Tangentially Speaking with Christopher Ryan

Latest Episodes:

524 - Why Podcast? Apr 26, 2022

Show notes

If you’ve read my recent post of the same title, you can skip this one, which is mostly for folks who listen to the podcast, but haven’t checked out what’s happening at Substack yet.

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522 - Zen Rahmoun (Millennial Refugee) Apr 17, 2022

Show notes

Zen Rahmoun is living what may be the story of our age: that of the refugee. Whether triggered by war, climate change, political upheaval, or economic collapse, one in 95 people around the world have been forced to leave their home, resulting in over 82 million refugees. Well over a thousand people drown every year trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea to find a better life in Europe. Zen was almost one of them.

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Intro music “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range. Outro: “Smoke Alarm,” by Carsie Blanton.

Here’s a charmingly raw rendition of one of my all-time favorite Funkadelic songs, “Can You Get to That?,” covered by Nicki Bluhm & The Gramblers in their car. (Don’t miss the photobombing by the guy in the way back.)

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521 - Simon Rex is Riding a Red Rocket Apr 12, 2022

Show notes

In the past year or so Simon Rex’s life has changed in ways nobody could have anticipated, but the man himself has changed very little. He’s just as funny, thoughtful, kind, and generous as ever. I love this guy. I’m pretty sure you will too. Check him out in Red Rocket, streaming on Redbox, Prime Video, VUDU, Vudu Movie & TV Store or FlixFling on your Roku device.

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Intro music “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range. Featured tunes: “These Days,” by Robert Harley; “Smoke Alarm,” by Carsie Blanton.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

520 - Talking About Russia and Ukraine with my buddy Mike Lang Apr 07, 2022

Show notes

Mike Lang taught me to enjoy beer and Rush when we were 16 years old in 1978. We’ve been brothers-by-choice ever since. In addition to being one of the smartest people I know, Mike has direct family ties to Ukraine, speaks Russian fluently, and is deeply interested in the history of the region, so he seemed like a good person to chat with about what’s going on there now. Please consider subscribing to my hybrid newsletter/blog/podcast.

Intro music “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range. Featured tunes: “Down in Belgorod,” by The Paul Winter Consort; “Smoke Alarm,” Carsie Blanton.

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This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

519 - Psychedelics and Stars (with Reluctant Astrologer Anya Kaats) Mar 20, 2022

Show notes

What's the relation between "truth" and meaning? Can we scientifically verify our visions while tripping? Are psychedelics tools or teachers? Is astrology "real?" Why has "myth" come to mean something that isn't true in recent years, when no one ever claimed that myths were any truer than novels or poems? These and other questions are discussed (but not really answered) in this episode recorded on a bright, chilly Sunday afternoon in Kaş, Turkey.

Intro music: "Brightside of the Sun," by Basin and Range; "Blue Sky," by Dwayne Hoover; "Smoke Alarm," by Carsie Blanton.

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This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

518 - ROMA 55 (Lifeguard Lessons, Why Circles Explain More than Lines) Mar 15, 2022

Show notes

Should I welcome you, or thank you for welcoming me? My appreciation for the Blindboy podcast. Lifeguard lessons. Why a dog with a bone isn't your friend. Do circles explain more than lines? (Is an NFL locker room the closest thing in the straight world to a gay bath-house?)

Intro music: "Brightside of the Sun," by Basin and Range; "Free Your Mind (And Your Ass Will Follow)," by Funkadelic.

This episode is sponsored by OMGYES.com. Click here for 10% off your lifetime membership.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

517 - ROMA 54 (What Would a World without Sexual Shame Be Like?) Feb 28, 2022

Show notes

Try to imagine a culture in which children aren't taught that their bodies and desires are dangerous, shameful, and disgusting. What would that be like? Also, I discuss what I got wrong (and right) about the current invasion of Ukraine, and the dangerous phrase, "freak of nature." Lastly, I talk about how life presents a series of "should I stay or should I go?" choices that are kind of like rowing away from the island you're on, not knowing when/if you'll find another. Turns out, there may be almost magical indications that can lead us to safety.

The situation with the Queen of Dark.

The article about "Te lapa," or "the flashing."

Intro music: "Brightside of the Sun," by Basin and Range;

This episode is sponsored by OMGYES.com. Click here for 10% off your lifetime membership.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

516 - ROMA 53 (Wealth in Simplicity/Russia Invades Ukraine/How & When to Hurt Others) Feb 22, 2022

Show notes

In this one, I discuss the totally cliche notion that happiness is to be found in simple pleasures (and bodily functions), the strange wisdom of Thai gender identity, the ramifications of the illusion that we can live without causing pain to other beings, my sense of what's really going on with Putin and Ukraine, and the idiocy of toilet paper.

Intro music: "Brightside of the Sun," by Basin and Range; "Mr. Man" and "4AM in Gharo," by Raapta.

This episode is sponsored by OMGYES.com. Click here for 10% off your lifetime membership.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

515 - ROMA 52 (Brief Birthday Message to Listeners) Feb 13, 2022

Show notes

Made it to 60! Too late to die young. This is just a very brief, very personal message to you, if you listen to this podcast. Many thanks. Intro music: "Brightside of the Sun," by Basin and Range; Closing: "Down in Belgorod," by Paul Winter Consort.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

514 - ROMA 51 (Rogan, Whoopi Goldberg, Good/Bad Lies) Feb 07, 2022

Show notes

Coming to you from Koh Pha Ngan, Thailand, in this one I discuss my insights into Joe Rogan (and the current controversy), my thoughts on Whoopie Goldberg's race mess, the practical costs of being in Thailand these days (rent, food, etc.), and I wonder why rich podcasters still run ads (just before asking you to donate to THIS podcast, hosted by a decidedly unrich guy). Then I play a lovely song called "13 or So," by friend of the podcast, Nick Hornbuckle.

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This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

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