Sensible Manipulation and the Margay

Quitting smoking is incredibly difficult yet entirely possible. I loved smoking cigarettes so much and for such a long duration of my life to the extent that it became my identity, in a way. I knew that if I didn’t quit now, I would never quit and the fate of dying young would be promised in stone. In this episode, I provide an honest depiction of my quitting experience.

A captivating conversation with Tessa Korkowski on the topics of depression and suicide. Having lost her brother to suicide at a young age, Tessa shares with us the tools she used to get through her suffering of depression, anxiety, resentment and forgiveness. A powerful episode that touches on the stigmatization regarding mental health and how to find help if you or a loved one is dealing with depression and/or thoughts of suicide.

Episode 45 discusses the importance of our ego and how to discover our deeper unwanted emotions. When we can work effortlessly with our ego, we can take control of our emotions and become the version of ourselves we strive to become.

Back in Paris, I sit with my younger self in hopes of regaining the courage and ambition that I once had in order to stay on track with all of life's possibilities. Episode 45 touches upon the concept of reconnecting with our past and how that connection propels us towards our future self. Having the opportunity of guiding a younger version of myself, what advice do I give in return?

I had the opportunity to interview C.M. Mcguire, the author of the new young adult novel Ironspark, where we dive deep into an array of conversations.

Neil Middleton and I discuss societal pressures on dating, the meaning of marriage and having children. We take a deeper dive into what it means to 'feel our feelings' and Neil shares the 5-5-5 rule regarding mental health.

The battle for affordable and accessible contraception for women in the US is ongoing and the wages are higher than ever. With the upcoming US election, there has never been a better time to thoroughly look into the values of each political party. If Republicans really cared about the economy like they say they do - then they would recognize the importance of family planning.

Are you confident when buying laxatives at your neighborhood drug store?

How do we simultaneously embrace love and fear? With bravery. To love is to be brave. To free ourselves from vulnerabilities is one of the most substantial ways we move closer to a life full of love. Let us not have fear.

What does it mean to use sensible manipulation? Does manipulation always have negative implications? If the answer is no, then when can we, as humans, use manipulation to benefit society as a whole?