Old and Confused

If you find yourself thinking more and more about the first last time, or the last first time, you should know that you're neither the first nor the last person to do so. Are we clear? On this episode of Old & Confused, Mike and Jon are joined by two fellow travelers through time to explore the tick-tock that seems to only be getting louder with each passing year. Just mind the cramps ...

Remember that scrawny kid in 7th grade? He came back from Summer vacay six inches taller, 20 pounds heavier and had to shave every other day. Things can change overnight. Same with AI. You look away for a moment and all of the sudden it's grown into a rambunctious teenager! On this episode of Old & Confused, Mike and Jon bring back tech expert Brad Friedman to update us on AI's stunning growth over the past year. He also treated us to some new AI-generated songs - it's Reggae this time, Mon!

Terrified about getting down on the floor to play with the grandkids, to unclog the p-trap under the sink, or to hit your knees in prayer after clicking that tantalizing email link. How are you going to get up? Well - yoga might be your ticket! It could also yield some inner quiet and calm. And who couldn't use a little more of that these days. On this episode of Old & Confused, Mike and Jon bring on a long-time yoga instructor (and physical therapist) to help explore the wonderful world of yoga and its many benefits. Bend an ear, lose your fear, get in yoga gear.

crypt noun 1a: a chamber (such as a vault) wholly or partly underground. Crytocurrency. Kind of an apt name for something which seems to lurk hidden in the dark, shrouded in enigma, beyond the reach of many of us. While most everyone knows of it, shockingly few really know anything about it. On this episode of Old & Confused, Mike and Jon talk with an expert in cryptocurrency to bring it out into the light of day. Learn a little about cryptocurrency. It's here to stay.

You listened to our Decluttering episode, got inspired, started emptying closets, and discovered a battered, vintage case that looked sorta familiar ... HEY, IT'S MY OLD SAXOPHONE!!! You wonder whether you can still play it after all these years? You didn't know you missed playing, but now - you know what - you're thinking you'd like to try it again! On this episode of Old & Confused, Jon and Mike bring on a music expert to explore a growing trend among older folks who want to play an instrument, maybe take some lessons, and maybe even join a band! So, lend an ear here, and blow, bow or drumroll your way into that sweet, sweet musical life again.

When you hear someone say - "Come out of the closet - it'll be fine!" - what do you think? Huh. That's exactly what we think too! For years, you've been trying to work up the courage to do it. To summon forth - and finally deal with - all those family treasures, never-worn sweaters, curious what-nots and outright junk that've been lurking furtively in your closets and drawers, jammed into dark corners and under beds, and interred in anonymous boxes and bins. But ... it never quite happens, does it? It's all seems too overwhelming. Well, there's hope. On this episode of Old & Confused, Mike and Jon talk with a bona fide home organizing expert who shares her practical wisdom on how to declutter your way to a more functional, calm and fulfilling life. We can finally see the promised land!

They say that while the only sure things in life are death and taxes, at least death only happens once. Still, why not make it easier on those we leave behind? In this episode of Old & Confused, Mike and Jon are joined by experts from the funeral business to explore the great known, including how to prepare for the inevitable and discussing some exciting(?!?!) new options. They even have some fun along the way. Listen in. You know, while you're able.

Remember Tommy, The Who's rock opera ? Those haunting lyrics - "See Me, Feel Me, Touch Me, Heal Me?" Moving, right? Ever felt like singing them when you're at that seemingly always-too-rushed appointment with the doctor? Well, you just might have an alternative. In this episode of Old & Confused, Jon and Mike explore what it's like to visit a naturopathic doctor ... by interviewing an actual naturopathic doctor! We found it utterly fascinating. We think you will to!

Stairs. You used to motor on up one, two or even three steps at a time. But now you pause and look for a handrail. Maybe it's the new hip you're getting. Or a knee. Maybe you're tired of grocery shopping and cooking for yourself. Maybe you've been forgetting to take your medications. Or maybe you've noticed that you're just a bit lonely. Life's happening. What are your options? It doesn't need to be scary or a surrender. With a positive attitude and a little planning, it can be liberating, fun and fulfilling. In this episode of Old & Confused, Jon and Mike explore the options with someone who's been there and lived to talk about it.

We've all heard about the great outdoors, but what about The Great Indoors? After all, that's where most of us spend most of our time; it should be at least as inspiring as Nature. In this episode of Old & Confused, Jon and Mike explore the often daunting process of remodeling with a bona fide expert on interior design. Please join us for this discussion - we think you'll find it as informative and entertaining as we did!

Ever wonder what happened to that certain college roommmate who was always breaking into your boxes of cookies and eating all but one of them? Me neither. But there were others with whom you shared some amazing experiences. You'd like to re-connect, right? Well, on this special episode of Old & Confused, Mike and three of his college buddies get together to discuss the secret sauce of friendships that have endured for nearly 50 years. That's pretty awesome. Listen in. Get inspired. Then make a call.

Are you a spender or a saver?  Either way, you need money.  Wanna retire earlier or later?  You’ll need money.  Wouldn’t  leaving something for the kids or charity be kinda nice?  Yep, money.  See a pattern emerging here?  That’s why Jon and Mike asked a financial expert to come on Old & Confused to share some wisdom about financial, retirement and estate planning.   Have a listen.  Learn.  Plan.

Ninety percent of small-c christian evangelicals proudly voted for a convicted felon, pathological liar, con man ... and the list of other disgusting attributes they found so admirable goes on and on. Chalk it up to mass hysteria, defined as an outbreak of unusual, unhealthy and uncontrollable behaviors, thoughts and feelings shared among a group of people. It's a psychogenic illness. On this episode of Old & Confused, Jon and Mike talk with an expert about why so many evangelicals have become utterly unmoored from the teachings of their religion, and how they can find their way back to some semblance of spiritual, mental and emotional health.

Being terrified at Halloween is an old American tradition - it's delightful! But have you ever experienced signing up for Medicare? Just thinking about the whole Medicare signup process can have you gnawing away at your fingernails, waking up in a cold sweat and calling out for Mommy! Jon and Mike can identify. They've found an expert who literally wrote the book on Medicare and he's ready to illuminate your world (and save those cuticles)! Join the gang at Old & Confused and learn a little about signing up for Medicare.

Are you tired of this kind of joke - "Shoutout to my Grandparents!!! Because that's the only way they'll hear me." Or the slightly darker - "What do they call Covid in China? The One Grandparent Policy." Just remember; Grandparents are wily and cunning; they always find a way to get their revenge. Actually, many grandparents are enthusiastically embracing their role these days. On this episode of Old & Confused, Mike and Jon interview two experienced - and unabashedly joyful - Grandparents and bring you all the deets.

It's flooded the Nation! Now it's spreading around the world! No, it isn't COVID or BitCoin or traffic-cone colored facial toner. It's Pickleball! In this episode of Old & Confused, Mike and Jon explore the dizzying popularity of Pickleball with their expert guest. We think you'll find it slightly more soothing than the sound of Pickleball being played next door at 6:45 a.m.

Do you think  that Old & Confused  episodes featuring Rants & Raves are totally relatable or just plain tedious?  If the former - we love you.  If the latter - we don't care.   Today, we take on Gyms, Drivers These Days, and Customer Service.  Do these sound interesting  or boring?  If the former, ...  Share your own with us: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠.

Do you think  that Old & Confused  episodes featuring Rants & Raves are totally relatable or are they just plain tedious?  If the former - we love you.  If the latter - we don't care.   Today, we take on Gyms, Drivers and Customer Service.  Do these sound interesting  or boring?  If the former, ...  Share your own with us: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠.

We're still waiting on President Zelensky to sit down and share with us which one of the following was more weirdly mesmerizing during his meeting with America's most famous DEI hires:  the orange facial toner or the kohl'ed eyes.  In the meantime, Old & Confused hosts Mike and Jon waste more of your precious time on a couple of their favorite Rants & Raves.  Share your own with us: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠.

Can you remember ever being young?  Maybe you were wise beyond your years.  Or maybe you were just young and confused.  In this episode of Old & Confused, Jon and Mike talk with 20- and 30-somethings to find out what it's like to be young these days.  Their two special guests - Sophia and Connor - are smart, insightful, articulate and charming.  Perhaps this episode will take you for an entertaining spin down memory lane.  Tell us what you think: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠.

Our very first episode - Tattoos For You? - is still by far the most popular on Old & Confused.  Naturally, Mike and Jon just had to delve deeper into this strangely alluring cultural phenomenon.  So, they interviewed an actual tattoo artist.  Inspired, they both got a tattoo.  Then two.  Then five.  Then they woke up. In a cold, but oddly dreamy sweat.  What is it about tattoos anyway?  Get an inkling -listen in.  Tell us what you think: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠.

This is Part 2 of our episode on AI.  Wanna hear a joke generated by AI?  Yeah, me neither.  But you will want to hear the rest of this mind-blowing interview with expert Brad Friedman.  If you’re amazed by what AI can already do, you ain’t seen nothing yet!  Tell us what you think: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠.

You said you wanted it.  Okay, AI told us you wanted it.  On this episode of Old & Confused, Jon and Mike explore the utterly mind-bending world of artificial intelligence.  We found an expert who had so much fascinating stuff to share (and frankly, we were so slow on the uptake) that we split the interview into two episodes.  Be sure not to miss Hi - it's Me - AI! ... Part 2.  Big Brother is watching. Tell us what you think: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠.

We threatened to do it.  We remembered to do it.  We did it.  Yep - more Rants & Raves.   C'mon, everyone has a 'Get off my lawn!'  moment every now and then.   Hopefully, you also enjoy a few 'Gee, that was unexpectedly nice!'  moments as well.   In this episode of Old & Confused, Mike and Jon explore three more of their most recent Rants & Raves.  Share your own with us: ⁠[email protected]⁠.

You know we've all done it.  Something triggers you and you just lose your shiznits.  You go off on some rant until your understanding spouse, a trusted friend, or a nearby police officer pulls you back off the ledge.   Or maybe you get all gushy about some random act of kindness you've  just experienced.  That'd be a rave.  In this episode of Old & Confused, Mike and Jon explore just three of their most recent Rants & Raves.    Share your own with us: ⁠[email protected]⁠.  Another episode (or ten) may follow!

You’re on the loose again and have already been banned from local yoga classes, birding clubs and grocery store produce aisles.  Now what?! In this episode of Old & Confused, hosts Mike and Jon explore the dizzying world of Sex, Lies and Dating Sites.  It hasn’t been this easy to meet new people since that first week in prison!  Part 1 of what may turn out to be a multi-part series.  Tell us what you think: [email protected].

We've never had a marketing plan for the Old & Confused podcast.  Surprising? Uh, no.  Because let's face it - we're unimaginative, lazy and cheap.  But now we have a plan!  We're asking you to promote the podcast!  We're proud to announce the Old & Confused Annual Marketing Sweepstakes!   Just listen to the deets in this episode, then enter early and often.  With any luck (and given the almost certain dearth of any real competition), you could win one of our fabulous prizes!  Submit your entry to: [email protected].  Thanks!!!

In this episode of Old & Confused, we roll out a sampling of what we call 'Segments.'  These Segments are short riffs on a dozen topics we find interesting, like The Organ Recital, Can We Have a Word, The Bucket List, Artsy Fartsy, Tech Desk, Road Trip, etc.  We're planning to feature a couple of these Segments in upcoming episodes.   Old & Confused boldly plunges headlong into charted and uncharted waters.  Join Mike and Jon as they dog paddle to keep their heads above water in search of fascinating insights and surprising inspirations! Tell us what you think: ⁠[email protected]⁠.

Admit it, you can't stop thinking about  electric cars.  Maybe it's the price of gas, or climate change, or Nick Saban retiring from Alabama.  Old & Confused hosts Mike and Jon are here to help guide you through the myriad of factors  involved in buying an EV.  Too much?  Fortunately, this episode features the experiences of two guys who have taken the plunge and lived to tell about it.  They share their thoughts on range anxiety, self-driving cars, total cost of ownership, and their almost child-like glee in silently rolling past gas stations and repair shops.  Join us - you'll get a charge out of it. Tell us what you think: ⁠[email protected]⁠. (note: the internet is full of websites with information on EVs - one of our interviewees suggests ⁠https://forthmobility.org/showcase/electric-cars-101⁠ )

Is going to church not your thing?  Well, you're not alone. Tens of millions of Americans have stopped attending church.  This episode of Old & Confused explores what the hell has made going to hell less scary.  Blessedly, two men of the cloth join Mike and Jon to discuss this trend and what some churches are doing about it.  They also take on the hilarious hypocrisy of small "e" evangelicals who are staking out the lunatic fringe of the small "c" christian nationalist movement.  Whether you church or dechurch, you'll want to listen in on this heavenly discussion. Tell us what you think: ⁠[email protected]⁠.

You think it’s too early to have a Feedback episode.  You’re not wrong.  After all, we’ve only released three episodes.  You think we’re just stalling.  Again - not really wrong.  We’re Old & Confused and so - pretty slow.  You think ……. well hell, you think a lot of things.  We want you to know that we hear you.  Or we try to hear you. You see, sometimes the hearing aid batteries get weak without our knowing it and…  Anyway, tune in and - if you dare - get in tune with Mike and Jon as they respond to listener feedback and share their half-baked so-called plans for the future. Tell us what you think: ⁠[email protected]⁠.

You're not the only one who's noticed that tattoos seem to be multiplying and dividing their way across the arms, legs, and torsos of people - young and old alike - whom we encounter almost every day.  Tattoo-less Mike and Jon have too!   Old & Confused takes a long look at what in the world is going on here.   Who knows? After this episode you might find yourself in a local tattoo shop joining in on this modern trend. Tell us what you think: ⁠[email protected]⁠.

For millennia, we humans have invented games as a way to pass time, challenge ourselves, and socialize with and compete against others.  Modern games, including those played on computers, video consoles and tabletops, have captured our attention like never before.  Although this trend dates back decades, Mike and Jon are just now catching up (a bit). Join us as the Old & Confused duo explore modern gaming and learn why so many of us - young and old alike - are spending so much time playing games.  Mike and Jon almost understood their expert guests and they hope you will too. Tell us what you think: ⁠[email protected]⁠.

In this episode of Old & Confused, we try our best to get our arms around the wide, wild and whacky world of social media.  If you're curious why people find social media so appealing (and occasionally so appalling), then this might be the episode for you.   We set out to identify the more popular social media sites and begin to understand who uses them and why.  Sure, we only scratched the surface, but maybe this episode will create an itch that you'd like to scratch.  Tell us what you think: ⁠[email protected]⁠.