Why Am I

Hi, I’m Greg Sowell, and this is Why Am I, a podcast where I have conversations with interesting folks to try and trace a path to where they find themselves today. My guest this go around is Will Bearden. If you’ve ever been curious about history in Memphis or the Mississippi delta, odds are you’ve seen one of his videos, or perhaps come across one of his books. He’s a southern gentleman who loves telling stories. He documents the people who’ve made history in the South so that they may live on, and my hope also is so that he can live on amongst them. Enjoy this chat with Willy.

Podcast episode on Anchor here.

Youtube version here:

This is Why Am I, a podcast that is all about having conversations with interesting people to try and trace a path to where they find themselves today.  My guest this go around is Mykell Barlow, who is about as multifaceted as they come. He talks about singing in Georgian night clubs at 13, to his time in Tialand, then over to being a pastor, then dropping everything and moving to LA, and last as RuPaul Charles’ executive assistant. Oh and did I mention that he is also a writer, director, producer, and actor LOL? If nothing else, you won’t be left unchanged by this conversation; I hope you enjoy my chat with Mykell.

Podcast episode on Anchor here.

Youtube version here:

This is Why Am I, a podcast that is all about having conversations with interesting people to try and trace a path to where they find themselves today. My guest this go around is Jimmy Ogle. He is truly in love with the city of Memphis in a way that I’ve never seen anyone love a city. He’s only the third person to be named as the Shelby County historian, he’s headed countless city organizations, and has given thousands of tours of the city. In fact, I met him on a tour of bridges, that lead to a walking tour, that lead to a manhole cover tour, and ultimately led me to do a special tour of the country’s first separated storm drain system…I was literally looking at vaulted brick chambers that only a handful of people had ever seen. As you’ll notice, if you ask him a yes or no question you emerge 20 minutes later, much wiser, but without an answer to the original question. Please enjoy this chat with Jimmy.

Podcast episode on Anchor here.

Youtube version here:

This is Why Am I, a podcast that is all about having conversations with interesting people to try and trace a path to where they find themselves today.  The lucky contestant this time is Staza Stone, a trained dancer, stilt walker, trapeze, fabric, hooper, clown, burlesque artist, and …instructor.  This kid is a fireball who knows who they are, where they want to go, and how to get there.  Her infectious energy is, I believe, the key to her helping preserve the art of Circus.  I hope you enjoy this chat with Staza.

Podcast episode on Anchor here.

Youtube version here:

The Fantasy Restaurant is my warmup exercise that asks people their dream: drink, appetizer, main, side, and dessert. It usually gets wacky and is always fun. This is normally a Patreon(http://patreon.com/whyamipod) exclusive, but I like to drop one of these from time to time, and this one was definitely a LOT of fun. Jennifer eats all of the things that are trying to kill her LOL; I hope you enjoy Jennifer’s fantasy meal.

Podcast episode on Anchor here.

Youtube version here:

Meet the man who cracks whips for a living.  Yeah, you read that correctly…and sometimes they are made of chain, or perhaps they are on fire, and all while playing the harmonica.  Adam “crack” Winrich  is a variety arts entertainer who is the most analytical and calculating person I’ve spoken to thus far; he’s a lesson in the unexpected.  I hope you enjoy this conversation with Adam.

Podcast episode on Anchor here.

Youtube version here:

Jennifer Mosquera is an artist that started as a vet, pivoted to earth science, took a pitstop as a lawyer, and eventually found her home making amazing interactive art experiences.  This is someone who while they know who they are, isn’t afraid of change…and I Love it; she’s definitely my sister from another mister.  I hope you enjoy this conversation with Jennifer.

Podcast episode on Anchor here.

Youtube version here:

Podcast episode on Anchor here.

Youtube version here:

Mario is a passionate author and artist who never lets failure stop him…and I mean never. He’s the only person to have had a vampire novel declassified by the US government…that’s not something you hear everyday…or ever really. He’s also got a quote for everything, which means he is someone definitely on my wavelength. I hope you enjoy this chat with Mario.

Podcast episode on Anchor here.

Youtube version here:

Well hello there season 2, it’s nice to see you. In the spirit of starting things off with a bang, I’ve got Cameron Huges, one of the world’s great crowd igniters. Cameron has been hyping crowds for over two decades, and, no surprise here, he does a great job at hyping me up 🙂 It’s definitely not been all candy canes and lollipops along the way, but he has a way of finding the silver linings. He is extremely in touch with his feelings and motivations, which takes us deep down the rabbit hole. I hope you join me in “feeling it like it is” with Cameron.

Podcast episode on Anchor here.

Youtube version here: