Boredwalk Community: "Crazy" Ideas Change the World

Welcome to our weekly Boredwalk Community series, where we ask Boredwalk fans fun questions! This week we're talking to Maria A., rocking a *very* old school DJ kitty tee from the Ex-Boyfriend era! This design was discontinued a few years ago, but it's a worthy concept that hopefully I can come back to and improve upon at some point.

1. What's your actual day job and what's your dream day job?

I am currently a part-time instructor at a local university here teaching people all about the brain and its wonders and mysteries. In addition to that, in pre-pandemic times, I also worked as an actor in bit parts in TV & film, wrote scripts, and also helped solve small business' tech and software problems as a side hustle.

My dream day job is to make a living as an actor and neuroscientist who studies creativity in the brain. I know, they seem like opposites, but in my fully left brain/right brain integrated mind, they seem like completely complementary career choices. :D However, there were definitely moments where my dream job was to be a hot air balloonist and travel the world that way. Certainly seems the safer way to travel in these times!

2. What's your biggest pet peeve?

When people honk at you loudly from behind to drive faster or change a lane when all you are trying to do is be a safe driver! Come on, people, don't be rude. And also, people who misuse "you're" vs. "your." Argh, that annoys me. :D (Ed. note: I'm feeling all of these peeves.)

3. What's a book you think the Boredwalk community should read?

Ooh, this is a tough one because I want to recommend SO many books! I felt very inspired reading Michelle Obama's Becoming. It was wonderful to read and experience what grace and dignity look like through her words. I would
also like to recommend Lab Girl by Hope Jahren.

4. What's the most useful piece of advice you've ever received?

If someone tells you your ideas are crazy, thank them. Because it's "crazy" ideas that change the world. :D

5. If you could have any super power what would it be and why?

If someone wasn't feeling good about themselves, I wish I could just point at them and go "zap" and give them a huge boost of confidence. (Do you make house calls?)

6. You can curse your nemesis with a minor annoyance for eternity; what do you choose?

Life is hard enough, so I wouldn't curse them with anything. (That's awfully forgiving of you, Maria. I aspire to that level of magnanimity!)

7. Where can the rest of the Boredwalk community find you?

People can find me on Instagram @thespi_brain and also my personal website: www.thetravelingguitar.net