This Way or That

This Way or That

By Navid Modiri, Emily Stansbury McLanahanSociety & Culture
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This Way or That episodes

  • #20 Just Us: Season One Finale - Soaking Up Summer Vibes!

    From the energy of dreams to the sweet sound of summer, Emily and Navid celebrate Season One of This Way or That! Get ready for heartfelt reflections and a playful peek into their summer plans, complete with ice cream truck distractions and a call to embrace the unexpected!


     

    Produced by: Emily & Navid

    Edited by: Emily

    Music by: Mac McLanahan

    Cover photo by: Mark V. Lord -  Instagram @markvlord &  www.markvlordphotography.com

    18 min
  • #19 Ep #3 Returns (Celia) - Finding Her Center, From Lab to Lawn

    Emily and Navid reconnect with the wonderful Celia, picking up where they left off with an honest exploration of life's hurdles and the importance of self-compassion. This time, they delve into the nitty-gritty of PhD struggles, the surprising power of "radish time," and the insightful guidance found in tarot and oracle readings. Join them for a conversation brimming with relatable moments, gentle wisdom, and a reminder that the answers we seek often lie within.


     

    Produced by: Emily & Navid

    Edited by: Emily

    Music by: Mac McLanahan

    Cover photo by: Mark V. Lord -  Instagram @markvlord &  www.markvlordphotography.com

    43 min
  • #18 Ep #4 Returns (Daniel) - Unexpected Rhythms

    Daniel’s back with extra energy, new rhythms, and a few surprises! From tiny shifts to big questions, sometimes all it takes is a cup of something unexpected to change the course.


     

    Produced by: Emily & Navid

    Edited by: Emily

    Music by: Mac McLanahan

    Cover photo by: Mark V. Lord -  Instagram @markvlord &  www.markvlordphotography.com

    34 min
  • #17 Jin - The Life You Don’t See Coming

    A shy attorney, a near-death experience, and a winding path from art school to law school—and back to art again. Jin joins Emily and Navid for a story packed with imagination, unexpected turns, and the magic that happens when you stop playing it safe. It’s fresh, genuine, and full of surprises.


     

    Produced by: Emily & Navid

    Edited by: Emily

    Music by: Mac McLanahan

    Cover photo by: Mark V. Lord -  Instagram @markvlord &  www.markvlordphotography.com

    52 min
  • #16 Daniel (the surgeon) - The Sky’s Not the Limit

    Daniel joins Emily and Navid for a curious, quick-witted conversation with plenty of heart and unexpected turns. His path—from early career pivots to the world of transplant surgery—is filled with warmth, humor, and sharp insight. It’s a fun and fascinating ride with someone who walks fast—and thinks even faster.


     

    Produced by: Emily & Navid

    Edited by: Emily

    Music by: Mac McLanahan

    Cover photo by: Mark V. Lord -  Instagram @markvlord &  www.markvlordphotography.com

    38 min
  • #15 Marquis - A Curious Mind in Motion

    Marquis joins Emily and Navid for a lively chat about how his love of learning pulled him into physical therapy—and keeps him moving forward. But this isn’t just about rehab. They explore the power of belief, the impact of personal connection, and why curiosity can change everything (in healing and in life). It’s a fun and insightful deep dive into movement, resilience, and rethinking what it really means to heal.


     

    Produced by: Emily & Navid

    Edited by: Emily

    Music by: Mac McLanahan

    Cover photo by: Mark V. Lord -  Instagram @markvlord &  www.markvlordphotography.com

    46 min
  • #14 Jacob - Logic, Love, and Science (or is it Magic?)

    Jacob joins Emily and Navid to explore aging, memory, and the mysteries of the brain—but we don’t stop there. Does he believe in love, luck, or even magic? He’s got a scientific answer for everything—until we hit the one mystery even he can’t explain (yet). Is it science… or magic? Tune in to find out!


     

    Produced by: Emily & Navid

    Edited by: Emily

    Music by: Mac McLanahan

    Cover photo by: Mark V. Lord -  Instagram @markvlord &  www.markvlordphotography.com

    40 min
  • #13 Chris - From the DJ Booth to the Driver’s Seat: Chris’s Wild Ride

    In this episode, we meet Chris, a Baltimore DJ, Uber driver, and account manager with a fascinating journey through nightlife, ride-sharing, and personal revelations. From stories of deejaying in a strip club to his dream of becoming an influencer, Chris shares insights on confidence, career shifts, and the power of positivity. Tune in for a laid-back, eye-opening conversation!


     

    Hire Chris the DJ for your next party! You can find him on instagram: @_christhedj

    Produced by: Emily & Navid

    Edited by: Emily

    Music by: Mac McLanahan

    Cover photo by: Mark V. Lord -  Instagram @markvlord &  www.markvlordphotography.com

    42 min
  • #12 Stella & Ethan - Embracing the Path Ahead

    In this episode, we welcome Stella and Ethan, a couple navigating life's possibilities - from finding contentment and rekindling faith to dreaming of worldwide adventures. Join us as we imagine their future through an uplifting conversation about resilience, gratitude, and the journeys that shape us.


     

    Produced by: Emily & Navid

    Edited by: Emily

    Music by: Mac McLanahan

    Cover photo by: Mark V. Lord -  Instagram @markvlord &  www.markvlordphotography.com

    33 min
  • #11 Mitch - Navigating Academia, Uncertainty, and What Really Matters

    This week on This Way or That, Mitch opens up about navigating academia, forging connections, and finding the right path amidst several possibilities. Hosts Emily and Navid explore Mitch's unique journey in Novel Vestibular Implant research, his thoughtful approach to resolving conflicts, and the fears that shape his decisions. Together, they discuss vulnerability, clarity in chaos, and the value of supportive relationships. Mitch's candid reflections on imposter syndrome, faith, and finding true love make this conversation both relatable and inspiring. Tune in to hear how Mitch tackles challenges with empathy, logic, and purpose.


     

    Produced by: Emily & Navid

    Edited by: Emily

    Music by: Mac McLanahan

    Cover photo by: Mark V. Lord -  Instagram @markvlord &  www.markvlordphotography.com

    49 min

About This Way or That

From the publisher's feed

This Way or That is a podcast born from curiosity and fueled by connection. Join hosts Navid Modiri, a storyteller obsessed with the power of imagination, and Emily Stansbury McLanahan, a seeker of meaning through unexpected conversations, as they dive into unscripted encounters with strangers.