Life 2.0

Conversations with Bob

In 2017, my longtime friend and colleague, the world renowned speaker and author, Steve Rizzo, sent  me a rough draft of a book idea he had (or more aptly put had him) called "Conversations with Bob." The book was formed out of some of the lowest points in Steve's life, and its riveting, impactful and profound. It's the story of Bernie, who is a down in the dumps, life did me wrong guy, who finds himself asking questions of Bob, who just happens to be God. A must listen, and read from Steve Rizzo. 

Fletcher Street Memories

It's a pretty rare thing, to have a friendship that goes back to my early years on Fletcher Street. Rarer still, that even though there's been a half-century (or more) that has gone by, since my first, best buddy Garry and I spent time playing GJ Joe, baseball in the lumberyard or being at the the helm of "Seaview" (his back porch) that we found each other again, and the memories flooded back like a wave. Time is an illusion, when it comes to the fact that a couple of guys in their 60s, are magically transported back to being boys-and instantly become younger-just by having breakfast.

Wisdom of Wayne Dyer

When I received a request for copies of my books this past week, it had me thinking about the many teachers I have had in my life. In particular, my friend the late, great Dr. Wayne Dyer, who passed along some great reminders about seeing the world, and your life, from higher ground.

Fish or Politics?

So, what does the senate race in Pennsylvania between Dr. Oz and John Fetterman, have to do with a Betta Fish? Well...you'll have to listen to find out. Bottom line is that one way or another, we're all funding our own fears, and contributing to the division and chaos, whether we like or...or not.

STRETCH IT!

One of the great truths of life, is that you are gonna be stretched in ways that are often uncomfortable, but can also produce incredible results if you are aware of them. Sometimes, we need someone to take us past our comfort level with an imposed stretch, one that we cannot achieve on our own. That's exactly what happened when I took a free session to be strapped down on a table, and have my muscles pushed and pulled in ways they never had been before. 

Lessons of the Game

I played 18 seasons of football, and the lessons of the game, have far outlived my three point stance. But, you don't need to play the game, to apply the fundamentals that contribute to a winning effort in life. 

The helmet in the corner of my studio under glass, signed by HOF Packer Jerry Kramer inscribed with "Passion, Persistence, Commitment and Discipline" are reminders of the foundational pieces of a successful effort-no matter what the outcome of the game is.

"The only way you really lose, is if you quit on yourself"-a message delivered to me by my high school coach nearly 50 years ago, is all important today.

Don't need to strap on a helmet to understand the importance of that concept.

 

CASHING IN

Taking their lead from televangelists who promise that your soul will be saved by helping them to fund their new jet plane (so they can spread the word,) politicians on both sides of the shrinking aisle, are ramping up their "doom and gloom" forecast that only needs my $14 bucks to save the democracy. On the opposite side of the coin, I had a great time talking with journalist in the Caribbean, about the responsibility we have have as broadcasters, and our ability to respond to offset the headlines, with a focus on lifelines. 

Takin’ Care of Business

It's Radio Day for all of us that sit behind the mic, produce the shows, keep the machines moving and sell the programs. Good time for me to stop, drop and roll into a little perspective of my 25 years in the media. Some retro conversations in this episode with the late, greats Chris Reeve, Earl Hamner, Carol Channing and Dick Schapp, with additional audio from Jean Chatzky, Jerry Kramer, and my favorite all-time guest, the late Capt. Jerry Coffee. 

The Greater Good

In a world where pseudo-talk radio hosts lie to people to make money, and my email inbox looks like a cat box full of crap, I am reminded that the best way to stay out of the headlines, is to contribute to the greater good via the lifelines. 

Buy The Book

Yesterday, we attended the annual book sale at a famous library in Chicago, and once again I was in overwhelm at the sheer number of titles that are literally (no pun intended) at our fingertips. The answers to life's biggest questions and challenges are often found in-between the covers of a book, and yet, humanity seems stuck in place, in so many ways. Can't do a show about books, without mentioning the impact that "Instant Replay: The Green Bay Diary of Jerry Kramer" had on my life, at the age of ten.