Zen Sammich

Zen Sammich is back for Season 2 after a brief December hiatus. After a recap of the first year and a sneak peek at the new season, the discussion turns to what it means to abide, to accept impermanence, and to exist. If you like this episode, consider making a one time donation through Red Circle (click the link below) or become a supporter of Zen Sammich for as little as $3 at patreon.com/zensam...

Though it can be translated in a variety of ways, Ubuntu is an ancient word and humanist African philosophy that fundamentally means a person is a person through other people. I explore this concept, not only as a motivation to help others, but as a source for what it means to be truly alive. If you like this episode or any other, consider supporting the show with a one time donation (even for jus...

Born and raised in the infamous “Children of God” cult, Petra Velzeboer these days is a successful CEO, a TEDx speaker, and a mental health consultant for businesses. It was not a straight line path, of course, to go from one to the other. Along the way, she battled the psychological trauma of going beyond her upbringing, alcoholism, and suicidal thoughts. Her story is a fascinating journey of bra...

Jim R. Jacobs is the author of Driving Lessons for Life and its newly released sequel, Driving Lessons for Life 2. He eloquently weaves the metaphor of actual driving with the way we navigate our lives. Are we in control or do we allow all of the distractions to manipulate the path we take? From getting a handle on road rage to social media obsession, Jim has some thoughtful solutions on how to re...

Chaeli Mycroft is a South African ability activist with cerebral palsy and says that DOES, in fact, help define who she is. She became the first female quadriplegic to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain on the African continent. She has completed ultra-marathons of over 89km (55miles). And she isn’t simply “along for the ride.” It takes a toll on her body each time. Chaeli is also the au...

Will Kimbrough is a singer-songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist. His credits and collaborations include the likes of Jimmy Buffett, Todd Snyder and Emmylou Harris. Will shares stories of hanging with Roger Waters, REM, and other rock & roll tales. One of the best ZS interviews, this is an episode for any music fans out there. Check out Will's website at willkimbrough.com Follow W...

Erica Rankin is the founder and CEO of Bro Dough, a vegan cookie dough company based in Canada. An entrepreneur in her 20s, she's very transparent about the trials and tribulations she has gone through to get where she is now. The company continues to grow and be successful, but she still faces difficulties at times, both professionally and personally. She often puts it all out there for the w...

Thomas Benjamin Wild Esq. is the mastermind behind the viral hit "I've No More F***s To Give," now with nearly 10 million views on youtube alone. He is much more than that one song, however, with two albums out and a third due out in November 2021. He talks about the viral hit, his music often being misunderstood, and where he gets the inspiration for his songs. Check him out at: tombw...

Andrew Jordan Nance is the founder of Mindful Arts San Francisco, an educational organization that provides mindfulness instruction to kindergarten and elementary students. He is also the author of four books, three of which are children's books, including the wildly popular "Puppy Mind." He also wrote a curriculum book for teachers entitled "Mindful Arts in the Classroom: Stories...

There are many restrictive laws on abortion across the United States. Why is the recent one in Texas such a big deal? And what does Zen thought say, if anything, about abortion in the first place? If you like this episode, consider supporting the show with a one time donation or by becoming a supporter with a just a $3 contribution at patreon.com/zensammich. If you become a patron at any level, yo...

Andy Rickles and Rob Kreitlein are back on Zen Sammich to discuss where to get the news and how to determine whether it is fake or BS or something else. Two news sources discussed and worth taking a look: https://fivethirtyeight.com/ https://www.allsides.com/unbiased-balanced-news If you like this episode, consider supporting the show with a one time donation or by becoming a supporter with a just...

As complex as we try to make getting your mind still sometimes, truth is, you can do a 1-2-3 technique to get out of your head. If you like this episode, consider making a one time donation through Red Circle or become a supporter of Zen Sammich for as little as $3 at patreon.com/zensammich. If you become a patron, you will receive a handmade (on traditional Japanese paper), personalized postcard...

Imagine what it might be like if your sibling committed a murder, had an hours long shootout with the police - while you were there at the scene - then took his or her own life before the SWAT team could make an arrest or take them out. Debbie Marquess discusses her real experience with this from just 3 years ago. Here is a link to the Newsweek story on the event: https://www.newsweek.com/who-was-...

Second half of the Zen Sammich interview with Austin Archer. At 650K TikTok followers and 12.2M likes (both of which will have gone up by the time you are reading this), Austin Archer is a TikTok sensation (and much, much more). https://www.tiktok.com/@yourpal_austin Check out his biolink here:  https://bio.link/austinarcher Buy his music here:  https://austinarchermusic.bandcamp.com/ (I highly re...

At 650K TikTok followers and 12.2M likes (both of which will have gone up by the time you are reading this), Austin Archer is a TikTok sensation (and much, much more). https://www.tiktok.com/@yourpal_austin Check out his biolink here: https://bio.link/austinarcher Buy his music here: https://austinarchermusic.bandcamp.com/ (I highly recommend Beautiful Things) If you like this episode, consider ma...

Comedian Caroline Exum is back to discuss life and obstacles and stereotypes as a female comic, as well as some experiences with the likes of Tommy Chong, Pauly Shore, Bobcat Goldthwait, and David Sedaris. If you like this episode, consider making a one time donation through Red Circle or become a supporter of Zen Sammich for as little as $3 at patreon.com/zensammich. If you become a patron, you w...

So why is Socialism a bad word? Is Socialism the same thing as Marxism? Spoiler alert: it isn't. Will Taylor Swift be banned if the Democrats have their way? Senator Marsha Blackburn of TN thinks so. If you like this episode, consider making a one time donation through Red Circle or become a supporter of Zen Sammich for as little as $3 at patreon.com/zensammich. If you become a patron, you wil...

Two time TEDx speaker, Aziph Mustapha joins Zen Sammich to discuss being weird, having the right amount of confidence, and being grateful all along the way, even when you take a hit. Follow his inspirational musings and observations on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/aziph/ Here are Aziph's TEDx Talks: "To Be the Best, Be a Weirdo" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXLuT8G6n8U&am...

If you want to get out of your head when you have negative thoughts, or keep replaying a bad memory, or holding a grudge, see the world with a "Beginner's Mind." Also, you are not as entrenched in your situation as you think. You can start with a blank slate at any time. If you like this episode, consider making a one time donation through Red Circle or become a supporter of Zen Sammic...

Popular, prolific artist Homer Duke candidly discusses the end of his marriage and staying positive through it all. The secret? Choose kindness and trust the journey. Follow Homer on Twitter: @DukeHomer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homerduke/ TikTok: homerduke3 (@artsy.af1) https://www.facebook.com/ArtistHomerDuke If you like this episode, consider making a one time donation through Red Ci...

Mariah Edgington is an Integrative RN Health Care Coach, an author, a world traveler, and a calming influence to speak with. Her message of "own your value" and know that "you are enough" is not merely positive and inspirational, it is essential. Follow her on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahedgington/ And her newly formed channel on youtube at https://www.youtube.com...

You know the "ABC" of sales? "Always Be Closing." Well, the ABC of your soul is Always Be Creating. Sing. Dance. Write. Paint. Hell, start a podcast... Creation develops the essence of who we are, no matter how small the project or how old we are when we begin. If you like this episode, consider making a one time donation through Red Circle or become a supporter of Zen Sammich for...

Comedian Caroline Exum and I talk about her own path doing stand up over the past 20+ years, as well as talk about an array of other comics from Paula Poundstone and Bill Burr to Lenny Bruce and Bill Cosby. Finally, why and how do we get humor out of tragedy? If you like this episode, consider making a one time donation through Red Circle or become a supporter of Zen Sammich for as little as $3 at...

On this episode, I nerd out a little about getting older with a smile on your face. There's some science and zen and snobbish nostalgia on this one! If you like this episode, consider making a one time donation through Red Circle or become a supporter of Zen Sammich for as little as $3 at patreon.com/zensammich If you become a patron, you will receive a handmade (on traditional Japanese paper)...

In a genuine attempt at greater understanding, familiar co-hosts Andy Rickles and Rob Kreitlein join Zen Sammich to discuss transgenderism in sports, among other things. Admittedly, three unqualified white guys earnestly discuss our perceptions in an effort for better understanding and compassion, as well as definitions of what it might mean for someone to be "non-binary." If you like this...