On this week’s episode of “The Smoke Break”, we really got to know artist, musician, and storyteller Aaron Fairchild.

We started out our time together talking about bravery—how each of us have had to be brave through tough things, where we got our bravery from, and how Aaron approaches it in his beautiful middle-grade graphic novel he’s finishing up, coming out later this year! (Don’t worry, we’ll remind you when it comes out so you can buy all buy it.)

Next up we finally got around to talking about procrastination… how it’s gotten in our way, but more importantly, how we’ve managed to trick our brains to getting the important things done anyway.

Lastly, we ended the day talking about the concept of “never being late to the party”—whether that means starting a new career, picking up a new skill, or changing our mind about something—we all get to things when we get to them, and have to offer some grace to the people who took a little longer.

Episodes drop every Monday @ 6pm on ALL platforms! Thanks for listening.

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On this week’s episode of “The Smoke Break”, we had the honor of hanging out with Portland clown and all around sweetheart Arthur “Lucky” O’Brien.

We started by tackling the assumption that using humor to handle tough stuff is an “unhealthy” way of coping, which—get this—it’s not.

Next up we explored the idea of “fixed mindsets”—how people often view themselves as being inherently good or bad at something, like being funny or not, and how actually….people can change.

Lastly, we talked about finding your identity through performance and entertainment—how we came to do things we do, and how much of our identity is wrapped up in it, which can be complicated!

Episodes drop every Monday @ 6pm on ALL platforms! Thanks for listening.

On this week’s episode of “The Smoke Break”, we had the honor of hanging out with the iconic Portland comic Ally J Ward.

We kicked it off by talking about imposter syndrome, which is apparently basically a universal experience, and what we do to try and counteract it.

Next up we got into the idea of Self-Preservation as a more realistic version of “self-care” that isn’t co-opted by capitalism, and what each of us are focusing on to make sure that we aren’t burning out in these very tough times.

Lastly, we talked about Humanization. In a world that likes to dehumanize folks all the time, it was awfully nice to think about how to further humanize the people around us.

Episodes drop every Monday @ 6pm on ALL platforms! Thanks for listening.

On this week’s episode of “The Smoke Break”, we had a great time talking to Georgia GA, an amazing local comedian. We kicked it off by talking about learning styles, how it feels to try and learn new things as adults, and self-education.

Then we moved on to discussing starting over—whether it might be a new diagnosis, starting over in a new town, or with a new group of friends—and how to bring positive energy to those changes.

Lastly, we talked about the general idea of “the woke agenda” and how the term “woke” has been co-opted and warped to represent something very different from the original intent.

Episodes drop every Monday @ 6pm on ALL platforms! Thanks for listening.

On this week’s episode of “The Smoke Break”, we finally got to spend time with Khalil, who runs the artist collective Immutable Pdx as well as doing amazing and impactful work with homeless youth.

We started out talking about the importance of relaxation and how challenging it is to allow ourselves to check out and take care of ourselves when we’re so used to having to grind all the time and be productive to have self worth.

Then we moved on to discussing the importance of culturally specific services, and how folks miss out on opportunities when supports aren’t put in place that are intentionally meant to make them feel seen, included, and important.

We close out the episode by talking about the idea of legacy—what do we want to leave behind, how temporary everything is, and how much control do we have over it in the end.

Episodes drop every Monday @ 6pm on ALL platforms! Thanks for listening.

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On this week’s episode of “The Smoke Break”, we hung out with Portland comedian and librarian Lori Van Deman.

We started out with perfectionism, and how we can convince ourselves to try new things even when it’s scary. Then we moved on to hopelessness—and most importantly, the ways we’ve found to pull ourselves out of it, primarily by connecting with others.

Lastly, we tackled conflict resolution…. what's worked, what hasn’t, and how rupture and repair in a relationship can strengthen it if you’re able to get through the tough parts.

Episodes drop every Monday @ 6pm on ALL platforms! Thanks for listening.

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On this week’s episode of “The Smoke Break”, we speak with Portland comedian and storyteller Aleah Liebenau about our experiences with overthinking and how it impacts us.

Next we discuss self-perception, how it influences how we interact with others, and if it’s possible to have an accurate self-perception.

Lastly, we talk about the power of storytelling and how it’s such an important part of expressing ourselves, feeling seen, and making people feel a little less alone in their experiences.

Episodes drop every Monday @ 6pm on ALL platforms! Link in comments…

Episode 120: “Social Media & Direct Conversations” (ft. Amanda Lyn Deal)

On this week’s episode of “The Smoke Break”, we speak with returning guest host and comedian Amanda Lynn Deal about the impact of social media on self perception and how unplugging can help us reconnect with ourselves and those around us.

Next we discuss the challenges with direct communication as well as some of the skills and perspectives that can make conversations like these a little easier.

Lastly, we wrap things up with a discussion about boundaries and the importance of not only voicing them, but maintaining them with people we value.

Episodes drop every Monday @ 6pm on ALL platforms!