Life 2.0

The Final Countdown.

I checked in on a friend this past week, who shared with me the devastating news that his wife has a terminal condition. Our conversation once again had me thinking about life expectancy, the concept that we are all terminal on some level, and that living the time we've been given-and using it up-should be a priority, that often gets overlooked, until we face the final countdown. The sands of time, in the hourglass of life, only drain one way.

Success or Significance?

So, what does a heating pad, Kim Kardashian, a four speed Opel Manta, David Letterman, Dave Chappelle, country superstar John Berry and Netflix all have in common? They are the puzzle pieces for a look at the concepts of success or signficance when it comes to building a life. No really.

Bitter or Better?

This past Thursday was the 45th anniversary of my 2nd rebirth. I was 19 years old, and died on the floor of an Osco Drug store after suffering an electric shock. The pharmacist who stayed late that Friday night in 1978, saved my life with CPR. One of the great lessons my 2nd chance gave me, is that we need to deal with our sh*t before it deals with us, because life is too short to major in minor things. You can either get bitter or better, but not both.

Does Prayer Work?

Prayer is the default setting for a massive number of humans, including myself at times. But after watching people pray for years to end to wars, gun violence and disease, I find it all fascinating. Where we apply prayer, and the different reactions to unanswered prayers. Is it effective? Does it really work? Who decides? More questions than answers in this episode.

The Ripple Effect

Damar Hamlin was brought back to life, while millions watched on Monday Night Football. His road to recovery has been remarkable, but the ripple effect from this incident will be felt on many levels, for many years to come.

S.A.I.D

As another year slowly fades into the history books, we're always looking to make a change, which at the same time, is the one thing humans hate most, but is necessary to take your life to the next level. The one tried and true route to positive change, is the S.A.I.D (Specific Adaptation to Imposed Demand) that isn't a jazzy buzzword, but most definitely a game changer. Also, a couple of reminders on this New Year's Eve from my friends John Denver and Capt. Jerry Coffee, as we get ready to welcome 2023.

Back to School

So much of what I learned in high school, has played a significant role in my adult life. Not specific classes, but rather the experience itself, during those formative, formidable four years. Never did I think that once I graduated, I would ever have cause to return to my alma mater-Schurz High School-in Chicago. Eventually I ended up teaching there for a couple of years, and decades later, have become active with the alumni. But, the challenges faced by Schurz are very different than when I attended, and this conversation with the current principal-Dr. Heidy Moran-sheds light on the uphill battle of education in the 21st century, the importance of the connection between students and staff, and her own incredible story of success, from immigrant to educator. 

The Sack Man

I had zero idea that when I volunteered to "play" Santa in 1980 during my first year in the United States Coast Guard, that I would spend nearly 20 years putting on the red and white rig. Every Christmas Eve, I remember those long, cold nights, bright smiles, a few tears, and the great experiences I had. This episode features a reading from my upcoming audio book "Every Moment Matters" about my metamorphisis from a regular guy-to Kris Kringle. 

NEVER ALONE

It is the news that no parent wants to ever hear...that your child has died. In 2016, 21-year-old Chris McQuillen and a group of friends, many home from college on winter break, had met up at a lake house in southern Wisconsin to catch up and celebrate the new year. At some point early in the morning, Chris and three friends went missing, and sadly, had drowned in a nearby lake. Joe McQuillen began a journey that would make him a "reluctant prophet" when it comes to staying connected to his son after his death, and the many gifts that have come out of his grief. Dealing with loss at the holidays is compound interest of the worst kind, but Joe insists that there is light in the darkness, if we look for it.

Money Maven

Julie Murphy is a best-selling author, sought after and highly respected wealth managment professional, who is on a mission to help people resolve their trauma around money. Your deeply ingrained beliefs around money, are the guideposts that can make you, or break you. Get ready to take a dive in the deep end of the money pool, and learn a few new strokes, to launch your life in a whole new direction, when it comes to true wealth.