Conversations with Strangers

Micah Loughman
  • 4.6 (18)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Conversations with Strangers is a deep-dive interview podcast that explores the human condition through the lens of individual stories and niche subcultures. Hosted by Micah Loughman, the show rejects surface-level small talk in favor of "weighty" and often unconventional topics. The podcast covers a vast spectrum of the human experience, ranging from: • Subcultures & Creativity: In-depth interviews with musicians, artists, and creators (such as Ryan Daniels of Inland Years) about their craft and the evolution of underground scenes. • The Unexplained: Deep dives into paranormal and anomalous experiences, including UFOs, Near-Death Experiences (NDEs), and "high strangeness." • Society & Technology: Discussions on the ethics of AI, the future of work, and the intersection of technology and human consciousness. The show is built on the philosophy that everyone has a story worth telling and that digging beneath the surface reveals a stronger sense of connection. Whether debating the nature of reality or tracing the history of a DIY music scene, Conversations with Strangers seeks to uncover the "why" behind the people we pass every day. About the Host Micah acts as an inquisitive guide, often bringing a perspective of "skeptical curiosity" to his interviews. He is known for a conversational style that allows guests to open up about their personal history, philosophical beliefs, and the defining moments of their lives.

  1. FEB 4

    Lead Singer of Inland Years Ryan Daniels

    In this video from the channel Conversations with Strangers, host Micah Loughman interviews Ryan Daniels, the lead singer and multi-instrumentalist behind the Brooklyn-based indie rock project Inland Years. Ryan’s Musical Background • Early Years: Originally from Boston, Ryan has been writing and performing music since he was a kid. Before his current indie rock focus, he was heavily involved in the emo, screamo, and hardcore scenes throughout high school and his early twenties. • Inland Years: This project began around the pandemic as a "sanity project." Ryan writes the songs and performs all the instruments (drums, bass, guitar, and vocals) on the recordings. • Past Bands: He was previously in a "skramz" (underground/DIY screamo) band called Hassan I Sabbah. He also mentioned playing a small show with Saves the Day in the mid-90s before they became famous. Musical Influences and Comparisons • The Sound: Listeners and reviewers have compared his music to Dinosaur Jr. and Lou Barlow. • Inspirations: Ryan cites a wide range of influences, from Jangle Pop (Orange Juice, The Pastels) to the 60s folk-rock of The Byrds (specifically Gene Clark). • Current Favorites: He mentioned being a fan of modern artists like MJ Lenderman, Wednesday, and Water From Your Eyes. The Modern Music Scene • The "Skramz" Revival: Ryan discusses the surprising resurgence of the underground screamo scene, noting that younger fans are reaching out to him about his old music and releasing new work on physical formats like cassette tapes. • Streaming Issues: He shares a story about his music being temporarily removed from Spotify due to "botting" (artificial stream inflation) from an AI-generated playlist he didn't authorize, leading him to value physical media and platforms like Bandcamp even more. Personal Interests and Future Plans • Live Shows: Ryan performs live with a rotating group of friends from other bands. At the time of recording, he had upcoming shows in Brooklyn and Jersey City. • Hobbies: Outside of music, Ryan admits to being a Marvel nerd and recently enjoyed the series Wonderman on Disney+ You can also watch the full video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldMPeiGlWoU

    51 min

  2. JAN 21

    Paranormal Experiences (UFOs, NDEs, High Strangeness) with Edson Freeman

    This video is an interview with Edson Freeman, an IT professional turned author, discussing his book Strange Light. The conversation covers a wide range of paranormal and anomalous experiences, including UFOs, Near-Death Experiences (NDEs), and "high strangeness." Key Highlights from the Video: ​Edson’s Background: Edson describes himself as an "old IT guy" who became interested in the paranormal after falling down various research "rabbit holes." He wrote his book to document the unexplained experiences of others and understand how these events affected their lives [00:20].​The Shift from Skepticism: Although Edson considers himself a skeptic, he mentions that talking to witnesses and following government disclosures regarding UFOs has "chipped away" at his skeptical mindset [00:48].​Personal Synchronicities: He shares a personal story from 2016 involving the deaths of family members and the stressful management of two houses. He experienced a major "synchronicity" when a random buyer called to purchase his ex-wife's house right when he needed to sell it, simplifying his life during a crisis [03:40].​Views on UFOs: Edson expresses doubt about the traditional "extraterrestrial" (space-traveling) explanation due to the vast distances of space [23:03]. He suggests we should be more humble about what we think we know about the universe, citing findings from the James Webb Space Telescope that challenge current scientific understanding [23:37].​Book and Recommendations: * His book, Strange Light, was released in June 2025 and has received positive feedback [02:16:48].​He recommends documentaries like James Fox’s Moment of Contact and the series Age of Disclosure, which features government officials like Lou Elizondo and Marco Rubio [02:14:34].Video Details: ​Title: Paranormal & Anomalous Experiences (UFOs, NDEs, High Strangeness) with Edson Freeman​Channel: Conversations with Strangers​Link: Watch on YouTube​Here’s a link to his website: https://strangelightbook.com/

    2h 18m

  3. 12/10/2025

    AI and Working for Amazon with Brianna Norton

    In this episode, we sit down with Brianna Norton, a former Senior Manager (L7) at Amazon and the founder of Eshalore, an AI solutions and training company. Bri shares her fascinating journey from selling private jets in the "Air Capital of the World" to designing Amazon's US transportation network and eventually launching her own tech startup. We dive deep into the reality of Amazon's high-pressure corporate culture, the grueling 18-month average tenure, and what it really takes to get hired. Brianna also opens up about the current state of Artificial Intelligence, exposing the saturation in the AI voice assistant market and the "snake oil" vendors targeting executives. From the ethics of AI spam calls and the "Dead Internet Theory" to the looming questions about Universal Basic Income (UBI) and job displacement, this conversation covers the critical intersections of technology, business, and society. 🔥 Key Topics Discussed: ​Inside Amazon: What is it really like working for Jeff Bezos and Andy Jassy?​AI Reality Check: Why 95% of AI projects fail to see ROI.​Future of Work: Will AI replace your job, and is UBI the answer?​The Bot Problem: Are we heading toward a "dead internet" filled with AI slop?⏱️ Timestamps: [00:00] Intro & Brianna’s background [01:38] Selling private jets & international sales [02:08] Working at Amazon: Supply chain & logistics [05:21] The reality of Amazon’s high-pressure culture & burnout [07:35] How to get hired at Amazon (Education vs. Skills) [10:13] Jeff Bezos, Andy Jassy, and leadership at Amazon [13:54] Pivoting to AI: Starting Eshalore [16:16] How AI Voice Assistants actually work (11Labs & more) [18:55] The rise of AI spam calls & ethical regulations [22:37] Will AI take our jobs? The debate on UBI & purpose [33:10] The hidden cost of AI: Energy consumption & infrastructure [38:54] Dead Internet Theory: Are social media users just bots? [46:53] What is "Agentic AI" and is it dangerous? [52:57] Teaching executives how to evaluate AI tools [56:45] Book recommendations & Eshalore info 📚 Books Mentioned: ​The Will of the Many by James Islington​The Licanius Trilogy by James IslingtonHashtags: #Amazon #ArtificialIntelligence #FutureOfWork #TechCareer #BriannaNorton #AI #BusinessPodcast #AmazonCorporate #UniversalBasicIncome #TechNews #AgenticAI Here is her linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianna-bulard-norton-55163680/ Business executive course: https://academy.eshalore.com/courses/Business-Executive-Course-685626a115b1c10bde0f3df2 And company website: https://eshalore.com

    58 min

  4. 12/06/2025

    Philosophy and Religion with MJ Karson

    In this episode of Conversations with Strangers, I sit down with MJ Karson, the founder of Project 186, to dive deep into the intersection of philosophy, science, and religion. We explore complex topics like the nature of consciousness, how quantum physics might explain free will, and whether AI is a tool for liberation or control. MJ also breaks down his unique philosophical movement, "Project 186," and explains why understanding entropy is key to understanding life itself. If you’re interested in deep philosophical discussions about the future of humanity, the ethics of technology, and the mysteries of the universe, this conversation is for you. 📍 Key Topics Discussed: • Consciousness & Reality: Is consciousness just our senses, or something more? We debate materialism vs. idealism. • Quantum Physics & Free Will: How quantum superposition and the collapse of the wave function might prove we have free will. • Project 186: MJ explains his philosophical movement and the "religion" of TKS (Transforming Known Solutions). • Entropy & Life: A fascinating look at how life is essentially a rebellion against the heat death of the universe. • The Dangers of Social Media: How algorithms manipulate human behavior and the rise of "doomerism." ⏳ Timestamps: [00:00] Intro: Who is MJ Karson? [02:40] The Rise of AI Art & Content Creation [06:40] Philosophy of Science: What is Consciousness? [08:42] Materialism vs. Idealism vs. Panpsychism [15:00] Quantum Physics, Superposition & The Double Slit Experiment [23:40] Do We Have Free Will or is Everything Determined? [36:20] What is Project 186? (Philosophy & Movement) [45:50] The Dark Side of Social Media Algorithms [57:10] The Future of AI: Optimism vs. Doomerism [01:10:40] Entropy Explained: What is Life? [01:28:00] Atheism, God, and the Concept of Divinity [01:43:20] Modern Politics & The "Dead Internet" Theory [01:48:10] MJ’s Recommendations & Outro 🔗 Guest Links: • YouTube: Transforming Known Solutions • Website: Project-186 / Surge.sa Hashtags: #Philosophy #QuantumPhysics #Consciousness #Project186 #FreeWill #Entropy #AI #DeepTalks #Podcast #ConversationsWithStrangers Here’s a link to his websites: https://verse-668.github.io/, https://project-186.surge.sh/, project-186.neocities.org and here’s a link to his YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@transformingknownsolutions?si=UCjsMLNCweHK1d92

    1h 49m

  5. 11/25/2025

    Philosophy and Politics with Yonnas

    The discussion primarily revolves around: • Consciousness and Philosophy: Yonnas discusses the development of consciousness, viewing it as a potential "spandrel" or unintended consequence of evolution that gave humans an advantage [02:46]. He leans toward materialism over idealism, seeing consciousness as arising from the physical brain [02:38], while noting that the biblical story of the Garden of Eden could be an analogy for the rise of consciousness [05:37]. • Political and Economic Views: Later in the video, the conversation touches on unfettered capitalism [01:33:54] and the role of competition in regulating the market [01:33:15]. Yonnas uses an example about the wealth accumulation of a prime minister to question the transparency of political income and investments [01:33:31]. • Final Advice: For resources, Yonnas recommends "The Very Short Introduction" book series for getting a basic introduction to any subject [01:34:53]. His overall advice to the audience is to think critically, check sources, and maintain a positive perspective [01:35:16]. You can also find the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ttj3wONZieM

    1h 36m

  6. 11/15/2025

    Cults and Witchcraft with Melissa Fortner

    This video is titled "Cults and Witchcraft with Melissa Fortner" from the channel Conversations with Strangers. It is a two-hour interview discussing Melissa Fortner's journey from being a licensed therapist and academic to joining a witchcraft cult, leaving it, and becoming an entrepreneur. Here is a summary of the key discussion points from the interview: 🔮 From Witchcraft to Cult Member ​Background and Career Pivot: Melissa introduces herself as a hardcore millennial who was always interested in "witchy stuff." She was a licensed therapist focusing on adolescents and was pursuing a PhD in movement psychology [02:30]. However, her two years of research were rejected by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) because it involved studies on minors with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which she was frustrated about as she had been transparent from the start [04:07].​The Coven Turned Cult: Melissa clarifies that she was part of a coven that "went crazy" and became culty, emphasizing that not all covens follow this path [01:02]. The transition occurred when the group's spiritual life demanded complete dominance over her real life.​The Coercion to Quit: She details the retreat where the cult leader, "Lux," and other members convinced her that the Norse deities (specifically Freya) were telling her to quit her job and start her own company [26:27]. This pressure, received consistently over several days, led her to make the life-altering decision.​The Aftermath: Since leaving the cult, she still has the company she founded and is now in an MBA program focused on expanding it, pivoting from "cult member to entrepreneur" [00:45].✨ Witchcraft and Magic Systems ​Defining "Spa": The host asks about the realism of witchcraft. Melissa explains that she was taught a specific magic system called "Spa" (Spontaneous Affinity) [11:11]. She describes it as something non-witches do all the time, using an analogy of noticing a car bobbing and weaving through traffic on the highway.​Pagans and Pantheons: They discuss the definition of paganism in a modern context, noting that many pagans follow ancestral pantheons (like Norse, Celtic, or Hellenic), which are groups of gods and goddesses [21:35].✈️ Travel and Business ​Melissa mentions that she now travels extensively for her company. She often has to drive long distances (like 34 hours to Salt Lake City) because her main product, perfume, is considered hazardous and cannot be checked on a plane or shipped in large quantities [02:16:49].The video can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QiYsNmEkVA And here’s a link to her company’s website: https://www.sifsniffs.com

    2h 20m

  7. 11/13/2025

    The History of Sound with James M Errington

    This video is a conversation titled "The History of Sound with James M Errington" from the channel Conversations with Strangers. James M. Errington is the creator of the project Centuries of Sound, which compiles a mixtape for every year of recorded sound [00:39]. The interview covers his personal background, musical tastes, and a detailed history of recorded sound technology. Key Topics Discussed The History of Recorded Sound The discussion provides a timeline of recording technology: • 1853 (Édouard-Léon Scott de Martinville): The very earliest known recording, which used a device to mark sound vibrations onto soot-covered paper. This device could not play back the sound, only capture a visual record of it [15:44]. • Late 1870s (Thomas Edison): The invention of the phonograph, which was the first machine to both record and play back sound, initially using tin foil and later metallic soap cylinders. Edison originally intended it as a dictation device for businessmen [17:52]. • Early 1900s: The shift from cylinders to discs (gramophones). This era saw the rise of Ragtime as a major musical genre [24:16]. • Acoustic Recording (Pre-1926): Sound was physically captured using a gigantic brass horn that focused vibrations down to a needle, cutting groves into a wax disc [25:24]. • Electrical Recording (Post-1926): The introduction of microphones and electrical recording systems led to a dramatic improvement in sound quality (capturing more bass and treble). The year 1927 is highlighted as an "amazing year" for recorded music, capturing diverse regional genres like folk, jazz, and blues for the first time [28:59]. • Magnetic Tape: Technology found in Germany after WWII and popularized in the US by people like Bing Crosby [34:18]. Les Paul is noted as a pioneer in using magnetic tape for multitracking [36:33]. • Modern Production: The conversation touches on influential producers like George Martin (The Beatles) [40:02] and Phil Spector (Wall of Sound) [41:06], leading to the current era of digital technology where almost anyone can create music [49:18]. James M. Errington's Work • Centuries of Sound: The core project involves compiling a mixtape for every year of recorded sound, including music, news, and other audio from that year [00:54]. The mixes are now hosted on Mixcloud to ensure proper licensing and artist payment [50:55]. • Musical Taste: James shares his eclectic musical tastes, which include: • Early 70s Fusion Jazz (his "ultimate sweet spot") [07:29]. • His all-time favorite band, Soft Machine [07:45]. • A preference for "weird pop music," citing Charlie XCX as a current favorite [13:51]. • Other Projects: He also creates ambient experimental music under the name Buff Cuts [53:34]. You can find his website here: https://centuriesofsound.com and you can watch the full video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6sndFKb6jA

    57 min

  8. 11/08/2025

    AI and Poker with Nick Jain

    🃏 Nick Jain: CEO of Sacred Grounds, Innovation Expert, and Poker Player Nick Jain is a distinguished entrepreneur, multi-time CEO, and investor, known for his ability to transform businesses across various sectors. Key Highlights: * Current Role: He is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sacred Grounds, an efficient software platform specializing in case management, payments, and cemetery plots. * Previous Role (IdeaScale): He was the CEO of IdeaScale, a leading innovation software company whose clients include global organizations like NASA, Comcast, and NASCAR. He took on this role in 2022. * Business Transformation: Nick has a proven track record as a CEO, having successfully led business turnarounds in diverse industries, including B2B software, trucking, and men's apparel. * Finance Background: Prior to his CEO roles, he gained extensive financial and investment experience working on Wall Street at premier investment firms, notably Bain Capital and Greenlight Capital. * Education: His academic background is highly impressive: * Harvard Business School (MBA), where he graduated at the top of his class (Baker Scholar). * Dartmouth College, where he earned a triple degree in mathematics, physics, and economics. * Personal Interests: Nick is an avid poker player, a runner, and enjoys traveling with his wife. His personal story often references a "rags-to-riches" journey, having been raised by a single grandmother in a small city in India. His leadership is characterized by a unique blend of mathematical rigor and entrepreneurial innovation, which he applies to create data-driven and forward-thinking cultures in the companies he leads. You can find his company’s website here: https://sacredgrounds.nickjain.com/

    1h 42m
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4.6
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

Conversations with Strangers is a deep-dive interview podcast that explores the human condition through the lens of individual stories and niche subcultures. Hosted by Micah Loughman, the show rejects surface-level small talk in favor of "weighty" and often unconventional topics. The podcast covers a vast spectrum of the human experience, ranging from: • Subcultures & Creativity: In-depth interviews with musicians, artists, and creators (such as Ryan Daniels of Inland Years) about their craft and the evolution of underground scenes. • The Unexplained: Deep dives into paranormal and anomalous experiences, including UFOs, Near-Death Experiences (NDEs), and "high strangeness." • Society & Technology: Discussions on the ethics of AI, the future of work, and the intersection of technology and human consciousness. The show is built on the philosophy that everyone has a story worth telling and that digging beneath the surface reveals a stronger sense of connection. Whether debating the nature of reality or tracing the history of a DIY music scene, Conversations with Strangers seeks to uncover the "why" behind the people we pass every day. About the Host Micah acts as an inquisitive guide, often bringing a perspective of "skeptical curiosity" to his interviews. He is known for a conversational style that allows guests to open up about their personal history, philosophical beliefs, and the defining moments of their lives.

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