You're Normal

Adam is a musician currently living in sunny Los Angeles, California. He is the brother of your host, Blake Russell, growing up in Jefferson City, Missouri and living the majority of his life in New York City. At the young age of 17 years old, Adam moved to NYC to pursue his passion of music and found much success with his band at that time. 

Adam discusses touring the country and world with his band, having songs appear in multiple feature length films, and appearing on David Letterman. After reaching much success, Adam experienced personal hardships through the addiction to drugs and the ramifications that occurred as result; some self-inflicted, some not. Adam bravely speaks, in a candid and vulnerable fashion, about the appeal to drugs, the rationale for using them in excess, and the treatment surrounding his recovery. 

Adam is one of the most intelligent people you'll ever have the privilege to hear speak and has been through more in his 36 years of life than some people ever do. Enjoy! 

Caroline works in behavioral health and lives in the St. Louis, MO area. She is originally from New York and attended Cornell University for undergrad and found her way to STL for graduate school by attending SLU. During this conversation, multiple events in Caroline's life are discussed in how they attributed to her pursuing a career in behavioral health. 

Beyond her career, Blake and Caroline discuss living in New York during 9/11, first impressions, anxiety, dating as a millennial, the love of cooking, living with Anorexia, and the importance of friendship. 

You'll definitely want to take an hour, whether you split it up or listen all at once, to listen to this interview. Caroline is an inspiring and resilient individual with a true gift of articulating and advocating for other people. Enjoy! 

Mark is working in the film industry and living in Los Angeles, California. He is originally from Jefferson City, Missouri and has been pursing his dream in LA for the last seven years. Within this conversation, many elements of Mark's career are discussed; however, the human experiences that led to this dream are expounded upon. 

Beyond his career, Blake and Mark discuss many topics including growing up in a town that does not embolden your passions, the ebbs and flows of young adulthood while trying to make ends meet, and how Mark transitioned from growing up with a more conservative mindset than he has now. 

You don't want to miss this episode; Mark is a living example of listening to your inner voice no matter the intensity of societal, financial, and emotional challenges. 

Blake is a mixed-race therapist living in the Midwest. He thinks deeply. He cares about other people. He loathes small-talk. He grew up an anxiety-ridden hypochondriac. He loves cheesecake. And he believes good people can do bad things. He is on a quest to bring people together during one of the most isolating times in history. Please join him on this journey to normalize human stories, connect people, and openly speak with others about the usually unspoken. 

Garet is a veteran living in Aurora, Colorado with his wife and Red Doberman. He is originally from Jefferson City, Missouri and has spent time living in Georgia while serving multiple tours overseas as part of the Air Force. 

In this vulnerable conversation, Blake and Garet discuss many topics including the loss of a parent, feeling stuck in a city and a lifestyle that you desperately want out of, a near death experience in Afghanistan, and life moving forward. 

You don't want to miss this resilient human's story; we are all lucky for him having shared it.