We have taken a small summer break following our last episode and for good reason. The days have been hot and sadly, Rob's father passed away during the month of July. Today, he has decided to open up and discuss his feelings and address the grief.  As we delve into our collected 'summer mourning' we find time to talk of ghosts, relationships and our general malaise. It may not be the most cheeriest of topics but sometimes we must dance with the shadows to regain the light. So, dear listener, with the searing sun, the humid hours, with me and my German Sekt and Rob his Spanish red wine, we lift a glass to the darker domains of our lives, indulging in our libations while seeking a gentle plateau of peace. 

In this episode, I discuss the dichotomies of bravery/cowardice and truth/lies. I draw on parallels between today and in my childhood when I had to stand up to a bully in a moment of fear and trembling.  As for the modern world, we are seeing a true pandemic of accepted lies, where truth is scoffed at and blanketed over by false flags and other distractions. It is hard to live in truth, but many of us strive towards it. I dedicate this episode to those who have been cut off, abandoned by friends and family, fired, ridiculed and laughed at. Stay strong, someday our voices will be heard. 

This is my 21st episode to help cast off 2021. I feel it is fitting to look back on the years behind me, my healing and overcoming of ulcerative colitis and regard my journey through the lens of community, my closeness and distance to it. In this episode I discuss the sense of camaraderie I encountered in the company of classmates, co-workers and colleagues in the various places I studied and the jobs I worked.  While I have healed through connecting with my higher self and heart, the fuller sense of community has always remained elusive. This episode is bittersweet as I remember the good souls that helped guide and change my perspectives on life changing matters. I am grateful and sometimes wistful. Otherwise...otherwise... I wish everyone a happy and wondrous New Year. We all deserve it. Thank you for listening.