Sarah Walter started whitewater kayaking four years ago. In this episode, she talks about confronting fear; finding the flow state; using the lessons of kayaking in her daily life; and more. You can follow Sarah online at https://www.instagram.com/sarahwewa/. — This show is only possible because of people like you. Visit https://www.patreon.com/vanarchism and become a supporting…

Rowan Chamberlain is a life coach who helps folks show up for themselves by overcoming people pleasing and other common issues. On this episode Rowan talks about the nature of people pleasing; gives some tips on identifying behaviors to watch out for; defines different types of trauma and how they manifest in our daily lives;…

At the age of 18, Tom Guare entered the Abbey of Gesthemani in Kentucky with the intention of becoming a monk. He left at age 22, but the experience has stayed with him over the ensuing 50 years. In this interview, Tom talks about why he decided to enter and why he chose to leave;…

Haley Deutsch lives in Baltimore with two greyhounds, Dennis and Lady. On this episode, we chat about why greyhounds make great apartment dogs; how Haley ended up adopting two of them; some health and behavior notes to be aware of if you’re considering adopting greyhounds; and more. If you’d like to see more of the…

With a history covering more than 80 years and a galaxy-spanning mythos, Green Lantern is one of the most enduring and expansive characters in comics. Dmitri Matheny is a life-long fan, and in this episode we talk about how he got introduced to the character; his thoughts on the changes to Green Lantern over the…

A century ago, the IWW was at the forefront of labor organizing in the U.S. In this episode, Andrew Miller talks about the union’s newly revitalized organizing efforts and how they differ from those of the standard “business” unions. A Brief Chat has featured the IWW before in this three-part conversation with Liss Waters Hyde:…

Trina Hawkes lives on a catamaran with her husband and newborn son. In this episode Trina talks about the ups and down of boat life; learning as you go; the family’s plan to eventually sail to Europe; and more. Follow Trina on Instagram and TikTok and check out her blog. — This show is only…

In this episode, the inspiring story of Bob Sharkey, who arrived at Sienna College in Albany, NY, in the mid-1960s, only to discover ROTC was mandatory. He worked to change that, and then ended up becoming a conscientious objector to the war in Vietnam. Bob is a talented poet, whose work you can read here….

A conversation with author Tanner Ballengee about his book Tourorist: How I Failed To Find Myself In Southeast Asia (Trident, 2021). We talk about his two-wheeled trip through several Southeast Asian countries; the concept of “finding yourself” while traveling; overcoming social anxiety; and Tanner’s previous book, Sixty Tattoos I Secretly Gave Myself At Work (Trident,…

A conversation with writer, poet, zine maker, and publisher Jessie Lynn McMains. Their latest releases include the album Self-Portrait with Ghosts and Trains (Hello America Stereo Cassette, 2021); and Wisconsin Death Trip (Bone & Ink Press, 2020). Their work is available at https://www.recklesschants.net/. From there you’ll find links to Jessie’s social media and more. —…

In which I update you on the progress of my van conversion and my personal conversion. Watch the YouTube version. — This show is only possible because of people like you. Visit A Brief Chat‘s Patreon page and become a supporting member today. Members get a weekly bonus episode on Saturdays and more. Thank you….