In this episode of Rowing with the Homies, I explore the heavy topic of temporal poverty, which is the feeling of having no time for anything other than work and basic survival. The episode delves into how time has become a commodity whose value is increasingly tied to productivity, and how modern capitalism and the "always-on" culture have exacerbated this issue. I also explain how this phenomenon isn't new, tracing its origins to the Industrial Revolution and contrasting it with other cultures' more holistic views on time. Ultimately, I reframe the struggle for time as a collective fight for a shared pace of life, one that re-humanizes us and prioritizes community and authenticity over an extractive culture that views people as resources to be optimized.

In this episode of Rowing with the Homies, I'm diving into a topic that feels overwhelming and personal: the collapse of social norms and the feeling of anger with nowhere to go. I'm exploring what happens when the unwritten rules of our world, from political conduct to online behavior, are disregarded. We'll look at the historical context of these breakdowns, from ancient Rome to modern protest movements, and explore how to maintain hope and integrity when the fight feels overwhelming. I'll share how this sense of a broken system manifests in my own life as a kind of helpless rage, a feeling that can be a core part of depression. Join me as I grapple with these questions and look for ways we can all contribute to rebuilding a shared reality.

In this episode of Rowing with the Homies, I'm diving into a feeling that's been weighing on me: the exhaustion that comes from being watched and controlled. I'm exploring the blurriness between political protest and criminal activity, and how those in power use surveillance to make people feel helpless. We'll look at the story of a Texas state representative who refused to be monitored by police and how that act of dissent connects to my experience as a teacher in Florida, where our ability to strike is off the table. I'll share how the constant mental effort of trying to maintain my autonomy in a world that feels increasingly controlled can feel like a form of perpetual exhaustion, especially when you're also navigating depression. Join me as I grapple with a world that feels fundamentally unreliable and how that external unreliability can bleed into my own sense of self.

In this episode of Rowing with the Homies, I'm diving into a feeling that's been weighing on me: the exhaustion of knowing. The line between fact and fiction feels blurrier than ever, and I'm exploring why this is happening. We'll look at how celebrity lawsuits and political rhetoric can manipulate our perception of reality, and how the rise of social media and influencers has turned information into a free-for-all. I'll share how the constant mental labor of sifting through all this noise—the "work of truth"—can feel like a form of perpetual exhaustion, especially when you're navigating depression. Join me as I grapple with a world that feels fundamentally unreliable, and how this external unreliability can bleed into our own sense of self.

Back-to-school season is a profound transition—not just for children, but for families, communities, and even society at large. In this episode, I reflect on the significance of milestones—from first-day photos that mark growth to the shifting role of public education in America. I explore the complicated emotions behind these changes—the relief and the loneliness, the pride and the nostalgia. I also share my experience with how changes in routine can trigger mental health challenges, particularly the whiplash effect of depression in times of transition. This conversation is an invitation to recognize the layers within these moments, honor your own experience, and seek support when needed.

Recorded 07.24.2025

In this episode of Rowing with the Homies, I dive into what "normal" truly means today, specifically through the lens of the CDC's recent report on decreasing fertility. This isn't just a number; it's a reflection of evolving societal norms, individual choices, and how we define success and happiness. I explore the economic pressures, career ambitions, and changing gender roles potentially contributing to this shift, examining its global implications, and how it challenges traditional ideas of family and legacy. This leads us to consider how we can bravely forge new, more authentic paths, reclaiming personal agency and finding unburdened joy by consciously disentangling our happiness from external societal expectations, especially those rooted in outdated ideals.

Recorded 07.22.2025

In this episode of Rowing with the Homies, I explore the "analog revival" I'm witnessing firsthand, from my daughters' captivating camping videos and artistic pursuits to my own immersion in the world of artisans creating with natural materials. This leads to a deeper discussion on how embracing these hands-on, tangible activities is a powerful way to reclaim our time and cultivate a sense of intentional presence in an increasingly digital world. Finally, in the "Today Depression Feels Like" segment, I explore how engaging with the physical world through creative acts can offer a counterbalance to the relentless demands of digital life, providing a path to greater calm and self-compassion.

Recorded 07.18.2025

In this episode of Rowing with the Homies, I dig into the complex and often contradictory ways society defines adulthood. Starting with the UK's recent decision to lower its voting age to 16, I explore historical precedents in both the UK and US, prompting a broader discussion on the varying ages at which we grant privileges and assign responsibilities, from military service to purchasing alcohol. This leads into a reflection on how the shift where caring for others and fulfilling life's tasks transform into an overwhelming burden can be exacerbated by depression.

Recorded 07.14.2025

In this episode of Rowing with the Homies, I dive into the nuanced and often challenging journey of "growing up" – a process far deeper than just accumulating years. I explore what it means to be a balanced adult: someone who embraces life's complexities, engages in difficult but crucial conversations, genuinely considers others' needs, receives feedback with grace, and maintains radical honesty, all while holding onto an excitement for continuous exploration. My ongoing, rich conversations with my partner, Eva, serve as a living laboratory for understanding this "uncomfortable grace" in real time. I then extend this idea to the profound influence of behavior models – from parents and teachers to friends and partners – exploring how we discern positive patterns, evolve beyond those that no longer serve us, and consciously become positive forces ourselves. Finally, in the "Today Depression Feels Like" segment, I connect the themes of maturity and influence to the experience of depression, exploring how embracing the discomfort of maturing can provide a path to navigate its complex currents with more understanding and agency, even when it feels like being a child, lost and unsure.

Recorded 07.10.2025

In this episode of Rowing with the Homies, I dive into the world of tinkering, exploring it as a form of healthy play—especially through the lens of making music with synthesizers and samplers. This leads to a discussion on why embracing our "inner tinkerer" is crucial for mental well-being and healing in adulthood, offering a powerful tool for stress relief, creativity, and self-expression. Finally, in the "Today Depression Feels Like" segment, I share a personal perspective on understanding depression not as a rigid tug-of-war, but as an ebb and flow, and how tools like play, exercise, and socializing can help us navigate these inevitable peaks and valleys with greater gentleness and grace.