Rich Conversations

Data scientist Vlad Yashin returns to the show. This time we talk about his recent Medium article on "The Essentials of Statistical Bias." In particular, we discuss being aware of selection bias and confirmation bias as we make decisions individually and collectively as a society. Vlad briefly notes his new hobby of sabre fencing to clear his mind and reading Nietzsche at age fifteen. Vlad shares...

Marine Biologist, Shelby Thomas, joins us from Tampa Bay, Florida. We talk all about our oceans and the importance of coral reefs. She shares what her company, Ocean Rescue Alliance does to help rebuild reefs. Imagine art installations on the ocean floor to save the world!? Shelby answers my many questions about our oceans and marine life. She also shows me her fish tank.   Follow Shelby on Instag...

José Contreras joins us from Bogotá, Colombia. He’s a software engineer and project manager. He shares with me the culture of Bogotá and Colombia and we explore the future of the internet, including elaborating on what Blockchain is.  You can follow him on Instagram @ohporjosh

Rich provides an update on the podcast, exciting episodes on the horizon, and big news. Keep learning and growing.  The podcast now has its own social media: Instagram : @richconvcos TikTok: @richconvos Twitter: @richconvospod Facebook: Rich Conversations      

Christy Lau joins us from Bangkok, Thailand. She's a teacher, writer, and poet. We chat about Bangkok, Thailand — it’s culture, people, and a bit of its history. Christy Lau loves the beaches of Thailand and hopes to visit all within time! I spent a few days in Thailand and so we talked a little about my impression and experience. We explore writing, poetry, and expressing our human emotions throu...

Embarking on a journey of self-improvement, which path does one take? We discuss personal greatness vs. mass adoption.

Sofía Villalpando returns to the show! She was on episode 114 of the show. We talked Biology, Ecosystems, and Science Communication. Late this summer she was in Jackson Hole, Wyoming for the Jackson Wild Summit. It looked like she had a ton of fun working with other people in wildlife, conservation, and science communication. I wanted to hear all about it! So she’s back and shares her experience w...

Gigi Flores is from Juárez, Mexico and has lived in El Paso, Texas for over 11 years. She shares what it's like to live on the US-Mexico border and how it shapes and affects regional culture. Gigi dives into her favorite films and what makes them interesting storytelling. She also shares her exploration into creative writing and documentary poetry. Follow her on Instagram @gigiflores02

What's life been like as a Bucks fan? How does one feel about the early 2021 NBA season? What is the precedent of champions over the last 17 years? Does any other team have Giannis Antetokounmpo on their roster? Can anyone on their rosters stop Giannis Antetokounmpo? Life as a Bucks fan is relaxing. The NBA regular season is highly enjoyable after winning an NBA Title.

Aeden Murray is a Software Engineer from Boise, Idaho. Since the pandemic, Boise has seen rapid growth. How has it changed? Aeden grew up there. We talk the city and region and what he’s observed. We also discuss the internet and he breaks down how it actually works. Very insightful. It was awesome to pick his brain about technology! You can follow him on Instagram @aedenmurray

Elizabeth Walsh is an artist from Salt Lake City. Her paintings are beautiful! She uses nature especially as inspiration. Elizabeth also shares her experience living Salt Lake City and Utah, hikes and the environment around her, and her creative process and artistic inspiration.  Links to learn more about Elizabeth: Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ElizabethWa... Website: https://www.elizabeth...

Kwame Asante joins the show. He shares the culture of Accra, Ghana with us. Why is December the most fun time to visit the country? What is the sound and music of Ghana? What is the relationship to Nigeria like? You can follow Kwame on Instagram @mr_asante  With the rest of your day, do something or hang out with people that make you feel alive and cheerful.

Joe Anhalt returns for the fourth time on the show! We recorded inside his lovely Brooklyn apartment. We discussed my recent visit to New York and spending more time in Brooklyn this trip. We talk about the city and its culture, as well as design both literally and metaphorically. Joe's Previous Appearances: Ep. 100: Brooklyn, Cultural Trends, and Using Technology Better Ep. 53: Becoming a New Yor...

New York has many attractions, but what about its thrift stores? Rich explored the thrift store scene in Brooklyn and Manhattan, returning home with a much heavier suitcase filled with treasures. Books including Mark Twain, Muhammad Ali, Elon Musk, Zero, Michelle Obama, Rise and Fall of Great Powers, Girl with a Pearl Earring, Brave New World, Soul of Kindness, Things Fall Apart, Krishnavatara IV,...

How do we create stronger physical and digital communities in the future?  Episodes focus on the importance of reflection and living with intention. We're going to explore the world through local, national, and international conversations with thoughtful individuals.

In Greenwich Village, Rich sits on a bench and recaps his New York trip.

Urban exploration photographer Chris Hall joins the show. We talk Baltimore and what the area is like, how he got into photography, and his creative process. He takes incredible photos of abandoned spaces. But why abandoned buildings? What’re his favorite kinds of places? What sticks out most?  Follow him on Instagram @hallchris

Rich shares his first day back in New York since February 2020. He visits his friend, Joe Anhalt, in Brooklyn.

Rich discusses how to apply lessons from Sacred Hoops to life. By training our mind and being present, we will objectively experience the world and be able to take action according to it rather than from our own misguided perceptions originating from our ego.

Can a farm exist within a city? Urban farmer Alex Pate joins the podcast. We recorded at one of the three City Farm Chicago locations. He showed us around and shared his experience and knowledge with us about running an urban farm. We talk science, agriculture, community, sustainability, and much more! You can watch the video on our YouTube channel to see the farm yourself! You can follow Alex on...

Rich visits the Field Museum to relax for a bit. He reflects on how learning about natural history and other broad interests have helped him improve his quality of life. He discusses viewing businesses as ecosystems, especially after reading Jack Ma's biography (Founder of Alibaba).

In our lifetimes, digital files are and will continue to be a huge component. While we strive for peace of mind in our physical world, we should aim to create the same environment digitally. Before Rich travels to New York next week, he's taken on a project of backing up digital files and making more space to create on his computer.

Zol Jargal joins the podcast from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Rich and Zol talk about Mongolian history, unique culture of nomadic people, and what life is like in the country. Zol is a tour guide and shares her her life experience. You can follow her on Instagram @zol_adventures

Rich reflects on the past weekend creating a short film on the farm with Bonelang. The crescendo was a massive bonfire after shooting scenes in the corn fields, silos, and barn. What an experience.

Rich reads chapter 7 of Sacred Hoops by Phil Jackson. Being Aware is More Important than Being Smart. This recording focuses on Jackson teaching mindfulness and meditation to the Chicago Bulls. On Sunday we honor the Sabbath by reading a chapter of Sacred Hoops. Subheadings in the chapter: Venturing Into the Here and Now Visualization Intimacy with All Things Engaging the Mind, Harnessing the Spir...