*Storm work in Florida and Puerto Rico—and traveling—until August 5th*

I'm Nick!

Upbeat, off-center intellectual. IN(F/T)P. Audio book addict. Between fiber optic work, I'm juggling online courses at ASU in hopes of helping tackle socioeconomic inequality and lack of social mobility through education research and policy. I've got quite a way to go still, and I'm always looking to broaden my horizons.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

To meet genuine people and share experiences. I want to better understand others' perspectives, so hanging out with new people from different places, pasts, and paths is a great way to do that. I want to experience the places where I travel—and its people—in a more authentic manner. Also, being a bit timid, CS saves me the trouble in finding folks that are happy to chat!

A friend and I couchsurfed using her account several years ago and I loved it. I've also had great experiences with my first few guests, so I'm very much looking forward to both sides.

Interests

People. Psychology, neuroscience, sociology, behavioral economics, what-have-you. Why do we think and do what we think and do?

Experiences. Traveling to awe-inspiring natural or man-made sites, hang-gliding, rafting, snorkeling, etc.

Wondering, light-heartedly, how "doing stuff" has become the trendy, superior alternative to "having stuff". Is it the same endless search for novelty, pleasure and bragging rights in a different outfit? I mean, I'm a fan, and it statistically makes us happier, but it kind of feels like we're peddling this new impossible-for-most-to-obtain American dream where we've traded picket fences for plane tickets, and a loving partner and two-and-a-half kids for a totally independent bad-ass and a cool dog. What do you think?

• writing
• traveling
• socializing
• live music
• outdoor activities
• neuroscience
• psychology
• sociology
• sightseeing

Music, Movies, and Books

Music-
Favorites are punk rock and folk. Bad Religion, Frank Turner, Rise Against, Patrick Park. Plenty of others of course. I love Bastille and I play the Passenger station on Amazon like it's going out of style.

Movies-
My favorites often pack strong emotional impacts and/or really make you think. American History X, Crash, Stand By Me, The Prestige, Predestination.
I don't have any TV services, but I do religiously watch Game of Thrones with my friends!

Books-
The Righteous Mind, Emotional Intelligence, Leaders Eat Last. Occasional fiction jaunt to Dresden Files, and I loved The Count of Monte Cristo.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I took my mom to Iceland to see the Northern Lights, she'd wanted to see them for as long as I can remember. For all the beauty in that country, the people are what made it truly special.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can usually reference some cool studies in psychology. I could teach you some frisbee skills, some fun board games, a great base set-up for travel points through credit cards(seriously, I've racked up probably $10k worth of travel in 2 years), how to cook lots of breakfast foods or bake the best cheesecake, setting up a basic webpage, and more not-quite-useless things.

Learning... I'd love to practice my beginner Italian. Cooking tips and tricks. Some philosophy or history, and of course anything new in psychology. Any sport I haven't learned. Martial arts. Yoga. Anything and everything you've learned about other cultures.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'm happy to cover some food and a couple drinks for you, as well as sharing all the conversation that my other plans allow for. I'm tidy, and happy to help you clean up. My hope is to leave you with a smile and a slightly more connected, less judgmental way of relating to your fellow humans.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, England, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Peru

Countries I’ve Lived In

Puerto Rico, United States