Old Friends

As we crank up the volume with a throwback to Big Pig’s iconic track, Breakaway,  it’s remarkable how a single song can transport us through time—this episode is an audio time capsule just waiting to be unwrapped for probably one person alone. Music isn’t just background noise; it’s the soundtrack to our lives, a thread connecting us to the moments that define us. Come along for the ride as we share stories of cross-country journeys, a nod to the adventurous spirit we all harbor, and the undeniable mix of excitement and challenge that tagging along can bring.

It’s not every day that a Jerry Seinfeld routine gets overshadowed, but when protests erupt at a Duke University commencement, it deserves a closer look. We wade into the tangled web of political expression and the delicate lines that, when crossed, kick up dust around anti-Semitism and free speech. Anne displays her animosity toward pickleball just on general principles, Later, we find solace and celebration at a memorial service for my beloved friend David Wallace, where emotions run deep, and the passage of time is palpable through the ever-evolving art of parenting, the eternal nature of friendships, and the way music brings us all together.

Down in New Orleans, before Katrina left her mark, I discovered the true meaning of ‘joie de vivre’—a blend of family ties, local flavor, and the kind of mix-ups that turn into treasured anecdotes. In homage to my six-decade-long friendship with David, we let the soulful groove of Earth, Wind & Fire carry us through a city that, much like the beauty of enduring relationships, stands resilient against the tests of time. Finally, a reminder of the small victories in life—like the perfect fit of Spanx trousers Artemis—and the immeasurable worth of reconnecting with old pals. Wherever your journey takes you, the stories shared here are sure to strike a something.

Also, most of this description was written by AI, taking my job.