Citizen44 with Mark Arinsberg

Long-time friend from Ashland, Oregon Dr. Rick Kirschner talks about being inspired to become a naturopathic doctor then needing to change his career as the medical industry was turning their backs on naturopathic medicine. tHe then stumbles into a career as a highly successful motivational speaker who's goal of empowering people would impact many and still does today. Rick also tells a sweet story of meeting his woofer Lindea and why their marriage has been so successful.

Shae Celine is a super talented Rogue Valley local girl who has made her name in Ashland as one of the greatest singing voices in Southern Oregon. She's been the lead singer for the band The Rogue Suspects for the past decade starting her long relationship on her twitchy first birthday when she wowed the band members after an impromptu performance following an open invitation to the watychig crowd. Shae expanded her musical offerings to include being an acclaimed ensemble stage actress and singer performing in numerous plays at the Cabaret Theater in Ashland, Oregon. She is a delightfully positive person with a glowing personality. Everyone in Ashland knows and is as well as being a hardcore vegan.

Long-time friend hailing from Baltimore, Jimmy Kolker talks about going from the family lumber industry and run-ins with his father to running a highly successful spa in Ashland, Oregon called The Blue Giraffe before retiring to a life of travel, riding horses, painting and his grandchildren. Jimmy also recounts getting out of the draft by dropping acid and acting crazy and being chased by the mounted police is a Vietnam War protest in the streets of downtown Cleveland, Ohio after the bombing of Cambodia. He's got a million stories and we could have chatted a lot longer. I also talk to friend Ruth Kennedy about her involvement with The Equator Foundation in Ashland, Oregon, a non-profit organization that rescues abused horses and provides a safe and healthy environment for them to live out the rest of their lives.

Aaron Birdsall of the band Flying Mammals shares stories of growing up in a family band and being part of a musical family. Aaron also recounts some of his experiences of being unfulfilled as a male nurse in the military then finally deciding to do his music full-time with the support of his wife and family. Aaron and his brothers are all very talented musicians and songwriters who continue to make music and put our albums. Not unlike, many of my other musical guests, the Flying Mammals band caught the attention of friend and world class record producer, Sylvia Massy who went on to produce their album, Vier.

Ahhhh Gloria. This lovely friend talks about growing up in Hawaii and her love of her family, being healthy and selling pure essential oils. I discovered Gloria in the early two thousands when she was touring around Ashland, Oregon with a trio of belly dancers. I could not take my eyes off of her. Years later, I would be invited by her to photograph her wedding. She makes a killer tamale and spends most of her time raising her children and bringing her deep knowledge of essential oils to the people to improve the quality of their lives. So fun to hang out with.

Long-time friend and former across the street neighbor, Scott Balcom talks about being one of the founding fathers of the Slackline movement with his fifty five foot walk twenty four hundred feet above the valley floor as he bravely walked a one inch wide piece of nylon across the Spire at Yosemite National Park. Scott has written a book, invented a slack line tool and raised a find young man in his son Adom. Scott continues his career as a contractor while spending time in his workshop creating mind bending pieces of sculpture that defy common thinking around the physical world. he is a true genius who loves to grow a bit of cannabis and relax with his guitar. A brother from another mother for sure.

Close friend and former bandmate, Robbie and I discuss how science can save the world and how he personally can make his own tome machine and vehicles that fly. An incredible singer, songwriter and guitar player, Robbie is one of the smartest people I know. I'm pretty sure that we solved all the world's problems in under two hours. This was his second appearance on the show.

At only eighteen years old after dropping out of school early, Flora Chipowsky excels as a very talented digital illustrator bringing her imagination to life in beautifully illustrated Monga style images. being raised by an open minded mother who sees Flora for who she really is, Flora ventures out in the world facing incredible odds with challenging health issues that bind her while desperately wanting to explore her creativity and become a successful artist. Her road has been paved with great challenges, but she has persevered and continues to point herself in the direction of happiness. A sweet young lady who knows what she wants and is willing to do what it takes to get it.

A life filled early on with challenging times, Greg goes beyond what is presented to him and uses every ounce of his energy to live life at its fullest with his family, his music and his real estate business. A real nice guy with a big heart who has been humbled by life. Greg goes into great detail about living homeless in the Santa Cruz mountains where he would find his community and slowly transition back into the life he would create for himself going from the hotel business into real estate. His journey has been filled with pain ranging from the loss of his father to difficulties in his marriage not to mention that he also suffers from the debilitating neurological disorder Fibromyalgia. Much of his experience comes through in his music. The project is called Saint Sebastian.

It's the Weed Show! Mandy and I smoke out together for a few hours and talk about all kinds of stuff that mostly makes sense (to us). This was her second appearance on the show. Mandy is an incredible woman who is deeply rooted in her Native American heritage and willing to throw down to ensure the respect her people and culture deserve. She is a mother, wife, activist and community leader with a big heart and strong mind. Mandy previously worked as a reporter for The Daily Tidings covering much of The Rogue Valley. She was generous enough to invite me to work the camera when she interviewed Weird Al Yankovic before his show at the Ginger Roger's Theater in Medford, Oregon. Oh yeah we dated for a minute too.