Connection Club with Phil Santos

Spiritual Materialism in Miami

Inspired by Tibetan Buddhist teacher Chogyam Trugpa’s Book “Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism,” we brought together community leaders, from festival organizers to Sufi mystics and indigenous elders, in order to discuss the development of spirituality in Miami. "On Spiritual Materialism" was hosted by Keysel Pelaez, along with panelists Giselle World, Kaheal Head, Ivan Lopez, Shamelle Gonzalez, and Ivan Waiki Poma.

10 Ways to Stay Connected During the Pandemic – Adam Wilder, Togetherness

A short audio essay from the heart by Adam Wilder of Togetherness. Social distancing does not mean isolation, so remember to get your dose of human connection during these crazy times. I challenge you to implement a new one this week.

Berlin's Underground Hip-Hop Scene – Yared Abraham, Virtual Love Collective

Incredible rappers were emerging from Europe but weren't getting any love in their own countries. So Yared Abraham left his job at MTV and founded Virtual Love to create cell-phone free concerts, music industry events, and international tours with artists like Kelvyn Colt, Olah Bliss, and Sugaboy.

Finding Meaning Through Shared Experiences – Cole NeSmith of Immerse Festival

Cole NeSmith is the founder of Orlando’s grand experimental art festival, Immerse (FKA Creative City Project.) The annual event brings the creativity of over 1,000 artists to the streets of downtown Orlando. We talk a lot about the inner workings of his festival, and he helps me understand his through-line from being a spiritual leader to starting a creative festival.

Finding Meaning Through Shared Experiences – Cole NeSmith of Immerse Festival

Cole NeSmith is the founder of Orlando’s grand experimental art festival, Immerse (FKA Creative City Project.) The annual event brings the creativity of over 1,000 artists to the streets of downtown Orlando. We talk a lot about the inner workings of his festival, and he helps me understand his through-line from being a spiritual leader to starting a creative festival.

A Permaculture Community House in the Suburbs - Yuan Chang of Peanut Butter Palace

Yuan Chang is the co-founder and homeowner of the Peanut Butter Palace–a food forest slash cooperative living community smackdab in suburban Orlando, Florida. We talk about how to start and sustain a co-op, the art of community events, and how to build an organization that doesn't depend on one person.

Print Parties and the Orlando Design Scene – Harry Foreman of Akyros

Print Parties and the Orlando Design Scene – Harry Foreman of Akyros

Harry Foreman is a talented designer who throws innovative screenprinting parties. We talk about the low point that led him to graphic design, how to get great work from a designer, and the full print party playbook.

Designing experiences that facilitate connection – Brent Henderson from Zupp

Brent Henderson is the founder of Zupp – an app that rewards college kids for going out to local bars and restaurants. I'm usually skeptical of startup dudes trying to "connect people," but Brent really does care about bringing friends together IRL. We get real philosophical about bar culture and the nature of going out for college kids. Bar owners have never had to compete against such powerful couch magnets as Netflix and the (mostly) empty calories of Instagram connection, but we talk ab...