Opinion Editorial by Chris Johns

There is a place I go when I am overwhelmed by worry. I often go solo, but today, on the eve of winter, I follow the howl of coyotes and climb the hill behind our home with my grandson, Freeman, bundled in a backpack for kids. We enter the tawny hills of Missoula, Montana’s Northern Conservation Lands. The parched landscape looks like an abstract watercolor painting viewed through orange gauze. Wildfire smoke is rolling in and casts an eerie glow that obscures Stuart Peak and the Rattlesnake Wilderness Area before us. The air smells like a wet-wood campfire.

A red-tailed hawk, its broad, rounded wings extended in benediction, glides to our left. Above, a rumbling air tanker carries 3,000 gallons of fire retardant. It passes to the right of us – headed east to a blaze in the Blackfoot River Valley. A Firehawk helicopter joins the chorus and cruises directly above us. Freeman leans back and waves at the aircraft.

He waves. I worry. I worry about the health of the planet that gives us so much. I worry about rampant misinformation and attacks on well-intentioned, well-informed authorities. I worry about political and cultural polarization.
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In classrooms at the University on Montana and Oregon State University, I share stories seldom told from places such as Rattlesnake Creek and the Blackfoot River. I encourage aspiring journalists to search for relevant untold stories and tell them with depth, accuracy and empathy. I emphasize the importance of eschewing shallow narratives that perpetuate partisan divides and unduly amplify extreme ideology. I share with them the richness that comes from being curious and open to diverse points of view.

My students are listening. One is writing a story about two young international students: Russian and Ukrainian. The women choose to rise above politics and war and be roommates and friends at Oregon State. Another student is writing about the intricate relationship between moss and salmon in the Pacific Northwest. Fall semester, at the University of Montana, I team-taught a class that produced a poignant 56-page magazine on Montana’s mental health crisis.
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Exploring Science-Spirituality Nexus with Leading Experts in MCM Studios' Engaging Monthly Series
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MCM Studios, located at the vibrant heart of Chelsea at 253 West 28th Street, NY, NY 10001, is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking monthly conversation series, "Feed Your Head". This illuminating salon series, presented by Feed Your Head Media (formerly known as Beyond Belief), is designed to delve deep into the fascinating nexus where science meets spirituality. Hosted by the acclaimed Senior Editor, Adam Jacobs, the series promises to engage audiences with thought-provoking discussions and insights.

The inaugural event of the "Feed Your Head" Salon Series is set to take place on Sunday, April 21, at 5pm, featuring a compelling conversation with the esteemed Author Dr. Lisa Miller. Dr. Miller, a leading voice in the field of psychology and spirituality, is best known for her groundbreaking work and bestselling book, "The Awakened Brain." In her book, Dr. Miller offers profound insights into how spirituality can unlock the brain's potential and enhance our lives. This event presents a unique opportunity to explore the rich interplay between science and spirituality, shedding light on how these seemingly disparate fields intersect in fascinating and meaningful ways.
Interested media, who wish to interview MCM Studios or 'Feed Your Head' founders are invited to contact Workhouse, CEO, Adam Nelson via [email protected]
Previous podcasts of Feed Your Head have seen an array of distinguished guests, including leading scientific figures delving into topics such as reincarnation, near-death experiences, and the intricate nature of consciousness. This tradition of engaging with groundbreaking ideas and the brilliant minds behind them continues with the introduction of the new Conversation Series and will be taped inside of MCM's multi-camera TV studio.



Tickets for this engaging event are available for $10. In addition to stimulating conversation, the event will feature a selection of speciality drinks, offering attendees a chance to enjoy a social and intellectual evening. Furthermore, the event provides a rare opportunity for personal interactions, with chances to meet both Adam Jacobs and Dr. Lisa Miller after the discussion.
Join us for an evening of enlightenment and conversation at MCM Studios. Don't miss the chance to be part of a dialogue that bridges the gap between science and spirituality, expanding perspectives and deepening understanding. For tickets, visit https://www.feedyourhead.blog/p/conversations
MCM STUDIOS
The MCM model is really unique because we offer a single turn-key solution from development to delivery. Services include budget preparation, scheduling, production management and crew staffing. From the equipment side, we have several fully stocked 3.5 ton G&E trucks and an array of high end camera packages including brand new Sigma cinema lenses, wireless video and camera stabilizers. On the post production side, we have a full staff of editors, colorists, and re-recording sound mixers within our state of the art post facility in Midtown Manhattan. Our collaborative team of industry professionals have decades of experience to achieve the highest standard of creative content and a workflow that is drama-free. Our lateral business model creates an unified eco-system for the whole production. MCM prides itself on always exceeding client expectations, constantly bringing projects in on time, on budget and professionally produced by the best film artists in New York. Visit, http://mcmcreativeproductions.com
FEED YOUR HEAD
Feed Your Head is a forum for people of integrity and goodwill to ponder life’s biggest mysteries, to ask probing and uncomfortable questions, and to be open to novel answers—as counterintuitive as they might sometimes seem. But most of all, Feed Your Head, is a joyful celebration of reality itself. We are a collective of thinkers who have come to the realization that much of modern science and philosophy is deeply in the thrall of materialist thinking at the moment. We are concerned that this worldview has a negative impact on human thriving and may contribute to the current epidemic of anxiety, depression, and addiction that plagues our culture. After all, if we’re nothing more than the interaction of atoms and electrochemical impulses, there’s really not much to get excited over. Visit, https://www.feedyourhead.blog
Join us at MCM Studios for an enlightening evening, and be part of a conversation that promises to challenge and expand perspectives. For further inquiries:
MCM Studios
253 West 28th Street
New York, NY 10001
[email protected]

"A friend of mine (Adam Nelson) was getting married (Nicole Nelson), and he said "I would love for you to be the person who officiates my wedding." And he was actually the person who went out of his way to get all of the paperwork, and took me to the place where you become an Officiant, and it was his wedding that was the first time I had done it. It's a wonderful thing to be able to do. To speak on behalf of a group of people. The Officiant is someone who is speaking but he's really speaking for everyone that's at that thing. So when you say "Dearly Beloved, 'WE' are gathered here..." you are bringing people together in what, hopefully, can become a great bond - a union - between two human beings, and that's a beautiful thing."

Watch the interview here: ​https://www.foxnews.com/video/6350218388112