Welcome to This Show is All About You hosted by JDK Wyneken - author, historian, poet, and social commentator with lots to say on lots of things. Join him every week as he explores what it means to be you, by hearing about him and his take on the world around us as found in history, current affairs, literature, media, sports, and whatever else there is to explore. Take what you want from JDK’s unique outlook and good humor, all with a healthy dose of emotional intelligence, personal connection, and strategic irreverence for the Way Things Are Usually Done.
In the first episode of 2023, JDK rings in the new year with some adjustments to the show format, with a new emphasis on storytelling, various goings-on in his own life, and listener feedback. Check it out for yourself and see how his and other people's stories might just, in some way, be a part of your own. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
Episode 97: "The 2022 Human Spirit Episode" JDK wraps up the show's run through 2022 by taking a unique look back on the biggest stories in the news - both good and bad - and reflecting on what it can all mean for each of us, depending on how we see ourselves and act in the here and now. Underneath it all are some big and inspiring things that unite us all as humans, and can bring forward all the positives we choose to prioritize. Happy Holidays to all! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/pr...
Episode 96: "One Man's Show" JDK begins a multi-episode look back on 2022 by sharing with listeners what his past year has looked and felt like, with a number of updates on things like his writing projects, his efforts to publish his book, and how his day-in-day-out relationships with himself and others have grown and shifted over the past year. It's a decidedly personal episode that, he bets, will resonate with you in some way. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Priv...
Episode 95: "This World Cup Runneth Over and it's Making A Mess" JDK takes a close look at the controversies surrounding the ongoing World Cup in Qatar, and uses it as a lens to examine how and why we as sports fans make the choices we do to support events, sports, and leagues that don't often match up to the ethical standards we so often demand of ourselves and others. While no clear answer exists, just sitting with the tensions involved can be instructive in helping us see the why of what we d...
Episode 94: “Innies and Outies” Inspired in equal measure by last week’s launch of the Artemis I rocket to the Moon and the approaching Thanksgiving holiday in America, JDK discusses the connections we have between exploring outer space(s) and our inner spaces of spirit, emotion, and intuition. What emerges is yet more exploration and discovery that can - if we choose - improve our own inner landscapes and then transform outer ones. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California ...
Episode 93: "Predictions Are Stupid" The midterm elections surprised us all - but why?? It's the question JDK asks us all to consider in this episode as we figure out why the forecasted "red wave" made only a splash. Could it be that our own focus on trying to control outcomes - predictions - could be a major problem for us? Are there better ways to frame and understand how elections work? To what degree is the history of elections helpful or harmful in ascertaining where the country is at any g...
Episode 92: "And That Is An Encouraging Thought" With the midterm elections imminent, JDK builds on his thoughts from last week's episode to discuss how we can each show up for ourselves and others in these uncertain, stressful times. Using a heartfelt favorite book / film series that has a bunch of Hobbits and wizards in it, he talks about what lessons we can draw from its characters - moving forward in any circumstances, allowing outside externals to do as they will, and developing perseveranc...
Episode 91: “Our Internals > Those Externals” With the US midterm elections looming and fear and angst on the increase, JDK asks us all to step within and connect with our own feelings and life compass first. Why? And how can that possibly help us? Listen to find out, then pay close attention to how you feel after what he says, and you’ll experience what he means. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
Episode 91: “Just Another Day? Yes, and No Way” JDK talks about all the remarkable events - some well known, others not-so-much, really - that have happened on this date in history. It’s a fun way to learn more about the past, yes, but also about ourselves when we look at the history of ANY day of a given year. Take a listen and give it a try in your own life! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
Episode 90: “‘Success’ is Really Like a Good Beef Stew” Fresh off the disheartening season-ending defeat of his beloved hometown baseball team, JDK brings in his friend and co-host of the “Breaking Up With Our BS” podcast, Tawny Sanabria, to talk about how we envision, define, and pursue ‘success’ in our lives and what unnecessary hurdles we can inadvertently put in our own way. If success matters to you, this is a can’t miss episode! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Californi...
Episode 89: "Tony Soprano Was Wrong, And That Doesn't Have to be a Problem" On this year's Indigenous People's Day and Columbus Day, JDK examines the historical roots of each and challenges us all to take a good look and why and how we infuse holidays with meaning in the first place. Perhaps we need to become more comfortable with the paradoxes we face when it comes to honoring history, individuals, and groups and ask ourselves why we want every conversation about them to be easy and free of dis...
Episode 88: "Dipping Into the Mailbag" JDK addresses recent questions he's received from listeners all over the world (yes, the world!) about everything from the war in Ukraine to the upcoming midterm elections to the recent excitement surrounding his favorite baseball team (hint: the Drought is Over!!). Be sure to send in your questions for future mailbag episodes! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
Spurred by some recent experiences and realizations about himself, along with some big global developments in regards to women's rights, JDK dedicates this episode to addressing other men directly about how and why they view women the way they do - however that might be. Asking tough questions alongside sharing his own challenges, he asks men to consider taking a far closer look at themselves when it comes to women. From there, contributing to a more equitable environment for women becomes possi...
Episode 86: “Meet the Originals” In honor of Girls in Aviation Day (September 24th), JDK welcomes esteemed historian Sarah Byrn Rickman to the show to discuss the WAFS - Women’s Auxiliary Ferry Squadron. These were first female pilots employed by the US Army during WWII to ferry new combat aircraft from manufacturing centers to training airfields and shipping docks for transfer to war zones. These women - along with the WASP that followed them - paved the way for women to eventually be given the...
Episode 85: "The Give and Take of Transitions" Upon requests from listeners, JDK takes an episode to discuss two major transitions in the world this past week - the sudden, successful Ukrainian offensive against Russian invasion forces in Eastern Ukraine, and the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. What do these important transitions mean for each of us, or for the world at large? What are the key questions to ask about them? Take a listen to hear JDK's take, as well as some other thoughts that might...
Episode 84: “Talk About the Passion” JDK welcomes back Julia Cannell, Executive Director of Airway Science for Kids, to the show to talk about passion — whatever that might be, in whatever areas of life give us meaning. Whether it’s in helping kids discover their passion and potential, or adults reengage with it, Passion and possibility often go hand-in-hand. And, with that, often comes a desire for us to push past our old ideas, fears, and self-imposed limits. What, then, can result? It could b...
?Episode 83: “We Are Like Baseball, And That’s A Good Thing, I Swear” JDK basks in the summer sunshine this week to talk about his favorite game and why it teaches him so much about what makes life so great - and so real. Baseball and life have so much in common, even in their rough parts. If it isn’t baseball for you, what is it that illustrates life to you so well? Whatever your answer, maybe it’s time ti reconnect with it and share it with someone new. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/...
JDK goes solo this week to discuss the ramifications of last week's FBI search for and removal of classified documents - including top secret documents about nuclear weapons - from former president Trump's home in Mar-A-Lago, Florida. In particular, JDK looks at what the anti-law enforcement rhetoric that resulted from some quarters indicates about where we stand as a country and what options we may be able to find to reduce the growing danger we fear is threatening the country. As with so much ...
Episode 81: "Yes, I Can Help Ukraine" - Part II JDK welcomes Tanya Zayka back to the show for a continued conversation about her work with the Ukrainian Association of Washington State to provide relief to displaced refugees inside Ukraine. Listen to firsthand accounts of amazing stories of how one person's work can literally end up helping thousands more, and get specific ideas and information on how you, too, can help similarly. Be sure to visit the UAWS by visiting www.uaws.org to find out mo...
Episode 80: "Yes, I Can Help Ukraine" - Part I JDK welcomes a special guest to the show, Tanya Zayka of the Ukrainian Association of Washington State, for a heartfelt and powerful discussion about the extensive relief efforts that are still underway to help the people of Ukraine as they continue to resist the brutal Russian invasion of their country. Tanya shares about growing up in Ukraine, her country's history, her relief projects and those of many other individuals. These include shipping wi...
Episode 79: "Building A Better Lightning Rod" JDK welcomes screenwriter Troy Hunter to the show, their conversation focused on the personal and professional challenges involved in getting writing of any kind into the public sphere as novels, movies, television series, etc. They discuss the roots of their inspiration(s) to write, what makes for good storytelling, and how we can each stay the course when the breakthroughs we seek take a long time to arrive (if ever). Whatever your creative interes...
Episode 78: “You Wrote Me Back….” JDK welcomes Cherry O’Neill to the show, eldest daughter of music legend Pat Boone and author of the groundbreaking and NYT bestselling memoir about her recovery from Anorexia Nervosa, “Starving For Attention.” Hear Cherry’s powerful story of recovery and about the years of work she has done since to help others suffering from addictions and other life challenges. It started with her writing back every person who reached out to her after reading her memoir….. Se...
Episode 77: “Cherry Picking On July 4th” JDK put on his historian cap on this Independence Day holiday, taking aim at what he sees as deeply flawed uses of history in the recent SCOTUS rulings, our false lionization / demonization of historical figures, and our understanding of what it means to have Rights. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
Episode 76: "The Right's Persecution Complex Gets Its Closeup" JDK flies solo this week, discussing the ramifications - intended by the political Right and otherwise - of last week's SCOTUS rulings on abortion, guns, school vouchers, and expressions of faith in public schools. With a focus on opportunities for connection and conversation between all sides of these debates, he poses hard questions to those on the Evangelical Christian Right and to those who remain silent in the face of them. In p...
Episode 75: “Connecting Image with the Soul” JDK talks with Bruce Pflaumer, founder and CEO of Michael Bruce Image Consulting, about his life experiences as a Black man working in the highest levels of global fashion and corporate styling. Listen in on a conversation that touches on how inclusion works in business, on the Juneteenth holiday, and on the challenges involved for each of us in how we understand and identify ourselves. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Pr...
Episode 74: “Playing Catch Up” JDK gives updates on goings on with past guests, then introduces newer listeners and readers to all the various parts of what makes him Him. Hear about his novel, his podcast adventures, his foray into performance coaching, how he combines cooking with Motown, and more! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
Episode 73: “Bringing the Past - And Other Cool Stuff - to Everyone” To commemorate the anniversary of D-Day, JDK welcomes Jay Gaskell to the show, who was the cameraman with JDK and others on the Virtual Field Trip three years ago to Normandy for the 75th anniversary commemorations of D-Day. Live-streamed to the internet and watched by thousands during and since, Jay captured more footage than anyone else and was the “window” for all those people to get an experience beyond what most get unless...
Episode 72: "What We Choose To Remember" For this Memorial Day holiday, JDK does a solo episode to reflect on the tragedy of the Uvalde, TX school shooting before spending the rest of the episode reflecting on what we remember on this holiday and why - and what it may say about who we are today and going forward. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
Episode 71: “Two Truths Side-By-Side” JDK welcomes Mark Frazier to the show, a black man who just retired after a 24-year career as a police officer. Join them for a heartfelt conversation about Mark’s life experiences with racial profiling, as well as his deep belief in, and support for the crucial civic mission of law enforcement and his fellow officers. The truths of both are something each of us can hold in an effort to bring about the more peaceful and equitable lives we all seek out. See P...
Episode 70: “For the Love of Odin” JDK welcomes in Maria Bartlow and her daughter, Monica Franks, to discuss their campaign to find a kidney donor for their son / brother, Odin. Join them to hear about what each of us can do to help that happen (it’s easier than you might think), as well as a conversation about what it’s like when parents and children have to “switch” roles in caretaking. Be sure to visit JDK’s website at wordsbyjdk.com for all the info you need to do your part in helping Odin. ...
