Minds Wide Open

Like any good journey, this conversation is a bit scattered. Nick Martin and I have been friends for years now, and one of my favorite things about our friendship is our ability to talk about anything and still be hanging on each other’s every word. In this episode, we get into everything from the Boy Scouts, theater, movies, criticism, science, religion, expertise, and why we don’t claim to follow one philosophy. The content of this episode continues to keep the ball rolling with the theme of the last couple, revolving around our thoughts and feelings about the world around us. Stay tuned for the end to hear “Messed Up” by K.A.M., a soulful and inspiring ballad about letting go of the past and finding a way to move forward.

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It doesn’t take too much pondering to get lost in the sauce with the magnitude of the universe. Just one glance up to the sky on a starry night is often enough to get one curious about their place in the world. If nothing else, as your mind starts to wander, it’ll likely be amazed by every minute coincidence that has coalesced into your life until you’re so overwhelmed you settle back into the reality that gives way to passing thoughts, no matter how mesmerizing and existential. But to engage with the thoughts and feelings is such a large part of our individual uniqueness. In this episode, Hailey Noll and I go down that rabbit hole, touching on Astrology, Zodiac signs, Psychics, and other types of readings. She was even nice enough to give me a tarot reading during the episode! We also spend time talking about specific experiences with these topics to further distinguish what parts we buy into and others that get a bit too “woo-hooey” (as Podcasting Sensei Joe Rogan would say). It’s always special to sit down with someone new and talk to them about the inner workings of the universe. You’re guaranteed to get new thoughts and feelings every time!

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While religion can be a sensitive subject to discuss, it’s one Monty and I share a passion for. And while we may find ourselves on the other side of the coin of people who consider themselves passionate about religion, given we are no longer religious, it’s an extremely important concept to discuss today and historically. In this episode, we try to touch on why truth is so vital to our perception of existence, how podcasting helps work towards improving that perception, and how religion plays a part in it all. We also compare/contrast religion to spirituality and talk about the reasons we left the Christian faith. I had been raised Catholic for fifteen years. He the church as a teenager of his own accord, and then choosing to leave after entering young adulthood. Be sure to check out the full version of Monty and his boyfriend’s (whattup up Kelo) collaboration on their new track, “The Agenda” at the end of the episode!

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Last week Bong Joon Ho, the cast, and crew of Parasite made history at the Oscars. The night before, Louie and I hopped on the mic to sing praise for our favorite movie of the year, and what is sure to be one of our favorites of all time. We talk extensively about the twists and turns of the script, the genre bending elements, the exquisite performances among the endless other things that coalesce to seamlessly demonstrate a universal truth of poverty and socioeconomic class division in a way only a story can do. This was my first experience with a Bong Joon Ho film. For Louie Kurtzman, he had already been a big fan of The Host (2006). But it’s safe to say that Parasite has opened a new vault in our brains and that viewing Bong’s catalog of filmmaking will proved to be one of life’s many extraordinary pleasures.

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It appears this episode lives in a society. If you’re sick of this meme, then here’s some fresh material reviewing one of last years most controversial movies. In this episode, Louie Kurtzman and I go all in, discussing the origin story of Arthur Fleck, also known as Travis Fleckle, also know as the Joaquer, also known as Rap Master Bottom, Theodore “technomaniac” Twambly, and occasionally Johnny Cash, performed by none other than our Lord and savior (yes, he also played Jesus), Joaquin Phoenix. And although his performance, we agreed, was magnificent, we spend little time discussing that. Instead, we focus on the score, it’s role in filmmaking today (especially compared to Marvel and cinema from the 70’s), as well as how successfully we feel it pulled off a fresh take on such a widely popular villain. This conversation was a real good time. I think we covered some topics from the movie that haven’t been discussed as frequently because we’d spent some time talking months ago after first seeing it about how we felt on more obvious things such as the performances, meaning, and controversy. That being said, there are an abundance of spoilers, so make sure you see it...then enjoy!

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The first time I ever laughed so hard that I cried as a result of a viewing experience was during the Family Matters Key & Peele Skit (if you haven’t seen it, watch on YouTube. It’s even better than the classic A-Aron skit). In 2017, Peele took a sharp pivot from the Comedy Central content to explore his ability to make visionary feature films, writing and directing his first with “Get Out”. While I’m quite aware of the hellish tendencies that come with filmmaking, this transition seemed effortless. Never have I seen someone redefine their career in a new craft with such grace. In this episode, one of my best friends and film guru, Louie Kurtzman, and myself sit down to discuss Peele’s next move, another dive into the realm of horror, this time with a symphony of uncanny, supernatural chaos. For the last eight years, Jordan Peele has been responsible for consistently painting more smiles on my face than essentially anyone alive. Today, with his first two features, he still does, but one of bewilderment and awe to experience air tight storytelling with a hypnotic soul.

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This week I go lone wolf - well, sort of. Earlier in the week I had a variety of people who I’ve crossed paths with in the Mindwest share their thoughts on personal growth. In this episode, I share the comments from Facebook and explore how their advice to themselves resonates with me. Thank you to everyone who contributed! This was a special experience.

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After a three week hiatus, Minds Wind Open returns with another introspective episode to discuss the internet as a canvas. My next guest, Sulay Chappelle, sits down with me to explain his vision for expressing himself and his dream to form a creative team to collaborate on various art forms. Whether it be music, comedy, poetry, drawing, or filmmaking, his passion to be more human is apparent. So get ready, get comfortable, and take a listen to another wicked mind work from the great state of Ohio.

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There’s a lot to be anxious about in any lifetime but there seems to be a wider variety of pressures to overcome today than ever. In this episode, Maddie Smith and I open up about some of the things that make us anxious, speaking generally on dealing with anxiety and how it is perceived in the present versus the past. Hopefully you can find a nugget of truth and relate to some of our thoughts, finding the same peace of mind that Maddie brought me. She reminded me that anxiety is a part of being human. I hope to have a similar conversation in the near future so we can continue to elaborate and understand ourselves better.

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“Hell is other people” according to Jean Paul Sartre‘s existentialist tragedy “No Exit”. While this is certainly true, that’s not always the case. In this episode I have a grand ole time discussing with actor and vocalist Will Graber about a performance of the show done at Wright State’s D-Lab. After briefly touching on the sketchy resignation of our university’s president, we dive brain first into an open conversation about consciousness, nothingness and somethingness, as well as how the “self” depends on our relationship with others. Food for thought. Bon appetit!

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