The State of Our Nation: Political Observations and Reflections
The salient point of this podcast episode is the profound loss experienced by Grey Hair Dave due to the recent passing of his nephew, a great man who was well-loved and will be deeply missed. As he recounts this sorrowful event, Dave reflects on the intricate bonds of family and the challenges of coping with such a significant loss, particularly as he has never had children of his own. Moreover, he candidly shares his ongoing recovery from surgery, which has left him in a cast, hindering his ability to attend the funeral and support his family during this difficult time. The discourse also touches upon the current political climate and the actions of the new President, as well as the complexities of societal reactions to these developments. Ultimately, this episode serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of familial connections, even amidst personal adversity.
The discussion commences with Grey Hair Dave's reflections on personal challenges stemming from a recent foot surgery, which has imposed certain limitations on his mobility and daily activities. He articulates the difficulties associated with adapting to a life in a cast, while also contemplating the emotional toll of such physical constraints. Amidst these personal tribulations, Dave reveals a profound sense of loss following the untimely passing of his nephew, a cherished family member. This tragic event prompts him to delve into themes of familial bonds and the emotional weight carried by those left behind. He expresses empathy for his brother, who is grappling with an unimaginable sorrow, underscoring the complexities of grief and the significance of family connections during such trying times.
Transitioning from his personal narrative, Grey Hair Dave shifts the dialogue to broader societal issues, reflecting on the political climate in the United States following the inauguration of the new president. He expresses his observations regarding the immediate actions taken by the administration, which have elicited varied reactions from both Democrats and Republicans. In this context, Dave contemplates the notion of governmental responsibility and the implications of foreign aid, advocating for a balanced approach that addresses the needs of nations while scrutinizing expenditures deemed frivolous or unnecessary. This segment of the podcast encourages listeners to engage critically with the political discourse, promoting a more informed citizenry.
Finally, he concludes the episode with a light-hearted yet earnest reminder about the importance of human connection, encouraging listeners to engage positively with strangers. He posits that a simple smile can brighten someone's day, fostering a sense of community and kindness in a world often overshadowed by negativity. Through this multifaceted exploration of personal, familial, and societal themes, Grey Hair Dave invites his audience to reflect on their own experiences and the interconnectedness of life, loss, and the pursuit of happiness in everyday interactions.
Takeaways:
- The podcast features Grey Hair Dave sharing personal and societal reflections, particularly on the experiences of baby boomers.
- A recent personal loss has profoundly affected Grey Hair Dave, highlighting the emotional complexities of familial relationships.
- Grey Hair Dave discusses the challenges of recovery post-surgery, elucidating the physical and emotional hurdles encountered during rehabilitation.
- The episode touches upon the evolving nature of the podcast, emphasizing its shift from personal storytelling to broader societal commentary.
- Grey Hair Dave expresses a desire to engage listeners, encouraging feedback and interaction through his website.
- The podcast concludes with a call for kindness, advocating for simple gestures like smiling at strangers to enhance communal harmony.
Links referenced in this episode:
Companies mentioned in this episode:
- Disney
- ABC
- Boomer Podcasters
Transcript
Welcome to Five Minutes with Grey Hair Dave, the podcast where Grey Hair Dave talks about what is happening in a baby boomer's life and in his life, present and past.
Speaker A:So sit back and relax.
Speaker A:Here is Grey Hair Dave.
Speaker B:Okay, thank you.
Speaker B:Thank you.
Speaker B:Thank you for that introduction.
Speaker B:What did you think, folks?
Speaker B:Well, here it is.
Speaker B:I'm gray here, Dave.
Speaker B:I'm back again, cast and all on my foot because, you know, the surgery the other week, a couple weeks ago, I have a cast on my foot now so that I don't step on it.
Speaker B:There is some pain there, not very much.
Speaker B:My doctor is, as I said, the best that there is.
Speaker B:So what are we going to talk about this week?
Speaker B:As much as I hate to say this and it saddens me to do so, I.
Speaker B:I lost a nephew last week.
Speaker B:He was a great man.
Speaker B:I've known him forever, it seems like most of his life, my oldest brother's oldest son.
Speaker B:And he was well loved and will be missed.
Speaker B:He had had a hip replacement a while ago and was in rehab and walking and we thought on the road to recovery, and unfortunately something happened and it didn't work.
Speaker B:He didn't.
Speaker B:He didn't make it, folks.
Speaker B:And I.
Speaker B:I was a sad week last week because of that.
Speaker B:I feel for my brother, and I feel deeply for his brother, too, because they were close.
Speaker B:And to see brothers close is a great thing.
Speaker B:Brothers, sisters, all that.
Speaker B:And I.
Speaker B:Me not ever having my own kids.
Speaker B:My own children, it's another story.
Speaker B:But I can't imagine what it's like to lose a child to death.
Speaker B:I just can't imagine.
Speaker B:I don't know what.
Speaker B:I don't know how he's surviving this.
Speaker B:I don't know how he's dealing with this, folks.
Speaker B:I really, really don't.
Speaker B:Boggles my mind.
Speaker B:It can't.
Speaker B:It's just.
Speaker B:I don't know.
Speaker B:I unfortunately was not able to go back to Michigan for this funeral because of my foot being in a cast.
Speaker B:And my doctor's still worried about the possibilities of blood clots.
Speaker B:So better to be safe than sorry I missed it.
Speaker B:And I'm so sorry.
Speaker B:Let's go on to other things, though.
Speaker B:I don't want to make this a.
Speaker B:I want to make the month of February and January.
Speaker B:Nothing about downers here.
Speaker B:You know, my surgery and then his death, I.
Speaker B: Hasn't been a good start to: Speaker B:Let's say that now the surgery was a good thing.
Speaker B:Hopefully my cast comes off next week and I get to start some therapy on it.
Speaker B:I'm probably gonna have to learn how to walk again on it.
Speaker B:I don't know.
Speaker B:I haven't used it and.
Speaker B:Gosh, almost three weeks, four weeks, something like that.
Speaker B:Three and a half right now, so.
Speaker B:Or three weeks, so.
Speaker B:Gonna be a little bit of learning curve there and.
Speaker B:And I'm excited to start that journey, so.
Speaker B:I mean, bathing alone is such a hassle when you've got a cast, you know, really is.
Speaker B:But what are you gonna do?
Speaker B:You gotta do what you gotta do, right?
Speaker B:So what's new with you folks?
Speaker B:Anything?
Speaker B:I'll sit here and wait.
Speaker B:No, no, no, no, no.
Speaker B:What else is going on in the world?
Speaker B:Well, the President has come into office.
Speaker B:He came into office January 20th and did not hesitate to start things.
Speaker B:He said he was going to do things and, man, he's out there doing things.
Speaker B:And Democrats are not happy.
Speaker B:Some of the Republicans aren't happy.
Speaker B:Oh, well, the people have spoken in the United States.
Speaker B:The people have spoken and this is what they want right now.
Speaker B:The things that they are finding that we have been wasting United States money, United States taxpayers money on is astounding.
Speaker B:Astounding.
Speaker B:I'm all for foreign aid.
Speaker B:I really am.
Speaker B:Some countries just cannot get by without help.
Speaker B:And I'm okay with that.
Speaker B:That.
Speaker B:I mean, there was a time in my life when I needed help financially and luckily I had family who was.
Speaker B:Was there to help me.
Speaker B:And you know, other countries are the same way.
Speaker B:They sometimes they just need a little more.
Speaker B:And I'm glad the US Is there is here to take care of that for them.
Speaker B:I really am.
Speaker B:You know, we don't want them to fall into the wrong hands or be brought into a communist type of a.
Speaker B:Of a leadership role or a dictatorship role or anything like that.
Speaker B:We want them to have freedom and, you know, ability to vote and all those kinds of fun things.
Speaker B:But we have been spending money on some stupid things.
Speaker B:And that's all I want to say about that.
Speaker B:Now.
Speaker B:Other things that he's done are very, very fun to watch.
Speaker B:It is absolutely exciting for me because I have time in my schedule now to watch some television.
Speaker B:And I've been watching this TV show on ABC during the daytime once in a while when I can handle it.
Speaker B:And these women on this show are just going nuts.
Speaker B:First of all, they went nuts when he was running, they went nuts when he won.
Speaker B:And now they're really out of their minds.
Speaker B:It's fun to watch.
Speaker B:It's great entertainment and it's free.
Speaker B:And you know, the thing that they don't get?
Speaker B:They don't understand this.
Speaker B:And I get it.
Speaker B:I mean, it's, it's part of life.
Speaker B:But he's living rent free in their brain because all they're thinking about is how bad he is and what he's done and this and that and how we're going to fix this and that.
Speaker B:Rent free, folks.
Speaker B:He doesn't need to pay rent.
Speaker B:He's there all the time just looking at them, going, boy, you guys, just let me do my job, okay?
Speaker B:Now, I work for the corporation that owns abc.
Speaker B:We all know that.
Speaker B:I work for Disney.
Speaker B:So do they.
Speaker B:And if I acted the way they're acting in my job, I'd be gone.
Speaker B:I'd be out the door.
Speaker B:Now, I understand it's television and it's a talk show, and everybody's entitled to their opinion.
Speaker B:Everybody is, and they're entitled to, to voice that opinion.
Speaker B:But let's not go nuts.
Speaker B:Come on.
Speaker B:I mean, it's, it's gotten to the point where it's getting cruel.
Speaker B:And I don't think that that's cool.
Speaker B:I don't know what you think, but I don't think that's cool at all.
Speaker B:So leave me alone.
Speaker B:Let me know what you think about that.
Speaker B:Let me know what you think about how he's doing.
Speaker B:I haven't been very good at putting a podcast up on Boomer podcasters lately, and that's my fault.
Speaker B:I thought I had to go to a video first or the next step was, man, when it comes to those kinds of things, there's all kinds of things out there.
Speaker B:There's all kinds of videos, there's all this and that, yada, yada, yada.
Speaker B:I don't have time for that right now.
Speaker B:I have time, but, you know, it's.
Speaker B:Do I need to yet?
Speaker B:Is the question.
Speaker B:And I'm going to talk about that today on that podcast.
Speaker B:I'm going to record it today, too.
Speaker B:We're getting back into the business of being a podcaster.
Speaker B:We all have times where we slow down or we rethink or life happens, right?
Speaker B:Life happens to us, and we don't want to, you know, it just happens.
Speaker B:I don't know.
Speaker B:I, I.
Speaker B:And I'm back.
Speaker B:So don't be surprised if this, this podcast changes a little.
Speaker B:It's been changing over time.
Speaker B:You gotta Remember, this is 143, my 143rd episode of Five Minutes with Gray Hairdive.
Speaker B:Now, it's changed from daily to weekly, and it's changed from me talking about me growing up to what's going on in the world.
Speaker B:What's going on around me.
Speaker B:What's going on around maybe you and I hope and you like that.
Speaker B:If you do, let me know.
Speaker B:Send me a message at my website.
Speaker B:Five minutes with gray hair Dave dot com.
Speaker B:That's the number.
Speaker B:Five minutes with gray hair, Dave dot com.
Speaker B:Leave me a message on that little microphone in the bottom right hand corner.
Speaker B:All you gotta do is put in your email address.
Speaker B:I don't give your email addresses away.
Speaker B:Never have, never will.
Speaker B:I won't sell them.
Speaker B:Also, folks, if you know somebody that doesn't know what a podcast is, doesn't know how to find one, doesn't know what they are, let alone the genres that we have in it, do me a favor, show them, get their phone out for them, get their iPad out for them, their computer, whatever, show them how to find it.
Speaker B:Show them how to follow, how to pick one.
Speaker B:Have them tell their friends about it.
Speaker B:Folks, don't forget, if you're interested in starting a podcast, I'm here for you.
Speaker B:Boomer Podcasters is all about starting.
Speaker B:I went a little bit deeper into detail than I probably should have in the first six or seven of them, but we're going to start moving now.
Speaker B:Now comes to topics, the topics of conversation you need to go into and how to remotely do all these.
Speaker B:It's just fun now.
Speaker B:Okay?
Speaker B:Also, don't forget, smile at somebody you don't know today, folks.
Speaker B:Don't make it creepy.
Speaker B:Just smile at somebody you don't know.
Speaker B:You're going to make their day.
Speaker B:That person in the grocery store, that person walking down the street, the person in the parking lot you're walking through to go to the grocery store, smile.
Speaker B:You'll make their day and they will in turn make yours.
Speaker B:So on behalf of me, Gray Hair Dave, here at Gray Hair Productions, you have a great day and I will talk to you next week.
Speaker B:Bye.
