Robert Dean is Out of Step
We’re more connected than ever, but at the same time, we’re more apart. We stare at our phones, forgetting to live when there are so many stories, so many things to see, wonderful things to experience. I want to see everything and meet everyone. I, Robert Dean, want to talk to as many people as possible and hear their stories. We only get one shot at life and I want to abuse mine to the fullest.
I’ll tell you my story, then you tell me yours.
Out of Step in a nutshell:
I’m obsessed with learning about things, but also confronting what I don’t understand. I want to travel to places to meet people, see friends and hear their stories. I want to know what life is like on the Pine Ridge Reservation, I want to meet people who specialize in anxiety and depression to help me manage my severe diagnosis. There’s the “fake news,” systemic racism, and people fighting to live in their own skin. I want to get drinks with trans folks who’ll tell me about what a day is like in their skin, watch people skate at Burnside in Portland, get a Sak Yant tattoo in Thailand from a Buddhist monk. Out of Step will be a journey.
I grew up in hardcore and punk rock, DIY is what I know and because of those communities, I’ve made friends with people around the world, in all walks of life. I know musicians, writers, painters, computer nerds, rich dudes, and a few sketchy characters in between.
My writing has taken me further than I ever imagined. Podcasts ask me to be a guest, I’ve been on the radio, people read my essays and buy my books. I’m grateful and what many would call blessed.
While most of my friends joined unions or went to college, I moved to New Orleans with $300, all my stuff in my car. I was going to be a writer. Eleven years later, they’ve gone on fancy vacations and have good credit, but I at least finally have a career. Now, it’s my turn to see everywhere. Out of Step will be the next journey.
Tell me your story. #outofstep and let me know I’m not the only one.