Tangentially Speaking with Christopher Ryan

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit chrisryan.substack.comMy friend Riley Morton is a film-maker, documentarian, world traveler, back country skier, deep thinker and all-around badass. He and I sat down for about six hours over two days and he picked my brain about who I am, who I’ve been, and the experiences and ideas that formed the foundation for what eventually became a book called Sex at Dawn.

The discussion dives into whether Trump poses the right questions with the wrong answers. It questions the timeline of societal collapse and explores why intelligent people often say foolish things. Historical influences on today’s political landscape, particularly the interplay between movements, are scrutinized. The conversation touches on trans athletes in sports and the contentious discourse surrounding gender identity. Finally, it reflects on the void created by dishonest leadership and shares engaging personal anecdotes.

In this enlightening conversation, Simon Rex, an actor, comedian, and former MTV VJ known for his role in Red Rocket, takes us on a journey through his vibrant career. He shares nostalgic reflections on his musical journey and the transformative power of youth. Delving into the rich history of Laurel Canyon, Simon discusses its unique atmosphere and community. The discussion also navigates the complexities of fame, relationships in Hollywood, and the transition from comedy to drama, offering a candid look at the nuances of the entertainment industry.

Uncle Dan, Christopher Ryan's outspoken uncle known for his unconventional life, reflects on profound themes in this moving installment. He shares heartfelt anecdotes on navigating personal relationships, aspirations for flight, and the chaos of childbirth. The discussion touches upon his journey through faith, health struggles, and the importance of resilience. Uncle Dan's experiences with grief and the complexity of male friendships offer a unique lens on life's unpredictable nature. This touching tribute encapsulates a life well-lived and deeply felt.

Young guy writes a Substack piece about his favorite author, Cormac McCarthy. It gets a few reads, and turns out that one of those readers knows old Cormac and actually reads him the piece. In fact, she’s known and loved old Cormac for 40+ years. She corresponds with the young guy and eventually decides he’s the right person to tell her story, which is a love story that began almost half a century ago, when she was a homeless 16 year-old girl who randomly met a not yet famous author in his 40s sitting by the pool at a run-down motel in New Mexico. Crazy, wild love story/lifelong friendship commences. Young guy writes this forbidden love story, publishes it in Vanity Fair in prissy, easily offended 2024, and all hell breaks loose.Vincenzo’s Substack is here. Vincenzo’s professor’s Substack is here.Dare to join us in Montana this summer!If you’re gonna buy stuff on Amazon, please use this link.Intro music “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range. “Star People,” by George Michael. “Come on in My Kitchen,” sung by Chris Thomas King. 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

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit chrisryan.substack.comA few of the questions I ponder in this one: How can we distinguish what’s true for me from what’s just true? How can we tell when the shit’s hitting the fan? Is it always hitting the fan? When is a dress not a dress? How is a bikini like “the N-word?” Was Trump inevitable? Do we choose our world, or are we just observers? Intro music “Brightside of the…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit chrisryan.substack.comWhat does it mean to be a “consenting adult?” (Thoughts on the Neil Gaiman mess.)Why podcast?David Milch: “People who are unable to turn their wishes into passions … sit passively in mute outrage, anticipating disasters.” The original article accusing Gaiman is here. Kat Rosenfield’s thoughts are here. Information about the Becoming Uncivilized event is

Theo Von, a comedian and podcaster known for his candidness, dives into a range of intriguing topics. He reflects on his trip to China and its cultural quirks while exploring the strange allure of fame. The conversation touches on mental health as a societal issue, the ethics of relationships, and personal addiction experiences. With a blend of humor and vulnerability, Theo shares childhood misunderstandings and candid thoughts on authenticity in comedy, making for a deep yet entertaining discussion.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit chrisryan.substack.comCameron has been studying and sharing martial arts, yoga and mobility for over 30 years producing hundreds of highly skilled teachers world wide. He currently lives and runs Budokon University Montana with his wife Budokon University Director Melayne Shayne.Come decivilize yourself with us in Montana this summer. More info h…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit chrisryan.substack.comPete and I entertain a few questions and we talk by the fire. Among them: What is soul? Is there a purpose in learning these lessons as we get older? Are silence and solitude necessary components to the soul’s maturity? Are silence and solitude even available in a world overrun by the “attention economy?”