Recorded on 06.04.2025

In this episode of Rowing with the Homies, I delve into the multifaceted anxieties surrounding upcoming travel, starting with the current stresses of air travel, from evolving security measures like REAL ID to the impact of air traffic control staffing shortages. This leads me to explore the broader discomforts and potential positives of extended time away from home, including disruptions to routine, the awkwardness of new social situations, and the profound opportunities for growth and new experiences. Finally, I share a personal reflection on how depression today feels like the act of letting go of rigid expectations and opening up to the unpredictable flow of life, especially in the context of travel and personal growth.

Recorded on 06.02.2025

In this episode of Rowing with the Homies, I explore the profound human need for magic and wonder in an increasingly scientific world, drawing inspiration from the recent spectacular displays of the Aurora Borealis. I delve into the scientific explanations for the aurora's southern reach, alongside its rich interpretations across cultures, from dancing ancestors to omens of fear. This leads to a discussion on how natural beauty acts as vital spiritual fuel, allowing us to connect with something larger than ourselves and find moments of awe. Finally, I share a personal reflection on how depression can manifest as the profound loss of this very wonder, leaving us disengaged from the world's inherent magic.

In this episode of "No Going Back," I'm diving into why some of life's changes, especially those tied to decisions we've made, are truly permanent. We often find ourselves dwelling on regrets, replaying "what ifs" and "if onlys," wishing for a "redo" button on past choices. This longing for a different outcome, whether it's a career path not taken or words we wish we could unsay, can leave us stuck in the past. I'll explore why we struggle to accept the consequences of our actions and why the idea of a "time machine" is so appealing when we're trying to avoid accountability or uncomfortable truths. Join me as I discuss how clinging to these past decisions and worrying about future outcomes stops us from living fully in the present.

Recorded on 05.19.2025

In this episode of Rowing with the Homies, I tackle the complex interplay of leadership, age, and personal well-being. I open by examining the recent news concerning President Biden's health, and the broader discussion it ignites about the age and fitness of global leaders like Donald Trump. This leads me to explore how different cultures, from the epic of Beowulf to African and Indigenous cultures perceive and define leadership across various life stages. I then pivot to delving into the uncomfortable truth of how Western society, particularly American culture, views aging – often as a taboo to be fought, rather than a natural progression, and how this contrasts sharply with cultures that revere their elders. Finally, I share a reflection on managing depression in midlife, finding a surprising quiet strength by leveraging the unique advantages of accumulated wisdom and continued physical health. Join me as I connect the global stage of leadership to the intimate landscape of mental well-being, all part of finding my rhythm in the ongoing journey.

Episode note: my microphone failed and I had to use audio from a backup room mic to produce this episode (a good reminder to me to always check the equipment before starting!). Because the quality of this audio was poor, I had to use some tools to restore it which lead to audio artifacts and glitchy sounds, for which I apologize.

Recorded on 05.15.2025

In this episode of Rowing with the Homies, we navigate various currents – from galactic rebellion to personal solace. I begin by diving deep into the profound resonance of Andor Season 2, exploring why this grounded Star Wars series stands out for its exceptional writing, powerful performances, and its stark, relevant portrayal of authoritarianism and the messy birth of resistance, offering a powerful lens for examining our own world. This discussion leads me to ponder the comfort we find in the familiar, analyzing the psychological science behind re-watching favorite media, discussing cognitive fluency, nostalgia, and emotional regulation, while also considering the potential pitfalls of relying too heavily on the known. Finally, I turn inward for our "Today Depression Feels Like" segment, sharing a personal reflection on finding a quiet reprieve from the internal noise of depression, discovering moments of gentle calm through the simple, vital threads of connection with loved ones and the validating power of seeing our own experiences reflected in media from people who understand. Join me as I connect these seemingly disparate threads – galactic struggles, media habits, and internal battles – all part of finding rhythm in the ongoing journey.

Recorded on 5.12.2025.

In this episode of Rowing with the Homies, I grapple with the multifaceted nature of power, accountability, and personal control. I begin by examining the reach of presidential power, specifically through the lens of executive orders, analyzing their definition, historical usage trends, and the potential implications for the balance of power when combined with discussions around presidential immunity. Shifting focus, I explore the dynamics of delegation in our representative democracy and personal lives, highlighting the paradox of how accountability for failure is often pushed downwards while credit for success is pulled upwards, and considering why we sometimes empower leaders whose intentions may seem questionable. Finally, I turn inward to discuss the profound and painful experience of depression, describing how it often feels like a fundamental loss of autonomy and control over one's own mind and body. Join me as I navigate these complex themes, from the highest levels of government to the deepest personal struggles, all while finding rhythm through physical effort.

Recorded on 5.9.2025.

In this episode, I explore the pervasive theme of internal friction and its profound impact on trust, drawing connections across different scales. I begin by observing the significant internal conflict within the U.S. government that has been unfolding specifically since President Trump's most recent inauguration in January 2025, discussing examples of clashes between branches, agencies, and levels of government and the fundamental questions they raise about stability and trust. Shifting gears, I examine the nature of conflict in our personal relationships, contrasting healthy disagreements that can build connection with destructive patterns that erode trust. Finally, I delve into the deeply personal struggle of how depression can severely damage trust, discussing the isolating experience of feeling like everyone is a potential enemy and the heavy burden this carries. Join me as I connect these seemingly disparate areas through the lens of conflict and the vital challenge of building and maintaining trust.

Recorded 05.06.2025.

On this episode of Rowing with the Homies, I can't shake the image of an AI-generated Pope Trump – it got me thinking about power, influence, and how we see ourselves. Join me as I explore the cultural impact of such grandiose imagery before diving into the dynamics of personality cults, looking at their appeal and potential pitfalls, even drawing lessons from Dune. Then, I'll connect these external forces to the internal experience of depression, examining how a diminished sense of self can make us vulnerable and underscoring why self-awareness and seeking help are so vital.

Recorded on 5.2.2025.

In this episode I engage in exploration of consciousness, that subjective inner awareness that defines our experience. I dive into the leading scientific theories, Integrated Information Theory and Global Neuronal Workspace Theory, and discuss how new research and phenomena like lucid dreaming are complicating our understanding. I also consider how sleep profoundly impacts our conscious state. Shifting gears, I examine the potential for diverse conscious experiences in neurodivergent individuals and the significant alterations trauma can inflict on our internal world. Finally, I ponder the implications of our understanding of human consciousness as we witness the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, questioning if true sentience is on the horizon for artificial intelligence.

Recorded on 4.28.2025.

In this episode I dive into the often-challenging journey of starting and maintaining an exercise routine while navigating the complexities of mental well-being. I begin by unpacking the common hurdles that prevent many of us from embracing regular physical activity. From the ever-present crunch of time and the weight of psychosocial barriers like motivation and self-doubt, to the real-world limitations of socioeconomic factors and environmental access, we'll explore why good intentions often fall by the wayside. I'll also share a personal reflection on how creating this podcast has become a surprising yet powerful tool for my own accountability and motivation in staying active. Finally, in the "Today depression feels like" segment, we'll confront the frustrating experience of self-sabotage that can be a hallmark of depression and depression-adjacent mental health conditions, particularly when it comes to pursuing healthy habits like exercise. I explore the internal conflict of wanting to feel better yet feeling incapable of taking that first step, and discuss strategies for self-compassion and small, manageable progress.