Fred's Front Porch Podcast

Why do we kill each other?  Maybe an easier question to answer would be why don't you and I kill other people?  What can we learn that can help us stop the violence? These are the links to the articles from which I got the facts I quoted: Los Angeles Times Article on Mass Shootings: https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2019-08-04/el-paso-dayton-gilroy-mass-shooters-data Statistics on Tr...

How would you explain mothers to aliens? Support me on Patreon, please: https://www.patreon.com/Freds_Front_Porch?fan_landing=true

I've done some nice, but fluffy, sorts of episodes the past few weeks.  I was busy expressing my Joy.  I continue to be filled with that Joy, but it's time to have something a bit more substantive. Regardless of your political views, you should have the right to vote.  I'm going to make the case for that in tonight's episode.   Here are the links: The Brennan Center Article: ht...

This is sort of the heart of this podcast, I think.  I asked some Facebook friends to describe the show, and this is the description that I believe best fits it. I want to show you why Art is all but a survival need.  Listen and see what you find. I wind up this episode quoting Sara Niemietz.  The song I quoted is called "The Dimming."  You can find it here. https://youtu.be/RF...

I'm discussing what it means to have enough.  Think about that. Please support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Freds_Front_Porch?fan_landing=true

This isn't about any important social or political issue.  This is the story of how, finally, I am about to make my dream come true. This is my way of thanking all of you for getting me here. Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Freds_Front_Porch?fan_landing=true

This has been a highly politically charged week.  You can find more commentary than you can digest anywhere you look.   I needed a break from it.  I dove headlong back into the literature in which I find the comfort, wisdom, and catharsis many of you get from your religions.   Let me read to you for a little while.  You will find more value in that than in a thousand polit...

We have made normal the idea that there will be people who have no homes. I think, deep down, we all know this is wrong. And we placate our consciences with all of the programs we have to help people like Mike. None of them accomplish what we need to accomplish. This is the link for the statistics I quoted: https://nces.ed.gov/datapoints/2019179.asp Another good site for these facts is here: https...

"Perhaps we could stop insulting people who flip hamburgers, mop floors, or do other "menial" jobs. These are people who are contributing to the functioning of society. They make it possible for us to enjoy our lives, and they deserve to live decently. I need them in my life. I'm grateful to them." https://billmoyers.com/2014/08/04/work-and-worth/ Support me on Patreon for commercial free episodes...

Last week, I posted this on my Facebook: “If we can agree to accept a common reality, we can move forward to finding solutions to the problems posed by it.  Let's concentrate on that.” That simple statement touched off a furious debate. I have taken the time to read all of the comments there, and I have written and recorded this to help explain my idea more completely. If we can’t all agree o...

This is a rare conversation episode in which I describe how Fred's Front Porch got to Sierra Vista.  It's about Love and Kindness... who would have thought?

I'm going to make 3 points. 1.  A Person's Value is more than their superficial attributes. Treat people kindly. 2.  We are in a seriously difficult time. Treat people kindly. 3.  We can save ourselves only through civil discussion of our shared problems. Treat people kindly. You can learn all about The Polar Mouse Glee Club and Eye of Odin on Patreon.  You'll find them in our...

You've probably heard the quotations about great, mediocre, and small minds often attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt.  I've found no evidence she ever said it, but I love the quotation. I'm going to be exploring that idea in this podcast, and then I'm going to tell a story of gratitude that I think you will enjoy.  I hope you'll stay for that part.   The link to which I make reference...

I find life to be more pleasant when I concern myself with the reasons I have to feel Gratitude.  Certainly there are many things about which to be angry, hurt, unhappy, or just generally depressed.  But when I focus on those I don't feel as good. I'm going to be recommending we all focus on our reasons for Gratitude, and that we spend our Time trying to make the world a better place for...

This is a summary of what you’ve heard me say most of the year. No, this isn’t about Covid. It’s not about the President. It’s about the need to put Humanity First. It’s about Love. It’s about eliminating the idea of Us and Them. It’s about ending poverty. In short, this is Classic Fred. This also contains an actual music break. I haven’t done that in nearly a year. It really adds to the feeling I...

I'm beginning to learn a little more about myself.  I'm understanding, a little more deeply, why I love Star Trek so much.  Spock, Data, and Reginald Barclay are excellent reflections of who I am... and perhaps, we're all reflections of you.   And it could be all of us are a bit neurodivergent, which is a word I'm just beginning to learn.  It means we process emotions diff...

I mentioned our greatest theater production, but I didn't tell you its name.  It's called "A Bigger Table," and it's available free on Patreon.  The link is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/44560123 Both Jenner and I are in desperate circumstances.  Support Jenner here: https://www.studiostargazer.org/support Support me here: https://www.patreon.com/Freds_Front_Porch?fan_landing=...

Obviously, I would prefer that no one be required to work, but I also live in reality.  We have to. If, however, we're going to do the work, let's make sure everyone earns enough to live. Notes: https://www.worldhunger.org/world-hunger-and-poverty-facts-and-statistics/ https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/Business-Survival.pdf https://ny.curbed.com/2018/7/30/17630428/nyc-rent-prices-two-bedroom...

This will probably be my most controversial episode.  I'm likely to piss off both Liberals and Conservatives.  I apologize in advance for that.  I don't intend to upset anyone. I don't know how to hate 70 Million People.  I don't believe I want to do that. This is my plea for peace.  It's not Kumbaya.  It's not Pollyanna.  It's my honest assessment of the situati...

This is our tribute to all those who have served.  Thank you for your service.  We thank your families for enduring your absence. If you enjoy the Stargazer Virtual Community Theater, I could use your support on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/Freds_Front_Porch?fan_landing=true

This will give you 30 minutes off from Election Night stress.  Please share it with your friends. I'm told Apple Podcasts has a reviews section.  I would love if you left me a nice review there.

Welcome to Week 3 of Shocktober! This is the first of what I hope will be many Stargazer Virtual Community Theater productions.   In this episode, we're taking you to a small isolated village in 1666.  We have assembled a great cast of amateurs who do the work for the love of the Art, and the results are what you will see (yes... you should be able to see the show in your imagination) an...

This is the classic campfire story, told in this most frightening manner I can imagine.  Seriously, don't drive a car when you're listening.  Stay with me after the story for a nice epilogue about the most fun I ever had telling it. Special thanks to Jenner Zeno for his post production brilliance.  He's most of what makes this work so incredibly well. Extra special thanks to Spooky...

This is a rendering of Edgar Allan Poe's classic horror story such as you've never heard before.   Do not listen to this while driving a vehicle.   No commercials, openings or closings this week.  We even left out the Gratitudes to keep the mood.  Prepare to be frightened. Special thanks to Jenner Zeno for his amazing post production work.  https://www.patreon.com/MindWave...

The world is falling apart, and many of us feel helpless.  We can change it, though.  We begin with kindness. I'm naught but an old stump... come and be for a spell. "Love's Not Lost" is by Katrina Stone.  Look for her music here: https://www.katrinastonemusic.com/?fbclid=IwAR2_eu34DtwOQjZ8HZSpx7BwHfuOoZyuW4mQFcESguJcjJvXEvfBfA23rxo Support me on Patreon... please? https://www.patre...