A Brief Chat

At the age of 18, Tom Guare entered the Abbey of Gesthemani in Kentucky with the intention of becoming a monk. He left at age 22, but the experience has stayed with him over the ensuing 50 years. In this interview, Tom talks about why he decided to enter and why he chose to leave; the experience of burying Thomas Merton; why kindness is at the center of his spirituality; and more. — This sho...

Haley Deutsch lives in Baltimore with two greyhounds, Dennis and Lady. On this episode, we chat about why greyhounds make great apartment dogs; how Haley ended up adopting two of them; some health and behavior notes to be aware of if you’re considering adopting greyhounds; and more. If you’d like to see more of the adventures of Dennis and Lady, follow Haley on Instagram . — This...

With a history covering more than 80 years and a galaxy-spanning mythos, Green Lantern is one of the most enduring and expansive characters in comics. Dmitri Matheny is a life-long fan, and in this episode we talk about how he got introduced to the character; his thoughts on the changes to Green Lantern over the years; the pros and cons of the movie; and some places for new readers to start. Learn...

A century ago, the IWW was at the forefront of labor organizing in the U.S. In this episode, Andrew Miller talks about the union’s newly revitalized organizing efforts and how they differ from those of the standard “business” unions. A Brief Chat has featured the IWW before in this three-part conversation with Liss Waters Hyde: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 For more information on the his...

Trina Hawkes lives on a catamaran with her husband and newborn son. In this episode Trina talks about the ups and down of boat life; learning as you go; the family’s plan to eventually sail to Europe; and more. Follow Trina on Instagram and TikTok and check out her blog . — This show is only possible because of people like you. Visit https://www.patreon.com/worldofjc and become a suppo...

In this episode, the inspiring story of Bob Sharkey, who arrived at Sienna College in Albany, NY, in the mid-1960s, only to discover ROTC was mandatory. He worked to change that, and then ended up becoming a conscientious objector to the war in Vietnam. Bob is a talented poet, whose work you can read here . — This show is only possible because of people like you. Visit https://www.patreon.co...

A conversation with author Tanner Ballengee about his book Tourorist: How I Failed To Find Myself In Southeast Asia (Trident, 2021). We talk about his two-wheeled trip through several Southeast Asian countries; the concept of “finding yourself” while traveling; overcoming social anxiety; and Tanner’s previous book, Sixty Tattoos I Secretly Gave Myself At Work (Trident, 2018). &#8...

A conversation with writer, poet, zine maker, and publisher Jessie Lynn McMains. Their latest releases include the album Self-Portrait with Ghosts and Trains (Hello America Stereo Cassette, 2021); and Wisconsin Death Trip (Bone & Ink Press, 2020). Their work is available at https://www.recklesschants.net/ . From there you’ll find links to Jessie’s social media and more. — Th...

http://www.abriefchat.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/abctovan1.mp4

In which I update you on the progress of my van conversion and my personal conversion. Watch the YouTube version. — This show is only possible because of people like you. Visit A Brief Chat ‘s Patreon page and become a supporting member today. Members get a weekly bonus episode on Saturdays and more. Thank you. Follow Jason on Twitter: @jasondcrane Follow Jason on Instagram: @jasondcra...

In which I talk about the climate crisis, and how small intentional communities of mutual aid are probably the only way forward. Watch the YouTube version. — This show is only possible because of people like you. Visit A Brief Chat ‘s Patreon page and become a supporting member today. Members get a weekly bonus episode on Saturdays and more. Thank you. Follow Jason on Twitter: @jasondc...

In which I talk about the struggle with weight and self-worth that has partly defined my adulthood. Watch the YouTube version. — This show is only possible because of people like you. Visit A Brief Chat ‘s Patreon page and become a supporting member today. Members get a weekly bonus episode on Saturdays and more. Thank you. Follow Jason on Twitter: @jasondcrane Follow Jason on Instagra...

In which I wax nostalgic about childhood, summertime, and The Moody Blues. Watch the YouTube version. — This show is only possible because of people like you. Visit A Brief Chat ‘s Patreon page and become a supporting member today. Members get a weekly bonus episode on Saturdays and more. Thank you. Follow Jason on Twitter: @jasondcrane Follow Jason on Instagram: @jasondcrane Follow A...

In which I talk about the fairly ridiculous amount of online content I’ve now committed myself to produce. Watch the YouTube version. — This show is only possible because of people like you. Visit A Brief Chat ‘s Patreon page and become a supporting member today. Members get a weekly bonus episode on Saturdays and more. Thank you. Follow Jason on Twitter: @jasondcrane Follow Jaso...

In which I buy Lenny, a 1999 Dodge Caravan that will soon become my home. Here’s the conversion video I mentioned in the episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJjL-NWeoVI Watch the YouTube version. — This show is only possible because of people like you. Visit A Brief Chat ‘s Patreon page and become a supporting member today. Members get a weekly bonus episode on Saturdays and...

In which I read two poems from the book A Wild Patience Has Taken Me This Far by Adrienne Rich. Watch the YouTube version. (If you’re a Patreon supporter you’ll see your name!) — This show is only possible because of people like you. Visit A Brief Chat ‘s Patreon page and become a supporting member today. Members get a weekly bonus episode on Saturdays and more. Thank you....

In which I continue the conversation about #vanlife I started in ABC #194 . This time I focus on moving past fear, and on the balance between comfort and freedom. Thanks to Bob Wells and Foresty Forest for inspiration. Watch the YouTube version. — This show is only possible because of people like you. Visit A Brief Chat ‘s Patreon page and become a supporting member today. Members get...

In which I talk about my dad’s recent cancer diagnosis and how it collides with my decision last year to remove my parents from my life. Watch the YouTube version. — This show is only possible because of people like you. Visit A Brief Chat ‘s Patreon page and become a supporting member today. Members get a weekly bonus episode on Saturdays and more. Thank you. Follow Jason on Twi...

In which I talk about my plan to live in a van. Watch the YouTube version. — This show is only possible because of people like you. Visit A Brief Chat ‘s Patreon page and become a supporting member today. Members get a weekly bonus episode on Saturdays and more. Thank you. Follow Jason on Twitter: @jasondcrane Follow Jason on Instagram: @jasondcrane Follow A Brief Chat on Instagram: @a...

In which I talk about Owen and I deciding to end our relationship as partners, though not as friends. Watch the YouTube version. — This show is only possible because of people like you. Visit A Brief Chat ‘s Patreon page and become a supporting member today. Members get a weekly bonus episode on Saturdays and more. Thank you. Follow Jason on Twitter: @jasondcrane Follow Jason on Instag...

In which I read the poem “Everyday People” by my favorite living poet, Albert Goldbarth. Watch the YouTube version. — This show is only possible because of people like you. Visit A Brief Chat ‘s Patreon page and become a supporting member today. Members get a weekly bonus episode on Saturdays and more. Thank you. Follow Jason on Twitter: @jasondcrane Follow Jason on Instagr...

In which I talk about why I won’t be voting for Biden/Harris this year. Watch the YouTube version. — This show is only possible because of people like you. Visit A Brief Chat ‘s Patreon page and become a supporting member today. Members get a weekly bonus episode on Saturdays and more. Thank you. Follow Jason on Twitter: @jasondcrane Follow Jason on Instagram: @jasondcrane Follow...

In which Owen and I talk about the kinds of humor we grew up with, and what we like now. Follow Owen on Twitter . Watch the YouTube version. — This show is only possible because of people like you. Visit A Brief Chat ‘s Patreon page and become a supporting member today. Members get a weekly bonus episode on Saturdays and more. Thank you. Follow Jason on Twitter: @jasondcrane Follow Jas...

In which I talk about why I end each episode of this show by saying “I love you.” Watch the YouTube version. — This show is only possible because of people like you. Visit A Brief Chat ‘s Patreon page and become a supporting member today. Members get a weekly bonus episode on Saturdays and more. Thank you. Follow Jason on Twitter: @jasondcrane Follow Jason on Instagram: @ja...

In which Owen and I talk about vegan meatball subs, food decisions, and some jackwagon on the road. Watch the YouTube version. — This show is only possible because of people like you. Visit A Brief Chat ‘s Patreon page and become a supporting member today. Members get a weekly bonus episode on Saturdays and more. Thank you. Follow Jason on Twitter: @jasondcrane Follow Jason on Instagra...