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Dream Chasers and Eccentrics

Dream Chasers and Eccentrics

Paul Trammell 147 Episodes Aug 20, 2026

Dream Chasers and Eccentrics is a podcast hosted by Paul Trammell that features interviews with extraordinary people who forge their own paths, make their own rules, and live outside societal norms. The show aims to help listeners learn from the mistakes and successes of others, emphasizing that smart people learn from their own experiences while extraordinary people learn from both their own and others' experiences. Each episode explores the unique stories and perspectives of individuals who chase their dreams and embrace their eccentricities.

Episodes

Maya Rupert, Politics, Race, Diversity, and Authenticity
Maya Rupert, Politics, Race, Diversity, and Authenticity Aug 20, 2026 01:00:30 Maya Rupert is a political strategist, social-justice leader, writer, and podcast host. In 2020, she was the campaign manager for Julián Castro's presidential campaign. She is currently the Executive Vice President of Blue State. Her latest book is "The Real Ones: How to Disrupt the Hidden Ways Racism Makes Us Less Authentic." We talk about what a campaign manager does, January 6th and why Trump w
Alexa, a Short Story
Alexa, a Short Story Aug 13, 2026 24:56 Alexa is a sci-fi / thriller short story by Paul Trammell, narrated by the author. The idea was inspired by a comment made by Tina Erwin in an earlier episode. I was asking her why spirits frequented Ouija boards and tarot cards. The short answer was "tradition," but she went on to say that it's entirely possible that technology could offer them a new and more effective portal. Why not an Alexa,
Pete Goss, the Rescue of Raphael Dinelli
Pete Goss, the Rescue of Raphael Dinelli Aug 6, 2026 01:08:34 Pete Goss is an explorer, adventurer, and sailor best known for his rescue of Raphael Dinelli in the 1996-1997 Vendee Globe race, for which he was awarded medals of honor from both the UK and France. He has also sailed across the Atlantic multiple times, led expeditions to the North Pole, kayaked around Tasmania, sailed the biggest catamaran ever built, and completed many other adventures. He wrot
Trailer
Trailer Aug 3, 2026 01:10
Mark Astor, Navigating Mental Health and Addiction Crises in the Legal System
Mark Astor, Navigating Mental Health and Addiction Crises in the Legal System Jul 30, 2026 01:05:21 Mark Astor is a lawyer who leads a legal team dedicated to helping families in crisis due to mental health disorders, substance use, and failed recovery efforts. They deal with navigating involuntary treatment laws like Florida's Baker Act and the Marchman Act, working closely with clinical teams and family systems, and helping families regain control when a loved one's condition threatens their s
Robert Mitchell, Vietnam, a Spiritual Transformation, and Education Reform
Robert Mitchell, Vietnam, a Spiritual Transformation, and Education Reform Jul 23, 2026 01:17:50 In 1966, Robert Mitchell was drafted into the Vietnam War. He became a helicopter pilot and served until a crash sent him back to the USA, where he continued to serve as a flight instructor. After the war, he went to Europe and spent 12 years seeking spiritual knowledge in Germany and Crete. He finally returned to the USA free from the burdens of a wounded soul. He then became a teacher and taught
Author John Bond, To the End of Reckoning
Author John Bond, To the End of Reckoning Jul 16, 2026 01:05:16 John Bond is an author, publishing consultant, former editor, former librarian, and lover of books who has been immersed in books and the expression of ideas for over 35 years. His new novel is "To the End of Reckoning," high-concept speculative thriller that asks what happens when history stops being debatable. As a Publishing Consultant, John brings a deep understanding of getting started on wri
Rand Timmerman, A Spiritual Passage, Vietnam, Sobriety, and the Appalachian Trail
Rand Timmerman, A Spiritual Passage, Vietnam, Sobriety, and the Appalachian Trail Jul 9, 2026 01:06:05 Rand Timmerman is the author of "A Spiritual Passage," a book about hiking the Appalachian Trail with his brother, both in their seventies. He also a Vietnam Veteran with the Marines, a lawyer, and a recovering alcoholic. Through his work, he hopes to inspire people with physical, mental, and spiritual difficulties to achieve their dreams and goals and live a happy and fulfilled life.  We talk abo
Sam Trammell, Making it as an Actor, remastered
Sam Trammell, Making it as an Actor, remastered Jul 2, 2026 01:12:41 This is a remastered version of episode 4, from 2023, when the podcast was new. It's such a great interview that I remastered it and republished it. Sam Trammell is not only a great actor, but a fascinating person who had a dream, chased it to fruition, and made it happen. He is probably best known for his role as the shapeshifter Sam Merlotte in HBO's "True Blood," and has also been in "The Fault
Margaret Bryden, Poetry in Therapy
Margaret Bryden, Poetry in Therapy Jun 25, 2026 01:08:22 Margaret Bryden is a licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, author, and founder of Sage Insight Therapy. She works with individuals and couples navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction and life transitions. Margaret is the author of "How I Understand It: A Bad Poet's Guide to Mental Health & Resilience," where she introduces "bad poetry" as a powerful, accessible tool for emotional pr
Native American Author David Heska Wanbli Weiden, Wisdom Corner
Native American Author David Heska Wanbli Weiden, Wisdom Corner Jun 18, 2026 01:07:29 David Heska Wanbli Weiden is an award winning author, professor, and an enrolled citizen of the Sicangu Lakota nation. He received his MFA from the Institute of American Indian Arts, his law degree from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, and his Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin. He's professor of English and Native American and Indigenous Studies at Stony Brook University
Antiauthoritarian Psychotherapy, Lincoln Stoller
Antiauthoritarian Psychotherapy, Lincoln Stoller Jun 11, 2026 01:17:51 Lincoln Stoller is a quantum physicist, neuropsychologist, hypnotherapist, clinical counselor, psychonaut, mountaineer, author, and educator. His approach to psychotherapy is unique and antiauthoritarian, combining science, spirit, economics, and mental health through an understanding of the hard sciences, the psyche, and the behavior of groups. We talk about quantum physics, psychotherapy, moutai

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