That's So Rad!

In this episode, Travis sits down with his 16-year-old son, Asher, to explore what makes him uniquely himself—his passions, faith, and perspective on life. From heartfelt reflections on Father’s Day and family moments to insights about gratitude and thoughts around the World Cup, this conversation is a rollercoaster of humor, wisdom, and genuine connection.

Asher reveals his love for shoes, sports, and design, and shares inspiring thoughts on noticing the little things that make life special, all while maintaining a chill, observant outlook that’s surprisingly mature for his age.

Asher on Cultivate the Ordinary Podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cultivate-the-ordinary/id1725656621?i=1000668993350

In this episode:

• How a simple hug and a Father's Day surprise about loss and presence can reshape our view on relationships and gratitude
• The beauty of global sports and the stories behind the teams and countries that unite us (or at least make us laugh)
• The fascinating world of sneaker collecting, the stories shoes tell, and the entrepreneurial spirit of a future designer
• The power of faith and gratefulness, especially cultivated by a young man who sees the world through observant, grateful eyes
• Why being behind in sports or life’s development isn’t a setback—it's a launchpad for courage and growth
• Faith and inspiration drawing from Jesus and living with a purpose

In this episode, Travis welcomes his friend, Danisha Keating, who shares about her journey of resilience in overcoming abuse, being in foster care, and finding herself eventually homeless. She never gave up and her courageous will to overcome led her to gaining her Doctorate in Psychology and now empowers others through her books, courses, social media presence, and speaking engagements.

Growing up as one of eleven siblings in a challenging environment marked by poverty and abuse, she entered foster care during high school. Despite these hardships, she took on the responsibility of raising her siblings, navigating the complexities of life with determination.

Her path was fraught with obstacles, including homelessness and the struggle to balance education with caregiving. Yet, she persevered, earning her degrees and becoming a voice for healing and change. Through self-publishing her latest book, "Taking My Voice Back," she shares her story on her terms, focusing on healing rather than trauma. Her journey is one of breaking generational cycles, finding peace, and inspiring others to pursue their own paths of healing and growth.

Checkout her books, her trauma and business courses, and follow her on socials:

https://danishakeating.com

• Danisha discusses her unique experience of growing up in poverty with foster care background
• How she identified as a "farm girl" and the life lessons from farm animals and land
• The pivotal moment of realizing that trauma did not make her stronger, but healing did
• Her fight against family secrets, societal stigma, and sharing her truth through self-publishing
• The role of forgiveness, legacy, and generational healing in her story
• Practical advice on slowing down, using tools, and intentionally creating peace in life

In this solo episode, Travis shares about the profound impact that people with disabilities have had on his life. He reflects on his father's battle with late-stage dementia and shares that despite all of the awful agony and loss, there were surprising moments of discoveries and seeing his dad in a new light. He also talks about an amazing guy who set a world record for doing the longest "wheelie" ever recorded in a wheelchair.

He also shares about his time being a camp counselor for people with disabilities and all the ways that impacted him. He highlights two friends of his in particular, Drew and Scott, and shares about their lives and the ways they have taught him to see life differently. The episode is a heartfelt tribute to the power of human connection and the lessons learned from those who face life's challenges with grace, laughter, and courage.

• The transformative power of encountering individuals who embody "a different ability"
• Inspiring stories: Drew, Scott, and others demonstrating resilience and joy
• The importance of community, friendship, and seeing beyond disabilities
• Lessons in grace, humor, and silent communication amid dementia and health challenges
• Challenging stereotypes: the quote "I don't have a disability, I have a different ability"
• How overcoming limits can be celebrated through acts of courage, like wheelies and stage performances
• The role of connection and friendship in healing and understanding
• Encouragement to seek and embrace relationships with individuals who have disabilities

**There is some graphic content in describing the accident.

In this episode, Travis is joined by John Thompson to talk about his story that riveted the world in the early 90s. John experienced a life-changing farm accident on his family farm in North Dakota in 1992, where he lost both arms due to a machinery incident. Despite the severity of his injuries, he survived thanks to his quick thinking and the support of his loyal dog, Tuffy.

His resilience and determination during recovery turned his personal tragedy into a powerful story of hope and inspiration, capturing the attention of major media platforms and audiences worldwide. Travis and John talk through his journey and all that has transpired since.

Get John's book: "Home in One Piece"

https://a.co/d/03CycPaN

Follow John on socials:

https://linktr.ee/johnwaynethompson92?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=687b8b1c-3bcb-42fc-a993-a1952c83bac3

• The detailed recounting of John's farm accident and the immediate aftermath.
• The role of his loyal dog Tuffy in his survival and recovery.
• The emotional and psychological challenges of accepting physical and public scrutiny.
• His journey through medical surgeries, skin grafts, and learning to live without arms.
• How his story gained worldwide attention and the complexities of fame.
• The importance of embracing authenticity and empowering others to realize their potential.

In this episode, Travis reads Aaron Gilbreath’s essay, "A Brief History of the Word Rad," which takes a fun and nostalgic look at the history of the word "rad," exploring its roots in skateboarding and pop culture and its enduring presence in American vernacular. Some of the cult classic films mentioned include the BMX flick "Rad," and the skateboarding movies "Gleaming the Cube" and "Thrashin'."

The essay also explores other popular expressions and slang terms from the 80s (and prior) that emerge from subcultures and evolve into cultural icons. As Aaron points out many of them are not only cringey now, but have no relevance whatsoever. Why some words die out and others maintain lasting power is an interesting phenomenon that the essay also explores.

Checkout Aaron Gilbreath's website:

https://aarongilbreath.com/

In this episode:

• Origins of the word 'rad' in Southern California skate culture
• The influence of 1980s slang and Valley Speak on popular culture
• The linguistic evolution and cultural significance of 'rad'
• The role of skateboarding pioneers like the Z-Boys in shaping slang
• The cyclical nature of slang and cultural artifacts

In the episode, Travis welcomes his friend Roosevelt Leggett to the podcast. Roosevelt blends his passions for technology, music, faith, and exploration to live intentionally and connect more deeply with others. The two discuss plenty of random things as well like Roosevelt's nicknames, origami, a crazy karaoke story, and the fear of being chosen out of the crowd for magic shows.

This episode offers insights into embracing uniqueness, the intersection of culture and technology, and practical ways to cultivate curiosity. Roosevelt shares a really cool Venn diagram exercise for his life that illustrates his diverse passions and interests and how those things intersect to shape his identity and worldview. It's a great tool anyone could use for creating a holistic approach to living intentionally and meaningfully.

• Roosevelt shares the origin story behind his unique name and the significance of family traditions
• Exploring Roosevelt’s creative passions, including origami and music as a means of cultural exploration
• Insight into how his background in communication and tech influences his work and life philosophy
• Personal stories of resilience, faith, and inspiration, including family journeys and health challenges
• Practical advice for fostering curiosity and kindness amidst a fast-changing world

Travis welcomes his friend Wes Hardin on the podcast. Wes shares about a fun entrepreneurial idea for friends that he created with his wife. They then explore Wes's journey from being a science teacher to becoming a Physician Assistant and the motivation behind this journey. We shares candidly about his experiences with anxiety, and talks about how his faith and a perspective shift became a game changer for his life outlook.

They explore the intersection of science, faith, medicine, and miracles. Wes shares some compelling stories, scientific insights, and talks about his cool side project Meaningful Science. He also shares about his spoken word poetry and how he uses it to talk about faith and reason on the stage.

Supper Sleuths Mystery Kits:

https://suppersleuths.com

Wes's science and apologetics website:

https://www.meaningfulscience.com/

Wes's spoken word videos:

https://www.youtube.com/@meaningfulscience

A spoken word with Jeremy:

https://youtu.be/ZFmmPA9Jj_8?si=dTD2cQftOJFxwTx1

Wes's wife's marriage and enneagram resource mentioned:

https://www.enneagramandmarriage.com

In this episode:

• Wes talks about he and his wife's Supper Sleuth's couple's mystery dinner kits
• His journey from teacher to physician assistant
• Overcoming anxiety through faith and perspective
• Becoming inspired to fight disease
• Handling stress and anxiety as a medical professional
• Innovative ways faith intersects with medicine
• The relationship between science, reason, and Christianity
• The use of poetry and art in apologetics

In this episode, Travis welcomes a very special guest! His brother Jeremy joins the podcast using an assistive speaking device. After a devastating car accident in 2009 left him initially pronounced dead, then at best vegetative with a traumatic brain injury, he's continued to defy so many challenges in front of him--including the greatest of all--despair.

Jeremy was a collegiate All-American runner with his entire future before him. The accident stripped it all away. To this day, he needs 24-7 care and cannot speak, however he has the greatest joy that those in his life have ever seen.

This episode highlights resilience, faith, and the power of joy and humor even in life's toughest circumstances. Jeremy shares where he gets his inspiration and brings some powerful messages of encouragement.

Checkout Jeremy's website where you can learn more about his story, checkout his art, and sign up for his monthly newsletter!

https://www.joyindespair.com

Watch Jeremy playing the "Feetar."

https://youtu.be/6Vc47XXDVgM?si=rtkUYx3AtAjiOrv_

Find Jeremy on socials @ Jeremy Vangsnes

1. The life-changing accident and Jeremy's initial prognosis of being in a vegetative state with a TBI
2. Jeremy's recovery and regaining movement in his arm and eyes
3. The development and use of Tobii Dynavox device for spelling and communication
4. Jeremy's humorous personality and one-liners that reveal his vibrant character
5. How Jeremy's joy is his greatest gift and voice for others
6. The role of faith, family, and perseverance in overcoming life’s challenges
7. Jeremy's experiences with questions from family and his favorite conversations
8. Jeremy makes art with his foot and plays an improvised guitar for his foot called the "feetar"

In this solo episode, Travis explores the incredible story of Paul Alexander, who spent 72 years living in an iron lung due to polio. The longest time on record that anyone has spent in an iron lung! His journey of perseverance, hope, and ingenuity offers powerful lessons on overcoming adversity and living a meaningful life despite impossible circumstances.

His family played a crucial role in his survival and growth, with his father ingeniously adapting tools to help Paul paint, draw, and write, thus opening doors to the world beyond his confinement.

Paul authored a memoir, "Three Minutes for a Dog, My Life in an Iron Lung," which he wrote using a plastic stick to tap out words on a keyboard. This book took eight years to complete and symbolizes his relentless effort and determination.

Paul pursued higher education, earning a bachelor's degree and attending law school at the University of Texas. He became a practicing attorney focused on disability rights and at the end of his life gained a big following on social media.

Three Minutes for a Dog: My Life in an Iron Lung by Paul Alexander - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08XYZ1234

Paul Alexander's TikTok - Iron Long Man - https://www.tiktok.com/@ironlongman

Polio and its history - CDC - https://www.cdc.gov/polio/about/index.htm

In this episode:

1. The harrowing experience of polio and life in an iron lung
2. Paul Alexander’s remarkable resilience and creative problem-solving
3. The role of hope, faith, and family support in overcoming challenges
4. How small acts of ingenuity, like making a breathing device, open new possibilities
5. Insights on living a "great story" regardless of circumstances
6. The convergence of technology, art, and life in Paul’s story
7. The importance of community and encouragement in overcoming obstacles

"I spent a lot of time in the iron lung, but I didn't live in it. I lived outside it in my mind, my heart, and the life I created."

In this episode of the podcast, Travis interviews artist Dave Sherrill, known for his whimsically fun and innovative art style under the name 'Dave Ruins Art.' They discuss Dave's journey from a self-taught artist to an internet sensation. He shares the story of how his reimagined pop culture scenes (from Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and more!) suddenly catapulted him to international recognition.

Dave continues to hone his craft and shares insights on teaching art, the creative process, and the responsibility that comes with being a professional artist. Travis and Dave discuss the creative process, the importance of authenticity, and how the convergence of very different things leads to really cool creations and even powerful discoveries. Lots more on art, making cool stuff, and being inspired!

Dave's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/daveruinsart/

Buy prints and other rad stuff at DaveRuinsArt online store!

daveruinsart.com

Dave's online art classes:

https://www.daveruinsartschool.com

In this episode:

1. Dave talks about the origin of painting Star Wars scenes on thrift store landscape paintings.
2. The name 'Dave Ruins Art' was a strategic choice to embrace criticism.
3. The influence of social media and Reddit in exploding his work globally
4. Dave talks about his glorious beard.
5. The role of speed paintings and factory-made art in his unique style
6. Dave emphasizes the importance of learning and improving as an artist.
7. The power of converging different things and the Medici Effect in sparking innovation
8. Teaching art helps solidify Dave's own understanding and skills.
9. Art is a sacred process, connecting artists across generations.
10. Creativity is inherent in everyone, and art should be accessible.
11. Dave's teaching approach encourages experimentation and risk-taking.
12. The intersection of different ideas can lead to innovative art.
13. Dave aims to push boundaries while respecting original creators.
14. Lessons learned from art icons like Van Gogh and Picasso
15. How art impacts mental health and the joy of embracing imperfection