Here's My Thing

John Roussos

About

My journey to becoming a fine storyteller.

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482 episodes

Shaking Some Hands (6/10)

I start my job hunt by getting stood up for a work interview. Later, I tuck into a Hot Topic, a Lids, and a massage therapy studio before walking into an H&M. A Toast To My Naivety is a 10-episode series about spending time at a coffee shop, working in retail, and an online date. Follow the podcast! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heresmything_/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/heresmything_ Follow me! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnroussosss/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/johnroussosss

9m
Sep 27, 2021
The Place Of Possible The Place To Be (7/10)

I share space with a couple of people while waiting for a job interview. One of them was heads-down playing some sort of video game, the other couldn’t open their locker. I wore khaki slacks to the interview. A Toast To My Naivety is a 10-episode series about spending time at a coffee shop, working in retail, and an online date. Follow the podcast! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heresmything_/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/heresmything_ Follow me! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnroussosss/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/johnroussosss

8m
Sep 27, 2021
Warm Dogs and Bubbly Water (8/10)

Before I got the job at “the place of possible, the place to be”, I worked at a company that let it’s employees bring their dogs into the office.  A Toast To My Naivety is a 10-episode series about spending time at a coffee shop, working in retail, and an online date. Follow the podcast! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heresmything_/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/heresmything_ Follow me! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnroussosss/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/johnroussosss

10m
Sep 27, 2021
My Company Branded Lanyard and Me (9/10)

I had my first shift at H&M. The girl with the tattoo of the rattlesnake on her stomach sent me a picture. A Toast To My Naivety is a 10-episode series about spending time at a coffee shop, working in retail, and an online date. Follow the podcast! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heresmything_/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/heresmything_ Follow me! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnroussosss/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/johnroussosss

13m
Sep 27, 2021
Pathetic and Capable (10/10)

I struggled to ring up a pair of pants. Then, right at the end of an important closing shift, some customers tore through each and every fedora, bomber jacket, cargo pant, and v-neck t-shirt that the men’s department held. A Toast To My Naivety is a 10-episode series about spending time at a coffee shop, working in retail, and an online date. Follow the podcast! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heresmything_/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/heresmything_ Follow me! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnroussosss/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/johnroussosss

11m
Sep 27, 2021
No More Felt-Matted Checkers Sets (1/10)

Today marks a new day at a newer coffee shop. The past cafe has been recategorized to a social infirmary: a place where I can go with a mismatched outfit and some unexplained bruises, bedhead too. But this new place that I'm at, it's the fancier, more judgmental of the two. It runs on the very thin line between aesthetic and toxic, something that I think I might need right now in order to get any work done.  A Toast To My Naivety is a 10-episode series about spending time at a coffee shop, working in retail, and an online date. Follow the podcast! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heresmything_/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/heresmything_ Follow me! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnroussosss/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/johnroussosss

4m
Sep 13, 2021
Coffee S-H-O-P-P-E (2/10)

Before the coffee s-h-o-p-p-e, I pit stopped at a cafe run by a man with more hair on his head than he had on his head and then after that I spent some time on the 8th floor of a luxury hotel. I’m getting more familiar with the coffee s-h-o-p-p-e. The manager there wears a lot of corduroy. A Toast To My Naivety is a 10-episode series about spending time at a coffee shop, working in retail, and an online date. Follow the podcast! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heresmything_/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/heresmything_ Follow me! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnroussosss/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/johnroussosss

10m
Sep 13, 2021
The Timberland Excuse (3/10)

I stopped at a convenience store to get some cinnamon candies and a seltzer then ran into someone who I sort of knew. Also, I’ve been to the coffee s-h-o-p-p-e 8 times over the past couple weeks now… shouldn’t the man with the mule tail goatee know what my order is? Why can’t he let me be a regular yet? A Toast To My Naivety is a 10-episode series about spending time at a coffee shop, working in retail, and an online date. Follow the podcast! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heresmything_/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/heresmything_ Follow me! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnroussosss/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/johnroussosss

11m
Sep 13, 2021
Hot Chocolate Fucking Whipped Cream (4/10)

A wet figure appeared and stirred things up a bit. I feel a bit foolish for not anticipating being lonely throughout this process. I also matched with someone on Tinder who has a tattoo of a rattlesnake on their stomach. A Toast To My Naivety is a 10-episode series about spending time at a coffee shop, working in retail, and an online date. Follow the podcast! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heresmything_/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/heresmything_ Follow me! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnroussosss/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/johnroussosss

11m
Sep 13, 2021
Going On A Date After Being Severely Disappointed (5/10)

A boy walked in with his mom and ordered a vegan sugar cookie today. I don’t think he knew it was vegan. The man with the mule tail goatee said something very cringe, I had to leave the s-h-o-p-p-e it was so bad. I went on a Tinder date with girl who had the tattoo of a rattlesnake on her stomach. A Toast To My Naivety is a 10-episode series about spending time at a coffee shop, working in retail, and an online date. Follow the podcast! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heresmything_/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/heresmything_ Follow me! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnroussosss/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/johnroussosss

13m
Sep 13, 2021
An Elkwood Election (podcast update)

An episode about an Elkwood election, an orange velour jumpsuit, and a man named Declan. PODCAST UPDATE: I’m going to take a break from uploading podcast episodes until 2021 (I’m thinking February/March). I’ve been working on another project for the past year and I want to give it my full attention for the next two months, and in doing so let the podcast recalibrate for a little bit - that’s the word I’m using recalibrate. And yes this means it may not come back in the same format, nothing is set in stone just yet, still brainstorming. I’ll be updating via https://www.instagram.com/heresmything_/ and my personal account https://www.instagram.com/johnroussosss/ I so appreciate your support!!!!

8m
Nov 02, 2020
A Cigarette In London

Hollywood might say that a cigarette after sex is the closest one can get to nirvana on earth. That when a metal bed frame, linen sheets, and rolled tobacco come together in a unique harmony, we are to use words like glamour, spelling it the o-u-r way. Follow the podcast! Instagram: instagram.com/heresmything_ http://instagram.com/heresmything_ Twitter: twitter.com/heresmything_ http://twitter.com/heresmything_ Follow me! Instagram: instagram.com/johnroussosss http://instagram.com/johnroussosss Twitter: twitter.com/johnroussosss http://twitter.com/johnroussosss

7m
Oct 26, 2020
The Buzz Cut

The complex that is the buzz cut. How a neglect to shave and this type of hairstyle work so well together, I still don’t know. For this episode, I think out loud about it and shed light on the worst haircut I've ever gotten.  In other news, the podcast got its 100th rating on Apple Podcasts last week - thank you for the love and support!!!   Instagram: instagram.com/heresmything_ http://instagram.com/heresmything_ Twitter: twitter.com/heresmything_ http://twitter.com/heresmything_ Follow me! Instagram: instagram.com/johnroussosss http://instagram.com/johnroussosss Twitter: twitter.com/johnroussosss http://twitter.com/johnroussosss

5m
Oct 19, 2020
The Telltale Signs of Autumn

This week’s episode is about autumn and is brought together by the following themes: climate change, me defending Joe Buck, a pumpkin spice piece, and I use the word “chafing” once. Enjoy! Follow the podcast! Instagram: instagram.com/heresmything_ http://instagram.com/heresmything_ Twitter: twitter.com/heresmything_ http://twitter.com/heresmything_ Follow me! Instagram: instagram.com/johnroussosss http://instagram.com/johnroussosss Twitter: twitter.com/johnroussosss http://twitter.com/johnroussosss

5m
Oct 12, 2020
Keith

They’ll tell you that not having sex is the best form of birth control, to which I disagree. Unequivocally, the best form of birth control is getting barbed wire tattooed around your arm (not in the cool way though, this one refers to the less tasteful way - the way that comes with permanent farmers tans and road rage). A story about a relationship, drug dealing, cheating, and a class. Enjoy!!  Follow the podcast! Instagram: instagram.com/heresmything_ http://instagram.com/heresmything_ Twitter: twitter.com/heresmything_ http://twitter.com/heresmything_ Follow me! Instagram: instagram.com/johnroussosss http://instagram.com/johnroussosss Twitter: twitter.com/johnroussosss http://twitter.com/johnroussosss

11m
Oct 05, 2020
Buy Plants

This episode touches on creative blocks, being sad, unmotivated, and buying a plant. Enjoy! Follow the podcast! Instagram: instagram.com/heresmything_ http://instagram.com/heresmything_ Twitter: twitter.com/heresmything_ http://twitter.com/heresmything_ Follow me! Instagram: instagram.com/johnroussosss http://instagram.com/johnroussosss Twitter: twitter.com/johnroussosss http://twitter.com/johnroussosss

8m
Sep 28, 2020
Dennis and Bree

A story about an unusual couple.  You might say the chances of Mariah Carey marrying a single pistachio are greater than these two working out.  Follow the podcast! Instagram: instagram.com/heresmything_ http://instagram.com/heresmything_ Twitter: twitter.com/heresmything_ http://twitter.com/heresmything_ Follow me! Instagram: instagram.com/johnroussosss http://instagram.com/johnroussosss Twitter: twitter.com/johnroussosss http://twitter.com/johnroussosss

8m
Sep 21, 2020
They Keep Their Diary In Their Sock Drawer

Doing some reading from my diary this week. One of the entries isn’t actually an entry from my diary, but part of a satire piece I wrote titled, “A Vulnerable Diary Entry by Tucker Carlson”. These entries are from the past 9-months. Themes include, but aren't limited to pandemic dating, spilling beans on my bed, and springtime. Follow the podcast! Instagram: instagram.com/heresmything_ http://instagram.com/heresmything_ Twitter: twitter.com/heresmything_ http://twitter.com/heresmything_ Follow me! Instagram: instagram.com/johnroussosss http://instagram.com/johnroussosss Twitter: twitter.com/johnroussosss http://twitter.com/johnroussosss Did this episode over a beat by Daringer, mixed for the podcast by https://www.instagram.com/ttttttrav/ https://twitter.com/ttttrav https://soundcloud.com/ttttrav

7m
Sep 14, 2020
Qualified Immunity

Qualified Immunity seems to be a lot like that streaming service Quibi in that a lot of people are aware of it, but not many know what it is. I talk about its background, a Reuter’s study, and reference Eric McCormick (co-star of Will & Grace). Follow the podcast! www.instagram.com/heresmything_ http://www.instagram.com/heresmything_ https://twitter.com/heresmything_ Follow me! https://www.instagram.com/johnroussosss/ https://twitter.com/johnroussosss Sources: https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/usa-police-immunity-scotus/ https://chicagounbound.uchicago.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=13555&context=journal_articles https://pressley.house.gov/sites/pressley.house.gov/files/Ending%20Qualified%20Immunity%20Act%20One%20Pager.pdf https://www.lawfareblog.com/what-qualified-immunity-and-what-does-it-have-do-police-reform https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/ku-klux-act-passed-by-congress https://www.vox.com/2020/6/3/21277104/qualified-immunity-cops-constitution-shaniz-west-supreme-court https://supreme.findlaw.com/supreme-court-insights/pros-vs-cons-of-qualified-immunity--both-sides-of-debate.html#Arguments https://twitter.com/search?lang=en&q=litigate%20%20(from%3Anormative)&src=typed_query https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4ooadfu42E&t=180s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nE9cNjCjPGM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGf2i22Ofjg&t=176s

6m
Sep 07, 2020
The Elkwood Forum

To those new to Elkwood, welcome! The Elkwood Forum had something for everyone. The keyword: had. This story is about a mall before and after the boom of online shopping and a college graduate coming home in a less than optimistic economy. Please excuse my terrible southern accent. Follow the podcast! www.instagram.com/heresmything_ http://www.instagram.com/heresmything_ https://twitter.com/heresmything_ Follow me! https://www.instagram.com/johnroussosss/ https://twitter.com/johnroussosss

9m
Aug 31, 2020
The Chaos Experiment

This week's installment talks about Steve Bannon and his history producing direct-to-DVD films, We Build The Wall, and I even read a haiku.  I post the video to the monologues to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYHJzsY1nzTjrwJ3oxSKH0w?view_as=subscriber ^there's pictures and videos for these and if you watch closely enough you can see my pores dilate as I start to sweat (is that how it works?) Follow the podcast! Instagram: @heresmything_ Twitter: @heresmything_ Follow me! Instagram: @johnroussosss Twitter: @johnroussosss

7m
Aug 24, 2020
The Nuances Of Moving Back In With Your Parents

For this episode there is no current event piece, rather I overanalyze some of the nuances in moving home at 25 years old. Which, I suppose, is a current event piece in it’s own right. Enjoy! Follow the podcast! Instagram: @heresmything_ Twitter: @heresmything_ Follow me! Instagram: @johnroussosss Twitter: @johnroussosss

6m
Aug 17, 2020
The Mail and Locker Room Talk

Here's my piece on USPS and I remind you about that aunt that writes you once a year, the one who you more remember through her hard-to-read penmanship than actual looks. After that, I tell a story of 3 men, jacked men, who reunited when their gym reopened. The video for The Mail will be up tomorrow! Here’s the YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYHJzsY1nzTjrwJ3oxSKH0w?view_as=subscriber Follow the podcast! Instagram: @heresmything_ Twitter: @heresmything_ Follow me! Instagram: @johnroussosss Twitter: @johnroussosss

12m
Aug 10, 2020
Tik Tok and Pegged

This week's piece is about TikTok. First off, what is it? Second, what's happening? For the main course, I read a short story that I've had in the vault for a bit. It's called "Pegged" and is about my journey to a show, recounting certain things and experiencing others along the way. There are a few variations of the word "peg" used. I'd love your feedback on it!! Enjoy.  Follow the podcast! Instagram: @heresmything_ Twitter: @heresmything_ Follow me! Instagram: @johnroussosss Twitter: @johnroussosss

19m
Aug 03, 2020
Team Names and DISCIPLINE

This week's monologue is about The Washington Football Team name change. The name is temporary, but I like it as it is, I say they keep it. Then for the reading, it was laundry day, which means it was laundry day a couple of days prior. I talk about the lack of discipline in that regard, some of the traits my parents gifted me, chewing big red, and more. Enjoy! Follow the podcast! Instagram: @heresmything_ Twitter: @heresmything_ Follow me! Instagram: @johnroussosss Twitter: @johnroussosss

5m
Jul 27, 2020
Understanding Portland and Dutch Bros in Hell

What’s going on in Portland? I give some tips for the untrained federal officers on mass demonstrations (in Portland though, not sure if my tips apply to other cities). This week's story is about the time (last week) when I got off at exit 666 and the first thing I saw was a Dutch Bros coffee hut. Follow the podcast! Instagram: @heresmything_ Twitter: @heresmything_ Follow me! Instagram: @johnroussosss Twitter: @johnroussosss

7m
Jul 20, 2020
Disney World and Elkwood's Pandemic

Florida set the record for daily COVID-19 cases, so Disney World opened. Then for chapter 2, we go to Elkwood for a story about the pandemic that they went through. Follow the podcast! Instagram: @heresmything_ Twitter: @heresmything_ Follow me! Instagram: @johnroussosss Twitter: @johnroussosss

15m
Jul 13, 2020
K-Pop Stans

This episode is a different format than most. It starts with a current events piece, the topic: K-Pop Stans, what are they? How strong are they? Then we get a brief synopsis of the reading, and we get into the reading which is about people pumping your gas, and a specific gas attendant who never really spoke, but all of a sudden, during the pandemic, and without a mask, he became a comedian. Enjoy. Follow the podcast! Instagram: @heresmything_ Twitter: @heresmything_ Follow me! Instagram: @johnroussosss Twitter: @johnroussosss

11m
Jul 06, 2020
Work In Progress - a conversation with DeVoCustoms

For this episode, I'm joined by my friend Nathan DeVaughn, also known as DeVoCustoms. He is an artist in Portland, OR who has had his work worn by CJ McCollum, Jusuf Nurkic, among other athletes. He came on the podcast to talk about his journey as an artist and experience as a black man in the United States. DeVoCustoms: https://www.instagram.com/devocustoms/  https://twitter.com/devocustoms Claima Stories with Bimma: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/claima-stories-with-bimma/id1495113118 Here's My Thing: https://www.instagram.com/heresmything_/ https://twitter.com/heresmything_ 0:50 DeVoCustoms origin story 3:56 does his work crossover at Adidas 4:55 being at Adidas 5:18 Everyone Is Creative 7:33 making art for CJ McCollum and Jusuf Nurkic 12:42 working on clothing 13:50 where does he see himself in 5-years 16:17 not selling anything from his first collection 18:27 what did he learn from that experience 21:10 people who resonated with that experience 22:15 the story behind the Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor piece and why he chose to donate to Don’t Shoot Portland 28:27 his thoughts on Blackout Tuesday and social media 32:05 how should the social media narrative be pushed if we actually want to see legitimate change 33:43 how feels about the protests 36:32 his experience being a black man in Portland 40:57 unlearning and learning 44:14 being a black artist right now 47:06 Shout out Claima Stories

49m
Jun 29, 2020
You Look So Hot Wearing That Mask

In 5th grade, my parents signed me up for cotillion. Here, hundreds of other 11-year olds and I learned the specific roles and disciplines of each utensil plate and glass. If I ever told my parents I enjoyed it, I can assure you that it was because I don’t like disappointing people. People would get denied because they came underdressed, I find a slight parallel with the people getting denied at grocery stores for not wearing masks.  @heresmything_ @johnroussosss

5m
Jun 22, 2020