Why Am I Podcast

Dawn Meyerriecks has spent her career at the intersection of technology, strategy, and service. From building systems that shaped modern defense to guiding innovation in intelligence, she’s proven how curiosity and courage can change the world. In this episode, we explore her journey, her lessons, and the impact of mentoring the next generation.🔗 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for m...

Canadian musician Ben E. Wood joins Why Am I to talk about his fourth album, the haunting creative process behind it, and the deeply personal journey through mental health challenges that shaped it. We discuss making art in recovery, what it’s like to “write an album with ghosts,” the importance of local arts, and how to support friends who may be struggling.🔗 Don’t forget to like, comment, and s...

Joel joins me in the warmup exercise for the Why Am I Podcast called the Fantasy Restaurant. This guy puts together a meal that is rich in nostalgia and full of flavor. Oh yeah, don't forget to bring your own padlock ;) 🔗 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that chase the story behind the person. Please show them some love on their socials here: https://www.tik...

This week on Why Am I, I talk to Joel—better known online as Fuel Neve. He’s a writer, voice actor, and humorist whose viral social commentary often disarms toxic ideas with heart and wit. We talk about learning to “fail less,” using humor to heal, and the unexpected gift of emotional rock bottom. Joel opens up about losing his father, becoming a parent, and why bravery, empathy, and curiosity sha...

Welcome to the Fantasy Restaurant, where anything you’ve ever craved is on the menu. In this warmup episode, Justin from Library Punk joins Greg to order up a literary feast — from Redwall berry flights to vegan duck with tofu head. It’s nostalgia, nerdery, and texture-forward food fantasy in full force. 🔗 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that chase the story be...

In this episode of Why Am I, we sit down with Justin from Library Punk to explore how librarianship, leftist critique, and punk rock intersect. We talk about moving across the country, parasocial podcasting, career pivots, and organizing for systemic change — all through the lens of a library worker who just might be your favorite quiet radical.📚 From library theory to protest reality🎤 From punk...

In this darkly funny personal essay, I reflect on the chaos and compromises of parenting through the lens of a family trip inspired by our toddler’s obsession with Thomas the Tank Engine. It’s got trains, rain, and an unforgettable roadside bathroom situation. Think David Sedaris meets wooden railroads. Watch as I recount two pivotal moments in our family’s journey with Thomas, complete with backw...

In this episode of Why Am I, I sit down with Meg Gustafson—curator of 80s aesthetic magic and creator of @HammyWhammyOfficial—to talk nostalgia, Memphis design, mid-century burnout, and the deeply emotional connection we form with our spaces. From mall guides to neon preservation, this is a candid look at how architecture, fashion, and music shape us.🔗 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe...

Step into the Fantasy Restaurant with soap opera writer Joanna Cohen as she builds her dream meal—from Prosecco in a tulip flute to tuna sliders from a Nantucket food truck. We talk taste, texture, and the subtle art of simple pleasures. This is more than a menu—it’s a memory.🔗 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that chase the story behind the person. Please show...

In this “Why Am I” episode, writer and soap opera veteran Joanna Cohen explores identity, motherhood, nostalgia, and her unlikely path from sports journalism to daytime TV.She opens up about journaling, growing up in NYC, and writing real human emotion into soap scripts. It's deep, funny, and refreshingly candid.🔗 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that chase...

What drives someone from a childhood of pirating games to building a startup accelerator that spans countries? In this episode, Jason W. Taylor opens up about relentless ambition, fear-driven success, and why he believes entrepreneurism is humanity’s greatest force for good. Jason shares how computer camp shaped his future, why failure isn't something to be feared, and the power of building in...

Ever wonder what your dream meal would be if anything was on the table? In this episode of The Fantasy Restaurant, Steve Davis walks us through his ideal lineup—complete with salt and pepper squid, a classic New Zealand lamb rack, and a custard-topped fruit pie that'll make you reconsider everything you thought you knew about dessert. Along the way, we talk Kiwi cuisine, nostalgic dinners in S...

Step into the "Fantasy Restaurant" with host Greg and guest Anton Mitchell as they craft a dream meal from scratch. From spicy cherry-infused old fashioneds to jerk chicken sliders and dual mains featuring papardelle and lamb chops, Anton takes familiar flavors and elevates them to something extraordinary. This warm-up episode sets the table for storytelling, flavor, and nostalgia.🔗 Don...

In this episode of Why Am I, I sit down with the endlessly fascinating Steve Davis – a sidemount cave diver, podcast host, entrepreneur, and former Navy engineer. We dig deep into how Steve found his way from corporate life in Silicon Valley to running a coffee shop in New Zealand, exploring underwater caves, and hosting one of the most niche diving podcasts out there. He shares gripping cave divi...

This week, Greg chats with Anton Mitchell, a gifted educator and storyteller based at the Mob Museum in Las Vegas. From his blue-collar roots to educating thousands about the hidden truths of organized crime, Anton’s journey is anything but ordinary. We dig into the nuanced history of the mob, the power of everyday choices, and what it really means to teach and learn every day.🔗 Don’t forget to l...

Welcome to the Fantasy Restaurant episode of the Why Am I Podcast, where anything goes when it comes to food! Our guest, Andy Kay, builds his dream meal, from the perfect drink to an unforgettable dessert. We talk prime rib perfection, bacon-wrapped dates, and the art of simple ingredients done right. Plus, Andy shares his thoughts on the true dining experience—whether it's in a fine restauran...

Welcome to the Fantasy Restaurant! In this episode, Jace O’Brien goes all out, crafting an extravagant meal with no less than four choices in almost every category. From mezcal negronis and root beer in frosted glasses to panang nua curry and Hong Kong fried rice, Jace creates a dining experience like no other. Plus, we talk about childhood food memories, working in high-end restaurants, and why p...

Welcome to the warmup exercise for the Why Am I podcast called “the Fantasy Restaurant.” In here, my guests get to pick their favorite: drink, appetizer, main, sides, and dessert…anything goes. Jimmy is a meat and potatoes kinda guy, and while his menu isn’t exotic, it’s a good choice any day of the week. I hope you enjoy this meal with Jimmy. Help us grow by sharing with someone! Please show them...

Hey everybody, I’m Greg Sowell and this is Why Am I, a podcast where I talk to interesting people and try to trace a path to where they find themselves today. My guest this go around is Andy Kay. This individual is one of LA’s finest Private Investigators, but he may not be what you expect. Not only does he travels the world helping his clients, but he also takes certain cases very personal…much t...

Hey everybody, I’m Greg Sowell and this is Why Am I, a podcast where I talk to interesting people and try to trace a path to where they find themselves today. My guest this go around is Jayse OBrein. This fella is a man of many talents: he’s a voice over artist, an over the top foodie, an actor, reactor, and costco dad. What strikes me the most about Jayse is his insanely high energy, his obvious...

Hey everybody, I’m Greg Sowell and this is Why Am I, a podcast where I talk to interesting people and try to trace a path to where they find themselves today. My guest this go around is Patrick Christmas. Imagine combining soccer, football, and frisbee…that is kind of the foundation of ultimate frisbee. Now add in quick action, full field hucks, and insane layout catches, and you might start to ge...

Hey everybody, I’m Greg Sowell and this is Why Am I, a podcast where I talk to interesting people and try to trace a path to where they find themselves today. My guest this go around is Jimmy Diresta. Jimmy is the first maker, a term I believe he really popularized, I started watching on youtube. I think maker isn’t just a moniker, or even a life style for Jimmy…I think he truly has no other choic...

Welcome to the warmup exercise for the Why Am I podcast called “the Fantasy Restaurant.” In here, my guests get to pick their favorite: drink, appetizer, main, sides, and dessert…anything goes. Gary puts together a meal that seems to incorporate a lot of the foods found near his NY home…and Asia, and Greece, and Italy LOL. Though it varies a lot, it all sounds delicious. I hope you enjoy this meal...

Hey everybody, I’m Greg Sowell and this is Why Am I, a podcast where I talk to interesting people and try to trace a path to where they find themselves today. My guest this go around is Gary Goldstein. This fella is a writer of books, TV shows, and of movies. Not only has he written for Hallmark movies, which is becoming something of a theme here), but he also wrote for the likes of Beverly Hills...

Hey everybody, I’m Greg Sowell and this is Why Am I, a podcast where I talk to interesting people and try to trace a path to where they find themselves today.  My guest this go around is Ryan Shacklett.  Ryan has multiple fursonas with his main as Wild Acai.  For the uninitiated, that means he attends conventions and events dressed in an insanely impressive animal suite…often referred to as a “fur...