Building a Better Dave

In this episode, I look into the hilariously pointless world of sports interviews. Ever sit through those sideline or post-game questions and wonder why we bother? Trust me, I do too! Whether it's ex-players like Doug Deacon giving us obvious advice ("If you want to win, you've got to score points") or reporters asking quarterbacks how it feels to win in overtime, it all feels a bit silly to me. I share stories about being a long-suffering Cleveland Browns fan, what it's like watching my great nephew get concussion after concussion playing football, and how that's changed the way families look at the sport. I also talk about the NFL trying their best to save their audience by appealing to kids and women, like dumping slime on players or having female sideline reporters—but still mostly asking the same old questions. Bottom line: If you want to save some time (and a few brain cells), you can skip the sports interviews and just watch the game. I'm all about talented athletes and the thrill of victory (even if we Cleveland fans rarely get to celebrate), but you won't catch me sticking around for another round of "how does it feel?" Hope you're enjoying your holiday season as you listen. Until next time—it's gonna get better! Enjoy the episode? Consider buying me a coffee Please note I'm not saying the women reporters are stupd. I'm saying the quesitons they ask (probably created by a guy) are stupid. They are just doing their job.

Hey, it's Dave—and on this episode of Building a Better Dave, I talk all about the weirdness that is Halloween in my neighborhood lately. As October rolls in, I've noticed a crazy escalation in skeleton yard decorations. What used to be simple six-foot skeletons have turned into these massive twelve-foot giants. I can't help but wonder if this is just the middle-aged version of keeping up with the Joneses. Halloween itself has always struck me as strange, especially when you factor in how expensive candy has gotten (seriously, $15 a bag now?!) and how we've all just accepted feeding our kids mountains of sugar as tradition. Confession: If I buy a bunch of candy, I'm probably just going to eat it myself, which is why I might skip handing it out altogether and let myself get "tricked" this year. This episode, I also reminisce about the good old days of Halloween pranks—TPing houses, knocking and running, and my brother's infamous police escort home after getting caught. My dad was definitely not amused. It feels like those harmless pranks just don't happen anymore—probably because today's doorbell cameras have killed the fun. Of course, I have to mention bobbing for apples, which, looking back, is basically waterboarding with fruit. Pump enough apple cider into a kid and you end up with what I like to call the "Runs" (and I list every synonym I can think of—because why not?). And what's up with every costume needing to be "slutty" these days? Slutty nurse, slutty librarian, even slutty Daffy Duck! Not sure when that trend started, but it seems to get more out there every year. I wrap up by admitting I bought a new Christmas tree—when all I intended was a little four-foot tree, I walked out with a seven-and-a-half foot beauty. Honestly, I think I'm trying to recapture one of my favorite childhood memories: coming in from the snow, curling up in front of the tree with a thick blanket and some hot chocolate from my mom. That feeling of safety just sticks with me, especially as the holidays get closer. Hope you enjoy my holiday ramblings, stories of waterboarding for fruit, and my skepticism about modern Halloween. Until next time, hang in there—it's going to get better. Highlights: Giant skeletons and the one-upmanship of Halloween decorations The economics—and temptations—of Halloween candy How doorbell cameras ruined classic Halloween pranks Bobbing for apples: my take on this bizarre tradition The rise of "slutty" costumes and my bewilderment Reflecting on the holidays and chasing those cozy, safe memories Did this episode make you laugh,cry, think, or groan? Consider buying Dave a coffee.

In this episode, I open up about a recent experience I had on Reddit where, despite my own advice, I ended up feeding the trolls. I share how I got pulled into a frustrating back-and-forth with someone who just wasn't open to any input, and how that made me reflect on my own "educator mindset"—the urge to resolve every conflict or misunderstanding online. I talk about the importance of setting boundaries not just with online trolls, but also when inviting podcast guests onto your show. Remember: if someone really wants to be on your show, they'll usually find time that works for you. On the personal side, I give an update about being busier than ever at my church due to a colleague's health issues. I discuss how this has affected my routine, my stress levels (thanks for the heads up, Oura Ring!), and the push I'm giving myself to prioritize health and movement—even if it means just getting out to walk at my local park. Plus, I share a little inspiration from watching the Ozzy Osbourne documentary "Coming Home," which has me thinking about aging, health, and making time for what really matters. --- Key Takeaways: - Don't let internet trolls drain your energy—learn to recognize when to disengage (even if you think that last message might "fix" things). - When it comes to podcasting, don't be afraid to set your own boundaries around scheduling guests. - Some people just aren't open to feedback, and that's okay—sometimes it's best to step back. - Make sure your social profiles link to your website to help connect with people you actually can help. - Growth comes from noticing your own patterns—and learning from your mistakes. - Keep prioritizing your health and well-being, even when life gets busy. - Inspiration can come from unexpected places—even a documentary about Ozzy Osbourne. --- Links Mentioned: Coming Home -Ozzy Osbourne documentary Connect with Me: betterdave.com Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed the episode, do consider buying me a coffee :)

So I had no idea I would get backlash about saying, "Hey I think Charlie Kirk might be on to something about this we shold all talk to each other.." thing going on. I got TONS of people tell me to dig deeper and I found a black, gay dude standing up for Charlie. Wait, I thought Charlie was a racist homophobe? Then I was told to quit cherry picking videos. Taylor Swift casting spells? Um, no.

I just don't recognize my country. I got to see someone shot in the neck and die today. Then people cheered because they didn't like his opinions. It just seems so weird. Meawhile the mainstram media fans the flames of the divided states of America, and nobody knows how to have a dialogue anymore. All we do is shoot each other, and the bad news is I don't know how to fix it, and I don't trust the people in power. So welcome to my rant as I scream into the void.

So I'm driving to Chicago and back over a weekend. That's 14 hours in a car. While I'm not ancient, I'm not young. I'm not 23 anymore. Did I just write a check with my mind that my body can't cash? I'm trying to find some food in Chicago and took a wrong turn. Chicago, like every city in America, is a good place to get shot if you're on the wrong side of the city. How am I going find the balance of not doing things that I may not be able to do without stopping myself from enjoying life? Like the show? Buy me a coffee?

In this episode, Dave shares a candid account of his recent health updates, and it's a mix of challenges and victories. From starting the year with new exercise routines to discovering unexpected health issues, Dave opens up about how turning 60 has brought a wave of concern regarding blood sugar, blood pressure, and thyroid issues. With a dash of humor, he recounts the quirks of testing his blood sugar and the surprise diagnosis of diabetes. Yet, amidst the medical hurdles, Dave finds a silver lining—a triumphant return to the ping pong table despite the obstacles. Join us as Dave explores the balance between health management and enjoying life's simple pleasures. Whether it's doctor visits or winning ping pong matches, it's all about building a better Dave. Tune in for a story of resilience, self-discovery, and the occasional game-changing rally.

Today I share some insights as I deal with the loss of a friend. Death sucks, but when you lose people who are YOUNGER then you, with no warning, it really sucks. Today I talk about losing my friend Niel Guilarte who I worked with during the making of The Messengers: A Podcast Documentary We got to room with each other at events, and we just clicked. We always made each other laugh. My favorite was when Niel would start laughing and he couldn't finish the story he had started. When you start to see your heroes get old and some cracks around the edges, it's sad, but it's a warning sign. Niel was here, and the next day he wasn't. He leaves a wife and 11-year old daughter he adored, and a new house. He was the best friend of one of my favorite people Chris Krimitsos. Which is one of the things that is adding to the pain. I have people in Florida who could use a hug. I love to help people, and in this case there is nothing I can do. Mentioned In This Episode Bookends - Simon and Garfunkel Bette Midler - Stay With Me Niel's Gofund Me There are times you feel bad. The lights are off and it seems like there is no way home. Keep moving. It's funny when I have to do a sermon in my church, something ALWAYS comes up on Facebook that fits. This is what came up: 41 is Coming In the Bible, it rained for 40 days and 40 nights. Day 41 came and the rain stopped. Moses committed murder & hid in the desert for 40 years. Year 41 came, and God called him to help rescue Israel. Moses went up on the mountain for 40 days. On day 41, he received the Ten Commandments. The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. Year 41, they walked into the Promised Land. Goliath taunted Israel for 40 days. Day 41 came, and David slew him. Jonah preached a message of repentance to Ninevah for 40 days. On day 41, God stopped His plan to destroy them. Jesus fasted and was tempted for 40 days. Day 41, and the devil fled. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples for 40 days. On day 41, He ascended into Heaven. All this to say...don't quit. The rain will stop, the giant will fall, and you will enter your "promised land." Don't give up at 40. 41 is coming. See you later Niel.

This was recorded during my last few minutes of being 59. Life is dragging me kicking and screaming into my 60s. I'm not happy about it. Don't you get it? I'm 23 honest. I've been 23 my whole life? Have I made my last trip to Dairy Queen? It turns out everything I eat is poison. That's something you know but don't care, and it turns out you should've cared a little more than you did. John Mayer has a great song called "Stop this Train" that has a line John Had a talk with my old man Said, "Help me understand" He said, "Turn 68" "You renegotiate" I was able to renew my drivers license for 8 years which means aside from a sticker (which I can get through the mail) I will be 68 the next time I renew my liscene. WHen you go to the MBV you go in and get a number, and wait for your name to be called. I kind of feel like a 'This is not a drill" situation, and I'm waiting for my number to be called. UNlike the BMV, I'm hoping for a very long line. You can buy me a coffee for my birthday using this link. John Mayer - Stop This Train No I'm not colorblind I know the world is black and white Try to keep an open mind but I just can't sleep on this tonight Stop this train I wanna get off And go home again I can't take the speed It's movin' in I know I can't But honestly Won't someone stop this train? Don't know how else to say it Don't wanna see my parents go One generation's length away From fighting life out on my own So scared of getting older I'm only good at being young So I play the numbers game To find a way to say that Life has just begun Had a talk with my old man Said, "Help me understand" He said, "Turn 68" "You renegotiate" "Don't stop this train" "Don't for a minute change" "The place you're in" "And don't think I couldn't" "Ever understand" "I tried my hand" "John, honestly" "We'll never stop this train." Once in a while When its good It'll feel like it should And they're all still around And you're still safe and sound And you don't miss a thing Till you cry when you're drivin' away in the dark Singing Stop this train I wanna get off And go home again I can't take the speed It's movin in I know I can't 'Cause now I see I'll never stop this train

Episode Summary In this episode, Dave reflects on his recent struggles with his car in frigid Ohio weather and how it reminded him of the "old days" of dealing with unreliable vehicles. From the quirks of old, hand-me-down cars to the challenges of modern, fuel-injected engines, Dave humorously recounts the learning curves of car maintenance. The episode dives into the importance of adaptability, whether in fixing a car, keeping up with evolving technology, or navigating life's unexpected hurdles. If you like this show, you can buy me a coffee. Main Takeaways Winter Woes & Car Troubles: Dave shares his frustrations about his car refusing to start in Ohio's brutal winter weather. Memories of growing up with unreliable cars and the "DIY" fixes of the past (like using Bondo or ether) highlight how technology has changed car maintenance. Lessons in Adaptability: From cars to technology, Dave emphasizes the importance of staying adaptable and keeping up with advancements. He parallels learning to fix cars and his ongoing efforts to master artificial intelligence and SEO. Keeping Emergency Funds & Friends Handy: Dave reminds listeners of the value of having an emergency fund and reliable friends who can lend their expertise when needed. His Ford mechanic friend saves the day with a simple car-starting trick. Balancing Technology & Life: Dave acknowledges how fast-paced technology evolves and highlights the importance of continuous learning to avoid falling behind. He reflects on losing weight, staying updated with AI, and preparing for a milestone birthday. Humor & Nostalgia: Dave's stories about his past cars (like the "Slova" and Fred Flintstone-style Datsun) bring laughter and nostalgia. The absurd quirks of old vehicles, like passenger doors flying open mid-drive, make for entertaining storytelling. Notable Quotes "If you don't keep learning, you don't just stop—you go backwards." "I could pop the hood, look at it, and say, 'Yep, there it is. That's the engine.'" "Every car I bought, the very first day, I swapped out the stereo for ear-bleeding madness." Resources Mentioned Dave Ramsey's Emergency Fund Advice: A reminder to always be prepared for unexpected expenses. Check out his book. Artificial Intelligence & SEO: Dave's exploration of how these tools are shaping the future of technology and online presence. Listener Call to Action Stay tuned for the next episode, where Dave dives into how his upcoming milestone birthday is messing with his head. Visit Us: BetterDave.com Subscribe: www.betterdave.com/follow

A Christmas Conundrum: What do you do when the much-anticipated family gathering is jeopardized by an unexpected bout of COVID-19? Dave recounts his experience, offering a candid and touching perspective on the true meaning of the season. Reminiscing with Friends: From cherished childhood memories to the pains and aches of getting older, Dave and his best friend embark on a nostalgic journey, bringing laughs and poignant moments. The Gift of Adaptation: Learn how Dave turned a disappointing holiday season into a moment of gratitude and reflection, even dubbing COVID-19 as an unexpected Christmas gift. Chicken Noodle Soup for the Soul: A simple can of soup leads Dave down memory lane, teaching us all the power of sensory experiences and the warmth of family traditions. Adventures in Everyday Life: From rolling into a gas station with an empty tank to making peace with life's unpredictable nature, Dave's tales offer inspiration and a fresh perspective on life's little adventures.

I filed for Bankrupcy in 2004. I know there is a difference between being poor and being BROKE. Today I share a strategy I've been doing for most of this year and it's saving me close to $50 a month and I don't have to do a thing. A bundle of Disney+, Hulu, and Max is $30/month Peacock $14/month Paramount and Showtime $13/month. Total: $57 (and yes, I know there are more). Rotate Your Streaming Services: Cancel all but one streaming service at a time. Saves up to $50 a month by only paying for one service at a time. Focus on quality content, avoiding time wasted on subpar shows. ⭐ Smart Meal Planning: Instead of eating out, consider quick and affordable home cooking. A simple George Foreman Grill can make delicious burgers at a fraction of the cost. This not only saves money but is healthier and faster than fast food. ⭐ Avoid Impulse Purchases: Think twice before buying things you don't need, especially during sales. Consider if the purchase truly adds value to your life. Practice this discipline to accelerate your journey towards being debt-free. Want more money tips? Check out "Get Your Money Working For You." Want to give back? Buy Me a Coffee (or two).

In the latest episode, I share my personal experience with podcasting, detailing how I ended up in podcasting post-divorce while living in my brother's basement. Despite successfully establishing myself over two decades and earning recognition, I still struggle with imposter syndrome. Reflecting on accolades like being called an influencer and my moves within the industry, I discuss the complicated feelings of self-worth and acceptance. Wrapping up, I share some cozy moments from my day-to-day life, which help ground me amid these introspective thoughts. Clips from Podnews Weekly Podnews Daily Like the show? Buy me a coffee.

Welcome to another episode of Better Dave! Today, I'm diving into the fascinating world of personal finance and exploring how we can get our money working for us. I've spent over three decades with the same bank, but recently, I've rediscovered the benefits of modern financial tools like SoFi and Acorns. As I monitor my income and outcome in Monarch, I have noticed the more attention you spend on your money, the more money there is to manage. Whether you're drowning in debt or just looking for smarter ways to manage your finances, there's something here for everyone. So, let's get started on building a better financial future together! Mentioned In This Episode Sofi online bank account Acorns Banking (round up and invest) Monarch Budgeting Program Enjoy the show? Buy Dave a Coffee (or two)

Today's story reminds us there's still hope in humanity. In this episode, our host, Dave Jackson, shares a personal mishap that turns into a surprising testament to the goodness of people. After a pleasant bike ride in Ohio, Dave discovers he's lost his wallet, containing all his essential cards and cash. His frantic search proves futile, leading to setbacks as he navigates the day without his wallet. Lessons Learned: Do not put ALL of your cards in your wallet. Enjoy the show? Buy Dave a Coffee.

On the latest episode of Better Dave, titled "Putting the FUN in Funeral," host Dave Jackson shares a heartwarming and humorous tribute to his favorite teacher and mentor, Jim Blackstock. This episode takes us on an emotional yet uplifting journey, emphasizing the profound impact a great teacher can have on our lives. Here are three key takeaways from this poignant episode: - **Integrating Humor in Education**: Dave underscores how Jim Blackstock's unique teaching style, blending humor with education, made learning enjoyable and memorable, influencing Dave's own teaching approach. - **The Power of Mentorship**: The episode highlights the significant role mentorship plays in shaping personal and professional growth, as demonstrated by Jim's encouragement of Dave's writing, which started in his college days. - **Celebrating Life with a Smile**: The touching account of Jim Blackstock's funeral, infused with whimsy and laughter, serves as a reminder of the importance of celebrating life and the legacies we leave behind. 🎙️ Tune in to reflect on the laughter and lessons shared in this special episode of Better Dave. It's a true testament to the lasting impact of teachers like Jim, who inspire and transform lives beyond the classroom. Here is the episode I did before. The best teacher I ever had. Like the show? Buy Dave a Coffee and Say Thanks!

Today I turn 59 and apparently, I have one goal: Don't Break a Hip. So I reflect a bit on my 20s, 30s, and 40s, as I have 365 more days in my 50's. According to AI, "From reminiscing about past relationships and experiences to contemplating the inevitability of aging and the challenges of staying healthy, Dave's musings offer a heartfelt and relatable perspective on navigating life's journey." So click Play already Key Points: You can't change people. I don't want to live a life filled with Ozzy Lyrics. With some lessons, you need two chances to learn. Getting old is weird, and I don't want to live in fear. While the baby of the family gets away with murder, there is still a price to pay. While she may be a queen, I need another divorce. Mentioned In This Episode River by Joni Mitchell Joni Mitchell on the Grammys 2024 Ozzy See You On The Other Side Prince Lonely Christmas ( the snare is weirdly in the right headphone) Future.co (virtual weight loss coaches) Like the Show? Consider buying me a coffee.

Sometimes we forget what life was like, and in todays' episode I realize that I can get the answer to just about everything with a few clicks of a mouse. Things we learned today. Which way to set your ceiling fan in the winter. Rhino Sex Elephant Sperm Collection

Yuri Bezmenov was a russian journlist who defected to the USA. He explained a strategy of the KGB. HE said this in 1984. It was called either ideological subversion, or active measures. What it basically means is to change the perception of reality of every American to such an extent that despite the abundance of information, no one is able to come to sensible conclusions in the interests of defending themselves, their families, their community, and their country. It's a great brainwashing process that goes very slow and is divided in four basic stages. The first one being demoralization; it takes from 15 to 20 years to demoralize a nation. Why that many years? Because this is the minimum number of years required to educate one generation of students The ideology is being pumped into the soft heads of at least three generations of American students without being challenged or counterbalanced by the basic values of Americanism What Is The Result? The result you can see, most of the people who were "half-baked intellectuals" are now occupying positions of power in the government, civil service, business, mass media, and educational system; you are stuck with them, and you cannot get rid of them. They are contaminated. They're programmed to think and react to certain stimuli in a certain pattern. You cannot change their mind even if you expose them to authentic information. Even if you prove that white is white and black is black, you still cannot change the basic perception and the logic of behavior. In other words, the process of demoralization is complete and irreversible. To reverse this you have you need another 15 or 20 years to educate a new generation of common sense. The demoralization process in the United States is completed already. For the last 25 years, actually, it's over fulfilled because demoralisation now reaches such areas where experts, would even dream of such tremendous success. Most of it is done by Americans to Americans, thanks to a lack of moral standards. Mentioned In This Episode Yuri Bezmenov Time Blindness Video Time Blindness from the Cleveland Clinic Like this episode? Buy Dave a Coffee

Today we have a very relatable topic to delve into. We've all had those days where everything seems to go wrong, where every step forward feels like two steps back. Well, my friends, today we're talking about having a bad day. All I had to do was go to Walmart, buy some fruit and two cables, and get to the church by five for a special event. It just seemed like I couldn't catch a break all day. No matter how bad your day is, someone might be having one that is even worse. It's hard, but try to find some gratitude in those situations.

Welcome back to another episode of "Building a Better Dave" with your host, Dave Jackson. In today's episode, a mysterious bump near the armpit is getting bigger. Dave takes us on a journey of curiosity, self-discovery, and a deep desire to stay healthy. Join us as we explore the hilarious yet relatable moments of navigating waxing, dieting, financial frugality, and the pains and fears that come with aging. So grab your headphones and prepare for another thought-provoking and entertaining episode of "Building a Better Dave."

So Meta/Facebook released a "new" app called Threads. I installed it to check it out, and well... It's Twitter. No. Seriously, it is Twitter (with a different name) Why? Because of a difference of opinion, once again, America separates. Pinapple Pizza Sompe people love pineapple on your pizza, while people like me are more traditional (pepperoni and maybe some onion). Instead of trying a different type of pizza, we get HIGHLY offended and scream HOW DARE YOU! or ask, "HOW CAN YOU EVEN THINK THAT??? and instead of having a dialogue, we separate and go to our respective corners. Instead of asking, "Hey can I try that?" or "Hmmm, that's an interesting concept," we scream for pistols at dawn. We want to wipe the different opinions of the planet, and here it is again, and it somewhat bums me out. Sidenote: Easy opening tents.

I've started using a Continous Glucose Monitor (or as the cool kids call it a CGM) from Signos. It's pretty amazing and the thing I love about it is if I put in my food into the app before I eat it, it will warn me, "Hey, you better exercise for 20 minutes when you finish eating THAT." So I do, and I watch my blood glucose stabilize. Grapes are out. Like, never again. Which is a bummer, as I love grapes. FRONT OF MIND The one thing this does is it helps you keep your health in front of you. I am constantly looking at it to see where I am. As I started to record this, I hit a spike, so I'll be going for a walk. IF ONLY Wouldn't it be great if there was some sort of warning for real life, "Hey, I'm going on a date with HER, and the app would go, "OK, but you're going to lose a house to her in a divorce in 11 years..."

Dallas turned 45 (See picture here) and Patrick Duffy, Linda Gray, Charlene Tilton, Audrey Landers, Steve Kanaly, Joan Van Ark, Sheree Wilson and Cathy Podewell met up for a reunion. Victoria Principal didn't attend. . Here are three key takeaways: Dave has never seen anyone who looks better after getting work done on their face He advises women (and Men) to focus on healthy habits such as eating right and exercising if they're thinking of updating their appearance. Dave questions the effectiveness of cosmetic surgery and suggests that it doesn't make people look better, Have you had experience with cosmetic surgery? Are you happy with it? www.betterdave.com/contact or call in your comments 888-563-3228

I looked up and I was subscribed to Peacock, Hulu, Netflix, Apple TV, Hbomax, the only one missing was paramount. I use YouTube TV to get "TV." As I was considering closing these, I was worried that I wouldn't be able to chime in on the conversation around the water cooler at work. Then I remembered it's not 1995. I haven't had anyone since Christmas talk about a TV show that I felt I was missing out (Yellowstone, and I wasn't but I binged it on Peacock). A friend of mine told me how he would subscribe to one at a time and watch all there is to watch, and when he starts to struggle to find something good to watch, he will unsubscribe and fire up a different service. Life is too short to watch mediocre entertainment (I grew up watching the Waltons... ugh...). Financial guy Dave Ramsey talks about attacking your debt with the same intensity of a Gazelle who is trying to outrun a cheeta (the fastest animal on the planet). So while the 40ish dollars this will save me a month won't make me rich, it will help me pay off debts quicker, so why not. Speaking of value, if this made you think, why not say thank you and buy me a coffee?

I spoke about my now PSTD reaction to finding pile after pile after pile of plastic bags that my sister (who NEVER throws them away) had stored throughout my house in a previous episode. After watching a report from ABC News called Trashed: The Secret Life of Plastic Recycling that there was an option that had never crossed my mind. Isn't that the way so many things are? We convince ourselves of an outcome, or our potential and we never challenge that thought. We never check to see if it is still true. When I was a teenager, I worked in a grocery store. If someone walked in with a big bag (or a winter coat when it was warm outside) someone was going to watch you through the store to make sure you didn't shoplift. Now it is encouraged so the store doesn't have to pay for the bag you are using. So what is the cure for plastic bags? Quit using them. Yep, that is an option and I spent $20 on Amazon and bought three usable grocery bags. My problem of always having a bag of bags that I always forget to bring with me when I go to the store (and then stuff more bags into the bag of bags) is solved. For me, who just HATED these bags, this is a big deal that was solved for $20. You can find cheaper versions as well. If your water is drinkable from the tap, then, call me crazy... use it. If it's not then looking into a Brita Water Filter will save you money in the long run. Americans buy 29 billion water bottles a year. When I go to trade shows, I can always pick up some kind of metal 20 oz water bottle that keeps things cool, or you can buy an insulated metal water bottle with a chug lid (who doesn't love a good chug lid). for $13. So why are we even using plastic bags (I know the idea was to save the trees, but in saving the trees we have a serious plastic issue now), the answer is simple. Who is involved in making these super thin plastic bags? The Big Oil, and Big Chemical industries. Well, that answers a lot. P.S. The book I was reading about the guy in the closet is Winning the War in Your Mind: Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life by Craig Groeschel. Enjoy the show? Buy Dave a Coffee.

I've got some momentum going. My house is cleaner, my vocabulary is growing, my finances are more organized, I'm focused on losing weight, and I'm possessed by the spirit of my Mom, who is helping me locate the best deals for food. When something doesn't go your way, it's not a failure. It's an experience that you can use to move forward in a smarter way. 00:11 Intro 00:37 Lots of Irons in the Fire 01:11 Triggered By My Uncle 02:15 Act 4 02:59 Dave The Slob 03:47 Health Benefits of Less Clutter 04:40 More Sleep = More Focus 05:14 monthlychallenge.fit 05:42 Duolingo 06:10 Dave Ramsey Every Dollar Financial Peace University 07:32 Grocery Detective 09:55 Pennies Make Dollars Enjoy the show? Buy Me a Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/davejackson

In this episode, I talk about making a brain tattoo, setting myself up to succeed (if I can just remember what it is I'm working on...) and parenting yourself. I just need to add one thing to my routine. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Todoist App Evernote App Google Calendar Todoist Tutorials ENJOY THE SHOW? Buy Dave a Coffee

While I never met him in person, a fellow Libsyn employee was killed by a drunk driver on 12/4/22. He was a wife and three young daughters. If you're new, I was married to an alcoholic, and hearing about drunk drivers is somewhat triggering. Throw on top a parent leaving the earth way too soon, and now you really are hitting me on all levels. But wait, there is more. It turns out there are people who are using AI (artificial intelligence) to scrape the internet for obituaries so they can "write" an article about the person and cram the website full of ads. One person even did it in a video (with the monetization turned on and the comments - naturally - turned off). In the same way, you can get the air knocked out of you; I have lost some of my faith in humanity. I can't even explain my thoughts. It's not often that Dave Jackson is speechless. If you'd like to help out his wife and kids, it will make you feel better Here is the GO FUND ME page.

I am worried about men. I think we are an endangered species. Here is why: SPORTS We listen to sportscasters who are making millions talk about athletes who are making millions for team owners who make billions. There are dedicated radio stations that talk about nothing else than how the team is doing, and what they need to do to win. None of that talk has any effect on the team. Zero FOOTBALL COMMERCIALS Then when you watch a football game, you always have: 1. The spokesmodel who didn't play football but is STUNNINGLY beautiful who will "pass it over" to people who actually played the game. She can also do that special piece during breast cancer awareness month. 2. There will be boner pill commercials, cause you know...priorities 3. Remedies for baldness. We will ship it to you in a private box - because nobody knows you're bald. 4. Trucks. Big trucks with deep voiceovers. These trucks have power unlike your small penis, which needs a blue pull to function. 5. Beer. If you can't afford a large truck you head to the mountains. This commercial lists no facts and only has a sweaty beer can that eventually you get to hear open. 5. Gambling. Kevin Hart (another millionaire) talks about the best way to gamble all of the money you worked hard to earn. They are giving away money to people who light their money on fire the fastest. Oh, and here is a phone number if this commercial triggered you. BUT WAIT THERE IS MORE 6. My Self Esteem is tied to my team. If we lose, my week is wrecked (Really?) 7. Tick Shots - I just started paying attention to TikTok, and I am AMAZED at how GUYS (no women are doing this) are spending what must be hours if not days filming themselves trying to put a cup into a cup, or a ping pong ball, or flying a card into a clothespin. Whatever it is, it took a LOT of time to film. Which makes me think, "How much free time do YOU HAVE?" So we are giving anyone who wants to say how stupid, pigheaded, and idiotic men are - lots of evidence. Enjoy this episode? Buy Dave a Coffee

So I'm back from an event where people got offended by the presence of someone being in a room. That's a new one for me. I've been disappointed to see someone but seeing them never brought me harm. How can you say you are for inclusion, and at the same time say you want to exclude someone? I don't understand. I'm also sad to see people water down very powerful words. I save the "F word" for the end of the argument (thanks to George Carlin). I also hear people using the word Fascist, and I'm not sure they understand the definition. We won't learn anything if we are yelling at each other, and I'm asking for help. It will be interesting to see if asking for help is seen as violence. Check out the commercial for the Fisher Price Podcast Set Podcast Set - Saturday Night Live

It's hard to watch a friend get canceled. My friend Daniel is a devout Christian. Currently, there is the worry that Roe Vs Wade will be overturned and abortion will be illegal. Daniel left a comment on a tweet that was pro-choice. ""Stopping the mass murder of blacks and women, along with all the other babies, will be wonderful for the USA. How anyone could be so barbaric to endorse the murder of nearly 1 million babies every year is unbelievable." (He later deleted this tweet) Daniel at the time was a Governor for the Podcast Academy. The TPA has a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion declaration on their site that reads, We celebrate and support the industry of audio storytelling and fight to uplift and center the diverse communities of people doing this work. We acknowledge the historical inequities that have existed in the space. We understand that to dismantle these inequities; it will take intentional efforts and commitments aimed at the communities that have long been subject to these inequities, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+ communities, people with disabilities, immigrants, and people across the spectrum of socio-economic class. We encourage our members to hold us accountable, but we also realize that it is not the responsibility of marginalized communities to do this work for us. For these reasons, we invest funds into external, BIPOC+ led resources to help us continue in this work. This policy is a living document that grows as we do, and we look forward to continuing to evolve through our ongoing education, outreach, and efforts for mutual understanding. After his comments went viral people started a petition to get him removed. They called him a racist, homophobic, and a misogynist. Another fact, the Podcast Academy is 69% female. Daniel was asked to resign, and when he declined he was fired. Abortion Mike Tyson said everyone has a plan until you get punched in the face. I think everyone has their views on abortion until they find out they are pregnant. I don't have a vagina, so I keep out of that conversation. Racist In the book, "Uncomfortable conversation with a black man" the author says to white people, I imagine some of you are thinking if black people can't decide which term to use, then how and why should white people be expected to know which term to use? Point taken? To the extent I can speak for anyone else, black is the most inclusive choice. There's no one label that will satisfy all. I sued Google and found many websites stating THIS is the term that white people should use. They were all different. Some wrong words are obvious (the N word) and others have white people asking, "Can I say this?" When I hear that people are saying he should stop breathing because he didn't put a capital on the "B" in blacks, it feels a bit extreme. I asked this question in a group, and the group could not give me an agreed-upon answer. SO know that white people are trying, but it's confusing. Learning You don't learn when you talk, you learn when you listen. It's hard when we get upset. When we don't feel heard our voices get loud. That is being human, but you have to realize that we were all raised in our own bubbles of culture and are probably missing pieces when it comes to understanding others. The internet can bring us all together to learn from each other if we are willing students with open minds. There will be times when we agree to disagree. I am driving to PA next week to see a friend of mine who is an atheist. I am not. We talk about everything and anything - except religion. He's not changing my mind, and I'm not changing his. If we have questions we know where to go. Dialogues At a podcast event, there were two left-leaning, two right-leaning, and one LGBQT+ person and we all listened and talk about our experiences. This was the first time I realized what I learned in school is not accurate. Daniel was nothing but respectful. This was such a cool conversation that I remember it, and so does David Hooper (one of the guys at the table). It was like, "Hey remember when people could have a dialogue?" A Better Use of Your Time? Instead of digging through years of old tweets, right not reach out and ask to have a conversation. Steven Covey in the book the 7 Habits of Effective people says we should "understand before being understood." John Mayer In 2001 I pre-judged John Mayer as "another pretty-boy singer-songwriter who is going to make the girls scream." I would overlook him year after year. 14 years later a friend told me I should give him a listen. I did, and it turns out he is an AMAZING guitar player. I had missed out on some great guitar playing, lyrics, and music. My point is if we can take a second to get to know each other we might benefit from understanding each other. It may not always be easy, but anything of value rarely is. Mentioned in this Episode No Safe Places Documentary John Mayer Belief (Lyrics video) The Social Dilemma Trailer Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man Lincon

Today I share a story that I have not thought about in a long time. It's weird to think of a time when there was ONE TV in the house, and you couldn't fast forward through the commercials. My brother and I created a sport that we played during the commercials. This came to me after attending a storytelling event from Matthew Disk who is the author of one of my favorite books Storyworthy. He has an exercise where you list three random things you can touch. You then have one minute to come up with a story about one of those items, and then you two minutes to tell a story about it. The word that inspired this episode was pillow.

When I read the lyrics of the song "Frosty the Snowman" I saw some disturbing things. Frosty was on the pipe. He was headed to the village with a broomstick in his hand. Frosty attempted death by cop. If Frosty was black in lived in Chicago, he would've been dead. Did Frosty have a death wish? Was frosty really just unselfish? Was Frosty just a moron. Was the "Magic" in his hat just packets of cocaine? Why is Frosty (a middle-aged white guy) really just a pedophile? Maybe frosty was depressed. He should have called the suicide hotline. 800-273-8255 Look at Frosty go? Did he make the children watch him pee?

Today I'm talking about my time at the Spark Christian Podcast Conference in Grapevine Texas this week. I got to hear Tara-Leigh Cobble speak twice and WOW what a story. She (in two years) has 75 million downloads of her Bible Recap podcast. Would I get up the nerve to ask her on my show? If you enjoyed this episode, feel free to buy me a coffee. Mentioned in this episode The Chosen (it's pretty cool!)

So on Tuesday, I had to crawl through the back window of my house after locking myself out of my house - wait for it - twice. On Friday I had one of my "Sweating buckets, getting dizzy, can't decide if I'm going to have explosive diarrhea, vomit or passout" sessions. This now has fairly nasty stomach pains. I injured my stomach on Tuesday with a nasty scrape. This is Friday. I wake up a few times during the night. It hurts to move in bed. Each time I wake up, the pain is moving higher up my body. We've gone from belly button, up higher and higher, and now my chest is tight, and I'm having issues taking a deep breath. The question and conversations that go through your head when you can't decide if you're having a heart attack or not were not what I had expected. One would think if you thought you were having a heart attack you would call 911. Not me. I know how much an ambulance is, and my Dad was thrifty, and apparently so am I. I am also the son of my Mom who never wanted to be a bother to anyone. She always put others first. The good news is I was not having a heart attack. So what was it? When I asked the mirror it lied. I now think it was a delayed reaction to just beating the crap out of my stomach - twice. That caused the tightness in my chest. The hospital show triggered the sweats (and later the intense pain in my stomach would cause sweats). In the end, I'm not sure. It does make you think when you have to take a breathe and realize that your number might is being called and your time is up. I am not ready or prepared for any of that, and death doesn't care. It's coming if you're ready or not. Kiss everyone you love to kiss and hug. Let those you appreciate know it. You never know when your time is up.

Today I explain some side effects of 2020. COVID 19 where 19 stands for how many pounds did you gain? It turns out 444 lbs is heavy. I may have more deliveries in the future. My gut is ruining my aim I have carried on a Jackson tradition Sometimes life has to hold a mirror up until you acknowledge it.

While many people may find themselves crying watching This is Us, I thought things had taken a weird turn when I found myself choking back tears when I was watching the Real World Reunion (on the Paramount Network). When I feel this way, I have a mental picture of one of those Submarine doors that has almost opened and water starts gushing out, and I get there just in time to spin that wheel and lock it up and go back to whatever I was doing... I decided to try Better Help, and it's not cheap, but if my arm started bleeding for no reason, I'd go get it checked out. Just writing down why I thought I should talk to someone made me feel better. If you need a journal check out Penzu.com and in this case, I just had to write why I was signing up for this service. Just going through that process made me feel better. I met with the counselor and after talking she suggested I read The Grief Recovery Handbook, 20th Anniversary Expanded Edition: the Action Program for Moving Beyond Death, Divorce, and Other Losses Including Health, Career, and Faith I made it through chapter one, but now I feel like a kid who doesn't want to do his homework. I know that doing the work provides much better grades, but still, I made it through the first chapter and stalled. I need to put on my big boy pants and keep going. So Why Did I Make This Episode? We live in a Facebook world where everyone's lives seem so happy and perfect. I'm OK, and I'm working on being better. I thought if I pulled back the curtain to let you see it's OK to reach out when you could use someone to talk to, and that you're not "weird." I just need to do my homework and reconnect on Better Help

This episode really makes me sound weird. What I'm getting at is how things make you feel. "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. - Maya Angelou My second marriage wasn't always bad. My wife and I had a running gag of dragging a stuffed bear with us to events. It was funny. He was behind the speaker at our marriage. My ex-wife named him Roy. I use to give Roy a voice and make him say terribly dark things that make it hilarious coming out of a cuddly bear. When we divorced, she kept Roy, and I kept another bear that I had purchased to give to her (but later decided not to - mature I know...) I decided to buy my own Roy. It turns out that was harder to do than originally planned. How do you make people feel? If a stuffed toy can bring happiness, can you imagine how you can make a person feel? One last thing, I know this makes me sound like COVID has cracked my sanity. I'm fine. I know this is weird.

I found myself in my new old house. This was different. I had no speakers, no Internet, and my phone was there, but that wasn't going to work. I was alone - with just my thoughts. I wasn't sure what would happen, but sometimes when I'm left alone with just the voice in my head things can go negative. The house (without the noise to distract me) sent my brain into the archives of thoughts that I had not remembered in decades. The brain is amazing, and I enjoyed a trip down memory lane. Enjoy the show? If you feel so moved, Buy Me a Coffee

Today I share some insights into love and living with people who had disorders. I currently get annoyed with how cashiers bag things at the store. I end up with twice as many bags as needed. It just seems everywhere I turn, I'm opening a drawer, a pocket, a box, and its all bags. Love is knowing someone's characteristics that drive you nuts, and accepting them. It's part of what makes them who they are. You can try to change them, but you and I both know that the chances of that succeeding are slim and none. So you hang in there, and focus on the good things, and accept those things you can't change.

I lost a lot of sleep worrying about talking to my sister. My sister (who I love dearly) has always had my back and has a very unique set of skills. While never officially diagnosed, I think it is safe to say she has some form of Aspergers. This can make things "fun." My brother and I (and, well everyone else) knew it made more sense for me to take over the house I grew up in (where my sister occasionally lives), but just cause it makes sense doesn't mean my sister would go for it. She's not a fan of change at all. Logical things don't always resonate with her (she won't eat Devil's Food Cake...). So how do I get her on board to let me take over the house so she can go live permanently in a better house with a better neighborhood? Today I talk about how some things you think are hard, may not be as hard as you think. I took on the challenge of my sister, and I put off doing my taxes as long as I could. If you are putting something off cause it looks "Hard" it may not be as hard as you think. I do always find it weird how I can take positives and turn them into a negative.

It's always weird how any stories in my childhood involving animals of some sort have a weird outcome, In this case, it was lightning bugs. I took a second tonight and really let myself go back to the front yard. To the time of being a kid and shouting when you achieved your goal. When the only thing you needed to worry about was if you had any empty peanut butter jars (of course you did cause you would store food in them). It was a time when you did not have to worry about anything. You were safe. It was all about fun, friends, and fireflies.

Why is it that the people that seem to make the best points ae comedians? The other night I watched 8:46 by Dave Chappelle. It's an amazing presentation. I also loved his last special on Netflix called Sticks and Stones. Then at 4 in the morning, it came to me: DAVE CHAPPELLE IS MY HERO. He makes me do all the things I said a good podcast should do. He makes me laugh, cry, think, or groan. If it doesn't do any of those it should be educating or entertaining me and DAVE DOES ALL OF THOSE. Check him out Dave Chappelle 8:46 Dave Chappelle Sticks and Stones Sample Like the show? Buy me a coffee

I am an ill-informed middle-aged white dude. A black man was lynched in 2020 in broad daylight as George Floyd was pinned to the ground by police and later would die. I often hope someone will come along and teach me so I'm not so ill-informed on how to act, what to say, etc when it comes to people of color. It's time for white people to take a step and do our homework. The better we understand, the better we communicate. The better we understand, the better we live. Mentioned in this episode. Conan O'Brien interviews Van Jones White People Training YOUR HOMEWORK The 13th Documentary (free on YouTube)

I've never been able to get passed the "woo woo" part of Yoga. However, when I see fit people one of the words that comes up in regards to how they stay fit, it's Yoga. Lost In My Yoga Class Any time I tried yoga the instructor would go through different posts like: Funky Firefly Young Puma Sad Palm Tree Be the Embryo Hords of Locust Legs behind your head Silly Kitty Grump Turtle Baby Rhino and I would be still trying to figure out the Sad Palm Tree as they are finishing up. I also love how your are supposed to keep your head facing down. How do I see what you're doing with my eyes facing the floor? DDP Yoga I got sucked in by some videos of people with serious hurdles who have lost hundreds of pounds doing Yoga (and I'm assuming eating less junk). I decided to give it a shot and was surprised how (without using any weights) I was working up a sweat. Here are some links (not affiliate links) www.ddpyoga.com Guy loses tons of weight video Guy couldn't walk can now run Support the Show Buy Dave a coffee at www.buymeacoffee.com/davejackson

I watched a movie called Bowling for Columbine, and one part really caught my attention and that is how many things on the news are based on fear. Killer bees Swine Flu Bird Flu and many other things. Everything seems fear-based. BLACK OR WHITE There is a song by the Monkees called "Shades of Gray" and while it was talking about equal rights for people of color, but it made me notice that now you are either a scary cat who is afraid to go outside or a nutjob who won't "Let you tell me what to do" and is doing pushups on a sidewalk to prove it. There is no "gray area" and as I think about it I would think the rules for New York city might be different than the rules needed for Farm Town Iowa with almost no people, that maybe the rules could be different. However, on TV dialogue is no encouraged. You're either one side or the other... It makes me worried. Dialogue and having open minds are what can lead to the best decisions.

I just have a really weird thought today. I don't know why this popped into my brain. I'm making my breakfast. And this thought pops into my brain and that was: How did Adam and Eve figure out how to have sex that first time? Did Eve look down and go, that's weird. You have a thing? And I don't? Or was it a case where she was bending over to pick up something and Adam tripped him? Did God come down with a PowerPoint presentation and show this slot A into tab B Was it an Instinct? I had a dog named Dudley. And when we brought him home, the first thing we did was buy a bunch of squeak toys. And the first thing he did was hump them all. Like, wow, that dog needs a release of some sort. Apparently. I don't know what's going on with that dog, but he really likes that monkey. So, it was a very weird thought. And maybe it's because it's May 2020. I'm in the middle of a pandemic.

April is the month that all my relatives died in. Mom, Dad, Aunts, it just seems like every day my phone reminds me how many years ago somebody died. Throw on top of it being locked in due to a pandemic it makes from some interesting dreams. I never had a Dad dream. I had a GREAT mom dream, but no Dad dream and then... Nothing good happens at four in the morning. Not even hanging out with LeBron James. Nothing better than waking up at 4 am PISSED OFF. The pandemic is real. A friend of mine lost his best friend for life and was 40 or 50 and nowhere near a nursing home or age 80. It's real. My latest trip to Walmart leads me to believe people are dropping their guard. Stay Safe Mentioned in this episode I can only imagine movie Support This Show Buy Dave a coffee