An Inspired Chat with Conor Dubin of Los Angeles

We recently had the chance to connect with Conor Dubin and have shared our conversation below.

Conor, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I think now is a very hard time for a lot of people in a way that it hasn’t been before. This time feels different so to speak. The world has grown more and more complicated, AI is creeping into every aspect of our lives and wreaking havoc on our economy. The wealth disparity is growing at a pace so soon after Covid had everyone locked down while getting free money from Uncle Sam. Covid and the lock-downs alone did so much damage to relationships and partnerships and people are still churring through the effects of that. The cost of insurance, rent, eggs, pretty much everything is going up while real wage growth has not grown in 40 years. I think it has been hard to consciously reconcile our relationship with our own “identity” and this is what people aren’t talking about. Whether their identity was tied to their wealth, their career, their friendships, etc. You name it, it seems like every aspect of life has been so quickly, chaotically and recklessly dismantled with forces so far out of everyone’s control, that we may silently be struggling with who we really are. When our very foundation can be so easily dismantled, we start to question whether it was ever a foundation to begin with and whether we are even capable of building another one. What I am struggling with personally … but not saying … is I think this has all been done by design. I. believe there is a force at work determined to attack our individual and collective identity.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Conor Dubin and I am the author of the children’s book series, “Kate’s First Mate” and “The Adventures of Kate & Nate”.
My mission with the series is to present children (and adults) with a practical, heartwarming and mutually supportive depiction of a healthy partnership before they reach adulthood. There are, quite literally, no children’s books that teach relationship skills. I have personally seen the headwinds of a new culture where schools are promoting literature that completely disregards the importance of building a strong foundation regarding relationships and partnerships. I believe we are setting the next generation of children up for failure in developing healthy and meaningful partnerships, I believe it is being done on purpose, and my mission is to change that. I do not do any advertising and I do not sell on Amazon. All sales of my book series have come from word of mouth, of one mother to another or one teacher to another and are sold on my web site www.katesfirstmate.com .

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
A lack of empathy and gratitude breaks the bonds between people. Only empathy and gratitude can restore them.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
At least once a day.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
That narcissism is being promoted, rewarded, monetized, and encouraged in our culture. There is a reason the Greek’s warned the world of this mental illness. It destroys society.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
In nature. Los Angeles is a unique city in that it is surrounded by wilderness. This is one of the main reasons I have remained here throughout the chaos. There is still a sense that you can be wild and free here.

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