A few hours ago, I wrapped up an interview with easily the most well-known guest I’ve had on the show so far. It was truly an honor to be given hours of this man’s time — not in the slightest because he is an Armenian celebrity — but because after immersing myself in his work, I recognize the soul of a genuine artist.

He is the only guest I’ve had on the show who refused my offer to send preliminary questions because he wanted to be spontaneous. You have to admire that. I do. So, I figured, I would still prepare a few questions (just for me!) but I would aim to be truly present and in the moment so I could surrender myself to the natural flow of our conversation. And I think I did that, for the most part. I could have talked to him for hours on end. Since my mother’s death, there is no one to have those deep-soul-dive conversations with. I long for those days… and maybe through him, I got to experience a glimpse of that again.

Maybe I fan-girled a little, too. I forgot to ask him to autograph his book that he brought me as a gift. I forgot to take a photo or selfie (is it still called a selfie when there are two people in the picture?) I forgot to capture the moment because I was so present in the moment itself. Did I do the right thing? Not from a promotional standpoint, I know. But I gave myself to the moment and allowed myself to have it. Completely. It seemed only fitting since he was totally present for me. And oddly, in this day & age of documenting everything, not having done so has given an aura of purity to our encounter. And I like that. A lot.