“Dude, it looks like you’re bleeding coffee.”

"What’s the most vulnerable you’ve ever felt?"
"I used crystal methamphetamines for a little while. That comedown is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced: It makes you feel less than human. Seeing (and occasionally talking to) people who aren’t there, serious fatigue and extreme anxiety are a potent combination. I felt utterly broken—like I didn’t deserve my place on Earth—and the worst thing is that you know you’re totally out of your mind but can’t do anything to regain control."

"What differences are there between how people perceive you and how you perceive yourself?"
"People see me as ridiculously tall, while I am under the firm belief that I am a normal-sized person on a planet inhabited by severely small people."

"What’s something you actually really believe in?"
"God does not exist. Most (not all) faiths seem selfish and hateful. Let’s acknowledge the triumphs of our fellow humans (modern medicine, science, technology and progress) instead of giving credit to an entity—or entities—that we can’t see or prove the existence of."

"Is there anything you’re trying to make amends for?"
"I have wasted so much time chasing the bottom of a bottle. For that reason, I am trying to make amends with the people that have stood by me while I struggled so badly: colleagues, friends and members of my family, especially."

"If you could speak to someone from your past, what would you say to them?"
"I would tell every teacher I’ve ever had (pre-university) that I am sorry for being such a little shit."

"Has your sense of self ever been compromised?"
"Certainly. I think we change all the time, and sometimes change can be very scary. The important thing is sticking to a code of ethics while respecting and looking out for one another."

"Is there a piece of art or media that really speaks to you?"
"I appreciate meaningful/introspective works but I don’t have any favorites in particular."

"What terrifies you the most right now?"
"The future. Financial and health-related security.

Perhaps the scariest thing is the state of media and free information? The purpose of journalism isn’t to deceive anybody or distort the facts, though biases definitely exist. The important thing is to double and triple check what you read to make sure it is accurate, up-to-date and backed up by a couple reputable sources."

"Is there something important from your childhood you don’t really talk about?"
"It took me a long time to learn how to be a mature, functional human being (and I still don’t have it down yet). I “teased” too many friends/peers/classmates, which I feel badly about. I was too young to understand that a lot of negativity growing up can have a big influence on how a person develops, and I would like to apologize to a lot of different people for my behavior."

"What advice would you give yourself when you were at your lowest?"
"“Your pants—and I think your shirt?—are backwards.”
“Don’t text that.”
“That mountain of laundry isn’t going to do itself.”

There are so many sunrises worth watching. They are a good reason to wake up in the morning.""

"What do you offer that can help save the world?"
"In the case of a zombie outbreak, I’d be great for looting. I can reach the upper shelves of Costco for you if you let me into your post-apocalyptic band."

"Who do you go to when you need support and comfort?"
"Definitely my other half, Courtney, who is always a voice of reason and support when I most desperately need it. An A+ snuggler. She is the only person who can say to me “fuck off” and “I love you” using the same tone of voice."

"Is there anything in your life that you’re glad didn’t work out the way you wanted it to?"
"When I was young I had a mullet, thinking mullets were and would be cool forever. They weren’t then and they aren’t now, and I’m glad I recognized that at some point."

"When have you felt the loneliest? The least lonely?"
"I was diagnosed with severe depression about two and half years ago. I remember sitting on my bedroom floor for weeks without speaking to anyone (except for my roommates that would occasionally check on me, and to whom I am extremely grateful), which was the most alone I’ve ever felt.

I now take comfort in the fact that every day I talk to three+ people. When I wake up, the first thing I do is call or text my girlfriend to say good morning. I usually tell my parents what I’m up to for the week, and I have a couple of friends that I talk to on a daily basis.

I also make more of an effort to talk with strangers/new friends."

"Is there a symbol that’s important to you?"
"I appreciate infinity symbols, mermaids, boat anchors, dreamcatchers, butterflies and words like “dream” or “hope” in Latin."

"What do you try to live your life by?"
"Find something you enjoy doing. Take occasional breaks from that something. Don’t impose your values on anybody else. Have some fucking fun."