Opening Presence with Aaron Robinson

Ali Godil is an artist, designer, Creative Director of House of Gul / Strawberry Ranch and Co-Founder of Flower Factory. In this conversation we talk about merging consciousness and creativity, the responsibility of healing our inner wounds and ushering forth a new paradigm for the creative community in Portland. 

Suave The Jedi is blessed with supernatural musical ability which enables him to transcend time and space to gain unprecedented access to our hearts and minds. Inspiring us to dig deep and love to our fullest potential. In this conversation we discuss growing up in rural America, finding comfort and refuge in music while highlighting his journey of becoming with Suave's latest album entitled I mean, Yeah. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend.

Thank you to everyone that submitted a question for this week's episode of Opening Presence. 

If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend.

Morgan Jones is a Political Analyst & Co Host of the Unrefined Sophisticates Podcast. In this conversation we discuss the failures of the American education, justice and political systems, the dangerous rhetoric of YE , Portland's unearned progressive reputation & how actor Sinbad did in fact play a genie at one point. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend. 

Just checkin in on y'all. Reminding you to trust your inner guidance and everything will work out for you. The universe knows all there is to know. Don't get in the way of the divine.

Tyler Joanou is an artist, a U.S. Army Veteran and the "Host of the podcast How R U Healing?" In this conversation we discuss how overcoming our conditioning requires a relentless spirit, why getting married at a young age is not the greatest idea and finding fulfillment in serving others. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend.

Contact: 

@as_told_by_tyler

Corri Lynn Hager is a therapist, spiritual seeker and Ram Das' number 1 fan. In this conversation we take aim at performative authenticity, we discuss the wisdom of impermanence and how becoming an ally to yourself is always worthwhile. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend.

Nubien is a cosmic voyager and an energy existing in multiple dimensions. In this conversation we discuss our relationship to spirituality and the massively unspoken subject of male sexual trauma. I can't stress how important it is to have conversations that challenge common perceptions and give permission to everyone listening right now to explore the depths of our souls for truth, self acceptance and re- write the stories that have shaped our lives thus far. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend.

Contact:

@nubiennaturals

Page Ray is a creative, stylist and curator based in Portland, OR. In this conversation we bond over our mutual admiration for YSL rapper Gunna, we talk about the journey of sobriety and how much fun it is to try new things without the pressure to monetize. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend. 

Contact:

@pageray

@prettyb0yprince

Malik Coburn is a DJ and Outdoor Educator originally from Chicago, Illinois but currently based in Portland, OR.  In this conversation we discuss what it was like growing up in Chi Town and his earliest experiences being drawn to the beauty of ecology. WE also dive into the simple things that we can do every day to create homeostasis within ourselves. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend.

Contact:

@leeqsol.mullein

Elana Seskin is the Owner of Una Pluma - super soft organic cotton clothing crafted with care for you and our planet, designed in Portland, OR and sewn in Kathmandu. In this conversation we discuss Elana's love for Nepal and what has kept her coming back for the last two decades. We also explore her journey of starting and running a business and what it really means to create ethical & sustainable fashion. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend. 

Contact:

@unaplumashop

Colin Chapman is a physical therapist and adventure athlete based in Bend, OR. In this conversation we discuss what it was like for us growing up in Carlsbad, the importance of taking responsibility for our physical health and finally we do our best to get cancelled by talking about gender identity, vaccines and our daddy issues. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend. 

Contact:

@colinchapman

Ralen Jones is the Executive Director of PDX Black Excellence - a non profit organization that is dedicated to creating awareness, equity and unity amongst Portland's Black Community. In this conversation Ralen shares the experiences that lead him on to the path of sobriety from alcohol. We also reflect on how taking inventory of Self leads to making better decisions which directly affect our future outcomes. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend.

Contact:

@pdxblackexcellence

@ralenj

www.pdxblackexcellence.com

Rebecca Sunshine is a yoga, meditation and dance instructor. She teaches the Art of Embodiment through facilitating experiences that emphasize the mind body connection. In this conversation we talk about how a silent meditation retreat inspired Sunny to explore movement, the power of dance as a path to liberation and the beauty and compounding health benefits of simply going on a walk. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend. 

Contact:

@sunnyloveyoga

In today's episode I sit down with Divine Lovers Ashley and Andrew Arasaki. In this conversation we discuss their journey of awakening , the importance of holding space for others and how we are consciously creating the new earth. Ashley and Saki also peel back the curtain of their intimate life and show us how they work through challenges with compassion and clear communication. I am infinitely grateful for these two kindred spirits and I'm honored to share them with you all. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend.

Contact:

@sakijawnt

@andrewarasaki

In today's episode I sit down with the sonically ephemeral trio known as The Gard3n - a music group comprised of members Chilifa Nem, IVY, & Neeks FM repping the banner Never Home Music based in Portland, OR. In this conversation we discuss astrology, emotional self awareness and the process of managing the expectations of our family by finding trust with our inner guidance toward our highest calling. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend.

Contact:

@gard3nmusic

@chilifanem

@ivywav

@okneeks

@neverhome.music

Ray Thatch is a Chef, Entrepreneur and Hospitality Extraordinaire. In this conversation Ray shares his journey of transformation through trusting his inner guidance and seeing first hand how every experience is meant to teach us a valuable lesson. We also dive into how Ray got his start in the restaurant industry and the art of providing a one of a kind experience. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend.

Contact Ray:

@ray_thatch

In today's solo episode I reflect on the journey of Opening Presence. It's been 2 years since I started the pod and it has been the ride of lifetime. I started with a deep desire to speak my truth , connect with amazing people and to share my growth in real time. I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity to live in my purpose and to share it with you all. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend.

Thy Thy is a singer, songwriter and music teacher based in Portland, OR. She discovered music at an early age and has since dedicated her life to pursuing her dreams. In this conversation  we discuss how writing songs about love helps her to process and move through difficult emotions. We also dive into how teaching others is an act of fortifying the commitment we've made to ourselves. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend.

Contact:

@thythymusic

Murphy Welch is a Multidisciplinary artist who's work embodies the magical spirit of Nature. In this conversation we discuss the hidden beautry of death & how giving ourselves the permission to do what excites us is an act of self love. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend.'

Contact:

IG: @mrrfskrrt

RaSahunda Brooks is a film maker and multi creative originally from the Southside of Chicago, but currently resides in Portland, OR. In this conversation we discuss the importance of building community, creating opportunities for black and brown entrepreneurs and investing in our future by first knowing what you want & engaging with the meaningful work today.

Contact:

@y.g.b.portland

Adam Kocka is a photographer and a graphic designer based in Portland, OR. In this conversation we discuss how being curious & helpful can open the door to new opportunity. Adam also shares his unique approach to making photos where he merges analog and digital to create a hybridized work of art. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend.

Contact:

@_adamkocka

Dylan Santos Green is a Creative Director & Designer who I met while he was living in Portland, OR but recently he found a new home in Dallas, TX. In this conversation we discuss the creative process & how it can be influenced by our lifestyle, the illogical tendencies of woke culture & finding connection in a distracted world. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend. 

Contact: @dylansantosgreen @greenandbarrett

In this episode I sit down with newlyweds Kim & Daniel Mason. A few weeks ago I visited them at their home in Dallas, Tx where I got some much needed southern hospitality with all the fixings. In this conversation we discuss life changing events in childhood , the building blocks of a healthy relationship and experiencing of GOD in all of its miraculous Forms.

Contact:

Kim @snugglegummybear

Daniel @chasinghammocks

Caesar Felix is an artist, educator and the Founder of Planet Over Profit Apparel. A HEMP clothing line created to amplify the message of sustainability and to combat the destruction caused by corporate greed. In this conversation we discuss Caesar’s upbringing and his quest to find guidance-  ultimately finding it within himself through transforming his lifestyle which started with his diet. The process of going vegetarian opened his eyes to the uncomfortable truths of capitalism which motivates him to build stronger  communities that will advocate for mother earth. If you enjoy this episode, makes sure to share it with a friend.

Contact Caesar:

@planetoverprofitapparel

www.planetoverprofit.store

Kan Jones is the Creator of the Nine Brand and Co-Host of the Unrefined Sophisticates Podcast. In this conversation we discuss how to be resourceful, being a creative with multiple interests , developing a passion for learning & doing the damn thing even if you’re scared.  If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend. 

Contact Kan: 

@itechnicallykan

@the_ixbrand 

@unrefinedsophisticates

@thenumberzfm

Arthur Dickson is a fitness coach and vegan chef who embodies the the mantra - you get out what you put in. In this conversation we discuss his upbringing as a multi sport athlete and the path that lead him into finding his passion in sports training. He also shares how exercise had become a form of self therapy and the life changing benefits of cooking food to fit our nutritional needs. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend.

Contact Arthur:

@chefboyrdickson

In loving memory of Virgil Abloh - a husband, father and Creative ICON. 

Speakers in order of appearance + IG handle:

Mulu Habtemeriam | @muluohabte

Kristel Brinshot | @kriztonian

Rob-O | @rootsnrooftops

Julia Bond | @juliaelizabethbond

Gaijin | @gaijinarts

Priscilla Brinshot | @priscillabrinshot

Tyrone Spencer | @tyrone_spencer