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The Thin Line Between Security and Chaos

“Do you call yourself a patient or a junkie? The only thing that separates us is who takes your money.”

The Buddy Ruski Show

Alternative Education, Ethical Sourcing, and "Dad, Can We Eat That Roadkill?" with Anna Gibala | The Buddy Ruski Show (Ep. 25)

On episode 25 of The Buddy Ruski Show, Justin interviews longtime friend and owner of Moonbelly Meat Company, Anna Gibala.

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Maps, The Beauty of Being Lost, Transit Equity and A Brief Mention of Light Rail with Erik Landfried | The Buddy Ruski Show (Ep. 24)

Erik and I talk about the pitfalls of America’s car culture, how getting lost can be liberating, and how putting racial equity front and center creates thriving public transit systems for those who use it, and need it, the most.

Music

Reunion at Rubies for Raund Haus 6th Anniversary

The 6th anniversary party felt more like family reunion after two years of isolation. We needed this.

Updates

Buddy Ruski Newsletter 02.23.22

New shows coming down the pike, and a deeper look into the housing crisis.

Trayvon Martin

I Owe My Career To You, Trayvon.

The story that started it all.

Durham

New Year’s Resolutions for the City of Durham (and maybe your city, too).

What do we need to make 2022 a banner year for our communities?

Durham

When The Dust Settles In Durham

What does all the development in Durham mean for our future?

Updates

Buddy Ruski Newsletter 10.07.21

Good evening! Thank you to all the new subscribers and paid members. However you made your way to this brand, I am grateful for your participation. If you find something you like, share it with your friends and family. If you find something you hate with a passion, feel free

The Buddy Ruski Show

Accordions, Spurs, That Old Fart Bruce Springsteen, and Political Apathy-Turned-Activism with Jason Kutchma | The Buddy Ruski Show (Ep. 23)

On episode 23 of the Buddy Ruski Show, I had the pleasure of speaking with musician Jason Kutchma.

Durham

Who Owns The Streets?

The Streetery is an initiative from DDI that helped create outdoor seating options for local businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. As far as I know, it worked. By fall of 2020, Downtown Durham was moderately functional thanks to DIY outdoor seating and to-go cocktails. The program took a hiatus until

Durham

Lessons from the NYC-PHL Fundraising Ride

120 miles is plenty of time to contemplate the future of our transit system. How does biking fit into that future, and what lessons can Durham learn from other communities?

The Buddy Ruski Show

Interview with Raleigh Mayoral Candidate Dr. Terrance Ruth | The Buddy Ruski Show (bonus episode!)

In collaboration with Let’s Talk Durham, I had the pleasure of interviewing Raleigh mayoral candidate Dr. Terrance Ruth for a special episode of The Buddy Ruski Show.

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Trauma, Aliases, and the Gift of Gab with Lord Fess | The Buddy Ruski Show (Ep. 22)

Rapper and entrepreneur Lord Fess stopped by The Buddy Ruski Show to chat about his career, 2012-era Durham, and how early childhood traumas inspired his music.

Durham

It Takes A Village

The house across the street from me sold for $163,000 in February of 2020. Honestly, I’m shocked the person who bought it didn’t have to just trade the owner a Snickers bar. It was a complete wreck. A homeless person lived on the porch behind plastic covers

The Buddy Ruski Show

How the Super Secret Dance Party / Buddy Ruski Show Crossover Came Together

When ideas collide, chaos ensues.

Updates

Buddy Ruski Newsletter 06.25.21

INTRODUCTION Hello, friends! There is a lot packed into this week’s newsletter, so I’m gonna keep this short. We’ve got new essays, new podcasts, works in progress, a fundraiser, and an exciting event announcement. Let’s get into it! New Content Why is no one on their

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The Joys of Friendship, the Rhythms of Comedy, and the Pressures of Success with Josh Harmon | The Buddy Ruski Show (Ep. 21)

On episode 21 of The Buddy Ruski Show, Justin interviews comedian, musician and writer Josh Harmon.

Durham

Fundraiser for the East Coast Greenway Alliance | Happy Father’s Day

A 2-day, 125-mile adventure to test the limits of my mind, body and soul.

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Why is no one on their porch?

What's the point of having a porch if no one is ever on it? What does that say about our communities?

Updates

Buddy Ruski Newsletter 06.08.21

Los Angeles

Venice: Slum by the Sea

This is the first in a series of reflections from my trip to Los Angeles at the end of May. I don’t get out much, so I try to be observant when I visit new places. You could drop me off in the middle of the desert and I’

The Buddy Ruski Show

Manifest Dismantling, Nature’s Teachings, and the Importance of Independent Media with Mike Shields | The Buddy Ruski Show (Ep. 20)

On episode 20 of The Buddy Ruski Show, Justin interviews prolific media professional and arborist Mike Shields.

Updates

Buddy Ruski Newsletter 05.04.21

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Homestar Runner, the Pre-Internet Era, and a Yearning for Simplicity

Is the Internet past the point of no return?