Aaron Vernon started teaching himself how to code when he was 12 years old, then went on to begin his impressive career as a software engineer as an early member of multiple startups, in the game development industry, and eventually working for the tech giant, Meta. But he’s now the Founder of Split Atom Labs, a startup “building an inclusive future for casual gaming”, and a 2025 Apple Design Award Finalist. Aaron and Zach went deep into the weeds on this one—from covering Aaron’s professional path, to nerding-out about coding, dissolving illusions around LLMs and quantum computing’s impact on the near future, accessible design, and so much more. You can find Aaron in the following places: Land of Livia: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/land-of-livia/id1052641617 Website: https://splitatomlabs.com/ Zach’s book is on the way it’s officially in the hands of an editor, and on the final path to publishing! If your new to the show and haven’t heard his incredible story, go back and listen to the show’s trailer, or visit Zach’s website at zachtidwell.com. To get the big news when it’s going to print, join his email list on the website. Follow And Support The Show Follow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. And if that happens to be on YouTube, like this video too before sharing the episode with family and friends. Website: https://zachtidwell.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556533676388 Instagram: @ZachCTidwell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-tidwell-9076852ab/ X: @ZachCTidwell Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/going-in-blind-with-zach-tidwell/id1787306128 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/51IxT43v95otwaXDkyr6FW YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GIB_Pod #GIB #GoingInBlind Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm.
Dr. Robb Kelly began life as a performing musician, eventually rising to the point where he was recording with Elton John and Queen. But addiction took over—to the point where he stabbed his wife over a bottle of booze, wound up living on the streets, and lost everything. And today he’s a preeminent force in substance abuse treatment for celebrities through his company, Robb Kelly Group. You can find on his website at https://robbkelly.com/. Zach’s book is on the way it’s officially in the hands of an editor, and on the final path to publishing! If your new to the show and haven’t heard his incredible story, go back and listen to the show’s trailer, or visit Zach’s website at zachtidwell.com. To get the big news when it’s going to print, join his email list on the website. Follow And Support The Show Follow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. And if that happens to be on YouTube, like this video too before sharing the episode with family and friends. Website: https://zachtidwell.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556533676388 Instagram: @ZachCTidwell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-tidwell-9076852ab/ X: @ZachCTidwell Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/going-in-blind-with-zach-tidwell/id1787306128 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/51IxT43v95otwaXDkyr6FW YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GIB_Pod #GIB #GoingInBlind Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm.
Adam Meyers is a police Captain in Wisconsin who was involved in a fatal shooting in 2016 that changed the path of his life. He struggled with rampant addiction and destructive behaviors for six years before he began seeking help, at which point he was terminated from his department. Today he’s a certified Peer Support Specialist, Founder of “Stop the Threat - Stop the Stigma”, and working to help other first responders navigate the same types of incidents he faced in a healthier, safer way. You can find Adam in the following places: Website: stopthethreatstopthestigma.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stopthreatstopstigma/ Zach’s book is on the way it’s officially in the hands of an editor, and on the final path to publishing! If your new to the show and haven’t heard his incredible story, go back and listen to the show’s trailer, or visit Zach’s website at zachtidwell.com. To get the big news when it’s going to print, join his email list on the website. Follow And Support The Show Follow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. And if that happens to be on YouTube, like this video too before sharing the episode with family and friends. Website: https://zachtidwell.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556533676388 Instagram: @ZachCTidwell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-tidwell-9076852ab/ X: @ZachCTidwell Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/going-in-blind-with-zach-tidwell/id1787306128 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/51IxT43v95otwaXDkyr6FW YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GIB_Pod #GIB #GoingInBlind Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm.
Mike Bona is an exotic animal trainer and zookeeper who has shifted his focus to giraffe conservation. To date, he’s travelled to Africa four times, started a comedy benefit to contribute to their conservation, and appears on shows like this one to educate the public. You can find Mike in the following places: Laughs for Giraffes: https://globalconservationforce.org/laughs-for-giraffes-a-benefit-comedy-show/ Social Media: @WildTailsPod Podcast Zach’s book is on the way it’s officially in the hands of an editor, and on the final path to publishing! If your new to the show and haven’t heard his incredible story, go back and listen to the show’s trailer, or visit Zach’s website at zachtidwell.com. To get the big news when it’s going to print, join his email list on the website. Follow And Support The Show Follow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. And if that happens to be on YouTube, like this video too before sharing the episode with family and friends. Website: https://zachtidwell.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556533676388 Instagram: @ZachCTidwell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-tidwell-9076852ab/ X: @ZachCTidwell Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/going-in-blind-with-zach-tidwell/id1787306128 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/51IxT43v95otwaXDkyr6FW YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GIB_Pod #GIB #GoingInBlind Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm.
Dr. Jeffrey Mark Zurek is a Geophysicist and Volcanologist who’s worked in volcanic research, mapping mineral deposits buried in the Earth’s crust, and scientific consulting for various media formats. He and Zach dove into his work, obtaining a doctoral degree, ringwoodite, magnetic pole shifts, solar flares, and just about the incredible technology that makes Jeff’s work possible. You can find Jeff in the following places: Facebook:www.facebook.com/WhimsicalWavelengths Instagram: @whimsical.wavelengths Bluesky: @whimsicallambda.bsky.social Zach’s book is on the way it’s officially in the hands of an editor, and on the final path to publishing! If your new to the show and haven’t heard his incredible story, go back and listen to the show’s trailer, or visit Zach’s website at zachtidwell.com. To get the big news when it’s going to print, join his email list on the website. Follow And Support The Show Follow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. And if that happens to be on YouTube, like this video too before sharing the episode with family and friends. Website: https://zachtidwell.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556533676388 Instagram: @ZachCTidwell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-tidwell-9076852ab/ X: @ZachCTidwell Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/going-in-blind-with-zach-tidwell/id1787306128 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/51IxT43v95otwaXDkyr6FW YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GIB_Pod #GIB #GoingInBlind Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm.
Dr. Charles Drebing is a Clinical Psychologist who specializes in suicide prevention, and spent 34 years administering mental health care to veteran’s through the Department of Veteran’s Affairs healthcare system. He’s a prolific researcher, and has also gone on to write six handbooks aimed at furthering the implementation and efficacy of Peer Support Specialists in treating mental health problems. You can find Dr. Drebin’s work in the following places: Website: www.charlesdrebing.com Zach’s book is on the way it’s officially in the hands of an editor, and on the final path to publishing! If your new to the show and haven’t heard his incredible story, go back and listen to the show’s trailer, or visit Zach’s website at zachtidwell.net. To get the big news when it’s going to print, join his email list on the website. Follow And Support The Show Follow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. And if that happens to be on YouTube, like this video too before sharing the episode with family and friends. Website: https://zachtidwell.net Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556533676388 Instagram: @ZachCTidwell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-tidwell-9076852ab/ X: @ZachCTidwell Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/going-in-blind-with-zach-tidwell/id1787306128 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/51IxT43v95otwaXDkyr6FW YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GIB_Pod #GIB #GoingInBlind Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm.
In addition to becoming the first female to summit all 58 of Colorado’s peaks above 14,000 feet as a solo mountaineer, Laura Clark has climbed all of Colorado’s 100 highest peaks, a portion of which is included in the 600+ peaks she’s reached above 13,000 feet. She’s also a Girl Scout author, Leader, mentor, and most importantly to her—a mother. You can find Laura’s work in the following places: Book: https://www.amazon.com/Wild-Wanderer-Soloing-Colorados-Highest/dp/B09ZFH2CC1 Website: https://wildwanderertripreports.com/ Zach’s book is on the way it’s officially in the hands of an editor, and on the final path to publishing! If your new to the show and haven’t heard his incredible story, go back and listen to the show’s trailer, or visit Zach’s website at zachtidwell.net. To get the big news when it’s going to print, join his email list on the website. Follow And Support The Show Follow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. And if that happens to be on YouTube, like this video too before sharing the episode with family and friends. Website: https://zachtidwell.net Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556533676388 Instagram: @ZachCTidwell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-tidwell-9076852ab/ X: @ZachCTidwell Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/going-in-blind-with-zach-tidwell/id1787306128 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/51IxT43v95otwaXDkyr6FW YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GIB_Pod #GIB #GoingInBlind Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm.
Jamie Hughes is a social psychologist who entered the field after an incredibly unfortunate upbringing seemed to point him in that direction. And who better to help those going through such upbringings than someone who has been through it? He and Zach discussed Jamie’s childhood, working in psychology with undergraduate and Master’s degrees, and suicide and some of suicide’s realities that aren’t talked about—all before diving into Jamie’s books, antidepressants, and the powerful impact fitness and diet can have in treating depression. You can find Jamie on his website: Managingmentalhealth.net Follow And Support The Show Follow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. And if that happens to be on YouTube, like this video too before sharing the episode with family and friends. Website: https://zachtidwell.net Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556533676388 Instagram: @ZachCTidwell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-tidwell-9076852ab/ X: @ZachCTidwell Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/going-in-blind-with-zach-tidwell/id1787306128 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/51IxT43v95otwaXDkyr6FW YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GIB_Pod #GIB #GoingInBlind Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm.
“Mistress Mia Payne” left her framing business to become a professional dominatrix after a chance encounter not too unlike something you might read in Fifty Shades of Gray. But she and Zach dove into the wider implications for her work, especially in the context of therapeutic BDSM, where mental health clinicians and professional BDSM providers work hand-in-hand to facilitate unique healing experiences for their clients. You can find Mistress Mia on her website: paynewithpurpose.com Follow And Support The Show Follow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. And if that happens to be on YouTube, like this video too before sharing the episode with family and friends. Website: https://zachtidwell.net Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556533676388 Instagram: @ZachCTidwell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-tidwell-9076852ab/ X: @ZachCTidwell Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/going-in-blind-with-zach-tidwell/id1787306128 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/51IxT43v95otwaXDkyr6FW YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GIB_Pod #GIB #GoingInBlind Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm.
Scott Harvey is a retired hostage negotiator and police officer. Today he’s travelling the world speaking on stages and bringing his high-stakes communication skills to companies and organizations looking to level-up You can find Scoot on his website at speakingofharvey.com Zach’s book is on the way it’s officially in the hands of an editor, and on the final path to publishing! If your new to the show and haven’t heard his incredible story, go back and listen to the show’s trailer, or visit Zach’s website at zachtidwell.net. To get the big news when it’s going to print, join his email list on the website. Follow And Support The Show Follow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. And if that happens to be on YouTube, like this video too before sharing the episode with family and friends. Website: https://zachtidwell.net Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556533676388 Instagram: @ZachCTidwell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-tidwell-9076852ab/ X: @ZachCTidwell Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/going-in-blind-with-zach-tidwell/id1787306128 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/51IxT43v95otwaXDkyr6FW YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GIB_Pod #GIB #GoingInBlind Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm.