Diego and I sit in the winter sun, retracing steps through memory, struggle, and purpose. From the clamour of a dishwashing room to the quiet revelation of a voice within, this episode unveils a plot twist. Diego is no more than a voice I gave shape and life to — a creation born in the hardest of times, now questioning and guiding me like a relentless companion. As we explore the divine artistry of Maria Callas, the discussion intertwines with the painstaking process of making canelés — a culinary trial where perfection feels unattainable, yet every detail must be mastered. This process, as unforgiving as it is poetic, mirrors life itself. An obsession with truth, an endless grappling with imperfection, and the daily battle to overcome inner and outer residues. What does it mean to create an alter ego to guide you through the darkest days? And how do we find clarity through discipline, ritual, and the pursuit of something greater? Join me as I ask Diego, “Who are you, how come I see you, and why are you still here?”

Episode Photo: Maria Callas, London, 4 Feb 1957 (AP Photo/Sidney Smart).

Episode Background Music: Casta Diva, Bellini, Norma, Act 1, Maria Callas, Orchestre de l’Opera National de Paris and Georges Sebastian, Palais Garnier, 19 Dec 1958.

In this episode, Diego unpacks the intricate dynamics of perception, time, and how our backgrounds shape the way we experience the world. He delves into the timeless dance between men and women, exploring the ways men seek to impress and how women can overlook the true essence of men. With sharp commentary on the state of modern masculinity, Diego reflects on how a lack of urgency and meaningful rites of passage have left many men adrift. He also critiques the rise of sleazy narratives glorifying degeneracy, examining how these ideals fuel a cultural ‘rat epidemic’ of empty mimicry and shallow behaviour. Through thoughtful analysis, Diego offers a fresh perspective on the challenges facing the dignified state of men.

Episode Photo: Brittany, Jacques Henri Lartigue, 1960

In this episode, Diego shares his reflections on happiness, authenticity, and the pressures of modern life. He argues that the mainstream pursuit of authenticity often leads to a deeper sense of being lost—chasing loud, external expressions of "realness" that only leave us more disconnected. Through a Sunday walk and a spontaneous ice cream outing, Diego reveals that happiness doesn’t need to be manufactured; it visits again naturally, without effort or investment. By creating habits for each emotion, we can make the most of each feeling, preventing the emotions material expressions from controlling us. Join us as we explore his unique perspective on finding authenticity and joy amidst the noise.

Episode Photo: New York, Elliot Erwitt, 1955

Sitting in front of the camera for the first time, he opens up about his past and the journey that brought him to this age. Offering a glimpse into the unique story that has shaped his perspective. Diego also reflects on the relentless pursuit of freedom, and how the abundance of choices available today often leaves us feeling trapped rather than liberated. He describes how this flood of options, rather than empowering us, has led to a loss of direction and the collapse of personal agency. Through humorous anecdotes and philosophical musings, Diego urges us to examine the true meaning of freedom, the choices we make, and the value of simple acts of connection in a world overflowing with distractions. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on how tiny changes in the margins might lead to real freedom.

Episode Photo: “Driver” by Saul Leiter, 1950s : The Centennial Retrospective