Tangentially Speaking with Christopher Ryan

Mark Nelson is an American ecologist and author based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. His research focuses on closed ecological system research, ecological engineering, restoration of damaged ecosystems, and wastewater recycling. Nelson was one of the eight original crew members of Biosphere 2 in 1991. Marks books can be found here and here.Intro music “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range; “If I had a Million Dollars,” by Barenaked Ladies; Outro: “Smoke Alarm,” by Carsie Blanton. 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

I met this incredible woman over a decade ago (ep 87), when she was in a very difficult spot, suffering from constant pain, unable to move or care for herself. She was preparing to die. In the years since, I’ve seen the light in her grow stronger and stronger. She’s recovered from severe scleroderma, written a book about her journey, been profiled on a Netflix series, featured in Gabor Maté's NYT bestseller The Myth of Normal, and continuously explored her inner world with the help of sacred plants (ayahuasca) and other modalities. Her initiation into the world of healing by way of her own near death experience is as authentically “shamanic” as anything I’m aware of in the modern world.You can learn more about the retreat she’s leading in Costa Rica here.This video of Mee Ok and Gabor Mate will give you a sense of the incredible journey my friend is taking. 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

Russell Brand, in search of universal human values, explores ethics, cultural perspectives, and non-monogamous relationships. Reflects on mortality, authenticity, and societal shifts towards centralized power. Discusses the challenges of modern food consumption and the confusion surrounding masculinity and femininity.

Bill first picked up a camera in 1965, at age 20, little knowing that photography would become his profession. Since then camera work has taken him to India, China, Australia, Japan, Mexico, Alaska, Egypt, Ireland, Bhutan, Zambia, Chilean Patagonia and the American West. Bill’s images have appeared in magazines, books, calendars, newspapers, catalogs, annual reports.  In 1995 Bill moved to the San Luis Valley, took up residence in a travel trailer near Crestone, Colorado and started building a strawbale house.Intro music “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range. Outro: “Smoke Alarm,” by Carsie Blanton. 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

Neil Strauss, a best-selling writer, discusses his new podcast 'To Die For' on Russian sex espionage. The podcast explores dark realities of exploitation, manipulation, cult behavior, and power dynamics. It delves into the impact of Spotify's AI algorithms on music culture and reflects on art creation and technology companies influencing modern art forms.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit chrisryan.substack.comA “director’s cut” of one of my most popular posts on Substack: What We Fall in When We Fall in Love. The Raymond Carver story I mention is in this collection. Music (paid version): “Trampoline,” by Joe Henry.

Explore the depth of cover songs and the creative process, featuring covers from Coldplay, Jimi Hendrix, and more. Delve into diverse music categories with profound meanings, highlighting the educational value of the episodes.

Exploring ethical non-monogamy, the podcast dives into how it can enhance relationships by fostering growth, honesty, and addressing fears. It challenges traditional notions of desire and jealousy, advocating for a more open approach to strengthen connections. The episode also discusses the advantages of ethical non-monogamy in addressing insecurities, nurturing deeper connections, and revitalizing long-term partnerships through trust and individuality.

Explore the nuances of ethical non-monogamous relationships, debunking common misconceptions. Reflect on the importance of honesty, integrity, and communication in non-monogamous dynamics. Delve into paths of self-realization through diverse identities. Address misconceptions about ethical nonmonogamy, emphasizing communication and honesty. Contemplate the dilemma of content frequency and subscriber engagement.

Mateo Argüello, a Sasquatch expert, shares encounters with Sasquatch creatures and discusses ego, self-doubt, and the desire to be the best version of oneself. He explores Sasquatch as ambush predators and their potential culture of corpse disposal. The podcast also delves into primate communication mirroring human interactions and the setting up of a YouTube channel to document Sasquatch phenomena.