Rich Conversations

208. Manuel Novillo on Living in Antarctica, Argentina Culture, and Reflecting for Perspective

Marine biologist Manuel Novillo joins us from Córdoba, Argentina to discuss the culture of his country and the journey that led him to living and researching reproductive patterns of Notothenioids (Antarctic fish) in Antarctica for 2-4 months during the last four years. What is it like being in such an isolated and harsh environment? Does it make you reflect more on society and what it means to be human? Manuel shares his interest in Herman Hesse writing and other influences on his perspective on life.

Follow Manuel on Instagram: @novillomanu

207. Rich Answers: Questions from Bryce Gunning

Marine biologist Bryce Gunning asks five questions for Rich. Bryce was a guest on episode 185. He recorded this segment on a bench in Millennium Park downtown Chicago. The questions are the following:

1. What are one or two quotes from guests that have shifted your opinion/stance on a subject?
2. What is the main man’s morning routine? How does he start off so positive in the morning?
3. What is the one episode you’ve recorded that you think deserves more hype?
4. What’s a topic you haven’t touched yet/too scared to?
5. Top advice you’d give anyone under 15 years old on their dreams?

 

Full Episode with Bryce: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FszLx...

 

Episode description:

Marine Biologist Bryce Gunning joins the show. He studies marine life in the Pacific Ocean. He was in British Colombia when we recorded this but he does lots of work in the Sea of Cortez off the coast of Mexico. Bryce is focused and determined to champion the importance of our oceans. He’s hilarious. We get into all sorts of topics from dolphins being huge jerks to witnessing a Blue Whale in the wild. It was an absolute pleasure.

Follow Bryce on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gunning4lik...

Bryce's Sea of Cortez Conservation, Education, and Tourism Organization: https://www.instagram.com/LSF_expedit...

206. Photographer Faisa Omer on Using Artistic Passion to Share Cultural Experiences

Faisa Omer joins us from Edmonton, Canada. She’s a photographer and mental health professional. Originally from Ottawa and the daughter of Somali immigrants, Faisa shares her experience of learning neuroscience for seven years while also yearning for fulfilling artistic inspiration inside her. She enrolled in photography school on the side. During the pandemic she moved back to Ottawa and took photos of family and friends around her neighborhood and shared their stories, resulting in her work displayed in the Ottawa Art Gallery. In this episode, Faisa shares her story, perspective, and joy for life. 

Follow Faisa on Instagram: @faisaomer_

Faisa’s website

205. Matze Sagerer on the Basics of Physics and Importance of Pursuing Curiosity

Matze Sagerer joins us from Munich, Germany. He’s a physics student at the Technical University of Munich. We discuss the cultures and things to do in Germany to start off. Then, Matze shares how he became interested in physics and technology, gives a brief breakdown of physics concepts to understand and the people behind them. Physics teaches a person how to think by going through the scientific process and falsifiability. Matze reveals whether time travel is possible. Fundamentally, physics is about discovering truth. It helps us in many fields and allows us to better understand the future. Curiosity is the most important truth.

Follow Matze on Instagram: @matzee_

204. Rich Answers: Questions from David Rothmund (aka Dr. Dave)

Former three-time guest, David Rothmund (Dr. Dave), writes down three questions for Rich to answer. Dr. Dave lives in Chicago and is a historian researching Disability in America Post-WWII. Rich records on a park bench in his Uptown neighborhood of Chicago. The questions are the following:

1. If you could anywhere with one person, where would you go and with who?
2. What food/drinks/event would you want to see?
3. How would you quantify your growth as a content creator and as a person with one to two sentences?

Every Monday we'll release solo episodes of Rich answering questions from past guests.

203. The Mansoor Scientists on the 21st Century Scientific Realities and Possibilities

Our most unique and profound podcast episode to date, we’re joined from Istanbul, Turkey by three guests—and they’re all siblings—and they’re all scientists! Maryam, Mehya, and Mubashir Mansoor focus on Materials & Metallurgical Engineering, Geology, Mineralogy, Gemology, and Physics. This episode covers a lot of ground including the culture of Istanbul, the Information Revolution which will lead us to multiple other revolutions this century, quantum computing enabling infinite possibilities, why the world’s first trillionaire will come from materials, and the importance of science communication to the general public.

Follow Maryam on Instagram: @scientific_voyager

Follow Mehya on Instagram: @infinitely.creative.scientist

Follow Mubashir on Instagram: @materials_scientist

Scientific Publications by the Mansoors

202. Joachim Ong on Singapore and Observing the Universe to Gain Perspective

Joachim Ong joins the podcast from Singapore. Joachim shares what the city and culture is like. He describes his experience using his telescope to view and take photos of the planets and outer space. Joachim and Rich discuss how space exploration allows the opportunity to ponder the significance and insignificance of life, as well as stir the imagination and wonder.

 

Follow Joachim on Instagram: @cosmic_palette

201. Wayne Cauthen on Chicago’s People, Culture, Winters and Personal Growth

Wayne Cauthen returns to the show! He first appeared on the podcast on episode 27, which was recorded in a Golden Nugget Restaurant. In this episode, native Chicagoan Wayne and Rich discuss the city and the experience of the pandemic within it. They discuss personal growth from the last episode, which was the last in-person recording before COVID, till now. He wonders if gravity holds back consciousness.

This episode was recorded back in December at Matisse Tavern & Grill on Diversey and Orchard in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago. Wayne and Rich sipped on some beautifully delicious cocktails and sat outside in their heated tent. Great vibes.

Follow Wayne on Instagram: @myguy_wayne

Follow Wayne's DJ network on Instagram: @stylinoutnetwork

Matisse Tavern & Grill website

Matisse Instagram @matissetavern

200. Reflections on the Chicago Vibe, Music, Culture, and Curiosity

For the 200th episode of the podcast, Rich answers questions that he typically presents to guests. He reflects on the Chicago vibe, music he's been listening to lately, what he's curious about, and what he's excited for. 

Follow Rich on Instagram: @richhebron

Subscribe on YouTube

199. Geotechnical Civic Engineer Saad Darwish on Egypt and Creating Structural Foundations

Have you ever wondered how skyscrapers or railways or other structures within our cities are built? What goes into that? Today we learn about the very beginning of those processes—what happens underground. We’re joined by civic engineer Saad Darwish who’s working in Alexandria, Egypt. Originally from Mansoura, Egypt, we discussed soccer, how he became interested in engineering, and the daily work and situations a geotechnical engineer experiences. These structures are all around us but there’s so much diligent work involved. 

You can follow Saad on Instagram: @saaddarwish4