Tag: people

  • The Stars Don’t Care

    The Stars Don’t Care

    The stars don’t care if you curse at the sky,Or laugh till you choke, or break down and cry.They’ll burn all the same, cold fire in the black,Never once judging, never looking back. The trees don’t mind if you tell them your sins,They’ve heard it before from the wolves and the wind.They’ll whisper their secrets,…

  • Names

    Names

    What’s in a name? Nelligan, Forani, Couteau, Van Landschoot. These four last names came together and were cancelled out based on to which male held which name. My grandmother’s father held the last name Nelligan, but he had a daughter, thus the last name would not survive a marriage. It fell to Forani, my grandfather’s…

  • Promises

    Promises

    Careful consideration cracked light Sweet smile soft hands Mindful gaze memorized lines These promises come free. Daily love dreaming high Happiness so often felt you forgot what it is to sigh There came a time to answer now is the rest of your life

  • PIECEMEAL

    PIECEMEAL

    An ocean is a multitude of drops, and life is a growing wave that drowns us. Have you ever felt overwhelmed? Be it at life, your job, your family, and friends, or just at the barrage of thoughts your mind can throw at you, it can all get to be too much at times. You’re…

  • Organic

    Organic

    Arranged soliloquies offered up deranged estranged pedantic pleas, So please don’t beam across the scene like I’m some means to mean what it gleans. I don’t know how to flow, Like two stones without a home. Crack my back for harder prose. I’ll get back to your stack of bones, But until then strap those…

  • NARRATIVES

    NARRATIVES

    (And lying to ourselves) The human mind is a storyteller, constantly weaving narratives in every moment of our existence. From the moment we wake up to the time we drift into dreams, our minds are tirelessly constructing stories about ourselves, the world around us, and the people we encounter. At the core of this narrative…

  • CONTINUITY

    CONTINUITY

    (This isn’t about movies) Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed philosophers and curious minds, allow me to present a provocative argument that challenges the very foundations of our understanding. The continuity of self suggests that the self, as we commonly conceive it, is but an illusion! Consider the river of time as it flows through the landscapes…

  • COMING TO AN END

    COMING TO AN END

    Summer’s End, Relationships, Jobs, Loved Ones, Suicide, and Pets Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and friends, today, we gather to reflect upon a universal truth that binds the tapestry of our lives together—the unflinching of time toward endings. My motivation to make this thoughts piece came from the bittersweet childhood experience of summer’s end leading…

  • The True Volition Hexalogy

    The True Volition Hexalogy

    CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION! The True Volition hexalogy is a saga comprised of six novels, like a double trilogy! Four are currently finished and available on Amazon. Right now, DEVIANCE as an eBook is free on Smashwords! TRUE VOLITION for Smashwords TRUE VOLITION for Amazon PART I: Deviance DEVIANCE revolves around a tormented high school runaway with…

  • SP 71: Where is Brendan Roy?!

    Joe Van’s Secret Podcast Ep.71 we pick the minds of George Clooney and Lincoln. Enjoy!

  • SP 70: Dreaming of the Future

    On ep 70 of Joe Van’s Secret Podcast, I interview a co-worker at a new job about his life, growing up, hobbies, travel, and predictive dreams. Enjoy!

  • Monkes in Space

    Monkes in Space

    Human beings do not hold dominion over this Earth. We don’t. We’ve acted like we do, at least the powerful have throughout all of history and still to this day, but it’s obviously not the case. Though, in our very recent past as a species through agriculture and religion we have separated ourselves very much…

  • I AM NOT

    I AM NOT

    My name is Joe Van, and I am filled with absences, though that statement doesn’t track grammatically. Instead, I will simply say that I AM NOT most things. This line of thought is nothing new to me, nor is it new in general, nonetheless, as a kid I remember asking myself what would happen if…

  • SP 69: Crashin’ & Dancin’

    On number 69 of Joe Van’s Secret Podcast I interview a new guest about hobbies, near-death experiences, spooks, and manifesting reality. Enjoy! PODCAST LINK: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/jd-streams/id1541025716

  • Nope Review

    Nope Review

    Here is my film review of Nope, by Jordan Peele. https://letterboxd.com/joevan/film/nope/

  • Thoughts: Choice

    Thoughts: Choice

    Welcome to #53 of Thoughts. In today’s episode I go over the topic of: choice, while tying in free will, causality, and determinism. Enjoy! THOUGHTS: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyW0IXUsqiMV1g7qYcuJxhqxpIszT-o-k REVIEWS: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyW0IXUsqiMXvgFCWmE9IikMvSXs35HJL Z O N E S: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyW0IXUsqiMVXwdSqC9X7L1UDDapgcyxT MONKE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyW0IXUsqiMX_doqCZdBtnAttTVzQVlxH TIER LISTS: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyW0IXUsqiMXr-y5V5quN5w-K3-xVPT4U PRIMATE NATION: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyW0IXUsqiMWM_8uM9jsS-VyxDPEJ8p_V PATREON: https://youtu.be/a_bLwZJzJno SECRET PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/jd-streams/id1541025716 UNPLUGGED PODCAST: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChBigRAO1r1s5hlS57jiP8g TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@thejoevandotcom?lang=en

  • Neophobia

    Neophobia

    It’s late at night, and you’re home alone. You’re young and this is the first time it’s happened. You were excited at first but as the sun’s light faded beyond the horizon and darkness covered the outside world, you were compelled to turn on every light in the house. An urging sense of fear overtook…

  • Carapace

    Carapace

    I was born into a opened, burning world. Its wrath is old, tenable, and ceaseless. My fingers coil and brow furrows. I struggle to rise. The air weighs heavy on me. I pain to see through muddied light, but it seems, sadly, only the same sits staring on the horizon. Yet something stirs. Now change…

  • AUTHORITY Scene Review

    AUTHORITY Scene Review

    Here’s the first video of 2022! Welcome back, and to kick things off we’re going to start with this little micro review of the novel Authority, from the Southern Reach Trilogy. Here we will go over one single scene in the novel and break down how it nails everything a scene can and should be.…

  • Pigs

    Pigs

    So, what the heck are pigs, I hear you ask. A pig is any of the animals in the genus Sus, within the even-toed ungulate family Suidae. Pigs include domestic pigs (Sus domesticus) and their ancestor, the common Eurasian wild boar (Sus scrofa), along with other species. Pigs, like all suids, are native to the Eurasian and African continents, ranging from Europe to the Pacific islands. Juvenile pigs…

  • SP 68: A Relationship with Yourself

    Welcome back to episode 68 of Joe Van’s Secret Podcast, where I have on another new guest. We talk about the simulation, relationships, multiple best friends, enjoying just yourself, dealing with realities of life, narratives bad actors with good intentions have, and the supernatural! Enjoy. PODCAST LINK: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/jd-streams/id1541025716 YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwmAfQyH-NmPbOsDesbyksg

  • PART III

    PART III

    Welcome one and all to PART 3 of the 2000’s MOVIES TIER LIST! Met with special guest host Samantha, we dive deep into our decade of young movie fun! Enjoy the final chapter!

  • PART II

    PART II

    Welcome one and all to PART 2 of the 2000’s MOVIES TIER LIST! Met with special guest host Samantha, we dive deep into our decade of young movie fun! Enjoy.

  • 2000’s Movies Tier List: PART I

    2000’s Movies Tier List: PART I

    Welcome one and all to the 2000’s MOVIES TIER LIST! Met with special guest host Samantha, we dive deep into our decade of young movie fun! Enjoy.

  • SP 67: Social Conventions

    Welcome back to episode 67 of Joe Van’s Secret Podcast, where I have on another new guest. We, new occupants of the Toronto life, talk about moving in, the earliest memory anyone has ever had, aggression, depression, being a realist, and living in the world we know. Enjoy! PODCAST LINK: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/jd-streams/id1541025716 YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwmAfQyH-NmPbOsDesbyksg

  • Z o n e s 3

    Z o n e s 3

    Welcome again to Z o n e s. Follow our protagonist between worlds, before and after ‘the war’. His journey continues from zone to zone, while life in the city changes. A new mysterious figure haunts his dreams, and new love is sparked. Enjoy!

  • SP 66: A Multitude of Drops

    Welcome back to episode 66 of Joe Van’s Secret Podcast, where I have on another new guest. We, new occupants of the Toronto life, talk about moving in, the earliest memory anyone has ever had, aggression, depression, being a realist, and living in the world we know. Enjoy! PODCAST LINK: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/jd-streams/id1541025716 YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwmAfQyH-NmPbOsDesbyksg

  • SP 65: Cause and Effect

    SP 65: Cause and Effect

    Welcome back to episode 65 of Joe Van’s Secret Podcast, where I have on a new guest. Having known each other years until late, we talk about work, early memories, philosophy, the impact we have on others through cause and effect, and the impact that ideas have. Enjoy. PODCAST LINK: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/jd-streams/id1541025716 YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwmAfQyH-NmPbOsDesbyksg

  • SP 64: Cults and Isolation

    Welcome back to episode 64 of Joe Van’s Secret Podcast, where I have on our new guest from last episode to continue the question train! We talk about our earliest memories, his second-hand experience with cults, a stable outlook on being alone, instinctual fear, and aliens! Enjoy. PODCAST LINK: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/jd-streams/id1541025716 YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwmAfQyH-NmPbOsDesbyksg

  • Movie Speed Round

    Welcome to the sequel and spiritual reboot of Speed Round! This time I, Joe Van, talk about recent movies I’ve watched. Enjoy! You can find me on Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/JoeVan/ Link to the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/jd-streams/id1541025716 Check out my site! https://thejoevan.com/ Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwmAfQyH-NmPbOsDesbyksg

  • SP 63: The following program contains mature subject matter. Listener discretion is advised.

    SP 63: The following program contains mature subject matter. Listener discretion is advised.

    Welcome to episode 62 of Joe Van’s Secret Podcast! In this episode I talk to a new secret guest about their work, rebellious adventures online, the power of optimism, finding peace in the randomness of our seemingly endless multiverse, and understanding human nature as natural. Enjoy! PODCAST LINK: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/jd-streams/id1541025716

  • Cessation

    Cessation

    Hostilities come and go, competitions rein for a time. People fall in love, a criminal causes crime. Children grow up, and mothers grow old. The air ever blows, yet our lives eventually unfold. Cessation.

  • Passing Thoughts

    Howdy everybody! In this ep I just go over a couple of passing thoughts I’ve had recently that I thought I’d share with y’all. Enjoy!

  • A Journey Through Z o  n e s

    A Journey Through Z o n e s

    Allow me the pleasure of taking you on a narrative journey; a journey through different zones. Enjoy!

  • Thoughts 50: The Final Frontier

    In this milestone episode of Thoughts, episode fifty, I go over the concept of the final frontier and what it could be. Are we destined to greatness, or destruction? Time will tell. Enjoy!

  • The Final Frontier

    The Final Frontier

    It’s hard to articulate, but the void; a word to describe nothing… Nothing, that isn’t a thing, but a lack of, like the space between atoms, is the only thing that existed for all of us before we were born. This milestone edition of Thoughts is on the topic: the Final Frontier. None of us…

  • Thoughts 48: Work and Happiness

    In episode forty-eight of Thoughts, I go over my opinions about work, the workplace, work life, and general happiness with it all. Enjoy!

  • Halloween

    Halloween

    I would like, if I may, to take you on a strange journey.(The Rocky Horror Picture Show) Be afraid… Be very afraid.(The Fly) It’s Halloween, everyone’s entitled to one good scare.(Halloween) Double, double, toil and trouble; Fire burn and cauldron bubble!(Macbeth) The ghosts are bad but the one that’s cursed, is the headless horseman; he’s…

  • Thoughts 47: Life in 100 Years

    In episode forty-seven of Thoughts, I ask you to join me in a thought experiment! We ponder the question: What will life look like in one-hundred years? We go over governments and infrastructure, to human lifespans and potential events. I hope to hear from y’all. Enjoy!

  • Thoughts 46: Where Did We Come From? Part Two

    In episode forty-six of Thoughts, I continue our journey through the deep history of our species. What did we create on our own and what came instilled in us? How long did we wonder, and what traces of our ancestors can be seen in us today? I hope you all enjoy this take! It was…

  • Thoughts 45: Aliens

    In episode forty-five of Thoughts, I dive deep into the history and lore of aliens, what the word means, and how we’ve come to understand the possibility of other lifeforms in the universe. Enjoy!

  • Thoughts 44: Where Did We Come From?

    In episode forty-four of Thoughts, I go over the vast account of our ancestral lineage. From creation myth, to ancient aliens, to the facts, our time on Earth has been unfathomably long. Enjoy!

  • Where Did We Come From? Part Two

    Where Did We Come From? Part Two

    What Is It Like to Be a Bat? is a paper that was written by American philosopher Thomas Nagel, first published in 1974. It was the public’s introduction to the idea of, not only, ‘I think; therefore I am,’ but, ‘there must be ways in which it is like to be something, other than our…

  • Thoughts 43: Filberts

    In episode forty-three of Thoughts, I take you guys (meaning both) on a journey through the discovery of the word filbert, its origins, and what it means to label things. Enjoy!

  • Thoughts 42: States of Consciousness

    In episode forty-two of Thoughts, I expand on my previous episode: Reality, by going over the many forms our mind can take in regard to painting our reality. Enjoy!

  • SP 61: Physiotherapy

    Welcome to episode 61 of Joe Van’s Secret Podcast! In this episode I interview a newly acquainted gentleman and professional who specializes in the therapy of the body. In his words, he ‘beats people up until they’re better’. I couldn’t have put it better myself. Enjoy!

  • Aliens

    Aliens

    What’s that, in the sky? It’s a bird! A plane! No, it’s a U.F.O. BRO! Holy S**T Bro WHAT THE F**K?! Hey everybody and welcome back to another thought piece by me, ya boy, Joe Van! Today we will be going over the topic of aliens! Whether you mean people from another country, an unusual…

  • Thoughts 41: Introductions

    In episode forty-one of Thoughts, I read to you guys from the beginning page of my four completed novels. I start the narrative with a mini thought piece to prime y’all for the what the story will cover. Let me know if you guys liked this video however you can! It’s greatly appreciated. Enjoy!

  • Thoughts 40: Reality

    In episode forty of Thoughts, I talk about the one thing we all perceive yet all perceive differently: reality. I go over how much we know or could know about reality, along with how our minds construct the reality we all personally experience. Enjoy!

  • Where Did We Come From?

    Where Did We Come From?

    Well, once upon a time, Adam and Eve were made by God. According to the creation myth of the Abrahamic religions, they were the first man and woman. Okay, okay, I’m just messin’ with you, but for the longest time this story and others (where we all came from one pair) was the only answer we would get when…

  • Thoughts 39: Astrology

    In episode thirty-nine of Thoughts, I go over Astrology, it’s history, objects and subjects involved in it practice, and my views on its legitimacy. Enjoy!

  • Filberts

    Filberts

    Great Value Deluxe Mixed Nuts (with 40% cashews) houses many nuts, one of them being hazelnuts… but on the packaging they refer to hazelnuts as filberts. My girlfriend wondered at first what filberts were and why they didn’t put hazelnuts on the can. Great Value isn’t a Canadian brand as it is owned by Walmart,…

  • Thoughts 38: Ending Adolescence

    In episode thirty-eight of Thoughts, I talk about growing up, from childhood to adolescence to adulthood. Life holds so many changes for us and we’ve charted them to great detail, save narrowly for the ending of adolescence, in my mind. I go over this and what it means to really grow up. Enjoy!

  • States of Consciousness

    States of Consciousness

    When I put together my visualized Thoughts piece: Reality, (that you may or may not have seen yet depending on when you’re reading this,) I used psychedelic visuals to start the video, yet at no point did I talk about the mind in that altered state, only that hallucinations are to be taken with care……

  • Thoughts 36: Tolerance

    In episode thirty-six of Thoughts, I talk about different forms of tolerance, how we’re subjected to it, when it comes, and when it goes. Enjoy!

  • Astrology

    Astrology

    Before getting into it, I just wanted to preface this piece by saying that if you believe in astrology, turn away now! I come at it with my biases and am rude to the subject. Now, with that said… Ahh the reading of one’s psychology through the motion of planets and stars, peak science. Welcome…

  • Thoughts 35: Late Nights

    In episode thirty-five of Thoughts, I talk about late nights in general and their profound effect on our ability of reflection. Enjoy!

  • Ending Adolescence

    Ending Adolescence

    Adolescence itself is the period following the onset of puberty, during which a young person develops from a child into an adult. We all know about adolescence. Aside from us personally experiencing it, countless coming-of-age movies and shows cover it. Most of the other major life changes are covered as well. Growing up is a…

  • Thoughts 34: Fame

    In episode thirty-four of Thoughts, I go over the concept and origins of fame and infamy, and how we are all effected by it today. Enjoy!

  • Proper Introductions 2020

    Proper Introductions 2020

    Hello one and all! Check out my YouTube channel found through this video here or in my CHANNELS page. I’d love to have a conversation with you about any of the topics I’ve talked about, and the others I have yet to! Let me know what you think anywhere you can comment, and enjoy!

  • SP 60: Beautiful Simplicity

    Welcome to episode 60 of Joe Van’s Secret Podcast! In this episode I bring back my first new guest post COVID-19 to continue our deep dive into various subjects! We cover the economy and how by not increasing pay during something like inflation IS in itself an action, we cover our earliest memories, health and…

  • The Legend of Zelda

    The Legend of Zelda

    The Legend of Zelda is a video game franchise where you play a silent-type heroic character clad in green, that fights the flood- wait! Wait waitwait, wrong franchise. Sorry. In the Legend of Zelda, you play as a character appointed by your commanding nation to quell the forces against your kind, harnessing little more than…

  • Thoughts 33: Language

    In episode thirty-three of Thoughts, I am joined with a guest appearance by Ben from stuffwithben to talk about language! We give our take on what it is and what it means for us as a species. Enjoy!

  • SP 59: Context

    Welcome to episode 59 of Joe Van’s Secret Podcast! Today I have on my fifth guest post COVID-19. We waste no time jumping into Ang Lee’s discography, conspiracies- both ludicrous and true, how separation leads to hate, the new viral ‘woke and racist’ skit on Twitter, Oakville’s checkered past AND present, why Canada should not…

  • SP 58: What we Observe

    Welcome to episode 58 of Joe Van’s Secret Podcast! Today I have my first NEW guest, post COVID-19. We waste no time jumping into heavy topics such as belief, hard concepts that will ne’er have an answer, working to learn how you want to work, and living situations. It was a blast to have him…

  • Tolerance

    Tolerance

    When you think of tolerance, do you think of physical tolerance, or philosophical tolerance? The capacity to endure continued subjection to something, be it a drug, transplant, antigen, or environmental conditions, without adverse reaction, is physical tolerance. The ability or willingness to forbear something, in particular the existence of opinions or behavior that one does…

  • Thoughts 32: The Conflict with Conflict

    In episode thirty-two of Thoughts, I talk about how conflict as an entity is fused to the meaning of life. It is what gives us rise whether we like it or not. Enjoy!

  • Late Nights

    Late Nights

    I gave you guys a late night thought of mine in Transient Thoughts, and here I just wanted to talk about late nights in general. They are the time of a 24 hour cycle where most people are asleep. It’s when it’s quietest in your corner of the world, and it’s when deep thoughts can…

  • Thoughts 31: Halo

    In episode thirty-one of Thoughts, I talk about my experience with the video game franchise: Halo. Enjoy!

  • Joe Van Recommends

    Hey everybody! It’s ya boy, Joe Van, comin’ back at ya with another piece, but this one’s different from the rest. In this piece I wanted to recommend some YouTube channels to you guys. These channels are ones I’ve come across over years of binge-watching YouTuber content. So, they’ll come in no particular order, but…

  • Thoughts 30: Love

    In episode thirty of Thoughts I gush about love! Oh what a thing to be captured by. Enjoy!

  • Language

    Language

    At my elementary school, when you rose to grade five, you were inducted to the fictional island of Foo. You learned their language and pastime sports, and near the end of the year you would compete with your peers to claim victory in each category. That was the first and only time I truly learned…

  • The Conflict with Conflict

    The Conflict with Conflict

    Does life need conflict? More specifically, do humans need conflict in our lives to keep things interesting? Just look at animals in zoos for Pete’s sake. They got no worries in the world, but also nothing to do. Good stories certainly need conflict. And states of higher consciousness or enlightenment are merely momentary, so it…

  • Thoughts 28: Follies of Consciousness

    In episode twenty-eight of Thoughts, I talk about the follies of consciousness and what we do with our understanding of them. Enjoy!

  • Halo

    Halo

    When you first saw Halo, were you blinded by its majesty? Before I jump into the video game that I’m actually referring to, let’s cover the other uses of the word. A halo is a disk or circle of light shown surrounding or above the head of a saint or holy person to represent their…

  • Thoughts 27: Determinism

    In episode twenty-seven of Thoughts, I dive deep into the philosophical standpoint of Determinism. Is it the truth of reality? One must make up their own mind. Enjoy!

  • Love

    Love

    Love is compassion and attraction. It’s kindness and well wishes. It’s hidden magic, being in it, and something worth fighting for. If life is a game, love is the prize! It’s the one thing everyone wants. But does true love really exist? Sorry to keep playing the word game with you guys, but let’s look…

  • SP 57: Simulated Frights

    Welcome to episode 57 of Joe Van’s Secret Podcast! Today I have another 2nd time returning guest come back from the top of the year to discuss their experience during Canada’s quarantine time. We talk about Black Lives Matters protests, films to watch, Jay-walking, what the odds are that we live in a simulated reality,…

  • Strength and Power

    Strength and Power

    Strength! Power! Austin POWERS. What is strength, and what is power? Strength is physical, and strength is emotional. Power is external control and authority, and control is an illusion. So what does that say about the people seeking power? One could say they’re chasing a fleeting dream, like chasing the pink dragon- something they might…

  • Thoughts 24: Time

    In episode twenty-four of Thoughts, I go over time in all of its complicated simplicity as it draws us ever forward. Enjoy!

  • Thoughts 23: Substance Abuse

    In episode twenty-three of Thoughts I go over the heavy subject of substance abuse, what factors play into how it develops and how breaking through mental walls is all part of living a better life. Enjoy!  

  • Thoughts 22: Identities

    In episode twenty-two of Thoughts, I talk about the concept of identity, what it is, what it means, where it could come from, and what we make of it. Enjoy!

  • Fear

    Fear

    Fear is tucking your daughter in for the night only to realize once you’ve closed the door that you don’t have a daughter. Fear is laying in bed as a figure walks into your room from the hallway and you can’t move. Fear is being three hours into a hike and hearing a crunch beside…

  • Thoughts 20: Sexuality

    In episode twenty of Thoughts, I talk about the nature of sexuality and our relationship with it. Enjoy!

  • SP 56: Check Yourself

    Welcome to #56 of Joe Van’s Secret Podcast! Here I talk to another returning guest about her early past, quarantining with friends, what the point or lack-there-of is regarding the theory that reality is a simulation, and virtual babysitting among other things. She was a treat to have on and I hope you all enjoy!

  • SP 55: No South Korea

    Welcome back to #55 of Joe Van’s Secret Podcast! I talk with a returning guest about how the current quarantine has affected his plans, what scares him most, and states of the mind. Enjoy!

  • The Good Life

    The Good Life

    What constitutes living a good life? While individual happiness is particular to each person, general well being is quantifiable. A good life includes a healthy diet, or healthy enough for you to still enjoy what you’re eating, a moderate fitness regiment, an open dialogue with your inner circle of loved ones, and having a life…

  • Time

    Time

    What is time? I’ll let you guys answer this one. For real, I’ll wait… and wait… and wait. Even if it takes a lifetime. Even when the stars burn out and matter is dissipated into a heat death of the universe. All will be dark, but you’ll still have time. Time is known to do…

  • Substance Abuse

    Substance Abuse

    How does someone find themselves at the receiving end of a destructive habit? No one plans to live a life of degradation. It’s something that happens slowly, like a frog in boiling water. One doesn’t notice that certain actions have a predictive outcome of addiction until they reach that point down the line. It can…

  • Identities

    Identities

    Identities! Also known as personalities made from a collection of memories. I’ve written about the concept of identities in bits and pieces throughout my blog, like in Duality and Perspective, but I think it deserves it’s own work down. Would the ninth grade version of yourself even recognize you? Are you still you if you…

  • Dyson Spheres

    Dyson Spheres

    One one-billionth of the Sun’s total energy output actually reaches Earth. Of all the energy that does reach Earth, 34 percent is reflected back to space by clouds. The Earth itself reflects another 66 percent back to space. Wouldn’t it be great if we could harness even one percent of the Sun’s energy? That thought…

  • Thoughts 3: Introspection

    In episode three of Thoughts, I talk about the tool of introspection in regards to emotional stability. Enjoy.

  • SP 54: Collected Consciousness

    On #54 of Joe Van’s Secret Podcast, I talk with an old boss of sorts about her years of growth, identity, and philosophies about our species. What does the future hold? We know as much as we dare to.

  • End of an Era

    Hello adoring fans! I just wanted to make an announcement that future installations of the Joe Van Secret Podcast will no longer be named by season, and will no longer be weekly! I thank you all so much for tuning in, and appreciate your future time with us. This is the end of an era,…

  • Teem

    Teem

    Power moves through muscles, priming them to flex. We teem with energy, waiting for the right time to pounce. People prop up and spring, growing taller to jump higher. Such whims want nothing more, but to teem with excitement at the chance to pour.

  • S2 E28: Jolly Life

    On #53 of Joe Van’s Secret Podcast, I speak with a not-so-new friend from the big city about her life, from over the pond to here and everywhere in between. We also talk about how one makes friends and which friends to keep!

  • S2 E27: Crazy Work Stories

    On #52 of Joe Van’s Secret Podcast, I speak with a once city local about his life and work, as well as philosophical inquiries on what could be.

  • S2 E26: Choice

     On #51 of Joe Van’s Secret Podcast, I have on return guests Sam and Xerxes! We sing only to jump head first into deep talks that have no end in relation to there being a possible conclusive answer. Life is a dance so we might as well sing too!

  • S2 E25: South Korea

    On milestone #50 of Joe Van’s Secret Podcast, I speak with a new guest about everything under the sun, from childhood and love, to wonder and hoping. Disclaimer; my dog appears throughout the episode schlopping and clopping.

  • S2 E24: Hysteria

    On #49 of Joe Van’s Secret Podcast, I break a sacred rule and edit! What are rules for anyway? In the first promotional interview for a project,  I talk with Writer/Director Reem Morsi on her first feature: Hysteria.

  • S2 E23: Personal Fear

    On #48 of Joe Van’s Secret Podcast, I talk with a fellow self employed, recovered alcoholic about the journey one takes to better their lives. We discuss addiction, scammers, persistence, cycles of bitter habit and finally taking that leap. Sometimes it takes getting shot in the head to wake up.

  • S2 E22: Societies of our Time

    Happy New Year and new decade my fellow dudes! On #47 of Joe Van’s Secret Podcast, my guest from last week returns, making it the first ever back-to-back interview! Also clocking in as the longest episode so far, we discuss her early world and how she came to be city-neighbours with me. We talk about…

  • S2 E21: The Plan

    Merry Christmas and happy holidays! On #46 of Joe Van’s Secret Podcast, I interview a public health worker in the criminal justice world. We talk about finding one’s path, community, authority, justice advocacy, the entertainment world, belief and judgment, the holiday of Eid, the British royal family, one race, and climate change consequences.

  • S2 E20: The Way the World Works

    On #45 of Joe Van’s Secret Podcast I talk with a past co-worker about movies and the work that goes into them, secrets of the universe, addiction, trauma and how it can change people, whether or not free will exists and how the universe really works.

  • S2 E19: Living the High Life

    On #44 of Joe Van’s Secret Podcast, I speak with a young couple about their meeting and falling in love, what they do now and what we know about pop culture.

  • S2 E18: Past Your Eyes

    On #43 of Joe Van’s Secret Podcast I speak with a couple that have been neighbours to generations upon generations of kids. They talk with me about their early life, coming together, years of travel, the controversy of immigration, and finding time to talk.

  • S2 E17: Gemini

    On #42 of the Joe Van Secret Podcast, I speak with a fellow cinephile about recent and not-so-recent films, comic books, manga, nearly perfect television, and the dangers of interpretation.

  • S2 E16: Love, Sex, and Language

    On #41 of the Joe Van Secret Podcast I have my very first co-host! We speak with a returning guest about our love lives, past relationships, the importance of love languages, and friendship.

  • S2 E15: Individuality

    On #40 of the Joe Van Secret Podcast, I speak to one tall drink of water about growing up with positive influences, standing out and finding your inner child.

  • S2 E14: CHINA

    On #39 of the Joe Van’s Secret Podcast I prove that it’s better to be together, when person after person joins the conversation! In one long sit down, me and several guests talk about so much stuff I can’t even condense it for you here. Just sit back, tune in, and enjoy the ride!

  • S2 E13: Emotional Intelligence

    On #38 of Joe Van’s Secret Podcast, I talk to a relative across the pond about his opinion on politics, humanity, and what’s possible.

  • S2 E12: Ghouls and Ghosts

    Today’s Halloween themed episode #37 of Joe Van’s Secret Podcast I talk with Sam about scary movies, instincts, scary scenarios and candy!

  • S2 E11: Human Connection

    Joe Van’s Secret Podcast #36. I talk to a delightful new mystery guest about mythologies, human nature, A.G.I., and how we connect.

  • S2 E10: Breathing with Meaning

    On season two, episode ten, Joe Van’s Secret Podcast #35, I talk with two amazing people at the end of my first LSD experience. We discuss shows we were raised with, outdated metro-sexuality, taking advantage of the social market, magic mushrooms, k-holes, Macbeth, LOVE, women’s rights, and my own little book plug.

  • S2 E9: Dreaming of Free Animals

    On season two, episode nine, Joe Van’s Secret Podcast #34, I talk to a designer at an architecture firm about early life, after life, dreams, animals’ rights, and the importance of not hurting others. She was a guest to have back eagerly.

  • S2 E8: The Great Canadian Debate Finale

    Part FOUR and finale of the great Canadian debate… and episode #33 of Joe Van’s Secret Podcast, I talk again with Bobby Rose and Big L on the topics of climate change action, mandatory military, females in combat, the death penalty, euthanasia, abortion, the burka and feminism. We finish things by agreeing to disagree, and…

  • S2 E7: Gucci Gang

    In episode #32 of Joe Van’s Secret Podcast, I bring back two amazing guests to talk about past trends, what the future could hold, where we came from and our perspectives of the Raptors at the start of June 2019.

  • S2 E5: A Body of Fears

    Here with episode #30 of the Secret Podcast. Today I speak to a lived gentleman about science, work, tattoos and horror movies!

  • Turning and Churning

    Turning and Churning

    Folding and pelting, greasing and gassing, holding and passing. Letting up a tad to see it spin out, grabbing on tight and trying not to shout. Bingeing on the hard stuff, dying just to last. Crying with cuffed hands now, hell has come and passed.

  • Secret Pod 25

    This episode I speak to a young, passionate man in regards to plant care.

  • Secret Pod 24

    I talk with guest 23 about an american life, reincarnation and what science doesn’t know.

  • Secret Podcast 23

    This episode, I talk to an old guest: 5, about life goals, human nature and piecing things together.

  • Secret Podcast 22

    In this episode we talk about weed and the life of guest 22.

  • Secret Podcast 21

    This episode I talk to a lovely couple about their rich lives.

  • Secret Podcast 20

    In this episode my guest and I talk about relationships, ghosts, and drugs. A side note that is worth mentioning, I give a story that I feel I presented poorly, and if editing was not against my rules I would definitely cut that out.

  • Secret Podcast 19

    This episode features a scholar who works in HVAC, and energy systems in general.

  • Snitches Get Stitches

    Snitches Get Stitches

    The common phrase, ‘snitches get stitches and end up in ditches,’ is currently used in schoolyards, though it originally came from urban communities regarding illegal activities. They would say it to someone they considered potential police informants, as a form of intimidation for their own self-serving reasons. Since then it has been used in jails,…

  • It’s Worth It!

    It’s Worth It!

    Damn does life throw curve balls sometimes. I’m not a sportsman, no more specifically a follower of the baseball, but meanings mean some things. Fighting is so often something we all try to avoid, and for good reason, because it does nothing but hurt. Though, in many situations, we fight because we need to, to…

  • Secret Podcast 18

    Halloween is fast approaching! Sam and Xerxes return to talk about it.

  • Secret Podcast 17

    In this episode I talk with a newly engaged millennial working in photography.

  • Secret Podcast 16

    In this episode I speak with an employee/owner who cares about his city.

  • Secret Podcast 15

    In this episode I interview the CEO of a startup company.

  • Life

    Life

    Love, liberty, longevity, peace, play, pursuit of happiness, ponder, pretend, crease, create, craft, craze, cause, dig, drive, desire, daze, dim, somber, soft, sensible, shared, swell, sweet, savour, reflect, remiss. Live.

  • Joe Van’s Secret Podcast 14

    Episode 14! Here I talk to a pearl of wisdom.

  • Joe Van’s Secret Podcast 13

    Episode 13 of the secret podcast! In this episode I interview a once wild kid.

  • Joe Van’s Secret Podcast 12

    Episode 12 of the secret podcast! Here I interview guest five and nine again, together. A side note worth mentioning, for more than a minute I suffer from hiccups due to hot candied jalapenos.

  • Joe Van’s Secret Podcast 11

    Enjoy episode eleven of the secret podcast! In this interview I talk to the youngest guest yet.

  • Joe Van’s Secret Podcast 10

    Enjoy episode ten of the secret podcast! In this episode I interview an American for the first time.

  • Joe Van’s Secret Podcast 09

    Enjoy episode nine of the secret podcast! She is short spoken, but always passionate.

  • Joe Van’s Secret Podcast 08

    Enjoy episode eight of the secret podcast! I interview a man, a legend, a dream. Enough said.

  • Joe Van’s Secret Podcast 07

    Enjoy episode seven of the secret podcast! In this episode I interview the woman that saved me from a spongy death.

  • Joe Van’s Secret Podcast 06

    Enjoy episode six of the secret podcast! Here I interview a woman I haven’t known as long as the others but holds just as much weight in her character.

  • Joe Van’s Secret Podcast 05

    Enjoy episode five of the secret podcast! In this episode I interview the first guy.

  • Joe Van’s Secret Podcast 04

    Enjoy episode four of the secret podcast! In this episode I interview two guests at once.

  • Joe Van’s Secret Podcast 03

    Enjoy episode three of the secret podcast! This woman needs no introduction. She may be short in her approach but she is a force to be reckoned with.

  • Being In It

    Being In It

    Certainty is an issue with some people. They say that the more you know, the less certain you become about things. Once your perspective broadens from information; academically or otherwise, on whatever subject, the more open-minded you might become. Certainty is something innate. You are either into something, or you’re not. And there are many…

  • Importance

    Importance

    This will be a hot button topic unlike any of the other topics I’ve written about so far, I feel. What people find important or not important vary radically depending on the individual. Some people find many-a-thing important and therefore sensitive or sacred, while others care so little they couldn’t be bothered to know it…

  • Up

    Up

    I race this high, and I don’t know why. It feels good, anonymity of a hood. My loved ones shan’t know, like discovery of a cove. Darkness shrouds it, as the feeling clouds it. Peace will not hide, what the high surly finds. It must have an end, to this high I defend. One day…

  • Longevity

    Longevity

    What would you say is the deepest sensation? An orgasm? True happiness? Peace? You might say ‘sleep’ sarcastically, but no. It is purpose. It is the absolute and ultimate drive of intelligent life. It is what lies behind our every action and reaction. Every want, every need is predicated by our life purpose. It is…

  • A Slice of Deviance

    A Slice of Deviance

    Here is an excerpt from my first novel: Deviance. You can find a link to its Amazon page ‘Here’. * V took a seat. She looked a little bewildered. “You feeling anything?” asked Nathan. “I don’t know… maybe? I think I feel something.” He took a seat next to her. “It’ll probably take a while…

  • Perspective

    Perspective

         Perspective is in my opinion one of the most incredible assets any person can have. It gives the ability to fully actualize yourself in whatever way you see fit. And the thing about this claim, is that having perspective gives you your way of seeing. So you can’t even be in a situation…

  • Being Alone

    Being Alone

    I have to start this by making sure everyone knows as a basic fact that we are all alone, at every moment, inside our heads. Now, with that being said I will begin with a question. When you imagine being alone, are you sad? Or are you relieved? As an evolutionary fact we humans are…

  • Hidden Magic

    Hidden Magic

    There’s a hidden magic in people. It comes out like fire as a child. Like a smile on an old face, or the fury in a friend seeing you get beat up as they come to help. There need not be any enemies. A kid can make friends with a rock but two old friends…

  • If We Could Live Forever

    If We Could Live Forever

    We all know there are certainties about the human race. We were built to survive. To know the enemy, and strike them down. We yearn to live not only in the short term, but honestly to the majority of people, forever. Religions give so many people the hope. But in that context however, many troubles…

  • Soothing Edges

    Soothing Edges

    When did the sun leave me? The dark is so sudden. It shocks by contrast of a stark blue glow. The glow clicks and rattles quietly so as not to disturb those sleeping. Global communities soothe away the edges. It feels nice to hurt a little, be it a sting behind the eyes or a…

  • Circle K Rounded Up Mac’s Milk!

    Circle K Rounded Up Mac’s Milk!

    Vancouver is a nice place I hear. I’ve never been, is what I’m inferring. Though I’ve lived in this country of Canada for 25 years now, I’ve never traveled west of Ontario. However, there is a connection Vancouver now has with the city I was born and raised in: Burlington, and it is for what…

  • Budding Romance

    Budding Romance

    I spend nights alone. I spend days with friends, only sometimes. Days pass. Nights crawl. My hobbies lie, and parents spy. Who’s that? A face. A name. A friend. She’s cute, but no way, taken. Her name is Hope, Forsaken. I see trouble, no, prosperity from lonely. We develop, like film. Feel the screen. Hear…

  • Intentions

    Intentions

    There was once a naive wish that was lost. The wish, was that we lived in a world where it was easier for everyone to express themselves without fear of holding back, instead of the world we live in now where we tow the line. The social psychology of humanity today is the same as…