In episode thirty-one of Thoughts, I talk about my experience with the video game franchise: Halo. Enjoy!
Tag: postaweek
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… Continue reading Joe Van Recommends
Fame
Shamans and heroes! Serial killers and singers! Fame. The subject of fame is cool as hell because it's one of those other things that's completely unique to humans. It's the state of being known or talked about by many people, especially on account of notable achievements. People the world over know who Tom Cruise is.… Continue reading Fame
Thoughts: Love
In episode thirty of Thoughts I gush about love! Oh what a thing to be captured by. Enjoy!
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… Continue reading Language
Thoughts: Strength and Power
In episode twenty-nine of Thoughts, I go over the MANY different definitions of strength, and discuss how power plays into strength. Enjoy!
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… Continue reading Halo
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… Continue reading Love
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,… Continue reading Simulated Frights
Thoughts: Fear
In episode twenty-six of Thoughts, I discuss the sensation of fear, where it came from, why it lives within us and what one does with it. Enjoy!
Thoughts: The Good Life
In milestone episode twenty-five of Thoughts, I discuss the pursuit of happiness and how to live a generally good life. Enjoy!
Thoughts: Time
In episode twenty-four of Thoughts, I go over time in all of its complicated simplicity as it draws us ever forward. Enjoy!
The Follies of Consciousness
There will be people that can argue to a good point that human consciousness is a part of evolution, but my intuition says it just ain't! Hence my title: The Follies of Consciousness. First, what is consciousness? Consciousness is the fact of awareness by the mind of itself and the world. In shorter words; self-awareness.… Continue reading The Follies of Consciousness
Thoughts: 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!
Determinism
Is determinism the truth of reality? For starters, what is the idea of determinism and what are its counters? Determinism is the philosophical belief that all events are determined completely by previously existing causes. Causal determinism in physics is known as cause-and-effect. It is the concept that events within a given paradigm are bound by… Continue reading Determinism
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… Continue reading Fear
Thoughts: Sexuality
In episode twenty of Thoughts, I talk about the nature of sexuality and our relationship with it. Enjoy!
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!
Album Covers of our Cosmos
This is visual poetry, not brought to you by myself but by NASA. I just thought I'd share it on my website. These images have been rendered in all their beauty for free to the general public; the ones below are my favourites of the bunch. You can find all of the posters by searching… Continue reading Album Covers of our Cosmos
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… Continue reading The Good Life
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… Continue reading Substance Abuse
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… Continue reading Identities
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… Continue reading Dyson Spheres
EEEAAA!
Jumping stretches my aching body! Here now I have some. I can't dance but I'd love to try. The trees call me to climb them, who am I to deny? Eeeaaa do I love a good run from sun rise to sun done. Crackle like a fire when it's time and sing like a choir… Continue reading EEEAAA!
Sexuality
Sexuality is both praised and abhorred in society. It's either handled with exuberance or repression, the latter form there arguably running both the show and amok in the western world. The current dominant religions are clearly against it, yet have their own twisted viewpoint on what it even is. Everyone remembers when puberty really changed… Continue reading Sexuality
Attention
"Adults with ADHD who are undiagnosed and untreated in childhood are at greater risk of low self-esteem, substance abuse, anxiety and depression," Labour’s shadow minister for mental health, Barbara Keeleyshe says. "Despite the serious problems that adults with undiagnosed ADHD face, many living with the condition say it has had a positive impact on their… Continue reading Attention
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,… Continue reading End of an Era
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… Continue reading S2 E22: Societies of our Time
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… Continue reading S2 E8: The Great Canadian Debate Finale
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.
