My Eighth Grade English Teacher

Cravings & Connections

The sweet and sour story of a childhood sugar addiction. Unlearning the lies taught to American soldiers. Learning to engage with the five senses to create emotional safety. The promise of a new friend. A father grieves at the bar on Christmas Eve.    Music by Shane Ivers

My Eighth Grade English Teacher

After 20 years since eighth grade, I went back to Colorado Springs to track down the woman who had inspired me to ask big questions and broaden our perspective of reality. Mrs. Esmiol, now retired (but still intensely productive), met me in the lobby of a fancy downtown hotel for a lively conversation. We explored her story of persevering through assumptions society made about her limitations, her philosophy on the role of an educator, and how we can all embody this powerful intentionality to inspire the best in others. It was a gift to spend this time with her and to celebrate her lifetime of eternal tenacity to make the world a better place.

Becoming Indomitable

The curious group dynamics of geese in Denver. The mormons are watching us, thank God. Exploring what it means to be emotionally self sufficient, and deciding to find formal training. The drive south to Colorado Springs. The dreams of a 15 year old foster child. Finally, after twenty years, Shua reconnects with his now 83 year old 8th grade English teacher, and shares a few precious hours unpacking the beautiful chaos of our current reality. A brief glimpse of her words are included here, and the next episode features the full recorded interview.  . . . Background music by Shane Ivers

Josh In Boulder

After podcasting in the streets of downtown boulder, Shua meets up with someone he had never met, named Josh, to connect over the deepest elements of the human experience each of them were in touch with. They explore inspiration, despair, and how to balance contributing to others with caring for the self. Opening up to strangers like this can be uncomfortable, but this conversation also proved how powerful it can be.  . . . Background music by Walking Backwards

Feeling Bolder

Traveling west of Denver to a small town at the edge of the Rockies (you guessed it, Boulder), Shua contemplates a conundrum: are humans the most destructive force on the planet, or is the entire idea of destruction a myth? For the first time on this adventure, he sets up microphones in the streets and talks with random people about what's happening for them in life. They discuss confidence, intentional personal expression, vulnerability, conflict collaboration, homelessness and bible studies. Not bad for a sunny Sunday afternoon, eh?  . . .   Background music by Shane Ivers