Describe Your World
Describe Your World
Travis Grooms
This podcast is an exploration of the self as well as the world around it. Guests discuss origin stories, coming-of-age experiences, and their perception of the world. Topics may vary, but the goal remains the same - stimulating dialogue and deeper understanding of this life are crucial to progress.
Where We’ve Been, Where We’re Going | A Conversation with William Hastings
In this episode of Describe Your World, I sit down with my friend William for one of those conversations that manages to cover a little bit of everything—family, marriage, parenthood, career, hobbies, football, and the experiences that have shaped who we are.William talks about his early life and family, his journey into nursing and where he hopes to take his career next, and what life looks like now as a husband and father. We also get into the hobbies and traditions he shares with his wife and kids, the things that keep him grounded, and the little pieces of everyday life that make his world uniquely his own.And, naturally, we spend some time talking Clemson football.This isn't a conversation with a grand thesis or a perfectly packaged life lesson. It's just two friends talking about where they've been, where they're headed, the people they love, and the things that make life enjoyable along the way. There are some thoughtful moments, some goofy ones, and plenty of easy conversation that comes from kindred spirits.
Sep 5
1 hr 12 min
It’s About Time — Mark Connor on Poetry, Family, and Fighting for Connection
In this episode, writer and boxer Mark Connor joins me to talk about his debut memoir and poetry collection, It’s About Time (Millions of Copies Sold for Dad) — a heartfelt work inspired by powerful life experiences and the impact of his father's death. We explore the threads of family, heritage, Catholic faith, love, and the raw humanity that runs through his verse. Mark opens up about his journey from the boxing ring to the written page and back, the urgency to share his work before it was too late, and why human connection will always be worth fighting for.Check out It's About Time (Millions of Copies Sold for Dad) on Amazon.Also, explore more of Mark's work on Substack.And follow him on Instagram!
Aug 13, 2025
55 min
Mourning Someone I Don’t Miss
Grief isn’t always about tears — sometimes it’s about relief, confusion, or the awkward silence that follows when no one wants to say, “She wasn’t a good person.”In this candid episode, Travis and Katherine talk about the death of Kat's mother — a woman whose legacy includes abuse, manipulation, and emotional wreckage. Together, they unpack what it means to mourn someone you don’t miss, how to navigate complicated grief, and why “family” isn’t always sacred.It’s a raw conversation — at times heavy, at times darkly funny — about survival, healing, and saying goodbye without pretending it was all okay.
Aug 6, 2025
45 min
Discussing Poetry with Justin Wiggins in the Spirit of the Inklings
Join me for a rich and heartfelt conversation with my friend Justin Wiggins as we explore the world of poetry—both our own and the work of literary giants.In this episode, we reflect on our recently published poems in Poetica and dive into the influences that have shaped our voices. From the transcendental cadences of Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman to the mythic depths of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, and the raw confessional power of Sylvia Plath and Anne Sexton, we unpack what poetry means to us—and why it still matters.Whether you're a fellow poet, an avid reader, or someone curious about the creative process, we invite you to sit in on this candid, thoughtful exchange between friends and writers.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on literature, creativity, and the writing life.#Poetry #Literature #JustinWiggins #Poetica #EmilyDickinson #WaltWhitman #C.S.Lewis #J.R.R.Tolkien #SylviaPlath #AnneSexton #WritingCommunity #ConfessionalPoetry #PoetsOnPoetry
Jun 1, 2025
1 hr 3 min
Why Former Agnostic Writer Justin Wiggins Believes in the Christian God
In this new series, guests and I explore evidence for the Christian God in relation to science, other religious beliefs, and personal experiences. Each conversation is unique and, hopefully, helpful for anyone on the journey of faith, curious about Christianity, or simply entertained by two finite humans struggling with complex (and often unknowable) topics. Part I finds author Justin Wiggins, formerly agnostic, detailing his journey from questions and doubt to confidence in Christ. We lightly tread a few common philosophical questions, compare personal experience with early Christine doctrine, and admire the evidence for Christ in art, literature, and the "sehnsucht" or longing for purpose and a new life in faith. Justin Wiggins is the author of eight books, including: Surprised by Agape Surprised by Myth Celtic Dawn Celtic Song Celtic Twilight Marty & Irene Tír na nÓg Ragnarok If you enjoyed the conversation, you can find the Describe Your World podcast on most major podcast platforms as well as YouTube. ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ✔ Please support Justin in all of his endeavors! ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justin.wiggins.18/ ► Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Justin-Wiggins/e/B09ZSW2HGK?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1664105632&sr=8-1 ► Clarendon House Books: https://www.clarendonhousebooks.com/justin-wiggins ► Imspired: https://impspired.com/impspired-authors-2
Aug 16, 2023
1 hr 7 min
Talking Right of Way, Business, and Overcoming Diversity with the CEO of O.R. Colan Associates ft. Catherine Muth
In this episode of the Describe Your World Podcast, I discuss with Cathy Muth the origins of O.R. Colan Associates, specifically, the ways in which ORC shaped her as a person. We explore the early days of the company - Cathy shares personal anecdotes which highlight key moments that helped make ORC successful. If you enjoyed the podcast, please click the follow button for more podcast interviews/content. The support is always appreciated! To enjoy the podcast in video format: Describe Your World Podcast - YouTube #orcolan #rightofway #business
Mar 31, 2023
1 hr 11 min
Bonding over Human Experience, Morality, and God with a Stranger from Omegle ft. Chance
In this episode of the Describe Your World Podcast, I discuss the human experience with Chance. We briefly discuss Hegel, Kant, experience, adaptation, God, and morality. Chance provides insight into his childhood and touches several topics within the realm of philosophy, bridging the gap between two very different people, total strangers who met online. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider subscribing to the YouTube channel to watch the video companion episodes! Describe Your World Podcast - YouTube Also, be sure to follow the podcast on the platform of your choice for more conversations! I appreciate all of the support. #omegle #philosophy #podcast
Mar 18, 2023
1 hr 11 min
Considering Literature, Narrative Voice, Gender Studies, and Emily Dickinson ft. Betsy Dendy
In this episode of the Describe Your World Podcast, my friend (and once college professor) Betsy Dendy and I discuss the value of literature, the poetry of Emily Dickinson, the importance of narrative voice, and gender studies. Betsy communicates her passion for sharing literature with students, rehashes the Dickinson vs. Whitman conversation, and ponders the way modernity has affected our approach to documenting the human experience.   #podcast #literature #genderstudies #college    The Describe Your World Podcast is also available in video format on YouTube: Describe Your World Podcast - YouTube If you enjoyed the episode, please consider following the podcast for more content. Thank you for all of the support!
Feb 17, 2023
57 min
Laughing about Accounting, Bad Christianity, and Super Bowl Storylines with My Friend ft. Brandy Horne
In this episode of the Describe Your World podcast, my friend Brandy and I discuss humble origins in North Carolina, the awkward development of friendship, accounting, and being good Christians. Brandy and I contemplate the things that make people different from one another, ways to be inclusive while maintaining our core values, and the dangers of individualistic and interpretive Christianity. We conclude with a brief chat about Super Bowl (2023) storylines.   If you enjoyed the Describe Your World podcast, please follow the podcast on your preferred platform for more content. I appreciate all of the support!   Describe Your World is also available in video format on Youtube:  Describe Your World Podcast - YouTube #christianity #diversity #superbowl
Feb 4, 2023
1 hr 9 min
Discussing Love, Divorce, Parenthood, and Miscarriage ft. Jackie Vosloo
In this episode of the Describe Your World podcast, I talk with my sister-in-law Jackie about a number of topics, mainly focusing on the experience of marriage and parenthood. Jackie opens up about her divorce/co-parenting, rediscovering love, and the joys and pains of being a mother.   If you enjoyed this episode of the podcast, please follow/turn on notifications to stay up to date with future content.   You can also find the podcast in video format on Youtube: Describe Your World Podcast - YouTube #podcast #divorce #miscarriage #love
Jan 29, 2023
1 hr 9 min
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