Rich Conversations

060. Medley of Thoughts

Inspired by the Abbey Road Medley, Rich shares a medley of thoughts that have been on his mind the last week. Vote from Trump or Biden? Coronavirus cases are up in Chicago. Are leaders making decisions based on political pressure or scientific evidence? Would we slow the spread of COVID-19 in the city if we initiated a "work from home" tax? We could then distribute aid to our neighbors who don't have the privilege of working a job from home. Also, Mom is right and NFL Commercials.

059. Chicago Music Scene and Experience with Bonelang's Matt Bones

Matt Bones of the experimental pop group, Bonelang, joins the show and talks about his experience living and playing music in Chicago.

(3:00) Matt describes Albany Park and his joy for completing life admin tasks.

(11:00) Chicago music scene. The pride of being a Chicago musician and the weight it carries across the country, especially in LA. 

(17:35) His favorite restaurant and hidden gem in the city. The distinct sound of the L.

(31.20) What his work schedule and routine are like. How Bonelang goes about creating music, as well as music videos as an independent artist.

(39:07) The fulfilling experience of playing a show or venue bigger than the last. The crescendo of energy on the day of the show. Playing Thalia Hall and the Metro.

(42:00) Three influential books Matt has read.

(55:00) His curiosity of Chilean history. Deep dive into South American political culture.

(59:54) Understanding and overcoming living with fear. His excitement to play music for live audiences again.

You can follow Matt Bones @_bonelang and @mattbonesdiy

 

 

058. How Geography Shapes Our Culture and Worldview

After looking at the location breakdown of podcast listeners, Rich reflects on how geography shapes our culture and worldview. While traveling to Paris in January, he noticed an absence of Latin American culture but a heavier presence of Middle Eastern and African culture. 

 

With people from different places and cultures than us, we can always find common ground. With digital technology, we can connect even easier than years past. With these two factors of finding similarities and digital technology, we can work together to create a harmonious world and future.

057. NASA's Kat Kennedy: Exploring Space and Using Science to Push Our Imagination

NASA Systems Analyst, Kat Kennedy, joins the show to discuss exploring outer space and the importance of science within society.

(3:33) Kat talks about running simulations to prep for launch and worst case scenarios.

(5:10) Space walks and maintenance procedures.

(7:00) Kat explains her path to NASA after watching the film "Interstellar" while living and going to school in New York City. She became more certain of her path after meeting astronaut Chris Hadfield. 

(10:00) Her favorite books about space.

(16:05) Differences and roles of NASA, SpaceX, and Space Force.

(21:00) Perspective of Earth in relation to the solar system and beyond.

(26:10) Kat shares the place where she looked up at the stars and was the most awestruck.

(30:37) What's NASA excited for coming up? The need and hope for collaboration of people and countries.

(36:53) The importance of getting children participating in science education.

(38:55) Kat's love for science that crosses fields. What she loves most about dinosaurs.

(42:46) Has NASA discovered aliens yet?

You can follow Kat Kennedy on Twitter: @tikatasaur2112

 

056. Using Eastern Storytelling to Create a Better Country and Life

Does 2020 have you stressed out? Maybe it's because you're trying to do too much. Maybe you're trying to solve every problem in the world in your head. That only leads to frustration. In this episode, Rich shares a lesson learned from his creative partner about the difference between Western and Eastern storytelling. By understanding the difference, you can decide which way to tell your life story.

055. Studying Psychology and Understanding its Value in Life with Paul LeCrone

Paul LeCrone returns to the show to discuss the study of psychology and the important role it can play in our lives. He covers some writings of Carl Jung and Nietzsche and delivers Jung quotes for Rich to chew on. Paul and Rich discuss the value of play as work and thinking about the inner world to explore and interact with the outer. How each can impact each other.

054: Thinking about the Present as the Past: The Early 21st Century

After our last podcast guest, Joe Anhalt, mentioned the book "But What if We're Wrong?" Rich decided to perform a quick exercise of thinking about the present as if it were the past. He imagines what people 125 years into the future (2145) will say about society in the early 21st Century. The main story is the implementation of digital technology.

053. Becoming a New Yorker and Exploring Culture with Joe Anhalt

Joe stops by Rich's new apartment to discuss New York, culture, and life. He talks about reaching the point in his life where he jumped headfirst into his dream of moving to New York. (17:56) What New York has been like during COVID and how its energy remains strong.

(24:04) Joe and Rich exchange ideas of what culture is and what value it has to people and society.

(30:18) The idea of being a generalist interacting with the world and how it makes someone more empathetic and understanding.

(31:18) Rich and Joe talk about Rich's bookshelf, minimalism, rabbit holes, and how they read books.

(47:17) Joe shares emerging trends within culture and the creative world, including the positivity captured in Canadian sitcom, Schitt's Creek.

(56:07) Joe runs through the music he's been listening to over the last few months and the three most influential books he's read.

(1:10:44) Joe shares something he's started to do during 2020 that he'll continue moving forward. He ends by announcing what he's most excited for in the upcoming year.

052. A Hard Lesson in Greek Philosophy

Our Greek hero, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and the Milwaukee Bucks won't be playing in this year's NBA Finals. What lessons can we learn from it? American society pressures us to take the easy route - to sacrifice the meaning of our journey to arrive at our destination as quickly as possible. But when our situation becomes tough, what if we can get better by focusing on our mental toughness like Miami's Jimmy Butler?

051. How to Live Free

After a remark made by a friend, Rich explores the idea of how to live a life of freedom. Where do we start? How are we supposed to think? It all comes down to asking yourself one question. Find the answer to it.