oh, go on then

I introduce you to a dear friend, Jose. He is a psychologist trained in Jungian theory and is a therapist for couples and individuals. He is also a meditation teacher and runs workshops on archetypes, storytelling, and myths.    We've known each other for years(!) and I imagine his ideal dinner party would include Carl Jung, Cher, and a few Orca whales.  We talk about people who he wants to make life better for, both teenagers and people who can’t face a challenge because the challenge is so unfair — not because they can’t do it!  The word to describe himself — “intense” — actually was used in a negative way.  However he has reclaimed it. We talk about the process of reclaiming words for ourselves. I love also that he discusses being a walking contradiction, and that’s actually the most natural.    We discuss the shadow side of life, which are the things we learn through shame and that we meet through projection of idealizing or demonizing things or people.  When it comes to cheating in a relationship — he says partners need to discuss what constitutes betrayal, infidelity, and defining valid behavior from what’s not.    He references Cher “Heart of Stone” (https://amzn.to/2XwmNYJ) and “Love and Pain” (https://amzn.to/31mIQCr).     He also references Game of Thrones “There is only one thing we say to death: NOT TODAY”

Meet Jill. We talked at a picnic table near a lake in northern Idaho – in the background you’ll hear eagles, chipmunks, and ski boats. It’s all a bit dreamy! From stories of playing Florence and the Machine while performing duties as a burn unit nurse to her beautiful memories in 4th grade at horse camp, Jill brings us into her life as she discusses feeling more secure NOT knowing about the universe than when she thought she had all the answers. Just wait till Q10 Love & Suffering where she talks about knowing it’s enough to NOT be working on something and the fact that it's OK to be loved, love somebody, and be happy… I love that answer!

Bre and I were running buddies in college and hadn't seen each other in 10 years! We talk near a lake in northern Idaho in the evening and then the next morning.  From her love of red lipstick and big spoons to the love of pure laughter, Bre takes us on a beautiful journey through her life. She shares how it can feel like suffering when letting go of everything that is false security and false identities. We hear about how it's 1000% worth it to let people down, because it brings a truer self. Bre also candidly shares about her intuitive eating journey and breaking free from issues with eating and trusting her body.

Today I had a beautiful conversation with Xianan, my fellow PhD classmate in Gender Studies who is based in London while I am in Seattle. Throughout the conversation I appreciate the depth of Xianan’s personal reflection on her life and her openness and humbleness when talking about inequalities, racism and classism.   She wastes no time in the conversation to give me a helpful understanding of Marxist feminist thought, drawing on her family history and life experience as a way to explain her world view.  A beautiful part of this early conversation is the way her understanding of Marxist feminism comes full circle with question #11 (49 minutes in the conversation) about making sense of witnessing violence and the power of empathy.   Her last question for me #16 is about an unforgettable corner during my ethnographic PhD fieldwork in Jordan interviewing humanitarians.  This conversation is grounded in such personal stories and make us reflect on who we are and how we live together.  Question #6 She talks about Totoro! Look it up here: https://amzn.to/3gFKvcn   QUESTION TIMES  #1) 02:40...#2) 9:38...#3) 10:46...#4) 11:29...#5) 17:15...#6) 25:11...#7) 30:23...#8) 35:43...#9) 41:12...#10) 46:40...#11) 51:49...#12) 57:19...#13) 58:23...#14) 1:07:29...#15) 1:10:55...#16) 1:14:07

Meet Allyson, she's someone who is both authentic and creative. I interview her from her art studio in California. As an artist, the first question RED/BLUE is quote loaded -- she explains a coming of age story of finding her "WOW colors" that make her look beautiful or dead. From eating salad with a spoon, to the balsamic vinaigrette scent of her grandparents house, Allyson uncovers greater truths in real time that love can be a great teacher and not just a by-product of life. Moreover, the greatest teacher is when love and desire meet! In the midsts of all this, Allyson shares about deconstructing religion and why she cares for people understanding desire within queerness.  Wait for her question to me: "What is your deepest unmet desire‽" Also!!! Allyson was reading Untamed by Glennon Doyal. Eric is reading Women who run with the wolves by Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estés Please consider subscribing to the podcast and sharing this episode with a friend. You can learn more  @ www.ohgoonthen.com

John  is such a kind and genuine person. He is a good friend and my only ongoing complaint of him is that he doesn’t complain about anything. Simply put, he's almost too kind. John is the co-founder of an organization — Gather Hub (www.gatherhub.org)— working in sanitation infrastructure…they collect and share data so that toilets and waste systems are designed to reduce disease ensure healthy communities. Fortunately, this background expands my question of folding or scrunching toilet paper. I was moved by his answer of the universe knowing him. To know that he’s known, seen, loved, and created with value is a remarkable thing. You’ll notice toward the middle of the conversation, my video shut off again, I had to fix the audio from the recording. Forgive me for the technical glitch, but it’s the content that counts. Please consider subscribing to the podcast and sharing this episode with a friend. You can learn more  @ www.ohgoonthen.com

Meet Francis. With his disarming smile and calm "hey eric...", I knew it would be a candid conversation. He and I chatted on his couch at home and he shared about his early life in Belize and subsequent adoption to the U.S. a few years later. We talk about when at 13 years old there was a misunderstanding with the police and a gun was held to his face, how he realized he has a story to tell and inspire youth, and lastly his appreciation for his adoptive parents.  Please consider subscribing to the podcast and sharing this episode with a friend. You can learn more  @ www.ohgoonthen.com

In this episode, I'd like to introduce you to...myself. My good friend Jen and I had a video chat for this conversation. You see, the whole premise of this podcast is that we're all storytellers and all participate in a grand Narrative of experience that unites us. Interviewers often keep their lives out of the conversation so here I am participating in the 15 questions. I felt it is important to place myself in the vulnerable territory where the interviewee stands. I talk about my dreamy summer 4th birthday party, a stormy boat ride in Sierra Leone, and my precious and loving grandmother. I'm thankful Jen played interviewer in this conversation - she did great! Please consider subscribing to the podcast and sharing this episode with a friend. You can learn more  @ www.ohgoonthen.com

Meet Dawn, she and I have been friends for nearly half my life.  Throughout our conversation you'll notice how Dawn cares deeply for the underdogs in so many realms of life.  An early experience with lsd brought her to form a pact with God to secure her survival. Some other highlights include that the juggler at her 7th birthday was a criminal on America's Most Wanted, her expertise with Microsoft Paint got her in trouble at school, and she snuck some crisp $20s out of a picture frame to buy c a n d y. Someday she'll be the chef on the Sea Shepherd boat that sets out to save the marine animals!! Oh, last thing, I know the Kardashians listen to this podcast, so please meet Dawn, I know you'll be friends.   Please consider subscribing to the podcast and sharing this episode with a friend. You can learn more  @ www.ohgoonthen.com

Meet Dom, he and I had a really nice chat just before things shut down with the coronavirus (hence our toilet paper conversation). He had such a dreamy childhood memory. His answer to Q6 on how the universe sees him made me smile. Throughout you'll hear some "dom bombs" of spot on positive thinking. He also had a great question for me (#16) at the end -- really made me think hard about it! Please consider subscribing to the podcast and sharing this episode with a friend. You can learn more  @ www.ohgoonthen.com