Rich Conversations

Rich visits Jonathan Hannau's Edgewater apartment in Chicago. Recording aside Jonathan's baby grand piano, the two discuss prior performances and the preparation involved, John Cage and other musical influences, and Jonathan's upcoming residency near Florence, Italy. Jonathan plays two songs at the end of the episode.

Prior to the conversation, Rich reflects on taking small steps.

Jonathan Hannau on Spotify

Rich stops by the Bonelang studio and drinks coffee with Bones in their dining room. Rich pulls books from their shelf and the conversation goes from there. Topics include comedy and media, history, philosophy, technology, and the future.

Prior to the conversation, Rich loves "Flowers" by Miley Cyrus. While Miley is a Millennial, Rich explored the "Top Songs USA" chart on Spotify to get a sense of the mood of Gen Z since pop music reflects youth culture. He noticed patterns and has made observations in real life that form a larger picture of America's emerging generation.

Bonelang on Instagram

Sofía Villalpando makes her third appearance on the show. She reveals life changes and has moved to the United States to continue her biology career. She's been researching Planarians and conducting experiments so we can learn and apply more to help the future of our species. She walks us through her process. Sofía discusses the importance of making decisions in life that fulfill you and help continue your life path.

Prior to the conversation, Rich enjoys visiting Arbella on Thursday nights when his friend, Nick Quicktastic, DJs. He drinks a tropical rum drink in preparation for his Miami trip while reflecting on the effect beautiful weather has had on Chicago in mid-April. 

Sofía on Instagram

Paleontologist/Archeologist Tim James joins us for his third appearance on the show. Tim lives in Los Angeles. We talk archeological sites in Mexico City and Miami. How Homo Sapiens evolved more attractive facial muscles, leading to breeding advancing our species. Tim hypothesizes facial structures of the future based on the swiping of dating apps. Lidar and technology used in the field to discover and learn more about past human populations. The permafrost is melting and the biological remains and cultural artifacts would be invaluable. And much more! (24:30)

Prior to the conversation, Rich hangs out at the Art Institute of Chicago Member Lounge and opens to a random page in his notebook and reads what he wrote. Topics include digital file organization, redesigning one's mind, habits, and trusting the process of self-improvement.

Tim on Instagram

Kallie Jo Coates joins us in the barn to talk all things country. Kallie Jo and Rich talk growing up in rural America and what's required living a country life. She shares how she takes care of her cattle and chickens, enlightens on the cost and quality of eggs and meat, and reflects on county fairs and Americana culture.

Previous to the conversation, Rich has his first campfire of the year. He ponders biology in relation to modern society and the impact of awareness.

Hometown friend, Shawn McCormick, drops by the barn studio in Wisconsin to chat about the experience of growing up in rural America, working as a pipefitter, and the journey of life and its lessons. Rich and Shawn discuss technology's impact on society and recollect Shawn's recent visit to Chicago.

Prior to the conversation, Rich explains his fascination with NFL commercials.

Gigi Flores joins the podcast for the third time. Rich watched Martin Scorsese's "Taxi Driver" prior to the conversation as a way to understand the intention of storytelling through the artistic medium of film. Gigi and Rich discuss elements that communicate emotion and deeper thoughts. They also talk photography and how the external reveals the internal. Rich asks about posing and the skill of performing on camera and its value in the 21st century. (10:30)

Prior to our conversation, Rich reflects on life in Millennium Park downtown Chicago. 

We're back and excited to explore the world in our new structure. Episodes will be Mondays and Wednesdays and will feature a solo thoughts, reflections, or observations before our guest conversation. We're going to chat with local and global friends about life in the 21st century and the future of it. 

Shine on!

Matze Sagerer joins us from Munich, Germany and provides insight on a range of topics including energy, laws of the universe in physics, and Artificial Intelligence. (17:00)

Prior to our conversation, Rich reflects on his new interest in design in the Berkshire Room, the lobby bar of the Acme Hotel in River North, Chicago. 

We're back and excited to explore the world in our new structure. Episodes will be Mondays and Wednesdays and will feature a solo thoughts, reflections, or observations before our guest conversation. We're going to chat with local and global friends about life in the 21st century and the future of it. 

Shine on!

Rich smokes a cigar downtown Chicago in the cold. Every year he looks forward to being the only one in Millennium Park during the coldest Chicago days. He focuses on the advantages of the weather rather than the seemingly disadvantages. Everything is about framing and perspective.

Episodes with guests will return mid-March.

Rich discusses his hiatus from the podcast. The value of taking a step back. He explores the difference between speed and velocity and how physics can be applied to life. He read the Michael Jordan biography to start the year, focusing on the Chicago Bulls championship runs.

Episodes with guests will return mid-March.