What Is...?

Episode 9 of What Is... ? Welcome to the first episode of 2021, a year since we have been in a global pandemic. This episode is a special one, it is about a couple deciding on a run that they were going to travel the country in a van and then just following through with it. Katie and Bryce are a fascinating couple who I have the pleasure of calling my friends. In this episode we discuss their journey of van life where we dive into topics like how they decided to do it, what were the challenges before they could set of on their journey, their favorite and not so favorite parts of this journey and through it all just all the love and learnings they have been in able to share. Katie said a phrase that stuck with me in this episode "they feel like snails with their shells always on their backs" and that was such a perfect metaphor. I know I always say this but this is a really really cool episode and I loved it. I hope you enjoy it and  don't forget to follow Katie and Bryce's youtube channel that I have pasted the link for below. 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPa_fgKreEAWEgqwqzQBoWQ

Episode 8 of What is..? On today's episode we talk about entrepreneurship. In a fast moving world with a startup culture, sometimes it is important to take a step back and listen to the experiences of people that have been there and done it. On today's episode I have with me Dave Giordano, the Chief Strategic Officer at Alfresco who in 1996 decided to start a 1 person consulting firm called Technology Services Group that then successfully grew into a stable profitable medium sized million dollar company for 24 years before just recently being acquired by Alfresco. Dave and I on this episode talk about his journey, his learning, his loyalty to his people, the decision to sell to Alfresco and finally his advice for future young entrepreneurs. Without giving too much away, this episode is funny, inspiring and takes us on a journey. I can't wait for you to hear it. Enjoy. 

Episode 7 of What Is...On today's episode I have with me Drew Given, a West Virginian living in Chicago. Drew is a fascinating human who I have the pleasure of knowing and calling a friend. In this episode we discuss Drew's recent journey and transition to polyamory, we talk about how we look at relationships and life often from a monogamous lens, how there are different kinds of poly-amorous relationships, cheating and dishonesty within it, the freedom that it comes with, health concerns that arise from multiple partners and how healthy polyamory is based in self love. Drew takes on this beautifully complicated journey sharing with us in the rawest and most vulnerable form his history and how he is where he is at with this journey. I won't take any more of your time, all i'll say is you are in for an eye opening and beautiful ride. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did recording it.

Episode 6 of What Is... On today's episode I have with me Akanksha Cruczynski, an Indian immigrant who lived a large part of her childhood in Saudi Arabia. Akanksha just graduated from Columbia College in Chicago with a degree in Film Making and Film Production. Over the last couple of years she has created over 18 short films and has plans to make a ton more. In this episode we discuss Akanksha's journey with film making, what are some thing that inspire the movies she makes, the community of filmmakers that exists in chicago and LA, Bollywood, Hassan Minhaj/Kumail Nanjiani, the lack of female film makers and how that's changing and a variety of other topics. This is a really fun episode where we realize that sometimes breaking the mold and trying something completely different from what was expected of you can be the start of your happiest adventure. Give it a listen and tell me what you think. Enjoy.

Episode 5 of What Is....On Today's episode I have with me Morgan Swenson and Devin Swenson- two amazing loving people who have have been together 10 years now. Morgan and Devin are in the final month of their pregnancy but the 3.5 year long path to get here was not easy and that is what we discuss today. We talk about their journey with fertility, with miscarriages, with emotions, with doctors and finally with the process of being pregnant. They take us on a heartfelt vulnerable trip and at points I was speechless and really emotional. This episode is emotional, honest, funny and filled with love and understanding. I know you all will love it . Enjoy.

Episode 4 of What Is... Today we explore the world of Rock Climbing. This is a fun one. In this episode, I interview Marc Brouillette - a rock climbing nerdy programmer in his own words. We explore how he got into it to just be a part of his rambunctious group of friends, how climbing is fun for everyone irrespective of background or body type, how the climbing community is thriving and even touch upon finding partners while climbing. We also talk about funny accidents and explore how the community of climbing deals with tragedy. There is passion, humor, pain and just authenticity through out this episode. This is a really different and fun one and I really loved doing it. I apologize in places for the mic modulations (I will invest in a better mic in the future). Enjoy :)

Episode 3 of What Is...In Today's episode we listen to the story of Charlie Baker, a transgender non binary beautiful human being who lives in Chicago. Charlie and I explore his journey of coming out and acceptance and we discuss issues like Masculinity, the concept of family, the use of a singular they, picking your conversations and understanding the LGBTQ community. There is so much I didn't know going into this interview and you will hear me lost for words at points in this interview. I have left this in it's raw form because editiong pieces of it might take away the strength and authenticity of it. Enjoy!PSA : the language and content is raw and may contain explicit words.

Episode 2 of the podcast What Is...? In Today's episode we are talking to Jackson Bailey. A friend and a brother to me. Jackson 5 years ago faced the loss of one his closest friends. In this episode we explore the loss of some one you love but also talk about identity, introspection and regret that comes with loss. Enjoy !

Episode 1 of the podcast What Is...In today's episode we explore the stories of two inspiring individuals who have experienced loss from different perspectives. John Jessup chose to lose a part of his body at the age of 12 and George Velazquez Jr. lost a company he built for 9 years of his life. These stories are genuine, honest, emotional and inspiring. I hope you enjoy it!