Life 2.0

Remembering Amy.

As I lock down the Aurora Media Studios for a much-needed and long-awaited hiatus, I wanted to share a few thoughts about the importance of perspective in these turbulent times. Also, I am remembering one of the most incredible people I've ever known-Amy Lyon- who I met way back in 1993, and after a 30-year battle, has transitioned to the beyond place, leaving all who knew her, richer for her presence in our lives.

The Politics of Belief

With less than a week before the polls open for the 2024 POTUS race, the pressure has become formidable for many voters. I've always been fascinated by why people vote one way or the other, the factors, the circumstances, and the thoughts that go into going blue or red. Three people volunteered to join me on the episode to share their opinions that shaped their vote in the election on November 5th. The rudder of beliefs, both great and small steer our individual ships and perhaps some candid, civil conversation can help us all navigate the stormy political waters together...or not...but I'm willing to give it a shot.

Note: This podcast is approximately one hour and 14 minutes long.

Gridiron Gory

No, that's not a typo in the episode title because gridiron glory can turn to gridiron gory in the blink of an eye or the launch of a "Hail Mary" pass and that's exactly what happened yesterday when the Bears came up short against the Washington Commanders. But to rub salt into the wound, the taunting by a Bears player before the game ended went viral and it begs the question about "excessive celebration" when it comes to everything from recovering a fumble to getting a sack. Somewhere, Dick Butkus is smoldering...

Halloween Memories

Halloween is a bittersweet holiday for me. It was without question, my dad's favorite time of the year, as he would transform our house into "The Haunted Castle" and himself from a mild-mannered banker, into "The Count." For over two decades my dad and his supporting cast of werewolves, mummies, monsters, and more, scared the living sh*t out of untold numbers of Chicagoans, just for fun. Long before the massive Hollywood-style terror-filled, high-priced experiences of today, my dad was charging a quarter and loving every single, horror-inducing moment of Halloween.  

THE WEDNESDAY RANT

So, what do Julie Murphy, Oprah Winfrey, Georgia O'Keefe, Vincent Van Gogh, Albert Einstein, Sidney Poitier, Elizabeth Arden, Dr. Seuss, Chris Gardner, J.K. Rowling, and 'Yellowstone' creator Taylor Sheridan all have in common?

 

They all went through the wringer, which is a prerequisite to success.

 

The most successful and significant people I know have had to "go through the wringer" to bring their message and magic to the world. Despite all the marketing attempts to the contrary, there are no shortcuts to success. The path to your higher self is long, arduous, and difficult, which is why most people avoid it, but for those who take the journey, the reward is worth it—a little musical backup by KT Tunstall on this one.

Homecoming

Homecoming is the tradition of welcoming back alumni or other former members of an organization to celebrate the organization's existence. It is a tradition in many high schools, colleges, and churches. But that definition is just the concept of the thing. As I was reminded yesterday when attending homecoming at my former high school, it goes far past the football games, floats, parades, and dances. It can be about reconnecting with people, places, and events of the past, to make the future even brighter if we choose to see it that way.

A Season of Peace

So, I had prepared The Wednesday Rant a day in advance, based on the headlines but since your host forgot to turn his microphone on, there's nothing to hear on that side of things. The bottom line is I had forgotten about the lifelines, that is until a piece of paper fell out of a folder stored in a box since...1997. Add to that a phone call from a longtime friend and breakfast with new friends had me grounded again and compelled to share the words on that paper from 27 years ago, a reminder from Gandhi and MLK Jr. about the power of peace, that begins and ends with you. Add in a little musical backup from Mr. Denver and you have another audio outing of common sense for uncommon times.

Remembering John.

John Denver is among the world's biggest-selling solo artists in music history. Noted for his stratospheric vocals, guitar skills, and songwriting ability, Denver also pioneered environmental ethics and responsibility and was a champion of human rights as co-founder of The Hunger Project. 27 years ago today, Denver perished in a plane crash at the age of 53 and the Earth lost its troubadour and I lost a friend. Remembering the man who put me front and center, and sparked a flame in me that still burns today.

For What It's Worth.

So, what do the hit show Pawn Stars, my first car, the cost of living in 1974, a subscription to the Life 2.0 Podcast, the cost of a medium cheese and sausage pizza at Rocky's, and time all have in common? Who gets to determine the value of something?  Well, on Pawn Stars it's Rick, for the podcast it's me, but in your life, it's you. 

Closing The Gap

An hour conversation with a highly respected friend and fellow author revealed that she was in that gap between who she used to be, and who she is becoming. That gap can be scary, as we lose our sense of self and accomplishment and the outer validation that our presence on the planet matters. Of course, this lack of unconditional love to ourselves is all a matter of perspective and perception plus having the faith to allow the great chess game of life to show us the next moves. Always easier said than done, and that's kinda of whole point.