Abstract Essay

Daniel Lucas /Sal Cosenza

Abstract Essay is a podcast that explores the deeper layers of thought, creativity, and the human experience. Blending the reflective tone of personal essays with the conversational energy of an intimate dialogue, each episode takes listeners on a journey through ideas that challenge, inspire, and illuminate. From philosophy and art to culture and identity, the podcast invites guests who are thinkers, storytellers, and visionaries to share their insights in a free-flowing, thought-provoking format. Abstract Essay is not about quick takes—it's about meaningful exploration, where each conversation unfolds with intention, curiosity, and heart.

  1. HACE 2 DÍAS

    In its sixth season, Abstract Essay welcomes Sonia Couto, a seasoned tech leader, SaaS founder, and managing director whose work centers on building strategic, resilient leadership for modern founders. This episode explores the realities of leading in h

    Sonia Couto Tech Leader | SaaS Founder | Managing Director | Strategic + Resilient Leadership for Founders Sonia Couto is an award-winning tech founder, operator, product builder, and breast cancer survivor recognized for transforming chaotic environments into clear, grounded, and high-performing systems. With over 20 years in software leadership, she has rebuilt failing SaaS products into global platforms, led teams through intense uncertainty, and made complex problems solvable through her philosophy of common-sense leadership in a complicated world. Her leadership approach was shaped long before tech, rooted in her immigrant upbringing, early years on factory floors, and a lifelong habit of observing, simplifying, and solving problems without overcomplication. Sonia brings a rare combination of: -operational clarity -emotional steadiness -truth-based leadership -lived experience navigating breast cancer while running and scaling companies She speaks candidly about what leadership actually requires: courage that doesn’t feel like confidence, rebuilding when everything collapses, simplifying complexity, and making grounded decisions under pressure. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    22 min
  2. HACE 3 DÍAS

    Abstract Essay, in its fifth season, features Mitch McGinley as a guest, offering a candid and strategic conversation on building businesses with the end in mind. A former studio owner who successfully built and sold his company for a 5X return, Mitch n

    Mitch Mcginley Former Studio Owner Who Built and Sold for 5X Returns, Now Facilitating $10M+ in Fitness Business Exits Annually Let me be straight with you - I'm not your typical business broker who's never actually run the type of business they're selling. Before I ever helped anyone sell a studio, I owned one myself. Started in hotel management, then worked with an investor buying boutique hotels, fixing them up, and flipping them for profit. That's where I learned the acquisition game from the inside. In 2014, my wife Karson and I bought our favorite yoga studio. We ran it, scaled it, dealt with all the challenges you'd expect - member retention, instructor management, the works. During that time, I became a Mindbody Certified Business Consultant and Education Faculty, teaching at Mindbody Universities worldwide. Here's what changed everything: We sold that studio in 2019 for 5X what we paid for it. That's when I realized most studio owners have no idea how to maximize their exit value. So I got licensed as a Business Broker and merged all my worlds - hotel acquisitions, studio operations, and teaching experience. Today I run Boutique Fitness Broker, and I've facilitated over 60 transactions in five years. My success rate? Over 70%, while the industry average sits at 20%. What I bring to podcasts: Real talk about exits and acquisitions from someone who's been on both sides of the deal table, not theoretical advice from someone who's never signed a lease or made payroll. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    25 min
  3. HACE 4 DÍAS

    Abstract Essay, in its sixth season, features Stewart Cohen as a guest, offering a reflective conversation at the intersection of creativity, storytelling, and entrepreneurship. In this episode, Stewart shares insights from his multifaceted journey as a

    Stewart Cohen I frame life in its best light. As a filmmaker, photographer, and business owner, I've led my teams all over the globe celebrating people and moments for the world's biggest brands I was born in an elevator during a snowstorm in Montreal to an architect dad and an actress mom. And I've been on the move ever since, shooting content and snapping pics, and learning every travel hack you can imagine! I’m a commercial director and photographer, and I’ve spent my career bouncing between genres, styles, and tones - the throughline is "framing life in its best light." There's plenty of bummers in the world, but I've always preferred the bright side. One day I’m in the Galapagos swimming with sharks, the next I’m in Mansfield, Texas, directing a tongue-in-cheek musical where the locals sing about being too busy for tourism. I run SC Pictures, and I’ve worked with brands like American Airlines, AT&T, Coca-Cola, Four Seasons, and Frito-Lay. My philosophy is simple: tell stories that feel human, authentic, and artfully captured. Every project has its own tone, and my job is to nail it every time. I’m not a jack of all trades - I’ve been chasing one thing my whole career: giving life the shine it deserves. And while I’m known as a safe bet, I’m also the guy who’s always willing to take a creative risk. That mindset carries over to the business side. I was licensing images before it was cool—shooting with licenseability in mind, even early in my career. Now I own SuperStock, and over the past few years, we’ve been growing fast - acquiring All Canada Photos, Classic Stock, View Pictures in the UK, and most recently, Danita Delimont Stock Photography in Seattle. I’ve published a couple of books - "Identity," a portrait series spanning the well-known to the wonderfully unusual, and "Seeing Red," which pokes fun at the idea that redheads are going extinct. I studied at UT Austin, then USC Film School, and one of my first jobs was assisting Helmut Newton. Working with him taught me a lot - about craft, about vision, and about trusting your eye. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    22 min
  4. HACE 5 DÍAS

    Abstract Essay, in its fifth season, features Kayla Livesay as a guest, bringing clarity and intention to the often-chaotic world of self-employment. In this thoughtful conversation, Kayla explores how building the right structure and systems is not abo

    Kayla Livesay I help self employed people build structure and systems that lead to consistent sustainable success. I didn’t start my business because I dreamed of being an entrepreneur. I started it at 18 as a way to get through school. At the time, self employment felt temporary. Like something practical, not purposeful. And honestly? There was a season where I didn’t even like being self employed. The freedom everyone talks about didn’t feel free. It felt messy, inconsistent, and heavier than it should have been. That disconnect forced a turning point. I realized the issue wasn’t business it was the lack of systems. I wasn’t overwhelmed because I was incapable. I was overwhelmed because everything depended on me. So I started simplifying. I built clear frameworks for sales, follow-up, leadership, and time management. Not to grow faster, but to survive better. What happened next surprised me. Growth accelerated. Confidence increased. And for the first time, being self-employed actually felt sustainable. Those systems went on to help me lead the fastest growing team in my organization, set multiple growth records, earn national recognition. All of that was humbling, but it was a by product. It was a by product of creating a life I loved, and empowering those around me to have success. Today, I help business owners and sales leaders do the same. Especially those who feel trapped by the very business they built. I teach simple, repeatable systems that allow people to grow without burnout, lead teams aligned with their values, and build success they’re proud of. Podcast audiences connect with this story because it’s not about chasing entrepreneurship it’s about making it livable. It’s for people who didn’t necessarily set out to build a business, but now want to build one that actually supports their life. If your listeners want growth without chaos and leadership without losing themselves this is a conversation worth having. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    23 min
  5. HACE 6 DÍAS

    Abstract Essay, in its sixth season, features Dr. Theodore Henderson, President and Founder of Neuro-Luminance Inc., a pioneering company advancing revolutionary treatments for traumatic brain injury, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease.

    Theodore Henderson Bringing Innovative New Treatments for Brain Disorders Theodore A. Henderson MD, PhD is president and founder of Neuro-Luminance Inc, which is bringing revolutionary treatments to bear upon traumatic brain injury, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, post-COVID fatigue syndrome, and other brain disorders. He holds three patents and three patents-pending. He has published in neuroimaging, psychopharmacology, dementia, photobiomodulation, and traumatic brain injury. He has over 70 publications in top research journals and has been cited in over 900 scientific papers. His recent book, Brighter Days Ahead, is featured on Amazon. Dr. Henderson will help you rethink brain disorders like depression and brain injury and introduce you to exciting new treatments which actually activate the brain’s own healing process. Deftly combining brain science with unforgettable case histories, I will explain exactly how the brain changes as a result of depression, traumatic brain injury, Long COVID, chronic fatigue syndrome, and other brain disorders. Gone are the daily antidepressants pills. Gone are the chemical imbalance theories. Gone are the recommendations to accept a disability. I will introduce your audience to revolutionary new treatments that activate the brain’s own ability to repair itself. Whether discussing ketamine and the miraculous way in which it actually works (having nothing to do with hallucinating) or describing multi-watt infrared laser therapy, I can explain these complex scientific concepts in easily understood terms. I take a sometimes poignant, sometimes gritty, no-holds barred, real-world look brain disorders. Imagine introducing your audiences to concepts like viruses in the brain can cause depression and chronic fatigue or that light can actually help heal the brain! I will shake up everyone’s way of seeing psychiatry and medicine. With a background in neuroimaging, I can help people make sense of the controversies around SPECT brain imaging. Having started life on the edge of poverty and experienced my own childhood neglect and abuse, I can address the role of trauma and its effects on children and adults. My recently published book, Brighter Days Ahead – Leaving Depression Behind Through Innovative New Treatments, is an excellent and readable introduction to these concepts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    35 min
  6. 30 ENE

    Abstract Essay, in its fifth season, features Gt Tan, Men’s Mental & Sexual Wellness Coach, as our guest—bringing a candid, thoughtful conversation on identity, intimacy, and inner well-being. This episode explores the often unspoken intersections o

    Gt Tan Men’s Mental & Sexual Wellness Coach Welcome to the show! Today, we’re joined by GT Tan, a no-BS Mental and Sexual Wellness Coach for men, an Executive Reboot Strategist of the Porn Reboot™ System by Elevated Recovery®. GT helps men break free from porn addiction, improve their dating lives, build confidence, and take charge of their mental and sexual health. His straightforward, results-driven approach empowers men to level up and thrive. Meet GT Tan: Reboot Coach Helping Men Reclaim Control Over Their Lives GT Tan is not your average coach—he’s the no-BS Mental and Sexual Wellness Coach for men who are ready to break free from addiction, build confidence, and transform their lives. From battling porn and sex addiction to improving mental health and relationships, GT empowers men with the tools and strategies to create lasting change. GT’s approach wasn’t just about certifications or studies—it’s personal. Having walked the path of struggle and self-discovery himself, he knows exactly what it takes to overcome the challenges and have tough conversations that most men are too afraid to talk about. His approach is raw, straightforward, and rooted in real-world results. Over the years, GT has reached over 10,000 men to redefine their masculinity, step into their power, and improve every aspect of their lives—from sexual health and mental clarity to dating and career success. His methods are grounded in accountability, practical strategies, and compassion without coddling. If you’re a podcast host looking for a guest who will challenge your audience to think differently about addiction, self-mastery, and the untapped potential of the modern man, GT is your guy. He’ll bring actionable insights, thought-provoking stories, and an unfiltered perspective that resonates deeply with listeners. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    31 min
  7. 29 ENE

    Abstract Essay — Season Five presents a dynamic and thought-provoking conversation with Paul Roseberry, a Relationship Expert, Professional Matchmaker, and Comedian. In this episode, Paul brings a rare blend of insight and humor to the often-complex w

    Paul Roseberry Relationship Expert / Matchmaker / Comedian Relationship expert and matchmaker Paul Roseberry, is here to give us his best practices for finding, building and loving a happy and rewarding relationship. He focuses on helping men find their confidence before even beginning the search for a relationship and all of his advice is mutually beneficial to both men and women. It's literally a win-win for everyone! Also, he'll be offering his best advice to questions from our listeners today! Matchmaker for 2 of the nation's largest agencies and a relationship coach for 10+ years working with top CEO's, educators and pro-athletes. I'll also mention I'm a headlining standup comic by night, so my talks are always fun! I created the "SECURITY Method" of relationship development, because I've learned incredible knowledge about the key factors necessary for a successful, lasting and most of all rewarding relationship. A success story of these principles myself, I'm excited to share these thoughts with all who are seeking to find, build and enjoy deeply rooted self confidence and of course, their greatest relationship yet! I have a strong focus on helping men, as I believe there's a real need these days for men to find positive masculine role models without going to extremes like the Andrew Tate or Joe Rogan personas. I always love to confirm, my methods for helping men directly result in better relationships for the women they meet as well. My male and female clients all agree, it's a win-win for everyone! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    28 min

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Abstract Essay is a podcast that explores the deeper layers of thought, creativity, and the human experience. Blending the reflective tone of personal essays with the conversational energy of an intimate dialogue, each episode takes listeners on a journey through ideas that challenge, inspire, and illuminate. From philosophy and art to culture and identity, the podcast invites guests who are thinkers, storytellers, and visionaries to share their insights in a free-flowing, thought-provoking format. Abstract Essay is not about quick takes—it's about meaningful exploration, where each conversation unfolds with intention, curiosity, and heart.

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