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Ulrich Baer is an author, editor, and a professor of photography at NYU.  I wanted to chat with someone about photography in the “iPhone” age (along with a bunch of other things!), and Uli was kind enough to indulge me.   I was dazzled by his breadth of learning and the expertise he has in so many different fields (poetry, philosophy, and literature, to name just a few).  In this wide-ranging conversation, Uli and I discuss:  Photography; Art; Nostalgia for Film; The iPhone Age; Mary Shelley; Frankenstein; Oscar Wilde; Being a “Perpetual Beginner”; How to approach the “Great Works”; Reading; Laughing; Loving; Connecting with our fellow humans; Kung Fu; And much more! Links to Uli’s stuff:  Website:  https://www.ulrichbaer.com/ Podcasts:  https://www.ulrichbaer.com/podcasts Think About It  The Proust Questionnaire Books:  https://www.ulrichbaer.com/books-by-ulrich-baer Links to my stuff:  Instagram, on which I post shorts from this and prior episodes: @danielethanfinneran https://www.instagram.com/danielethanfinneran/ X: @DanielEFinneran Message me on X, or send me an email at [email protected] (especially if you have in mind someone whom I can interview!)  My sister project, PNEUMA, on which I put out sleep stories, meditations, and mindfulness content. Search “Pneuma meditations” on any podcast streaming platform.  If you enjoy these conversations, please share them with family and friends!  Thank you. 

Joseph Pearce is an educator, essayist, and author of over two dozen books.  I reached out to Joseph because I wanted to learn more about the great Irish playwright and wit, Oscar Wilde, about whom he has written extensively.  Joseph’s excellent biography of Wilde, “Unmasking Oscar Wilde” is linked below.  Using Wilde as a springboard, Joseph and I leapt into a variety of topics, including: The different forms of Tragedy: Pagan v. Christian; Oedipus; Macbeth; Shakespeare’s religion; Catholicism; GK Chesterton; Oscar Wilde; How one develops a sense of wonder; Art for whose sake?; Self-destructive spirals; God; Transcendentalism; Walking; Henry David Thoreau;  And much more!  I hope that you enjoy this episode.  A link to Joseph’s website, on which you’ll find an abundance of beautifully-composed, thoughtful essays:  https://jpearce.co/ Do consider joining his “Inner Sanctum” membership bloc, through which you’ll be given access to even more content.  Book: “Unmasking Oscar Wilde” - https://ignatius.com/the-unmasking-of-oscar-wilde-uowp/ Links to my stuff:  My Instagram page, on which I post shorts from this and prior episodes:  Instagram: @danielethanfinneran https://www.instagram.com/danielethanfinneran/ X: @DanielEFinneran Message me on X, or send an email to [email protected] (especially if you have someone I can interview in mind!)  My sister project, PNEUMA, on which I put out sleep stories, meditations, and mindfulness content. Search “Pneuma meditations” on any podcast streaming platform.  If you enjoy these conversations, please share them with family and friends!  Thank you. 

Yasheng Huang is a professor at MIT and the author of many books, including his most recent work, “The Rise and Fall of the EAST”.  I reached out to Professor Huang because, after reading his book, I wanted to learn more about Chinese history.  In this episode, Yasheng and I discuss:  Imperial China v. The Roman Empire; Keju; The origin of Civil Service Exams; Purges: Hard and Soft; Meritocracy v Aristocracy; Enlightenment Thinkers; The American Founding; Stalin and Mao; Xi Jinping; Autocratic “Stickiness”; Liberal Democracy; Global Economics; Anthony Fauci; Robert F. Kennedy; Public Health; COVID; Planning for Future Pandemics; Tiananmen Square; Taiwan; Donald Trump; Student Protests; And much more!  I hope that you enjoy this chat.  Links to Professor Huang’s content:  X: @YashengHuang Book: The Rise and Fall of the EAST - https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300281934/the-rise-and-fall-of-the-east/ Links to my content:  Instagram, on which I post shorts from this and prior episodes: @danielethanfinneran https://www.instagram.com/danielethanfinneran/ X: @DanielEFinneran Message me on X, or send me an email at [email protected] (especially if you have in mind someone whom I can interview!)  My sister project, PNEUMA, on which I put out sleep stories, meditations, and mindfulness content. Search “Pneuma meditations” on any podcast streaming platform.  If you enjoy these conversations, please share them with family and friends!  Thank you. 

Sabrina Little is an author, ultramarathoner, and a professor of philosophy.  Her latest book, “The Examined Run” is suitable not only for competitive athletes, but for anyone who wants to:   Strengthen his body, discipline his mind, learn the basics of philosophy, and, most importantly, cultivate long-lasting virtues.  In this episode, Sabrina and I discuss:  Ancient Greek Philosophy; Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle; How a strong BODY makes for a strong MIND; Admiration v. Imitation v. Emulation; Envy: Benign and Malign; iPhones and Idle Voyeurism; Mindfulness; Virtues and Vices; Acts and Habits; The formation of good habits; The development of a good character; Thomas Aquinas; Happiness; The Three Models of Happiness; Physical fitness and BEAUTY; Life as a Professor; Academia in America; The Liberal Arts;  And MUCH more!  I hope that you enjoy this episode.  Links to Sabrina’s content:  Instagram: Sabrina B Little Website: https://sabrinalittle.com/ Book: “The Examined Run”: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/the-examined-run-9780197678695?cc=us&lang=en& *** Links to my content:  Instagram, on which I post shorts from this and prior episodes: @danielethanfinneran https://www.instagram.com/danielethanfinneran/ X: @DanielEFinneran Message me on X, or send an email to [email protected] (especially if you have someone whom I can interview in mind!)  My sister project, PNEUMA, on which I put out sleep stories, meditations, and mindfulness content. Search “Pneuma meditations” on any podcast streaming platform.  If you enjoy these conversations, please share them with family and friends.  Thank you. 

William Wallace is an author, a lecturer, and a professor of art history at the University of St. Louis.  Professor Wallace is America’s expert on Michelangelo, the great Renaissance sculptor, painter, architect, and poet.  In this episode, Professor Wallace and I discuss:  Michelangelo’s upbringing; Florence and Rome in the 16th century; Italy before it was “Italy”; Competition between artists: Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Raphael; Powerful Popes; The Reformation; Getting old; Defying Retirement; Finding your Calling; Striving toward Greatness; Aesthetics; Beauty; The Sistine Chapel; Saint Peter’s Basilica; The Last Judgment; The Creation of Adam; David; Criticisms of Michelangelo; How to evaluate Art;  And much more!  I hope that you enjoy this conversation.  Links to Professor Wallace’s content:  Books:  https://www.amazon.com/s?k=William+E.+Wallace&i=stripbooks&crid=3QZF4BDBW5DT4&sprefix=william+e.+wallace%2Cstripbooks%2C77&ref=nb_sb_noss Lectures:  https://www.thegreatcourses.com/courses/genius-of-michelangelo Links to my content:  Instagram, on which I post clips from this episode: @danielethanfinneran  X: @DanielEFinneran Message me on X, or send an email to [email protected]. (I’m really eager to read your feedback).  Be sure to subscribe to this channel if you enjoy these conversations and share them with family and friends!  What is your favorite piece of artwork by Michelangelo?  Comment below!

John Eisenberg is a sports columnist and an author.  His latest book, Rocket Men: The Black Quarterbacks Who Revolutionized Pro Football is an eye-opening account of the history of black quarterbacks in the NFL. It’s available for purchase everywhere books are sold.  In this episode, John and I discuss:  The intersection of race and sports; Is the NFL systemically racist?; Kyler Murray’s “Homework” clause; Patrick Mahomes; Warren Moon; The Colin Kaepernick Controversy; A brief history of the NFL; Canada as a refuge from racism; The underground railroad; “Brick and Mortar” Bookstores; How to develop a love for reading; Biracial v Black Quarterbacks; How the NFL can improve;  And much more!  Below you’ll find links to John’s stuff:  Rocket Men (Book): https://www.amazon.com/Rocket-Men-Quarterbacks-Revolutionized-Football/dp/1541600401 Website:  http://www.johneisenberg.com/ X: @BmoreEisenberg ***  My links:  Check out my Instagram page for shorts from this and prior episodes: @danielethanfinneran https://www.instagram.com/danielethanfinneran/ X: @DanielEFinneran Website: finneranswake.com Email me at [email protected] My sister project, PNEUMA, on which I put out sleep stories, meditations, mindfulness content: Youtube @pneumabydanielfinneran   Pneumameditations.com Be sure to subscribe to this channel if you enjoy these conversations and share them with family and friends! 

Marcus Collins is a marketer, cultural translator, professor, and an author.  His first book, For the Culture: The power behind what we buy, what we do, and who we want to be is now available for purchase. I strongly recommend it!  In this episode, Marcus and I discuss:  The definition of “culture”; The difference between “fast” and “slow” culture; Is our culture good? Cultural Icons: Michael Jackson, Beyonce, et al; “Go Woke, Go Broke”--Is it true?; Multiculturalism; The University of Michigan; Business School; Songwriting; Fashion; Corporations espousing politics; Nike; The basic tenets of good advertising; Using social media to promote a brand… And much more!  Links to Marcus’ book and sites:  Book: https://www.amazon.com/Culture-Power-Behind-What-Want/dp/1541700961/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2WRVMIWGOETHE&keywords=marcus+collins&qid=1701972318&sprefix=marcus+collins%2Caps%2C104&sr=8-1 Personal Site:  https://marctothec.com/info University of Michigan:  https://michiganross.umich.edu/faculty-research/faculty/marcus-collins LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marctothec/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marctothec/?hl=en X: @marctothec ***  My links:  Check out my Instagram page for shorts from this and prior episodes: @danielethanfinneran https://www.instagram.com/danielethanfinneran/ X: @DanielEFinneran Website: finneranswake.com Email me at [email protected] My sister project, PNEUMA, on which I put out sleep stories, meditations, mindfulness content: Youtube @pneumabydanielfinneran   Pneumameditations.com Be sure to subscribe to this channel if you enjoy these conversations and share them with family and friends! 

James Ellman is an investor and author.  His latest book, “MacArthur Reconsidered” treats its subject in a refreshingly unbiased way.  With a steady hand, James carves away the hero-worship, and leaves us with a true picture of America’s most controversial general, the iconic Douglas MacArthur.  For those of you interested in military history and politics, this is an excellent book! In this chat, James and I discuss:  MacArthur’s life; His military record and the reason(s) why it must be reconsidered; The Pacific theater of WWII; Imperial Japan; The Bataan Death March; The Philippines; Corregidor; Matthew Ridgway; The economy of Hawaii; Climate Change; Working as a Hedge Fund manager; How to manage your money in times of international upheaval; The War between Israel and Hamas; Life as an author; The politicization of our military; Comparisons of modern America and Rome; The possibility of an American “Caesar”; Caesar v. Cincinnatus. Links to James’ material:  Book: MacArthur Reconsidered  https://www.amazon.com/MacArthur-Reconsidered-Look-Supreme-Commander/dp/081177158X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2BXZRO7CD1LKL&keywords=macarthur+reconsidered+by+james+ellman&qid=1700433667&sprefix=james+ellman%2Caps%2C87&sr=8-1 Website https://www.jamesellman.com/ +++  Links to my stuff:  Check out my Instagram page for shorts from this and prior episodes: @danielethanfinneran https://www.instagram.com/danielethanfinneran/ Twitter: @DanielEFinneran Website: finneranswake.com Email me at [email protected] My sister project, PNEUMA, on which I put out sleep stories, meditations, mindfulness content: Youtube @pneumabydanielfinneran   Pneumameditations.com Be sure to subscribe to this channel if you enjoy these conversations and share them with family and friends! 

Scott Shane is a reporter, a research fellow, a lecturer, and an author.  His latest book, Flee North, tells the story of the two men responsible for freeing hundreds of enslaved people and establishing the Underground Railroad: Thomas Smallwood and Charles Turner Torrey.  In this episode, Scott and I discuss:  Thomas Smallwood; Charles Turner Torrey; Frederick Douglass; Harriet Tubman; Escaping from Enslavement; The Middle Passage from Africa; The Origin of the Underground Railroad; What the Underground Railroad was all about; The Domestic Slavetrade v. The International Slavetrade; The centrality of Baltimore and its role in the slavetrade; The Infamous Hope Slatter; The Deep South; Tobacco and Cotton; The Border States; Antebellum America; Crabs and Oysters; George Floyd; Racism in modern America… And MUCH More!  I sincerely hope that you enjoy this conversation. If you do, be sure to give it a “thumbs-UP” and share it with a friend! (Oh–and, while you’re at it, subscribe to this channel, you handsome devils and dames!)  Links to Scott’s stuff:  Flee North https://www.amazon.com/Flee-North-Forgotten-Slaverys-Borderland/dp/1250843219/ref=sr_1_1?crid=8LP37G8L5TSK&keywords=scott+shane&qid=1697561591&sprefix=scott+shane%2Caps%2C89&sr=8-1 Personal Website:  https://www.scottshane.org/ Twitter:  @ScottShaneNYT https://twitter.com/ScottShaneNYT New York Times Profile:  https://www.nytimes.com/by/scott-shane ***  Links to my stuff:  Check out my Instagram page for shorts from this and prior episodes: @danielethanfinneran https://www.instagram.com/danielethanfinneran/ Twitter: @DanielEFinneran Website: finneranswake.com Email me at [email protected] My sister project, PNEUMA, on which I put out sleep stories, meditations, mindfulness content: Youtube @pneumabydanielfinneran   Pneumameditations.com Be sure to subscribe to this channel if you enjoy these conversations and share them with family and friends! 

Dean King is an author, a journalist, and a documentarian.  His latest book, Guardians of the Valley: John Muir and the Friendship that saved Yosemite is available at all reputable booksellers.  This book, of which I strongly urge you all to get a copy, tells the fascinating story of John Muir, Robert Underwood Johnson, and their historic effort to protect Yosemite from the water-hungry pols of San Francisco.  In this episode, Dean and I discuss:  The life and writings of John Muir; His editor and friend, Robert Underwood Johnson; The beauty of California; Damming the Hetch Hetchy; Protecting Yosemite; The establishment of National Parks; The Scarcity and Politics of Natural Resources; The Sierra Club; The Controversy surrounding John Muir; Should Muir be canceled?; Environmentalism; Conservation; Water Use; Ralph Waldo Emerson; Henry David Thoreau; “Indoor” v. “Outdoor” Philosophy; Transcendentalism; Camping; and MUCH more!  Links to Dean’s stuff:  Website: https://www.deanhking.com/ Guardians of the Valley (latest book) https://www.amazon.com/Guardians-Valley-Friendship-Saved-Yosemite/dp/1982144467/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2OJ3UCTS7U361&keywords=dean+king&qid=1697218922&sprefix=dean+king%2Caps%2C330&sr=8-1 Twitter: @deanhking Instagram: @deanhking +++ Links to my stuff:  Check out my Instagram page for shorts from this and prior episodes: @danielethanfinneran https://www.instagram.com/danielethanfinneran/ Twitter: @DanielEFinneran Website: finneranswake.com Email me at [email protected] My sister project, PNEUMA, on which I put out sleep stories, meditations, mindfulness content: Youtube @pneumabydanielfinneran   Pneumameditations.com Be sure to subscribe to this channel if you enjoy these conversations and share them with family and friends! 

Logan Wright is the founder of Greco Gum. Greco Gum sells a premium mastic gum sourced from the Greek island of Chios in the Aegean Sea.  Chewed since time immemorial, mastic gum offers a plethora of health and aesthetic benefits: it satiates hunger, cleanses the teeth, sharpens the mind, strengthens the muscles of mastication (those with which you chew!), and transforms your wilting jawline into that of an absolute Adonis. Personally, I chew it every day and can’t recommend it highly enough!  In this episode, Logan and I discuss:  Chest-less and Jaw-less men; The Proper Way to Breathe; Sleep; Good Facial Posture; Traditional v. Modern Diets; Intuitive Eating; Entrepreneurship; How to start a business; E-commerce and Social Media; Crafting Goals and Finding Purpose; Mastic Gum: What is it, and where does it come from?; Bro-science v. “Real” science; Beauty, and whether or not it’s subjective; Plato; The Forms; John Keats; CS Lewis; How to Improve Your Appearance; Everyone can be a “7”; Health and wellness… And MUCH more!  Before you do anything else, follow the link below and purchase yourself a tin of Greco Gum:  https://grecogum.com/ And start chewing, you handsome devil!  Twitter:  https://twitter.com/GrecoGum Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/grecogum/ ***  Links to my stuff:  Check out my Instagram page for shorts from this and prior episodes: @danielethanfinneran https://www.instagram.com/danielethanfinneran/ Twitter: @DanielEFinneran Website: finneranswake.com Email me at [email protected] My sister project, PNEUMA, on which I put out sleep stories, meditations, mindfulness content:  Youtube @pneumabydanielfinneran   Pneumameditations.com Be sure to subscribe to this channel if you enjoy these conversations and share them with family and friends! 

John Banks is an author, editor, a journalist, and a Civil War aficionado.  His latest book, A Civil War Road Trip of a Lifetime is now available for purchase!  The book is a really fun travelogue-cum-history that you’ll definitely want to add to your shelf.  In this wide-ranging episode, John and I discuss:  Being an aficionado v. being an academic; Ernest Hemingway; American Literature; Journalism; History; Writing books; Strategies to improve sleep; Road-tripping; How to fuel up for a road trip; Songs to listen to during a long drive; The Civil War; Obscure battles that we ought to know more about; Some Great Generals; Battlefield relics; Rebels and Yankees; A bunch of hypotheticals; College Football; West Virginia Mountaineers; Alabama Crimson Tide; JFK assassination theories; Lee Harvey Oswald… And MUCH more!  Links to John’s stuff:  Purchase his book here: https://www.amazon.com/Civil-War-Road-Trip-Lifetime/dp/1734627670/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1VIYEFISNIG5C&keywords=john+banks+civil+war+road+trip&qid=1695753621&sprefix=john+banks+%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-1 Twitter:  https://twitter.com/johnnybanks Website:  http://john-banks.blogspot.com/ ***  Links to my stuff:  Check out my Instagram page for shorts from this and prior episodes: @danielethanfinneran https://www.instagram.com/danielethanfinneran/ Twitter: @DanielEFinneran Website: finneranswake.com Email me at [email protected] My sister project, PNEUMA, on which I put out sleep stories, meditations, mindfulness content: Youtube @pneumabydanielfinneran   Pneumameditations.com Be sure to subscribe to this channel if you enjoy these conversations and share them with family and friends! 

Martin Hogue is an author, architect, and a professor at Cornell University.  Martin’s latest book, Making Camp: A Visual History of Camping’s Most Essential Items and Activities is available everywhere fine books are sold.  I can assure you, this conversation will inspire you to unfold your tent, unroll your sleeping bag, throw some logs on the fire, and reconnect with nature!  In this episode, Martin and I discuss:  Assembling the greatest camping party in history; The rugged, independent ideal of camping, and its structured, decadent reality; The notion of a “site” as a cultural construction; The metaphysics of architecture; The philosophy of camping; Meta-cognitive camping; National Parks; Albert Good, the father of park design; Blueprints and designs; The importance of drawing; Drawing as a transformative language; How to design a park; The 8 essential components of camping; Urban v. rural settings; Why campsite meals are so delicious; And MUCH more!  Links to Martin’s stuff:  Instagram:  Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Making-Camp-Campings-Essential-Activities/dp/179722252X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3HZKEP6Z1BDX8&keywords=martin+hogue&qid=1695242414&sprefix=martin+hogue%2Caps%2C120&sr=8-1 Website: https://martinhogue.net/ ***  Links to my stuff:  Check out my Instagram page for shorts from this and prior episodes: @danielethanfinneran https://www.instagram.com/danielethanfinneran/ Twitter: @DanielEFinneran Website: finneranswake.com Email me at [email protected] My sister project, PNEUMA, on which I put out sleep stories, meditations, mindfulness content: Youtube @pneumabydanielfinneran   Pneumameditations.com Be sure to subscribe to this channel if you enjoy these conversations and share them with family and friends!  #camping #architecture #cornelluniversity #newyork #parks #nationalpark #conversation 

Alan Paul is an author, a journalist, and a musician.  He was the founding member of the Beijing-based blues group, Woodie Alan, for which he served as the frontman.  Along with a delightful autobiography about his life as an expat living in China, Alan has written oral histories about Stevie Ray Vaughn and The Allman Brothers Band.  His latest work, Brothers and Sisters, covers the release of the Allman Brothers Band best-selling album and the ways in which it impacted American politics and culture in the 1970s. It’s available everywhere fine books are sold.  In this episode, Alan and I discuss:  Rock stars who died young; The greatest blues guitarists of all time; The essential blues songs you must listen to; How to appreciate music; Creativity; Life as an artist and a writer; Why the blues are universally loved; The state of China in 2008 v. 2023; Authoritarianism; Communism; Music as an expression of free speech; How music can reflect the “mood” of the nation; and MUCH more!  Links to Alan’s stuff:  Brothers and Sisters (his latest book):  https://www.amazon.com/Brothers-Sisters-Allman-Inside-Defined/dp/1250282691/ref=sr_1_1?crid=NZNWTHW5EU6A&keywords=alan+paul&qid=1694986436&sprefix=alan+paul%2Caps%2C305&sr=8-1 One Way Out  (an oral history of the Allman Brothers Band) https://www.amazon.com/One-Way-Out-History-Brothers/dp/1250040507/ref=sr_1_2?crid=NZNWTHW5EU6A&keywords=alan+paul&qid=1694986466&sprefix=alan+paul%2Caps%2C305&sr=8-2 Texas Flood (an oral history of Stevie Ray Vaugn)  https://www.amazon.com/Texas-Flood-audiobook/dp/B07TNQXX3X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=8H2JZ02EE7OB&keywords=alan+paul+texas&qid=1694986504&sprefix=alan+paul+texas+%2Caps%2C105&sr=8-1 His website:  http://alanpaul.net/ ***  Links to My stuff:  Check out my Instagram page for shorts from this and prior episodes: @danielethanfinneran https://www.instagram.com/danielethanfinneran/ Twitter: @DanielEFinneran Website: finneranswake.com Email me at [email protected] My sister project, PNEUMA, on which I put out sleep stories, meditations, mindfulness content: Youtube @pneumabydanielfinneran   Pneumameditations.com Be sure to subscribe to this channel if you enjoy these conversations and share them with family and friends! 

Scott Schilke is a photographer who specializes in capturing breathtaking images of rocket ships, race cars, and extreme weather events. At the youthful age of sixty-two, after having worked in property management for four decades, Scott spurned retirement and embarked upon a new career. When all his buddies were slipping into the long-deferred idleness of their “golden years”, Scott became a professional photographer. Now, he spends his days (and most of his nights!) photographing rocket launches, NASCAR races, and high-voltage lightning storms.  The fearlessness with which he set out upon this new journey, and the assiduity with which he’s continued to pursue it, are totally inspiring. I listen to Scott, and am convinced that there’s nothing I can’t do.  In this episode, Scott and I discuss… The influence of his father, who was an officer in the Air Force; His passion for rocket ships; SpaceX, Tesla, and Elon Musk; NASA; NASCAR; Photography; Climate change; Electric Vehicles; Extreme weather; Hurricanes in Florida; Super Cells; Tornados; Having dreams and aspirations; Starting a new career; How to develop a passion project; Learning new skills throughout one’s life; How to chase your goals; and MUCH more!  Links to Scott’s pages:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scott_schilke_photography/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scott.schilke.1/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SchilkeScott?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor (If you need an awe-inspiring photograph for your screen-saver, look no further than Scott’s mighty Instagram page!)  *** Links to my pages:  Links to my stuff:  Check out my Instagram page for shorts from this and prior episodes: @danielethanfinneran https://www.instagram.com/danielethanfinneran/ Twitter: @DanielEFinneran Website: finneranswake.com Email me at [email protected] My sister project, PNEUMA, on which I put out sleep stories, meditations, mindfulness content: Youtube @pneumabydanielfinneran   Pneumameditations.com Be sure to subscribe to this channel if you enjoy these conversations and share them with family and friends!