In the first episode of this season of the locals, I talk with Tommy Benefield.

We cover ground of how to follow your instinct and your dreams, finding and losing faith, fatherhood and anger management, as well as addiction, the 12 step program and the role of plant medicine.

Tommy popped into my consciousness one morning after I had spent the good part of a year trying to figure out where and how this podcast comes to life. Like many things in my life, I tend to start with important but ultimately procrastinating stuff - the microphones, the business case, the high profile people I could try to reach. The breakthrough came when I dropped all that and just asked Tommy for the conversation.

There was a high degree of resistance to even starting this conversation (I wish to thank my girlfriend for holding me to this, and helping me calm down and just enjoy myself - thank you!).

So, without further ado, please enjoy our conversation.