Join us as we dive into the world of rock climbing and the inevitable battle scars that come with it. Dan takes us through his journey into the sport, his experience with injuries and recovery, and how his other passions have shaped his personal growth. Along the way, we explore the deeper impact of these pursuits—building resilience, finding identity, and fostering meaningful connections. We also touch on the power of community, overcoming loneliness, and the ever-evolving nature of relationships.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that goes beyond the climb!

Contact Info

Instagram: me_me_noodles

Inspiration

Annapurna by Maurice Herzog

Kiss or Kill by Mark Twight

"I've walked out with so many concussions," Yankel shares as he recaps his experiences fighting and training in Krav Maga. This week, we'll talk about the sacrifices you make to train in martial arts and how that mindset and passion can translate to other areas of your life. Yankel not only has a love to fight but to cook. As a chef, he recounts his journey from being a cook to becoming a chef and now owning his own catering business. Let's get cooking!

Yankel's Contact:

Email: yankelpolak@gmail.com

Instagram: @chefyankel

Books:

On Combat: The Psychology and Physiology of Deadly Conflict in War and in Peace: https://a.co/d/acEKmQ9

Left of Bang: How the Marine Corps’ Combat Hunter Program Can Save Your Life: https://a.co/d/anCd7Hr

Lee also shares his passion for mask making and how it's become a catalyst for his way of self-expression and healing. Along with the audio component of exploration and art, we discuss Lee's experience with sound using different instruments and music composition.

Lee's Contact:

Instagram:

@lee___michael

@backwards_eel

Lee's Inspiration:

Books:

• Inferno, Dante Alighieri (trans Mark Musa)
• La Vita Nuova, Dante Alighieri (trans Mark Musa)
• Zombie Survival Guide, Max Brooks
• The Descent, Jeff Long
• Calling A Wolf A Wolf, Kaveh Akbar
• Healing the Shame That Binds you, John Bradshaw
• Homecoming, John Bradshaw
• The Artist's Way, Julia Cameron

Podcasts:

• Talking Scared, Neil McRobert
• Vs, Danez Smith & Franny Choi

People:

• Jonni Good, Ultimate Paper Mache
• Miya Turnbull, Self-portrait photo masks
• Joel Hernandes, Large self-pop art & masks
• Kristen Egan, Gourd masks
• Charity Bliss, Band (friend)
• Arulu Gallagher, artist mask maker teacher

Places:

• Nantahala National Forest, NC
• Charles Umlauf Sculpture garden, Austin TX
• That one part of the woods (any woods)

Things:

• My journals
• My portrait-making box
• The conspiracy theory wall for my book!
• Jaw Harp
• Cardboard & Tape/ Mache strips

Shows:

• Iron Chef (1993)
• The X-Files
• Midnight Gospel

Music:

• Vulgar Display of Power - Pantera
• The Blessed Hellride - Black Label Society
• EP2 - Yaeji
• Aloha Polydor - Fishmans
• Reign in Blood - Slayer
• Halloween All the Time - Eddie Golden iii
• Black Sabbath - Black Sabbath
• The Apostasy - Behemoth
• Paralytic Stalks - of Montreal