My Views Are My Own

Let Go of the Rock and Drift with Tiffany Duong

In this episode, I am joined by explorer, innovator, storyteller, lawyer, and climate activist Tiffany Duong. She tells me the story of her experience holding onto a rock on the bottom of the ocean, deciding to let go and go with the drift, and how that one moment in her life helped her decide to leave her career in corporate law to become a leader, educator, and campaigner for the planet. We talk about swimming with orcas in the Arctic, as well as one of the most incredible and inexplicably thriving reefs in Honduras. We also discuss accidentally falling into a role on a movie set, working with former Vice President Al Gore, and some of the most exciting developments on the horizon for environmental protection.

Making Art with Paris Heart

Artist, musician, and rising star Paris Heart joins me on the podcast to discuss the modern music industry and how artists’ creative processes have evolved. Paris tells me about his experiences being born and raised on a Native American reservation, and we share which musician from any era we would choose to resurrect by performing a séance and then do a music collab with. We also talk about how to pick a side when your friends break up, how to deal with burnout, why being a positive person is contagious, and whether or not a coupé de ville is a cool car.

Monster Orgy with Hunter Collins

Spooky Season is upon us, and stand-up comedian Hunter Collins joins me on the podcast today as a foreign correspondent deeply embedded in the Czech Republic. If you love learning, get ready to learn. We discuss some of the most undiscussed news stories, such as the grand prize winner of the Python Florida Challenge in the Everglades. Things get a little bit more intense when we discuss that the Czech Republic is building the first soccer stadium larger than Hunter's hometown stadium in Montreal, Canada. We inform our listeners how, why, and if there are more vampires in the Czech r\Republic than Canada and then we get extremely scientific with Cryptid News. Guess what?? A dog's sense of impending disaster might just save your life. And of course, we have to talk about the upcoming release of Hunter Collins' sketch comedy horror album Monster Orgy.

From the Archives: The Environmental Voter Project with Nathaniel Stinnett

This episode was originally published on January 31, 2023.

Nathaniel Stinnett is the Founder and Executive Director of the Environmental Voter Project, a non-partisan nonprofit that uses data analytics and behavioral science to mobilize environmentalists to vote. He joins me on the podcast today to discuss how the project was created, why some environmentalists don't vote, and why some people consider the environment to be a partisan issue. We also identify some of the largest obstacles to environmental protection, most notably billions of dollars spent by Citizens United and the fossil fuel industry to influence elections and hinder regulations. However this is one of the most optimistic conversations I've had on climate action and environmental conservation in a very long time. The Environmental Voter Project has mobilized millions of non-voting environmentalists to vote over the last few years. And environmentalists are on track to become an increasingly powerful and influential voter block that will be impossible to ignore in future elections.

Shark Diving with Cristina Zenato

In this episode, I am joined by professional diver, ocean and cave explorer, shark ecologist, photographer, speaker, writer, and conservationist Cristina Zenato to talk about shark behavior and how to care for these vital members of the ocean ecosystem. Cristina alone has pulled out over 300 fishing hooks from sharks' mouths with her own hands. She tells me how she first got started doing this and how she has developed close relationships with so many of the sharks she's helped in the reefs of the Bahamas. We discuss how certain sharks have personalities and Cristina dispels many of the widespread myths about sharks. We talk about her organization People of the Water and how she was able to make sharks a protected species in the Bahamas, which was a major legislative victory.

For more information about Cristina's work, visit https://cristinazenato.com/

Horror Bizness with Jessica Anderson

In this episode, I am joined by screenwriter, actress, and director Jessica Anderson to discuss the horror filmmaking genre. We talk about classic horror films, modern horror films, and the tropes that have stood the test of time and which ones need to be retired. We also talk about her latest short film "Money Back Guarantee" that is currently in the film festival circuit, and her two feature-length screenplays that will soon be in production. 

The Process of Storytelling with Bruce Grossman

Bruce Grossman is a photographer and filmmaker from New York City currently based in Denver, Colorado. He is currently premiering his short documentary "FRANK," depicting the life of Denver tattoo artist Frank Simanton. Bruce and I discuss his strategies and processes for finding a great story and telling it in a compelling way that allows audiences a close personal glimpse into the real lives of ordinary yet impressive people. Bruce tells me the story of how a project he began but was ultimately unsuccessful in eventually resulted in a year of manic photography of some of the most skilled tattoo artists and their work, and then led to the creation of not only "FRANK," but also a successful coffee table book. Bruce explains why he's not going the traditional film festival route and is instead promoting his work on his own. He also encourages me to take my own short documentary film idea and run with it, because it not only sounds cool and rad, but also why not.

Talkin' Twisters with Samantha Ireland

Actress Samantha Ireland gets swept up into the heart-pounding action in Universal Pictures' epic storm disaster film "Twisters" and then lands safely here at My Views Are My Own podcast. We talk about her role in the film, the best and most exciting scenes, and the movie magic that went into the creation of this blockbuster hit. We discuss the creative decisions and incredible use of CGI and special effects that made the film so exciting, and which aspects of the film were actually based in science. We also discuss how the movie stays true to the original 1996 film starring Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt, which made me and many others want to become meteorologists. And we solve a conspiracy involving Alanis Morissette.

Pushing Back Against the Dystopia with Joe Mayall

In this episode I am joined by journalist and labor activist Joe Mayall to take a deep look at and discuss solutions for the current state of American domestic politics. We discuss relevant and important questions such as: Why do conservatives fetishize debate? What is the difference between people like Ben Shapiro that use debate for social media clicks and politicians that use the same strategy to change policy and laws? We also take a trip down history lane to explain how James Madison and the Federalist Papers laid the groundwork for dividing the working class to preserve wealth and power for the elite. Joe breaks down how dividing the working class has become a modern tactic, what can be done about this phenomenon, and why volunteering and human contact is one of the best strategies to stay positive in the midst of challenging times. 

Continental Split with Alison Chace

If you guessed I was going to ask Alison Chace about her role in the Tubi original disaster film "Continental Split" then you’re a pretty good guesser. But if you also guessed that I was going to surprise her with an improv scene that proves beyond the shadow of a doubt that I would be the best chief of staff for any governor in the country, then you’re practically clairvoyant! Alison shares with me some of her best stories of her experiences an author, actor, documentary film maker, and app developer. We also create a short story through one of co-producer Colleen's Mad Libs that should be adapted into a high-budget blockbuster action film immediately.

Under the Sea with Avery Nunn

In this episode, I am joined by environmental science journalist and photographer Avery Nunn, who shares with me about her love for the planet and all things nature and how she uses visual storytelling to share this love with others. She tells me about her work in investigative climate reporting and what she hopes to accomplish by sharing information and illuminating both problems and solutions. She tells me about the connection between talking to whales and talking to aliens, and about how the rich social lives of dolphins can help teach humans about climate solutions. Avery tells me about the most incredible places she's been and how she's captured some of her most difficult photos. She also shares her advice for everyday ways to develop a stronger connection to nature and the outdoors.

Picture in Picture

In this episode, I am joined by actor Bryan McClure, who most recently appears as a documentary filmmaker opposite Oscar winners Jessica Lange and Kathy Bates in the newest HBO original movie "The Great Lillian Hall." McClure has also appeared in a number of films and TV shows, including as the Headless Night in the Disney mystery adventure film Haunted Mansion, as well as The Walking Dead, Atlanta, The Summer I Turned Pretty, and Mindhunter. In his latest film, loosely based on a true story, Bryan's character is documenting the production of a play in which the lead actress, a renowned Broadway star, suffers from memory loss and struggles with an increasingly noticeable illness. Bryan explains what it is like making a movie within a movie and shares his experience working alongside the stars of the film. Of course I ask about his intense scene in The Walking Dead where he stabs himself in the throat with a giant screwdriver while facing off with some of the show's most iconic characters. Bryan also talks to me about his upcoming comedy short which he wrote and produced, Roast Pork Butt, based on the worst date he ever had. 

A Journey to the End of the Road

In this episode, I talk to sustainability and ESG strategy expert, best-selling author, and award-winning documentarian James Fountain about protecting the environment, making lasting global change, and seeking adventure in the farthest corners of the planet. James, who has been referred to as a "real life Indiana Jones" talks to me about his new show, "The End of the Road," in which he travels by motorcycle to visit Indigenous communities across the globe, highlighting the unique cultures of each community and challenges with climate change and sustainability. James explains to me what ESG strategy means and how this concept has influenced his work in leadership and as a corporate consultant. He shares some of his greatest stories travelling and working in remote areas as well as some tips for leading a more sustainable lifestyle.

The Progressive Parent with Kavin Senapathy

In this episode, I am joined by award-winning science journalist and author Kavin Senapathy to discuss her forthcoming book "The Progressive Parent: Harnessing the Power of Science and Social Justice to Raise Awesome Kids." We talk about the inspiration for digging into this topic and how to help children develop the traits and characteristics that help them grow to become awesome adults. We also talk about how and why to prioritize science and research-based information in parenting, but also to be aware of and question the relationship between medical science and capitalism. She shares her perspective on trendy parenting advice, and also tells me about the time alt-right figurehead Jordan Peterson attacked her on Twitter for discussing the ethics of Monsanto's genetically modified foods.

 

Doug and Levi and Lisa at a Gas Station on Charlotte Pike

In this episode, I talk with married filmmaker duo Lisa Hammer and Levi Wilson about their newest short film, "Luke and Emma at a Gas Station on Franklin Ave," a semi-autobiographical story about a mixed Asian-American boy and his mother and the interactions they have while stopping at a convenience store. Levi is an award-winning playwright and Lisa is an award-winning producer and the voice of Trianna Orpheus on Adult Swim's The Venture Bros. We discuss the process of creating an autobiographical film, what it's like casting actors to play yourself or people you know in real life, how to work together as husband and wife, and how documentaries and narrative films can be a powerful method for driving social change. We also talk about Lisa and Levi's participation in the Occupy Wall Street movement, and the bizarre irony of the fact that many other participants have since moved to the extreme right, such as Tim Poole, who I consider my personal podcast nemesis. We discuss gas stations at length, including the weirdest things we've ever seen sold at a gas station and which gas stations are the nicest ones and the grossest ones. 

From the Archives: More Bees Please

This episode was originally released on October 19, 2021.

 

In this episode, Cindy Moore tells me how she maintains 1,300 beehives and the millions of bees that live in them to pollinate farms in Florida, California, and New York so that we can continue to have food and oxygen. Thanks Cindy! We also talk about how 75% of the honey in supermarkets is not actually honey, but the good news is real honey is extremely good for you. And we both share several honey-based home remedies. And there is 1 in 12 chance I will read you your horoscope.

From the Archives: A Shipping Container Named Desire (aka Cat on a Hot Tin Shipping Container)

This episode was originally released on August 7, 2022.

 

In this episode, I am joined by author and journalist Amy Fusselman to discuss the religion of money. Is it ethical for a cognitive behavioral therapist to sell real estate to their clients? Why are so many people who work in high finance so attracted to mysticism? What is Eco-Marxism? Can a shipping container house be haunted? Is my dog talking to me? All these questions and more get answered on this week's episode. Prepare to develop a healthy relationship with money! OR ELSE!

Perspective is Everything

In this episode, I am joined by Adam Butler, author of Butler's DMT Field Guide: A Brief History, Step-by-Step Recipes, and Personal Experiences from a DMT Saturated Consciousness. Adam had a successful, lucrative career in real estate but, in his own words, was a "narcissist asshole alcoholic." Seeking a dramatic change, he took a huge leap by leaving his past life behind and embarking on an intense journey of self-discovery through DMT, one of the most powerful hallucinogens on the planet. He emerged with a completely new outlook on what he wanted to do and who he wanted to be. Now the happiest he's ever been, Adam is sharing his story and information with those seeking a similar experience. He also shares how it is possible to achieve an experience similar to taking DMT through deep meditation and breathwork for those seeking a substance-free journey.

Bad People on Both Sides: Marquis de Morès vs. Teddy Roosevelt

In this episode, I am joined by actor Jeff DuJardin, who plays the Marquis de Morès on the new TV show Elkhorn. The Marquis de Morès was most known for being an adversary to Theodore Roosevelt while both men lived in the badlands of North Dakota. Jeff and I discuss whether his historical character, a French entrepreneur who married into money and started his own meatpacking industry in a town he founded in honor of his wife, was really a villain or just an ambitious dude that was a little misunderstood. We also talk about how the Marquis de Morès notoriously challenged Teddy Roosevelt to a duel and which of the two men was really responsible for starting their infamous beef. We debate whether duels should be legalized in modern times and why the genre of westerns remains popular to this day. And we hear one of the best MadLibs stories ever written.

Buy the Ticket, Take the Ride

Actor PJ Sosko joins me on the podcast to talk about his role as the iconic Hunter S. Thompson on the HBO MAX series "Girls on the Bus." We talk about his method for how he prepares to portray such well-known and legendary figures such as Hunter S. Thompson and Ernest Hemingway, as well as other acting techniques for playing larger-than-life characters. We also discuss his role on Reservation Dogs and how his impromptu Shakespearean quote got him turned into a meme. We discuss the struggle of modern journalism and of course I ambush PJ with a series of drug-fueled improv scenarios that we act out. We also inadvertently write an incredible script that I am sure HBO would love to acquire.