uneven

Ending of the classic movie, "Brian's Song." And as expected, the tears begin to fall. Emotions — both positive and negative — are the essence of life — and a true blessing. Allowing ourselves to feel is a skill, but one worth learning. CHAPTERS 0:00:00  hello from mesa, arizona 0:00:33  emotional release 0:01:13  old movies 0:01:50  brian's song 0:02:40  a guy's movie 0:03:42  movie synopsis (spo...

While planning our road trip home from Mesa, a bit of travel anxiety returned. I've often used distraction and avoidance during times like this, but I know they're not true long-term solutions. Are there better choices? CHAPTERS 0:00:00  good morning 0:01:09  talkin' about anxiety 0:01:51  distraction & avoidance 0:03:24  obsessing about the weather 0:04:48  health worries 0:05:26  sometimes d...

In the 2014 film, "Hector and the Search for Happiness," the main character identifies 15 rules for happiness. I thought discussing these today would make a fun podcast — and I have to admit, I had a great time recording it. I hope you like it too. CHAPTERS 0:00:00  happy leap day 0:00:49  quick recap from mesa 0:01:54  health and activity at the rv park 0:01:45  hector and the search for happines...

Spent a week at a 55+ RV park in Mesa, Arizona. Intrigued by the activity, positivity, and overall community here. We all need a place where people know our name. CHAPTERS 0:00:00  hello from mesa, arizona 0:01:47  the cheers effect 0:04:17  the rv community 0:05:56  senior living community 0:07:39  socializing at home 0:09:09  my parents'  situation 0:10:24  finding a place to belong 0:11:35  mak...

Does the wind stress you out? Are you more irritable and anxious on windy nights? Yeah… me too. Tonight, the chinook winds have arrived in Colorado — and it might be a long night. CHAPTERS 0:00:00  it is 12:30 am 0:01:50  arizona road trip 0:03:32  travel, anxiety, & weather 0:04:01  limon tornado 0:06:49  wind & anxiety 0:07:53  warm, dry winds of spring 0:08:40  two factors for the anxie...

Overwhelm is such a common complaint. And, that goes double for those of us who deal with aggravating anxiety. Can simplifying expectations help us ease those expectations? CHAPTERS 0:00:00  hello, from my car 0:00:40  superbowl sunday 0:02:12  finding a quiet moment 0:03:18  finding some time for myself 0:03:56  overwhelm overload 0:05:45  i get to decide 0:06:38  watch for overwhelm 0:07:14  sim...

The chaotic life that many of us lead builds tension and stress. Take a step back, take a deep breath, and notice the beauty around you as you reset your mindset for the day. CHAPTERS 0:00:00  a bit of chaos at home 0:01:17  building stress and tension 0:02:30  the silence & simplicity of the snow 0:04:24  the beauty that surrounds you 0:05:20  finding that quiet place 0:06:25  a man of 4 seas...

Pushing ourselves outside our comfort zone is a useful exercise. I tested my anxieties in many ways on the road trip, including my fear of heights. Unfortunately, we can also push ourselves too far, too fast. CHAPTERS 0:00:00  good morning from the patio 0:00:20  too comfortable 0:02:30  fear of heights 0:03:32  height challenges on the trip 0:04:22  challenging my fear 0:05:15  sometimes anxiety...

Expectations can be an enemy to enjoyment. Too often we expect one thing, receive another, and cannot adjust to the new reality. How do we enjoy the now, without being caught up in the what should have been? CHAPTERS 0:00:00  it's a beautiful day 0:00:30  take a look back at the road trip 0:01:02  hiking in southern tennessee 0:01:33  the stone door trail 0:02:58  back of the door 0:03:38  searchi...

I've been caught in a quandary lately. Upon reviewing some of the more darker episodes from my road trip, I've been tempted to delete them. It was me at the time, but in hindsight I'm embarrassed by some of the content. What should I do? CHAPTERS 0:00:00  reviewing road trip recordings 0:00:43  delete darker road trip recordings? 0:01:17  that was me at that time 0:03:45  episodes 6,8,9 & 11 0...

I have a morning ritual — a trip to the grocery store to get my morning chai. While I do enjoy my chai, that is not the reason for the ritual. In a world where isolation is common, we find alternatives for social connections. For me, it's my local grocery store. CHAPTERS 0:00:00  welcome to uneven 0:01:22  technology & isolation 0:03:54  social benefits of the workplace 0:07:08  my morning rit...

Millions of people have been diagnosed with psychiatric conditions, and many of them take medication. While this benefits some, there's also a dark side. Are we being over-diagnosed? Are we being over-medicated? And, is there a better alternative? CHAPTERS 0:00:00  welcome to "uneven"??? 0:00:27  not everything is a diagnosable issue 0:01:15  i'm guilty of this too, benzos 0:02:41  no medical back...

When I am sad, I talk to you. I turn on my digital recorder and share what I am thinking. This calms me. This relaxes me. This lifts my spirits. What activity does the same to you? CHAPTERS 0:00:00  i love doing this podcast 0:00:45  those dark, early mornings 0:01:19  when i'm sad, i talk to you 0:02:28  that flow state 0:03:22  find that thing for you RECORDING INFO — RECORDED: Sunday, January 2...

Do you ever feel like you are chasing happiness? Chasing success? Fame? A better relationship? All the while, pushing the simple pleasures aside? Ignoring the joys that surround us? Well, me too. Perhaps there is a better way. CHAPTERS 0:00:00  woke early with dogs, happy 0:01:30  curiosity & the meaning of life 0:02:36  what is life about? 0:03:59  canine interruption 0:04:38  chasing life, m...

Politics can generate significant anxiety, perhaps more now than in recent memory. I've leaned left. I've leaned right. But, I've always found my way back to the middle. A bit of balance, a modicum of moderation, and a lot of listening would eventually bring me home. CHAPTERS 0:00:00  balance & moderation 0:02:35  liberal & conservative 0:04:24  independent middle ground 0:04:53  internet...

Phones are ubiquitous with modern life. But are they cure, or curse? Most of us know that too much time online is detrimental to mental health. But, how much is too much? And how can we set boundaries to reduced the negative effects? CHAPTERS 0:00:00  waking early 0:01:10  a bit more on boundaries 0:01:34  limiting phone use 0:03:17  intimacy & social media 0:05:21  having boundaries 0:06:29  ...

Do we spend too much time on social media? Do we share too much of ourselves online? I host a podcast and deal with this everyday. How do we find balance and set boundaries in the new virtual world? CHAPTERS 0:00:00  morning with a good book 0:00:53  reducing depression 0:01:38  oversharing ourselves online 0:03:18  social media boundaries 0:05:12  podcast boundaries 0:07:49  respecting others' bo...

Back home in Colorado, and so glad to be here. Take a look back with me at the 4,500 mile journey. The lessons learned, the gratitudes gained, the limitations overcome and the connections made, the grief released and the friends embraced, and perhaps, just perhaps, the start of something grand. I hope you'll join me. CHAPTERS 0:00:00  4,500 miles and I'm back home 0:01:51  benefits of time apart 0...

Some of you suffer from extreme states of anxiety. Paralyzing fear. And you can't even imagine taking a road trip to florida, let alone leaving your neighborhood, or even your house. For those of you like that, there is hope. And it all starts with one, small step. CHAPTERS 0:00:00  staring out the motel window 0:00:31  extreme states of anxiety 0:03:14  medications may not be the answer 0:03:45  ...

Do we have a purpose in life — job wise? Is there that one perfect career choice? If so, how do we find it? What if we could know in advance? I’m still unsure of what I'm supposed to do in life. What about you? CHAPTERS 0:00:00  unique podcast launch 0:01:56  what am i supposed to do? 0:04:22  missed opportunities 0:05:04  that one, perfect job 0:05:52  jobs no one wants 0:06:47  anxiety of not kn...

How many people in your life do you consider toxic? How many do you believe consider you toxic? Is this term being overused? Let's take a look at toxicity, and explore how we can use balance, moderation, and hindsight to help maintain our relationships. CHAPTERS 0:00:45  balance & overthinking 0:03:09  balance & toxicity 0:04:01  we are all toxic to someone 0:05:45  i'm a man, but not inhe...

Sometimes in life, we desperately need an emotional release. And yet, we often don't realize it, let alone know what may trigger it. I took a walk this morning, overheard some dialogue, and had a nice lunch on the Santa Fe Plaza. But before all that, I had a good cry. CHAPTERS 0:00:00  walk around santa fe plaza 0:00:44  dialogue on the plaza 0:02:59  guess who's coming to dinner 0:03:52  value of...

Still sleepless in Santa Fe, but doing better. This second episode of the night covers BIND, blame, compassionate responsibility, and my plans for more positive and productive content. CHAPTERS 0:00:00  on a lighter note 0:00:41  minor problems 0:01:53  real emotions 0:02:10  a little uneven 0:03:45  revved up, no brakes 0:06:21  BIND (benzodiazepine withdrawal) 0:06:54  anxiety is harder for some...

Stress causes indecision, which causes anxiety, which causes insomnia, which causes stress. See the cycle? For those of us with heightened reactions, life can get complicated. Join me in Santa Fe, New Mexico, for a restless night of ruminations. CHAPTERS 0:00:00  hello from santa fe 0:00:26  travel, weather, & indecision 0:02:57  noisy motel / insomnia 0:03:33  anxiety & indecision 0:08:08...

It’s 1:19 in the morning, and I’m wide awake in a motel room in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Insomnia is no stranger to most of us, including yours truly. I share a few anxieties, a few gratitudes, and few thoughts about these endless nights. CHAPTERS 0:00:00  it's 1:19am 0:00:36  insomnia 0:01:36  three gratitudes 0:02:35  dinner with friends 0:03:49  accepting sleeplessness 0:05:31  anxiety, stress,...