Episode
A Perfectly Imperfect Union: Reflecting on America 250 with Brian Riordan
- Published
- Jul 7, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2251
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://michaelobrienshift.com/whole-again-podcast/
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Summary
The Whole Again Podcast: Mindfulness and Resilience through Kinstugi Wisdom airs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday with Pause Breathe Reflect Microdose Meditations, Growth Mindset and Mindfulness Tips, to help us transform our scars into healing and resilience. And between May and October, I'm sharing a new series I'm calling: A Perfectly Imperfect Union. It's about connecting with every day folks as they reflect on America at 250. Conversations will air every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. ------- Today we head to Vermont and sit down with Brian Riordan. For him, America means open and free public land, caring for your neighbors, and the belief that opportunity is still real if you're willing to put in the effort. He's gone from a ski bum in Steamboat Springs to a waterless cabin in Fairbanks, Alaska, to now leading mapping for a major tech company, and he sees his own story as proof of what this country can offer. During our conversation, Brian reflects on his grandfather, a World War II B-17 pilot nicknamed Rip Riordan who flew 51 missions, earned a Purple Heart, and came home from war never speaking about what he saw. He processed it quietly, through stamp collecting. Brian now holds that same collection, and he's waiting for the moment in life when he can finally sit down and add to it himself. Brian also shares his thoughts on AI, comparing it to the calculator he never had growing up with dyslexia, and on why he believes America's real strength is the balance of two parties pulling toward the middle, not one side drowning out the other. Brian's question for you and our next guest is: What is the greatest adventure you have gone on, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments and share this episode with someone you love. You can now download my Pause Breathe R…