Hey everyone and thanks for tuning in. If you've listened in the past, welcome back for a brand new episode! Today, we have a friend of mine from childhood, someone I haven't spoken to in many years. He is a music talent manager and special events coordinator, and just about the most optimistic guy you'll ever meet. Joining me as he walks through Los Angeles (yes, it can be done!), welcome everyone, Mr. Tim James.

Tim shares his story from working as a bus boy to building his own business in the music world - finding a passion in not only discovering new talent, but tirelessly offering his time and attention to anyone in need. Tim's powerful optimism and love of all people is summed up simply when he says "I want everybody to win."

In the conversation, Tim reveals his inner most demons, bringing to light a question of how long we can be in a downward spiral before we face the truth. Ultimately, Tim is a work in progress, like all of us. But, he's also an example of the resiliency of the human spirit. And a reminder that no matter how hard we try to change, it can't happen all at once - only one choice at a time, one day at a time, one minute at a time if that's what it takes. And maybe it feels like whatever stands in your way is immovable, like you can't beat it. But you can replace it. (Recorded on 5/14/21)

Today I have two very special guests joining me! They are the creators of their own podcast called the Glass Half Fools, please welcome Mr. Joe Burton and Mr. Keaton Schmidt! The three of us met a few years ago under not-so-ideal professional circumstances and unfortunately, we didn’t get to know each other that well. But when I found out they started their own podcasting adventure, I knew I had to listen, and instantly I became a fan. And quite magically, it brought us so much closer together.

In this episode, we attempt to understand the dueling nature of one’s ego and one’s self-care. Joe and Keaton walk me through the origin of their podcast idea, how conversing about positivity has ultimately held them accountable to find it themselves. We discover so much about how far we’ve come as dreamers and doers and although we agree, not everything happens for a reason, good things certainly do. And people that display positivity are attracting those good things by intention, not by luck. Enjoy!

I am eager to introduce a friend of mine from Disney Cruise Line; he is an actor, musician, story teller, world traveler, spiritual guide, the music man and dancing machine himself: Mr. Carranzo Meeking. We discuss how the hustle and bustle of life can often distract us from looking inward, a practice that Carranzo has seemingly perfected. He imparts wisdom at every turn in the conversation, reminding me that anything that is learned can be unlearned. He has built a life thinking outside of the box and continues to embody all that is most authentic to who he is, in everything he does.

I realize by talking with him that these answers he has “figured out” are a manifestation of his tranquility, empathy, and his love of nature and humanity. And in a world plagued by chaos and misunderstanding, he proves to be a calm in the storm. Enjoy!

Today’s very special guest is a friend of mine for almost 10 years! His work and research surrounding men’s health was one of the inspirations for beginning this podcast, so please welcome Mr. Cody Ragonese. We begin our long-standing catch up by reflecting on all we have learned about ourselves during this pandemic, and how to efficiently use the coveted “me” time. Cody shares his journey from college to the Peace Corps, to grad school and the professional world; sifting the lens on masculinity and gender norms and ultimately creating a safe and productive environment in which we all can work together.

I hope this episode proves that true friendship and connection takes time and a willingness to be vulnerable. And although we’ve known each other for so long, every time we talk it’s like the first day we met. We realize we’ve both built a life of breaking boundaries as we arrive closer to answering an age old question: what makes a man? Enjoy!

I recently reached out to a former acting teacher of mine; a brilliant teacher, actor, creative being, activist, mentor, writer…the list goes on and on. They truly embody the magic of what it means to be human. From the bottom of my heart to the farthest reaches of the known universe, please welcome Reg Flowers. Reg, in my opinion, has made a life and career out of getting people to look inward, and helping them carefully pull out whatever they find. They are truly a sophisticated child at work, and in this episode, we uncover many truths about the super power of humility, building community, the perception of wealth, and the reward of living joyfully in each present moment.

As I attempt to summarize what you can expect in this episode, I must leave you with this: do yourself a favor and listen closely to every word spoken today. We are so capable of great things. I am honored to share this remarkable human being with you all as we experience the infinity of living out loud. Enjoy!

Books mentioned in the episode:

The Drama of the Gifted Child by Alice Miller

The Theory of the Leisure Class by Thorstein Veblen

Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler

Today’s episode is extra special because I got to chat with a man I’ve known and had the pleasure of watching on stage for several years – I have always looked up to him as an artist and now as the beautiful human he is – please welcome Mr. Jelani Remy! Jelani is a Broadway superstar and truly a legend in the making. He does it all and is possibly the biggest, brightest ball of sunshine you will ever meet. We talk all about using our gifts, or what he calls “sorcery” for good, and how tunnel vision can cause us to block our blessings. He shares with me moments of struggle, heart break, and defeat, but reminds me o f our own unique journey – one filled with endless possibility, where opportunity meets preparation, and every day is lived full out. Jelani effortlessly welcomes me to a time before career and questioning and doubt; a time when our imagination was our guide and the joy of life was in playing pretend. Enjoy!

Please welcome Mr. Jake Dylan! Jake is a dancer, singer, actor, performer, comedian, and teacher who as accrued quite a following from his hilarious routines as the generic Monmouth County mom. Jake and I chat about our brief time spent together at Montclair State University, his decision to transfer schools, and how his life continued to change in ways he never could have expected. We talk a lot about theatre programs and the hierarchy of value they instill in young people, as we expand the conversation to accepting our individuality. We are all worthy to speak our mind and share our talents.

Jake takes me through his successes, his doubts, his diagnoses, all the while exemplifying the reward of trusting yourself. He reminds me never to hide from the parts that make us unique, even if we’re embarrassed by them at first, for they make us who we are. And the only way to make one great big life is out of all the funny little pieces. Enjoy!

I am so pleased to introduce this one of a kind artist, master photographer and man of service, my friend, Mr. James Jin! We begin our conversation by reflecting on the cloudy, rainy day; how to push through and ultimately focus on what he describes as the continuous cycle of generosity. James is incredibly inspiring.

He has developed “The Process”, a photography session acting as a safe environment for artists, especially dancers, to find the courage within themselves to embrace their insecurities and reveal who they truly are. James shares his ideas on the motivation of fear, the power of consistency, and his passion for what is real. He hopes people can see the value they have within themselves as they are right now. Graciously sharing his experience of the ongoing horrific acts against the Asian community, James reveals, as he often encourages his clients to, the strength within. Enjoy!

Today we have a special treat, a sort of peak behind the curtain of my past life. Welcome my childhood friend, Mr. Brendan Stackhouse! Brendan is an educator and theatre director and producer, and as we discover, may actually be my oldest friend. We laugh about the very humbling growth from wishful adolescence to responsible adulthood. We reminisce on how fearless we were, how creative we could be when there was no doubt and no anxiety. As we’ve grown older, we’ve tried to keep our sense of play and certainly draw on some hilarious memories to do so.

Brendan shares his thoughts on being an English teacher, noticing how every kid has an iPhone and TikTok and is smarter than we ever were. But all that access to the world is still paired with a childish naiveté, and we still need to learn how to be human beings and connect with one another and understand behavior. Brendan reminds me that although we were absolute fools when we were younger, we’ve grown to appreciate that all great things take time. And as we abandon the miscalculated pressure of fear, we’re kids again. And we realize, it’s gonna happen for you when it’s gonna happen for you. Just wait for your pitch. Enjoy!

Books mentioned at the end of the episode: New Kid by Jerry Craft, Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid, Stars in the Sky by Casey Grant, and Dear Martin by Nic Stone.

Please join me in welcoming my very special guest, Brandon “BrandElsa” Wagner! BrandElsa is a performer, professional stilt walker, motivational speaker, and life coach in training. They are also the first non-binary guest on this podcast and we are SO lucky they have agreed to share their time and heart with us. We spend our first moments conversing about city life and our new business idea: Barbara’s Blueberries (you’re gonna have to listen to find our more on that)! But then we center our conversation on the power of assumptions; how we can never assume what we think about someone is true. We become the most authentic version of ourselves when we take pride in exactly who we are. Brandon shares that when you show up in your authenticity, you give permission for others to do the same.

We continue on to discuss society’s need for labels as a way to assign value. And Brandon proves that we are not defined by these labels. We are not simply made to live within a specific box. We exist without boundaries and once we discover that, once we push on the walls that close us in, we can finally experience all that is waiting for us out of the box. Enjoy!