Episode 298- Unfiltered Consciousness: Laughing Through Life’s Absurdities. With author Terence Duncan as well as Greg Jbara

Season Seven of The Common Bridge features host Richard Helppie in an episode that concludes with foaming mayonnaise dispensers in this lighter, story-driven talk with Tony Award–winning actor Gregory Jbara and longtime friend, designer-turned-humorist Terence Duncan, celebrating Duncan’s new book, Unfiltered Consciousness. This special episode leans heavily into Greg and Terry’s reminisces about coming-of-age in blue collar Southeast Michigan. Rich attempts to guide a conversation but mostly promotes the notion that people everywhere should purchase this book. Hear this duo talk school plays, football mishaps, Great Lakes roadtrips and shared crushes. Duncan describes his book as a collection of brief, satirical “musings” on everyday absurdities—relationships, divorce, coffee habits, T‑shirts, car ads, and aging—each rooted in truth then exaggerated for comic effect. Jbara praises the honesty, humanity, and universal relatability of the pieces, noting how Duncan turns personal pain into cathartic comedy. Helppie underscores that this is a laugh-out-loud, highly giftable read for anyone wanting a break from divisive politics. Terence and Gregory will also appear at Silvio’s Trattoria, 225 S. Canton Center, Canton, Michigan, on December 8th from 6:30–8:00 p.m for a book signing event! Great Christmas gift! Support the show Engage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!