Bob the Blade

If you like sharp storytelling, opinionated humor, and real talk about aging, Arizona, philosophy, homelessness, and marketing tricks, tap play. Subscribe, share this with a friend who loves a good rant, and leave a review with the one label you always double-checkSupport the showI always appreciate your support, I am very clear in my understanding of how unclear I really am of myselfand the kaleidoscope in my head makes me laugh.

I have to lay off hikers, I think. Every single day here in AZ, there's another morbid story about something that happens to a hiker. Today is one I have not heard before. The story of Japanese love for baseball just might astound you. I lived there for three years. And a top ten rock story out of the hundreds I could tell.Support the showI always appreciate your support, I am very clear in my understanding of how unclear I really am of myselfand the kaleidoscope in my head makes me laugh.

The 70s weren’t only peace and free love. Vietnam sits at the center of a divide that people still carry, especially families with service backgrounds. I share what I can about my dad’s Air Force years, panic attacks, and the quiet that often surrounds military experiences. A standout moment comes from Queensryche’s Geoff Tate and his explanation of “Sliver,” a sharp summary of how the service can break you down and rebuild you until only a sliver of the original self remains. We close with the small, strangely reliable escapes that still bring relief: sunsets, swimming pools, and yes, a box of donuts.Support the showI always appreciate your support, I am very clear in my understanding of how unclear I really am of myselfand the kaleidoscope in my head makes me laugh.

YOU try raising three young children at 66 without a nanny. This is about late-blooming anxiety, a tiny pill that softens sharp edges, and the daily negotiation between laughter, fear, and love when small hands find sharp drawers and open furnace rooms.Support the showI always appreciate your support, I am very clear in my understanding of how unclear I really am of myselfand the kaleidoscope in my head makes me laugh.

We trade game-day habits for music that still stings, moving from 70s “soft rock” to the art of tribute songs and a blunt take on Neil Young’s platform politics. Along the way, we face quitting smoking, stubborn weight, and an awkward line that teaches better restraint.• why live sports lost their appeal and value• what makes 70s pop writing durable and precise• Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s lyric craft• why Candle In The Wind and Vincent endure• how platform boycotts reshape how we hear music• the mess of citizenship, morality clauses and hypocrisy• quitting smoking and the shock of midlife weight gain• heat, steps, and realistic fitness trade-offs• a daycare misstep, social fallout and owning mistakesAll Blade content is at bobtheblade.comSupport the showI always appreciate your support, I am very clear in my understanding of how unclear I really am of myselfand the kaleidoscope in my head makes me laugh.

A single song can settle a decade-long debate, and Ann Wilson’s Stairway to Heaven at the 2012 Kennedy Center did exactly that. We revisit the performance that made Robert Plant cry and explain why it wasn’t just a tribute—it was a coronation. From Nancy Wilson’s arrangement to Jason Bonham’s heartbeat on the kit, we trace how a classic can be reborn in front of its creators and what that says about power, presence, and the kind of voice that earns a crown.Support the showI always appreciate your support, I am very clear in my understanding of how unclear I really am of myselfand the kaleidoscope in my head makes me laugh.

Janice Joplin just wasn't around enough. The Queen, she's, you know, she's got gray hair, she's probably 75 years old, I saw her on some interview and she's hilarious. She came out of the 60s, 70s, 80s, all of that completely unscarred, unscathed. Who is the queen of rock and roll?Support the showI always appreciate your support, I am very clear in my understanding of how unclear I really am of myselfand the kaleidoscope in my head makes me laugh.

A single word—no—can feel like freedom. When a waiter asks if Pepsi is okay and you finally say it isn’t, the moment lands with more weight than a drink order should. That tiny rebellion opens a door to bigger truths about preference, boundaries, and why we’re so quick to trade what we want for what’s convenient.If you’ve ever argued over Coke vs Pepsi, muted a commercial mid-chorus, or curated your watchlist like a vault, you’ll feel seen here. Hit play, share with a friend who has strong opinions, and leave a review telling us the one preference you’ll never compromise.Support the showI always appreciate your support, I am very clear in my understanding of how unclear I really am of myselfand the kaleidoscope in my head makes me laugh.

I'm trying to get the ball across the plate, and the third baseman comes, he walks by me, he says, "where's your ass, man? You got no ass. You've lost your ass." And I said, "haven't you? I'm trying to get the ball over the plate, and you're telling me I have no ass." When the older we get, the more we lose our ass. You know, it's different with women. You know, our whole metabolism slows down and all their fat in their body goes into their butt, you know, and all of our fat body goes into our stomach. And then I lifted my shirt up to them and said, "there's my ass. Now back to third base, third baseman."Support the showI always appreciate your support, I am very clear in my understanding of how unclear I really am of myselfand the kaleidoscope in my head makes me laugh.

The money I made over the years, I made $8,000 a year working full-time at WHSL in Wilmington in 1980 to 1983. $8,000 a year. I couldn't eat. Eviction notices on my door constantly. But I had the time of my life, man. I am telling you. The time of my life. I got a job at WRDU after that. 1984, I think.$17,000 a year.Support the showI always appreciate your support, I am very clear in my understanding of how unclear I really am of myselfand the kaleidoscope in my head makes me laugh.

I'm gonna tell you, I did it right. I did. I sit here today, many, many years later, after being in radio, I was there 32 years, 32 years, something like that. I really believe I played every single song that I love so much in my life, somehow or another. Support the showI always appreciate your support, I am very clear in my understanding of how unclear I really am of myselfand the kaleidoscope in my head makes me laugh.

Incomparable because each and every time I look at this one, she's perfect. The word is mesmerizing, which I will use until they come up with another one, besides "stunning". The most mesmerizing girl on TV and after 50 years she replaced (IT WAS CLOSE!) the former Mos Beautiful, a position she held until I turned into my sixties. I had a radio career, keep whatever you are drinking while on the air at least six feet from the console. The guy that spilled his tee and honey drink on there opened a world of history when the console roof was lifted to fix it.Support the showI always appreciate your support, I am very clear in my understanding of how unclear I really am of myselfand the kaleidoscope in my head makes me laugh.

The whole Phoenix Metro is taken over for a while, and they don't last long, these haboobs, and that's the good thing about them. They'll go maybe an hour, and you know, right after the dust, it's just like a miracle from above. It rains and cleans us up for a while. And it's a beautiful thing if you think about it. What I hate about it, is it puts three and a half inches worth of dirt in my Caribbean style swimming pool.Support the showI always appreciate your support, I am very clear in my understanding of how unclear I really am of myselfand the kaleidoscope in my head makes me laugh.

The generational disconnect between young service workers and older customers creates uncomfortable yet enlightening social dynamics. Working behind a counter as a young person, particularly for women, often means dealing with older men who don't understand boundaries. The coffee shop encounter described reveals this painful reality - older men cornering young workers who must remain professional despite discomfort. Support the showI always appreciate your support, I am very clear in my understanding of how unclear I really am of myselfand the kaleidoscope in my head makes me laugh.

Whether you're navigating the complexities of modern dating, contemplating cohabitation, or simply seeking perspective on life's unexpected detours, this episode delivers wisdom wrapped in Blade's signature blend of humor and authenticity. Subscribe to the Blade Video Podcast available everywhere, and visit bobtheblade.com for more content that will make you laugh while making you thinkSupport the showI always appreciate your support, I am very clear in my understanding of how unclear I really am of myselfand the kaleidoscope in my head makes me laugh.

Perhaps most entertaining is Bob's vehement rejection of hiking culture. When friends invite him to hit the trails in 105-degree Arizona heat, his response is an emphatic "hell no." Dismissing stated benefits like cardio and fresh air, Bob humorously suggests people only hike to find Sasquatch before cataloging the genuine dangers that await on mountain paths. His practical alternative? "Just drive up to some beautiful point... take a couple of shots, get out, look around... get back in the car and drive down the hill." Visit BobTheBlade.com for more unfiltered commentary on modern life's absurdities and subscribe to hear what unconventional topic Bob tackles nextSupport the showI always appreciate your support, I am very clear in my understanding of how unclear I really am of myselfand the kaleidoscope in my head makes me laugh.

Blade shares a raw, unfiltered account of his six-month battle with severe anxiety, including a four-day stay in a psychiatric facility and his struggle with medication side effects. We explore the contradiction of having to quit almost everything in life while refusing to give up daily Mountain Dew.• Our relationship with moderation and why some people struggle with the "just one" mentality• The unexpected onset of panic attacks that feel like heart attacks and the emergency room experience• Cycling through multiple antidepressants that made symptoms progressively worse• Being committed to a psychiatric facility and the fear of never getting out• Experiencing horrific, vivid dreams as medication side effects• Finding your way back to normal by weaning off medications• The surprising joy of feeling irritated after months of emotional numbnessFor all Blade content, visit bobtheblade.comSupport the showI always appreciate your support, I am very clear in my understanding of how unclear I really am of myselfand the kaleidoscope in my head makes me laugh.

Between musical memories, Bob shares his recent journey with anxiety and the process of finding his way back to normal after struggling with unhelpful medications. His humorous take on medical appointment cards that accidentally read "F/U" (follow-up) offers a perfect example of finding laughter in everyday absurdities—especially when sharing the joke with receptionists who could use a smile in their stressful workday.Support the showI always appreciate your support, I am very clear in my understanding of how unclear I really am of myselfand the kaleidoscope in my head makes me laugh.

Bob the Blade-Living in the desert brings unexpected challenges and beauty, from stunning golden torch cactus blooms to the territorial behavior of morning doves that use my porch as their command center.• Morning doves create major problems for solar panel owners by nesting underneath and covering them with conductive droppings• Personal "security system" consists of three birds in my wicker chandelier that target solicitors with remarkable accuracy• Amazon delivery drivers have developed special techniques to avoid bird attacks when delivering packages• Experienced public embarrassment at Cracker Barrel when a veteran pointed out bird droppings in my hair• Brief mention of upcoming episode that will detail a six-month drug binge storyCheck out all Blade content at BobTheBlade.comSupport the showI always appreciate your support, I am very clear in my understanding of how unclear I really am of myselfand the kaleidoscope in my head makes me laugh.

The scorching Sonoran Desert serves as the perfect backdrop for Bob the Blade's unfiltered observations on everyday life. Broadcasting from his tin shack in 102-degree heat, Bob delivers sharp commentary that cuts through pretense and finds humor in the mundane.Bob takes us on a journey through his desert town, where anachronisms like one-hour photo services still exist despite photos now taking mere seconds to process. His frustration boils over when describing people who maintain ridiculous 20-foot distances in lines—forcing others to wait outside in the blistering heat. "That's a restraining order," he quips, capturing the absurdity with characteristic bluntness.Support the showI always appreciate your support, I am very clear in my understanding of how unclear I really am of myselfand the kaleidoscope in my head makes me laugh.

Ever wondered why old Mountain Dew ads have a hint of moonshine mystique? Or how a hip replacement can turn shoe lifts into a comedic fashion statement? Join us for a light-hearted escapade into the quirks of aging, from the contemplation of bathroom safety installations to the peculiarities of small-town dynamics, where junkyard rivalries and bargain car sales reign supreme. We even toss around the cheeky idea of renaming the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area a "Scalene Triangle" or "Trapezoid" just for the fun of it. Amidst these chuckles, we acknowledge the cultural quirks of our neck of the woods, including the luxury cars and the 'Yankees' who dare to join the Southern mix.Fast food prices got you down? You're not alone! We vent about the woes of 2024, from needing glasses at every turn—yes, even at Taco Bell—to the pesky labyrinth that is two-step authentication. And yet, solace is found in the pages of National Geographic, with the whimsical life of okapis contrasting starkly with the daily grind of lions on the hunt. So, let's share a laugh and express a bit of gratitude that we're not enduring the wild game of survival that our feline friends face. Tune in and chuckle with us as we unravel these tales with wit and warmth.Support the showI always appreciate your support, I am very clear in my understanding of how unclear I really am of myselfand the kaleidoscope in my head makes me laugh.

Ever find yourself in the midst of a fast-food fiesta, only to be interrupted by a random political tirade? That's exactly what happened during my nostalgic encounter with the Mexican pizza at Taco Bell. This episode kicks off with that unexpected adventure, before seguing into the intriguing world of "snowbirds"—those seasonal visitors whose habits and car choices are as predictable as they are amusing. Dive into my light-hearted observations on how these transitory inhabitants hilariously upend our local routines, turning grocery shopping into a strategic midnight escapade.Next, we tackle the universal quest for eyewear simplicity at VisionWorks. Experience the comedy of errors as I attempt to decipher the mysteries of farsightedness versus nearsightedness, all while wading through an ocean of eyewear options that seem to multiply before my very eyes. With humor and a touch of exasperation, I invite you along on this spectacle of an episode, sharing the relatable challenges of eye exams and the elusive search for the perfect pair of glasses. Whether you're a Taco Bell aficionado or a fellow glasses seeker, there's something here to tickle your funny bone.Support the showI always appreciate your support, I am very clear in my understanding of how unclear I really am of myselfand the kaleidoscope in my head makes me laugh.

The dreadful reality of the awkward world of prostate exams and beard growth struggles. If you've ever found yourself pondering the itchiness of a fledgling beard or the sheer awkwardness of a clinical full frontal during a prostate exam, you're in for the update. We bring a comedic twist to these universally cringe-worthy experiences, contemplating the need for a digital alternative and the peculiar discomforts faced by both patients and young professionals in the exam room. We wrap up with a nod to Neil Diamond's lyrics and an ongoing fascination with facial hair—all served with a generous dollop of humor and personal stories. Join us for an episode that promises more than a few chuckles and perhaps a new appreciation for the quirks of life in Arizona. Support the showI always appreciate your support, I am very clear in my understanding of how unclear I really am of myselfand the kaleidoscope in my head makes me laugh.

Ever wondered what it's like to be fired from your dream job and still find the silver lining? Join me as I take you on a rollercoaster ride through my rock radio career, where my love for REM kept me going during the exhilarating days at WQDR in Raleigh, North Carolina. From the joy of discovering new music with colleagues like Katie Schroeder and Tripp to the surreal and somewhat amusing moments leading up to my unexpected exit from the morning show, you'll get an insider's look at both the highs and lows of life behind the mic.Switching gears, I share my gritty experience working at the Chandler Center for the Performing Arts, where I tackled everything from scrubbing restrooms to scaling 50-foot windows. Despite the grueling nature of the job, it came with its own surprising sense of fulfillment—albeit short-lived. When a paycheck that didn’t even cover a quarter of my rent made me question my path, I found myself at yet another crossroads. Tune in for a heartfelt recount of labor, self-discovery, and the relentless pursuit of passion amidst life's unpredictable turns.Support the showI always appreciate your support, I am very clear in my understanding of how unclear I really am of myselfand the kaleidoscope in my head makes me laugh.

Ever wondered how music can rise from tragedy? Join us as we revisit the iconic formation of the Archangels after the untimely death of Stevie Ray Vaughan. Reflect back to their legendary 1992 performance at the Four Winds in Wilmington, and feel the pulse of Austin, Texas' vibrant music scene. We'll also dive into the complexities of modern security measures — are passwords and authentication processes driving you nuts too? Plus, I reveal my unexpected love for ESPN’s X Games and skateboarding coverage, and share a candid critique of the WNBA. Throw in a little humor about my recent hernia surgery, and you'll understand why painkillers and stool softeners are now comedic highlights in my life. Switching gears, get ready for a hilarious and baffling breakdown of cricket that will make you scratch your head in wonder. Today’s Poetry Corner features none other than the legendary Phil Collins, reading his evocative piece "I Don't Care Anymore." This segment is a powerful ode to defiance and emotional detachment, offering a poignant pause in our otherwise lively episode. Wrap it all up with my light-hearted rant on the ridiculousness of ‘bro hugs’ and ‘fist bumps’ in sports culture, and advocate for the return of the good old handshake. Tune in for a ride through music nostalgia, modern frustrations, sports culture critiques, personal tales, and poetic reflection guaranteed to entertain and resonate.Support the showI always appreciate your support, I am very clear in my understanding of how unclear I really am of myselfand the kaleidoscope in my head makes me laugh.

Ever wondered what it’s like to trade the hustle and bustle of city life for the serene yet challenging environment of the desert? Our guest, a 65-year-old desert dweller, gives us a candid look at aging with grace while living remotely. They share the ups and downs of losing vitality, the annoyance with the term "valley" for the Phoenix area, and the rugged beauty of their surroundings. You’ll also hear about their quirky morning routine that involves battling headaches and navigating the often confusing advice from WebMD, all while relying on caffeine to kickstart their day.But it’s not all serious — we shift gears to explore the joy and creativity that comedy brings. From the thrill of making people laugh to the curious satisfaction of delivering a perfect punchline, we dive into what makes humor so universally appealing. We even take a whimsical detour with a news story about Chinese climbers stuck on a cliff, imagining the absurdity of mountain traffic reports. Join us for a heartfelt and hilarious conversation that finds the funny in the everyday and the extraordinary.Support the showI always appreciate your support, I am very clear in my understanding of how unclear I really am of myselfand the kaleidoscope in my head makes me laugh.

Ever wondered why Clint Eastwood rarely cracks a smile on screen? Join us as we nostalgically wander through the world of classic Clint Eastwood westerns, grappling with the appeal and perplexities of these iconic films. From questioning the sometimes baffling plots to debating whether these movies resonate more with men than women, we leave no stone unturned. We even take a detour into the blazing Arizona summers and the absolute necessity of having a pool, capped off with a personal tale of an earwax adventure that ended in unexpected clarity. Switching tunes, we tackle the heated debate of using earplugs at rock concerts. Does protecting your hearing come at the cost of a genuine musical experience? Reflecting on a Smashing Pumpkins concert, we weigh the pros and cons of ear protection amidst societal norms and personal anecdotes. Can you truly enjoy a concert while safeguarding your ears, or does it send mixed messages about your commitment to the music? Tune in to hear our spirited discussions and perhaps rethink your next concert-going experience!Support the showI always appreciate your support, I am very clear in my understanding of how unclear I really am of myselfand the kaleidoscope in my head makes me laugh.

Inside the head of Podcast Host Bob "the Blade" Robinson. It's not pretty, but it's pretty different. We're all addicted to more things than we think. Addictions are what make life fun. And at their very least, tolerable. But SOME addictions...Support the showI always appreciate your support, I am very clear in my understanding of how unclear I really am of myselfand the kaleidoscope in my head makes me laugh.

Heather, my cool hairstylist from 2008, introduced me to The Black Keys, sparking a nostalgic journey through music and personal memories. This episode brings to life the magic of passionate recommendations, such as discovering The Mountain Goats, and reflects on my interview style with musicians—favoring laid-back chats over probing inquiries. We also dive into my love for National Geographic magazine, equating its arrival to the joy of getting a box of donuts, and ponder the curious motivations behind extreme pursuits like rock climbing and mountaineering.Switching gears, we navigate the amusing frustrations of daily life, inspired by Jerry Seinfeld's hilarious "Irritable Bastard Syndrome." We'll share a laugh over the universally exasperating task of putting on a t-shirt and how aging leads to practical solutions like wearing V-necks. From the shared agony of family vacations to the whimsical randomness of a child's journey in New Orleans, this episode is a delightful mix of humor, music, and thoughtful musings on life's quirks. Tune in for a blend of chuckles and reflections that’ll resonate with your everyday experiences.Support the showI always appreciate your support, I am very clear in my understanding of how unclear I really am of myselfand the kaleidoscope in my head makes me laugh.