smoke Alarm,” by Carsie Blanton. 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

Matt and Winston lived in China for years, learning to speak the language, love the people, and distrust the government. Their insights are surprising and fascinating. This episode sponsored by Kettle and Fire. (Use code CHRIS for 15% off your order -- free shipping for 6 or more items.) Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; “Smoke Alarm,” by Carsie Blanton. Matt - http://youtube.com/laowhy86 Winston - http://youtube.com/serpentza ADVChina - http://youtube.com/advchina ADVPodcasts - http://youtube.com/advpodcasts Documentaries - Conquering Southern China https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B06W52SN47/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r Conquering Northern China https://vimeo.com/ondemand/conqueringnorthernchina Stay Awesome China https://vimeo.com/ondemand/stayawesomechina 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

A reading and discussion of "What You Can't Say," a very powerful essay by Paul Graham, that shows the importance of tolerating thoughts and statements that may be "offensive," "inappropriate," and/or "heretical." More importantly, Graham shows how to find wisdom in our taboos and prohibited speech and thoughts. This episode sponsored by nobody at all. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; “Bill Lee,” by Warren Zevon. 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

Bryan Callen is an American actor, comedian, and podcaster. He is most known for his recurring role as “Coach Mellor” on ABC’s Schooled and The Goldbergs; which he has played since 2014. Callen has also appeared in such TV and films as Kingdom, 2 Broke Girls, Ride Along, Hangover 1 & 2, Sex and the City, Old School, MADTv, Entourage, Californication, and many more. Callen performs in theaters and comedy venues across the world, but most often can be seen at The Comedy Store in Los Angeles. His third one-hour comedy special, “Complicated Apes”, topped the iTunes charts upon its release in March, 2019, and is also available on Amazon. Callen is co-host of the top-rated iTunes podcast, The Fighter & The Kid alongside Brendan Schaub. Bryan is also a regular on The Joe Rogan Experience and Fight Companion podcasts. This episode sponsored by people who send me money! Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; “Civilized to Death” by Colby Kent and the Stomping Ground; “Smoke Alarm,” by Carsie Blanton. 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 discussion of "Cat Person," by Kristen Roupenian. The story offers a subtle, nuanced look at power, eroticism, and the confusion that often results when a man and a woman try (and fail) to understand each other, taking us inside the heads of people who share physical space -- but are miles apart. This episode sponsored by nobody at all. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; “Mean Flower,” by Joe Henry. 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

"Cat Person" offers a subtle, nuanced look at power, eroticism, and the confusion that often results when a man and a woman try (and fail) to understand each other, taking us inside the heads of people who are together -- and yet miles apart. This episode sponsored by nobody at all. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; “Wicked Little High” by Bird York; “Lost Cause,” by Beck. 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

Mike had a tennis scholarship to college, but things went a different way. Within a few years, he was helping to run Reality Kings, one of the biggest Internet porn companies in the world, and managing the career of Kimbo Slice, who Rolling Stone called "The King of the Web Brawlers." Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; “Uluaki Fepaki” by Joel Havea Trio; “Smoke Alarm,” by Carsie Blanton. 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 first episode of What Makes This Book Great (WMTBG) features "The Liar," one of my favorite short stories, by Tobias Wolff. Music: "Home Again," by Michael Kiwanuka; "Lovely Day," by Bill Withers. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. 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

Unhinged opening rant from the good people at Profit-Driven Pharmaceuticals, followed by a mention of this very funny animation of Joe Rogan and I having a picnic together, this article about the parallels between the fall of Rome and right here right now. Then a mention of Kyle Thiermann's chat with his dad, this conversation with psychologist Dan Ariely, a few Tiny Desktop Concerts I really enjoy, and the beauty of Tobias Wolff's writing and Dispatches, by Michael Herr. Music: Watch It Fall, by Billy Strings 8 Años, by Hermanos Guitierrez How the West Was Won (And Where it Got Us), by REM Time After Time, covered by Miles Davis (written by Cindy Lauper) Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. 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

Eli and his buddy, Jesse, run Back to Earth, an organization created to take groups of boys and young men into the wilderness for ten days and nights. What happens is powerful, magical, and utterly natural. Eli is trained through The Tracking Project in Corrales, New Mexico, a non-profit led by John Stokes devoted to peacemaking, nature awareness and cross cultural respect. He is a NOLS alumnus and a certified Wilderness First Responder. In addition to his work at Back to Earth, Eli is PhD candidate in Geography at UC Berkeley, working on a dissertation about public space and the politics of belonging in Oakland. He has previously conducted research in Haiti and India, and holds a double bachelor's degree and a master's degree in international development studies from Brown University. Eli is also a poet, dancer, songwriter and spoken-word performer. He was a first generation Youth Speaks poet, and was (maybe still is) the youngest member of a winning Brave New Voices National Slam Team, as well as the youngest to win the Bay Area Slam. He continues to perform original work in a wide variety of venues. This episode sponsored by Sanny Ceramics. Be sure to catch Eli on A Millennial's Guide to Saving the World. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; “Key West Run” by Bobby Weidman; “Smoke Alarm,” by Carsie Blanton. 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

Jody Armour is the Roy P. Crocker Professor of Law at the University of Southern California and author of Negrophobia and Reasonable Racism: The Hidden Costs of Being Black in America, but don't think this dude is some dry, boring, law professor type. Hell no. Jody's father taught himself law in prison and Jodi struggled to get where he is today. There's no chance of his ever forgetting where he came from. We talk about race, language, justice, shame, and redemption. Zero fluff in this one. Jody's Twitter. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; “Nothing to My Name” by István Varga-Roman; “Smoke Alarm,” by Carsie Blanton. 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 caught up with Zofia in Patong, Phuket (Thailand), along her journey from Poland on her motorcycle. She's a fascinating woman, who's been riding bikes -- with and without motors -- all over the world for years. Her courage and hunger for life are inspirational. Plus, she's a lot of fun to hang out with! This episode sponsored by listeners like you. Come see me at Meetdelic! Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; “American Kid,” and “Smoke Alarm” by Carsie Blanton. 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

Richard survived the surgery -- or did he? When he regained consciousness, his memory was wiped clean. Nothing remained of his life before that day. No memory of his wife, children, friends ... nothing. His life was effectively over, but another was just beginning. You can read a book about this experience (from his wife, Sonya's perspective): Wondering Who You Are. You can also hear Sonya discuss the experience on this previous episode of Tangentially Speaking. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; “Green Grass” by Cybelle; “Into the Mystic,” by Van Morrison. 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

Georgy Gusev is a graduate of the famed Moscow Tchaikovsky State Conservatory and Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Rome. He performs at major music festivals and events around the world. He does things with a cello that are unimaginable until you hear/see him perform. This episode is sponsored by Lelo - makers of the world's most elegant sex toys. Georgy's on Instagram and Facebook. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; “Smoke Alarm,” by Carsie Blanton. 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 Sewell is a multi-media artist, designer, photographer, filmmaker, sculptor, environmental visionary; self-proclaimed "Master of mischief, maker of dreams". Tao Ruspoli is a filmmaker, musician, bohemian visionary, and soul-connector. This is one of my all-time favorite conversations. Tom on Instagram. Tao on Instagram. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; “Op 130, Alla danza tedesca; Allegro assai” by Beethoven (performed by the Tokyo String Quartet); “Smoke Alarm,” by Carsie Blanton. 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

Matt Holloway and Michelle Davis put the thuggery into Thug Kitchen, a multi-media empire built around the idea of eating like you give a f*ck and writing like you don't. These two came from nowhere with nothing but a great idea and the courage to stick to their guns. Now look at them! Social Media: @thugkitchen Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; “Stay Here” by Manna Ray; “Smoke Alarm,” by Carsie Blanton. 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

Michael Trainer is a traveler, thinker, and innovator. One of the co-creators of Global Citizen, Michael hosts a podcast called Peak Mind. Social Media: @michaeltrainer Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; “I Don't Want to Be a Billionaire” by Theo Katzman; “Smoke Alarm,” by Carsie Blanton. 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

Thoughts on returning to Chiang Mai 30 years after my first visit. Why it's hard to be young. How long should we linger when we travel? Why do people say such nasty shit online? Thoughts on ambition. This episode sponsored by Lelo. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; “Long Roads” by Neil Sorsby; “N Dey Say,” by Nelly. 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

Ramesh Srinivasan has been a faculty member at UCLA since 2005 in the Information Studies and Design Media Arts departments. He is a surrogate for Senator Bernie Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign on issues of technology policy and the founder of the UC-wide Digital Cultures Lab, and studies technology’s impact on the lives of people across the world. He is an author as well. His most recent book, Beyond the Valley (MIT press), explores the the relationships between new technologies and our political, economic, and social lives. This includes such themes as tech’s relationship to democracy, social movements, and elections; automation, the gig economy, and worker futures; algorithmic bias and AI; and the relationship between tech and the nations and peoples of the global South. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; “Frohmut” by Poetenleben (PL); “Smoke Alarm,” by Carsie Blanton. 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's the word for your ex-wife's husband, who you love more than a brother? How is "never enough" different from "never too much?" Music by Sail Cassady, Gypsy Chicken, and Bimini Road. 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

Simon Rex is utterly unique. Actor, fashion model, MTV personality, rapper, social media star, intellectual, spiritual seeker, goofball, #vanlifer.... There's nobody like him -- or even similar. No category broad enough to contain him or his unlikely career. He's my brother, and I love the dude. Check out his new podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts. Simon's hilarious Instagram feed is here. This episode sponsored by Lelo. Use discount code "chrisryan" at checkout for 15% off all full price items. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; “The Logical Song” by Supertramp; “Smoke Alarm,” by Carsie Blanton. 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

Jon and Cassie met in high school. Jon played guitar and wrote some songs. One day, he was invited to join a band. That band blew up, and the next thing he knew, he was on stage before tens of thousands of screaming teenagers. Money, fame, pressure, and confusion soon followed. Then Jon and Cassie decided to jump off the train of "success" and head down to Costa Rica for a while. Cassie wrote a book about all this, called, Everything is Moving. Link to Anya's podcast episode mentioned in the intro. Follow Jon and Cassie at: http://www.instagram.com/cassiewalkermindbody/ http://www.instagram.com/iamjonwalkersphotos/ http://www.twitter.com/iamjonwalker www.jonwalkermusic.com Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; “Everyone but You” by Jon Walker and The Young Veins; “Smoke Alarm,” by Carsie Blanton. 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

Akshay is an extraordinary guy living an extraordinary life. He's battled addiction, searched for IEDs in Iraq, dragged a sled across Greenland, climbed mountains, and sat in total darkness for 7 days and nights. These experiences and others informed his book, Fearvana -- endorsed by the Dalai freakin Lama, among others. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; “Detox Mansion” by Warren Zevon; “Smoke Alarm,” by Carsie Blanton. 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

For 3 1/2 Years, Mike was the co-host of the popular libertarian podcast, Part Of The Problem with stand up comic & Fox News regular Dave Smith. He now hosts his own podcast called Mikeadelic, which focuses on the benefits of psychedelics and our right to cognitive liberty. He's traveled widely and was a stand up comic for 3 years in New York. This episode sponsored by Lelo. Use the discount code "ChrisRyan" for 15% off all full-priced items. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; “Back in the High Life Again” by Warren Zevon; “Smoke Alarm,” by Carsie Blanton. 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 the soundtrack to the first Video ROMA I recorded for the good folks who support the podcast via my new web site. I found the experience to be surprisingly intimate. For as little as $2/month, you get a monthly video ROMA, access to all the podcast-related ebooks (so far, Tangentially Reading, and Tangentially Talking Drugs -- Tangentially Talking Sex coming soon). I decided to make this one available to everyone. I'll keep doing occasional ROMAs on this open platform, but not as often. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; “Life Upside Down” by Brett Newski; “Smoke Alarm,” by Carsie Blanton. 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

Shawn is a deeply thoughtful man who helps other men confront and tame their demons. He's worked with addiction and men who have been abusive to themselves and the people around them. This episode sponsored by Lelo. Use discount code “chrisryan” at checkout for 15% off full price items. Click here to order a copy of my new book Civilized to Death - out now. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; “Tear Shit Up” by Paris; “Smoke Alarm,” by Carsie Blanton. 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

Doreen is a surfer who lives in Montana. She's planted over a million trees, and guides trips to Africa. My kinda woman! Click here to order my new book Civilized to Death - out now. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; “Poem” by She Drew the Gun; “Smoke Alarm,” by Carsie Blanton. 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 is a legend in the extreme sports community. He's one of those seemingly insane guys who jump off cliffs thousands off feet high -- either in a wingsuit or with a parachute. His thoughtful, calm demeanor presents an interesting contrast to the realms of sheer terror he's drawn to. This episode sponsored by Sun Basket. Get 50% off your first two orders here. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; “Flip, Flop, and Fly” by Big Joe Turner; “Smoke Alarm,” by Carsie Blanton. 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 over a decade carrying a gun (first with the Marines in Iraq and then as a member of a SWAT team), Daniel is now living off the grid in Idaho with his family, starting a different kind of life. We go deep into what it means to be a man, how to integrate caring and courage, and whether the military is a good place to get one's life together. This episode sponsored by Sunbasket. Click here for 50% off your first two orders -- no obligations at all. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast on Patreon. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; “Low Rider,” by War; “Smoke Alarm,” by Carsie Blanton. 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