Today’s guest is Hanna Thomas Uose, a writer, activist, and co-founder and Principal Consultant at Align, a consulting firm dedicated to supporting organizations in the progressive movement. Her debut novel, “Who Wants to Live Forever,” will be published in early 2025.   In this conversation, we dive inside Hanna’s somewhat unexpected turn as a speculative fiction writer, her interdisciplinary work with organizations, and the connection between time and worldbuilding in her vision for a better future for all.   Registration: Spring '24 Online Writer's Workshop "Side by Side" Episodes | Robert Kuang Home

Today’s guest is Scott Stabile, the author of “Enough as You Are” and “Big Love: The Power of Living with a Wide-Open Heart.” He is a passionate love advocate who believes there is no force more powerful than love to create real connection and healing in our world. Scott guides transformational breathwork journeys and leads personal empowerment workshops internationally. His inspirational posts have attracted a huge and devoted social media following, including more than 350,000 Facebook fans.    In this conversation, Scott and I explore his creative process for “Enough as You Are,” his journey and offerings around breathwork, and the importance of leaning into love and acceptance even during the darkest of times.   "Side by Side" Episodes | Robert Kuang Home

Today’s guest is Anthime Miller, an internationally sought-after performer and composer who maintains a rigorous international creative presence. They began studying cello at the age of eight, and later focused on Early Music Performance, Musicology, as well as modern and Baroque cello at McGill University in Montreal.   In this conversation, we dive inside Anthime’s early discovery of classical music, their approach to composition and arrangement, and some of the harsh realities (and blessings) of pursuing a career in music.   "Side by Side" Episodes | Robert Kuang Home

Today’s guest is Michelle Madrid, the author of “Let Us Be Greater: A Gentle, Guided Path to Healing for Adoptees” and host of the “Electricity of You” Podcast.   Michelle is an international adoptee, former foster child in the U.K., and an adoptee empowerment life coach who has been recognized as an Angels in Adoption® Honoree by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) and inducted into the New Mexico Women’s Hall of Fame for her work in adoption.    In honor of Adoptee Remembrance Day (Oct. 30) and November's National Adoption Month, Michelle and I dive inside her adoption story, the common points of pain for adoptees, as well as guidance for families considering adoption.   "Side by Side" Episodes | Robert Kuang Home

In this episode, I’m joined by returning guest Tara Edwards, a writer, editor, and Twitch streamer based in Ohio, known for her work in the digital media landscape. Today’s deepdive focuses on "The Matrix" franchise.   In this conversation, we unpack the creative ramifications of transforming a story into a franchise, our personal highlights and critiques of the films, and the timely nature of its central themes in the era of artificial intelligence.   "Side by Side" Episodes | Robert Kuang Home

Today’s guest is Bethany Mabee, a visual artist and designer who has transformed her creative expression into a body of work seen on paper, canvas, textiles and wallpaper. From interior design to gallery commissions, she explores the parallels between art and everyday life while balancing the practical and creative needs of an artist and business owner.   In this conversation, we reminisce over Bethany’s transition from figurative to abstract painting, the polarities and contrast within us and our creative acts, and artmaking for the buyer versus for ourselves. You can find more of Bethany’s content on Instagram.   "Side by Side" Episodes | Robert Kuang Home

Today’s guest is Kristoffer “KC” Carter, the CEO and Founder of Epic Leadership, a coaching and training organization for conscious leadership, and the author of “Permission to Glow: A Spiritual Guide to Epic Leadership.” In addition to his coaching and leadership work, KC is also a professional songwriter, kirtan artist, TEDx speaker, and international retreat leader. He is currently working on his second book and preparing to lead the upcoming Winter Glow Yoga Retreat at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health.   In this conversation, KC chronicles his early success in music, his purpose in integrating spirit with leadership work, and his ability to honor his inner child alongside his professional commitments.   "Side by Side" Episodes | Robert Kuang Home

Today’s guest is Hayden Humphrey, a digital creator and life coach who helps people break out of the scripts and stories that keep them stuck, so they can become the creators of their own lives.    In this conversation, we commiserate over our work and training experience as coaches, the journey that comes with going back home again, and the value of empowering laughter alongside healing and understanding.    "Side by Side" Episodes | Robert Kuang Home

Today’s guest is Sol Smith, a writer, professor, life coach and neurodivergent consultant specializing in mindset, happiness, and self-liberation courses. In sharing his journey with dyslexia, ADHD and autism, Sol highlights the challenges and gifts of being neurodivergent in a neurotypical society.    In this conversation, we reflect on Sol’s journey being diagnosed in adulthood, finding neuro-affirming support, and different ways neurodivergent people can play to their strengths and interests.   "Side by Side" Episodes | Robert Kuang Home

Today’s guest is Richard Dixey, the author of “Three Minutes a Day: A Fourteen Week Course to Learn Meditation and Transform Your Life,” and a senior faculty member at Dharma College in Berkeley, California.    A research scientist and a lifelong student of Buddhism who holds advanced degrees in biophysics and the history and philosophy of science, Mr. Dixey directed a bioelectronic research unit at a London hospital before becoming CEO of his own biotech company. He moved to the US in 2007 to devote himself to teaching meditation, deepening his own practice, and running the Light of Buddhadharma Foundation in India with his wife Wangmo, the eldest daughter of the Tibetan lama Tarthang Tulku.   In this conversation, we dive into the fundamentals of meditation, the relationship between science and mysticism, and the value of meditation practice in contemporary living, three minutes at a time.   "Side by Side" Episodes | Robert Kuang Home

Today’s guest is writer and producer Steve DiUbaldo. His work as a playwright has appeared across the country, often drawing on his experience as a Division-1 college basketball player. His play, "Exposure," was a selection for The Eugene O'Neill National Playwrights Conference.    In this conversation, we journey back to his theater roots, his time playing and coaching basketball, and changes that are needed to support the labor and sacrifice behind the entertainment industry.   Check out other "Side by Side" episodes: https://sidebysidepodcast.podbean.com Check out Robert's offerings: https://www.robertkuanghome.com

Today’s guest is Alex Chester-Iwata, an actor and founder of the online publication, Mixed Asian Media. Born out of a lack of representation across TV, film, and theater, Mixed Asian Media is a collective created by multiracial, mixed Asian/Pacific Islanders (API) that seeks to build community through conversations of what it means to be of mixed API descent.    In this conversation, we journey back to Alex’s days as a young performer, and the early pitfalls of the entertainment industry that later turned into motivation for her work as a founder and editor-in-chief.   "Side by Side" Episodes | Robert Kuang Home

Today’s guest is Tasshin Fogleman, an extremely online pilgrim wandering this precious world for the benefit of all beings.   In this conversation, we explore Tasshin’s Buddhist journey and ongoing pilgrimage, and the service and creative projects led by his curiosity, loving kindness, and aspiration to empower others.    "Side by Side" Episodes | Robert Kuang Home

Today’s guest is coach and community leader Cory Daise, who specializes in working with entrepreneurs and leaders of color. Those who are driven to create a more just world and looking to find joy in the process.   In this conversation, we journey back to Cory’s athletic journey and life changing experience at Morehouse College, and explore his ethos of showing your work behind the highlight reels.     "Side by Side" Episodes | Robert Kuang Home

Today’s guest is musician and actor J. Aaron Boykin, who “blends Hip-Hop, Pop and R&B-styles effortlessly" while living his motto of “healing through music.” In this conversation, we discuss his musical roots, his purpose in finding “black boy joy,” and the value of knowing yourself in creative endeavors and personal growth.   "Side by Side" Episodes | Robert Kuang Home

Today’s guest is Tara Edwards, a writer, editor, podcaster, and Twitch streamer based in Ohio, known for her work in the digital media landscape. Driven by a deep-rooted passion for storytelling, Tara utilizes her diverse background and expertise to create thought-provoking content that captivates and resonates with readers.   In this conversation, we put on our writer hats and spotlight the value of media literacy and storytelling by unpacking some of our favorite shows such as "Grey's Anatomy," “The Idol,” “The Glory,” and “The Bear.”   Piano: "Liz on Top of the World" "Side by Side" Episodes | Robert Kuang Home

Today’s guest is theatre, film, and television writer Stacey Rose. Throughout her career, Stacey has been awarded with honors such as the Mcknight Fellowship, the Sundance Theatre Lab Fellowship, Playwrights’ Center Many Voices Fellowship, and the Dramatist Guild Fellowship. She is the the artistic director of Queen City New Play Initiative, and her television credits include “9-1-1” and “She’s Gotta Have It.”   In this conversation, we discuss the ongoing WGA writer’s strike, the differences between writing for the stage versus film and television, as well as Stacey’s journey with sobriety, spirituality, and the exploration of black identity.   Check out other "Side by Side" episodes: https://sidebysidepodcast.podbean.com Check out Robert's offerings: https://www.robertkuanghome.com

Today’s guests are technologist and disability activist Katelyn Lemay, and indie game developer Nolan Filter. Together, they are the creators of Tarotbot, a tool for Discord, Slack, Cohost, and Tumblr users to draw tarot cards with to-the-point simplicity, alongside carefully curated descriptions and definitions for each card.    In this conversation, we unpack the dynamic between humanity and technology in 2023, their perspectives on automation and AI, and the power of technology to empower arenas such as education, entertainment, and accessibility for everyday living.   "Side by Side" Episodes | Robert Kuang Home

Today's guest is business and leadership coach Paul Silva, who draws on both his work with culinary students and those in addiction recovery, to help clients get out of the sidelines of their lives. In our conversation, Paul unpacks his relationship to spirit and sobriety, and how they empower his authenticity and full self-expression.   Check out other "Side by Side" episodes: https://sidebysidepodcast.podbean.com Check out Robert's offerings: https://www.robertkuanghome.com

Today’s guest is communication and media scholar Erique Zhang, whose work focuses the intersection of beauty, race, and transgender identity. As a PhD candidate in the Media, Technology, and Society program at Northwestern, Erique’s research seeks to interrogate how normative beauty ideals are produced through media representations and how trans women and femmes navigate these norms in their everyday lives.   In our conversation, we discuss their journey and transition as a trans feminine person, the tension between visibility and anonymity, and the things we take for granted in a cis, heteronormative culture.   "Side by Side" Episodes | Robert Kuang Home