Introducing Lions, Tigers and Badgers, oh my!!
Come out, Come out wherever you are.
We are off to see the wizard.
My journey mirrors that of a salmon on the hero’s journey. I departed from the comfort of my small, secure Midwest home to venture out into the vast world, armed with cameras, journals, and curiosity. (I know, I know that salmon don’t have arms, but if they did, would we still eat them? Imagine a salmon punching a bear in the face as it tries to snag and snarl the armed salmon with its teeth from the river.)
Similar to that salmon swimming against the stream to reach home, I have returned to the comforts of my safe, small hometown. Just to be clear, unlike the salmon, I am not looking to spawn. Instead, I am giving birth to this project—a collection of stories, images, videos, and journals from my travels around the world.
Damn it toto.
My curiosities led me to Tokyo, Japan, where I worked as a scout and waiter for a hostess club during the night, while serving as a paid intern for Wieden + Kennedy during the day. Subsequently, I ventured to Pasadena, CA, as a film student at Art Center College of Design, forging an unprecedented path at the time by winning two Clio awards and winning the new director award for the Cannes Ad festival.
Over the next decade, I immersed myself in the world of being an international commercial and music video director, accumulating awards, stories and battling ulcers from alcohol abuse. Despite seemingly achieving the consumer-driven lifestyle I thought would bring happiness, I found myself increasingly depressed, drinking more, and becoming a wreck. In a radical shift, I sold all my possessions and headed to Asia.
My life unfolded amidst hot yoga studios in Bangkok, where the temperature outside often surpassed the heat within the studio. In Ho Chi Minh City, I embraced Theravada Buddhism and took on the role of a monk. My journey continued to Manila, where encounters with the Chinese mafia led to my departure, marking the end of my exploration of Southeast Asia and international travel.
Substack is my Yellow brick road.
When recounting my swashbuckling adventures to people, I invariably receive the same response: 'You should write a book.' This notion has lingered as a weighty burden within me, chipping away at my creativity and occupying my thoughts for the past decade. The question of how to even begin has proven particularly challenging. My initial endeavor took the form of a children's book, narrated by Leigh from the Watson Twins, chronicling the tale of a small boy with big ideas
The catalyst for this adventure was an inspiring podcast featuring Steven Pressfield, delving into the resistance and the formidable power of the paralyzing fear that can accompany progress—a fear so potent that it can make one contemplate self-destruction rather than moving forward. The struggle against this resistance became paramount. There were days when I felt like an utter failure, moments when the desire to give up overwhelmed me. On one such day, I began scanning through my journals, old letters, concert tickets, and an army footlocker brimming with photos. The project started to take shape, as I breathed life into it by narrating stories into my phone's voice recorder, using a dictation app to collect these tales.
However, I found myself at a crossroads once again. Should I write a book, or perhaps create a stylish coffee table periodical, with each chapter focusing on Lions, Tigers, and Badgers? A friend, aware of my project and the search for the right platform, suggested Substack.
Wearing my metaphorical ruby slippers, I embody various characters in this journey—I am the lion, grappling with fear, doubts, and depression. I am the humble, clever, and easy-going scarecrow. I am the gentle, kind, and golden Olympic emotional runner tin man. I am the 'fake it till you make it' wizard. I am the random comic relief of the munchkins
Why Lions, Tiger and Badgers!
The lion segment encapsulates my time as a commercial director, recounting the years spent in LA and Santa Barbara, culminating in the triumphant moment of winning the lion at the Cannes Ad festival.
The tiger phase symbolizes the period I resided in Southeast Asia, navigating the complexities of travel and personal growth during my hero’s journey.
The badger chapter unfolds as I return to my quaint Wisconsin Midwestern town, marking the concluding battle on my hero’s journey
What to expect.
You are invited to join me on this journey down the yellow brick road, where I will collect, create, and conceive elements to accompany us on this adventure. I will share journal entries, photos, videos, audio, and, most importantly, share myself.
Journal entries from the 90’s and early 2000’s
Japanese salary man.
Location scout, Bombay
Local kids in Cambodia.
Sak Yant tattoo Thailand.
Let’s lock arms and begin this adventure.
This will be a bi-weekly multimedia publication coming to life on Sunday morning. Exclusive art, music, and videos will be curated behind the curtain for our paid subscribers. Rest assured, there will be enjoyable content for everyone. I look forward to bringing this project to life with interactive polls, engaging conversations and your feedback.
Lastly I would like to leave you with a musical recommendation for a great band that I had recently seen.