Opening Presence with Aaron Robinson

I know you're still feeling full and lethargic from the holiday but you gotta get up and get moving if you want things to change for the better. At least that's what I keep telling myself. Eventually my actions match my words. 

Morgan Jones is a Political Analyst & Co Host of the Unrefined Sophisticates Podcast. In this conversation we discuss the failures of the American education, justice and political systems, the dangerous rhetoric of YE , Portland's unearned progressive reputation & how actor Sinbad did in fact play a genie at one point. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend. 

Jay Ulinwa is a photographer and creative visionary based in Portland, OR. In this conversation we discuss language and the sacred exchange of communication, what it's like growing up in a Nigerian household and our duty to nurture the growth of our creative community. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend.

Just checkin in on y'all. Reminding you to trust your inner guidance and everything will work out for you. The universe knows all there is to know. Don't get in the way of the divine.

Tyler Joanou is an artist, a U.S. Army Veteran and the "Host of the podcast How R U Healing?" In this conversation we discuss how overcoming our conditioning requires a relentless spirit, why getting married at a young age is not the greatest idea and finding fulfillment in serving others. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend. Contact:  @as_told_by_tyler

Angela Sevilla Lugo and Dustin Le are industrial designers based in Portland, OR and the Creatives behind Los Objects and Earthian respectively. In this conversation we discuss the dangers of constructing a narrative without direct experience, bringing value to others through design and the beauty of imperfection. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend. contact: @los_object...

Nubien is a cosmic voyager and an energy existing in multiple dimensions. In this conversation we discuss our relationship to spirituality and the massively unspoken subject of male sexual trauma. I can't stress how important it is to have conversations that challenge common perceptions and give permission to everyone listening right now to explore the depths of our souls for truth, self acceptanc...

Sean Coolidge is known by some as the Jonny Appleseed of Joy, Mr. Mary Poppins...but I am honored to call him a brother and an amazing friend.  In this conversation  we discuss what makes a good coffee shop, the importance of community and the art of showing up with love and holding space for others wherever we go. If you enjoy this episode, make sure ti share it with a friend. contact: @bendayhoe

Page Ray is a creative, stylist and curator based in Portland, OR. In this conversation we bond over our mutual admiration for YSL rapper Gunna, we talk about the journey of sobriety and how much fun it is to try new things without the pressure to monetize. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend.  Contact: @pageray @prettyb0yprince

Darrell Wade is a community activist, educator and the Founder of Black Men's Wellness - a non profit and community based initiative that addresses the health concerns commonly affecting Black and African American men. In this conversation we discuss the importance of having a hands on approach to our personal health and how Black Men's Wellness has made healing approachable through it's workshops...

Malik Coburn is a DJ and Outdoor Educator originally from Chicago, Illinois but currently based in Portland, OR.  In this conversation we discuss what it was like growing up in Chi Town and his earliest experiences being drawn to the beauty of ecology. WE also dive into the simple things that we can do every day to create homeostasis within ourselves. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to s...

Elana Seskin is the Owner of Una Pluma - super soft organic cotton clothing crafted with care for you and our planet, designed in Portland, OR and sewn in Kathmandu. In this conversation we discuss Elana's love for Nepal and what has kept her coming back for the last two decades. We also explore her journey of starting and running a business and what it really means to create ethical & sustain...

Colin Chapman is a physical therapist and adventure athlete based in Bend, OR. In this conversation we discuss what it was like for us growing up in Carlsbad, the importance of taking responsibility for our physical health and finally we do our best to get cancelled by talking about gender identity, vaccines and our daddy issues. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend.&nbsp...

Brandon Scott Herrell is a photographer, writer and key contributor to my favorite outdoor lifestyle brand Earth Studies. In this conversation, we discuss the freedom and chaos of growing up in a punk band, the divisive sorcery of online marketing and the importance of seeing the bigger picture when it comes to our creative work. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend. Cont...

Ralen Jones is the Executive Director of PDX Black Excellence - a non profit organization that is dedicated to creating awareness, equity and unity amongst Portland's Black Community. In this conversation Ralen shares the experiences that lead him on to the path of sobriety from alcohol. We also reflect on how taking inventory of Self leads to making better decisions which directly affect our futu...

In today's episode I sit down with Divine Lovers Ashley and Andrew Arasaki. In this conversation we discuss their journey of awakening , the importance of holding space for others and how we are consciously creating the new earth. Ashley and Saki also peel back the curtain of their intimate life and show us how they work through challenges with compassion and clear communication. I am infinitely g...

In today's episode I sit down with the sonically ephemeral trio known as The Gard3n - a music group comprised of members Chilifa Nem, IVY, & Neeks FM repping the banner Never Home Music based in Portland, OR. In this conversation we discuss astrology, emotional self awareness and the process of managing the expectations of our family by finding trust with our inner guidance toward our highest...

Ray Thatch is a Chef, Entrepreneur and Hospitality Extraordinaire. In this conversation Ray shares his journey of transformation through trusting his inner guidance and seeing first hand how every experience is meant to teach us a valuable lesson. We also dive into how Ray got his start in the restaurant industry and the art of providing a one of a kind experience. If you enjoy this episode, make...

In today's solo episode I reflect on the journey of Opening Presence. It's been 2 years since I started the pod and it has been the ride of lifetime. I started with a deep desire to speak my truth , connect with amazing people and to share my growth in real time. I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity to live in my purpose and to share it with you all. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to s...

Jesse Morrow is a designer, musician and the Co-Founder of OLD FRIEND - a branding studio based in Portland, OR. In this conversation we discuss Jesse's creative journey starting from a small town in Michigan. Embarking on this non linear process that could be summarized as a lot  of learning by doing. Experiences that ultimately lead him to quit his job at Facebook to start an agency with his bes...

Thy Thy is a singer, songwriter and music teacher based in Portland, OR. She discovered music at an early age and has since dedicated her life to pursuing her dreams. In this conversation  we discuss how writing songs about love helps her to process and move through difficult emotions. We also dive into how teaching others is an act of fortifying the commitment we've made to ourselves. If you...

Murphy Welch is a Multidisciplinary artist who's work embodies the magical spirit of Nature. In this conversation we discuss the hidden beautry of death & how giving ourselves the permission to do what excites us is an act of self love. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend.' Contact: IG: @mrrfskrrt

Rob Lewis is a Creative Director, Graphic Designer, Visionary and the Host of Stellar Regions on KMHD Portland. In this conversations we discuss Rob’s earliest musical influences - being a child of Remix culture. We also dive into the process of intentionally programming our inputs through curating our environment to foster personal growth, inspiration & creativity. If you enjoy this episode, make...

In today's solocast I share some of my thoughts about "falling in love with the process'. What process exactly? Well it's a culmination of many things. It's my morning routine , the habits and strategies that I use to create the life that I'm excited to live. Engaging with Creative Self Realization boils down to choices. Becoming aware of what I put in my body and quality of information that I tak...

Amber Boydston is the Founder of Spirited Justice - a Non Profit organization founded on the principles of Justice, Abolition, Equity and Mindfulness. In this conversation we discuss how Curiosity is a driving force towards truth and not accepting the lies we’ve been conditioned to accept We also speak on how Black Liberation depends on winning the war against white supremacy and colonialism. If y...