Baker Street With Thom Pollard

There's a damn good reason that this is BY FAR my most downloaded and shared episode. We are in a divisive, tumultuous period, in the USA as well as worldwide. I decided to remove myself from the s*** slinging here on Facebook, have muted or unfollowed dozens of normally sane and rational friends since chasm began to widen. If you're interested in doing a deep dive into the mind and soul of the most powerful man in the world and how he has come to build a large constituency, this is a great listen.In this revealing interview, Dr. Nathan Schwartz-Salant, a prominent and world-renowned Jungian analyst, offers a clear and balanced explanation of how the phenomenon of DJT has emerged and taken hold.His first book, Narcissism and Character Transformation: The Psychology of Narcissistic Character Disorders, published by Inner City Books in 1982, is a classic in the Jungian field.He is the author of The Mystery of Human Relationship: Alchemy & the Transformation of the Self, The Borderline Personality:

Episode 24 - THIS IS PART TWO OF A TWO PART EPISODE. This powerful story that will surely leave an imprint upon you. We’ll be talking with Irene Butter, who survived the Holocaust with her family. For decades Irene didn’t breathe a word about it. She wrote a book called Shores Beyond Shores, from Holocaust to Hope, My True Story.  My friends John Bidwell and Kris Holloway (husband and wife) co-wrote this book with Irene by conducting hours upon hours of Skype interviews together. What resulted was an amazing book that stands as a beacon of hope an inspiration for all who read it. In Part 2 Irene discusses her harrowing experience at Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, where brutality and death were commonplace. One night she helped bring a bundle of clothing to her old neighbor Anne Frank. Irene also discusses her liberation from the camp with her family. Many years later, after decades in the United States, Irene began telling her story to students and people around the world. Her message of hope and inspirati

Episode 24 - THIS IS PART ONE OF A TWO PART EPISODE. THIS is a very powerful story that will surely leave an imprint upon you. We’ll be talking with Irene Butter, who survived the Holocaust with her family. For decades Irene didn’t breathe a word about it. She wrote a book called Shores Beyond Shores, from Holocaust to Hope, my true story….   My friends John Bidwell and wife Kris Holloway co-wrote this book with Irene by conducting hours upon hours of Skype interviews together. What resulted was an amazing book that stands as a beacon of hope an inspiration for all who read it. The music we’re listening to was found on the free music archive, and is by Tagirijus. You can find his music at tagirijus.de I discovered the music at the free music archive. For more information about Irene please visit www.IreneButter.com and also please visit her publisher's website www.canofworms.netFor more information about me, visit eyesopenproductions.com. If you wish to be added to my mailing list, click on Contact and l

When we act in accordance to the central spirit of our being we become off kilter, and millions upon millions live their entire lives….  In this world there is so much suffering to overcome, and we have much to keep attuned to. However, for every person who dies never having followed the central spirit of their being the world ends up a lesser place.   Buddha said that Life is Suffering. Yet, in our acceptance of that we can transcend that suffering and experience joy. It comes in letting go of attachment...attachment not only to material objects or attachment to the love or affection of another, but attachment to our own bodies. We are all going to die, that much is assured. I’m not ashamed to tell you that my life has been difficult, that I was a total fuckup as a business man, as a husband...damn I think I was and am a damn good dad, but so many things fell apart for me, financially, my brother committed suicide three months after my dad died of lung cancer, I was a mess. Someone reached down into my pit o

The world is your oyster and all the world is a stage. In preparing for officiating the wedding of Trevor and Thaley I pulled inspiration from William Shakespeare and also from noted Dr. of Psychology Jordan Peterson to deliver what I hoped would be a memorable thing to share. If we accept challenges without malevolence or anger or self-pity we literally awaken dormant neurons in our brain that help us grow in wisdom. That's why old people are pretty cool. Imagine what would happen if you accepted every challenge that came your way? You would be the most you can be, that's what. Much of the inspiration and some of the content for this talk was inspired by Jordan B. Peterson. I strongly advise anyone to look him up and invest some time in watching his content on YouTube, as well as listen to his podcast, which can be found on iTunes. Thank you kind sir for your incredible insight and piercing understanding of that which resides within us. Music is from Barrence Whitfield and the Savages, found on the

As summer in the northern hemisphere winds to a close (and the southern hemisphere welcomes the end of winter), the fire pit becomes a central gathering spot on chilly evenings at homes everywhere. In this episode, Thom helps viewers Master the Fire Pit by showing how to start a fire pit using old tortilla chips leftover from the night before. This fun little how-to episode will get you started on the way to mastering the fire pit.  This episode is currently uploading on YouTube and will be available at this link at 7:45AM EST: https://youtu.be/1qCZPSoiPpoMusic for the episode is found on the free music archive and is performed by Lobo Loco. His songs are appropriately titled for the episode: Place On My Bonfire and Evening Campfire. His website is www.musikbrause.de   Also appearing in the podcast is music from Norman Sylvester and Tavis Dodge, Find them at http://normansylvester.com/ Please join my mailing list by going to www.eyesopenproductions.com and clicking on Contact. Send me a short note and I'

When George Mallory and Sandy Irvine disappeared on Mount Everest on June 8, 1924, the commercialization of the mountain was already under way. In the nearly 100 years, Everest has become an industry. With dozens of deaths on the mountain in the last five years, many feel that the mountain deserves a break. However, no matter how many die there, the dreamers will keep coming. In this captivating episode, Thom Pollard - with four expeditions over the course of 20 years under his belt, and a summit in 2016 - shares his insights about the good, the bad and the ugly of Everest. As a professional filmmaker and cameraman, he has seen Everest from all angles, including the discovery of George Mallory, 75 years after his disappearance, at 27,000 feet on the north side of Everest in 1999. Thom uses excerpts from Tales From the Top, a recruitment event for the Boston Museum of Science, in February of 2018. The panel discussion was led by Professor Peter Hansen, Professor of History and Director of International and Glo

In 2003 I was caught in an avalanche while climbing in the Alaska Range. I was certain that my life was going to end in that moment. Then, as if out of nowhere, a spirit appeared and saved my life. That incredible story is the focus of Episode 19.Music is found on the Free Music Archive and by Blue Dot Sessions, which can be found at https://sessions.blue/For more information about my climbing and adventures, or to hire me to speak to your school, business or event, find me at www.eyesopenproductions.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient)

In Episode 18 of Baker Street with Thom Pollard we meet a positive and inspirational young man named Nathanael Smiley Tejeda, a high school graduate undergoing radiation for Hodgkin Lymphoma. At the time I met him he was practicing three times a day with a New Hampshire All-Star team in order to compete in the Shriner Hospitals 66th Annual Maple Sugar Bowl Game at Castleton University, VT on August 3, 2019. I was so moved by his infectious enthusiasm and joy that I wanted to introduce my listeners to him. For a different YouTube episode of Baker Street featuring Nathanael please find it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQcVXR89auUFor more information about the incredible work of the Shriner's Hospitals, visit them at https://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/shcNathanael wants to share the importance of The Childhood Cancer Lifeline of New Hampshire, Families Helping Families. They can be found at: http://www.childhoodcancerlifeline.org/Please check out Nathanael's gym, Veritas Performance T

Religions, by nature, divide and conquer. They succeed by keeping their followers in fear: fear of going to hell, fear of sin and so on. The truth is that a spiritually aware person doesn't need an 'ism'. These people come from a place of love and are not ruled by fear. Fear has power because people don't realize that the thoughts that we empower create our reality.   When people make it their intent to be a true light force they can give rise to a spiritual awakening, their kundalini. This brings us to the important point of why one should never say I'm sorry, or why one should ever require forgiveness from another. Forgiveness does not exist in the light, and forgiveness requires judgment, which requires us to deny the truth of who we are. Music for this episode is performed by The New Monitors, and can be found on the free music archive. The New Monitors can be found at www.thenewmonitors.bandcamp.comIf you would like to be added to our mailing list please go to www.eyesopenproduct

When that day finally arrives… Yes, you know what I’m talking about, death…what words will you need to share with those closest to you? Will the life that you’ve lived be sufficient enough? Or, are there secrets inside that you must share before it’s too late? In Episode 16 we explore the transformation that happens to us before death. We'll also talk about life after life and near death experiences, and how they have changed the lives of those who  have experienced them. Finally, we'll share parts of a beautiful eulogy spoken for a man who passed in July 2019. He was a beloved friend that died at the age of 52, well before his time. We’ll find out if there were words he needed to share before he passed on or if the life he lived with sufficient enough.This episode can be seen on YouTube at this link (available the evening of July 30): https://youtu.be/j6daMVXQtPcIf you’d like to contact me or be added to my mailing list, please go to www.eyesopenproductions.com and click on contact, send me a short

In Episode 15 I’ll explain why I’m grateful for the Grateful Dead. When people turn on to kindness and togetherness, there’s no downside. I also share the story of one of my best friends called Running for His Life, by Tim Gillis. If tears don’t come to your eyes when you listen to it, well, maybe you’re not a human being ;) It’s really that beautiful. I also tell you a little bit about my good friend’s new book called The Impossible Climb, about Alex Honnold’s free ascent of El Capitan. My friend is Mark Synnott, and his book is a New York Times bestseller. If you’d like to watch this episode on YouTube, click on the link below:https://youtu.be/asPENfF6spUMusic for this episode is by Garcia birthday band and you can find their music at www.GBBlive.comPlease join my mailing list, find me at www.eyesopenproductions.com - click on contact, and send me a short email about how I can reach you. Thank you as always. Share this episode or give me a r review in iTunes. Love to all

What is the surest way to achieve self liberation, enlightenment? Some tout the use of hallucinogens such as LSD or psilocybin mushrooms in order to take the short path to a spiritual upgrade. Others tout the slow path via years on the meditation mat. In this episode Thom explores his chosen path and the realizations that he encountered along the way. Thom also shares insights learned from his mysterious friendship with the shaman he knew in the Pacific Northwest. He also introduces the listener to the humanistic philosophy of Ubuntu, wherein in any community or tribe where Ubuntu is practiced it's all for one and one for all.Thom also shares with us a new book called Musa Masala: Mountain Girl of the Himalaya. I was asked to write a blurb for the book by the writers. I wrote: “I had tears in my eyes from the outset. The inspiring and transformative journey of a lovable little homeless girl is an inspiration for us all… Musa learns that there are no limits on how far she can go in life. Such a wonderful

Episode 13 is the first episode also recorded on video and available on YouTube. This episode features the first meeting between Thom and a learned shaman named Swayu, a descendant of the Coast Salish of the Pacific Northwest. This remarkable friendship enlightened Thom to heretofore unknown wisdom. His story starts as Thom opened a brand new journal, in which he detailed the teachings of this learned Teacher of the Light. The episode, filmed and recorded at his house in New Hampshire, Thom discusses his affinity to living in nature, close to wildlife and his thoughts. The video link for this episode can be found at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eNJkz0m9EUMusic is by Lobo Loco, found on the free music archive. His music can be found at musicbrause.de  For more information about Thom or to be added to his mailing list, contact him at eyesopenproductions.com Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient)

Two of my favorite subjects are Paul Butterfield, the blues harmonica master who was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2015, as well as Mount Everest, the mountain I climbed for the first time after three attempts, dating back to 1999. Paul Butterfield was inducted into the Rock Hall after three attempts at getting him in. It was through my efforts and those of others in the production of a short documentary that helped Paul and his band gain acceptance. I returned to Everest this year and witnessed firsthand the madness that ensues when too many people try to climb it at the same time. My remarks and thoughts cover not only 2019, but also my experiences on Everest in 2014, during which time a massive avalanche took the lives of 16 sherpa. I successfully climbed Everest in 2016, and returned again to the north side with a crew from National Geographic. The Summits of Modern Man: Mountaineering after the Enlightenment by Peter H. Hansen can be found on Amazon and other major booksellers  His pa

When I walked into Friendly River Music in Cornish, Maine (of all places!) I could hear angels singing...er, maybe it was a stack of Marshalls blowing a '50 amp fuse' as Mick  sings in You Can't Always Get What You Want. I'd found guitar-lovers Nirvana, then promptly spent my savings on a Fender Strat and Princeton Reverb amp. John Barton, the shop's founder, owner, proprietor, rock historian, guitar lover/collector, Beatles freak, all 'round great guy, inspires you as he takes us on a tour. From a 1961 Gretsch Chet Atkins 6120 hollowbody to a handmade Steelcast made by James Trussart, this is not your ordinary neighborhood shop. John's story is inspiring, too. He grew this shop from a $500 investment, borne out of knowing he'd never survive a career as a teacher.I've posted photos of the guitars that John and I discuss in the episode, as well as many photos from his beautiful shop on my Facebook page (Thom Dharma Pollard) and my Instagram page @thom.dharma.pollard

For all intents and purposes, the guest for Episode 10 should have died a hundred times over given the odds stacked against him from a young age. Instead, his is a story of inspiration.Tourette Syndrome is a type of Tic Disorder. Tics are involuntary, repetitive movements and vocalizations. In addition to the medical and behavioral challenges that come hand-in-had with TS, children also face challenging social and educational situations, which can be stressful.  Our guest has lived his entire life with Tourette Syndrome. Instead of allowing it to defeat him, he's risen literally to the top of the world, Mount Everest, and has become successful in the military, as a chef, in business and is also an advocate and mentor to others with Tourette Syndrome.I met Frank Campanaro this spring on Mount Everest, where both of us were endeavoring to climb to the world's highest point. It soon became obvious how remarkable Frank's story is. While Tourette Syndrome is a big part of his story, his is primarily

What are the qualities that make a leader? What qualities make a good fighter pilot? Believe it or not, those qualities that make a fighter pilot are those that make one successful in other areas of life. Meet Uva Rama, an F-16 pilot from Singapore who has devoted his so-called retirement years to giving back to the community. Interviewed in Kathmandu, Nepal, where he makes his home, Uva now has taken on the task of developing a company that outfits expeditions to the top of the world, Mount Everest. Music in the episode is from Metyu, VKTRD & Ondro M., found on the Free Music Archive. For more information on Thom Pollard, please visit eyesopenproductions.com. Click on Contact and sign up for his podcast newsletter for news and alerts to the next podcast. Please share with friends and family on your social media!If you'd like more information on the work that Uva is doing, visit the company website at www.expeditionhimalaya.com, or email him directly at Uva@expeditionhimalaya.comSupport the show (htt

We are all endeavoring to surmount various obstacles en route to our goals and aspirations. For some, it might be in tackling a 30 mile race over mountains. For others, it might be in facing an employer to ask for a raise. For others, it might be the decision to allow a relationship to end, despite the abyss of the unknown staring us in the face. Either way, if we practice a simple exercise, we can get a grip on our fears and take control of our future. Music in this episode was recorded at a puja. For more information about me, please visit www.eyesopenproductions.com. Please share this episode with friends, family and anyone who might be interested in listening. Share on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram...anywhere at all. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient)

There are billions of human beings living in ignorance, destined to die that way only to come back again in the next incarnation to do it all over again. Cool! Funny thing is, when offered the opportunity to step out of ignorance, most turn away because they're happy not knowing the answers. Go for it! All that said, if you want to be a better dad, sister, brother, mom, friend, human being....you should give this episode a listen. But hey, don't take my word for it. Find out for yourself. If you want to stay in ignorance, hasta luego. See you in the next incarnation. Truth is, that we are here for a reason: to explore our creativity. Yup. Plain and simple. We delve deeply into the question of our reason for existence and why we ended up here in this place.Music is found on the Free Music Archive featuring Reverend Freakchild at www-reverendfreakchild dot org. For more on Michael Simonson find him at michaelsimonsonfoundation dot org. To learn about the guy hosting this podcast please look me up at e