You're Normal

Issy is an esoteric, sensitive, Brian Wilson and Chris Farley loving, artistic, tarot card reading, human being in her early twenties longing for a deeper understanding of herself, the world around her, and connection to others--living and deceased.  This episode is special given that Issy is a frequent listener of the podcast and I had the pleasure of meeting her merely due to starting this creative project with the aim of connecting people and speaking about the usually unspoken.   Remember that all are welcome on the podcast and all our stories are worth sharing; reach out to me directly if you ever want to be considered for an interview; message me on instagram @yourenormal or email talkaboutnormal@gmail.com.

Courtney is an inquisitive, reflective, pragmatic, gun-loving, human that is one of the most kind and thoughtful people that I've had the privilege of meeting. On paper, our relationship doesn't make sense considering society at large; we come at nearly every significant issue in the world from a different angle, we're thirty years apart, and Courtney has had a more traditional trajectory in his life. In this conversation, we talk about remaining open and speaking respectfully with other humans, gun violence in America, and dating in your 60's. You don't want to miss this conversation.

Amber is a mother, wife, lover, giver, millennial, and the most thoughtful and skilled clinician West of the Mississippi river. In addition, it is super likely that whilst reading the opening sentence, Amber began aggressively singing Meredith Brooks' "I'm a Bitch, I'm a Lover."   In this conversation, Amber and I discuss her history in working various roles within behavioral health, Netflix, trauma responses, Korean horror films, racial disparities, policing in America, and Amber's genuine love for being a mother to her children.

Josh is a Christian, sings beautifully, grills with the best of them, crosses people up on the basketball court, swims and rides his bike for long distances, advocates for the youth in his position at the YMCA, and loves to feed the birds on his front porch. Josh has been living with the challenge of being shorter than most people his entire life; he was never provided with a medical reason from doctors. Since early on, Josh has been an inspiration to those around him because he mastered the art of controlling his mind. In this episode, we talk about struggles with his height, race relations in America, drinking alcohol, exercising, and Josh's faith.

Kevin was told by multiple doctors that they are unsure how he is still alive. Over a decade ago, Kevin sustained a significant motor cycle injury resulting in multiple injuries to his head and torso which required him to be life flighted from the scene of the accident. In this episode, Kevin bravely recounts this experience and sheds light on living life differently after surviving (he still rides motor cycles, of course). In addition to the accident, Kevin discusses his views toward God/religion, shares his experience being a talented athlete in a small town, and discusses his hopes and dreams for life moving forward. 

Tammy is one of the most genuine, authentic, and introspective people that have ever had the pleasure of existing. She is the first person to represent a generation older than millennials or Gen Z here on the podcast and I couldn't think of a better person to do so. In this episode, she sings, talks about growing up in a small town, the evolution of her faith, marriage, personal biases, and more. You don't want to miss this conversation.

Monica is a talented hair stylist living in St. Louis, Missouri and couldn't care less about whether you have a side or a middle part. In this conversation, Monica discusses identifying with whichever generation is behaving the most optimally at any given time, living with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, running a small business during a global pandemic, tragically losing a sibling, grievances with healthcare in America, and her love of all things Modern Family. Monica is humble in her approach to complex topics while simultaneously educating people about chronic illness. Please take the time to listen to this episode, I assure you that it will not disappoint.

In this conversation, Naomi discusses various topics like all of the most unique and satisfying places to eat in St. Louis, dabbling in stand up comedy, her innate desire to be empathetic toward others, and the resiliency of surviving multiple forms of abuse throughout her life. Naomi provides significant insight into the mind of a person who experienced neglect and abuse as a child, as well as someone who experienced sexual abuse and intimate partner violence as an adult. Naomi is brave in sharing her story and for speaking so candidly. If these topics are triggering for anyone with similar experiences, I understand if you choose not to listen; however, hearing Naomi speak about these topics may provide comfort as experiencing these kinds of traumatic events can often be isolating.

Stephanie is a self-proclaimed dog lover and reality television enthusiast. By day, Stephanie works as an HR Generalist and lives in the Kansas City, MO area. Stephanie grew up in a suburb of St. Louis, MO (St. Peters) attending Catholic school during her K-12 years and reports having a positive and memorable childhood. 

In this conversation, Stephanie discusses various topics like having the courage to shift life course after committing a significant amount of time toward a goal, struggling with identity/sexuality throughout her life, and her love for all things Lady Gaga. Stephanie provides significant insight into what life was like in her shoes recognizing early on that she was not attracted to males, her frustrations with recognizing that she is a lesbian, the warm and welcoming support that she received from loved ones after coming out in her twenties, and her hopes moving forward regarding intimacy. 

You don't want to miss this conversation! Enjoy! 

Adam is a musician currently living in sunny Los Angeles, California. He is the brother of your host, Blake Russell, growing up in Jefferson City, Missouri and living the majority of his life in New York City. At the young age of 17 years old, Adam moved to NYC to pursue his passion of music and found much success with his band at that time. 

Adam discusses touring the country and world with his band, having songs appear in multiple feature length films, and appearing on David Letterman. After reaching much success, Adam experienced personal hardships through the addiction to drugs and the ramifications that occurred as result; some self-inflicted, some not. Adam bravely speaks, in a candid and vulnerable fashion, about the appeal to drugs, the rationale for using them in excess, and the treatment surrounding his recovery. 

Adam is one of the most intelligent people you'll ever have the privilege to hear speak and has been through more in his 36 years of life than some people ever do. Enjoy! 

Caroline works in behavioral health and lives in the St. Louis, MO area. She is originally from New York and attended Cornell University for undergrad and found her way to STL for graduate school by attending SLU. During this conversation, multiple events in Caroline's life are discussed in how they attributed to her pursuing a career in behavioral health. 

Beyond her career, Blake and Caroline discuss living in New York during 9/11, first impressions, anxiety, dating as a millennial, the love of cooking, living with Anorexia, and the importance of friendship. 

You'll definitely want to take an hour, whether you split it up or listen all at once, to listen to this interview. Caroline is an inspiring and resilient individual with a true gift of articulating and advocating for other people. Enjoy! 

Mark is working in the film industry and living in Los Angeles, California. He is originally from Jefferson City, Missouri and has been pursing his dream in LA for the last seven years. Within this conversation, many elements of Mark's career are discussed; however, the human experiences that led to this dream are expounded upon. 

Beyond his career, Blake and Mark discuss many topics including growing up in a town that does not embolden your passions, the ebbs and flows of young adulthood while trying to make ends meet, and how Mark transitioned from growing up with a more conservative mindset than he has now. 

You don't want to miss this episode; Mark is a living example of listening to your inner voice no matter the intensity of societal, financial, and emotional challenges. 

Blake is a mixed-race therapist living in the Midwest. He thinks deeply. He cares about other people. He loathes small-talk. He grew up an anxiety-ridden hypochondriac. He loves cheesecake. And he believes good people can do bad things. He is on a quest to bring people together during one of the most isolating times in history. Please join him on this journey to normalize human stories, connect people, and openly speak with others about the usually unspoken. 

Garet is a veteran living in Aurora, Colorado with his wife and Red Doberman. He is originally from Jefferson City, Missouri and has spent time living in Georgia while serving multiple tours overseas as part of the Air Force. 

In this vulnerable conversation, Blake and Garet discuss many topics including the loss of a parent, feeling stuck in a city and a lifestyle that you desperately want out of, a near death experience in Afghanistan, and life moving forward. 

You don't want to miss this resilient human's story; we are all lucky for him having shared it.