Shua Wanders [a podcast]

The sweet and sour story of a childhood sugar addiction. Unlearning the lies taught to American soldiers. Learning to engage with the five senses to create emotional safety. The promise of a new friend. A father grieves at the bar on Christmas Eve. 
 
Music by Shane Ivers

After 20 years since eighth grade, I went back to Colorado Springs to track down the woman who had inspired me to ask big questions and broaden our perspective of reality. Mrs. Esmiol, now retired (but still intensely productive), met me in the lobby of a fancy downtown hotel for a lively conversation. We explored her story of persevering through assumptions society made about her limitations, her philosophy on the role of an educator, and how we can all embody this powerful intentionality to inspire the best in others. It was a gift to spend this time with her and to celebrate her lifetime of eternal tenacity to make the world a better place. 
 

The curious group dynamics of geese in Denver. The mormons are watching us, thank God. Exploring what it means to be emotionally self sufficient, and deciding to find formal training. The drive south to Colorado Springs. The dreams of a 15 year old foster child.
Finally, after twenty years, Shua reconnects with his now 83 year old 8th grade English teacher, and shares a few precious hours unpacking the beautiful chaos of our current reality. A brief glimpse of her words are included here, and the next episode features the full recorded interview. 
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Background music by Shane Ivers
 

After podcasting in the streets of downtown boulder, Shua meets up with someone he had never met, named Josh, to connect over the deepest elements of the human experience each of them were in touch with. They explore inspiration, despair, and how to balance contributing to others with caring for the self. Opening up to strangers like this can be uncomfortable, but this conversation also proved how powerful it can be. 
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Background music by Walking Backwards 

Traveling west of Denver to a small town at the edge of the Rockies (you guessed it, Boulder), Shua contemplates a conundrum: are humans the most destructive force on the planet, or is the entire idea of destruction a myth?
For the first time on this adventure, he sets up microphones in the streets and talks with random people about what's happening for them in life. They discuss confidence, intentional personal expression, vulnerability, conflict collaboration, homelessness and bible studies.
Not bad for a sunny Sunday afternoon, eh? 
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Background music by Shane Ivers

Driving to Denver to spend time with an urban cowboy, Shua is thrilled to have bounced back from a productive low, and begins to see some lighter days ahead.
He reminds himself worrying can be wasteful, that there is meaning in the moment, and that passion is the gateway to growth, skills, opportunity, and meaningful achievement. He reflects on distracted driving, racism and assumptions. He questions unquestionable social movements such as Black Lives Matter, and explores how to contribute to the wellbeing of others. 
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Background music by Shane Ivers

For anyone who has succumbed to the despair of doubt and the hopelessness of the future, and then found the mental shift to rise above the tired narratives and reconnect with creativity and enthusiasm: this one is for you. 
Sick, tired, lonely, and trapped in the prisons of both a Days Inn and a restless mind, Shua sifts through uncertainty in an effort to answer the age-old question:
Do I give up, or do I keep going?
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Background music by Shane Ivers

The first week in the van proved more difficult than imagined, both in terms of circumstances, emotions, and physiology. A lonely traveler tries to determine what the issue is, while continuing to drive south towards his past. 
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Background music by Shane Ivers

Having mentally and physically paced back and forth across Bozeman while waiting for the van to arrive, the patience pays off. New struggles replace old ones and the simple things are no longer taken for granted. 
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Background music by Shane Ivers

Descending into Bozeman Montana, Shua aims to land with his feet on the ground and wheels on the highway. But with the van still at least a few days away, he had a little unexpected time to explore an unexpected town. And with extra time, his mind was free to wander to themes of populism, errant policy, and fear-based desire for control. How much more does humanity need to continue changing its environment rather than focusing on changing itself?
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Background music by Shane Ivers.