Opening Presence with Aaron Robinson

Naim Hassan is a former U.S. Olympian who competed in the sport of Taekwondo. He is also a world traveler and photographer- born and raised in Portland, OR. In this conversation we discuss the evolution of his Creative Spirit and the visualization process that has granted Naim access to his full potential. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend. Contact:  IG @naimhasan...

Charles Kelso is a photographer based in Portland, OR. In this conversation we discuss the ways we can cope with stress in a time of transitioning. We also talk about a shared creative passion that has provided the highest of highs but also some soul crushing lows…that is, shooting on film. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend. contact: @kelsomatic

Ryan Williams is a spiritual seeker who spends most of his time in the clouds — no not what you’re thinking… he’s actually is a flight attendant who will personally ask the divine to quell any sort of turbulence. In this conversation we discuss religion, float tanks and the quest for spiritual growth. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend.

For the longest time I've been impulsive with food as a means to suppress my emotions, desires and unmet needs for loving connection. In this solo episode I dive into my complex relationship with food and break down the root causes of my emotional eating. I share my earliest childhood memories, formative experiences and how I've become more aware of my choices around consumption of all sorts. If y...

Amiri Rose is a father and storyteller based in Portland, OR. In this conversation we discuss the importance of language in crafting our personal and societal narratives and how spending time in nature has become a place where he and his sons can truly feel free. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend. contact: @amiri_rose

Marceau Michel is a performer, investor and innovative thinker based in Portland, Or/ In this conversation we discuss the dynamic landscape of romance in relationships and we also share the experiences that have shaped our perspective on what love is and how it can be expressed in each of our lives. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend. contact: @marceaumichel

In this episode I unpack some of my formative intimate experiences that shape who I am today. Bringing light to specific behavioral patterns that I've used over the years to either protect myself or escape from reality. This is an sensitive conversation with self that is ongoing and I hope it can serve as a case study for your own inquiry. Everything shared and expressed on the podcast is strictly...

In today’s episode I sit down with my friend Vincent also known as VNPRT - he is a DJ and Experience Curator based in Portland, OR. In this conversation we discuss the process of unraveling inter generational trauma and how to create environments that are progressive while also being accommodating to our highest potential. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend. Get in cont...

In today’s episode I take a trip to my home town of San Diego to visit my good friend and frequent listener of the podcast Attila Betyar. He’s a Visual Artist and Co-owner of Hermosa Surf Shop located in La Jolla. In this conversation we discuss the turning point in Tilla’s career when he said NO MORE to the predictable and decided to create his own WAVE. If you enjoy this episode, make sure you s...

In today’s episode I sit down with the Portland based Artist that we know simply as Gaijin. In this conversation we discuss the importance of Japanese Culture as an influence on his work and he introduces us to Sharkie! A character that inspires us to never settle for less and to be Forever Hungry. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend! Contact: Website: ForeverHungry.us I...

In today’s episode I sit down with Mulu Habtemariam. I won’t both trying to box him in with a title but let’s just say that he is a Natural Resource for Creatives World Wide. In the conversation we discuss the importance of bringing value to others and establishing boundaries so that we don’t get lost in our desire to serve. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend. Contact:...

Christine Miller is a conceptual artist and curator. Her work centers around racial imagery, products and histories while she consciously reframes her own cultural identity. In this conversation we dive into spirituality, her appreciation for  growing up in New York City and we read few excerpts from the book ‘ all about love- new visions’ by bell hooks. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to sha...

When you open yourself up to the world, the Universe has a way of meeting you halfway. Traveling is my preferred modality of stepping into this exchange.  One night in Oaxaca my brother and I were heading to the bar around the corner from our hotel called Txalaparta. We arrived at the front door at the same time as this young good looking couple. We introduced ourselves and subsequently spent...

Processing...

Rest in Paradise my sweet handsome boy Rocko. For 8 years you've been my best friend- my loyal companion. You've been there for me in every way imaginable. You were my light in the darkest hour. Thank you for loving me unconditionally. I am so grateful for every moment we've spent together. You've watched me learn and grow over the years and I truly wouldn't be where I am today without your suppor...

In today’s episode I  sit down with Adam Bienenfeld. He is a healer & body worker specializing in structural integration. He is also Co-Owner of Enchanted Crystal an online distributor of precious gemstones based in the Pacific Northwest. In this conversation Adam and I discuss his journey into the wellness industry and the experiences which lead him to uncover a hidden passion...Crystals! IG: @en...

Welcome to episode 50! First off I want to give a huge thank you to everyone that has supported the podcast thus far. In this episode I reflect upon the vision & ethos for OPWAR and the important role it plays as a tool for manifestation. I've learned by creating language for our desires that we can direct our energy towards experiencing abundance in a world of infinite outcomes. I also give y...

Anthony Jordan is a photographer based out of Portland, OR. In this conversation we discuss what it was like growing up in Portland and witnessing the city's transformation from a historic point of view. We also dive into his creative influences and gain insight into his journey of becoming one of the most highly in demand photographers in the industry. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to shar...

Part 2 of my birthday weekend! I sat down with an insightful world traveler from New York city named Scott Kellman. He and my brother Ryan became friends after meeting each other while traveling in Thailand (2019). In early 2020 he left NYC and decided to spend the bulk of his time in San Diego. His ability to manage work, travel and a healthy lifestyle is something that I really enjoyed learning...

In today’s SPECIAL episode of OPWAR - I sit down with Steven Sala and Ian Lockheart, 2 of my best friends who flew up to Portland from San Diego to surprise me for my birthday - along with my brother Ryan, his girlfriend Olivia and our friend Scott. The city was covered in snow so we spent most of our time together at an Airbnb eating good food, telling stories and laughing  our asses off. This wa...

In today’s episode of OPWAR - I sit down with an artist based out of Tacoma, Washington that goes by many names, but today we’ll call him James. We discuss his photography and a life changing trip to Berlin, Germany that left him forever changed. Part of that elemental shift in perspective is a concept he calls Aggressive manifestation. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a frien...

In this SOLO episode of OPWAR I share with you an experience with EAGLE that gave me the strength and confidence to surge forward into my next chapter. There is always so much happening in our lives at various levels of awareness. I hope this gives insight into how we can use the power of spirit animals and synchronicity to establish trust in our guidance that is ALWAYS leading us in the right dir...

In today’s episode of OPWAR I sit down with Irael Hammond of Thoughts with Purpose and Lakayana Drury of Word is Bond - a Portland based non profit created to empower young black men through Leadership, development , critical dialogue and engagement with local city law enforcement. In this conversation we share stories from our childhood to understand the life shaping experiences and the decisions...

Some of you may know that a lot of who we are today is a culmination of learned behaviors from childhood.  Issues of self worth, security,  fear, love, survival and identity are mostly programmed by our parents, friends, society and environment. I've found that when doing our spiritual work,  there are no shortcuts around the often times painful contents of our past. To break free of the illusions...

Chan and Margaux are the owners of BEST FRIEND Juice Bar and Cafe. In this conversation we discuss the origins of each of their spiritual practices and the journey of starting a small business from the ground up with a significant other.  Also, they provide unique insight as to how struggle and hardship are more often than not an opportunity for personal growth and transformation. If you enjo...