Thinking with David

JT Kelley (@eatingbootytakingnames) is a comedian who grew up in fundamentalist Christian schooling.

This was an intriguing podcast! I first met my friend JT while working at Juiceland in Austin. My original intention of our dialogue was to chat about comedy. Instead, JT discusses what it was like to have grown up in fundamentalist Christian schooling and how that's affected him. I could have dove much deeper into some of the heated topics brought up in this conversation like socialism, communism, and fundamentalist Christianity, but chose instead to keep things light and friendly.

I was previously ignorant that such schooling programs like Abeka Books and Bob Jones University existed and I'm curious to learn more about them. I'm ignorant on the subject, but it sounds strange to me that there are educational programs in the United States that aren't encouraging kids to think for themselves, are incentivizing them to protest complex issues, and perhaps even supporting leveraging them toward some sort of political/religious/financial agenda. If you know more about any of this, I'd love to hear from you.

All that being said, JT is one of the funniest comedians I've ever seen perform (not an understatement) and the conversation was kept pleasant. So, without further adieu, please welcome to the podcast my hilarious friend, Mr. JT Kelley!

Love,

David

*PS - Although much of the discussion revolves around comedy and JT's Christian upbringing, I wanted to include one quick fact check about incarceration rates: JT briefly mentioned that 20% of the total US population is incarcerated. The research I found states otherwise, that about 2.3M people in the US are incarcerated as of 2018, which is an incarceration rate of less than 1%. That being said, he could have been referring to the US prison population as a percent of the world's prison population (~20%).

*https://www.prisonpolicy.org/reports/pie2018.html

Show Notes:

• Follow JT on Instagram, and Twitter
• Here's a hilarious JT stand-up video!

Access Early Podcast/Blog Content:

• Subscribe to Patreon: bit.ly/twdpatreon
• Subscribe to the Blog: bit.ly/twdblogsubscribe

Connect with David:

• Blog, Stories, Podcast & More: thinkingwithdavid.com/
• Instagram: @stay.in.alive

Ricardo Palomares (@ricardopal) is a TEDx speaker, author, and explorer.

When I first met Ricardo at the local gym, we immediately clicked. The stories of his Pedal South sojourn, a bike trip spanning 2 years and 18,000 miles from Alaska to South America along the Pan American Highway, reminded me of my days on the Pacific Crest Trail. But Ricardo's story goes much deeper than that, having overcome unlikely odds throughout his life, much of which he speaks about in his popular YouTube TEDx videos entitled: "Why I Stopped Seeking Enlightenment"

In our discussion, Ricardo shares his life struggles and accomplishments including his journey of becoming a speaker, identifying and escaping bad habit patterns, pushing through pain, and the creation of his recent project, the Wolfpack, where communities of men hold each other responsible to improve their lives on all fronts: mind, body, spirit, family, partner, and business.

Ricardo is an inspirational individual and his story has only just begun. It was wonderful to have him on the podcast and it has inspired me to continue pushing the limits of what I believe to be possible. So without further adieu, enjoy the wise words of my sage friend, Ricardo Palomares!

Love,

David

Show Notes:

• Shoot Ricardo a message through his website: ricardopal.com
• Follow Ricardo on Instagram: @ricardopal
• Ricardo's book on Amazon: Chronicles of a Journey: Embracing Pain on My Path to Self-Discovery

Access Early Podcast/Blog Content:

• Subscribe to Patreon: bit.ly/twdpatreon
• Subscribe to the Blog: bit.ly/twdblogsubscribe

Connect with David:

• Blog, Stories, Podcast & More: thinkingwithdavid.com/
• Instagram: @stay.in.alive

"The Scale? Save the scale for the doctor's office—How do you feel today? Are you feeling strong? Vibrant? Are you sleeping well? This is how we gauge health."

Natalie Forster is a functional dietitian, yogi, personalized health & wellness expert and owner of Revived Roots.

Before our conversation, I felt overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information and confusion surrounding nutrition these days: What diet should I subscribe to? What foods are good for eating? What does the latest research say?

In an attempt to clear the clutter around how to live a healthy life, I sat down with my nutritionist friend Natalie seeking a "back to the basics" nutrition 101 course. I figured the main topic of discussion would be diet, but little did I know that diet isn't even the first stepping stone where Natalie starts with her clients on the path to wellness!

Instead, we discuss the importance of the breath. Natalie offers tools, tips and techniques for how to breathe properly, why it's important for our health and wellness, and how it connects back to digestion. And that's only the beginning. This dialogue was perhaps one of my most practical and informative episodes to date, and I thank Natalie for coming on and making it happen. If you're curious about new perspectives on breathing, eating animals, juice fasts and many more topics then you're in for a treat.

So without further adieu, inhale deeply, open your mouth wide, and feast on these nutrient-dense, knowledge-packed words of wisdom from my good friend, Natalie Forster!

Love,

David

Show Notes:

• Hire Natalie on her website: www.revivedroots.com
• Connect with Natalie on Instagram (@natforster_rd
• Connect with Revived Roots on Facebook, Instagram
• To learn more about Genesis, the children and family wellness group coaching program, visit Natalie's website

Books/Resources Mentioned:

• Brynn Burns — Elemental Yoga Therapy in FTW (restorative yoga)
• Robert Boustany — Pralaya Yoga in Houston, TX (created to support joint longevity and increase energy levels by maximizing the activation of muscles, organs, and energy systems)
• Andrew Dugas — YogaBetter in Houston, TX (created to support joint longevity and increased strength through full range of motion)
• The Oxygen Advantage, Patrick McKeown
• BOLT - breath oxygen level test
• Micronutrient Testing
• The Wahls Protocol — nutrient density for mitochondria efficiency (her book: The Wahls Protocol and her cookbook, Cooking for Life)

Access Early Podcast/Blog Content:

• Subscribe to Patreon: bit.ly/twdpatreon
• Subscribe to the Blog: bit.ly/twdblogsubscribe

Connect with David:

• Blog, Podcast & More: thinkingwithdavid.com/
• Instagram: @stay.in.alive

Jon Galnarez is an ex-Jehovah's Witness.

A huge thanks to Jon for openly discussing what is likely a personal and sensitive topic for many: his childhood growing up in Jehovah's Witness, becoming a high-ranking member of the congregation, the various beliefs of the Witnesses, and the details surrounding his eventual disfellowshipping.

It was fascinating to learn about this religion, a belief system banned in Russia and Spain, that encompasses anywhere from 1 - 2.5 million believers in the United States (just under 1% of the population) and 8 million worldwide.

My hope is that by listening to this episode we are all better informed and no matter our ideologies or religions, we see value in the individual and bring them closer to us for connection and conversation instead of casting them farther away.

Love,David

Show Notes:

• Follow Jon on Twitter, Instagram and Twitch

Access Early Podcast/Blog Content:

• Subscribe to Patreon: bit.ly/twdpatreon
• Subscribe to the Blog: bit.ly/twdblogsubscribe

Connect with David:

• Blog: thinkingwithdavid.com/blog
• Instagram: @stay.in.alive

Miles Neslaw is a vagabond, train-hopper, dumpster diver and world traveler.

"If you think your life is boring, change it." -Miles Neslaw

Don't let the length of this episode deter you from listening as it's a saga filled with sketchy, dangerous and insightful/inspirational stories...

I first met Miles under the trailname "Oz" while hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in 2015 when he was 19 years old. Since that time, Miles has continued adventuring, living off the waste of civilization and building his life resume. Miles discusses his many highs and lows of the past three years while hopping freight trains, living in the vigilante, makeshift desert town of Slab City, escaping South-East Asian police on a motorbike, and his personal journey with trusting his intuition.

It was wonderful to reconnect with Miles after so much time and I wish him safety and growth as he continues to push the boundaries of global adventure. Without further adieu, hop aboard this train and get ready to ride one hell of a rollercoaster alongside my dear hiker trash friend, Miles Neslaw!

Love,David

Show Notes:

• Oz doesn't have social media, but will update this when his blog launches

Resources/Books Mentioned:

• Woofing (worldwide opportunities on organic farms)
• The Story of B, Daniel Quinn
• Ishmael, Daniel Quinn
• Steppenwolf, Hermann Hesse
• Siddhartha, Hermann Hesse
• Squattheplanet.com (social network for misfit travelers)
• Warm Showers App (Couchsurfing for bike touring)
• Maps.me (offline maps, useful for any traveler)

Access Early Podcast/Blog Content:

• Subscribe to Patreon: bit.ly/twdpatreon
• Subscribe to the Blog: bit.ly/twdblogsubscribe

Connect with David:

• Blog: thinkingwithdavid.com/blog
• Instagram: @stay.in.alive

Patrick Cink (@p_inthecink) is a close college friend, runner, and fellow thinker.

Having just returned from a two-week solo sojourn through Europe, Pat relays his adventures wandering through the endless halls of the Louvre, struggling hard with the language gap, attending an epic ballet, and much, much more. We also discuss journaling, presence, how to increase your running mileage, and Pat's Big Announcement for next year. Let's hold him to it! :)

We shared many laughs on this entertaining podcast episode and end the conversation on a special note. So, without further adieu, open your minds, loosen that jaw, and get ready to laugh alongside my hilarious, kind and thoughtful friend, Pat Cink!

Love, David

Show Notes:

• Follow Pat on Instagram

Books/Resources Mentioned:

• Marie Kondo, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up
• Headspace, guided meditation app
• Naval Ravikant: Podcast episode
• Christopher McDougall, Born to Run
• Elliott Hulse: Doing vs Receiving video
• David Goggins: Instagram
• Tao Te Ching

Access Early Podcast/Blog Content:

• Subscribe to Patreon: bit.ly/twdpatreon
• Subscribe to the Blog: bit.ly/twdblogsubscribe

Connect with David:

• Blog: thinkingwithdavid.com/blog
• Instagram: @stay.in.alive

John Reynolds (@johnharperreynolds) is an actor in pursuit of his Personal Legend.

This episode is a refreshingly honest look into the soul of a wonderful individual. My good friend John is leaving Austin to pursue an acting career in LA, a leap that has earned him a mixed bag of resistance and support. John's radical vulnerability shines bright in our dialogue as we dive into his feelings and thoughts on the fear of failure and giving ourselves permission to follow our dreams.

The omens surrounding this episode were too great to be left unspoken. Despite being recorded three weeks ago, today's episode airs on John's planned departure date, which also aligns with his one year anniversary of abstaining from alcohol. I'm excited for him as he embarks onto this next stage of his life and proud of his bravery and willingness to share his thoughts with us all. It's not every day that we get to hear from an individual in the moments before his leaping into the unknown.

I'm grateful and inspired by John's honesty and I know you will be too. Without further adieu, open your hearts and follow your dreams alongside my kind and courageous friend, John Reynolds! Wishing you the best, John. We're proud of you, brother.

Love, David

Show Notes:

• Follow John on Instagram

Books Mentioned:

• Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

Access Early Podcast/Blog Content:

• Subscribe to Patreon: bit.ly/twdpatreon
• Subscribe to the Blog: bit.ly/twdblogsubscribe

Connect with David:

• Blog: thinkingwithdavid.com/blog
• Instagram: @stay.in.alive

Scott Bihorel is a wedding singer, teacher of English and meditator.

This is a special on the road, "before and after" episode in which Scott and I discuss our expectations on the way to an eight-day silent meditation retreat held in Kaufman, TX, then reconvene afterward to discuss the experience.

Along the way, Scott shares his auspicious story of finding meditation while soulsearching and backpacking in Colombia, his experience healing psychosomatic pain, the arcs of inspiration, and how to rise above traffic jams with ease. Also, a truck almost backed into us. Afterward, it was quite the experience to speak after eight days of silence, so please forgive my overexcitement. :)

Scott and I shared many laughs, impressions, silly voices and thoughts about lucid dreaming that were not caught on record. Needless to say, his presence made the journey that much more delightful. If you ever need a wedding singer, particularly one who sings in fluent Spanish, or a wise friend, then contact Scott. So, please welcome to the podcast, Señor Scott Bihorel!

Love,David

PS - The episode was recorded on iPhone headphones, so I hope the quality is tolerable enough. Cheers!

Show Notes:

• Follow Scott on Facebook (make sure to send him a message!)
• Email Scott
• Doing Time, Doing Vipassana (Documentary)
• Dhamma Brothers (Documentary)

Access Early Podcast/Blog Content:

• Subscribe to Patreon: bit.ly/twdpatreon
• Subscribe to the Blog: bit.ly/twdblogsubscribe

Connect with David:

• Blog: thinkingwithdavid.com/blog
• Instagram: @stay.in.alive

Mark Kelton (@markaustinkelton) is a musician and former urban yogi/monk/scholar.

In this mind-bending episode, Mark details his inner-transformation in which he re-learned everything by means of seclusion, deep studies, manipulating diet and breath, practicing yoga and meditation, all in search of the answer to the question... what is reality? We also delve into the meaning of dreams, morality, the Absolute Truth, information vs. knowledge, freeing ourselves from distraction, and maximal daily growth.

Mark is an endless wellspring of information and experienced wisdom. I highly recommend listening to this episode and Mark's recommended reading list in the show notes. Stick around for the very end when Mark performs an original song for us.

It's easy to grow tired of telling one's story, but I'm grateful Mark graciously and excitedly walked me through this saga for the benefit of many. So, without further adieu, please open your minds, surrender your dogmas and find your Knowledge alongside the Beingness of my good friend, Mark Kelton!

Love,David

Show Notes:

• Follow Mark on Instagram
• Add Mark on Facebook

Books Mentioned:

• Eckhart Tolle, The Power of Now
• Sivananda Companion to Yoga
• Friedrich Nietzsche, Thus Spoke Zarathustra, Twilight of the Idols, The Birth of Tragedy, Beyond Good and Evil
• Ouspensky, In Search of the Miraculous (Student of Gurdjieff)
• Kuhn, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions

Access Early Podcast/Blog Content:

• Subscribe to Patreon: bit.ly/twdpatreon
• Subscribe to the Blog: bit.ly/twdblogsubscribe

Connect with David:

• Blog: thinkingwithdavid.com/blog
• Instagram: @stay.in.alive

Cristina Schooler (@rootedmethod) is an entrepreneur, outdoorswoman, and adventure junky.

Cristina is the owner of a small business called Rooted Method, a service providing transformative outdoor retreats to national parks like Zion, Big Bend and Desolation Wilderness in California while also operating locally here in Austin, Texas.

Led by Cristina's fiery passion, we discuss being honest with our attachments, thriving in a childlike manner, the challenges of starting a business, and her time soloing through the Alaskan backcountry. Cristina also has some refreshing advice when it comes to sleep and using the outdoors to cultivate calmness and contentedness. I'm super excited to share this conversation you and want to thank Cristina for giving her time to come indoors and chat with us. Hiker trash warning! :)

May we allow our hearts and minds to be filled by Cristina's endless supply of energy and wisdom! Without further adieu, please welcome to the podcast, the sage hiker, Cristina Schooler!

Love,David

Show Notes:

• Follow Cristina on Instagram
• See Cristina's Calendar for Upcoming Events
• The University of Utah study: Improving Creativity through Hiking

Access Early Podcast/Blog Content:

• Subscribe to Patreon: bit.ly/twdpatreon
• Subscribe to the Blog: bit.ly/twdblogsubscribe

Connect with David:

• Blog: thinkingwithdavid.com/blog
• Instagram: @stay.in.alive