Life 2.0

MEMORIAL DAY

Definition of the word memorial: “something (such as a monument or ceremony) that honors a person who has died or serves as a reminder of an event in which many people died.” Doesn't say anything about buying tires, mattresses or that it’s a reason to celebrate. Memorial Day isn’t for those who are currently serving-that’s Armed Forces Day. It’s not for those of us who have served and returned home-that’s Veterans Day. This is to honor those who served, gave their last full measure for an ideal, a cause or effort that represents the best of American values and conscience. Remembering Nikolas Daniels, Ryan Jopek, Donald Sansone, Kurt Duncan and Nathaniel Bruckenthal.

Wednesday with Weigel

I've known the Emmy award winning journalist, best-selling author, and stellar radio show host Jen Weigel-for 20+ years. In 2022, we tag-teamed a weekly audio outing in Washington D.C. that most of you never heard, unless you lived in area code 202. So, when I came across a file with all the "John & Jen Show" files, thought it would be a good idea to share them each week on this platform. Had to take the music out, but other than that, Ms. Weigel and I are off to the races in many different directions. It's talk that matters...

Selling God

Another interesting week in review, as I spent some time with my chiropracter, re-learned the lesson of S.A.I.D (Specific Adaptation to Imposed Demand) and had lunch with Spencer Tracy and Fredic March. Add to that, a chance encounter with a young man attempting to sell God door-to door, and all-in-all, it's another audio testament (no pun intended) in commonsense for uncommon times.

Also, a little musical back-up from John Denver.

Lessons From My Mom

My mom was tough as nails, with a heart for all the four legged strays. A Benson & Hedges smoking, F-bomber with the best of them. An artist, voracious reader, rabid Cubs fan, outspoken, opinionated, green thumb, no power steering driving, music loving, fashion statement. Thursday morning bowling, interior designing, ice skate loving, Halloween hostess, over the top Christmas decorator, neighborly, Six Corners shopping enthusiast, complicated, hard headed, driven, whip cord strong country girl, with a city life that died so very young, gone so soon. 

And, she was my greatest teacher.

Get Up and Walk

I've been producing radio for over 25 years, and that has created side bar for me to produce podcasts for clients. Just last week, I was with two of my newbies, Billy Dexter and Melissa G. Wilson on their "Awake in The Network" pod, and the talk turned to the journey we all have to take in life, and next thing I know, the long walk I took from the UP of Michigan to Chicago and back, became the topic of discussion. The boots I wore, that sit in my studio, are a reminder to me that sometimes the most important lessons, come on the last 100 miles But in order to do that, you've got to get up and walk. A little musical back-up from my brother Mark B. Cleveland on this one.

Tuckered Out!

On the heels of Fox News having to cough up nearly a billion dollars for "gross inaccuracies" (aka BS on the channel for an extended period of time as it pertains to voting in the last election) a few names have been dropped from their roster. The biggest of course, is Tucker Carlson, who apparently had zero idea that he'd broadcast his last show. Being the polarizing figure that he is, you might be surprised that I actually agree with him on some things, and his departure comes as a reminder that if you don't own the company, and you become a liability, you lose your parking spot.

Earth Matters 2023

Humans have been around in our present form for about 250,000 years. Earth however, is 4.65 billion years old, so in geological terms, we're just a blip on the radar, which accounts for the lack of consciousness when it comes to our place on the planet. I've enlisted the help of my friends Dr. Jane Goodall, Bill Kurtis and the late John Denver, in reminding us that "Earth Matters."

A Little Good News

When I came across the research that shows 54% of Americans aren't as smart as an octopus or squid, I knew it was time for a refresher course in being conscious of what you consume (like calamari.) In keeping with my mantra of common sense for uncommon times, a little good news was needed to balance out the BS that takes up so much of our attention. Add to that the fact I brought brass knuckles to the movies last night, as well as some music from country legend John Berry, and you've got another rousing episode of the Life 2.0 podcast. 

Resurrection

On this day before Easter, I have been thinking about the gift of resurrection. Not in the traditional, biblical sense, but rather the many times in my life, when I thought I couldn't go on, and yet somehow found the faith to move forward, rising up from what appeared to be the ashes of my life at the time.  It's not what happens to you in life that counts, but rather how you respond that matters most.

Hope Matters

Hopelessness, characterized by despair and helplessness, is on the rise globally, with 48% of Americans experiencing it since COVID-19. Hopelessness has a significant impact on retention, productivity, absenteeism, violence, addiction, self-harm, and all areas of mental health, including suicide. In so many ways, we are teaching our children "hopelessness" with the constant bombardment of negativity that permeates so much of unsocial media. Kathryn Goetzke, The CHO (Chief Hope Officer) of The SHINE Hope Company, joins me for a pivotal conversation about keeping hope alive.