Jean Huang is an arts and science hybrid. She studied pharmacy at the University of Saskatchewan and is studying Visual Arts at Emily Carr University of Art and Design.  Jean credits the fusion of these two fields as fuel for her curiosity in asking "Why?" while simultaneously appreciating things for what they are.

In this conversation, Jean and I talk a lot about reconnecting. Reconnecting to childhood, familial roots, art, creativity, and mother nature.

This week's episode was recorded live earlier this year at Storytellers Night: Voices of the LGBTQ Community. Storytellers Night is live storytelling event series that brings people together to listen to stories about the human experience.

Growing up gay in a conservative Christian family in a small(ish) town there were three truths that were imprinted in his mind from an early age: (1) Love God. (2) Love your neighbor. (3) Reject Yourself. 

His story is a 35-year journey to reconcile these conflicting truths, the cost of which was incredibly steep. His message is about the power of love and the need to suspend judgment to make enough room in the world for one another.

Are you interested in experiencing the next Storytellers Night? Tickets are now on sale for Storytellers Night: In The Company of Good Men featuring stories from men who have found strength in vulnerability. Purchase your tickets here. 

Jame Woytiuk is a documentary photographer that captures the complexity, chaos, and beauty of the human spirit.

Her striking black and white imagery invites us into some of the most intimate moments of a person's life evoking powerful emotions that linger between life and death. 

Jamie's love for this style of photography came to life when began documenting her mother's journey with MS. From this experience, she felt as though she was given permission to continue telling stories of those who don't feel seen, heard, or understood. 

It was the telling of these stories that led her down the path of searching for truth. 

In today's conversation, Jamie and I explore the art of human connection, curiosity, love, and truth as she offers us a glimpse into her life and how the people she has encountered along the way have awakened her to profound truths about the human experience. 

This November, Jamie will be traveling to Vietnam for a photography assignment with Photographers Without Borders. She is currently accepting donations to help cover the costs of the trip and provide additional support for AEPD, a non-profit organization that works with children & families affected by the Vietnam War. 

To learn more and donate, visit: https://www.photographerswithoutborders.org/fundraisers/support-jamie-woytiuk

Follow Jamie's work on Instagram @jlwphotography1 

Host, Ash Kilback, is on a quest to discover what it means to be more human. Will you join her?