Days 376-382

1461 Days of Ignoring The Trump Administration • Days 376-382Hi, it's Josh.Mindfulness. Optimism. Hope.“1461 Days of Ignoring The Trump Administration” is the series in which I endeavor to remind myself — and you, if you feel like it — to remain mindful, optimistic, and hopeful during these challenging 1461 days.We are living in trying times that are trying to take our time away from living. The goal with this show — beyond entertainment — is to reclaim that time, regain my mind, and focus on what is important.I am not a self-help guru, I'm just trying to help myself.™+++Follow the 1461 Days of Ignoring with Josh Bloom podcast!Pick your preferred podcast app here: https://pod.link/1866233663+++This week on the show...On Day 376, I talk about the bizarre attacks on the Pope by the Leader and the Vice Leader of the Trump Administration following the Pope’s criticism of the war in Iran. I point out the irony of the Vice Leader attacking the Pope while simultaneously promoting a book about converting to Catholicism. I also describe how this nonstop chaos is becoming a white-noise singularity where the outrage all blends together into one overwhelming tone. Personally, I like a woke Pope. On Day 377, I talk about a longtime friend of mine who works as a prison librarian in one of the most notorious prisons in America. I reflect on his belief that while the prison system itself may not rehabilitate people, individual human beings like him still can. I also explore ideas about punishment, humanity, and the value of trying to bring positivity into even the darkest environments. I am proud of my friend, the prison librarian!I remind you that you are listening to a shameless self-promoter on Day 378, and I am not just talking about the Leader of the Trump Administration, I am talking about me! I use this comparison to introduce my new 6,500-word essay about Paul McCartney, available on Substack for you to read or on your preferred podcast app for me to read to you. This is a great way to go about ignoring the Trump Administration. Don’t you know that? Links are in the show notes!On Day 379, Penn, Al, and Mitt walk into a non-alcoholic bar. On this day, I talk about Penn Jillette discussing his positive interactions with former Senators Al Franken and Mitt Romney despite their political differences. I reflect on the idea that beneath ideological disagreements most people still share common values and a desire for human connection, and while we all have a chance to change at every corner in life, some people choose not to. I think you know who I mean. On Day 380, I remind us all that just a few days ago a psychotic nutjob disturbed the Leader of the Trump Administration’s dinner and how somehow this situation reminded me of how Paul Reubens aka Pee Wee Herman played a waiter in the fancy restaurant Chez Paul in the film The Blues Brothers. Frankly, almost everything reminds me of this scene, but this did, too. I don’t think this crime was staged, but I do think Donald took advantage of it anyway. On Day 381, I remind us all again that the human being who received the third-most votes for President in US history is Kamala Harris. I bring this up again as the Supreme Court decides that apparently Black people do not need to benefit from the Voting Rights Act anymore. Thanks, bigots! On a positive note, I suggest that the country may now be entering a new phase of accountability and change, and as a Gay Jew, I certainly hope that’s true. On Day 382, I end the week by pointing out that over the ten years or so of the Trump Administration, I have only actually seen three of those stupid hats and about six of those gross-ass bumper stickers. In other words, we're okay. My real-life experiences in a diverse community continue to show that people mostly get along with one another. No one around me is as scary and obsessed as Richard Dreyfus playing with mashed potatoes in Close Encounters.+++Thanks for listening!Follow the 1461 Days of Ignoring with Josh Bloom podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your preferred podcast app!Watch a compilation of the daily videos that this week’s episode of the show is based on over at YouTube.Follow The Josh Bloom Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your preferred podcast app!+++Support!If you enjoy my work and want to support me, please consider a Substack subscription, or you can Buy Me A Coffee!My book about psych-pop icons and Elephant 6 co-founding band The Apples in Stereo is available now! Choose your preferred bookseller at applesbook.com.+++Let’s connect!Visit me everywhere for everything at iamjoshbloom.com or superjews.com.+++More about Josh: I write in the first-person because it’s the only way I know how to take you with me. Topics don’t matter. What matters is understanding what I think and feel when I’m finished.I published my first newsletter before the age of ten, written using my next-door neighbor’s typewriter, copied with carbon paper, and distributed to mailboxes on my bicycle.One of my first stories was the obituary of John Belushi. Strange for a ten year old? Yes!I'm serious about not taking life too seriously.™❤️ 🏳️‍🌈 ✡️ 🧘‍♂️ 🥯 🍔 🍩