I'm a 29 year old guy who grew up privileged with a road to success paved before me, and I decided instead on the path that has led me to be cash-poor but friend- and experience-rich. I believe strongly in the need to re-engineer our food system around community, and I work toward that end through the nonprofit I'm part of. I live in a communal house with 6 other people and it's never dull. I find people talk to me when they need someone to listen and understand, I think because I'm compassionate and I indeed listen. I sing in a barbershop quartet which helps me attain a sense of harmony in this often disharmonious, chaotic society. Ultimately, I just want to stop taking myself and others so seriously, and get goofy and laugh a lot.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Looking to find some good people to meet and stay with while I travel for work to learn about sustainable food models.

Interests

I sing in a barbershop quartet as a tenor (the high part). I love singing harmony with people.
I don't have a car, which is all the better because I enjoy biking. Fortunately for me, Missoula, Montana is a very bike friendly city.
I love to eat healthy, flavorful foods: lots of butter, cheese, eggs, pastured meats, fresh vegetables and fruits, ferments, and some chocolate on occasion.
A big fan of conversations about real, universal things, but not much a fan of sports, politics, or divisive topics.
I like solving problems and improving my alignment with the greater good.

• dining
• traveling

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Barbershop quartet, folk, rock, classical, blues, jazz, and most of anything else except for pop
Movies: Cheesy 80s and 90s action flicks (notably Schwarzenegger and Seagal); Slapstick comedies (Naked Gun and Airplane); Pan's Labyrinth, Forrest Gump, Batman (Keaton and Nicholson), Anchorman, Mission Impossible(s)
Books: Anything by Michael Pollan, Malcolm Gladwell, or Joel Salatin; mostly nonfictions as long as they're written in narrative form

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

18 months ago, I helped start a nonprofit with no money to my name and no nonprofit experience. Amazingly, it's going strong!

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm well versed on the American food system and its sustainable alternatives. The nonprofit I help run is developing model food projects to share with the world. Aquaponic greenhouses, food rescue, and edible forest gardening are my three key endeavors right now.

I want to learn whatever I can through conversation with people. I'm not necessarily the most attentive reader (my wind wanders when looking at text), but my attention is rapt when talking with people.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Helping with chores, financial contributions towards meals, and a place to stay if you're ever in Missoula!

Countries I’ve Visited

Bulgaria, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States