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What does spending nearly forty years telling deeply personal stories teach you about being human?
In this episode of What Nobody Tells You, James Ferrigno sits down with acclaimed monologist Josh Kornbluth for a wide-ranging conversation about storytelling, authenticity, creativity, uncertainty, failure, love, and the lifelong search for meaning.
Josh shares how seeing legendary monologist Spaulding Gray transformed the course of his life, inspiring him to step onto a stage with no formal theater training and begin telling stories of his own. He reveals his unconventional creative process, how improvisation became his pathway through writer's block, and why some of his greatest breakthroughs emerged from uncertainty rather than certainty.
Together, James and Josh explore the nature of authenticity, the role of vulnerability in performance, the lessons hidden inside failure, and why love may be the most important thing we can learn about being human.
This conversation is both a masterclass in storytelling and a deeply personal exploration of what it means to live an examined life.
Get updates + new episodes here: https://open.substack.com/pub/wnty/p/ive-moved-my-podcast-updates-here?r=3n46pm&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Disclaimer
The views, opinions, and statements expressed in this episode are those of the host and/or guest(s) and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views, opinions, or positions of the producers of What Nobody Tells You. What Nobody Tells You does not endorse or assume responsibility for any statements made by guests or the host. The content of this program is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional, medical, psychological, legal, or financial advice. Listeners are encouraged to use their own judgment and discretion and to seek appropriate professional guidance for their individual circumstances.
About Josh Kornbluth
Josh Kornbluth is one of America's most accomplished autobiographical monologists. For nearly four decades, he has captivated audiences with deeply personal, humorous, and thought-provoking one-person shows.
Inspired by the work of Spaulding Gray, Josh developed a unique storytelling style that combines improvisation, vulnerability, humor, and profound insight into the human condition. His acclaimed works include Haiku Tunnel, Red Diaper Baby, The Mathematics of Change, Citizen Josh, Ben Franklin Unplugged, and many others.
In This Episode
Josh's unlikely path into monologue performance
After seeing Spaulding Gray perform, Josh became fascinated by the power of solo storytelling and decided to create his own monologues despite having no theater background.
Why improvisation became his creative process
Unable to write a traditional script, Josh developed a process of improvising stories in front of live audiences and discovering the material through performance.
The value of small audiences
Josh explains why meaningful storytelling doesn't require large crowds and how some of his most important work developed in front of only a handful of people.
Failure as part of the creative process
The conversation explores why "failure" may be an incomplete concept and how setbacks often become essential parts of growth and artistic development.
What authenticity really means
Josh offers a surprising perspective: authenticity can be "faked." Not because it is dishonest, but because authentic moments must often be recreated repeatedly in performance.
The slippery nature of identity
At sixty-seven years old, Josh reflects on how difficult it is to answer the question, "Who am I?" beyond the roles we play in our relationships and lives.
Storytelling as a path toward self-awareness
Josh discusses how sharing stories with strangers expanded both his understanding of himself and his ability to connect with others.
Why uncertainty matters
The conversation explores uncertainty as a fundamental part of life, creativity, and personal growth.
Love as the central lesson of being human
When asked the most important thing he has learned about being human, Josh's answer is simple and profound: love.
Memorable Quotes
"Authenticity is something that you have to learn to fake."
"The concept of failure is a failure because it shuts doors instead of opening them."
"Keep going. Keep going. Keep working as hard as you can. Don't give up."
"The key is love."
"What matters is what it evokes in people."
Key Takeaways
In This Episode
James explores one of the most important challenges of modern life: finding accurate information in a world saturated with misinformation, social media content, AI-generated media, and competing narratives.
Drawing from his background in journalism, research, politics, and higher education, he discusses how information can be evaluated, what makes a source trustworthy, and why critical thinking has become an essential skill.
The episode examines the principles of source verification, the importance of context and analysis, and practical methods listeners can use to assess whether information is reliable before sharing or acting on it.
Get updates + new episodes here: https://open.substack.com/pub/wnty/p/ive-moved-my-podcast-updates-here?r=3n46pm&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Topics Covered
Resources Mentioned
Key Takeaways
Disclaimer
The views, opinions, and statements expressed in this episode are those of the host and/or guest(s) and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views, opinions, or positions of the producers of Say It Anyway. Say It Anyway does not endorse or assume responsibility for any statements made by guests or the host. The content of this program is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional, medical, psychological, legal, or financial advice. Listeners are encouraged to use their own judgment and discretion and to seek appropriate professional guidance for their individual circumstances.
In Part 2 of this conversation, James Ferrigno and Jai McPherson explore grounding, embodiment, trauma healing, mindfulness, emotional processing, and the growing impact of technology on human connection.
Jai shares powerful insights from Qigong, meditation, Chinese medicine, and mindfulness practices, including practical tools for anxiety, overwhelm, emotional balance, and nervous system regulation. Together, James and Jai discuss the importance of embodiment, the effects of trauma on the body, why many people disconnect from themselves, and how quiet time and presence can help people heal.
The conversation also dives into emotional repression, grounding techniques, shamanic practices, EMDR, the impact of screens and social media on attention spans, and how modern culture may be disconnecting people from themselves and each other.
This episode is a deep and compassionate exploration of healing, awareness, presence, and learning how to come home to yourself.
Disclaimer
The views, opinions, and statements expressed in this episode are those of the host and/or guest(s) and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views, opinions, or positions of the producers of What Nobody Tells You. What Nobody Tells You does not endorse or assume responsibility for any statements made by guests or the host. The content of this program is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional, medical, psychological, legal, or financial advice. Listeners are encouraged to use their own judgment and discretion and to seek appropriate professional guidance for their individual circumstances.
Show Notes
In This Episode
Key Quotes
Topics Covered
Guest Information
Guest: Jai McPherson Website: MindflowRadio.life
Jai works with mindfulness, meditation, Qigong, yoga, emotional healing, astrology, and nervous system support practices.
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, comment, and share it with someone who may need these tools and insights.
Follow James Ferrigno and What Nobody Tells You for more conversations about healing, mindfulness, emotional growth, spirituality, and the things nobody talks about.
🎧 Episode Description
In this episode of What Nobody Tells You, James Ferrigno sits down with wellness coach and instructor Jai McPheron for a grounded, honest conversation about trauma, healing, and the realities of working with the human nervous system.
Jai shares her unexpected path from organic farming to yoga, Qigong, and mindfulness instruction—revealing how a personal healing journey shaped her professional life. Together, they explore what it actually means to work with dysregulated nervous systems, hold space for others, and stay regulated in emotionally intense environments.
The conversation also dives into embodiment practices, emotional regulation, energy work, and the challenge of staying present without over-identifying or people-pleasing. At the core of it all is a simple but powerful theme: healing isn’t about fixing—it’s about presence.
⚠️ DISCLAIMER
The views, opinions, and statements expressed in this episode are those of the host and/or guest(s) and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views, opinions, or positions of the producers of What Nobody Tells You. What Nobody Tells You does not endorse or assume responsibility for any statements made by guests or the host. The content of this program is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional, medical, psychological, legal, or financial advice. Listeners are encouraged to use their own judgment and discretion and to seek appropriate professional guidance for their individual circumstances.
🧠 Key Topics Covered
💡 Key Takeaways
This episode sits at the intersection of:
Episode Description
Many people think communication problems in relationships come down to not saying the right thing—or not saying enough.
But the deeper issue is often something else entirely.
In this episode of What Nobody Tells You, James Ferrigno explores what actually happens when people feel unheard, unseen, or emotionally disconnected in their relationships—even when communication is happening on the surface.
This conversation goes beyond words and into emotional experience: why validation matters, how emotional safety is built or broken, and why so many conversations turn into misunderstandings instead of connection.
James breaks down the patterns that show up in real relationships, including how emotional sharing is received, why people often talk past each other, and what it takes to create a sense of being truly understood.
If you’ve ever felt frustrated that you’re expressing yourself clearly but still not feeling heard, this episode will help you understand what’s really going on underneath the communication.
This conversation is designed to offer practical tools for creating healthier romantic relationships and improving communication and emotional understanding.
⚠️ Disclaimer
The views, opinions, and statements expressed in this episode are those of the host and/or guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or positions of the producers of What Nobody Tells You. This podcast does not endorse or assume responsibility for any statements made by guests or the host. The content of this program is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional, medical, psychological, legal, or financial advice. Listeners are encouraged to use their own judgment and discretion and to seek appropriate professional guidance for their individual circumstances.
In This Episode
Key Concepts Discussed
Connect with James Ferrigno
Instagram: @authenticlife9
YouTube: @authenticlife9
Facebook: What Nobody Tells You
What nobody tells you is that authenticity isn’t always comfortable—and it doesn’t always feel natural.
In this conversation with Tevis Feng, we explore what it actually means to be yourself in a world that constantly shapes, conditions, and influences who you think you should be.
We talk about identity, self-awareness, growth, and the tension between who you’ve been and who you’re becoming. Tevis shares insights on breaking patterns, questioning internal narratives, and navigating the discomfort that often comes with real change.
This episode is for anyone who feels like they’re outgrowing old versions of themselves but isn’t quite sure who they are yet.
White Tiger Quigong: https://www.whitetigerqigong.com/pages/qigong-for-fascia-body-pain-and-longevity-tevia-feng\
⚠️ Disclaimer
The views, opinions, and statements expressed in this episode are those of the host and/or guest(s) and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views, opinions, or positions of the producers of What Nobody Tells You. What Nobody Tells You does not endorse or assume responsibility for any statements made by guests or the host. The content of this program is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional, medical, psychological, legal, or financial advice. Listeners are encouraged to use their own judgment and discretion and to seek appropriate professional guidance for their individual circumstances.
🔹 In This Episode We Discuss:
🔹 Powerful Takeaways
🔹 Notable Moments
What nobody tells you is that emotional awareness may be one of the most important life skills—and most people were never taught it.
In this episode, we explore why emotions influence nearly everything: relationships, success, peace of mind, motivation, confidence, and happiness. Many people spend years trying to change their life externally while remaining disconnected from what they feel internally.
Letting Go of Emotions Links
James Ferrigno Letting Go Technique: https://youtu.be/6bdjIO0d714
Letting Go Book Hawkins: https://a.co/d/0fSNBdPg
James Ferrigno Grounding Meditation: https://youtu.be/1hf47gBvcyw
Sedona Method website: The Sedona Method | Your key to lasting happiness, success, peace and emotional well-being | Official Site
Hale Dwoskin Release: (34) Hale Dwoskin - Releasing Your Stress, Tension, and Anxiety - YouTube
James breaks down how emotional awareness can help you understand where you are, why you react the way you do, and how to begin moving through fear, shame, anxiety, anger, and other emotional states in a healthier way.
This episode also covers emotional release, repression vs suppression, why thoughts can recycle emotions, and practical ways to begin creating more emotional freedom.
If you’ve ever said “I’m fine” when you really didn’t know what you were feeling, this episode is for you.
⚠️ Disclaimer
The views, opinions, and statements expressed in this episode are those of the host and/or guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or positions of the producers of What Nobody Tells You. This podcast does not endorse or assume responsibility for any statements made by guests or the host. The content of this program is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional, medical, psychological, legal, or financial advice. Listeners are encouraged to use their own judgment and discretion and to seek appropriate professional guidance for their individual circumstances.
📝 Show Notes
🔹 In This Episode We Discuss:
🔹 Powerful Takeaways
🔹 Notable Moments
🎬 Clip / Shorts Ideas
If this conversation resonated with you, share it with someone who may need to hear it.
Follow and connect:
@authenticlife9
In Part 2 of this powerful conversation with Ken Mossman, we go even deeper into healing, authenticity, emotional intelligence, and the forgotten importance of joy and play.
Why do so many adults feel disconnected from themselves? Why do so many people lose touch with what they love, what they feel, and who they really are?
Ken shares insights from decades of coaching and personal work on the inner child, emotional awareness, masculine conditioning, grief, adventure, and how rediscovering play can become a path back to yourself.
This conversation is honest, thoughtful, and full of wisdom for anyone feeling stuck, numb, or disconnected.
Topics include:
If you’ve been feeling like something inside you has gone quiet, this episode may help you reconnect with it.
⚠️ Disclaimer
The views, opinions, and statements expressed in this episode are those of the host and/or guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or positions of the producers of What Nobody Tells You. This podcast does not endorse or assume responsibility for any statements made by guests or the host. The content of this program is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional, medical, psychological, legal, or financial advice. Listeners are encouraged to use their own judgment and discretion and to seek appropriate professional guidance for their individual circumstances.
📝 Show Notes
🔹 In This Episode We Discuss:
🔹 Powerful Takeaways
🔹 Notable Moments
What does it really mean to be an adult?
In this episode, I sit down with Ken Mossman—men’s coach and host of the Mojo for the Modern Man podcast—to explore masculinity, responsibility, and the deeper work of becoming an integrated human being.
We dive into the idea that much of modern culture is driven by adolescent patterns, and what it actually looks like to step into conscious, responsible adulthood. Ken shares insights from his work with men, challenging the need for rigid definitions of masculinity and instead pointing toward self-authorship and personal responsibility.
We also explore the dangers of certainty, the importance of curiosity, and how relationships become a mirror for growth. This conversation touches on inner child work, emotional awareness, and the lifelong process of learning who we really are.
If you’ve ever questioned what it means to grow up—not just age—this episode is for you.
⚠️ Disclaimer
The views, opinions, and statements expressed in this episode are those of the host and/or guest(s) and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views, opinions, or positions of the producers of Say It Anyway. Say It Anyway does not endorse or assume responsibility for any statements made by guests or the host. The content of this program is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional, medical, psychological, legal, or financial advice. Listeners are encouraged to use their own judgment and discretion and to seek appropriate professional guidance for their individual circumstances.
📌 SHOW NOTES
🔹 Key Topics Discussed
⏱️ Key Moments
00:00 – Introduction to Ken Mossman
00:30 – The meaning of “thunder” and dragon symbolism
03:00 – Western vs Eastern views of dragons
05:30 – Realizing life won’t follow a conventional path
09:30 – Following passion vs chasing money
13:30 – Masculinity vs integrated adulthood
16:00 – The problem with defining what a “man” is
18:30 – Cultural addiction to adolescence
21:00 – Why certainty is dangerous
27:00 – Complexity vs oversimplification
30:00 – Relationships as evolving partnerships
33:00 – Inner child triggers and emotional awareness
36:00 – Personal growth and self-regulation
40:00 – Accountability vs “everyone is doing their best”
46:00 – Acceptance vs approval
💬 Notable Quotes
👤 GUEST BIO
Ken Mossman is a men’s coach and the host of the Mojo for the Modern Man podcast. He is the creator of the I AM program, focused on helping men step into integrated, conscious adulthood.
His work centers on personal responsibility, emotional awareness, and moving beyond rigid definitions of masculinity toward self-authorship and growth.
What nobody tells you about authenticity… is that it isn’t easy—and it isn’t always comfortable.
In this episode, we explore the tension between authenticity and obedience in a world that subtly conditions us to conform. From early influences to societal expectations, we unpack how patterns of thought, belief, and behavior are shaped—often without our awareness.
This is a raw and honest conversation about:
If you’ve ever felt like you’re living a version of your life that doesn’t fully feel like yours, this episode invites you to take a closer look—and consider a different path forward.
⚠️ Disclaimer
The views, opinions, and statements expressed in this episode are those of the host and/or guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or positions of the producers of What Nobody Tells You. This podcast does not endorse or assume responsibility for any statements made by guests or the host. The content of this program is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional, medical, psychological, legal, or financial advice. Listeners are encouraged to use their own judgment and discretion and to seek appropriate professional guidance for their individual circumstances.
Show Notes
🔹 Key Themes
🔹 What You’ll Hear
🔹 Powerful Takeaways
Authenticity requires courage and intention
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