Unginspired

About Unginspired

Unginspired is a show about truth, suffering, and what it means to be human.

Publisher

Unginspired

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

10 Apr 2025

Latest episode

21 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

7 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   21 Sept 2026

   Anida Yoeu Ali on The Buddhist Bug, Faith, and Belonging | Unginspired #007

   Anida Yoeu Ali is an old friend and Cambodian American artist who practices the Muslim faith and has ancestry from Malay, Cham, Khmer, and Thai communities. I was lucky to catch her in Los Angeles before her upcoming solo show at the Vincent Price Art Museum. We talked about what she's bringing to the museum, her beginnings and transformations as an artist, her faith, family and more. From her website: Anida Yoeu Ali (b. 1974, Battambang, Cambodia) is an interdisciplinary artist whose works span performance, installation, new media, public encounters, and political agitation. Born in Cambodia and raised in Chicago, she is a first-generation American of mixed Malay, Cham, Khmer, and Thai ancestries. Working transnationally, Ali investigates the artistic, spiritual, and political collisions of her diasporic, hybrid identity with the resolve that in-betweenness is a powerful space for creation and provocation. Ali believes performance allows for a magic of reinventing the self and projecting “larger-than-life” personas liberated from oppressive representations. Currently based in Tacoma, Ali is also the co-founder of Studio Revolt, an independent artist-run media lab whose works have agitated the White House, won awards at film festivals, and redefined what it means to create sans studio and trans-nomadically. Ali’s works have been acquired by public and private collections and globally exhibited, including at Haus der Kunst, Palais de Tokyo, the Smithsonian, Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art, and Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design. A recipient of the 2024 Arts Innovator Award, 2020 Art Matters Fellowship and the 2015 Sovereign Asian Art Prize from Hong Kong, she received her MFA from School of the Art Institute Chicago. Ali’s artworks are included in several private collections and public collections. As an educator, she serves as a Senior Artist-in-Residence at the University of Washington Bothell, and as an artist, she works between the Asia-Pacific region and the US.- https://www.anidaali.com/The Buddhist Bug9/26/26 - 5/22/27Vincent Price Art Museum1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez, Monterey Park, CA 91754Opening CeremonySat, Sep 26, 20262 pm - 5 pmhttps://vpam.org/exhibitions/anida-yoeu-alithe-buddhist-bug/ Timestamps: [Recorded on 9/4/2026] 00:00 Sitting down with Anida Yoeu Ali 00:51 Bringing The Buddhist Bug to the Vincent Price Art Museum 02:55 What The Buddhist Bug is, and why it lands now 06:25 A McDonald's coloring contest and the decision to be an artist 09:26 Graphic design, and what it costs to be a visual artist 11:59 Finding her voice through spoken word poetry 14:00 Performing overseas, and the limits of the English language 20:23 The Red Chador: Paris, 2015 23:00 Charlie Hebdo and the burqa ban 27:08 Spiritual Turmoil 30:11 A Cambodian Muslim family in America 35:43 Marriage, children, and making art anyway 38:45 See the Buddhist Bug in Los Angeles: September 26, wear orange

2. 

   25 Nov 2025

   #006 - Herschel Aberson - Rabbi

   Rabbi Herschel Aberson is a rabbi with encyclopedic knowledge of Judaism, history, and theology, and an ability to break down complex ideas into digestible nuggets of wisdom. However, I worry that he's too smart for his own good, a phrase he's heard countless times before.He received his ordination from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies and holds an MA in Middle Eastern Studies from Ben Gurion University of the Negev, a Certificate in Education from the American Jewish University, and a BA in Anthropology from Muhlenberg College. He began his rabbinic career in 2019 at Temple Beth Sholom of the East Valley in Phoenix, Arizona. Rabbi Brodie has also been teaching at the Miller Intro to Judaism Program since 2022 and is currently based in Van Nuys, California. In addition to his rabbinic work, Rabbi Brodie studies vocal performance at LA Pierce College in Woodland Hills, CA, combining his passion for Jewish education with his love of music and performance.In this interview, we talked about what it takes to become a rabbi, what it's like to be a spiritual leader and lead a congregation, Jewish theology, how the Holocaust impacts Jewish identity today, his take on the Israel-Palestine conflict, and much more. Timestamps[Recorded on 8/11/2024]0:00:00 - Introduction & Singing in Services0:01:21 - How Long Have You Been a Rabbi?0:02:43 - Educational Background & Master's Degrees0:07:00 - Missing Pieces in History Education0:10:52 - Master's in Rabbinic Studies0:13:37 - What Does It Take to Become a Rabbi?0:18:51 - The Cost of Rabbinical School0:19:55 - Struggles During Rabbinical School0:23:00 - Life as a Working Rabbi0:24:56 - Daily Duties of a Rabbi0:29:01 - What is Shabbat?0:30:28 - The Importance of Rest0:33:11 - The Rabbinical Job Interview Process0:37:22 - Being a Public Figure0:41:00 - Surprised by His Own Competence0:43:32 - Youth, Wisdom & Life Experience0:46:18 - Challenges from the Community0:50:16 - What Would You Change About Being a Rabbi?0:55:04 - What Does It Mean to Be Jewish?0:58:07 - Jewish Religious Texts1:01:55 - Things You Disagree With in Jewish Law1:04:28 - Judaism is Always Changing1:07:38 - Jesus in Judaism1:14:25 - History of Jewish Persecution1:21:27 - The Holocaust's Impact on Jewish Life1:24:46 - How Judaism Reconciles Suffering with God1:31:33 - Israel and Palestine1:45:51 - What's Next & Caring for Parents1:51:44 - Jewish Communities in Africa1:52:08 - Plans for the Future & Music2:03:14 - Working Toward Peace & Final Thoughts

3. 

   5 Aug 2025

   #005 - Jaden Pan - Transgender

   Jaden Pan is a transgender documentary and reality TV producer based in Los Angeles. For years, we were roommates, and yet, I had no idea about the depth of Jaden’s gender story. He carries the rare privilege of being able to choose how, when, and to whom he shares that part of his life. In this conversation, I finally got to ask the questions: What was his journey like? How did his understanding of gender evolve over time? And what helped him make it through?Jaden opens up about his path, one marked by courage, curiosity, and transformation. Today, he's not just thriving professionally, but also focused on his health, financial freedom, and personal growth. His story is a reminder that we’re all evolving, and we all have the potential to rewrite our narratives. Timestamps[Recorded on 8/4/2024]00:00 - Intro00:26 - Coming Out to Roommates07:42 - Jaden’s Background – My Chinese Mom09:52 - I Knew Young I Was Attracted to Women11:24 - My First Girlfriend Changed My Life13:58 - Sexual Orientation17:18 - Love Felt Natural, But I Was Told It Was Wrong19:11 - Revisiting Age 16 and Falling in Love21:04 - Thoughts on Love24:47 - Love Addiction: I Was 80% Suicidal31:20 - My School Counselor Saved Me36:02 - Parents vs. Elders: Who Should Raise Children?38:41 - Joining GSA and Starting My Transition43:58 - My Family’s Reaction to My Transition50:19 - Medical Side of My Transition54:21 - Talking About Genitals56:39 - Did My Transition Define Me?59:37 - I Can’t Multitask Anymore1:01:03 - Feeling Lucky – There Must Be a God1:01:59 - My “I Don’t Know” Mantra1:05:13 - We Commodify People Before We Humanize Them1:07:58 - Building Rapport: Finding Similarities First1:09:30 - Visiting Monowi, Nebraska – City of One1:14:18 - Producing TV with Marginalized Communities1:16:50 - Getting a Break in the Industry1:22:28 - Coffee, Doritos, and Life-Changing Moments1:24:16 - It’s About Trust and Relationships1:26:18 - Talking About Joe Rogan1:29:23 - Proudest Career Moments – Believing in Miracles1:31:51 - Addiction and Shame1:32:31 - Amateur Interventions1:34:10 - Addiction vs. Suicide1:36:40 - Could Death Bring Relief?1:38:10 - Hoping My Mom Can Change1:39:26 - Focusing on Physical and Emotional Health1:46:26 - Jaden’s Relationship with Food1:50:54 - Vision Quest: The Desert Calls You Out1:56:46 - Getting to the South Pole2:06:52 - Living and Working in Antarctica2:12:54 - What Do They Actually Do in Antarctica?2:18:58 - Coming Back “Home”2:20:03 - Big Questions About Life

4. 

   22 Jul 2025

   #004 - Glenn Gershan - Cerebral Palsy

   Glenn Gershan has lived with cerebral palsy since birth. He cannot speak, and instead communicates by typing messages on his phone or through his computer. But that hasn't stopped him from working, studying, and making a life of his own in Los Angeles. In this interview, Glenn chats about what his disability means to him, his relationship with his mother, losing his father, dating, what makes him happy, his day-to-day routine, and much more. I was surprised how funny Glenn is, and by the unexpected stories he has. If you know someone who might connect with this, share the video. Drop a comment if you have thoughts, and don’t forget to subscribe here or on the Patreon page for more.Timestamps:[Recorded on 5/19/2024]0:00:00 - Intro0:01:20 - Cerebral Palsy and how Glenn feels about it0:04:57 - Glenn's Daily Routine - Work, School, and Goals0:08:03 - My Brother is a Television Director0:09:11 - My Dad Died0:12:14 - "My Mom's a Bitch! She Broke Up My Girlfriend and I"0:21:35 - "I Wish it was My Mom Who Died"0:24:06 - The Breakup0:25:35 - Going to School and Working at Pasadena City College0:28:12 - How does Glenn Make a Living?0:29:18 - More about PCC0:33:50 - Baramay's Story - from Music, to Covid, to PCC, To Pierce College0:41:30 - More about Pierce College0:45:50 - Glenn's Previous Job in Porn0:49:35 - Baramay's story of going to a porn industry party0:54:54 - How do people treat you? What was growing up like? What are your struggles?1:02:52 - There are different degrees of Cerebral Palsy1:03:35 - Glenn worked for the United Cerebral Palsy Telethon1:08:02 - Getting Water for Glenn1:09:38 - Baramay goes off about plants 1:10:36 - "Vegas Makes me Happy"1:14:34 - Baramay's Gambling Story in Vegas1:16:11 - Glenn lost all his money in Vegas once1:17:25 - "It's a new Vegas Now"1:20:03 - "Thanks to my Dad, I met the Wizard of Westwood" - John Wooden1:23:00 - "My Dad went to Law School at UCLA"1:27:41 - What's important to you?1:28:29 - Do you have any core values?1:31:31 - What is one skill you'd like to learn or improve?1:32:23 - What is the most adventurous thing you've ever done?1:33:33 - Do you have a favorite book, movie, or song?1:34:25 - Do you have any desire to travel anywhere?1:38:08 - Outro

5. 

   3 Jun 2025

   #003 - Saifennasr "Versátil" Ismail - Capoeira Mestre

   Saifennasr "Versátil" Ismail, a Capoeira Mestre, explores his upbringing, childhood trauma, and dedication to Capoeira, discussing religion, spirituality, and cultural influences in this interview.

6. 

   2 Jun 2025

   #002 - Mark Ehlert - Suicide Survivor

   Mark Ehlert, suicide survivor, shares his story of surviving a suicide attempt and rebuilding his life through mental, physical, and spiritual recovery, highlighting self-awareness and resilience in this interview.

7. 

   10 Apr 2025

   #001 - Danny Cocke - Cancer Warrior

   Danny Cocke discusses his battle with stage 4 colon cancer, previous experiences with testicular cancer, near-death encounters, ayahuasca, spirituality, music, and navigating the healthcare industry in an interview on dealing with death and terminal illness.

Who has been a guest on Unginspired

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Saifennasr "Versátil" Ismail
• Mark Ehlert
• Danny Cocke

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 5 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

10

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

Contact Unginspired

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.