S2:E11 From Marine to Mage: Crafting Vampire Wizards in Space and other Stories that Matter

S2:E15 How Libraries and Lifelong Characters Shape Who We Are

Ever wonder how the stuff on those library shelves might just be the blueprint of your soul? Or at least, how book choices reflect the books inside our heads? Buckle up—this episode is a literary ride through library secrets, growing up Asian-American, and the wild adventures of writing a novel. In this episode: * How libraries decide which books stay or go, using the "finger test" and circulation reports * The nostalgic pilgrimage to Judy Bloom’s bookstore and childhood impacts of authors like Anne Rice and Stephen King * The importance of representation in books, especially for Asian-American kids * How authors like Judy Bloom and Amy Tan turn personal struggles into powerful stories * Exploring the idea that you learn about yourself through trying new experiences—and books are no exception * The role of AI in editing, writing, and the publishing future—hello, ChatGPT! * Why fiction might be one of the best tools for imagining a better world (hello, sci-fi fans!) * Going beyond books: pottery, community, and the quiet refuge of the library Resources & Links: * Judy Bloom's Books [https://amazon.com/s?k=judy+bloom] * Anne Rice - Interview on Goodreads [https://goodreads.com/anne_rice] * Stephen King - Official Site [https://stephenking.com/] * Books and Books bookstore in Miami [https://amazon.com/Books-and-Books-Miami] * ChatGPT by OpenAI [https://openai.com/chatgpt] * Hachette Publishing [https://hachettebookgroup.com/] * Amy Tan - Official Site [https://amytan.com/] Ready to dive into the stories that shape us—literally and metaphorically? Grab your favorite beverage and let’s get lost in the world of books, family, and faceless AI editors. Trust us, by the end, you might just look at your local library a little differently—more like a treasure chest than a quiet corner. we reward listeners! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2431057/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/c/RabbitHoleswithAaron] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EzMVVsUbX/?mibextid=wwXIfr [https://www.facebook.com/share/1EzMVVsUbX/?mibextid=wwXIfr] Discord: https://discord.gg/bRrS4rKJ [https://discord.gg/bRrS4rKJ] Email: Rabbitholeswithaaron@gmail.com

S2:E14 Adventures of a Blind, Legless Cowboy: Surprising Stories & Steel Will

Ever wondered what it's like to ride a bull with one leg and zero sight? Today, Nate shares his inspiring, hilarious, and downright crazy journey — from skydiving at 10 years sober to bull riding in Texas. Buckle up, it's a wild ride! In this episode: * Nate's journey from Marine to adaptive athlete and cowboy * How he became a bull rider despite losing his leg and sight * The parallel between bull riding gear and spiritual armor * Heartwarming tales from skydiving and motorcycle crashes * Why cigars made his tear-jerking Afghanistan nights legendary * Lessons on how limits are just illusions we put on ourselves * Fun Gunny stories that remind us Marines never take themselves too seriously Resources & Links: * Adaptive Training Foundation [https://www.adaptivetrainingfoundation.org/] * Book: Live Like You Were Dying by Tim McGraw [https://www.amazon.com/Live-You-Were-Dying/dp/0310227358] And remember, life's a wild rodeo – hold on tight and enjoy the ride! we reward listeners! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2431057/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/c/RabbitHoleswithAaron] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EzMVVsUbX/?mibextid=wwXIfr [https://www.facebook.com/share/1EzMVVsUbX/?mibextid=wwXIfr] Discord: https://discord.gg/bRrS4rKJ [https://discord.gg/bRrS4rKJ] Email: Rabbitholeswithaaron@gmail.com

S2:E13 Rocking Rabbits Holes and Real Talk with Lindsay Friedman and Aaron

Hold onto your hats, folks. Today, we’re exploring the wild, weird, and wonderfully relatable world of caregiving, bartering, and road trips — all sprinkled with humor, heart, and a dash of veteran wisdom. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to swap honey for beef, or to find home in the middle of nowhere, you’re in luck. In this episode: * Lindsay dives into her heartwarming mission helping families plan for long-term care, and the power of vetted providers * Caregiving reimagined as a partnership, not a burden — spoiler: “care partner” is the new black * Wild stories of bartering in the Texas countryside, from honey to cow meat, and how society might run better if we skipped the middleman * Life on the road: from Marine Corps kid to RV nomad, and why slow travel beats flying any day * Deep thoughts on love, death, and finding home anywhere — because the heart is the true compass * The secret language of guys and how perceived stoicism hides a lot of feelings, plus how honest communication makes everything better Resources & Links: * Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss [https://riverside.com/amazon.com/Never-Split-Difference-Negotiating-Overnight/dp/0062407805] * Gary Smalley's Love Languages [https://riverside.com/amazon.com/Love-Languages-Secret-Lasting-Relationships/dp/080241270X] * The Death Doula [https://deathmidwife.com/] Connect with Lindsay Friedman: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsayfriedman] * Twitter [https://twitter.com/lindsayfriedm] And remember: life’s a big rabbit hole. The best part? We get to explore it together — with laughter, love, and honey trades along the way. we reward listeners! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2431057/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/c/RabbitHoleswithAaron] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EzMVVsUbX/?mibextid=wwXIfr [https://www.facebook.com/share/1EzMVVsUbX/?mibextid=wwXIfr] Discord: https://discord.gg/bRrS4rKJ [https://discord.gg/bRrS4rKJ] Email: Rabbitholeswithaaron@gmail.com

S2:E12 From Marine Corps to Firefighting: Tales of Brotherhood, Blast Waves & Emotional Battles

Ever wonder what stories come from pushing through chaos, brotherhood, and the emotional toll of service? Join me as I chat with Paul Krause, a Marine, firefighter, twin — yes, twin! And a guy who's seen hurricanes of sand in the Middle East to fires in the good old US of A, all with a healthy dose of humor and honesty. In this episode: * The whirlwind of Iraq deployment and that “time drags vs. flashes by” paradox * The unbreakable bonds of Marine brotherhood and transitioning out into civilian life * Sharing storms and close calls: fire emergencies, sandstorms and chaos under tents * How veteran experience translates to firefighting and leadership under pressure * Breaking down emotional walls: mental health, crying spells, and counseling saved by the Vet Center * Concept of ‘working smarter, not harder’: teamwork, line formation, and short-cuts in chaos * The importance of a support network for veterans and first responders * Tales of near disasters and how adrenaline makes time slow Resources & Links: * The Vet Center [https://www.vetcenter.va.gov/] * Book: “Once a Warrior, Always a Warrior” by Dr. George S. Everly [https://riverside.com/amazon.com/Once-Warrior-Always-Warrior-Understanding/dp/1449494204] Connect with Paul Krause: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulkrause/] * Twitter [https://twitter.com/paulkrause] For all the brave men and women fighting fires, wars, or battling unseen scars—remember, strength isn’t just muscle, it’s vulnerability. And hey, if you’ve got a support network, you’ve already won half the battle. Thanks for tuning in, and stay resilient! we reward listeners! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2431057/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/c/RabbitHoleswithAaron] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EzMVVsUbX/?mibextid=wwXIfr [https://www.facebook.com/share/1EzMVVsUbX/?mibextid=wwXIfr] Discord: https://discord.gg/bRrS4rKJ [https://discord.gg/bRrS4rKJ] Email: Rabbitholeswithaaron@gmail.com

S2:E11 From Marine to Mage: Crafting Vampire Wizards in Space and other Stories that Matter

Strap in for a wild ride through the worlds of writing, the magic of storytelling, and the importance of tiny habits—plus a dash of space vampires! Aaron welcomes his old Marine buddy, Jay Farley, an award-winning author, who reveals how practicing 500 words daily turns dreams into pages and how storytelling shapes our culture and identity. In this episode: * Jay’s new adventure into child sports and balancing family life * The myth of talent versus practice and why 10,000 hours are the secret sauce * How small habits, discipline, and organization propel creative projects forward * Exploring a future where vampires meet aliens, magic, and technology * The significance of storytelling as a human tradition and cultural meme * Deep dive into indie publishing versus traditional routes—control, marketability, and freedom * The creative flexibility of first-person POV and character authenticity * How to turn personal stories into compelling fiction and why everyone has a story worth telling * The role of reading across genres—broadening horizons and avoiding carbon copies * Wild tales: family legends, near-death experiences, and storytelling as legacy Resources & Links: * The Night Between Stars by Jay Farley [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0XXXXXXX] (fiction book mentioned) * Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007PZJH2C] * Angela Duckworth’s Grit [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E6ON726] * TikTok Indie Author Community [https://www.tiktok.com/tag/indieauthor] * Physical Therapy reversal of the agonist [https://www.physicaltherapy.com/] we reward listeners! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2431057/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/c/RabbitHoleswithAaron] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EzMVVsUbX/?mibextid=wwXIfr [https://www.facebook.com/share/1EzMVVsUbX/?mibextid=wwXIfr] Discord: https://discord.gg/bRrS4rKJ [https://discord.gg/bRrS4rKJ] Email: Rabbitholeswithaaron@gmail.com