Life 2.0

The Power of Music

There I was, minding my own business on Thanksgiving Day, watching a football game between the Packers and Lions, when suddenly a Chevy commercial had me in tears. Not 24 hours earlier, I had been in conversation with Jerry Kramer (one of the greatest Packers of all time,) talking about the magic of music and recalling an event that took place a decade earlier, that once again manifested itself right on time. It is a reminder of the power music has when it comes to breaking down the demons of dementia, this time with a little help from John Denver.

Brick and Mortar

After several conversations this past week about the concept of living a "brick and mortar" life, I was moved to make it the theme of this week's podcast. We're not talking about physical buildings but rather the bricks (events) and mortar (experiences) in our lives that have created the path we've traveled, the people we've met, and the importance of reconnecting with the past, to create a more vibrant present and future.

Veterans Day 2023

My cousin Rich "The Sarge" Hoffman has been a great influence in my life. I have clear memories of tracking his movements on a map of Vietnam in my bedroom as a kid when he put in two tours as a young Marine back in 'Nam. In all the years I've known him, we have never talked about his experiences there, and so when I reached out and asked if he would be part of this episode of the Veterans Day podcast- he said "YES" I knew he would have a powerful perspective on a very difficult time for him personally and for our country. Thank you for your service, Sarge, and to all of the DD-214 alumni.

Run to Win!

Legendary Green Bay Packer guard and Hall of Famer Jerry Kramer and writer Bob Fox join me in discussing their just-released book Run to Win which is a compilation of stories and profiles from Kramer's NFL career under Vince Lombardi. The book also features some of Jerry's post-career adventures (like the time he almost punched out Elvis) reflections on the game and some of his most formidable opponents (doing battle with Merlin Olsen and Alex Karras) as well as his thoughts about the journey he's been on since he was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 1958. Run to Win is must read for football fans, especially those wearing the green and gold.

Halloween Memories & Other Scary Stuff

Growing up with a father who was a mild-mannered banker 11 months out of the year and morphed into "The Count" and scaring countless Chicagoans, had a profound effect on the way I experience Halloween every year...and still do. Add to all that my own "unexplained" experiences including the name of a man who perished in the Eastland disaster suddenly being heard by a group of radio pros working at Harpo and a distended "voice" that turned up on supposedly a blank recording at my high school decades after I graduated. Yeah, it's scary stuff for sure. Enjoy!

The Sands of Time

I've been to three reunions in the last six months; every single one was a sobering reminder that time marches on. However, spending time with people from an earlier era of my life pushed the hands on the life clock backward and revealed some serious teachings, lessons, and reminders. The experience of "reuniting" might just be one of the most powerful things you can do in terms of creating moments that matter-which is kinda what life is all about.

Remembering John

Twenty-six years ago today, John Denver perished in a plane crash in Monterey Bay, California. Every October 12th, I take time to honor and remember the man who helped me discover my voice, my calling, and my divine assignment.

"While the singer is silent, there still is the truth of the songs."

Amen, brother.

Band of Brothers and Sisters

On the heels of our 35-year-plus reunion last Saturday for Coast Guard Air Station Chicago, I was ready to do a short, 45-minute recap and call it a day. Then, I had an idea. Instead of me yakking it up solo, how about I have a few of the guys on to share their thoughts about the reunion, what it was like to reconnect after so many years, how their lives turned out after they left the United States Coast Guard, and share the laughs and love that only comes with serving together in the military. DISCLAIMER: There was no way to edit this down for time, without losing the essence of the conversation with Wally, Doc, and Artie, so be forewarned it's 90 minutes long. Grab a bourbon, or liquid of choice, sit back and enjoy. 

Back to the Future

It's a big day for this kid. I'm getting ready to reconnect with the men and women I served with in the United States Coast Guard 40 years ago. While I am feeling really good about that, the other side of the coin has me at odds with those who think a government shutdown is a good idea, and maybe I need to get with Marianne Williamson as her VP and run for office in 2024. Then again....maybe not. Music this week from the highly talented Heidi Newfield. 

Homecoming.

Homecoming as defined by Webster "is the tradition of welcoming back alumni or other former members of an organization to celebrate the organization's existence." So, when 30 alumni returned home to our alma mater for a high school football game and BBQ we were welcomed back to a time that in many ways no longer exists. Once again the lessons of perspective were front and center.