Dario is a science journalist based in Madrid who was instrumental in getting Sex at Dawn published in Spain (En el Principio era el Sexo). We’ve been friends since around 2011, when he interviewed me about that book. In this conversation, we talk about Spanish culture and history, the challenges of writing about science for Spanish publications, and some of the personal challenges Dario has worked his way through over the past few years and the loving friends who stood by him (but not too close by!). Dario’s intelligence, courage, and kindness are on full display in this chat. I hope you enjoy it.Intro music “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range. “Mulata,” Raul Paz; Outro: “Smoke Alarm,” by Carsie Blanton.Tangentially Speaking with Chris Ryan is a reader-supported publication. To get access to bonus content including bonus episodes, newsletters, and exclusive blog posts, please become a paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Kevin is an actor, comedian, and host of the RISK! podcast — which Slate.com called “Hilarious, jaw-dropping and just plain touching,” and Rolling Stone named it one of its top podcasts. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

I met Gym when I rented her place on Airbnb in Chite, Spain. Just looking at the photos of the funky space she’d created, I had a sense that this woman would be fascinating, and my hunch turned out to be 110% on target. As it happens, Gym is an accomplished painter, has worked on many TV and film sets, and has published a book of autobiographical stories and reproductions of selected paintings called Zigzag: Flashbacks of a Painter. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

My friend Debra is a magical woman living a magical life. She’s the hub of many wheels, the grain of sand in the oyster, the sun in solar systems, the log that breaks the logjam. She hangs out with movie stars, billionaires, artists, and visionaries. Her energy, generosity, and spirit attract the kinds of people most of us spend our lives hoping to meet — and nothing makes her happier than connecting them to one another and watching amazing things ensue. Be sure to check out our previous episode as well.You can check out some of Debra’s creations in Vejer de la Frontera here.Intro music “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range. Outro: “Party at the End of the World,” by Carsie Blanton.A little something just for subscribers: This song/video of “Make Art not Friends,” by Sturgill Simpson keeps blowing my mind.Tangentially Speaking with Chris Ryan is a reader-supported publication. To get access to bonus content including bonus episodes, newsletters, and exclusive blog posts, please become a paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

In the first part of this month’s bonus ROMA (BROMA), available to everyone, I talk about a new feature to help listeners find each other. I also talk about my thoughts concerning whether we’re all in some kind of simulation, the difference between sound and music, and my personal feelings about and experience with abortion.Part 2 (where I talked about navigating unconventional relationship structures, when to “go for it” vs. when to play it safe, and when having sex with friends is dangerous) is for paid subscribers only. Click here to access it.Here’s the doc I mentioned about the dude living in the jungle in Hawaii.Intro music “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range. “V Nebi,” by Dirty Losers; Outro: “Smoke Alarm,” by Carsie Blanton.Here’s the map feature and instructions for use:People who want to add their location on the map should use this link:https://facilmap.org/tspeaking.editThis link is for viewing only:https://facilmap.org/tspeakingThe map is very easy to use:To add your location, click "add" in the upper right corner-> click "marker"-> click your location on the map-> click "edit data" in the info box in the upper left corner.- Write your name and description of yourself, don't forget to add contact info and/or social media links.-> Done!Tangentially Speaking with Chris Ryan is a reader-supported publication. To get access to bonus content including bonus episodes, newsletters, and exclusive blog posts, please become a paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

To boil it waaay down … After suffering a freak road-rage incident in LA, Robert came to Spain to visit an old friend seven years ago, then went back to LA, quit his job, sold his house under the Hollywood sign, and brought his two daughters to live in a village by the “Playa de los Muertos,” where hundreds of dead sailors washed ashore after the Battle of Trafalgar two hundred and a few years ago. These days, you might see Robert riding his horse down that beach. Or you’ll find him painting, reading, swimming in the Atlantic, or just looking up at the night sky, taking in the majesty of it all. What more is there? It’s been a long road, and it’s led to an amazing place for this man.The Ancient Order of the Hermetics can be found here.Intro music “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range. Outro: “Smoke Alarm,” by Carsie Blanton.Tangentially Speaking with Chris Ryan is a reader-supported publication. To get access to bonus content including bonus episodes, newsletters, and exclusive blog posts, please become a paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Intro messages from Mike in Washington, Adam in the UK, and a human from an undisclosed location. I discuss a few topics suggested by listeners, including: “Should I have kids?” “What about yoga?” “What’s the deal with asexuality?” “How has your sense of your personal future changed as you’ve aged?”Also, what’s the deal with ice machines in hotels? Who’s using all that ice? What are they doing with it? Here’s the promised link to the discussion thread where you can chime in on these fascinating topics and anything else that moves you.To receive new posts and support this nonsense, please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

If you’ve read my recent post of the same title, you can skip this one, which is mostly for folks who listen to the podcast, but haven’t checked out what’s happening at Substack yet. Tangentially Speaking with Chris Ryan is a reader-supported publication. To get access to bonus content including bonus episodes, newsletters, and exclusive blog posts, please become a paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Zen Rahmoun is living what may be the story of our age: that of the refugee. Whether triggered by war, climate change, political upheaval, or economic collapse, one in 95 people around the world have been forced to leave their home, resulting in over 82 million refugees. Well over a thousand people drown every year trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea to find a better life in Europe. Zen was almost one of them. Please consider subscribing to my hybrid newsletter/blog/podcast.Also, if the frequency of these emails is too much for you, I’ve set up a monthly option, so you’ll just get a summary of what I’ve posted once in a full moon. You can find instructions on how to set that up here.Intro music “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range. Outro: “Smoke Alarm,” by Carsie Blanton.Here’s a charmingly raw rendition of one of my all-time favorite Funkadelic songs, “Can You Get to That?,” covered by Nicki Bluhm & The Gramblers in their car. (Don’t miss the photobombing by the guy in the way back.)Tangentially Speaking with Chris Ryan is a reader-supported publication. To get access to bonus content including bonus episodes, newsletters, and exclusive blog posts, please become a paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

In the past year or so Simon Rex’s life has changed in ways nobody could have anticipated, but the man himself has changed very little. He’s just as funny, thoughtful, kind, and generous as ever. I love this guy. I’m pretty sure you will too. Check him out in Red Rocket, streaming on Redbox, Prime Video, VUDU, Vudu Movie & TV Store or FlixFling on your Roku device.Please consider subscribing to my hybrid newsletter/blog/podcast. Also, if the frequency of these emails is too much for you, I’m asking for ways to cut it down to one a week/month for folks who prefer that. Stay tuned, and please forgive the inbox clutter while I work this out. Should be soon.Intro music “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range. Featured tunes: “These Days,” by Robert Harley; “Smoke Alarm,” by Carsie Blanton.Tangentially Speaking with Chris Ryan is a reader-supported publication. To get access to bonus content including bonus episodes, newsletters, and exclusive blog posts, please become a paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Mike Lang taught me to enjoy beer and Rush when we were 16 years old in 1978. We’ve been brothers-by-choice ever since. In addition to being one of the smartest people I know, Mike has direct family ties to Ukraine, speaks Russian fluently, and is deeply interested in the history of the region, so he seemed like a good person to chat with about what’s going on there now. Please consider subscribing to my hybrid newsletter/blog/podcast. Intro music “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range. Featured tunes: “Down in Belgorod,” by The Paul Winter Consort; “Smoke Alarm,” Carsie Blanton.Questions about the process? Technical issues with your feed? Email [email protected] for support.Tangentially Speaking with Chris Ryan is a reader-supported publication. To get access to bonus content including bonus episodes, newsletters, and exclusive blog posts, please become a paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

What's the relation between "truth" and meaning? Can we scientifically verify our visions while tripping? Are psychedelics tools or teachers? Is astrology "real?" Why has "myth" come to mean something that isn't true in recent years, when no one ever claimed that myths were any truer than novels or poems? These and other questions are discussed (but not really answered) in this episode recorded on a bright, chilly Sunday afternoon in Kaş, Turkey. Intro music: "Brightside of the Sun," by Basin and Range; "Blue Sky," by Dwayne Hoover; "Smoke Alarm," by Carsie Blanton. This episode is sponsored by OMGYES.com. Click here for 10% off your lifetime membership. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Should I welcome you, or thank you for welcoming me? My appreciation for the Blindboy podcast. Lifeguard lessons. Why a dog with a bone isn't your friend. Do circles explain more than lines? (Is an NFL locker room the closest thing in the straight world to a gay bath-house?) Intro music: "Brightside of the Sun," by Basin and Range; "Free Your Mind (And Your Ass Will Follow)," by Funkadelic. This episode is sponsored by OMGYES.com. Click here for 10% off your lifetime membership. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Try to imagine a culture in which children aren't taught that their bodies and desires are dangerous, shameful, and disgusting. What would that be like? Also, I discuss what I got wrong (and right) about the current invasion of Ukraine, and the dangerous phrase, "freak of nature." Lastly, I talk about how life presents a series of "should I stay or should I go?" choices that are kind of like rowing away from the island you're on, not knowing when/if you'll find another. Turns out, there may be almost magical indications that can lead us to safety. The situation with the Queen of Dark. The article about "Te lapa," or "the flashing." Intro music: "Brightside of the Sun," by Basin and Range;  This episode is sponsored by OMGYES.com. Click here for 10% off your lifetime membership. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

In this one, I discuss the totally cliche notion that happiness is to be found in simple pleasures (and bodily functions), the strange wisdom of Thai gender identity, the ramifications of the illusion that we can live without causing pain to other beings, my sense of what's really going on with Putin and Ukraine, and the idiocy of toilet paper. Intro music: "Brightside of the Sun," by Basin and Range; "Mr. Man" and "4AM in Gharo," by Raapta. This episode is sponsored by OMGYES.com. Click here for 10% off your lifetime membership. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Made it to 60! Too late to die young. This is just a very brief, very personal message to you, if you listen to this podcast. Many thanks. Intro music: "Brightside of the Sun," by Basin and Range; Closing: "Down in Belgorod," by Paul Winter Consort. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Coming to you from Koh Pha Ngan, Thailand, in this one I discuss my insights into Joe Rogan (and the current controversy), my thoughts on Whoopie Goldberg's race mess, the practical costs of being in Thailand these days (rent, food, etc.), and I wonder why rich podcasters still run ads (just before asking you to donate to THIS podcast, hosted by a decidedly unrich guy). Then I play a lovely song called "13 or So," by friend of the podcast, Nick Hornbuckle. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way.   This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Rachel Krantz is the author of the reported memoir, OPEN: AN UNCENSORED MEMOIR OF LOVE, LIBERATION, AND NON-MONOGAMY (JAN 25, 2022). She’s the recipient of the Peabody Award, the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights International Radio Award, the Investigative Reporters and Editors Radio Award, and the Edward R. Murrow Award for her work as an investigative reporter with YR Media. This episode is sponsored by OMGYES.com, the sane, smart, research-based site where you can learn more about how to increase women's sensual pleasure. Use this link to get 10% off your one-time subscription to the site. Rachel on Instagram and Twitter. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Intro music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; "Worried About You," by the Rolling Stones; "Smoke Alarm," by Carsie Blanton. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Meet my Aunt Dot and Uncle Dan, two of my all-time favorite humans. As a little kid, I felt an extra layer of love and protection from these two, knowing that if anything ever happened to my parents, one or both of them would take care of me. Every kid should be so lucky. You can listen to my previous conversation with Uncle Dan here. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Intro music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; last minute of "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes," by CSNY; "One Step Up," by Bruce Springsteen. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Is it really "darkest just before the dawn?" And if things need to get worse before they get better, isn't a step in the wrong direction actually a step in the right direction? Wouldn't an optimist hope things get worse so they can then hit rock bottom and start the process of getting better? Isn't "hope" the thing that keeps the losing gambler at the table until all is lost? I discuss these and other uplifting questions in the 50th ROMA episode. Pour yourself a beer and join me. Music: "Civilized to Death," by Jack Stafford; "Carefree Highway," by Gordon Lightfoot. This episode is sponsored by OMGYes, your source for smart, science-based information about women's sexual pleasure. Click here for 10% off, or go to www.omgyes.com/chrisryan.  Ponderosa Millworks Michael (with the busted Achille's) who makes incredible things from trees. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Harley is the author of Lost in the Valley of Death, about the life and (probable) death of my friend (and former podcast guest), Justin Alexander. Pico Iyer, one of the best living travel writers, described Harley's book as, “One of the most haunting books of recent times. ... Somerset Maugham’s classic Razor’s Edge updated to the Age of Instagram." My conversations with Justin are here and here. His Instagram feed is here. Harley on Instagram. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Intro music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; "Border Country," by the Paper Stars.  This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

First episode of 2022. We made it through another weird-ass year. Gonna make some tweaks to the podcast. Thanks for taking this ride with me. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Intro music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; "Mulata," by Raul Paz; "Elvis on the Radio, Steel Guitar in My Soul" by The KLF.  This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Timo (aka Tim Killian) is one of my favorite people. Former Mormon, long-time political consultant in Washington state (he helped get marijuana legalized), crisis communicator (he represented the first businesses hit by Covid), motorcycle vagabond, deep thinker, Airbnb host, animal lover, expat, future cult leader.... Just listen. Timo on Instagram. This episode is sponsored by OMGYES. Click here for 10% off. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Intro music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; "Society," sung by Eddie Vedder (from the Into the Wild soundtrack); "Smoke Alarm" by Carsie Blanton.  This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Blake Webb is an actor originally from Phoenix, Arizona. He lived in Tamaulipas, Mexico for over two years as a Mormon missionary. He later left the Mormon church, and devoted himself to acting, having appeared in several television shows, including: Good Trouble (recurring), 13 Reasons Why, NCIS, Criminal Minds, American Horror Story, The Last Ship, TURN: Washington's Spies and Colony. We met and hung out in Guatemala. He's a sweet guy who keeps getting cast as a serial killer for some reason. Blake on Instagram. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Intro music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; "Make Art Not Friends," by Sturgill Simpson; "Smoke Alarm" by Carsie Blanton.  This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Rick Beato is the kind of guy who will make you hopeful for humanity. After decades producing and teaching music, he's found a way to spread knowledge and joy to millions of people from his basement studio by showing us What Makes This Song Great. In the past few months, he's come to the attention of amazing musicians such as Brian May (Queen), Larry Carlton (Steely Dan), Pat Metheny, and Sting -- all of whom have sat down to talk about their musical lives with Rick, after realizing that he's not a journalist trying to understand music, he's a fellow musician who speaks their language. If you've felt the magic of music (or haven't yet), go check out Rick's YouTube channel. Your life will never be the same. This episode is sponsored by OMGYES. Click here for 10% off. Rick's on Instagram and Twitter. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Intro music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; "Waterfalls," by TLC, covered by Ten Fé; "Smoke Alarm" by Carsie Blanton.  This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Justin “Jud” Kaliszewski is an author, artist, and adventurer. The renowned creator of OUTLAW Yoga, he is a best-selling yoga teacher and author of “The Outlaw Protocol – how to live as an outlaw without becoming a criminal”, and the children's picture book “The Adventures of Babu – from there to here”. His latest novel “The Adventures of Larry Wampler – The Case of The Koreatown Car-Jumper” is available NOW for digital download on Amazon.com.   He creates connection by delivering transformational yoga-experiences across the country. Follow him on Facebook and Instagram @outlawyoga and @outlawyogi. Take his class NOW at www.outlawyogaclub.com and www.youtube.com/outlawyoga, and find his writing and art at www.justinkaliszewski.com. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Intro music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; "Desert Land," by Elena B. Williams; "Party at the End of the World" by Carsie Blanton.  This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Dallas is a functional medicine practitioner, Certified Sports Nutritionist, and licensed physical therapist who specializes in treating lifestyle-related hormonal, digestive, and metabolic health issues. In 2009, he co-created the original Whole30 program. In 2012, he co-authored the New York Times bestselling book It Starts With Food, and founded his functional medicine practice, mentoring under Dr. Daniel Kalish and enrolling in the Institute for Functional Medicine's certification program. Dallas has presented more than 200 health and nutrition seminars worldwide, is a member of the Paleo f(x) and Fitwall advisory boards, and provides support and lifestyle recommendations to more than 1.5 million people a month through the Whole30 and Whole9 websites. He lives in Salt Lake City, UT. Dallas on Instagram and Twitter. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Intro music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; "Breakdown," by Tom Petty; "The Seed 2.0" by The Roots.  This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Dr. Paul Conti is adept at helping people untangle complex problems – and he also happens to be a psychiatrist. Dr. Conti is a graduate of Stanford University School of Medicine. He completed his training at Stanford and Harvard, where he served as Chief Resident. Dr. Conti is the author of Trauma: The Invisible Epidemic, a book that brings his valuable insights about how we can collectively heal from trauma’s effects to a larger audience. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Intro music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; "Suffer," by Seydu; "Suffer Well," by Simon van Gend Band.  This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Alex owns and runs Caoba Farms, just outside of Antigua, Guatemala. It's a Farm-to-Table restaurant where the tables are literally ON the farm. Best food I had in my two months in Guatemala, hands down. We talked about how he got started (growing weed in CA, then selling lettuce to restaurants back in Guatemala), why Alex loves to experiment and learn about nurturing plants and animals, and why this knowledge is so important to share. I really enjoyed hanging with this guy. Here's the article I discussed in the intro. Caoba Farms on Insta. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Intro music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; "Mistica," by Orishas; "Smoke Alarm," by Carsie Blanton.  This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Dave Pell is a modern-day columnist, meaning that his column is independently produced and distributed as a daily newsletter (NextDraft). He's been meaning to write a book for about 30 years, and finally got around to it. Please Scream Inside Your Heart is his take on the insanity of 2020.  Dave on Instagram and Twitter. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Intro music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; "The Message," by Grand Master Flash and the Furious Five; "Smoke Alarm," by Carsie Blanton.  This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

That's right, this is episode 500, beatches! You can watch the recorded live stream on my YouTube channel, co-hosted by Anya Kaats and Mike Maher.  Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; "Homens," by Manu Chao. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Coming to you from Antigua, Guatemala (the original "banana republic"), in this one, I get a few things off my chest, including American foreign policy, why Henry Kissinger is not welcome on my podcast, how group identity becomes desperately attractive in a time of crisis, and how that plays out in the LGBTQ anger-fest at Dave Chappelle. The essay I read from by Molly Frances is here. Join us Sunday (10/24) at 2:30pm (EST) for the festive live-stream of episode 500 on my YouTube channel, hosted by Anya Kaats and Mike Maher. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Intro music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; "You Haven't Done Nothin," by Stevie Wonder. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Ian Urbina is an investigative reporter who writes for a variety of outlets, including The New York Times, The New Yorker, and The Atlantic. Urbina is the author of The New York Times bestseller The Outlaw Ocean, based on more than five years of reporting, much of it offshore, exploring lawlessness on the high seas. As a journalist, his investigations typically focus on human rights, worker safety and the environment, and he has received a Pulitzer Prize and a George Polk Award, and has been nominated for an Emmy. (Wikipedia) The Outlaw Ocean Project is here, and the Outlaw Ocean Music Project is here. Find Ian on Twitter and Instagram. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Intro music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; "Mother Moana," by Joel Havea; "Smoke Alarm," by Carsie Blanton.  This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Andrew is the host of the On the Edge with Andrew Gold podcast. A journalist and TV presenter who speaks 5 languages & lived in 6 countries, Andrew has produced docs on bizarre and controversial subcultures. He has battled an abusive exorcist, dueled with the Crazy Baby Lady and hunted UFOs. He's currently working on a book and TV doc on pedophilia in Berlin. Andrew on Twitter and Instagram. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Intro music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; "Bul Ma Miin," by Orchestra Baobab; "Smoke Alarm," by Carsie Blanton.  About the song: " “Bul Ma Miin” was originally sung by the wife of longtime Baobab singer, Ndiouga Dieng, whose background was as a traditional Wolof singer set the arrangement for the group. Rudy Gomis told us “Bul Ma Miin” is a sort of advice about not just getting used to someone and forgetting who they are or take their presence simply for granted. The lyrics state that “showing affection doesn’t equate with being weak.” “You know, when you’re together for a long time, it can come to an end when you forget the other person,” Rudy said. “Like couples where they run into these huge problems because they just forget the other person.” This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Tiensirin was born and raised in Bangkok, but has been living in the US for most of her adult life. We met by chance at Tao Ruspoli's place in Joshua Tree, and she allowed me to pick her brain a bit about the different cultural worlds she's moved between. The conversation took unexpected turns that left me feeling sincere admiration for this woman. Find more about her on Instagram or her web site. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Intro music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; "Texas Sun," by Kruangbin (with Leon Bridges); "Smoke Alarm," by Carsie Blanton.  This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Alexandre Ribeiro is a legendary jiu-jitsu competitor and one of the founding members of the Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu Association. Under the tutelage of some of the world’s top coaches, including Royler Gracie, Vini Aieta and Xande’s own brother Saulo Ribeiro, Alexandre earned numerous grappling titles, including IBJJF and ADCC World Champion, while earning also the #1 rank in BJJ Heroes’ Top BJJ Competitors of All Time list, up until 2020. Xande has just opened the Six Blades Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Austin, Texas. (Bio is adapted from bjjheroes.com) Xande on Instagram and Twitter. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Intro music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; "Pie," by Strange & the Familiars; "Smoke Alarm," by Carsie Blanton.  This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Owen and Christina Dargatz and their brood are pushing the boundaries of what people see as possible with a large family. (Their kids range from under 1 to 11 years old.) They traded their comfortable house in Canada for a two room shack in Guatemala with a leaky roof, but to them, this seems an upgrade (most of the time). Instead of seeing how much they could take from the world, Christina and Owen decided to see how much they and their kids could give. Hence, "The Giving Experiment." One of the current projects is "Children for a better San Juan," an environmental/educational club that focuses on teaching children to take the initiative of cleaning up their neighborhood along the shores of Lake Atitlan. They're setting up public trash cans in the areas cleaned, and feeding the children involved a full, nutritional weekly lunch at the end of the program. Find them on Instagram. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Intro music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range. "Rapunzel," by Harley Barton; "Smoke Alarm," by Carsie Blanton.  This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Three podcasters walk into a shipping container.... Sounds like a joke, right? Tao's podcast is called Being in the World. He's a filmmaker, photographer, AirBnb host, desert dweller, musician, Airstream lover, philosopher, and creator of spaces and events. Anya's podcast is called A Millennial's Guide to Saving the World (semi-ironically). She's a writer, thinker, traveler, photographer, and adventurer. You know my list. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Intro music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range. "Smoke Alarm," by Carsie Blanton.  This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Come for the yoga, stay for the Charlie Sheen impersonation. Cameron Shayne is considered the father of the Mixed Movement Arts culture. Based in Los Angeles, CA, during the 90's, at the time the mecca for yoga in the Western world, Cameron established himself as one of the pioneering voices and transmitters of contemporary yoga, martial arts and the movement culture. He is the movement coach for the Bellator world champion Lovato Jr. fight team as well as Charlie Sheen, Sean Penn, Slash, Courtney Cox, Rene Russo, Meg Ryan and Jennifer Aniston and Olympians Kerrie Walsh-Jennings and Sugar Ray Leonard. He currently lives and runs Budokon Big Sky Retreat Center with his wife Budokon University Director Melayne Shayne. Cameron on Instagram. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Intro music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range. Additional music: "Night Moves," by Bob Segar; "Smoke Alarm," by Carsie Blanton.  This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Brian MacKenzie and I had a good chat about how "working out" should be more like play, how psychological issues manifest in our physiology, and how rejection can hit the body like a car wreck. Brian is the Founder & CEO of Shift. He is also the President and Co-Founder of The Health and Human Performance Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to researching how breath and innate tools can optimize and help health and human performance. Brian has also co-authored the book Power Speed Endurance, The New York Times Best Seller UnBreakable Runner, and UnPlugged, which assesses the integration of emergent technology and human performance. Brian on Instagram, Twitter. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; "Move with Me" by Nena Cherry; "Smoke Alarm," by Carsie Blanton.  This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Christa is a PhD student at UC Santa Cruz, researching endangered species and the stressors on ecosystems that lead to extinction events. She schools me on everything from evolutionary theory to the fascinating worlds of viruses and bacteria to what it's like to hang from tall trees in Madagascar. My favorite kind of podcast: a chance encounter leads to a surprising conversation with a very smart person. I've got the best job in the world! Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; "Nganga Kisi" by Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loca; "Smoke Alarm," by Carsie Blanton.  This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

As a kid Sean was fascinated by the look of the cars that were built in the 1940’s, 50’s and 60’s. The shape and design gave each one it’s own personality. He never would have imagined that he would one day make a living off of them the way he does. Using cut up sections of those old brilliant chrome bumpers, he reshapes and welds their pieces into larger than life sculptures, preserving their essence. Follow Sean on Instagram. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; "Lost Cause," by Beck; "Smoke Alarm," by Carsie Blanton.  This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Daniele Bolelli is a writer, martial artist, university professor, and host of two excellent podcasts: The Drunken Taoist and History on Fire. He was born in Italy and currently lives in Ojai, CA. He's also a great dad and an awesome friend. Follow him on Instagram and Twitter. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; "Civilized to Death," by Jack Stafford; "Smoke Alarm," by Carsie Blanton.  This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Nate Hankes is founder of the Veteran Artist Residencies nonprofit, a scientist, and bestselling author of the adventure travel and war memoir Waking Up On the Appalachian Trail. To learn more about artistic residency opportunities for post-9/11 veteran writers and how to support them, visit veteranarts.org. Follow the journey @nbhankes Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; "War Rages On," by Jordie Lane; "Smoke Alarm," by Carsie Blanton.  This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Michael worked his way down from the treetops with a chainsaw hanging from his belt to owning a company (Ponderosa Millworks) that repurposes urban trees, making uniquely gorgeous tables, chairs, bars, countertops, etc. But he's so much more than a businessman. Michael is a guy who GETS THINGS DONE. He's got tremendous energy and a tremendously generous spirit. He's a lovely man, teaching us all better ways to interact with each other and the other living things around us. (Photo) Check out some of Ponderosa Millworks' creations on Instagram. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; "Fuzzy Freaky," by David Byrne; "Smoke Alarm," by Carsie Blanton.  This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Kyle Kingsbury is a guy you want on your side when the shit goes down. Big, strong, smart, kind, and thoughtful, he's a good example of how to do this thing called being a man. A former UFC fighter, Kyle now works at Onnit, and hosts a podcast. Kyle on Instagram and Twitter. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; "My Baby Blue," by John Hiatt; "Smoke Alarm," by Carsie Blanton.  This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Tony Gonzalez is an American former professional football player who was a tight end in the National Football League for 17 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Atlanta Falcons. Widely recognized as one of the greatest tight ends of all-time, Gonzalez played college football and college basketball at University of California, Berkeley. Since retiring, he has served as an analyst for Fox Sports. Gonzalez, a 14-time Pro Bowl selection and six-time first-team All-Pro, holds the NFL records for total receiving yards (15,127) and receptions by a tight end (1,325). Known for his durability and rarely fumbling, Gonzalez missed two games between 1997 and 2013 and lost only two fumbles on 1,327 touches. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019. Beyond all that, Tony is smart, curious, and totally into challenging his assumptions and biases. I have no idea why a guy like this agreed to do my podcast, but I'm honored that he did. Tony on Twitter. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; "Star People," by George Michael; "Smoke Alarm," by Carsie Blanton.  This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Joe Yannetty has been around the block a time or two. He's been doing standup comedy around the world for a couple decades, as well as writing for film and TV. Amidst all that, he went through a cancer ordeal and emerged a better man. Thoughtful, funny, and deeply kind, Joe is an inspiration. Find me on Instagram or Twitter. Please consider supporting this podcast. This Amazon affiliate link kicks a few bucks back my way. Intro music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; "A Good American Life," by Ed Dupas; "Smoke Alarm," by Carsie Blanton.  This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe