My Favorite Things

The concept for the My Favorite Things podcast is simple: Each guest compiles a list of five books, movies, music, art, and other creative works that have helped shape their lives. My guest for Episode 12 is Jonathan Ellsworth, writer, podcaster, founder of Blister Review, and former philosophy professor. Jonathan’s favorite things are: * Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway* Philosophy as a Way of Life by Pierre Hadot* Pulp Fiction (trailer)* Don Quixote by Pablo Picasso* “Mississippi” by Bob DylanOther stuff we talked about:* “Last Thoughts on Woody Guthrie” by Bob Dylan Get full access to Semi-Rad at semirad.substack.com/subscribe

For My Favorite Things, I’m interviewing people about the books, movies, music, art, and other creative works that have helped shape their lives. My guest for Episode 11 is Zoë Rom, journalist, podcaster (Your Diet Sucks https://www.yourdietsuckspodcast.com/ , The Trailhead https://podlink.com/1640142466 ), running coach, elite ultrarunner, and stand-up comedian. Zoë’s favorite things are:1. Blalock’s Indie Rock Playlisthttps://birp.fm/ 2. About a Mountain by John D’AgataPublisher’s Pagehttps://wwnorton.com/books/9780393339017 Bookshophttps://bookshop.org/a/4216/9780393339017Amazonhttps://amzn.to/4qvclLR 3. Ways of Hearinghttps://www.radiotopia.fm/showcase/ways-of-hearing 4. Nathaniel Russel’s Arthttp://nathanielrussell.com/ 5. Lady Bird https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNi_HC839Wo Other things we mentioned:“Temptation” by Jukebox the Ghosthttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVFo7pXzQqA “Welcome Home” byRadical Facehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8a4iiOnzsc The Lifespan of a Fact by John D’Agata and Jim Fingalhttps://wwnorton.com/books/9780393340730 The Things We Carried by Tim O’Brienharpercollins.com/products/the-things-they-carried-tim-obrien The Perfect Storm by Sebastian Jungerhttps://wwnorton.com/books/The-Perfect-Storm/ Into the Raging Sea by Rachel Sladehttps://www.harpercollins.com/products/into-the-raging-sea-rachel-slade?variant=32207635087394  Get full access to Semi-Rad at semirad.substack.com/subscribe

For My Favorite Things, I’m interviewing people about the books, movies, music, art, and other creative works that have helped shape their lives. My guest for Episode 9 is Kurt Wikel, geophysicist, dad, and brewery co-owner. Kurt’s favorite things are:1. The Simpsons2. Daft Punk — HomeworkApple Music | Spotify | YouTube3. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert W. PirsigPublisher’s Page | Bookshop | Amazon4. A Coconut Named Bob by Austin WeaverPublisher’s Page | Amazon5. Dune by Frank HerbertPublisher’s Page | Bookshop | AmazonMovie trailer Get full access to Semi-Rad at semirad.substack.com/subscribe

Mike Sowden, former archaeologist turned travel and science writer behind the Substack Everything Is Amazing. He reminisces about halloumi and Cyprus, explains why John Williams’ Raise the Titanic theme is a personal soundtrack, champions Alastair Humphreys’ ethos of microadventures, praises electric blankets, and muses on distant coastal lights and the human urge to explore.

For My Favorite Things, I’m interviewing people about the books, movies, music, art, and other creative works that have helped shape their lives. My guest for Episode 8 is Chandra Brown, writer, educator, raft guide, and founder of the Freeflow Institute (where she has graciously allowed me to teach an annual writing workshop since 2019). Chandra’s favorite things are:* Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’DellPublisher’s Page | Bookshop | Amazon* My Morning Jacket, At Dawn (album) Apple Music | Spotify | YouTube* America Windows by Marc Chagall, Art Institute of Chicago* Sturgill Simpson concert at the Wilma in Missoula, November 8, 2016* Her dad’s Micromet weather data collection units, early 1990s to present Get full access to Semi-Rad at semirad.substack.com/subscribe

For My Favorite Things, I’m interviewing people about the books, movies, music, art, and other creative works that have helped shape their lives. My guest for Episode 7 is Andy Pearson, VP of creative at Liquid Death, dad of two kids, ultramarathon runner, and co-host of the Between Two Pines podcast. Andy’s favorite things are:1. Back to the Future Part II2. Calvin and Hobbes3. I Get Wet by Andrew WKApple Music | Spotify | YouTube4. On the Road by Jack KerouacPublisher’s Page | Bookshop | Amazon5. Boys and Girls in America by The Hold SteadyApple Music | Spotify | YouTubeOther things we talked about: The Curse Get full access to Semi-Rad at semirad.substack.com/subscribe

For My Favorite Things, I’m interviewing people about the books, movies, music, art, and other creative works that have helped shape their lives. My guest for Episode 6 is running coach, podcaster, writer, and runner Mario Fraioli. Mario’s favorite things are:* The Beatles — Here Comes The SunApple Music | Spotify | YouTube* Hunter S. Thompson’s letter to Hume Logan* On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen KingPublisher’s Page | Bookshop | Amazon* John Gruber’s Daring Fireball* The White Stripes — Little RoomApple Music | Spotify | YouTube* Seth Godin’s blog* The church at the end of Mario’s streetOther things we mentioned:* It Might Get Loud (trailer)* Jimmy Page scene in It Might Get Loud* Get full access to Semi-Rad at semirad.substack.com/subscribe

For My Favorite Things, I’m interviewing people about the books, movies, music, art, and other creative works that have helped shape their lives. My guest for Episode 5 is Anya Miller Berg, brand creative director at Mountain Hardwear, climber, mountain biker, former architect, and cat mom. Anya’s favorite things are:1. Teenagers in Their Bedrooms by Adrienne SalingerPublisher’s Page | Bookshop | Amazon2. Bobo Choses3. Les Others Magazine4. Barking at the Knot - Seamus Foster5. (large scale art):* Echoes of the Infinite by Alex Proba* Souvenir by Kathleen Ryan* The Red Popsicle by Catherine Mayer Get full access to Semi-Rad at semirad.substack.com/subscribe

Kris Hampton, a talented climbing coach, podcaster, and founder of Power Company Climbing, shares his creative journey. He reflects on the impact of hip-hop, recalling how he was drawn to Doug E. Fresh’s 'The Show' despite parental restrictions. Kris connects personal values to 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' revealing how Atticus Finch shaped his activism. He also delves into the deep emotional ties music holds in our lives, from concerts with family to the profound loneliness of Hopper's 'Nighthawks,' celebrating the beauty in small moments.

Ed Roberson, a podcaster and adventurer, shares insights from his life and creative influences. He reveals how Jimmy Buffett's liner notes ignited his love for literature and the outdoors. Ed reflects on the impact of 'The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt,' embracing a 'strenuous life,' and battling melancholy through discipline. He discusses Winslow Homer's evocative painting, 'The Gulf Stream,' as a symbol of purpose. Additionally, Ed highlights the importance of community explored in Sebastian Junger's 'Tribe' and celebrates the enduring appeal of the film 'Road House' with its mix of humor and life lessons.