Tangentially Speaking with Christopher Ryan

Justin Alexander was on episode 143, and returns now in a two-part conversation. The first part took place on Venice Beach a few weeks ago, and Part II happened here in Chiang Mai, Thailand. We talk about Justin's 18,000 miles on a motorcycle in the American west, as well as his visit to a hunter-gatherer village in the Philippines and our recent motorcycle trip to a town call Pai, in the mountains north of Chiang Mai. Always fun to chat with this guy. 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

Stephan Schwartz has been involved in trying to make the world a better place for a long time. He's worked in the upper reaches of the defense department, helping transform the military from the draft-era to the professional, volunteer force of today. He's also worked in grass-roots social change organizations fighting for social justice. His insights into the trajectory of history are informed by decades of paying very close attention from multiple perspectives.The Schwartz Report. Amazon link to Stephan's book.Song: "Only a Mirage," by Jean Marc Yee. Information about Jean Marc and his music. 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

Lodhy is my favorite kind of person. An unassuming man who has lived a life full of adventure, learning, challenges, love, and generosity. His life has ranged from living in a house formerly occupied by Winston Churchill in Pakistan to riding a motorcycle from London to Islamabad and from LA to the Arctic Circle.  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

Shane's photography combines the natural beauty of women with the beauty of nature. He's got the focus and obsessional creative need of a true artist. Check his work at http://www.thethingsiveseen.com/. 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

Daniele and Thad both teach history in southern California, study martial arts, and have a lot to say about pretty much everything. Join me for this conversation with two of the smartest, most engaging guys I know. 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

Heather was born in Arkansas and grew up with few advantages. But thanks to an indomitable spirit, hard work, and some solid friendships, she's got a great thing going. We talk about poverty, meth culture, Portland, and planning one's escape.Heather's blog. Her Instagram feed.Music: Humans from Earth on iTunes. 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

Jeff went to Yale, where he was a stand-out linebacker and came to the attention of the Cowboys, who drafted him in the second round. He brought his laid-back vibe from the beaches of southern California to the NFL, where he excelled for seven years. He now lives in Venice, CA, where he is raising two great kids with his wife, Heather, and does a lot of cooking and painting. 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

Jake Johannsen appeared on “The Late Show with David Letterman" 45 times. He has appeared in the “HBO Young Comedian’s Special” and PBS’s “Comedy Tonight” series, and was the host of Comedy Central’s series, “Two Drink Minimum”. He has also been nominated as “Best Male Stand-Up Comedian” for the American Comedy Awards. And he makes fantastic cajun food. 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

Martin is the founder and director of the center, and Maria is a counselor helping patients integrate the experiences they have at Crossroads into more healthy lives. They use ibogaine, a very potent African hallucinogen, to help people with addictive behavior patterns break those patterns and "reset" their lives. 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

Tre Hardson is "a journalist of the times" who just happens to be a rapper, dancer, musician, and something of a philosopher as well. Best known as one of the founding members of The Pharcyde, his current band is called Bizarre Ride. This conversation covers the long road from South Central Los Angeles to Laurelhurst Park, in Portland, Oregon. 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