Abstract Essay

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. 8h ago

    Abstract Essay in its sixth season, features Jobert E. Abueva the Author of The Janus Planmy guest.

    Jobert E. Abueva Author, The Janus Plan (Sept 2026) | TEDx Speaker | Driving Global Impact: Philanthropy, Marketing, Nonprofit Board Service Jobert E. Abueva grew up between worlds. Born in the Philippines and raised across Nepal, Thailand, and Japan through his father's academic work, he has spent his career learning that the hardest threshold to cross is the one inside yourself. The Janus Plan is what he found on the other side. A global marketing and philanthropy executive at ETS (Princeton, NJ) whose career spans Fortune 500 leadership and international brand building, Jobert burned out running one of the world's most recognizable beauty brands, Clairol Herbal Essences, and turned that reckoning into a framework for beginning again. He is the author of Boy Wander: A Coming of Age Memoir (Rattling Good Yarns Press) and earned the Lambda Literary J. Michael Samuel Prize. His fiction, essays, and journalism have appeared in The New York Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Fortune, and Entrepreneur, among other publications. In April 2026, Jobert delivered a TEDx Talk, “Beyond Resolutions: The Art of Beginning with Intention,” at the University of Texas at Dallas, his first public presentation of The Janus Plan framework. He also publishes the newsletter Past • Future • Present, a growing community exploring intentional living and purposeful transitions. Jobert holds a BA in Economics and Asian Studies from the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor and an MBA from Columbia Business School. He serves on nonprofit boards including the WHYY Community Advisory Board, the Lambda Literary Foundation, and the ACME Screening Room. He shares his time between New Hope, Pennsylvania, and New York City.

  2. Jul 14

    Abstract Essay in its sixth season, features Jennifer Ballow a Social Worker Writes Book About Tooth Fairyas my guest.

    Jennifer Ballow Social Worker Writes Book About Tooth Fairy to Help Kids Connect with Caregivers My name is Jennifer Ballow and I’m a social worker and children’s book author in Austin. I wrote a children's picture book about the Tooth Fairy, called Under My Pillow.The story is about five-year-old Sam, who loses her first tooth. At her mom’s direction, Sam puts the tooth under her pillow for the tooth fairy, but the following day, it’s gone! No tooth and no present. Sam writes a letter to the tooth fairy inquiring about the tooth, and the tooth fairy decides to make an exceptional visit to Sam’s house. She arrives with her pet bird Gordy—who, it turns out, has stolen the tooth! Sam, her mom, and the tooth fairy team up to solve the mystery. Once they do, Sam must forgive Gordy’s “trick.” In this way, the book explores themes of problem-solving, trust, and forgiveness.My decades of experience as a social worker have taught me how critical social/emotional learning is to healthy childhood development and that stories, above all else, drive this learning—especially when reinforced by related activities. I wrote UNDER MY PILLOW to give kids the words to express their emotions, to model both curiosity and conflict resolution, and to challenge the roles tradition, family, and friends play throughout the coming-of-age experience. The supplemental questions and activities included at the back of the book are designed to spark creativity and foster imagination, while also encouraging children and their caregivers to connect in more meaningful ways.

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18 Ratings

About

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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