Failing Up

In the Fall of 1982 I moved to New York City to attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.   Being alone in the city, living and the Westside YMCA it seem isolating.  Until I was hired by Rosie O'Grady's on 7th Ave and 52nd street.  I discovered Ireland in the Big Apple and was taken in like family!  timothymahar.org

This is the first recording in my five day celebration of Saint Patrick's Day , Irish history,  culture, and the impact it has had on my life and our society as a whole.  In this segment I talk about my own family's journey from a town named Templemore in County Tipperary Ireland to Tipperary Hill in Syracuse NY.  Where the green light is on top!   timothymahar.org

I this episode inspired by the Ukraine  invasion  I ramble on about the tragic horror of war. How is an unacceptable fabric sewn into the DNA of human kind for centuries.  Why can't we give peace a chance?   I really do not make sense, but neither does war! timothymahar.org

Valentine's Day, the holiday of love!  Baloney !!!!!  It is the true commercial holiday.  The only way you win is if you buy stuff.  And! the pressure to get the right stuff to be able to know what the appropriate gift level is.  If you mess up, it could scar you for life!  The pressure holiday!!!    timothymahar.org

Super Bowl Sunday is the true American holiday. And like most holidays the true meaning of the day , (football) is lost on all the actives, commercials, halftime show, dip.   It truly is a reflection of us.  And!  like most holidays the most people don't even know why they are celebrating because for the other 364 days of the year they hate football.  timothymahar.org

Normal is not new!  Normal is established by those pulling the strings in order to manipulate and have control.  As we reflect through history "the old normal" was not that great. Why would we want to strive to achieve it for the sake of false comfort and security for some groups.  There is not such thing as "the good old days."  timothymahar.org

A reflection on 2021 and what New Year's means to me a continued cycle of goodbye's and hellos, endings and beginnings, promises made and broken all in one night!  A micro version of life!    timothymahar.org

In this episode I reflect on how our culture has become addicted to fame.  Fame the fools errand now pursued for the sake of being famous as opposed to the excellence in a chosen endeavor.   And like any addiction once experienced the user can't give it up.  Reality television, social media, people becoming famous for stupid acts.  There was a time when fame was a bi-product of excellence and...

In this episode I reflect on how comedy not only makes us laugh, but creates an awareness. Oscar Wilde said, "If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they will kill you."  Comedy and these  two different forms makes us laugh and becomes more funny as our circumstances become more serious.   From Lenny Bruce to Carlin, and Prior to the Second City and the "No...

Wishing all a Merry Christmas with the reading of Twas the Night Before Christmas. timothymahar.org

The pandemic has prepared us to deal with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season like nothing else could. We became accustomed to rushing  into stores  playing parking lot demolition derby to get our items, (toilet paper) before it was gone.  Grapping the canned food, just like we search for presents and holiday dinner.  It has been holiday survival boot camp.  timothymahar.org

In this episode I reflect on how the two iconic Christmas songs written and performed by some of the greatest rock and roll artists of all time, are timeless in their message and capture the true meaning of the Christmas season.  timothymahar.org

In this episode I reflect how I find myself living in real time Dr. Seuss's Opposite Day. I find myself rooting for Liz Cheney as she stands up to what was once the Republican party.  She is more conservative than  most and me this liberal is cheering her on. I also, take pause to reflect on eggnog.  timothymahar.org

12-8-1980 John Lennon the soul of the Beatles is killed.  A man of music, and man of peace, and man of questions.  On that cold December evening on the upper west side a part of many of us also died.  A reflection on his life and how he was one of my four food groups.  timothymahar.org

In this episode I reflect on Thanksgiving.  The simplest of our holidays, unspoiled by commercialism, and yet has such warmth,  meaning, and memories for all in their own individual way.     timothymahar.org

In this episode I reflect that humankind has managed to screw up institutions, organizations, wildlife and the planet itself. Now we must go to space the final frontier to continue our quest to mess up all we touch.   timothymahar.org

In this episode I reflect on our first post quarantined Halloween, and how we have changed as a result.   In one instances the custom of toilet papering trees and fences and mailboxes is a thing of the past!  As a result of the pandemic toilet paper became like gold and who in their right mind would waste it on trees?  Also, the Great Orange Jack O' Ass  Lantern  is out of the White House, bu...

In this episode I reflect on how organizations and individuals strive to think "outside the box".  If we we never were put in a box we would not have to attempt to think outside of it.  This goes back to childhood when we are rewarded for coloring between the lines and using the correct colors.  Don't look at the lines and choose our own colors.  The lines are what exists, how  we a...

In our society titles matter, they create status.  In this episode I discuss the importance of looking beyond titles and learning from the individual.  A title should never diminish  us from asking questions and questioning.  Challenge! A title does not make one superior to the other.  Look beyond the labels absorb information.  Share your perspectives and value, regardless of title or perceived s...

Former Beatle Paul McCartney fueled the old debate about the Beatles and The Rolling Stones, when he referred to the latter as a "Blues cover band."  There is no rivalry, just a shared history of great music during a period when pop culture exploded and took the lead.  The door was open by the Beatles and other great bands came charging through.  All great!   timothymahar.org

This episode is a reflection on when the new was presented to us by trusted journalist, and we the people came to our conclusions based on the information, not some screaming panel or personality.  timothymahar.org

Why through the ages has it proved impossible to give peace a chance?  A question lived and sung by John Lennon. Happy Birthday.  timothymahar.org

If Keith Richards and Mick Jagger still rock like they did for the past 60 years, then all will be just fine.  "We all need someone we can count on, so baby you can count on me."  timothymahar.org

There is something special about a Sunday, where time slows down, and the paper and coffee is a friend always to be found.  Inspired by Kris Kristofferson.  timothymahar.org

In this episode I explore the impact that social media is having on our sense of reality and mutual self value.  Everything is wonderful and everyone is beautiful and happy.  What is real and what is staged?  What is the impact on individuals when crafted perception is reality. No one farts and no one has dimensions in many cases.  A great gift and way to connect and at the same time a great way t...