Behind the Exploratory Lenses

On a special season premiere of "Behind the Exploratory Lenses," I had the pleasure of interviewing two-time Daytona ARCA winner Michael Self (interview begins at 3:20) about going from being a Venturini Motorsports driver in the ARCA Menards Series to now a General Manager for Silver Hare Racing in the Trans Am Series TA2 category in 2021. We discuss about the transition along with the significance of having a college education like he did back in 2016. Finally, understanding how the business side of racing works from his time representing the Sinclair Oil Corporation brand to coaching drivers like multi-time NASCAR winner Justin Haley. All of that and more on this fascinating episode to kick off Season 2!

On the season finale of "Behind the Exploratory Lenses," I reflect on how life at Age 25 treated me but it's far from the only thing I talk on his jammed pack episode. Other topics include the 2021 NASCAR and potentially IndyCar's calendar, where I have plenty to say but for the most part is positive, showing that I just don't discuss negative details. Last but certainly not least, I have a special guest where we discuss about a significant victory that's caught the racing world by storm. You don't want to miss this finale!

On the second part of my interview with author T.J. Tranchell (interview resumes at 16:09), we speak about less serious topics such as writing, music and movies. He tells us about the grind and patience required to get written work published, something that alarmed me and certainly will take note of going forward. He also spoke in great detail why a popular metal album is the worst ever from a specific group which you'll have to listen to know which band he's referring.Also in this episode, I discuss about the announcement of Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin forming a NASCAR Cup Series team with Bubba Wallace as their driver next season. All of that and more on the penultimate episode of the opening season of "Behind the Exploratory Lenses."

In my first of two episodes featuring author and teacher T.J. Tranchell (interview begins at 14:09), we talked about how a simple Shawna Robinson 1:64 scale diecast began our respect towards one another. But more importantly, becoming one of my mentors throughout my post-college days where I've learned a lot about how to properly write and understanding how things work out is okay sometimes. This was definitely the case during my time at the University of Idaho when I wrote for The Argonaut from 2015-16. We dove into my troubled past with a sports editor during Fall 2016 that led to one of the reasons why I decided to graduate early. From there, T.J. also discussed about his journey as a media personnel over the past two decades which you'll certainly enjoy. All of that and more on the latest episode of "Behind the Exploratory Lenses."

On this NSFW impromptu episode of "Behind the Exploratory Lenses," I explain my stances on both Hailie Deegan's racing career and aggressive driving style, and the possible fate of Auto Club Speedway where according to The Athletic, the two-mile circuit will convert into a half-mile short track after 2021. Some thoughts may rub people the wrong way, but it's my duty to vent a little about these topics because I had a lot to say on this nearly hour long episode.

On this unedited episode of "Behind the Exploratory Lenses," I struggle through some back pain and remembering the last MCU films in order. Not only that, I also discuss heartbreaking stories I've heard. Eventually, I'll discuss one particular topic, but it's not all gloomy as I react to BTS' "Dynamite," k-pop's first number-one single in Billboard Hot 100 history. Yes, those guys finally hit the top spot, so forcefully, I finally checked out if they're worth the hype Billboard have been promoting since 2017. I also discuss other artists that were shoved down our throats and what number-one single (when I was a 14-year-old) supposedly defines my life. It's a bumpy ride, so consider it as a warning.

The 104th Indianapolis 500 is finally in the books and Takuma Sato won his second Indy 500. I share my thoughts of some drivers who delivered, disappointed and those involved in accidents. Not only that, I discuss why INDYCAR did the right thing not red-flagging the race following Spencer Pigot's petrifying crash. More importantly, I discuss how I overcame my personal and professional frustrations and what I'll do going forward. Among the ideas is a concept called "FareDemption," where I say farewell to the old and hungry for redemption for the next nine months so the Indy dream can be achieved. All of that and more on the latest episode of "Behind the Exploratory Lenses."

Two weeks removed from "The Trip" in Cle Elum for a friend's bachelor's party, I reflect how therapeutic it was to get away from my hometown and just enjoy life for the first time since February. The topic is STRICTLY from my own perspective and myself only because I keep other people's stories respectfully private. Also, I discuss about the last few number-one hits, including Cardi B & Megan Thee Stallion's "WAP," which led to my discussing about how sexuality in music isn't new. Therefore, such topics I discuss are uncensored and unedited. With that being said, enjoy this episode.

A shift in the right direction indeed following shooting photos of last Friday's ARCA Menards Series West race at Evergreen Speedway. I discuss about being back in the photography swing of things, but also featuring my first driver guest on "Behind the Exploratory Lenses." My guest is fourth generation racer Holley Hollan, driver of the No. 50 Bill McAnally Racing Toyota in ARCA West. In this interview, she discusses the transition of going dirt to asphalt racing along with the many learning curves motorsports has. Additionally, I discuss about 20-year-old Armani Williams, a driver with autism, finishing 10th in Sunday's national ARCA race at Michigan International Speedway, featuring my questions I asked during the post-race video conference. All of that and much more in this super eventful episode!