In a revealing and candid episode to open Season 6, Chris Abraham embarks on an introspective journey into the heart of his life's experiences and unique worldview. Starting with an exploration of his potential 'aphantasia,' he delves into how this unusual trait—being unable to voluntarily produce visual images—shaped his illustrious career in photography and subsequently molded his profound way of perceiving the world.

The episode takes an intricate turn as Chris unearths layers of his personal attractions, with a particularly keen interest in hairstyles. From the appeal of blunt bobs, the allure of long bangs, to the aversion of certain bang styles, Chris's affections serve as a fascinating window into the intricacies of human attraction. He warmly humorizes the topic, sharing amusing anecdotes of others claiming he could be swayed by even a mop donning a bob wig.

Digging deeper, Chris touches on past relationships and their enduring impressions on his psyche, notably with Stephanie Austin. Their deep connection, untimely separation, and the lingering lack of closure form a poignant narrative core that listeners will find both relatable and emotionally resonant.

But the episode doesn't stop there. Chris navigates the multifaceted world of 'wokeness,' dissecting its significance in contemporary culture. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting signifiers—visual or behavioral cues that offer insight into someone's identity or beliefs—in today's rapidly changing social landscape. This leads to a broader discussion about societal progress and the paramount importance of empathy and understanding in our interactions.

As the conversation unfolds, Chris brings up his knowledge from studying fields as diverse as film theory, deconstructionism, and Marxist feminist theory. These academic backgrounds offer listeners a theoretical framework to further understand his perspectives on subjects like the 'male gaze.'

To conclude, Chris muses on how his unique way of seeing has shaped his interactions, from understanding societal signifiers to adapting his approach based on them. His emphasis on being present, observing without preconceived projections, and truly seeing what's in front of him serves as a resonant lesson for listeners in this fast-paced age of distraction.

• Aphantasia: A condition where one cannot voluntarily produce visual images in their mind.
• Wokeness: Originating from the African-American community, this term has evolved to signify a heightened awareness about social injustices, especially those centered around race.
• Signifiers: Symbols or indicators used to signify something beyond their immediate meaning.

• Male Gaze: A term from feminist theory describing the depiction of women and the world from a masculine, often heterosexual, perspective.
• Sigma Male: A term used in sociosexual hierarchy to describe men who prefer to live outside the hierarchy rather than climb to the top. These men are self-sufficient and choose their own path rather than being outwardly dominant.
• Post-Modernist Theory: An intellectual stance or mode of discourse defined by an attitude of skepticism toward what it describes as the grand narratives and ideologies of modernism.
• Deconstructionism: A method of literary and philosophical analysis that questions the fundamental conceptual distinctions in the text, by means of which ambiguity and multiple meanings arise.
• Marxist Feminist Theory: An ideological standpoint that uses Marxist theory to understand the capitalist sources of the oppression of women.
• Lesbian Signifiers: Observable elements, often culturally or community specific, that might indicate a lesbian identity or affiliation.
• Pronouns: Words that replace nouns in order to prevent repetition or specify a certain perspective. In the context of gender identity, people use pronouns to convey their gender identity, such as "he/him," "she/her," or "they/them."