Sonderverse

About Sonderverse

Sonder. Every person you pass is living a life as vivid and complex as your own. This show explores the invisible threads that connect us. Each episode begins with one guest — someone the host knows personally. At the end, that guest passes the mic forward, referring the next person they believe is interesting, influential, or deeply human. One story leads to another. One connection opens a new world. We’re building a chain of lives, one conversation at a time.

Publisher

Kyle

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

15 Jul 2025

Latest episode

29 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

11 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   29 Jul 2026

   Teaching, Theatre, Hollywood & Liberian Culture | Garmunee Philips | Sonderverse S2 E6

   Welcome to Episode 6 of Season 2 of Sonderverse. In this episode, I sit down with Garmunee Philips, who was referred onto the show by our previous guest, Nyiaj Lor. Garmunee and Nyiaj first met while working together on the production of Captive, alongside Season 2 Episode 4 guest, Tyler Edward. We explore Garmunee's passion for acting and the unique differences between theatre and film. Having performed in productions including The Wizard of Oz as the Cowardly Lion, High School Musical as Zeke, Clue as Professor Plum, Something Rotten!, and Cinderella as Prince Topher, Garmunee shares how each performance has shaped his confidence, creativity, and love for storytelling. We also discuss his experience appearing in Captive and what it's like transitioning between stage and screen. Beyond acting, Garmunee recently completed his degree in Teaching and reflects on the responsibility of helping shape the next generation. We discuss the role of great teachers, the challenges facing modern education, and how artificial intelligence is beginning to influence classrooms, learning, and the future of education. The conversation then turns to Garmunee's Liberian heritage. Growing up in Minneapolis within a Liberian household, he shares what family, community, music, food, celebrations, and culture have meant to him. We also talk about Liberia's Independence Day on 26th July, his connection to his roots, and whether he hopes to one day visit the country his family calls home. Finally, we look towards the future. Garmunee shares his dream of pursuing acting professionally, the realities of breaking into Hollywood, and why success often appears instantaneous from the outside despite years of unseen dedication. We even imagine what questions he would ask if he had the opportunity to sit down with Keanu Reeves. This episode is about culture, creativity, service, and having the courage to pursue the life you truly want. One story. One guest. One connection at a time. ⏱ Chapters: 00:00 Trailer 01:58 Intro to Garmunee 06:14 Does Garmunee Aspire to Pursue a Career in Theatre or Hollywood? 12:38 Garmunee's Role in the Captive Movie Production 20:00 The Difference Between Theatre and Film Production 30:25 Graduating College, Teaching & Future Plans 36:00 Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom and Student Learning 1:02:10 Garmunee's Cultural Roots and Liberian Heritage 1:26:00 Would Garmunee Want to Visit Liberia? 1:34:09 Future Career Aspirations 1:37:47 Having a Conversation with Keanu Reeves 1:40:45 Why Success in Hollywood Often Looks Instant 1:44:25 Garmunee's Final Takeaway and Challenge for the Audience ___ Sonderverse Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonderverse_?igsh=emNxZ2dyM2Q2bmUx Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sonderverse_?_r=1&_t=ZN-922wouifMz0 Sonderverse Show Platforms: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0CqjSKCCnjeloKJ9EDFCPX?si=H8JxEvmMRgm8iSnF5ybb3w Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sonderverse/id1849352087

2. 

   18 May 2026

   Hmong Identity, Anime, Esports, Navigating Trauma & Becoming an Artist | Nia Lor | Sonderverse S2 E5

   A conversation about Hmong identity, esports failure, anime, trauma, and rebuilding yourself through art and creative exploration. Welcome to Episode 5 of Season 2 of Sonderverse. In this episode, I sit down with Nyiaj Lor, also known as Nia Lor, a student at Bethany Lutheran College majoring in Animation and Graphic Design. This conversation is a deep exploration of identity, self discovery, failure, creativity, and rebuilding yourself from the ground up. Nia opens up about growing up as a Hmong American in a household shaped largely by his older siblings, while navigating a difficult relationship with his parents and feeling disconnected from both culture and family during his younger years. We discuss the impact of his parents emigrating to the United States following the Vietnam War, and how those generational experiences quietly shaped his upbringing and worldview. We trace his journey through esports and gaming culture, particularly his love for League of Legends, and how competitive gaming became one of the first places he found belonging, ambition, and identity. But when esports and college plans did not unfold the way he hoped, Nia found himself facing failure, depression, and uncertainty about who he wanted to become. Over two gap years away from college, he worked at Boston Scientific, wrestled with family conflict, questioned his direction in life, and eventually took a chance on art and creativity, despite the fear and instability that came with it. He shares pivotal moments with his family, arguments that nearly led to him being kicked out, and how receiving one final opportunity to “try” changed everything. Returning to Bethany Lutheran College with a renewed mindset, Nia immersed himself into Graphic Design, Animation, and Studio Art, rediscovering drawing after years away from it and pushing himself creatively in ways he never had before. We talk about overcoming childhood trauma, learning to embrace being Hmong through his artwork, striving for mastery, and building meaningful friendships and creative collaborations with people around him. The conversation also explores anime, cultural identity, validation from parents, becoming a pillar for others, and the idea that sometimes growth comes from “flying too close to the sun” and learning through failure. Finally, Nia shares his ambitions for the future, his projects, and the lessons he has learned about creativity, discipline, and enjoying the process of becoming an artist. One story. One guest. One connection at a time. ⏱ Chapters: 00:00 Trailer 03:53 Intro to Nia 05:38 Nia’s Earliest Context, Growing Up Hmong Child in the United States 15:28 Nia’s Parents Emigrating to the United States due to the Vietnam War 22:58 How Did Nia Begin His Journey of Self-Discovery 30:13 Kyle’s Experience with Cultural Identity Discovery Growing up Mixed-race 33:58 Where Nia’s Exploration with Creativity and E-sports Began 37:28 Nia’s League of Legends Preferences and Meta Picks 43:28 Deciphering Whether E-sports Can Become a Permanent Career 57:28 Dropping Out of Education to Have Gap Years to Figure Out Future Path in Life 1:04:28 Seeking Validation from Parents and Feeling Love 1:11:28 Effect of Anime on Personal Development 1:24:58 Nia’s Second Pivotal Moment with His Family 1:39:28 Cementing His Decision to Go Back Into Education and Exploring Life Again 1:42:28 Life Back at Bethany Lutheran College and Selecting His Majors 2:01:28 Nia’s Current Thoughts for the Future 2:06:28 Nia’s Final Takeaway and Challenge for the Audience ___ Sonderverse Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonderverse_?igsh=emNxZ2dyM2Q2bmUx Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sonderverse_?_r=1&_t=ZN-922wouifMz0 Sonderverse Show Platforms: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0CqjSKCCnjeloKJ9EDFCPX?si=H8JxEvmMRgm8iSnF5ybb3w Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sonderverse/id1849352087

3. 

   9 Mar 2026

   Directing a Horror Sci-Fi Film, Practical Effects vs CGI & AI | Tyler Edward | Sonderverse S2 E4

   In Episode 4 of Season 2 of Sonderverse, I’m joined by Tyler Edward — a Media Arts and Business student at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Minnesota. Tyler is currently directing, editing, and producing a full feature-length horror sci-fi film as part of his college capstone project alongside fellow students. The film, titled Captive, is now approaching its final stages with hopes of releasing in May 2026. We begin by looking back at Tyler’s early life, where creativity showed itself in simple ways — filming skits and videos with his siblings on mobile devices. Interestingly, filmmaking wasn’t always an obvious path for him. It was something he discovered and grew into later in life. Over the past few years, Tyler has immersed himself in the horror genre, producing several short films and now taking on his most ambitious project yet with Captive. He shares insights into the filmmaking process — from initial ideas and storytelling to production, editing, and the challenges of figuring out distribution. We also talk about the emotional side of creating something you care deeply about: managing feedback, navigating perfectionism, and learning when to refine and when to let a project breathe. The conversation turns to filmmaking craft as well — Tyler explains his preference for practical effects over CGI, and we explore how AI is beginning to influence the future of filmmaking and the creative industries more broadly. We wrap up the episode with some quick-fire questions about Tyler’s filmmaking influences, favourite films, and personal creative preferences. This episode is about creativity, persistence, and discovering your path as you go. One story. One guest. One connection at a time. 00:00 Trailer 01:25 Intro to Tyler 04:30 How Tyler and Luke know each other 07:40 Tyler’s move into creating a feature length film 12:30 Is a feature length film common for aCollege/University Final project? 16:30 What is the film ‘Captive’ about? 20:00 What inspire the movie Captive and film-making 29:00 How much has been invested into make Captive asfeature length film 35:00 Battling with Perfectionism in Tyler’s Work 39:40 Dealing with Rejection on feedback 44:40 Tyler’s plans for the premier for Captive and thefuture for the movie 57:00 Refining the Horror genre of Film-making 1:02:04 Tyler’s aspiration goal to be a film director 1:05:29 The impact of Ai in the Film-making industry 1:19:30 Ireland rolling our UBI for starving artists 1:23:00 Future film ideas that are possibilities 1:25:30 Quick fire questions 1:36:00 Tyler's final takeaway ___ Tyler's Instagram: http://instagram.com/tyleredward.films Tyler's Website/Portfolio: http://tyler-edward.com/___ Sonderverse Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonderverse_?igsh=emNxZ2dyM2Q2bmUx Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sonderverse_?_r=1&_t=ZN-922wouifMz0Sonderverse Show Platforms:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0CqjSKCCnjeloKJ9EDFCPX?si=H8JxEvmMRgm8iSnF5ybb3w Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sonderverse/id1849352087

4. 

   3 Feb 2026

   YouTube & Twitch Content Creation, Video Editing, Marriage, & AI | Luke Haines | Sonderverse S2 E3

   In Episode 3 of Season 2 of Sonderverse, I’m joined by Luke Haines — a Media Arts and Business student at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Minnesota, and Senior Manager of Motion Graphics at Forward Minded Media.Alongside his college studies, Luke plays a key role in leading motion graphics and visual storytelling at Forward Minded Media. We talk about his journey into video editing and content creation, how building a strong portfolio opened doors, and how his skills now support both the company’s growth and his own personal business ambitions.Luke shares how his early days streaming on Twitch and creating YouTube content under the alias FortniteScar sparked his passion for editing. From designing his own stream graphics and transitions to producing gaming content around titles like Fortnite and Clash Royale, streaming became the foundation for his creative direction.We also explore how AI is shaping the future of content creation — from planning workflows to mock designs, transitions, and efficiency — and how creators can use these tools intentionally rather than fear them.Beyond creativity and career, the conversation turns personal. Luke opens up about balancing work and life, preparing for marriage in the summer of 2026 at just 21 years old, and navigating the transition from adolescence into adulthood. As a Christian, faith plays a central role in his life, influencing how he views responsibility, leadership, and the question: what does it truly mean to become a man?And finally, Luke completes a Rubik’s Cube live on the episode, recalling a time when he could solve one in just 13 seconds… and even once solved one using only his feet.This episode is about creativity, discipline, faith, and growing with intention.One story. One guest. One connection at a time.00:00 Trailer01:25 Intro to Luke05:30 Is Luke excited for the future?08:40 Luke's YouTube and twitch channel11:05 His experience and role as Senior manager of motion graphics at Forward Minded Media.16:30 Where did the love for video editing, motion graphics and content creation come from?22:30 Working for yourself vs working for a company.25:09 Making money from YouTube and online content.28:22 Making $17,000 on one YouTube video at 14 years old31:00 how to make engaging content and analytics42:29 Utilising Ai for content creation and video editing51:35 The future continued: Getting Married at 21. 59:00 Discussing how religion and Christianity plays a part in Luke's life and approaching marriage.1:14:04 What does it mean to be a 'Man'1:22:29 Luke completing a Rubik's cube in 23 seconds live1:36:33 Closing comments1:42:35 Luke's final takeaway ___Luke's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCxmAXk_4Z6dD6lN2km12-lA Luke's Portfolio: https://lukeryanmedia.myportfolio.com/Forward Minded Media Website: https://www.forwardmindedmedia.com/___Sonderverse Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonderverse_?igsh=emNxZ2dyM2Q2bmUx Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sonderverse_?_r=1&_t=ZN-922wouifMz0Sonderverse Show Platforms:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0CqjSKCCnjeloKJ9EDFCPX?si=H8JxEvmMRgm8iSnF5ybb3w Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sonderverse/id1849352087

5. 

   12 Jan 2026

   Youth Detention to Marketing Agency Founder, Leadership, Gaming & AI | Jake Ward | Sonderverse S2 E2

   In Episode 2 of Season 2 of Sonderverse, I sit down with Jake Ward, founder of Forward Minded Media, a media and marketing company based in Minnesota. We talk about Jake’s early life and the formative experiences that shaped him into the leader he is today. As a teenager, Jake faced a defining moment when two police officers arrived at his bedroom door and took him to a youth detention centre in Utah, where he spent nearly two months. That experience became a turning point, setting him on a new trajectory rooted in accountability, growth, and intention. Jake shares how he rebuilt his life, learned from his mistakes, and eventually met his now wife, with whom he has four children, during his next chapter in life and education. We also explore a shared passion for video games, from zombie titles like DayZ and Left 4 Dead, to stories from World of Warcraft, Apex Legends, and Halo: Combat Evolved. We discuss how gaming quietly teaches real-world skills, including communication, fast decision-making, delegation, and building effective teams. Finally, we return to Jake’s entrepreneurial journey. He opens up about building Forward Minded Media, growing it to a team of 17 employees, including college graduates he never expected to hire in his original business plan. We talk about learning to let go, trusting others, avoiding micromanagement, and shifting from doing everything yourself to leading sustainably. We also dive into how AI is benefiting Jake’s company, his family, and his personal life, as well as the broader implications AI may have for business, creativity, and humanity as a whole. This is a conversation about accountability, growth, leadership, and designing a better future. One story. One guest. One connection at a time.

6. 

   8 Dec 2025

   Looking Forward to Graduation Life, Adoption, & Being Mixed-Race | Julia Gowan | Sonderverse S2 E1

   In Episode 1 of Sonderverse Season 2 I sit down with Julia Gowan, a 22-year-old student at the Minnesota State University, Mankato who brings a thoughtful and refreshing perspective into the conversation. We explore whether she feels excited or uncertain about the future as she approaches graduation in May 2026 — especially in a world where AI is rising, graduate jobs are shifting, and competition in the market has never been more intense. Julia shares her honest outlook on ambition, opportunity, and what young people hope for as they step into adulthood. We also dive into her story growing up. Julia was adopted at two months old into a predominantly white family — a unique experience for a young Black woman who is half African Dominican and half Scandinavian. She opens up about what it was like navigating identity, family, and belonging, and how she gradually embraced her cultural and ethnic heritage. From learning how differently her skin responds to moisture, to teaching herself how to braid her own hair, to discovering the richness of Black hairstyles and beauty traditions through new friends and communities — Julia’s journey is one of growth, curiosity, and connection. This episode is about identity, the future, and becoming yourself in a world that is constantly changing. One story. One guest. One connection at a time.#sonderverse #JuliaGowan #season2 #identity #adoptionstory #aiandfuture #MinnesotaStateUniversity #culturalheritage #storytelling #humanconnection

7. 

   28 Oct 2025

   Record Label Streaming Manager, AI, Relationship with God | Harrison Cosstick | Sonderverse S1 E4

   In Episode 4 of Sonderverse Season 1, I sit down with Harrison Cosstick — a Senior Streaming & Commercial Manager with experience at Island Records, 0207 Def Jam, and Atlantic Records. We unpack his journey from studying Economics to becoming a key player in the music industry, working with major labels and shaping how artists connect with the world. But beyond the charts and streaming numbers, Harrison shares something deeper — his relationship with faith, the grounding role of family and church, and how those values continue to guide his personal and professional life. Now at a pivotal moment, Harrison opens up about a growing desire to move with more creative intention, to make decisions that align with not only his desired career path, but his marriage, partnership, and purpose. We also explore the fast-evolving impact of AI on the music and streaming world, where the opportunities lie, and what’s at risk. This is a conversation about faith, creativity, partnership, and the future of music. One story. One guest. One connection at a time.

8. 

   27 Sept 2025

   International DJ, Faith, Family & Life by Design | Quincy Thomas Aka MASTAQUE | Sonderverse S1 E3

   In Episode 3 of Sonder, I sit down with international DJ, creative, and intentional thinker — Quincy Thomas, also known as MASTAQUE.We trace his journey from spinning tracks with family in his early years to commanding dance floors across the globe. But beyond the music, Quincy opens up about the deeper forces that guide his life: faith, family, and living by design.Raised with strong roots in church and spirituality, Quincy shares how those values still shape his mindset, discipline, and creative path today. He believes in doing everything with intention — the way God designed the world — and that philosophy fuels his purpose.We also talk about the rise of AI in the DJ world — how it might empower creativity, but also challenge authenticity and livelihoods. And finally, Quincy lets us peek into a few stories from his time connecting with inspiring figures — including a moment with Busta Rhymes.One story. One guest. One connection at a time.MASTAQUE Links:Instagram - MASTAQUETiktok - MASTAQUE.mp4Soundcloud - https://on.soundcloud.com/k3udZqLNo49qKQQi7r

9. 

   5 Aug 2025

   Life of a London Creative | Thomas Morgan | Sonderverse S1 E2

   In Episode 2 of Sonderverse Season 1, I’m joined by Thomas Morgan — a creative storyteller, photographer, and friend of Raith Clarke, who referred him onto the show. We explore Thomas’s journey from humble beginnings, building his photography portfolio from the ground up, to now capturing major TV events, arenas, and working with high-profile celebrities. But beyond the lens, Thomas opens up about his deeper purpose... helping others. Raised by parents who were selfless pillars in their community, Thomas inherited that same drive to lift people up. His story is one of creativity, generosity, and impact. We also dive into the future of photography and ask: What does it mean to be a creative in the age of AI? And how do we hold on to human intuition and meaning as the world evolves? One story. One guest. One connection at a time. Also Available on Youtube: @Sonderverse

10. 

    22 Jul 2025

    From Salesman to International Model | Raith Clarke | Sonderverse S1 E1

    In this first episode of Sonder, I sit down with international model Raith Clarke. We talk about how we met, how a single connection led him into the world of modelling, and the people who shaped his journey. From mentors and mentees to self-growth and the future of creativity, we explore what it means to evolve — and to help others do the same. We also dig into the future: How will AI change modelling? What does it mean to be seen in a digital age? This is a conversation about people, presence, and possibility. One story. One guest. One connection at a time. Also available on Youtube: @Sonderverse

11. 

    15 Jul 2025

    Welcome to Sonder: A Show About Human Connection

    In this introductory episode, I share the story behind this channel. Why I started it, what sonder means to me, and the deeper human connection I hope this space can create. This isn't just a Podcast. It's a ripple — one conversation leading to the next, one person at a time. Each guest is invited by the one before them, forming a chain of real relationships and unseen influence. If you’ve ever felt curious about the lives around you… this is for you. This is Sonder. One story. One guest. One connection at a time.🔗 Subscribe to follow the chain of stories 📌 New episodes on YouTube & Spotify 💬 Drop a comment — what stories should I explore next?

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Spotify

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

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