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Heather O'Brien's avatar

I'm not even sure what to say about this episode. It was astonishingly impactful (not an acknowledged word, I know). Taboo? Well, some may think so. But for a creative, and someone with a trouble past, it spoke to me on a level so personal, I hesitate to say it out loud. It fascinated me. It made me want to ask questions. It made me extremely uncomfortable. It hurt. Like, deep down hurt. It made me envy Jody and his guest - because they both had someone to speak honestly to.

I'd say I'm speechless, but clearly I'm not. But I am affected in a profound way. Stepping out of the personal aspect, I know I'll be revisiting this episode as a researching into future writing.

Just...wow.

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Jody J. Sperling's avatar

I wondered what you would think about it, Heather. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I think, for me, it was the first time I felt afraid to push publish.

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Heather O'Brien's avatar

It made me cry. It really unsettled me. It made me want to talk to you. There is a whole lot there. I'm so, so grateful that you published it.

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Highway Hanna's avatar

This👉"It made me envy Jody and his guest - because they both had someone to speak honestly to."

It meant the world to me to be spoken to like a human, it's been awhile.

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Jody J. Sperling's avatar

People are missing out. You aren't Fanny Adam's Ghost. Your story is amazing, and your life is so rich. I'm glad we connected.

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Heather O'Brien's avatar

You were as real and human as anyone I've ever heard speak. So much so, I wished I had access to you and Jody at that time. So many questions. It would be impossible to explain what this episode did for me (other than rendering me so moved, I couldn't concentrate on my own work for the day - high praise because I'm sort of obsessed right now).

I've never been where you've been, but I've experienced many parallels in my own life, and deal with parallels in my family member's lives. Things Jody knows; other things he doesn't.

I hope many others listen. And listen when they're ready to really hear it. Powerful. And raw. Amazing.

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Highway Hanna's avatar

I'd come back any time.

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Edge O. Erin's avatar

A great conversation. Yes, there is Creativity and yes there is a discussing about Psychedelics, but beyond that, it is a deeply personal "people" story. It’s a true story of introspection and improving, not just surviving. Beyond that, I know Hanna Maxwell to be a true polymath with a heart of gold.

Thank you both very much!

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Jody J. Sperling's avatar

Hanna's story is beautiful. And thank you for the kind words.

(Also, unrelated, your name causes a silly echo in my brain each time I see it. Here is what happens. I see "Edge O…" and it evokes the wonderful novel EDGE OF SADNESS. Then I see "O. Erin" and my brain replies, "No, that's wrong. It's O'Connor. The author is Edwin O'Connor." THEN [I know, I have a crazy brain], my brain thinks, "That's pleasing. I like it. Edwin and Erin almost rhyme.")

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Highway Hanna's avatar

🤣🤣🤣 Your brain is a gymanst.

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Highway Hanna's avatar

I feel special ☺️

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Jody J. Sperling's avatar

You should. Because you are.

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