Tangentially Speaking with Christopher Ryan

Dan Blumstein, a UCLA professor and author of 'The Nature of Fear', dives deep into the intricate relationship between fear and behavior, both human and animal. He examines how fear shapes decision-making and survival strategies, sharing insights on risk assessment in activities like mountaineering. The discussion also touches on how society manipulates fear and the role of open dialogue in understanding complex issues. With reflections on mortality and the evolutionary significance of fear, it's a thought-provoking journey into our primal instincts.

Alan Collinge is the founder of StudentLoanJustice.Org, author of The Student Loan Scam: The Most Oppressive Debt in U.S. History and How We Can Fight Back. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

The host explores the tension between social media's commercial pressures and authentic expression in podcasting. They reflect on the evolution of humor and its impact on figures like Joe Rogan, critiquing how fame changes perspective. Advertising's manipulative hold on society is examined, alongside the authenticity challenge in politics, especially with public figures like Trump. The conversation also touches on empathetic leadership in immigration discourse, the necessity of clear communication, and the nostalgic power of music.

Mike just finished his stint in the army and is celebrating by riding a bicycle from El Paso to Canada. He passed by Crestone recently, and we sat down to get to know each other. Pull up a chair and join us! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit chrisryan.substack.comMore blathering. This time, talking about: — Epstein and how fame/power/money distort one’s sense of the possible/permissible;— The joys of watching the Little League playoffs;— A friend’s hard fall. Here’s the link to give Charles some love.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit chrisryan.substack.comMy friend Riley Morton and I sat down for about six hours over two days and he picked my brain about who I am, who I’ve been, and the experiences and ideas that formed the foundation for what eventually became a book called Sex at Dawn. This is the second of a four-part series.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit chrisryan.substack.comIt’s the back to school episode! Do you feel like the year begins at the end of summer? Can anyone really be helped (or just supported in helping themselves)? A study showing how we find what we expect to find. Some thoughts on budgeting energy and attention and learning how to invest both more…

Kevin Russell, a technology enthusiast, farmer, and expert in AI and cryptocurrency, dives deep into the intricate dance between technology and mythology. He discusses AI's potential in agriculture, especially in preserving memories, and the philosophical evolution of consciousness. The dialogue touches on how AI serves not just as a tool, but as a reflection of human desires and beliefs. They also highlight the importance of diverse perspectives in technology, urging us to consider identity and legacy in an ever-changing digital world.

Our uncle Dan was a huge influence on both of us, albeit in very different ways. For Dave, Dan was a surrogate father figure who helped guide him through adolescence. For me, Dan was more of a kindred spirit, and our friendship mostly happened in the last decade or so of his life. When we combine our memories, we get a more complete understanding of the man. (How did I not know he loved jazz?) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

We were camping at the Tom Thorn/Beth Williams Wildlife Habitat Management Area in southern Wyoming when we recorded this, yesterday. It’s raw. It’s real. Maybe you can hear the birds chirping. Anya and I recap the retreat and give some thoughts about being on the road. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe