In this deeply personal episode, guest-host Madeline Mackinnon turns the mic toward regular host Patrick Armstrong to explore his identity journey as a Korean American adoptee, his reflections on community, parenthood, and healing through storytelling. With rare vulnerability, Patrick opens up about burnout, transformation, and his vision for a more collaborative, accountable, and whole world.

Connect with Patrick on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrickintheworld/
Subscribe to the Substack: https://patrickintheworld.substack.com/
Subscribe to the YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@patrickintheworld

0:00 – Intro by Madeline

3:12 – Who is Patrick Armstrong?

6:20 – “How are you really?”

11:45 – Tired and inspired

15:30 – Six-year-old Patrick

18:50 – 80-year-old Patrick

22:00 – Entering adoptee consciousness

30:10 – Rejection, race, and rediscovery

35:20 – What do I love about Korea?

38:10 – Healing vs. context

42:00 – Basketball and therapy

45:30 – Embodiment and blood pressure

50:40 – Parenting, presence, and Van

58:20 – Internal worlds and imagination

1:03:00 – Letting go of shame

1:06:10 – Patrick’s theme song

1:07:40 – Give Em Their Flowers

1:10:00 – How to support Patrick

Check out Hip Hop Medley by BEATPELLA HOUSE: https://youtu.be/IPKmlZPjZ-0?si=d5UwE16bGqTkCB1e

Shout out to Frida's Flowers for sponsoring the show! Elevate your next event (or your living room) with some of Madeline's incredible work: fridasflowersindy.com/

This week’s Give Em Their Flowers shout out: MADELINE HERSELF!

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Produced and hosted by: Patrick Armstrong

Filmed and edited by: Mike Lee Productions

Engineered and mixed by: Popular Rapture

Music by: Mandog