I'm Greg and I live in Raleigh, NC, USA. I earn my living as a professional drum circle facilitator. It's my job to help people bang on things and make noise. I think it's the very best job in the world. Really I'm using applied philosophy to teach indigenous wisdom traditions for the benefit of modern society. I just happen to do it with drums and percussion from around the planet. You can learn more on my website at www.drumforchange.com

I studied Communication at NC State University then joined the US Air Force for eight years. After my time on active duty, I went back to Raleigh and worked at my Alma Mater for ten years. I then launched a consulting business offering drum circles for team building, arts education, and wellness programs. I completed a graduate program in Transformative Leadership at the Maryland University of Integrative Health and use that to help people live, work, and play well together.

My sweetheart Annelies Gentile operates Conduit for Change where she uses her M.A. in Health and Wellness Coaching along with 20 years of creative process work in theater, film, and television to help people achieve their personal and professional goals. Together we're out to make the world a better place. We like to lead retreat programs where people turn off their phones and talk to one another.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Hotels can isolate you from the local scene. I like to get to know people and connect to the community. I'm a big fan of the Shop Local movement.

Interests

I spend every possible minute of good weather outside in a hammock. Second-hand finds thrill me. I think vintage stereo gear blows new stuff out of the water! Nothing beats dark roast in a French press. I'm practicing storytelling while playing the djembe drum. I'm very interested in connecting people with each other and with the world around them.

• poetry
• coffee
• reading
• sailing
• storytelling
• ethnic food
• thrift shops
• hammocks
• vintage audio
• midcentury modern design

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: flamenco, world music fusion, jazz
Books: nautical fiction, mysteries
Movies: action, sci-fi, romcom with my sweetheart

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I studied conga drumming in Cuba.

Teach, Learn, Share

I teach drumming -- music of the African diaspora as it spread through the Caribbean. I love (and know a good bit about) hammock camping and sailing.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belize, Cuba, Mexico, Morocco, Spain

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States