Episode Transcript
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Joy Blue (00:10):
Welcome to Here We Are.
The podcast where we celebratethe beauty of being a nerd by
learning about nerdy things fromfellow nerds.
I'm your host, Joy Blue.
Sometimes when I'm out andabout, I'll meet a human and
just know I have got to talk tothem.
Like today's human.
Brie and I met them after aneventful day where the three
(00:32):
attempts we took at exploringand adventure while we were
traveling, had struck out.
The bakery we went to in themorning was disappointing.
The iced coffee we got washorrible.
And our two dogs didn't reallyenjoy the dog park we went to.
We typically try to stay awayfrom national chain restaurants
while on the road.
But at this point in thisparticular trip, we just needed
(00:56):
a known comfort.
We pulled into Starbucks, weregreeted by a warm and welcoming
voice, and next thing I know I'minterviewing Genesis for this
podcast.
I'm so glad she agreed to meetwith me.
And I'm so excited to share withyou our amazing conversation.
Without further ado, here'sGenesis Simmons to talk with us
(01:17):
about stories
Genesis Simmons (01:19):
hi, I'm Genesis.
I love coffee.
I love reading.
I love music.
I'm in a band.
Joy Blue (01:25):
You're in a band
Genesis Simmons (01:26):
I am in a band.
Yeah.
Joy Blue (01:28):
legit.
Genesis Simmons (01:29):
We're like a bluegrass, not really bluegrass
like kind of band.
We just wrote our first songtogether.
Joy Blue (01:35):
that's amazing.
Genesis Simmons (01:36):
Which is incredible.
Joy Blue (01:38):
How do you participate in the band?
Genesis Simmons (01:40):
I sing and I play guitar.
Joy Blue (01:43):
That's legit.
Genesis Simmons (01:45):
Yeah.
They would call me the leadsinger.
So we just finished writing oursong, which is really exciting.
And I've been working on musictoo, like myself, so we're
probably gonna release somestuff this year, which will be
really good.
That's pretty much it.
Oh, I have a cat.
His name is Gregory PumpkinLoaf.
Joy Blue (02:00):
What an amazing name.
Genesis Simmons (02:02):
yeah.
Joy Blue (02:03):
What does he get called most often?
Genesis Simmons (02:05):
Greg mostly I just call him.
I'll be like, Hey Greg, becauseI think it's funny cuz it just
sounds so human, but you're likesitting in talking to your cat,
you're like, Greg, whatcha youdoing?
Yeah.
It's my favorite thing.
Joy Blue (02:15):
Great job.
Okay.
What do you wanna nerd out abouttoday?
Genesis Simmons (02:19):
I wanna nerd out about stories.
Joy Blue (02:22):
Okay, this is gonna be really interesting.
I've had people talking aboutstorytelling.
I've had people talk about allkinds of things around this, but
I want to know what is it aboutstories that gets you excited?
Genesis Simmons (02:34):
Honestly, I think it comes with part of your
podcast to begin with, which islike the human experience,
right?
Like that tagline, really it gotme because that's what I enjoy.
I enjoy reading memoirs andbiographies because I love the
story, but it's the same wayeven with fiction, even with
like historical, nonfiction andall this kind of stuff.
There's a story, there's a storythere, and there's like a reason
(02:56):
why people got from point A topoint B.
And I just find it sofascinating and it makes more
sense of the world, in that kindof sense.
But then also you meet all theseincredible people and they're
like little bits of life and howyou interact and how they might
cross over is crazy and likeknowing little pieces of
people's story.
I mean like I'm in the rightbusiness truly because I get to
talk to a bunch of people forjust short little segments of my
(03:20):
day all day long.
And I get to make thesewonderful connections and like
meet people, but I get to seelike a glimpse into people's
lives and their stories.
And I just think it's sofascinating and I just love how
people like portray theirstories and put it out into the
world
Joy Blue (03:32):
Yeah, and that's how we met you.
My wife Brie and I went throughthe drive through at your
Starbucks in Virginia, and allof a sudden I was like, Hello.
I should know you.
And my wife was like, here's hercard
Genesis Simmons (03:45):
No, it was perfect.
It was perfect.
Joy Blue (03:47):
It really was
Genesis Simmons (03:48):
But that's, I mean, that kind of thing
happens.
And oh my gosh, this is actuallythe best part of that whole
story, which is that the nextperson right after you, the wife
was like heckling her husband orwhatever.
And finally she was like, canyou just say it?
And he was like, I think you gota really nice voice.
Like you could be on the radioor something.
And I was like, the people infront of you just gave me a
card.
(04:09):
And so like him saying thatreally it boosted me.
I was like, two in a row.
That's pretty good.
Can't say no to that.
Yeah.
Joy Blue (04:16):
Okay.
When did you start noticing thetrend of being in tune with the
story arc of people?
Genesis Simmons (04:27):
well,
Joy Blue (04:28):
I.
Genesis Simmons (04:29):
I think that it was really, it was one of those
things that.
It's always been there for me.
I've had, I was like, I wasn'tan only child, but I was an only
child.
I didn't live with my siblingsfull-time and I, most of the
time lived not with them.
And so I was like alone a lot.
And I think I like got reallyattached to books and characters
(04:50):
and TV shows and movies andstuff like that and like their
stories.
And then when I started meetingpeople who had vastly different
lives than I did, Because Ilived between my parents.
They were separated, they werenever together.
I had siblings like hanging allaround.
I, my cousins lived in the houseright next to me.
There was chaos all the time inmy life.
But I could stay alone.
And then to meet all these otherkids who like, have these, like
(05:11):
really, like stable homes andstuff like that I've always been
so fascinated than other peopleand like what they're doing and
what their lives look like.
And I think it just stems fromhaving a vastly different
childhood from most.
But I got into acting reallyyoung too.
And so that's really what put mein it because then you have to
be in someone else's story andthat's how I always looked at
it.
And so I like did a bunch ofcharacter studies, like
(05:33):
basically all through my life asI did theater.
And then I realized that in myfree time, like all I do is like
study people, study situations,recognize how people
communicate, where themiscommunications come in, like
all this type of stuff.
And it's really fascinating whenyou like can sit in the corner
and just watch everyone elseinteract and react to things.
Joy Blue (05:52):
Yes, I am right there with you.
I resonate so strongly witheverything you just said.
I do the same thing at parties.
I'm the person sitting in thecorner waiting for people to
come to me, and if nobody comesto me, I'm just fine cuz I just
get to sit there and watcheverything that's happening.
I think I know what you mean,but I wanna know more about when
(06:13):
you said you do characterstudies.
What does that look like foryou?
Genesis Simmons (06:18):
So I am really I'm also like an avid reader and
part of that is like scriptreading.
And so I'll go through and I'll,read scripts.
And I really, in a lot ofscripts that like really hit me
emotionally I like to go throughand pick a character and I'll
reread through it.
And I do it with books too, youknow, like regular books too.
But I was really into acting fora long time and so I had learned
how to do like a characterstudy, like a real character
(06:39):
study, as if you're gonna bethat person.
So I do that with like books andwith like TV show characters.
It's like really, like I justfollow their narrative really
closely.
I'm like studying like theirhabits and like the patterns and
stuff like that.
It's really,
Joy Blue (06:53):
Fascinating.
Genesis Simmons (06:54):
yeah.
Joy Blue (06:55):
Break that down even more for me.
So I've actually never thoughtabout this and now I wanna try
it of reading through a book orwatching something as a
different character each time.
Genesis Simmons (07:06):
Yeah,
Joy Blue (07:07):
What do you need in order to feel like you have a
hold on who a character is?
Genesis Simmons (07:15):
I mean, you don't, that's the fun part of
it.
Is that there's, it's not all ahundred percent, like you get
into it, you start going onedirection, and then you're like,
wait a second.
I don't actually think this issomething that this character,
you know, like I don't know ifthis is my feelings rubbing off
on it because I know how it'sgonna end, all this stuff.
And so sometimes it's reallyhard to get over those blocks
and you just have to go throughit like as you can.
Joy Blue (07:37):
So what I'm hearing is you have an extremely vivid
imagination.
Genesis Simmons (07:41):
yeah, I do.
Joy Blue (07:43):
I love that
Genesis Simmons (07:44):
It's really fun.
And then my dreams are like TVshows, episodes.
I'll end off one place and thenI'll pick up in the next place
or like start a new episode likeevery night.
And it could be something vastlydifferent and it's, it works,
Joy Blue (07:56):
that's so entertaining.
Genesis Simmons (07:57):
Yeah.
Joy Blue (07:59):
Wow.
This is fascinating.
Do you know how fascinating thisis?
Genesis Simmons (08:05):
I think it's pretty fascinating.
I didn't realize like a lot ofmy imagination and like the
things that I think and like theway that I think is not like how
a lot of the people that I'vemet in my life think, which is
really interesting.
Like I didn't realize thatpeople couldn't like, see things
in their mind and I can't seepeople.
I can't be like, oh, let methink of your face and my, I
mean, you're right in front ofme, so you're not a good
example.
But I can't be like, oh, what'sthat person?
(08:26):
What's their face look like?
In my mind I can't do that.
But as far as like things thatlike never existed and just like
going off my own space, like Ican do that for sure.
Just can't promise.
I'll see any of you there.
Joy Blue (08:37):
Yeah, I understand that.
Absolutely.
I'm the type of brain that ifsomebody's telling a story, it
is a world that is building inmy head as they tell it.
Genesis Simmons (08:46):
Yes.
It's really fascinating and it'sgreat, like when you're reading,
you can see.
Like everything in front of youand you don't have to sit there
and focus on every single word.
Like I felt like when I wasyounger and learning how to
read, I couldn't see the picturebecause I had heard stories told
to me.
But like trying to actually putthose words together when you're
(09:07):
doing it yourself was so hardfor me.
And when I finally got it, it'slike I don't even look at the
page.
I'm just like in it, like I'mjust fully immersed.
It's like scary sometimes.
Joy Blue (09:16):
I end up skimming through a lot of stories because
I can already see all the detailin my
Genesis Simmons (09:19):
Yes.
No, same.
Same.
Joy Blue (09:22):
Where does this show up in your normal life?
How does it help you cope inyour normal world?
Genesis Simmons (09:28):
I'm very artistic and creative.
I've always got eight projectsgoing on, so like in one corner
of the room, it's like my songlyrics.
So I'll go and I'll look throughthem, cross things out, add
things, pick up my guitar, likeplay with it a little bit,
record a couple things, and thenI'll jump over and start
painting.
Like I've got a painting set upright now and I'm just like
going and going and going.
And then I moved to the otherside of the room and I'm like,
oh.
(09:49):
I need to go work on this, butlike I pour out like all these
like emotions that I'm havinginto all these different things,
and I try to balance myself.
Joy Blue (09:59):
That's amazing.
So your way of coping is throughlike externally telling stories
through art forms.
Genesis Simmons (10:07):
Yeah.
Joy Blue (10:08):
That's amazing.
Do you find that what youexperienced during the day comes
out in these art forms.
Genesis Simmons (10:14):
Yeah.
Honestly, it's a littledifferent depending on the day.
But yes, I would say so.
I've been trying to have somestronger boundaries with like
work home life balance, and so alot of the times I will just
leave stuff behind.
And every emotion that I'mhaving is personal, but there
are days where things seep out.
Because we're human beings,we're not robots.
Like I'm, I can't shut off myemotions like that.
(10:35):
If it was a hard day at work orI made someone upset, or,
there's like some sort ofdisagreement that's not even
about me, but I know about, youknow, like I'm still gonna feel
those.
So yeah, sometimes it does.
And it comes in through my art.
Depending on what I'm workingon, it can be really beneficial
cause it can add like an extraedge to a music piece or like a
thicker sharpie when I'm drawingin my notebook.
(10:57):
But it's like stuff that reallyimpacts, like when I go back and
look at my art later, I can belike, oh, I know exactly where I
was at this point.
Joy Blue (11:05):
Yeah, those are milestones for you.
Genesis Simmons (11:07):
Yeah.
And it's really nice to be ableto have all of that and have a
bunch of different things thatit can be like, when I did this,
I was at this phase of my lifeand that's why I did it so much
was because I needed it.
Like, I find that I journal too,and so I'll find that I'll stop
journaling for several days, butthen you look at my like
sketchbook or my sketchbookscompletely full.
Joy Blue (11:24):
Mm-hmm.
Genesis Simmons (11:26):
And then, there are days where like I don't play
music for a week and then.
You look over in the corner, I'mlike, I've knitted an entire
blanket in a half.
And you're like, oh, there sheis.
Joy Blue (11:36):
Right.
Genesis Simmons (11:37):
She's doing it.
Joy Blue (11:39):
That's, that in and of itself is such a fascinating
phrase.
Oh, there she is.
Because what I'm hearing you sayis the beautiful storytelling
parts of you aren't just inside,but you are doing the work to
let them come out in whateverway they desire.
And so you're being a trueartist, you're being true to
(12:01):
whatever is happening in themoment, and you're flowing with
it.
Genesis Simmons (12:05):
Yeah, I'm trying.
I just moved to this newapartment and so that's really
helped that.
Um, Cause I've got a lot ofdifferent art projects going on
around the apartment.
I've got like this wall rightnext to me.
It's got like a, a bunch of justpicture frames in it, but
they're all empty.
Joy Blue (12:19):
Yes.
Genesis Simmons (12:19):
So people like come into my living room and
they're like, are you okay?
I'm like, yeah, what's wrong?
You don't like it?
People don't like it.
They're like, why are theyempty?
I'm like, cause I don't have anypictures I wanna put in them.
I don't know.
Can I just, can you leave mealone?
But I like went to Goodwills andI got all of these.
Joy Blue (12:34):
That's amazing.
So many people are uncomfortablewith things that are unfinished.
And things that don't quite makesense.
And what I'm hearing you saywith your storytelling and with
how you show up in the world,that that liminal space is not
overwhelming to you.
Genesis Simmons (12:50):
no, I really, I've struggled for a really long
time with Like figuring outexactly where I was gonna land.
I've always been like the typeto just take things as they are.
I don't need a matching set ofplates in my cupboard.
I like this one blue plate fromthe Goodwill.
`And I also like this flowerplate.
That was my great-grandmother's.
(13:11):
So I'm gonna keep both of them,like I don't need to have
matching sets or things to belike completely in order.
I don't like it actually.
Joy Blue (13:19):
Yeah.
So what you're looking for inthe stories you tell are the
unique bits that might not fitother places.
Am I hearing that right?
Genesis Simmons (13:28):
Yeah.
And I like the like littledetails.
I like the things that peoplethink need to be added.
Because it's like when you'retelling stories, even if it's in
art, even if it's in like TVshows, like for instance, like
the same character wearing thatone dress, you know, one episode
and eight later, why did they doit?
Because they knew that someonewould recognize it.
Right?
(13:48):
But like, why did they do it?
Like why do people add theselittle details?
I just think it's sointeresting.
And then to try to find someperspective and figure out where
exactly that comes from and whythey included that little detail
and why it was important and it.
Makes you root out the importantthings in your life.
It's just like reallyinteresting.
But you start to pick it out onother people too, of like
everyday things.
(14:09):
Like they say something andyou're like, where did that come
from?
What part of you does that comefrom?
But it's been great to do thatkind of stuff too, cuz I I've
started recognizing it when I'mlike mean to myself and I can
catch myself.
Like I've just started reallytrying to pay attention to
myself as I like pay attentionto everything else.
And I like notice.
Yeah.
(14:29):
Like I notice when I'm mean tomyself, I'm like, oh, we're
gonna stop that.
And then when I hear otherpeople doing it now I'm like,
oh, say three nice things aboutyourself right now.
And I do, you can ask anyone Iwork with.
They're all, they all know.
Yeah.
Joy Blue (14:44):
You, you're magical.
Do you know that you have magic?
Genesis Simmons (14:48):
I've been trying to, yeah, I've been
trying to use it.
Joy Blue (14:51):
Like what I'm hearing you say is you are intentionally
curious about the negativespace.
Genesis Simmons (14:56):
Yeah.
There's balance in everything.
I'm gonna take whatever comes myway, but I need to not sit in a
space where like everything isbad all the time.
Sometimes you need that.
But why do you need it?
You need it to heal from things.
Joy Blue (15:08):
What makes you feel most alive?
Genesis Simmons (15:10):
Singing probably.
Joy Blue (15:12):
What do you notice about yourself when you're
singing?
Genesis Simmons (15:14):
I'm like so tuned in to what I'm doing, like
how I'm singing and like I'mjust like focused on like the
art of it.
I'm not focused on
Joy Blue (15:21):
Hmm?
Genesis Simmons (15:22):
else.
Joy Blue (15:23):
Do you experience that when you're working with your
other art forms?
Genesis Simmons (15:27):
Yeah, it depends.
Singing is the one that ithappens the fastest with.
Like I know if I'm like in a badmood and I start singing,
instantly better.
Whereas sometimes like my otherart forms like painting or
drawing I tend to just dowhatever comes out is what you
get.
Cuz I need that space for that.
Joy Blue (15:45):
So it sounds like the diversity of the art that you
create matches the diversity ofthe universe inside of you.
Genesis Simmons (15:53):
Yeah, I feel like I'm eight different people
melded into one sometimes.
Joy Blue (15:57):
We all
Genesis Simmons (15:57):
because I've, yeah, no, I, you all are.
And that's what I've been likelearning as I, meet more people.
But I have so many different,like outward facing narratives
that I've given over the years,cuz I've always lived between
parents and then grandparentswere in the mix too.
So I've always had like severaldifferent houses and several
different like friend groups andall this stuff.
(16:18):
And now I find myself in thislike very center place right now
where there's only one me,there's only one person I can
show up as.
And so all my different, likeoutward facing narratives are
suddenly meeting each other andit's wait a.
Who are you?
Joy Blue (16:32):
How do we all get along at this committee
Genesis Simmons (16:34):
Yeah.
It's wait a second.
Joy Blue (16:36):
That's fascinating.
Okay.
Switching from beingintrospective to being a little
more outwardly focused, what doyou normally pick up on in
people that you're around?
Because it sounds like you havestrong empathy.
It sounds like you understandcharacter narrative.
You understand what it's like tobe in someone else's shoes.
(16:58):
How does that play out in thereal world?
Genesis Simmons (17:01):
Well, people's ticks are like an easy one to
notice.
So like any sort of like little,like hair things or people tend
to like pull on their face, likesomething on their face or near
their face a lot especially whenthey're nervous.
And then speaking.
Like there are patterns thatpeople have, speaking patterns
are really fascinating to me.
And then there's also likephrases that they'll repeat.
(17:24):
Like there are certain phrasesthat you attribute to certain
people and so it's like focusingin on that kind of stuff.
When you first start talking tosomeone, what's the first thing
they bring up?
What's the first thing that theytalk about?
You know, That's not, not thequestion that you bring up.
What's the first thing that theytalk to you about?
That's fascinating to me.
Joy Blue (17:42):
that is super fascinating.
That's so many things I've neverthought of before.
Oh my gosh, it's time for socialexperiments.
Let's go.
Genesis Simmons (17:49):
Yeah.
That's basically what life is,right?
Like
Joy Blue (17:51):
a big social experiment.
What happens if I change this?
Genesis Simmons (17:55):
Right.
But it's like really fascinatingtoo, to.
To even be being more presentwith myself, like how I bring
myself into conversations.
How I interact and react and howthe first thing that I say also
matters somebody Else.
So that's been like great for myself work too.
Cuz I can look at it from likedifferent perspectives and be
(18:17):
like, oh.
Interesting.
This is how I'm being perceived.
But I usually try to save it forgood moments, like when I make
someone's day or like when I'mhanding out something that they
want or just, there aresometimes people like cards get
declined and stuff like that,and I'm just like, oh, it's
fine.
Life goes on.
Joy Blue (18:34):
Yeah.
Genesis Simmons (18:35):
Drink coffee.
Have a great day.
Joy Blue (18:37):
I mean, that's the beauty of being able to walk
through the world in anon-judgmental way, just
accepting what is,
Genesis Simmons (18:44):
Yeah.
Joy Blue (18:45):
I mean, that's a practice unto, unto itself.
Genesis Simmons (18:48):
Trying, trying to do it.
Joy Blue (18:50):
It's beautiful.
Genesis Simmons (18:51):
It's not perfect, but it's definitely the
journey that I've been on for awhile now, and I'm like, I try
to lean into those good momentsand the ways that you can make
an impact on someone, even ifit's just like two seconds and I
never think about you everagain.
that's what human experiencedeserves, is just like the
little moments of kindness.
Like those are the ones That youthink about when you need
something
Joy Blue (19:12):
Hmm.
Genesis Simmons (19:12):
you holding on.
Joy Blue (19:15):
That's beautiful.
My brain can't let go of whatyou said of I want to choose
well what I say first.
What does that mean to you?
How has that evolved for you?
Genesis Simmons (19:26):
Well, so I think it hasn't always been like
an easy thing for me.
I feel like when I firststarted, like recognizing that
my responses had an impact, Iwas like in this really weird
place with my, parental lifebecause I was like fighting with
my parents all the time.
And it wasn't until we were likealready in that phase that I
(19:47):
realized that like the thingsthat I were saying, like
definitely had an impact on thepeople around me.
And like I needed to calm itdown a little bit.
And that's really when a lot ofthat sort of started.
And so I went back and, and it'staken me a lot of years to
recognize like the things that Ido to like egg people on or get
myself in these like situations.
And that's all been throughtrial and error.
(20:09):
Cuz I'm a strong independentwoman and I've got a lot of very
high expectations for the peoplearound me.
And so then sometimes I can getfrustrated that could end up
coming out in a really negativeway cuz I'm just trying to stand
up for myself and I'm justtrying to be an advocate for
myself.
And then it comes across in likethe wrong way.
So I've recognized ways to getaround that is to like always
(20:31):
treat every moment that you canwith respect based upon the
person that you're interactingwith.
Because it looks different foreverybody.
Joy Blue (20:39):
That is beautiful.
Genesis Simmons (20:41):
It's really hard.
Cuz you gotta learn people andyou have to want to.
Joy Blue (20:45):
Right, but it's also being in tune with who you are
and being able to say what youwant well, in addition to
knowing who you're talking toand how to phrase it in a way
that they will hear it.
Cuz just the simple act ofsaying, this is what I want, or
this is what I need, is one ofthe most vulnerable things out
there.
(21:06):
But then even what you're sayingis the layer on top of it, of
not just being able to say whatI want, but being able to give
you the best opportunity to hearme well.
That's magic and that's rare.
It's acknowledging that there isso much meta in experience.
It's not just me experiencingyou, but it's also you
(21:26):
experiencing me and also each ofus experiencing ourselves at the
same time.
Genesis Simmons (21:30):
Yeah.
crazy, it's all the time.
So sometimes it's really greatand I like learn a lot and I
like.
Study people and I get to knowmore about people, which is
great.
But then sometimes it's likevery overwhelming cause it's
like I can't stop noticing thatyou're ticking your pencil.
Like I'm gonna need you to, youknow?
like I really can't stopfocusing in on it.
Or it's a really bad moment,where someone's yelling at you
(21:51):
and you have to sit there andyou have to be like, this is
another human.
What is this like from theirperspective, what is going on in
their lives that makes them feellike this?
Like, where are they at, where,what do you need to be for them?
Joy Blue (22:04):
That's a ridiculous amount of empathy that not a lot
of humans have.
Genesis Simmons (22:08):
Yeah.
I recognize that.
Which is why my dad always getslike a little bit worried that
I'm gonna end up being likestepped all over.
Which is why I think I have thebalance of sometimes I can be a
little harsh or seem a littleblunt or seem like it's like I'm
more frustrated or angry aboutsomething than I actually am.
But I'm just trying to be firm.
Like this is how I feel aboutit.
(22:29):
This is what I'm gonna do aboutit.
And that's the work that I'mtrying to do also with
understanding people and how tocommunicate, and
Joy Blue (22:36):
That's also the essence of boundaries.
It's not telling somebody elsewhat to do.
It's telling them what you'regoing to do.
Genesis Simmons (22:41):
Well, and I think that if I have strong
boundaries and then I'm also akind person like that can
coincide.
I don't know why I've thought inmy mind that in order to have
strong boundaries, you have tobe unkind.
You never have to be unkind inany situation to get yourself in
the spot that you need to getto.
And that's what I really neededto shift my perspective into.
Joy Blue (23:03):
That's amazing.
Genesis Simmons (23:04):
Thank you.
Joy Blue (23:05):
What's something you could encourage the listeners to
try based off of what we've beentalking about?
Genesis Simmons (23:10):
Just do it.
Just do whatever it is thatyou've ever thought about doing.
I know people say that all thetime, but if there's something
creative or if not evencreative, if it's like you wanna
join a softball team, go join asoftball team.
I think we get so stuck in thisyou have to do this at a certain
time.
Like you don't, like if yourdream was to play soccer as a
child and you never did it, likedo it right now.
(23:31):
There's so many other thingsstopping you, but that this is
your life, right?
Like If you can't take themoment to live your life, like
why are you here?
Like you're not here to go towork every single day and suffer
because you don't like work, andthen come home and then not like
home.
Do the things that are bringingyou joy, even if it's like
sitting on your back porchdrinking a beer.
Like Do the things that aregonna bring you like two seconds
(23:51):
of joy, because that's what thisis for.
That's the whole reason that weare here, not to make ourselves
suffer.
Joy Blue (23:59):
That's beautiful.
Genesis Simmons (24:00):
So I would just say do it.
Joy Blue (24:02):
Thank you so much for your time and being willing to
do this with me.
This has been amazing.
Genesis Simmons (24:07):
Thank you.
I appreciate you.
Joy Blue (24:10):
So here we are! That was such a delightful dive into
how we see the world.
Like Genesis said at the end, dothe things that bring you joy
because that's the reason we'rehere.
If you're anything like me andthe emotion of joy is hard to
hold, I would encourage you totake a slow, small step into it.
(24:32):
Like treating yourself tositting on the couch with a
book, or watching a show, orcatching up with a friend who
makes you feel seen and loved.
It doesn't have to be big.
You are worth prioritizinggoodness for.
If you're someone who sees theworld through a lens of joy,
that is amazing! Don't forgetthat that is a superpower.
And when you're able, share itwith those around you.
(24:55):
Thank you again, Genesis for thegift of seeing the world through
your eyes.
If you've got a flavor of nerdthat you want me to celebrate, I
would love to hear all about it.
So go ahead and email me atherewearethepodcast@gmail.com
and tell me everything.
I love taking time to sit andmake space for nerd to be
celebrated.
(25:16):
If you really liked this podcastand want to financially support
what I'm doing, I head on overto patreon.com, search for Here
We Are The Podcast, and sign upfor one of the many beautifully
written support tiers that I'mstill very proud of.
So until next time.
Don't forget that curiosity winsand the world needs more nerds.
Bye.
Welcome to Here We Are.
The podcast where we celebratethe beauty of being a nerd by
learning about nerdy things fromfellow nerds.
I'm your host, Joy Blue.
Sometimes when I'm out andabout, I'll meet a human and
just know I have got to talk tothem.
Like today's human.
Brie and I met them after aneventful day where the three
(00:32):
attempts we took at exploringand adventure while we were
traveling, had struck out.
The bakery we went to in themorning was disappointing.
The iced coffee we got washorrible.
And our two dogs didn't reallyenjoy the dog park we went to.
We typically try to stay awayfrom national chain restaurants
while on the road.
But at this point in thisparticular trip, we just needed
(00:56):
a known comfort.
We pulled into Starbucks, weregreeted by a warm and welcoming
voice, and next thing I know I'minterviewing Genesis for this
podcast.
I'm so glad she agreed to meetwith me.
And I'm so excited to share withyou our amazing conversation.
Without further ado, here'sGenesis Simmons to talk with us
(01:17):
about stories
Genesis Simmons (01:19):
hi, I'm Genesis.
I love coffee.
I love reading.
I love music.
I'm in a band.
Joy Blue (01:25):
You're in a band
Genesis Simmons (01:26):
I am in a band.
Yeah.
Joy Blue (01:28):
legit.
Genesis Simmons (01:29):
We're like a bluegrass, not really bluegrass
like kind of band.
We just wrote our first songtogether.
Joy Blue (01:35):
that's amazing.
Genesis Simmons (01:36):
Which is incredible.
Joy Blue (01:38):
How do you participate in the band?
Genesis Simmons (01:40):
I sing and I play guitar.
Joy Blue (01:43):
That's legit.
Genesis Simmons (01:45):
Yeah.
They would call me the leadsinger.
So we just finished writing oursong, which is really exciting.
And I've been working on musictoo, like myself, so we're
probably gonna release somestuff this year, which will be
really good.
That's pretty much it.
Oh, I have a cat.
His name is Gregory PumpkinLoaf.
Joy Blue (02:00):
What an amazing name.
Genesis Simmons (02:02):
yeah.
Joy Blue (02:03):
What does he get called most often?
Genesis Simmons (02:05):
Greg mostly I just call him.
I'll be like, Hey Greg, becauseI think it's funny cuz it just
sounds so human, but you're likesitting in talking to your cat,
you're like, Greg, whatcha youdoing?
Yeah.
It's my favorite thing.
Joy Blue (02:15):
Great job.
Okay.
What do you wanna nerd out abouttoday?
Genesis Simmons (02:19):
I wanna nerd out about stories.
Joy Blue (02:22):
Okay, this is gonna be really interesting.
I've had people talking aboutstorytelling.
I've had people talk about allkinds of things around this, but
I want to know what is it aboutstories that gets you excited?
Genesis Simmons (02:34):
Honestly, I think it comes with part of your
podcast to begin with, which islike the human experience,
right?
Like that tagline, really it gotme because that's what I enjoy.
I enjoy reading memoirs andbiographies because I love the
story, but it's the same wayeven with fiction, even with
like historical, nonfiction andall this kind of stuff.
There's a story, there's a storythere, and there's like a reason
(02:56):
why people got from point A topoint B.
And I just find it sofascinating and it makes more
sense of the world, in that kindof sense.
But then also you meet all theseincredible people and they're
like little bits of life and howyou interact and how they might
cross over is crazy and likeknowing little pieces of
people's story.
I mean like I'm in the rightbusiness truly because I get to
talk to a bunch of people forjust short little segments of my
(03:20):
day all day long.
And I get to make thesewonderful connections and like
meet people, but I get to seelike a glimpse into people's
lives and their stories.
And I just think it's sofascinating and I just love how
people like portray theirstories and put it out into the
world
Joy Blue (03:32):
Yeah, and that's how we met you.
My wife Brie and I went throughthe drive through at your
Starbucks in Virginia, and allof a sudden I was like, Hello.
I should know you.
And my wife was like, here's hercard
Genesis Simmons (03:45):
No, it was perfect.
It was perfect.
Joy Blue (03:47):
It really was
Genesis Simmons (03:48):
But that's, I mean, that kind of thing
happens.
And oh my gosh, this is actuallythe best part of that whole
story, which is that the nextperson right after you, the wife
was like heckling her husband orwhatever.
And finally she was like, canyou just say it?
And he was like, I think you gota really nice voice.
Like you could be on the radioor something.
And I was like, the people infront of you just gave me a
card.
(04:09):
And so like him saying thatreally it boosted me.
I was like, two in a row.
That's pretty good.
Can't say no to that.
Yeah.
Joy Blue (04:16):
Okay.
When did you start noticing thetrend of being in tune with the
story arc of people?
Genesis Simmons (04:27):
well,
Joy Blue (04:28):
I.
Genesis Simmons (04:29):
I think that it was really, it was one of those
things that.
It's always been there for me.
I've had, I was like, I wasn'tan only child, but I was an only
child.
I didn't live with my siblingsfull-time and I, most of the
time lived not with them.
And so I was like alone a lot.
And I think I like got reallyattached to books and characters
(04:50):
and TV shows and movies andstuff like that and like their
stories.
And then when I started meetingpeople who had vastly different
lives than I did, Because Ilived between my parents.
They were separated, they werenever together.
I had siblings like hanging allaround.
I, my cousins lived in the houseright next to me.
There was chaos all the time inmy life.
But I could stay alone.
And then to meet all these otherkids who like, have these, like
(05:11):
really, like stable homes andstuff like that I've always been
so fascinated than other peopleand like what they're doing and
what their lives look like.
And I think it just stems fromhaving a vastly different
childhood from most.
But I got into acting reallyyoung too.
And so that's really what put mein it because then you have to
be in someone else's story andthat's how I always looked at
it.
And so I like did a bunch ofcharacter studies, like
(05:33):
basically all through my life asI did theater.
And then I realized that in myfree time, like all I do is like
study people, study situations,recognize how people
communicate, where themiscommunications come in, like
all this type of stuff.
And it's really fascinating whenyou like can sit in the corner
and just watch everyone elseinteract and react to things.
Joy Blue (05:52):
Yes, I am right there with you.
I resonate so strongly witheverything you just said.
I do the same thing at parties.
I'm the person sitting in thecorner waiting for people to
come to me, and if nobody comesto me, I'm just fine cuz I just
get to sit there and watcheverything that's happening.
I think I know what you mean,but I wanna know more about when
(06:13):
you said you do characterstudies.
What does that look like foryou?
Genesis Simmons (06:18):
So I am really I'm also like an avid reader and
part of that is like scriptreading.
And so I'll go through and I'll,read scripts.
And I really, in a lot ofscripts that like really hit me
emotionally I like to go throughand pick a character and I'll
reread through it.
And I do it with books too, youknow, like regular books too.
But I was really into acting fora long time and so I had learned
how to do like a characterstudy, like a real character
(06:39):
study, as if you're gonna bethat person.
So I do that with like books andwith like TV show characters.
It's like really, like I justfollow their narrative really
closely.
I'm like studying like theirhabits and like the patterns and
stuff like that.
It's really,
Joy Blue (06:53):
Fascinating.
Genesis Simmons (06:54):
yeah.
Joy Blue (06:55):
Break that down even more for me.
So I've actually never thoughtabout this and now I wanna try
it of reading through a book orwatching something as a
different character each time.
Genesis Simmons (07:06):
Yeah,
Joy Blue (07:07):
What do you need in order to feel like you have a
hold on who a character is?
Genesis Simmons (07:15):
I mean, you don't, that's the fun part of
it.
Is that there's, it's not all ahundred percent, like you get
into it, you start going onedirection, and then you're like,
wait a second.
I don't actually think this issomething that this character,
you know, like I don't know ifthis is my feelings rubbing off
on it because I know how it'sgonna end, all this stuff.
And so sometimes it's reallyhard to get over those blocks
and you just have to go throughit like as you can.
Joy Blue (07:37):
So what I'm hearing is you have an extremely vivid
imagination.
Genesis Simmons (07:41):
yeah, I do.
Joy Blue (07:43):
I love that
Genesis Simmons (07:44):
It's really fun.
And then my dreams are like TVshows, episodes.
I'll end off one place and thenI'll pick up in the next place
or like start a new episode likeevery night.
And it could be something vastlydifferent and it's, it works,
Joy Blue (07:56):
that's so entertaining.
Genesis Simmons (07:57):
Yeah.
Joy Blue (07:59):
Wow.
This is fascinating.
Do you know how fascinating thisis?
Genesis Simmons (08:05):
I think it's pretty fascinating.
I didn't realize like a lot ofmy imagination and like the
things that I think and like theway that I think is not like how
a lot of the people that I'vemet in my life think, which is
really interesting.
Like I didn't realize thatpeople couldn't like, see things
in their mind and I can't seepeople.
I can't be like, oh, let methink of your face and my, I
mean, you're right in front ofme, so you're not a good
example.
But I can't be like, oh, what'sthat person?
(08:26):
What's their face look like?
In my mind I can't do that.
But as far as like things thatlike never existed and just like
going off my own space, like Ican do that for sure.
Just can't promise.
I'll see any of you there.
Joy Blue (08:37):
Yeah, I understand that.
Absolutely.
I'm the type of brain that ifsomebody's telling a story, it
is a world that is building inmy head as they tell it.
Genesis Simmons (08:46):
Yes.
It's really fascinating and it'sgreat, like when you're reading,
you can see.
Like everything in front of youand you don't have to sit there
and focus on every single word.
Like I felt like when I wasyounger and learning how to
read, I couldn't see the picturebecause I had heard stories told
to me.
But like trying to actually putthose words together when you're
(09:07):
doing it yourself was so hardfor me.
And when I finally got it, it'slike I don't even look at the
page.
I'm just like in it, like I'mjust fully immersed.
It's like scary sometimes.
Joy Blue (09:16):
I end up skimming through a lot of stories because
I can already see all the detailin my
Genesis Simmons (09:19):
Yes.
No, same.
Same.
Joy Blue (09:22):
Where does this show up in your normal life?
How does it help you cope inyour normal world?
Genesis Simmons (09:28):
I'm very artistic and creative.
I've always got eight projectsgoing on, so like in one corner
of the room, it's like my songlyrics.
So I'll go and I'll look throughthem, cross things out, add
things, pick up my guitar, likeplay with it a little bit,
record a couple things, and thenI'll jump over and start
painting.
Like I've got a painting set upright now and I'm just like
going and going and going.
And then I moved to the otherside of the room and I'm like,
oh.
(09:49):
I need to go work on this, butlike I pour out like all these
like emotions that I'm havinginto all these different things,
and I try to balance myself.
Joy Blue (09:59):
That's amazing.
So your way of coping is throughlike externally telling stories
through art forms.
Genesis Simmons (10:07):
Yeah.
Joy Blue (10:08):
That's amazing.
Do you find that what youexperienced during the day comes
out in these art forms.
Genesis Simmons (10:14):
Yeah.
Honestly, it's a littledifferent depending on the day.
But yes, I would say so.
I've been trying to have somestronger boundaries with like
work home life balance, and so alot of the times I will just
leave stuff behind.
And every emotion that I'mhaving is personal, but there
are days where things seep out.
Because we're human beings,we're not robots.
Like I'm, I can't shut off myemotions like that.
(10:35):
If it was a hard day at work orI made someone upset, or,
there's like some sort ofdisagreement that's not even
about me, but I know about, youknow, like I'm still gonna feel
those.
So yeah, sometimes it does.
And it comes in through my art.
Depending on what I'm workingon, it can be really beneficial
cause it can add like an extraedge to a music piece or like a
thicker sharpie when I'm drawingin my notebook.
(10:57):
But it's like stuff that reallyimpacts, like when I go back and
look at my art later, I can belike, oh, I know exactly where I
was at this point.
Joy Blue (11:05):
Yeah, those are milestones for you.
Genesis Simmons (11:07):
Yeah.
And it's really nice to be ableto have all of that and have a
bunch of different things thatit can be like, when I did this,
I was at this phase of my lifeand that's why I did it so much
was because I needed it.
Like, I find that I journal too,and so I'll find that I'll stop
journaling for several days, butthen you look at my like
sketchbook or my sketchbookscompletely full.
Joy Blue (11:24):
Mm-hmm.
Genesis Simmons (11:26):
And then, there are days where like I don't play
music for a week and then.
You look over in the corner, I'mlike, I've knitted an entire
blanket in a half.
And you're like, oh, there sheis.
Joy Blue (11:36):
Right.
Genesis Simmons (11:37):
She's doing it.
Joy Blue (11:39):
That's, that in and of itself is such a fascinating
phrase.
Oh, there she is.
Because what I'm hearing you sayis the beautiful storytelling
parts of you aren't just inside,but you are doing the work to
let them come out in whateverway they desire.
And so you're being a trueartist, you're being true to
(12:01):
whatever is happening in themoment, and you're flowing with
it.
Genesis Simmons (12:05):
Yeah, I'm trying.
I just moved to this newapartment and so that's really
helped that.
Um, Cause I've got a lot ofdifferent art projects going on
around the apartment.
I've got like this wall rightnext to me.
It's got like a, a bunch of justpicture frames in it, but
they're all empty.
Joy Blue (12:19):
Yes.
Genesis Simmons (12:19):
So people like come into my living room and
they're like, are you okay?
I'm like, yeah, what's wrong?
You don't like it?
People don't like it.
They're like, why are theyempty?
I'm like, cause I don't have anypictures I wanna put in them.
I don't know.
Can I just, can you leave mealone?
But I like went to Goodwills andI got all of these.
Joy Blue (12:34):
That's amazing.
So many people are uncomfortablewith things that are unfinished.
And things that don't quite makesense.
And what I'm hearing you saywith your storytelling and with
how you show up in the world,that that liminal space is not
overwhelming to you.
Genesis Simmons (12:50):
no, I really, I've struggled for a really long
time with Like figuring outexactly where I was gonna land.
I've always been like the typeto just take things as they are.
I don't need a matching set ofplates in my cupboard.
I like this one blue plate fromthe Goodwill.
`And I also like this flowerplate.
That was my great-grandmother's.
(13:11):
So I'm gonna keep both of them,like I don't need to have
matching sets or things to belike completely in order.
I don't like it actually.
Joy Blue (13:19):
Yeah.
So what you're looking for inthe stories you tell are the
unique bits that might not fitother places.
Am I hearing that right?
Genesis Simmons (13:28):
Yeah.
And I like the like littledetails.
I like the things that peoplethink need to be added.
Because it's like when you'retelling stories, even if it's in
art, even if it's in like TVshows, like for instance, like
the same character wearing thatone dress, you know, one episode
and eight later, why did they doit?
Because they knew that someonewould recognize it.
Right?
(13:48):
But like, why did they do it?
Like why do people add theselittle details?
I just think it's sointeresting.
And then to try to find someperspective and figure out where
exactly that comes from and whythey included that little detail
and why it was important and it.
Makes you root out the importantthings in your life.
It's just like reallyinteresting.
But you start to pick it out onother people too, of like
everyday things.
(14:09):
Like they say something andyou're like, where did that come
from?
What part of you does that comefrom?
But it's been great to do thatkind of stuff too, cuz I I've
started recognizing it when I'mlike mean to myself and I can
catch myself.
Like I've just started reallytrying to pay attention to
myself as I like pay attentionto everything else.
And I like notice.
Yeah.
(14:29):
Like I notice when I'm mean tomyself, I'm like, oh, we're
gonna stop that.
And then when I hear otherpeople doing it now I'm like,
oh, say three nice things aboutyourself right now.
And I do, you can ask anyone Iwork with.
They're all, they all know.
Yeah.
Joy Blue (14:44):
You, you're magical.
Do you know that you have magic?
Genesis Simmons (14:48):
I've been trying to, yeah, I've been
trying to use it.
Joy Blue (14:51):
Like what I'm hearing you say is you are intentionally
curious about the negativespace.
Genesis Simmons (14:56):
Yeah.
There's balance in everything.
I'm gonna take whatever comes myway, but I need to not sit in a
space where like everything isbad all the time.
Sometimes you need that.
But why do you need it?
You need it to heal from things.
Joy Blue (15:08):
What makes you feel most alive?
Genesis Simmons (15:10):
Singing probably.
Joy Blue (15:12):
What do you notice about yourself when you're
singing?
Genesis Simmons (15:14):
I'm like so tuned in to what I'm doing, like
how I'm singing and like I'mjust like focused on like the
art of it.
I'm not focused on
Joy Blue (15:21):
Hmm?
Genesis Simmons (15:22):
else.
Joy Blue (15:23):
Do you experience that when you're working with your
other art forms?
Genesis Simmons (15:27):
Yeah, it depends.
Singing is the one that ithappens the fastest with.
Like I know if I'm like in a badmood and I start singing,
instantly better.
Whereas sometimes like my otherart forms like painting or
drawing I tend to just dowhatever comes out is what you
get.
Cuz I need that space for that.
Joy Blue (15:45):
So it sounds like the diversity of the art that you
create matches the diversity ofthe universe inside of you.
Genesis Simmons (15:53):
Yeah, I feel like I'm eight different people
melded into one sometimes.
Joy Blue (15:57):
We all
Genesis Simmons (15:57):
because I've, yeah, no, I, you all are.
And that's what I've been likelearning as I, meet more people.
But I have so many different,like outward facing narratives
that I've given over the years,cuz I've always lived between
parents and then grandparentswere in the mix too.
So I've always had like severaldifferent houses and several
different like friend groups andall this stuff.
(16:18):
And now I find myself in thislike very center place right now
where there's only one me,there's only one person I can
show up as.
And so all my different, likeoutward facing narratives are
suddenly meeting each other andit's wait a.
Who are you?
Joy Blue (16:32):
How do we all get along at this committee
Genesis Simmons (16:34):
Yeah.
It's wait a second.
Joy Blue (16:36):
That's fascinating.
Okay.
Switching from beingintrospective to being a little
more outwardly focused, what doyou normally pick up on in
people that you're around?
Because it sounds like you havestrong empathy.
It sounds like you understandcharacter narrative.
You understand what it's like tobe in someone else's shoes.
(16:58):
How does that play out in thereal world?
Genesis Simmons (17:01):
Well, people's ticks are like an easy one to
notice.
So like any sort of like little,like hair things or people tend
to like pull on their face, likesomething on their face or near
their face a lot especially whenthey're nervous.
And then speaking.
Like there are patterns thatpeople have, speaking patterns
are really fascinating to me.
And then there's also likephrases that they'll repeat.
(17:24):
Like there are certain phrasesthat you attribute to certain
people and so it's like focusingin on that kind of stuff.
When you first start talking tosomeone, what's the first thing
they bring up?
What's the first thing that theytalk about?
You know, That's not, not thequestion that you bring up.
What's the first thing that theytalk to you about?
That's fascinating to me.
Joy Blue (17:42):
that is super fascinating.
That's so many things I've neverthought of before.
Oh my gosh, it's time for socialexperiments.
Let's go.
Genesis Simmons (17:49):
Yeah.
That's basically what life is,right?
Like
Joy Blue (17:51):
a big social experiment.
What happens if I change this?
Genesis Simmons (17:55):
Right.
But it's like really fascinatingtoo, to.
To even be being more presentwith myself, like how I bring
myself into conversations.
How I interact and react and howthe first thing that I say also
matters somebody Else.
So that's been like great for myself work too.
Cuz I can look at it from likedifferent perspectives and be
(18:17):
like, oh.
Interesting.
This is how I'm being perceived.
But I usually try to save it forgood moments, like when I make
someone's day or like when I'mhanding out something that they
want or just, there aresometimes people like cards get
declined and stuff like that,and I'm just like, oh, it's
fine.
Life goes on.
Joy Blue (18:34):
Yeah.
Genesis Simmons (18:35):
Drink coffee.
Have a great day.
Joy Blue (18:37):
I mean, that's the beauty of being able to walk
through the world in anon-judgmental way, just
accepting what is,
Genesis Simmons (18:44):
Yeah.
Joy Blue (18:45):
I mean, that's a practice unto, unto itself.
Genesis Simmons (18:48):
Trying, trying to do it.
Joy Blue (18:50):
It's beautiful.
Genesis Simmons (18:51):
It's not perfect, but it's definitely the
journey that I've been on for awhile now, and I'm like, I try
to lean into those good momentsand the ways that you can make
an impact on someone, even ifit's just like two seconds and I
never think about you everagain.
that's what human experiencedeserves, is just like the
little moments of kindness.
Like those are the ones That youthink about when you need
something
Joy Blue (19:12):
Hmm.
Genesis Simmons (19:12):
you holding on.
Joy Blue (19:15):
That's beautiful.
My brain can't let go of whatyou said of I want to choose
well what I say first.
What does that mean to you?
How has that evolved for you?
Genesis Simmons (19:26):
Well, so I think it hasn't always been like
an easy thing for me.
I feel like when I firststarted, like recognizing that
my responses had an impact, Iwas like in this really weird
place with my, parental lifebecause I was like fighting with
my parents all the time.
And it wasn't until we were likealready in that phase that I
(19:47):
realized that like the thingsthat I were saying, like
definitely had an impact on thepeople around me.
And like I needed to calm itdown a little bit.
And that's really when a lot ofthat sort of started.
And so I went back and, and it'staken me a lot of years to
recognize like the things that Ido to like egg people on or get
myself in these like situations.
And that's all been throughtrial and error.
(20:09):
Cuz I'm a strong independentwoman and I've got a lot of very
high expectations for the peoplearound me.
And so then sometimes I can getfrustrated that could end up
coming out in a really negativeway cuz I'm just trying to stand
up for myself and I'm justtrying to be an advocate for
myself.
And then it comes across in likethe wrong way.
So I've recognized ways to getaround that is to like always
(20:31):
treat every moment that you canwith respect based upon the
person that you're interactingwith.
Because it looks different foreverybody.
Joy Blue (20:39):
That is beautiful.
Genesis Simmons (20:41):
It's really hard.
Cuz you gotta learn people andyou have to want to.
Joy Blue (20:45):
Right, but it's also being in tune with who you are
and being able to say what youwant well, in addition to
knowing who you're talking toand how to phrase it in a way
that they will hear it.
Cuz just the simple act ofsaying, this is what I want, or
this is what I need, is one ofthe most vulnerable things out
there.
(21:06):
But then even what you're sayingis the layer on top of it, of
not just being able to say whatI want, but being able to give
you the best opportunity to hearme well.
That's magic and that's rare.
It's acknowledging that there isso much meta in experience.
It's not just me experiencingyou, but it's also you
(21:26):
experiencing me and also each ofus experiencing ourselves at the
same time.
Genesis Simmons (21:30):
Yeah.
crazy, it's all the time.
So sometimes it's really greatand I like learn a lot and I
like.
Study people and I get to knowmore about people, which is
great.
But then sometimes it's likevery overwhelming cause it's
like I can't stop noticing thatyou're ticking your pencil.
Like I'm gonna need you to, youknow?
like I really can't stopfocusing in on it.
Or it's a really bad moment,where someone's yelling at you
(21:51):
and you have to sit there andyou have to be like, this is
another human.
What is this like from theirperspective, what is going on in
their lives that makes them feellike this?
Like, where are they at, where,what do you need to be for them?
Joy Blue (22:04):
That's a ridiculous amount of empathy that not a lot
of humans have.
Genesis Simmons (22:08):
Yeah.
I recognize that.
Which is why my dad always getslike a little bit worried that
I'm gonna end up being likestepped all over.
Which is why I think I have thebalance of sometimes I can be a
little harsh or seem a littleblunt or seem like it's like I'm
more frustrated or angry aboutsomething than I actually am.
But I'm just trying to be firm.
Like this is how I feel aboutit.
(22:29):
This is what I'm gonna do aboutit.
And that's the work that I'mtrying to do also with
understanding people and how tocommunicate, and
Joy Blue (22:36):
That's also the essence of boundaries.
It's not telling somebody elsewhat to do.
It's telling them what you'regoing to do.
Genesis Simmons (22:41):
Well, and I think that if I have strong
boundaries and then I'm also akind person like that can
coincide.
I don't know why I've thought inmy mind that in order to have
strong boundaries, you have tobe unkind.
You never have to be unkind inany situation to get yourself in
the spot that you need to getto.
And that's what I really neededto shift my perspective into.
Joy Blue (23:03):
That's amazing.
Genesis Simmons (23:04):
Thank you.
Joy Blue (23:05):
What's something you could encourage the listeners to
try based off of what we've beentalking about?
Genesis Simmons (23:10):
Just do it.
Just do whatever it is thatyou've ever thought about doing.
I know people say that all thetime, but if there's something
creative or if not evencreative, if it's like you wanna
join a softball team, go join asoftball team.
I think we get so stuck in thisyou have to do this at a certain
time.
Like you don't, like if yourdream was to play soccer as a
child and you never did it, likedo it right now.
(23:31):
There's so many other thingsstopping you, but that this is
your life, right?
Like If you can't take themoment to live your life, like
why are you here?
Like you're not here to go towork every single day and suffer
because you don't like work, andthen come home and then not like
home.
Do the things that are bringingyou joy, even if it's like
sitting on your back porchdrinking a beer.
Like Do the things that aregonna bring you like two seconds
(23:51):
of joy, because that's what thisis for.
That's the whole reason that weare here, not to make ourselves
suffer.
Joy Blue (23:59):
That's beautiful.
Genesis Simmons (24:00):
So I would just say do it.
Joy Blue (24:02):
Thank you so much for your time and being willing to
do this with me.
This has been amazing.
Genesis Simmons (24:07):
Thank you.
I appreciate you.
Joy Blue (24:10):
So here we are! That was such a delightful dive into
how we see the world.
Like Genesis said at the end, dothe things that bring you joy
because that's the reason we'rehere.
If you're anything like me andthe emotion of joy is hard to
hold, I would encourage you totake a slow, small step into it.
(24:32):
Like treating yourself tositting on the couch with a
book, or watching a show, orcatching up with a friend who
makes you feel seen and loved.
It doesn't have to be big.
You are worth prioritizinggoodness for.
If you're someone who sees theworld through a lens of joy,
that is amazing! Don't forgetthat that is a superpower.
And when you're able, share itwith those around you.
(24:55):
Thank you again, Genesis for thegift of seeing the world through
your eyes.
If you've got a flavor of nerdthat you want me to celebrate, I
would love to hear all about it.
So go ahead and email me atherewearethepodcast@gmail.com
and tell me everything.
I love taking time to sit andmake space for nerd to be
celebrated.
(25:16):
If you really liked this podcastand want to financially support
what I'm doing, I head on overto patreon.com, search for Here
We Are The Podcast, and sign upfor one of the many beautifully
written support tiers that I'mstill very proud of.
So until next time.
Don't forget that curiosity winsand the world needs more nerds.
Bye.
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