The Jar

Ken Stearns

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The Jar

Armed with a jar full of questions, Ken Stearns is driving to 111 cities in America to interview strangers and give Real People and Real Conversations a place to be heard. Every episode features a new guest who's life story unfolds slowly with each question they pull out of the Jar. With no topic or story off limits, The Jar is discovering the lives of the strangers you pass on the street.

5 DE MARÇ

#325 The Seeds That Grew: From Cop to Coach with Mel Batterman

In this compelling episode of The Jar podcast, we had the privilege of visiting Mel Batterman at their Las Vegas home. Mel's life story is one of resilience, transformation, and finding purpose. Born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, to a teenage mother, Mel's early years were marked by the challenges of an unconventional family dynamic. His mother's struggles with personal demons led to multiple marriages and a tumultuous upbringing. Mel's own life journey was profoundly impacted during his teenage years when he endured abuse from his mother's third husband. However, he emerged from this dark period with a deep resolve and a commitment to studying criminal justice and child psychology in college. Mel's career path took her into the world of law enforcement, starting as a police officer in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Her dedication eventually led her to Madison and later to a job in Chicago. In 2021, he embarked on a transformative journey, transitioning from a career in law enforcement to become a life health wellness coach. Mel shared how this life experience and training have shaped his coaching style, offering a unique perspective to clients. During our conversation, Mel courageously opened up about his gender journey. Growing up as a girl, she always knew that his body didn't align with histrue identity. Mel recently made the courageous decision to undergo transition, a process that ultimately led to the end of a 19-year relationship. Despite the challenges and losses, Mel described the experience as a profound sense of relief and peace, finally living as his authentic self. Mel's story is a powerful testament to resilience, self-discovery, and the pursuit of purpose. It highlights how life's trials and tribulations can prepare us for our true calling. Join us as we delve into Mel's deeply moving narrative in another real and heartfelt conversation with a remarkable individual on The Jar podcast.

1 h 27 min
8 DE FEBR.

#320 From Business Success to Homelessness: Lisa's Test of Resilience with Lisa Perez

In a poignant and deeply personal episode of The Jar, we had the privilege of meeting Lisa Perez in the comfort of her bungalow, nestled within the Northern Arizona University campus. As we settled around TV dinner trays with The Jar between us, Lisa began to share her remarkable life journey. Hailing from Idaho, Lisa's family roots run deep, with both her mother and father's families having lived there for generations. Growing up alongside her older brother, her family's frequent relocations due to her father's government contract negotiations eventually led them to settle in the Santa Barbara area of California. Lisa's quest for peace and understanding led her on a spiritual journey, where she grappled with her beliefs and sought answers about God and existence. She went on to build her own successful businesses, mirroring her father's career, and became a high achiever, always on the move. However, this relentless pace took a toll, leading to a sudden breakdown that resulted in her losing everything. Lisa found herself homeless and eventually in a psych ward, where she began to confront the trauma that had haunted her for years. Lisa's journey of healing involves facing painful memories, from enduring hurtful names from her family to surviving a traumatic assault during a sleepover at a young age, a secret she carried for four decades. One of the most challenging aspects of Lisa's story is her struggle to reconcile her love for her father, whom she admired deeply, with his inaction in protecting her from abuse that occurred under his roof. Her complex relationship with her son and her ongoing mourning for her father further complicate her path to healing. This episode is a testament to Lisa's resilience and strength as she navigates the difficult terrain of her past. Join us as we listen to Lisa's story, a journey towards peace, self-discovery, and letting go of the burdens of the past. The Jar continues to bring you real conversations with real people, and Lisa's story is a powerful example of the transformative nature of these conversations.

1 h 32 min
29/12/2023

#314 The Benefit of the Doubt: Reflecting on Judgment and Maturity with Haven Steltmann

We had the privilege of meeting Haven Seltmann in her home in Phoenix. Originally hailing from Portland, Oregon, Haven's life took her to the charming town of Silverton during her formative years. She grew up as an only child, her younger brother sadly passing away at a young age. This early experience set the stage for a profound spiritual journey. Haven's upbringing was steeped in church and spirituality, evolving over the years as she learned to follow the universe's cues. Her relationship with her parents has been somewhat unconventional. Her dad feels more like an uncle, while her mom and sister play significant roles in her life. During our conversation, we delved into the notion that as we grow and become parents ourselves, we often gain a deeper appreciation for our own parents' struggles and imperfections. Haven humorously referred to herself as the "poster child for the benefit of the doubt," reflecting on the judgments we cast on our parents as we mature and gain more understanding. One poignant theme that emerged from Haven's story was the hope that children harbor for their parents to simply be present. She emphasized that being there for your children doesn't require trying to be more than what you are; it's about genuinely showing up. Haven's journey is one of introspection, growth, and evolving perspectives. Join us as we sit down with Haven, traverse her life's path through The Jar, and gain insights into the complexity of family dynamics and the profound impact of parenting.

1 h 25 min
28/12/2023

#323 A Canvas of Hope and Healing with Marcel Roston

On a Thursday morning in North Vegas, we ventured to meet our next guest, Marcel. As we approached Marcel's street, a striking sight greeted us – a bright red pickup truck covered in what seemed like infinite graffiti, intentional graffiti that reminded us of the work of New York artist Renda Writer. We parked the van across from Marcel's house, and almost instantly, a booming voice and a warm greeting echoed from the driveway. Marcel welcomed us, setting the tone for what promised to be a profound conversation. Marcel hails from Ocean Beach, California, growing up with one brother and one sister in one of the most beautiful parts of the world. However, his childhood was marked by financial struggles, drugs in the household, and barely scraping by. His father, a charismatic Rolling Stone-type figure, eventually retired as a nurse at the age of 73. We learned that the graffiti-covered truck outside belonged to Marcel, and it was more than just a vehicle; it was a canvas for his work. Marcel reaches out to strangers on the internet, engaging them in conversations about their mental health. If he senses someone isn't doing well, he gets in his truck, drives to them, has a talk, and they leave their mark on his truck. What motivates Marcel to do this? The heartbreaking tragedy he endured on March 26 several years ago when he found his daughter in the garage, having taken her own life. Determined to prevent others from suffering a similar fate, Marcel has become a grief and trauma specialist. He's transformed his pain into purpose and his trauma into tools. Marcel is a man with an unshakable mission to offer love, support, and help to those who need it. His dedication to saving lives is born from the heart-wrenching experience of not being able to save his own daughter. Marcel is a remarkable human being doing incredible work, and we invite you to join us, Marcel, and The Jar for another real conversation with real people.

1 h 22 min
21/12/2023

#321 A Survivor's Tale: Triumph Over Adversity with La' Erica Conner-Simms

In this touching episode of The Jar, we had the privilege of meeting La’Erica Simms in her apartment in Lake Havasu City, where her five-year-old daughter was home sick, making her an honorary guest. La’Erica, a self-described introvert, initially approached the conversation reservedly. However, as the conversation unfolded, she gradually opened up, revealing her remarkable life journey. Originally from Inglewood, California, La’Erica grew up with her mom and older brother, as her dad was absent from their lives. Her mother, despite battling mental illness, was deeply loved and respected by La’Erica. Nevertheless, she suffered under her mother's abuse, surviving a harrowing murder-suicide attempt that left her with both physical and emotional scars. Following this traumatic event, La’Erica was placed in foster care and eventually sent to live with her grandmother on her mother's side on the East Coast. Unfortunately, this new environment did not offer the stability and support she needed. The conversation delved into La’Erica's experience as a single parent, a topic that weighed heavily on her. She shared her desire to break the cycle of single parenthood due to her past experiences, revealing the guilt and difficulty she faces in finding grace for herself. Despite these challenges, La’Erica finds herself in a good place today. She has a fulfilling job where she is valued, enjoys being part of a recovery group, and is a loving mother to her two children. Her journey through The Jar is a testament to resilience, strength, and the power of transformation. Tune in to hear La’Erica's story, as The Jar continues to engage in real conversations with real people.

1 h 6 min
18/12/2023

#319 Fatherhood Twice Over: Stephen's Joyful Journey with Stephen Wright

In this heartwarming episode of The Jar, we had the pleasure of visiting Stephen Wright in his beautiful Flagstaff home, nestled on a hillside with a picturesque view. Stephen's life journey is a tapestry of experiences that spans multiple locations and spiritual exploration. Born in 1979 in Pittsburgh, his family's journey took them from Ohio to Atlanta to Denver, finally landing in Scottsdale. Stephen humorously shared anecdotes about his move from Atlanta to Denver as a young boy, where he quickly shed his southern accent to adapt to his new surroundings, resulting in a now "vanilla" accent that doesn't give away his origin. His spiritual journey began in his youth, where he immersed himself in church activities, youth groups, and even music, learning to play the drums and guitar. He fondly remembered his time attending a black church in Decatur, Georgia, a unique and enriching experience that left a lasting impact. As Stephen matured, he started asking deeper questions about Christianity and began exploring other religions, leading to a broader and more profound spirituality. Stephen's family includes two siblings who are significantly younger. His journey eventually led him to Flagstaff in 2004, initially for a camping trip with old friends. However, during this trip, he found not only a beautiful natural setting but also a sense of community and belonging that inspired him to build his tribe. In a delightful turn of events, Stephen, who became a father at the tender age of 18, now has the opportunity to savor fatherhood once again, this time with a five-year-old son. The joy on his face as he shared this experience is palpable, highlighting the unique perspective and appreciation that comes with being a father at different stages of life. Join us as we delve into Stephen's journey through life, his diverse experiences, and his newfound sense of fulfillment and joy in fatherhood. The Jar continues to bring you real conversations with real people, and Stephen's story is a testament to the richness of these conversations.

1 h 39 min
11/12/2023

#318 In the Wild with Holly Jaleski

In the outskirts of Flagstaff, we had the pleasure of meeting our next guest, Holly Jaleski, at her fascinating factory, Nova Kinetic, which she co-founded with her husband, Nolan. Holly's journey is one filled with adventure, wildlife, and a passion for the outdoors. Holly originally hails from western Kentucky, but her family had strong ties to New York. Her father was drawn to the outdoors, particularly working on barges, so they eventually settled in Key West. Growing up, they seized every opportunity to explore the natural world, indulging in pursuits like hunting and fishing. Holly had one brother, and she quickly became known as the outdoorsy one in the family. She even climbed her first mountain at the tender age of 9. As she ventured into college, Holly formed connections with Native Americans. These friendships would later inspire her travels to India, and then back to places like Tucson and Florida. However, her true passion was working with wild animals, and she began her journey in this field. It was during her conservation work that she crossed paths with her future husband, Nolan. Both were coming out of previous relationships and were a bit older, so they initially started as friends. Their connection deepened over time, and after eight months of dating, they realized they had fallen deeply in love. Today, Holly and Nolan run Nova Kinetic together, where they build things and solve problems collaboratively. Their partnership has resulted in the creation of a beautiful life together. Join us, along with Holly and The Jar, for another engaging conversation with a real person who has lived a real, adventurous life.

1 h 26 min
06/12/2023

#317 China Adventure: Loss of Community and Three Years as a Minister with Andrew Camp

We had the pleasure of visiting Andrew Camp in his beautiful home nestled on a serene hill in Flagstaff. Andrew's origin traces back to Colorado Springs, but his childhood took a significant turn when his family relocated to Orange County, California, where he grew up alongside three sisters. Interestingly, the youngest sibling was initially expected to be another boy, but to everyone's surprise, she turned out to be Andrew's fourth sister. After completing college, Andrew embarked on a unique adventure. He spent three years in China, living in a small city, serving as a minister. Upon his return to the United States, he found himself on a blind date in Park City with a chef, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his life. Andrew eventually returned to ministry, got married, and started a family. He landed a fulfilling job with a church in Flagstaff. However, as life unfolded, the challenges of relocating, adapting, and settling in took a toll on the church's attendance and financial stability. Unfortunately, Andrew found himself in the position of being the last hired and the first to be let go. The loss of community, especially when intertwined with one's work, can be profoundly challenging. Andrew likened it to the feeling of "God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Yet, through this struggle, he recognized that life is an ever-evolving journey, one that presents both challenges and promises. Join us as we sit down with Andrew, listen to his story, and explore his ongoing journey through The Jar.

1 h 29 min

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25/03/2022

The Jar Podcast Trailer

Join Ken Stearns as he invites people of all faiths, no faith, and every background to join in the conversation through a series of complex questions that are raw, unfiltered, and worth figuring out on The Jar Podcast.

25/03/2022

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2 min

Armed with a jar full of questions, Ken Stearns is driving to 111 cities in America to interview strangers and give Real People and Real Conversations a place to be heard. Every episode features a new guest who's life story unfolds slowly with each question they pull out of the Jar. With no topic or story off limits, The Jar is discovering the lives of the strangers you pass on the street.

Creació

Ken Stearns
Anys en actiu

2022 - 2024
Episodis

322
Qualificació

Explícit
Copyright

© The Jar, LLC
Lloc web del programa

The Jar