It's another #SoloSaturdayWithJohnAlan. I check in and fill you in on my songwriting activities, interviews and podcasting over this past week. 

Jon Gjerde is the backbone of the standup comedy scene in Drammen, Norway. He is also an actor and painter.

Carissa Reinsborg is an American expat in Norway and has a degree in psychology. She and I talk about some of the challenges we are faced with when dealing with the health care system and job market as black Americans in Norway. We also discuss feminism and the role of the modern woman. I pose the question: Is at least part of their struggle self imposed?

I talk about relaxing and checking out of the social media room for a bit, and I also promote myself and my upcoming standup efforts. If I don't do it who will? Also, I talk of a new venture born of inspiration from photographer Diane Yvon Zarlingo.  

Robert Marsalis is a Leadership Development Consultant. He and I talk about personal development in order to be better equipped to help others, how people define spirituality, how people identify with (or don't identify with) religion, and the different aspects and personal applications of physical and mental strength.  

Ferdinand Basson is an official in the EFC (Extreme Fighting Championship) in South Africa, which is the premier MMA (mixed martial arts) production in Africa. He and John Alan talk about sports and how psychology and mental toughness plays a part in an athlete's development and skill set. They also discuss the ups and downs of recovery after injury.

I'm John Alan, and I'm solo again and sharing my thoughts on the latest events this week, as well as announcing my fist attempts at standup comedy since March 2020. You'll also hear about my appearance in a nationwide television program in Norway. I'd still be doing this episode, but I stopped when I smelled Snoopy's barbecue. 

Alexandra Koren is a Psychotherapist, Sexologist, Transpersonal Coach, author and actress.  Chris Pelsor is a technology futurist and works in research and development. They talk with John Alan about activism in the United States and Norway, and how allies can work together and learn from one another when united for a cause.

Bar Scott is an author and musician with album releases spanning a period of over twenty-five years. John Alan and Bar talk about the role of an artist in society, the creative and therapeutic elements of songwriting, and how they deal with not having the physical closeness of an audience during these times in which we live. John Alan also explains to the listeners the strange happenings around how he "found" Bar Scott.

John Alan shares his recent experience with the media attention he has had as a result of his 28th episode. In this episode, you also hear about how he is handling the challenges of being interviewed on television and radio, and releasing his inner Denzel Washington. John Alan also shares his thoughts on the importance of using his podcast as a platform from which he can shine a light on the dark issues.