Rest in Paradise my sweet handsome boy Rocko. For 8 years you've been my best friend- my loyal companion. You've been there for me in every way imaginable. You were my light in the darkest hour. Thank you for loving me unconditionally. I am so grateful for every moment we've spent together. You've watched me learn and grow over the years and I truly wouldn't be where I am today without your support. I love and miss you so much!!! This podcast was recorded at our favorite camping spot at Timothy ...
May 20, 2021•16 min•Season 3Ep. 52
In today’s episode I sit down with Adam Bienenfeld. He is a healer & body worker specializing in structural integration. He is also Co-Owner of Enchanted Crystal an online distributor of precious gemstones based in the Pacific Northwest. In this conversation Adam and I discuss his journey into the wellness industry and the experiences which lead him to uncover a hidden passion...Crystals! IG: @enchantedcrystal / @ancientstarship
May 06, 2021•1 hr 13 min•Season 3Ep. 51
Welcome to episode 50! First off I want to give a huge thank you to everyone that has supported the podcast thus far. In this episode I reflect upon the vision & ethos for OPWAR and the important role it plays as a tool for manifestation. I've learned by creating language for our desires that we can direct our energy towards experiencing abundance in a world of infinite outcomes. I also give you guys a brief life update, to get a peep into just how fast things have been moving for ya boy. Th...
Apr 19, 2021•23 min•Season 3Ep. 50
Anthony Jordan is a photographer based out of Portland, OR. In this conversation we discuss what it was like growing up in Portland and witnessing the city's transformation from a historic point of view. We also dive into his creative influences and gain insight into his journey of becoming one of the most highly in demand photographers in the industry. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend! contact: IG: @ace_lace
Apr 12, 2021•1 hr 3 min•Season 3Ep. 49
Part 2 of my birthday weekend! I sat down with an insightful world traveler from New York city named Scott Kellman. He and my brother Ryan became friends after meeting each other while traveling in Thailand (2019). In early 2020 he left NYC and decided to spend the bulk of his time in San Diego. His ability to manage work, travel and a healthy lifestyle is something that I really enjoyed learning about and I know you will too. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend! conta...
Apr 05, 2021•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 48
In today’s SPECIAL episode of OPWAR - I sit down with Steven Sala and Ian Lockheart, 2 of my best friends who flew up to Portland from San Diego to surprise me for my birthday - along with my brother Ryan, his girlfriend Olivia and our friend Scott. The city was covered in snow so we spent most of our time together at an Airbnb eating good food, telling stories and laughing our asses off. This was truly the best birthday I’ve ever had and words cannot describe how much love guys.Thank you.
Mar 29, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Season 3Ep. 47
In today’s episode of OPWAR - I sit down with an artist based out of Tacoma, Washington that goes by many names, but today we’ll call him James. We discuss his photography and a life changing trip to Berlin, Germany that left him forever changed. Part of that elemental shift in perspective is a concept he calls Aggressive manifestation. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend! Contact: IG: @djmrghost
Mar 22, 2021•1 hr 20 min•Season 3Ep. 46
In this SOLO episode of OPWAR I share with you an experience with EAGLE that gave me the strength and confidence to surge forward into my next chapter. There is always so much happening in our lives at various levels of awareness. I hope this gives insight into how we can use the power of spirit animals and synchronicity to establish trust in our guidance that is ALWAYS leading us in the right direction. This is a REAL life example and application of spiritual principles. If you enjoy this episo...
Mar 15, 2021•26 min•Season 3Ep. 45
In today’s episode of OPWAR I sit down with Irael Hammond of Thoughts with Purpose and Lakayana Drury of Word is Bond - a Portland based non profit created to empower young black men through Leadership, development , critical dialogue and engagement with local city law enforcement.In this conversation we share stories from our childhood to understand the life shaping experiences and the decisions we’ve made to ultimately find our purpose in serving others. These gentlemen also have a passion for...
Mar 08, 2021•1 hr 22 min•Season 3Ep. 44
Some of you may know that a lot of who we are today is a culmination of learned behaviors from childhood. Issues of self worth, security, fear, love, survival and identity are mostly programmed by our parents, friends, society and environment. I've found that when doing our spiritual work, there are no shortcuts around the often times painful contents of our past. To break free of the illusions that continue to show up in our lives as challenges we must be honest with ourselves and not rush the ...
Mar 01, 2021•34 min•Season 3Ep. 43
Chan and Margaux are the owners of BEST FRIEND Juice Bar and Cafe. In this conversation we discuss the origins of each of their spiritual practices and the journey of starting a small business from the ground up with a significant other. Also, they provide unique insight as to how struggle and hardship are more often than not an opportunity for personal growth and transformation. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to subscribe and share it with your best friend. Contact: @bestfriendpdx @margal...
Feb 22, 2021•1 hr 19 min•Season 3Ep. 42
What's up y'all. In this episode I discuss my process of negotiating with & letting go of things that don't serve me in my highest expression. I've learned that placing my awareness on such contents is all that is required to gradually release unhealthy habits, relationships and judgements. Once our intention is set on High Vibration Authentic Soul Expression - We can't be stopped. So be patient, it's all coming to you. I hope this audio capsule finds you inspired and ready to make shit happ...
Feb 08, 2021•30 min•Season 3Ep. 41
Michelle Gonzalez is a brilliant multimedia artist and Creative Director. In this conversation we talk about some our favorite things like curating our home & work spaces to our liking and cultivating the ability to let go - of the need for our art to be perfect. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to rate, review and share it with a friend! @monstameesh @nvrneutral
Dec 21, 2020•1 hr 10 min•Season 2Ep. 40
Kristel Brinshot is a Creative Entrepreneur and Co-Founder of Hey Sis World - A revolutionary pop up & digital platform for the modern creative career woman- a real sisterhood, here to remind you that you already have what it takes to get what you want. In this conversation we point our perception to the spirit realm to access the wisdom of our ancestors that lay coded in our DNA. You might want to get a note pad because there’s a high probability that we say some things that you’ll want to ...
Dec 07, 2020•1 hr 45 min•Season 2Ep. 38
In today’s episode I sit down with Chef and cultural curator Rashad Frazier. He is Founder of Yoshi Jenkins and Camp Yoshi - an exhilarating outdoor adventure meets elevated culinary experience. This conversation was recorded on the final night of Camp Yoshi’s maiden voyage in the Alvord Desert located in South Eastern Oregon. If you are interested in joining the next Camp Yoshi excursion or want to learn more about the culinary explorations of Yoshi Jenkins- visit www.campyoshi.com If you enjoy...
Dec 01, 2020•1 hr 15 min•Season 2Ep. 37
In today’s episode I sit down with my best friend Alene Spindel. I am excited for you all to get a sneak peek into our friendship that has grown and evolved so much over the last 10 years. Expect to hear us investigate our relationships, throw shade at dysfunction and most of all - ‘cherish every moment’ with one another. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to SUBSCRIBE...then share it with a friend. IG: @alenemgeen
Nov 23, 2020•1 hr 10 min•Season 2Ep. 36
In today’s episode I sit down with Chelsey. She is Creative Entrepreneur and Owner of Sinferno studios which specializes in private pole dance lessons, visual marketing and event curation. In this conversation we venture into the metaphysical and talk about all of the things that go into manifesting our reality. Chelsey is someone that continues to inspire me because of her fearless commitment to her passions and to the path of self discovery. @sinferno.studios @shotbysinferno...
Nov 17, 2020•1 hr 18 min•Season 2Ep. 35
In today’s episode I sit down with Masyn Wade. She is a model and actor based in Portland, OR. In this conversation we discuss how self care is a process that has no end date and through this journey of compassion for self we discover who we truly are and how we are best served in the fight for equality. Contact: @masynwade
Nov 09, 2020•1 hr 4 min•Season 2Ep. 34
Harlee Case is an entrepreneur, a musician and creative director for Ladies of Paradise : a female owned creative agency and Lady Jays; the most vibrant and uplifting marijuana company you have ever seen. In this conversation we talk about the different stages of the creative process and how we use plant medicine to nurture our most authentic selves. contact: @harleecase @smokeladyjays @ladiesofparadise www.shopladyjays.com
Nov 02, 2020•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 33
Robbie King is a photographer and art director based in Portland Oregon. In this conversation we discuss the origins of his creative expression and how we all use social media to create an image that may or may not be a clear representation of who we are and how we feel in the present moment. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend. contact: IG: @Robbiejking www.robbiejamesking.com
Oct 26, 2020•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 32
Cameron Stallings is a tech innovator and multimedia artist based on planet earth. In this conversation we discuss the role of technology in our lives and how it can be improved to give us back our time and allow for a more balanced relationship with our devices. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend. Contact: www.humantech.com IG @dynmo
Oct 19, 2020•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 31
In this RARE episode of Opening Presence I sit down with Tim Blanchard also known as DJ Timothy Bee. He is a man of many talents- including being a stylist, model and art director. In this conversation we discuss our role in creating opportunities for others and the importance of establishing personal boundaries while unpacking the harsh reality of being a target in this racist American society. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend. Contact: IG: @timothy.bee GUEST PASS:...
Oct 13, 2020•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 30
In today’s episode I sit down with DJ Sworth — his positive energy and outlook gives us all permission to live in the moment, carry a vibe & dance the night away. In this conversation we start out by talking about his journey into music and the ins and outs of being a DJ. Then we do a complete 180 and dive into a topic very close to our hearts that a lot of people have experienced but typically keep to themselves. We take turns sharing the story of losing our mothers— processing the pain and...
Oct 08, 2020•1 hr 31 min•Season 2Ep. 29
In today’s episode, I sit down with Carlos the rollerblader. They are an Emcee, community organizer and Portland’s go to person if you're needing some advice. In this conversation we discuss 'the power of choice' while we navigate a free flowing barrage of topics, concepts and scenarios. Somehow we managed to have this entire conversation without talking about rollerblades, but these are the talks I appreciate where there is no overarching goal other than to show up as ourselves. If you enjoy th...
Oct 01, 2020•1 hr 32 min•Season 2Ep. 28
In today's SPECIAL episode of Opening Presence I have a conversation with my brother Ryan and my good friend Tone while we were camping at Timothy lake . We sat around the campfire and dove deep into our personal journeys of self realization & how we create accountability for ourselves in order to optimize every aspect of our lives from health to our relationships. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend! contact: Instagram: @rrobinson760 @toneaikue...
Sep 22, 2020•1 hr 45 min•Season 2Ep. 27
In today's episode of Opening Presence I sit down with Julia BOND - she is a dancer and fashion designer. In this conversation we discuss the importance of aligning our heart and mind to arrive at our most authentic creative expression. As artists we naturally challenge rigid & oppressive systems as we evolve & dive deeper into our purpose. Julia is a fearless leader and liberator of limited perspectives. She walks the walk and I’m honored to keep a steady pace as a co- creator. If you e...
Sep 08, 2020•1 hr 12 min•Season 2Ep. 26
In today’s episode I sit down with Yoseph Ukbazghi. He is a mechanical engineer, entrepreneur and co-founder of Simple X an event series that empowers individuals and organizations by creating space for collaboration, sharing stories of leaders & entrepreneurs and bridging the gap between black professionals & the corporate sector. In this conversation we discuss Yoseph’s life growing up in Sioux Falls South Dakota as the son of a Pastor and how that has shaped his life and the opportuni...
Aug 31, 2020•57 min•Season 2Ep. 25
In today’s episode I Open Presence with Ben Seale. He is the owner of Focus Group - a vintage clothing store located at 3409 SE Hawthorne blvd in Portland, OR. In this conversation we discuss Ben’s style curation and trend forecasting - a skill he’s developed over time while searching high and low for clothing that resonates with his customers who ultimately become his friends like myself. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend. contact IG: @focusgroupshop Address. 3409 S...
Aug 24, 2020•1 hr 4 min•Season 2Ep. 24
In today’s episode I sit down with Christian Burke also known as Cremebrullee. He is musician, stand up comedian and someone who I believe is the heartbeat of the Artist Revolution happening in Portland. Through a fearless commitment to positivity & self expression, Cremebrulee drops major wisdom that penetrates every physical or cognitive barrier that stands between us. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend! contact: IG: @cremebruleepdx Music: www.soundcloud.com/cre...
Aug 17, 2020•1 hr 5 min•Season 2Ep. 23
In todays episode of Opening Presence I sit down with Shain brenden . He is a comedian, writer and actor. For this conversation we met up at Columbia park (Portland's #1) and rapped about a wide range of topics including 2 of my favorite things... filipino food and chicken wings, we also discovered that we both were born in San Diego and naturally we needed to vent about some of our more awkward encounters with white folks in Portland. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a frie...
Aug 16, 2020•1 hr 36 min•Season 2Ep. 22