Tangentially Speaking (2024)

20/03/2022

Tangentially Speaking with Christopher Ryan : 519 - Psychedelics and Stars (with Reluctant Astrologer Anya Kaats)

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....

15/03/2022

Tangentially Speaking with Christopher Ryan : 518 - ROMA 55 (Lifeguard Lessons, Why Circles Explain More than Lines)

Should I welcome you, or thank you for welcoming me? My appreciation for the . 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...

28/02/2022

Tangentially Speaking with Christopher Ryan : 517 - ROMA 54 (What Would a World without Sexual Shame Be Like?)

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 abo...

22/02/2022

Tangentially Speaking with Christopher Ryan : 516 - ROMA 53 (Wealth in Simplicity/Russia Invades Ukraine/How & When to Hurt Others)

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 Puti...

13/02/2022

Tangentially Speaking with Christopher Ryan : 515 - ROMA 52 (Brief Birthday Message to Listeners)

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 ; Closing: "Down in Belgorod," by .

07/02/2022

Tangentially Speaking with Christopher Ryan : 514 - ROMA 51 (Rogan, Whoopi Goldberg, Good/Bad Lies)

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....

31/01/2022

Tangentially Speaking with Christopher Ryan : 513 - Rachel Krantz (Author of Open)

is the author of the reported memoir, OPEN: AN UNCENSORED MEMOIR OF LOVE, LIBERATION, AND NON-MONOGAMY (JAN 25, 2022). She’s the recipient of the Peabody Award, the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights International Radio Award, the Investigative Reporters and Editors Radio Award,...

17/01/2022

Tangentially Speaking with Christopher Ryan : 512 - Aunt Dot and Uncle Dan (My Back-up Parents)

Meet my Aunt Dot and Uncle Dan, two of my all-time favorite humans. As a little kid, I felt an extra layer of love and protection from these two, knowing that if anything ever happened to my parents, one or both of them would take care of me. Every kid should be so lucky. You can listen to my previo...

15/01/2022

Tangentially Speaking with Christopher Ryan : 511- ROMA 50

Is it really "darkest just before the dawn?" And if things need to get worse before they get better, isn't a step in the wrong direction actually a step in the right direction? Wouldn't an optimist hope things get worse so they can then hit rock bottom and start the process of getting better? Isn't....

13/01/2022

Tangentially Speaking with Christopher Ryan : 510 - Harley Rustad (Author of Book About Justin Alexander)

Harley is the author of , about the life and (probable) death of my friend (and former podcast guest), Justin Alexander. Pico Ayer, one of the best living travel writers, described Harley's book as, “One of the most haunting books of recent times. ... Somerset Maugham’s classic Razor’s Edge up...

07/01/2022

Tangentially Speaking with Christopher Ryan : 509 - ROMA 49 (Announcing Some Changes)

First episode of 2022. We made it through another weird-ass year. Gonna make some tweaks to the podcast. Thanks for taking this ride with me. Find me on or . Intro music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by "Mulata," by Raul Paz; "Elvis on the Radio, Steel Guitar in My Soul" by The KLF.

28/12/2021

Tangentially Speaking with Christopher Ryan : 508 - Timo (aka Tim Killian: Brilliant Weirdo)

Timo (aka Tim Killian) is one of my favorite people. Former Mormon, long-time political consultant in Washington state (he helped get ma*****na legalized), crisis communicator (he represented the first businesses hit by Covid), motorcycle vagabond, deep thinker, Airbnb host, animal lover, expat, fut...

20/12/2021

Tangentially Speaking with Christopher Ryan : 507 - Blake Webb (Actor)

is an actor originally from Phoenix, Arizona. He lived in Tamaulipas, Mexico for over two years as a Mormon missionary. He later left the Mormon church, and devoted himself to acting, having appeared in several television shows, including: Good Trouble (recurring), 13 Reasons Why, NCIS, Criminal Min...

13/12/2021

Tangentially Speaking with Christopher Ryan : 506 - Rick Beato (Musician/Producer/YouTube Powerhouse)

Rick Beato is the kind of guy who can make even a grumpy guy like me hopeful for humanity. After decades producing and teaching music, he's found a way to spread knowledge and joy to millions of people from his basement studio by showing us . In the past few months, he's come to the attention of ama...

27/11/2021

Tangentially Speaking with Christopher Ryan : Justin Kaliszewski - Outlaw Yogi

Justin “Jud” Kaliszewski is an author, artist, and adventurer. The renowned creator of OUTLAW Yoga, he is a best-selling yoga teacher and author of “The Outlaw Protocol – how to live as an outlaw without becoming a criminal”, and the children's picture book “The Adventures of Babu – f...

22/11/2021

Tangentially Speaking with Christopher Ryan : 504 - Dallas Hartwig (Author, Physical Therapist, Nutritionist)

Dallas is a functional medicine practitioner, Certified Sports Nutritionist, and licensed physical therapist who specializes in treating lifestyle-related hormonal, digestive, and metabolic health issues. In 2009, he co-created the original Whole30 program. In 2012, he co-authored the New York Times...

11/11/2021

Tangentially Speaking with Christopher Ryan : 503 - Paul Conti, M.D. (Psychiatrist and Author of Trauma: The Invisible Epidemic)

is adept at helping people untangle complex problems – and he also happens to be a psychiatrist. Dr. Conti is a graduate of Stanford University School of Medicine. He completed his training at Stanford and Harvard, where he served as Chief Resident. Dr. Conti is the author of , a book that brings ...

06/11/2021

Tangentially Speaking with Christopher Ryan : 502 - Alex from Caoba Farms (Sustainable Farmer/Restaurant Owner)

Alex owns and runs , just outside of Antigua, Guatemala. It's a Farm-to-Table restaurant where the tables are literally ON the farm. Best food I had in my two months in Guatemala, hands down. We talked about how he got started (growing w**d in CA, then selling lettuce to restaurants back in Guatemal...

01/11/2021

Tangentially Speaking with Christopher Ryan : 501 - Dave Pell (Managine Editor, Internet)

Dave Pell is a modern-day columnist, meaning that his column is independently produced and distributed as a daily newsletter (). He's been meaning to write a book for about 30 years, and finally got around to it. is his take on the insanity of 2020. Dave on and . Find me on or . Intro music: “Br...

26/10/2021

Tangentially Speaking with Christopher Ryan : 500 - Episode 500! (Co-hosted with Anya Kaats and Mike Maher)

That's right, this is episode 500, beatches! You can watch the recorded live stream on my , co-hosted by and . Find me on or . Music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by "Homens," by .

22/10/2021

Tangentially Speaking with Christopher Ryan : 499 - ROMA 48 (From Chappelle to Kissinger)

Coming to you from Antigua, Guatemala (the original "banana republic"), in this one, I get a few things off my chest, including American foreign policy, why Henry Kissinger is not welcome on my podcast, how group identity becomes desperately attractive in a time of crisis, and how that plays out in....

19/10/2021

Tangentially Speaking with Christopher Ryan : 498 - Ian Urbina (Journalist / The Outlaw Ocean)

Ian Urbina is an investigative reporter who writes for a variety of outlets, including The New York Times, The New Yorker, and The Atlantic. Urbina is the author of The New York Times bestseller The Outlaw Ocean, based on more than five years of reporting, much of it offshore, exploring lawlessness....

07/10/2021

Tangentially Speaking with Christopher Ryan : 497 - Andrew Gold (Filmmaker/Journalist)

Andrew is the host of the . A journalist and TV presenter who speaks 5 languages & lived in 6 countries, Andrew has produced docs on bizarre and controversial subcultures. He has battled an abusive , dueled with the Crazy Baby Lady and hunted UFOs. He's currently working on a book and TV doc on p**o...

04/10/2021

Tangentially Speaking with Christopher Ryan : 496 - Tiensirin (Thai/American Insights)

was born and raised in Bangkok, but has been living in the US for most of her adult life. We met by chance at Tao Ruspoli's place in Joshua Tree, and she allowed me to pick her brain a bit about the different cultural worlds she's moved between. The conversation took unexpected turns that left me fe...

25/09/2021

Tangentially Speaking with Christopher Ryan : 495 - Xande Ribero (Legendary Jiu-Jitsu Master)

Alexandre Ribeiro is a legendary jiu-jitsu competitor and one of the founding members of the Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu Association. Under the tutelage of some of the world’s top coaches, including Royler Gracie, Vini Aieta and Xande’s own brother Saulo Ribeiro, Alexandre earned numerous grappling titles...

Tangentially Speaking