Stride & Saunter

As our lives grow more complex and our social ties accommodate different schedules, timezones and obligations, a common refrain for friends (especially in adulthood) is to find the time to “catch up”. This week we welcome Leland Holcomb to explore the phrase and the ideas behind it. In what ways does it acknowledge the sometimes chaotic pace of social life? How does this approach to friendship sculpt a particular lane within which to call someone a friend? Do we limit ourselves to recollection rather than deeper inspection of our experiences? Do these friendships tend towards image over substance?

Creative individuals have been supported in many ways across humanity’s storied history. They’re relied upon generous benefactors, municipal commissions and in modern times, crowd-funding such as Patreon. Some might argue about the value of creative work in our society, but in the belief that they should be supported, how do we nourish that creativity? This week, we welcome Matt DiBiase, a musical artist, to explore the idea. How do friends, family and thoughtful gifts nudge those with the creative spark to make something of their passions and perspectives?

As many of us are encouraged to purchase, acquire and own items and objects around them, how do our possessions affect us? What is our relationship to them and what rationale do we give to keep them around? This week, we welcome Ayelet Ronen to discuss the ways in which our ownership of things may actually work in the reverse: that to an extent, they own us. We create space for them, take out insurance policies, polish, guard and at times personify them. But how do possessions prevent or limit certain actions and lifestyles? Are we at our happiest, best or healthiest because of our belongings?

Of the many great, palpable fears that connect us as human beings, the fear of rejection is high among them. But how often do we have the strange experience of learning why we were rejected? This week, we welcome Ian Cooper to explore and review these ideas as their described by popular YouTuber, Hank Green. Do we ultimately want to know these humbling reasons? Do they help us to grow? How does rejection change when it’s done anonymously?

I’ve missed the show since February and these months since have been invaluable in reflecting and recalibrating how I approach it. Here are my thoughts, coming out of that period.

Today marks a unique day for the podcast. With a few exceptions, the show has been weekly for the last four and a half years and I’ve decided to take a break for a few months. The choice was a difficult one to make, because I’ve taken great pride in putting out a consistent and thoroughly-edited show. But as with anything we pour time and effort into, that energy and dedicated moments have to come from somewhere. And as I try to produce a clean, polished and thought-provoking product, I’ve found myself more taxed by the process in recent months. I hope to use these next few months to relax, reflect and recenter my relationship to every aspect of the podcast. Regardless, I know I will miss various elements of the creative process and I hope you’ll all be patient during this period. -Kip

This week, we return to "Between These Eyes of Ink," a series which dissects and considers quotations and the insights they contain. For our fifth episode, we welcome Sam Whipple to help explore Plato’s thoughts on how politicians rely upon good guesswork. Do societies expect complete understanding from our leaders? Do we foist it onto them so that we need not pursue the truth? Are leaders who are honest about their ignorance more trustworthy and relatable?

Truth represents a foundational element in human life. Whether religious, personal, psychological or scientific, many of us live our lives in pursuit of or relationship to truths around us. We try to define, contain and create them. But what does it mean to live in a truthful way? Is it as simple as expressing truthful thoughts to others? This week, we’re joined by Dan Farina to reflect upon what it means to be truthful. What do truthful actions look and feel like? Is our society structured in a “truthful” way?

We are each motivated by a bevy of ideas, instincts and influences around us. Some of us have dreams of changing the world while others want to attempt the impossible and still others hope for happiness and humility first and foremost. But what about the downfalls that we avoid in both thought and action? This week, we welcome Eric Cunningham to examine the fear of failure. How does it prevent us from reaching further? Why does it persist? How do others instill it within us?

Recent years have illuminated many of the divides and differences within American society and culture. In particular, as citizens around the world are predicted to congregate in cities in coming decades, rural populations are worthy of consideration and conversation. This week, we welcome Gabe Brison-Trezise to discuss some of the difficulties facing the inhabitants of rural America. From occupational challenges and shifts in cultural attitudes to birth rates and economic pitfalls, there are numerous struggles to contend with. How do literal distances complicate empathy for those living in vastly different ways? What steps can be taken to limit social differences?