Cover versions of well-known songs that illuminate some quality in the original that was dormant, waiting to emerge, like a cicada.

As a follow-up to my recent post about some things ethical non-monogamy is not, I thought it might be fun to consider some things ENM can be, in the best of circumstances. In light of the volume and vehemence of the feedback my first post received, it seems this is an issue folks are interested in, so maybe this will be an on-going series.

Trying this new feature on Substack where I read a post and add some off the cuff commentary. Sort of a mini-ROMA, centered around a written piece. Let me know what you think. Is this a good format? Should I do more?

A few months ago, someone mentioned that a dude had walked to Crestone from Colorado Springs — which is a SERIOUS walk over some very rugged mountains — and that he was some kind of Sasquatch expert. I was intrigued, but I have to admit that I assumed the guy was a wild-eyed wayward soul who’d had a bit too much psilocybin and not enough common sense. Then I met Mateo at a party and after chatting with this totally chill, reasonable, obviously smart dude for a while, I realized … wait a minute, THIS is the Squatch dude? So I’d like to introduce you to yet another fascinating Crestonian. You can learn more about Mateo and his exploits at modernexplorer.me.

Intro music “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range. “Forest,” by David Beckingham; Outro: “Smoke Alarm,” by Carsie Blanton.

Following the birth of their daughter, Jack McClure and his wife Alana decided to continue their life of adventure. They set their sights on thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail from Canada to Mexico as a family, beginning when their daughter was 9 months old. What followed was a 1,500 mile odyssey filled not only with primeval forests and sweeping mountain vistas but also countless lullabies, hundreds of diaper changes and innumerable tears shed.

Intro music “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range. “A Way Back Home,” by Give Me Motion; Outro: “Smoke Alarm,” by Carsie Blanton.

* Can/should we slow down the development of AI?

* Frans de Waal: “Because the role of sex in society is such a loaded and controversial issue, scientists have tended to downplay this side of bonobo behavior…. Sexual encounters of the bonobo kind are strikingly casual, almost more affectionate than erotic.”

* Andrew…

Adam’s name comes up a lot in Crestone. He and his family have been around for a long time, he runs a local business, currently serves on the Town Board of Trustees, is running for County Commissioner, and seems to be admired and respected by pretty much everyone. This is my favorite kind of podcast to bring you, where I’m getting to know the guest at the same time you are. Among lots of other stuff, we talk about:

* what it was like to be a quirky, sensitive kid in Texas (not great),

* who then moved suddenly to Madrid, Spain (much better);

* his complex relationship with his father and masculinity;

* the challenges of trying to help kids navigate the world as it is now;

* the experience of spending months on horseback, riding through backcountry reservation land.

Michael Henry Dunn is a guy who has been around the block a few times. He’s a classically trained actor, having studied at Juilliard. He’s a musician and an activist. He’s an author, journalist, Substacker and scholar who has delved deeply into the controversies around Shakespeare’s true identity, the Code of Chivalry and global human rights. And he’s a really nice guy who happens to live in this funky little town in the Colorado high desert. Go figure.

Information about the retreat in Montana is here.

Intro music “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range. Outro: “Smoke Alarm,” by Carsie Blanton.

We’ve all heard the adage: “Think globally, act locally.” Liza embodies that perspective. She came to the San Luis valley about 30 years ago to work on a buffalo ranch with her husband. Since then, she’s lived a lot of life in this valley. Raising kids, horses, dogs, working as school board president and County Commissioner, and founding and running the San Luis Valley Local Foods Coalition are just a few of the things that have kept her busy over the years. Everyone around here knows her and admires her energy, intelligence, and positive approach to things. I’m really glad to be able to share this wonderful woman with you.

Trained as a neuroscientist, Elliot is the Principle Scientist at a nonprofit called The Good Food Institute, which is focused on building an innovation ecosystem that will accelerate the development of alternatives to conventional/industrialized production of meat, eggs, and dairy. They believe that we can avoid or mitigate the many negative externalities of industrial meat production by instead making meat from plants or growing it directly from animal cells. I’ve got my doubts, but Elliot makes a convincing case. See what you think.

Here’s a link to the Budokon retreat info, if you might want to join us in June.

Intro music “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range. Outro: “Smoke Alarm,” by Carsie Blanton.