The sweet and sour story of a childhood sugar addiction. Unlearning the lies taught to American soldiers. Learning to engage with the five senses to create emotional safety. The promise of a new friend. A father grieves at the bar on Christmas Eve. Music by Shane Ivers
After 20 years since eighth grade, I went back to Colorado Springs to track down the woman who had inspired me to ask big questions and broaden our perspective of reality. Mrs. Esmiol, now retired (but still intensely productive), met me in the lobby of a fancy downtown hotel for a lively conversation. We explored her story of persevering through assumptions society made about her limitations, her philosophy on the role of an educator, and how we can all embody this powerful intentionality to inspire the best in others. It was a gift to spend this time with her and to celebrate her lifetime of eternal tenacity to make the world a better place.
The curious group dynamics of geese in Denver. The mormons are watching us, thank God. Exploring what it means to be emotionally self sufficient, and deciding to find formal training. The drive south to Colorado Springs. The dreams of a 15 year old foster child. Finally, after twenty years, Shua reconnects with his now 83 year old 8th grade English teacher, and shares a few precious hours unpacking the beautiful chaos of our current reality. A brief glimpse of her words are included here, and the next episode features the full recorded interview. . . . Background music by Shane Ivers
After podcasting in the streets of downtown boulder, Shua meets up with someone he had never met, named Josh, to connect over the deepest elements of the human experience each of them were in touch with. They explore inspiration, despair, and how to balance contributing to others with caring for the self. Opening up to strangers like this can be uncomfortable, but this conversation also proved how powerful it can be. . . . Background music by Walking Backwards
Traveling west of Denver to a small town at the edge of the Rockies (you guessed it, Boulder), Shua contemplates a conundrum: are humans the most destructive force on the planet, or is the entire idea of destruction a myth? For the first time on this adventure, he sets up microphones in the streets and talks with random people about what's happening for them in life. They discuss confidence, intentional personal expression, vulnerability, conflict collaboration, homelessness and bible studies. Not bad for a sunny Sunday afternoon, eh? . . . Background music by Shane Ivers
Driving to Denver to spend time with an urban cowboy, Shua is thrilled to have bounced back from a productive low, and begins to see some lighter days ahead. He reminds himself worrying can be wasteful, that there is meaning in the moment, and that passion is the gateway to growth, skills, opportunity, and meaningful achievement. He reflects on distracted driving, racism and assumptions. He questions unquestionable social movements such as Black Lives Matter, and explores how to contribute to the wellbeing of others. . . . Background music by Shane Ivers
For anyone who has succumbed to the despair of doubt and the hopelessness of the future, and then found the mental shift to rise above the tired narratives and reconnect with creativity and enthusiasm: this one is for you. Sick, tired, lonely, and trapped in the prisons of both a Days Inn and a restless mind, Shua sifts through uncertainty in an effort to answer the age-old question: Do I give up, or do I keep going? . . . Background music by Shane Ivers
The first week in the van proved more difficult than imagined, both in terms of circumstances, emotions, and physiology. A lonely traveler tries to determine what the issue is, while continuing to drive south towards his past. . . . Background music by Shane Ivers
Having mentally and physically paced back and forth across Bozeman while waiting for the van to arrive, the patience pays off. New struggles replace old ones and the simple things are no longer taken for granted. . . . Background music by Shane Ivers
Descending into Bozeman Montana, Shua aims to land with his feet on the ground and wheels on the highway. But with the van still at least a few days away, he had a little unexpected time to explore an unexpected town. And with extra time, his mind was free to wander to themes of populism, errant policy, and fear-based desire for control. How much more does humanity need to continue changing its environment rather than focusing on changing itself? . . . Background music by Shane Ivers.
Wrapping up the final logistics and heartfelt goodbyes in early November, Shua packs a van but boards a plane, with an ambiguous plan to create some sort of new life on the road, forever hopeful to connect with others who also want to dig beneath the surface story currently presented - and protected - as unquestionable and absolute. -- Music: Synapse by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Cooped up in Le Germain in downtown Calgary, Josh and Britt reflect on the quality of the relationship they've cultivated, the intimacy they discovered, and the adventures they've enjoyed. The choice to put growth at the heart of the connection led to a three year dance of discomfort and the commitment to lean in and learn through it all. Josh acknowledges some shortcomings and late realizations. Britt's warmhearted eloquence is on full display.
Untangling as quickly, and as gently, as possible from a life well lived. Encouragement and validation from those who know him best. Criticism from unexpected places, but less criticism than expected. Appreciating each moment, more deeply and more often. Effortful problem solving matched by effortless miracles as he surrenders to the unknown. Referenced (and recommended) meditation: Live Awake by Sarah Blondin: Accepting Change
Shua tells his four closest friends about his sudden plan to leave and shares his early ideas of what he plans to do. Paigey, Madison, Gibby, and Dittles all react to the news, share their concerns, offer support, and make suggestions in a way that good friends are always ready to do. A wonderful cocktail of hard questions, ambiguous answers, tears and laughter. Recorded Mid-October, 2021.
A clumsy recorded conversation in a hotel room. The beginning of the end of a relationship in its current form. An emotional first attempt to verbalize my plans to leave. Sadness, support, and confusion. Recorded on October 10, 2021. (released with enthusiastic mutual consent)
To help make sense of how he decided to leave, Shua reflects on various themes and life experiences including non-conformism, transience, growth, stability, and loss. It turns out, much of the struggle has equipped him with the capability to leave and the hunger to heal. Referenced book: Attached, Amir Levine (2012)
Confronted with an ideology incompatible with his own and a deep-seated desire to confront his true potential, Shua makes a life-exploding decision and sets in motion an intentional yet unpredictable series of events all to answer one question: what happens to your life if you embrace everything that you are passionate about, focus on learning from and contributing to others, and leave your comfort zone in the dust?