The Reluctant Phoenix Platform Media LLC
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- Comedy
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The Reluctant Phoenix podcast, by New York standup comic Jeff Simmermon is a series of conversations with a wide variety of people who have restarted their lives whether or not they really wanted to in the first place.
Don't forget: a phoenix has to burn to be reborn, and it probably screams like hell on the way out.
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Episode 17: Richard Cardillo
Richard Cardillo was an educator for over three decades on two continents and in three languages. He’s also a decorated storyteller. Richard spent his early adult life as a monk in the Catholic Church, but realized it was a massive effort to suppress his homosexuality – a major taboo for an Italian-American Catholic of his generation.
This episode mentions suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, call the suicide prevention hotline at 800-273-8255. -
Episode 16: Mike Schleibaum
Mike is the lead guitarist and one of the original founders of the DC based death metal band “Darkest Hour.” He talks about the pivotal moments that helped him find his love of music, the downsides of the music industry, and what it takes to stay grounded.
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Episode 15: Kiana Fitzgerald
Kiana Fitzgerald is a freelance music journalist, cultural critic, and DJ. She’s written for Complex, Rolling Stone, Fader, NPR, WNYC, and more. In 2016 Kiana went missing, frightening her family and friends and igniting a search for her through social media – she was a Trending Topic until she was found. This is her story about that day, and the subsequent days of mental health struggles, enlightenment, and music.
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Episode 14: Jess Salomon
Jess Salomon is a Canadian comedian now based in New York, who has appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Jess left a burgeoning career as an international war-crimes lawyer at The Hague to pursue comedy.
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Episode 13: Jeff Gomez
Jeff Gomez, CEO of Starlight Runner, is one of the world’s leading experts in transmedia storytelling and narrative design. Gomez talks about battling his own demons while simultaneously running one of the most complicated Dungeons and Dragons games in New York city during the ‘70s and ‘80s.
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A Pause
We are sad to announce the passing of Jeff's father from a year-long battle with ALS. We are going to take a pause in the podcast so Jeff can be with his family. Well wishes can be sent to thereluctantphoenix@gmail.com
Customer Reviews
The podcast you didn’t know you needed
For some, reinvention is something we do to accommodate a situation. For others, change is thrust upon them by circumstance, tragedy or necessity.
Jeff is a gifted story teller in his own rite but in this podcast, he graciously helps others tell their stories. He has chosen diverse guests whose experiences are interesting, revealing and engaging. Personal, funny, sad, joyful and poetic. Love this podcast!
Fantastically funny and entertaining.
I adore the interaction Jeff has with each of his guests. I laugh out loud as I have many similar reactions when listening that he does. Probably a localized, generational thing. Jeff has fantastic guests and asks great questions and I love when stories get shared. Thanks for doing this podcast and letting us in on this life!
My new favorite podcast
Do yourself a favor and give this a listen. This podcast is funny, profound and extremely well done. I love the mix of people interviewed, and the host Jeff asks very insightful questions. I’m so glad there is a season 2!!