Richard Cardillo was an educator for over three decades on two continents and in three languages. He’s also a decorated storyteller. Richard spent his early adult life as a monk in the Catholic Church, but realized it was a massive effort to suppress his homosexuality – a major taboo for an Italian-American Catholic of his generation. 

This episode mentions suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, call the suicide prevention hotline at 800-273-8255.

Mike is the lead guitarist and one of the original founders of the DC based death metal band “Darkest Hour.” He talks about the pivotal moments that helped him find his love of music, the downsides of the music industry, and what it takes to stay grounded.

Kiana Fitzgerald is a freelance music journalist, cultural critic, and DJ. She’s written for Complex, Rolling Stone, Fader, NPR, WNYC, and more. In 2016 Kiana went missing, frightening her family and friends and igniting a search for her through social media – she was a Trending Topic until she was found. This is her story about that day, and the subsequent days of mental health struggles, enlightenment, and music.

Jess Salomon is a Canadian comedian now based in New York, who has appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Jess left a burgeoning career as an international war-crimes lawyer at The Hague to pursue comedy.

Jeff Gomez, CEO of Starlight Runner, is one of the world’s leading experts in transmedia storytelling and narrative design. Gomez talks about battling his own demons while simultaneously running one of the most complicated Dungeons and Dragons games in New York city during the ‘70s and ‘80s.

We are sad to announce the passing of Jeff's father from a year-long battle with ALS. We are going to take a pause in the podcast so Jeff can be with his family. Well wishes can be sent to [email protected] 

Kerry Coddett is a New York based comedian, actress and writer. An academically gifted young student, Kerry bounced between public and private schools, and eventually joined the Crips. She turned things around and graduated high school and college by the age of 19.

Kerry is a writer and cast member on the new Showtime show “Flatbush Misdemeanors,” and is also the host of the “On the Chopping Block Podcast.”

Justin Von Bujdoss is an American Buddhist teacher. As Staff Chaplain for the New York Department of Corrections, Justin was responsible for performing last rites to the hundreds of people who succumbed to COVID and are buried in the potter’s field / mass graveyard on Hart Island. 

   Nonye Brown-West is a Nigerian-American comic now based in New York. She tells Jeff what it’s like to be a woman of color in the world of comedy – in addition to her constant health struggles. She also clarifies what it really means when people say “we’re not taking straight white guys.”

Jeff is back with another season of The Reluctant Phoenix!  Co-creator of The Daily Show, comedian Lizz Winstead is the founder and Chief Creative Officer of Abortion Access Front. She shares how she uses comedy, media, and grassroots organizing to support abortion clinics around the country - and she and Jeff discover that they have something else in common.

Jeff Simmermon is back for Season 2 of The Reluctant Phoenix, with more incredible people who have reinvented their lives, whether they wanted to or not.