Meandering Musings

In this episode of Meandering Musings, Neil Peterson shares a sweet summer story from Martha’s Vineyard, where a summer tradition of ferry rides and ice cream leads to an unexpected discovery. A lifelong devotee of mint chocolate chip, Neil is persuaded to try a New England favorite called Green Monster, sparking a reflection on tradition, curiosity, and the value of occasionally making room for a second scoop in life. Find Meandering Musings online at meanderingmusings.netLearn more about The Edge Foundation here edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Meandering Musings, Neil Peterson reflects on the beauty and significance of Budapest’s iconic Hungarian Parliament building. What begins as admiration for a remarkable landmark evolves into a meditation on history, identity, and the unexpected human connections that travel can create—reminding us that sometimes the places we visit leave their deepest mark through the moments we never planned. Find Meandering Musings online at meanderingmusings.netLearn more about The Edge Foundation here edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Meandering Musings, Neil Peterson reflects on his first experience in Budapest’s famous thermal baths and discovers something deeper than relaxation. What begins as a travel adventure becomes an exploration of community, wellness, and the value of shared public spaces—raising the question: what if more of our cities were designed to help people connect?Find Meandering Musings online at meanderingmusings.netLearn more about The Edge Foundation here edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Meandering Musings, Neil Peterson shares an unexpected travel story that combines two of his passions: Winston Churchill and rubber ducks. After purchasing a Churchill-themed duck in London and believing it was lost forever, Neil is touched by the kindness and humor of a hotel staff that not only returned it but sent along a new duck companion and a handwritten note. It's a reflection on how small, thoughtful gestures can leave a lasting impact.Find Meandering Musings online at meanderingmusings.netLearn more about The Edge Foundation here edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Meandering Musings, Neil Peterson talks about the top crop of Austria's Wachau Valley and his personal love of the fruit.Find Meandering Musings online at meanderingmusings.netLearn more about The Edge Foundation here edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Meandering Musings, Neil Peterson reflects on a visit to the Wachau Valley in Austria."I left Prague ready for something completely different, and the peaceful Wachau Valley gave me exactly that. As I explored the Danube by boat and bicycle, I discovered that the greatest gift wasn't the castles, vineyards, or famous apricots—it was the chance to slow down, let go of the schedule, and simply experience the beauty around me..." Find Meandering Musings online at meanderingmusings.netLearn more about The Edge Foundation here edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Meandering Musings, Neil Peterson reflects on a return visit to Prague’s Jewish Quarter. Surrounded by thousands of names memorialized on synagogue walls, he shares a meditation on loss, memory, and the human stories behind unimaginable numbers—reminding us that some experiences aren’t meant to be explained, but simply felt.Find Meandering Musings online at meanderingmusings.netLearn more about The Edge Foundation here edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Meandering Musings, Neil Peterson shares his experience attending the Vienna State Opera—an iconic cultural event that didn’t unfold quite as expected. Despite the grandeur and world-class performance, Neil reflects on the surprising gap between appreciating something deeply and actually enjoying it, offering a thoughtful reminder that not every celebrated experience will resonate—and that’s perfectly okay.Find Meandering Musings online at meanderingmusings.netLearn more about The Edge Foundation here edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Meandering Musings, Neil Peterson reflects on experiencing Afternoon Tea at the iconic Brown's Hotel in London—an elegant ritual that goes far beyond food and drink. Through thoughtful details, quiet moments, and shared experience, he explores how slowing down with intention can turn even a simple tradition into something meaningful, reminding us of the rare value of truly being present. Find Meandering Musings online at meanderingmusings.netLearn more about The Edge Foundation here edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Meandering Musings, Neil Peterson reflects on his unexpected stay at a true five-star hotel in London and what made the experience so memorable. Beyond the luxury, it was the extraordinary attention to detail and personal care that stood out—prompting a deeper reflection on what truly makes something feel special, and how stepping outside our usual routines can shift our perspective.Find Meandering Musings online at meanderingmusings.netLearn more about The Edge Foundation here edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Meandering Musings, Neil Peterson shares insights from the middle of a 16-day journey through Europe, exploring how travel shapes not just what we see—but who we become. He reflects on the ways unfamiliar places challenge our perspectives, deepen connections, and reveal something about ourselves, while reminding us that the true value of travel often lies in the quiet, unplanned moments we take the time to notice.Find Meandering Musings online at meanderingmusings.netLearn more about The Edge Foundation here edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Neil Peterson recounts his brief and ill-fated stint as an “illegal Uber driver” during the chaos of Coachella. What begins as simple curiosity quickly turns into a five-second, five-foot adventure that ends with a police citation and a great story. Find Meandering Musings online at meanderingmusings.netLearn more about The Edge Foundation here edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode Neil Peterson reflects on an unexpected exercise—writing his own obituary—and the surprising insights it revealed. What begins as an uncomfortable assignment quickly turns into a meaningful exploration of values, relationships, and what truly matters in life. Neil shares how the experience shifts the focus from achievements to purpose, inviting listeners to consider how they are living right now.Find Meandering Musings online at meanderingmusings.netLearn more about The Edge Foundation here edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Meandering Musings, Neil Peterson reflects on his lifelong love of dessert and how a surprising restaurant experience—with no dessert menu at all—sparked a deeper appreciation for life’s small rituals. He explores how a sweet ending to a meal, helps turn ordinary meals into lasting memories.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Meandering Musings, Neil talks about two very different experiences at the DMV—one frustrating and time-consuming, the other efficient and respectful. What struck Neil wasn’t the people, but the systems behind them, and how those systems shape how we feel about government. It reminded him that small, everyday interactions can either build trust or quietly erode it.Find Meandering Musings online at meanderingmusings.netLearn more about The Edge Foundation here edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Meandering Musings, Neil Peterson recounts an unexpectedly delightful night at a women’s roller derby bout in Palm Springs that turned nostalgia into admiration. What stood out wasn’t just the speed and toughness of the sport, but its affordability, community spirit, and the passion of athletes skating purely for the love of the game. Neil reflects on how modern roller derby has evolved into a disciplined, strategic, and deeply human sport.Find Meandering Musings online at meanderingmusings.netLearn more about The Edge Foundation here edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Meandering Musings, Neil Peterson reflects on an unexpected first at age 82: walking into a pawn shop for the very first time. What begins as a simple attempt to sell decades‑old camcorders becomes an exploration of assumptions, economics, and everyday human stories. Neil shares how his long‑held mental image of pawn shops—shady, cluttered, and marginal—was completely overturned by the bright, professional, and surprisingly sophisticated reality he encountered at Rocky’s Pawn Shop in Indio, California. Along the way, he uncovers the quiet role pawn shops play in the financial ecosystem, particularly for small business owners using gold and silver as short‑term collateral and reflects on the personal histories behind every item in the display cases. The experience becomes a gentle reminder that the world often looks very different once you step inside—and that even in your eighties, there are still firsts worth having.Find Meandering Musings online at meanderingmusings.netLearn more about The Edge Foundation here edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Meandering Musings, Neil blends personal reflection with science and history to explore why redheads have fascinated us for centuries—and why rarity so often captures our imagination.Find Meandering Musings online at meanderingmusings.netLearn more about The Edge Foundation here edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A delayed flight turns into an 18-hour journey filled with rerouted plans, a last-minute ferry, a four-state drive, and a blizzard closing in. In this episode, Neil Peterson reflects on how quickly certainty disappears—and why choosing motion over waiting can change everything. Find Meandering Musings online at meanderingmusings.netLearn more about The Edge Foundation here edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Neil attends his first chamber music concert at age eighty—and finds himself unexpectedly moved. From the quiet reverence of the hall to the timeless sweep of music by Bach, Beethoven, and beyond, he reflects on stillness, curiosity, and discovering new worlds late in life. A gentle, insightful meditation on stepping into the unfamiliar and letting it change you.Find Meandering Musings online at meanderingmusings.netLearn more about The Edge Foundation here edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Neil reflects on how age isn’t just the number of candles on his birthday cake, but also how the body functions and how young you feel inside. "As I approach 82, my physiological age tests closer to 43, and emotionally I sometimes feel about six years old. For me, staying curious, playful, and engaged with life is what truly keeps me young."Find Meandering Musings online at meanderingmusings.netLearn more about The Edge Foundation here edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Meandering Musings, Neil reflects on a surprisingly meaningful morning spent stuck at queue number 14,542 while trying to book summer ferry reservations to Martha’s Vineyard. What starts as pure frustration becomes a meditation on family tradition, responsibility, and why waiting feels different when it’s for a place—and people—that shape who we are.Find Meandering Musings online at meanderingmusings.netLearn more about The Edge Foundation here edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Neil reflects on a webinar he recently attended led by two Stanford researchers, Steven Crane and BJ Fogg. On the surface, it was a practical workshop about strengthening relationships. But underneath that, it felt like something more urgent—almost a response to the moment we are living in.Find Meandering Musings online at meanderingmusings.netLearn more about The Edge Foundation here edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

City slicker Neil experiences some culture shock in Colorado.Find Meandering Musings online at meanderingmusings.netLearn more about The Edge Foundation here edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Traveling from southern California to Denver Colorado means some drastic temperature changes.Like the podcast? Please help us grow our audience, tell your friends about Meandering Musings and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.Find Meandering Musings online at meanderingmusings.netLearn more about The Edge Foundation here edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode, Neil talks about some unwanted special treatment he received while taking the bus. Like the podcast? Please help us grow our audience, tell your friends about Meandering Musings and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.Find Meandering Musings online at meanderingmusings.netLearn more about The Edge Foundation here edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While picking up a sandwich in an out-of-the-way TKB Restaurant, I’m handed table number 97 and stumble into a surprising lesson about excellence. Watching hundreds of people show up, on purpose, for something done extraordinarily well reminds me that you don’t need the best location or the loudest voice for your work to find its audience. Sometimes the smallest details tell the biggest stories.Like the podcast? Please help us grow our audience, tell your friends about Meandering Musings and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.Find Meandering Musings online at meanderingmusings.netLearn more about The Edge Foundation here edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode, Neil talks about why he joined a new gym and what he observed. Like the podcast? Please help us grow our audience, tell your friends about Meandering Musings and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.Find Meandering Musings online at meanderingmusings.netLearn more about The Edge Foundation here edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode, Neil talks about the film La Grazia and why it moved him to tears.Like the podcast? Please help us grow our audience, tell your friends about Meandering Musings and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.Find Meandering Musings online at meanderingmusings.netLearn more about The Edge Foundation here edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode, Neil talks about a "woven token of improbable meaning" he received on his recent trip to Bhutan and what it means to him.Like the podcast? Please help us grow our audience, tell your friends about Meandering Musings and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.Find Meandering Musings online at meanderingmusings.netLearn more about The Edge Foundation here edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode, Neil talks about a recent visit to a Dairy Queen where he found all their ice cream cakes under lock and key. Like the podcast? Please help us grow our audience, tell your friends about Meandering Musings and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.Find Meandering Musings online at meanderingmusings.netLearn more about The Edge Foundation here edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode, Neil talks about a recent visit to a clothing store to buy new underwear and the lesson he learned about current social cues. Like the podcast? Please help us grow our audience, tell your friends about Meandering Musings and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.Find Meandering Musings online at meanderingmusings.netLearn more about The Edge Foundation here edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode, Neil talks about a recent visit to McDonalds where the human employees weren't allowed to take orders but instead could only assist a "self-service" kiosk take orders. Like the podcast? Please help us grow our audience, tell your friends about Meandering Musings and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.Find Meandering Musings online at meanderingmusings.netLearn more about The Edge Foundation here edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode, Neil talks about why he still uses a handkerchief.Like the podcast? Please help us grow our audience, tell your friends about Meandering Musings and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.Find Meandering Musings online at meanderingmusings.netLearn more about The Edge Foundation here edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode, Neil talks about getting his first mani and pedi and what made him do it. Like the podcast? Please help us grow our audience, tell your friends about Meandering Musings and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.Find Meandering Musings online at meanderingmusings.netLearn more about The Edge Foundation here edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode, Neil discusses why Bhutan is considered the "happiest country on earth".Like the podcast? Please help us grow our audience, tell your friends about Meandering Musings and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.Find Meandering Musings online at meanderingmusings.net Learn more about The Edge Foundation here edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode, Neil shares the thoughts of his daughter Kelsey's diary entry about their trip to Bhutan. Thanks to Ashton Haugen for voicing Kelsey's diary entry. Like the podcast? Please help us grow our audience, tell your friends about Meandering Musings and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.The Edge Foundation edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode, Neil continues to talk about a common sight in Bhutan, the ubiquitous but meaningful prayer flags. Like the podcast? Please help us grow our audience, tell your friends about Meandering Musings and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.The Edge Foundation edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode, Neil talks about the lessons he thinks the USA can learn from the much smaller nation of Bhutan. Like the podcast? Please help us grow our audience, tell your friends about Meandering Musings and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.The Edge Foundation edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode, Neil continues to talk about his adventures in Bhutan, in this case the famous hot stone baths. Like the podcast? Please help us grow our audience, tell your friends about Meandering Musings and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.The Edge Foundation edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode, Neil talks about the pilgrimage he and his son and daughter made to Bhutan's Tiger’s Nest and the stumbles along the way.Like the podcast? Please help us grow our audience, tell your friends about Meandering Musings and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.The Edge Foundation edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode, Neil talks about why archery became Bhutan's national sport. Like the podcast? Please help us grow our audience, tell your friends about Meandering Musings and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.The Edge Foundation edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode, Neil talks about why he travelled to Bhutan. Like the podcast? Please help us grow our audience, tell your friends about Meandering Musings and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.The Edge Foundation edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode, Neil talks about a recent lecture by Polish statesman, dissident and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Lech Wałęsa who served as the president of Poland between 1990 and 1995 and the lessons we can learn from him. Like the podcast? Please help us grow our audience, tell your friends about Meandering Musings and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.The Edge Foundation edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this edition of Meandering Musings, Neil talks about why an old favorite snack still can surprise him Like the podcast? Please help us grow our audience, tell your friends about Meandering Musings and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.The Edge Foundation edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this edition of Meandering Musings, Neil describes a recent visit to Costco he made on a bike!Like the podcast? Please help us grow our audience, tell your friends about Meandering Musings and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.The Edge Foundation edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this edition of Meandering Musings, Neil describes the frustrations he has with our health care system.Like the podcast? Please help us grow our audience, tell your friends about Meandering Musings and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.The Edge Foundation edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this edition of Meandering Musings, Neil describes a recent trip to place a headstone in honor of his mother who passed 33 years ago.Like the podcast? Please help us grow our audience, tell your friends about Meandering Musings and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.The Edge Foundation edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this edition of Meandering Musings, Neil describes and interesting pest control device that looks more like a weapon. Like the podcast? Please help us grow our audience, tell your friends about Meandering Musings and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.The Edge Foundation edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"Most people think of dandelions as a weed". Not me. No sir. So says Neil on this enlightening edition of MM!Like the podcast? Please help us grow our audience, tell your friends about Meandering Musings and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.The Edge Foundation edgefoundation.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.