In this conversation, Dak and Bob LeMent explore the intersection of politics and entertainment, discussing how recent presidential debates resemble reality shows. They delve into the implications of age in leadership roles, the need for accessible healthcare, and the shift from traditional media to streaming services. The discussion also covers the relevance of award shows, the impact of binge-watching on viewer experience, and the challenges posed by copyright laws in the creative industry. Ultimately, they reflect on the evolving landscape of television and the importance of community-focused content. In this engaging conversation, Dak and Bob explore various themes ranging from the commitment required to watch TV shows to the implications of AI on society and the economy. They discuss the challenges of the global economy, including food waste and inflation, and conclude with a light-hearted debate about the best types of pizza. The dialogue is rich with insights and humor, making it a thought-provoking listen.
In this conversation, Dak interviews Kyleigh about her experience growing up in the Mormon church, leaving the church, and finding her spiritual path. They also discuss the importance of regulating emotions and the impact of being in the closet. Kylie shares her journey of self-discovery and her challenges in finding acceptance and support from her family and community. They also touch on the power of vulnerability, the need for open communication, and the importance of embracing all emotions. In this conversation, Kyleigh Weathers discusses her journey of self-discovery and healing after a traumatic injury. She shares how she transitioned from being a recreation therapist to starting her own coaching business, focusing on helping people navigate secure relationships. Kyleigh emphasizes the importance of knowing oneself, practicing secure attachment, and creating emotional safety in relationships. She also highlights the need to challenge societal norms and stereotypes to build fulfilling and authentic connections. The conversation touches on marriage, parenting, and the power of choice.
Check out Kyleigh's Website, Queerly Attached, and take the quiz!
In this conversation, Dak and Dr. Corinne Auman discuss various topics related to aging and ageism. They touch on the need to overcome ageism in today's society, particularly in healthcare, and the importance of rethinking retirement. They also highlight the challenges faced by older adults in the healthcare system, such as the need for more specialized training for doctors and the issue of over-medication. The conversation also emphasizes the need for purpose and engagement in retirement to combat boredom and maintain mental and physical well-being. Dak and Corinne stress the importance of planning for retirement and caring for aging parents, advocating for open conversations about end-of-life care and the necessity of legal documents to ensure loved ones are cared for. They also explore the options for senior living communities and the importance of researching to find the right fit. Corinne shares insights from her book, 'Keenagers,' which aims to change the narrative around aging and encourage people to look forward to growing older. By stressing the need for purpose and engagement in retirement, they aim to inspire and motivate the audience to make the most of their later years.
In this conversation, Dak interviews Timmy B, the host of the Fight Insight podcast, about his journey in martial arts and the misconceptions surrounding UFC fighters. Timmy shares his background in sports and how he started the podcast as a hobby, eventually leading to commentating on MMA events. They discuss the misconceptions that UFC fighters are meatheads and troubled individuals, highlighting the dedication and discipline required in the sport. Timmy also talks about the importance of branding for fighters and the excitement of attending live events. They conclude the conversation by discussing their love for comics and Timmy's reading list. The conversation covers topics such as comic books, Comic-Con conventions, and the importance of self-confidence in martial arts, a key takeaway from the conversation. Timmy B shares his love for comic books, including the Who's Who series and the Batman Beyond character. He also talks about attending Comic-Con conventions, notably the Fan Expo in Toronto. Dak discusses his interest in comic book adaptations and his favorite characters, including Spider-Man and Captain America. They both emphasize the importance of self-confidence in martial arts and offer advice for those interested in starting.
In this conversation, Dak interviews Eric FitzMedrud, a psychologist and therapist specializing in sex and relationship issues. Eric shares his journey of self-discovery and acceptance as a queer individual. He also discusses the importance of solid relationships and the joy of helping couples experience deep, loving connections. Eric's book, 'The Better Man: A Guide to Consent, Stronger Relationships, and Hotter Sex,' offers a unique approach to consent by focusing on emotional work and vulnerability. He emphasizes the importance of open communication, understanding, and navigating emotions in relationships. Dak and Eric FitzMedrud discuss the emotional differences between men and women in this conversation. They explore the idea that emotional expression is influenced by culture and personal experiences. Eric explains that men can be emotional but may have different ways of processing and expressing their emotions. They also discuss the importance of vulnerability and open communication in relationships and the concept of consent in conversations and feedback. They conclude by addressing the inevitability of hurt in relationships and the opportunity for growth and deeper intimacy that comes from navigating through it.
Joe and I talk about his love for travel and yearning to explore new places, particularly in Asia. They also delve into the diversity and cultural differences they've encountered in their travels, which adds depth to their experiences. Joe's excitement and optimism about AI and technology are infectious; he believes that advancements in these areas will bring about positive changes and opportunities.
Mark Alsip, a former fundamentalist, shares his journey from religion to atheism and his deep concerns about the dangers of religious extremism. He discusses the importance of evidence and critical thinking in shaping his beliefs, a process that he believes can help prevent such extremism. Mark also highlights the need for a more inclusive and tolerant approach to religion, a stance that he believes can counteract the divisive nature of extremism. He emphasizes the importance of science education and the impact of climate change on our planet, issues that he believes can be better addressed with a rational and inclusive mindset. The conversation touched on the changing climate, its impact on the world, and the importance of traveling and experiencing different cultures. Lastly, I share my love for National Geographic and appreciation for the natural world.
Host Steven Peters and I explore the challenges of social activities, the exciting process of adapting to the dynamic life of New York City, the joy of making friends, and the fascinating world of dating in the city. We also highlight the importance of self-care and the enriching experience of diversifying your friend groups. Additionally, we share our uplifting experiences of Pride in NYC and the significance of surrounding oneself with positive influences. Remember to check out his podcast called He's My Girl, where Steven continues these inspiring conversations.
Russell Jack, a retired air marshal, discusses his book 'Is MAGA a Terrorist Movement?' and his experiences in law enforcement. He highlights the challenges of the book writing process, including fact-checking and addressing misinformation. Russell explains his motivation for writing the book, which stemmed from witnessing the support of MAGA terrorism within counter-terrorism agencies and the escalation of violence by MAGA supporters. The conversation explores the motivations and beliefs of MAGA supporters and the threats they pose to liberal democracy. Our conversation also touches on the role of media, the decline of American reputation, and the need for open-mindedness and education. Finally, Russell shares his insights and experiences, emphasizing protecting the Constitution and the dangers of extremist ideologies.
Eric McHugh is an entrepreneur and meditation enthusiast. We discuss Eric's experience attending a 10-day Vipassana meditation retreat, the benefits of meditation, and the importance of breaking negative thought patterns. They also touch on the significance of cryptocurrency and its potential to fix society's base incentives. Eric shares his background as an entrepreneur and offers advice for those interested in starting their own company.
Victoria and I discuss various topics, including our shared experiences living in different locations, our love for travel, and the challenges of balancing work and personal life. Victoria shares her insights on work-life integration and the importance of finding joy in what you do. She also emphasizes the need to set boundaries, delegate tasks, and prioritize activities that align with your values and passions. Victoria underscores the importance of being appreciated and valued in the workplace and the need for effective communication and leadership skills. The conversation also touches on the benefits of a hybrid work environment and the challenges of traditional office settings. Finally, Victoria shares her insights on personal branding and the four critical elements of building a solid personal brand.
Greg Vigdor, a healthcare expert, discusses various issues in the American healthcare system and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasizes the high cost of healthcare, the need for patient-centered care, and the importance of individuals taking control of their health. Greg also addresses the challenges of prescription drug pricing and the fractured response to the pandemic. He highlights the need for better pandemic preparation and response and improved communication and education to address public health concerns. The Washington Health Foundation's website (click here) and Greg Vigdor's books on Amazon are recommended resources for further information.
Kirsten Rudberg, a creative and interfaith minister, about her life experiences and beliefs. Kirsten emphasizes the importance of diverse ways of approaching God and the need for open-mindedness and acceptance. We also discuss her challenging experiences growing up overseas and the impact on her growing up. The conversation touches on the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone and exploring the world's beauty. We also delve into Kirsten's writing career, specifically her 13-book series that reimagines the Peter Rabbit stories to address environmental degradation, human trafficking, and social ills. Kirsten also discusses her podcast, Bite-Sized Blessings, a highly recommended show.
Lindsay Law a former television, film, and theater producer discusses his transition to writing novels. He shares how his experiences working with writers and directors influenced his writing style. Lindsay Law talks about his book, Shepard's Keep, which follows the lives of three main characters over 30 years. The book explores themes of love, friendship, and the evolving landscape of LGBTQ+ rights in the United States.
In this conversation, Scott Allan and I discuss overcoming procrastination and the role of mindset in productivity. We discuss the fears and excuses contributing to procrastination and strategies for overcoming them. We also discuss the importance of breaking down complex tasks into smaller steps and finding tools and techniques that work for each individual.
We also emphasize the need to let go of perfectionism and comparison to others and instead focus on taking action and making progress. Lastly, we discuss the benefits of setting long-term goals, the power of travel in self-discovery, and the value of creativity in personal growth. Scott shares details on his upcoming book, which you can learn more about by visiting scottallanpublishing.com.
In this conversation, I interview Robert Rosen, a writer and author. We discuss various topics, including Robert's writing career, his possession of John Lennon's diaries, and his book about growing up in Brooklyn. Robert shares advice for writers and talks about the insights he gained from John Lennon's diaries. Robert Rosen discusses the lasting trauma of World War II in the neighborhood of Flatbush in Brooklyn. He reflects on the effects of the war and concentration camps on the residents, including the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the atmosphere of anger and hatred. He shares his experience working in the pornography industry and the impact of technology on the business. Finally, he talks about his upcoming book, which explores the 1970s and the transition from the student left to the punk movement.
Learn more about Robert and his books by going to robertrosennyc.com
Psychotherapist Phyllis Leavitt explores and explains the themes of mental health, the cycle of abuse and violence, and the need for healing in America. Phyllis shares her journey to therapy and how childhood experiences shape our emotions and behaviors. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the influences of family systems and larger communities on our mental well-being. Phyllis discusses the leading causes of mental health issues, including an injury to love and belonging and the need for education and awareness. She also highlights the escalation of violence and hatred in America and the role of disconnection and societal factors. Lastly, Phyllis shares insights from her upcoming book "America In Therapy," which encourages society to prioritize healing and mental well-being.
To learn more, please visit phyllisleavitt.com
Joel David Bond shares his experiences living in Iraq and the impact of these experiences on his perspective on the refugee crisis. He highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in connecting with others. Joel then talks about his unexpected extended stay on a Greek island during the pandemic and how it led to a deeper understanding of the refugee experience. He shares an encounter with a monk that inspired him to write his book. In this conversation, Joel David Bond discusses the importance of empathy and self-acceptance. He shares stories from his memoir, 'As Large As Your Spirit,' and reflects on his experiences as a gay man in the Middle East. He encourages individuals to know themselves and recognize shared values and experiences to foster empathy. You can learn more and get a copy of Joel's Memoir by visiting joeldavidbond.com
Elias Marty from Politically High-Tech Podcast. We discuss the diversity of New York City and our experiences with politics. We deep dive into New York City's diverse history, challenges, wealth disparity, and political breakdown in NYC and Upstate New York. Elias shares his experience switching political parties multiple times and his views on the current political landscape. We discuss various political and social issues, including party loyalty, immigration, the role of the media, and the need for change in American politics. We close the conversation and encourage listeners to think critically, challenge the status quo, and work toward positive change.
Also, check out 10 Surprising historical facts about New York City, The City That Never Sleeps
Jason Muth, founder of Pride Away Stays, shares his journey from the corporate world to real estate and his passion for supporting LGBTQ+ businesses and entrepreneurs. He discusses the importance of community and the impact of joining the Short-Term Rental Secrets mastermind. Jason also highlights the challenges and rewards of fatherhood, the unique experiences of parenting in the LGBTQ+ community, and the charm of Provincetown as a travel destination.
You can check out the website at prideawaystays.com