AltF4.co

After putting out a podcast week after week and then all of a sudden to go silent, it is strange. I will admit that I think about it a lot, but time, time, time. And even then, what to say? If there was something important to say, I would probably make the time. With me trying to stay out of politics and living in boxes, what the most important thing to do is actually survival to the next phase.Learn more at https://altf4.co

In case you are wondering, it is not a coincidence that our current book is Surprised By Joy by C.S. Lewis. That is because it is the holy season. I was hoping to end it here but clearly I got hung up in my own life and so we just got started. Nevertheless, today I make an argument for the true Christian holiday and the hope of eternal salvation.Learn more at https://altf4.co.

Last week was an emotional one. We were supposed to be moving and then we weren't. I have to admit that I have no idea what to do. The safest thing is to continue preparing to move without any real guarantee that it is going to happen. I am taking you down with me this week.Learn more at https://altf4.co.

You have believe that Orwell was going to come up again, how could it not? There is just so much always related to what is going on with current events and our government. This seems to be the 'Newspeak' that obfuscates our judgement, numbs our senses and polarizes our positions. Tune in today to hear Orwell's words come back from the past.Learn more at https://altf4.co

This is a swan song to my podcasting in my office. Man, I am going to miss this place when (if) we move. There very well may be one more podcast after today but I don't know where I will record it. I expect that there will be a hiatus while we move so this is why this podcast is titled the last even though there is a chance it wont be. There is a brief mention of world politics but I use it as an illustration to my main theme; Do Things That Matter.Learn more at https://altf4.co.

Brace yourselves, this is my first podcast in my new office. Yes, the audio quality is not good at all. The room is super echo-y and I am on my Bluetooth headset for a microphone. That makes the resolution low to begin with, nevermind the acoustics. This is all about what I have been up to and I didn't just seemingly disappear. That means that the podcast stays. I will work to make this better just not today.Learn more at https://altf4.co

I have fishing on the mind. We are headed out to the lake house again for a couple of days and so I thought that I would throw in on how to get started with fishing. This is not the skills but where to start with the gear. Join me today when I talk about where to start when you don't know a thing.Learn more at https://altf4.co

Before you go to the supercenter and plunk down $50 on a substandard tool kit, consider spending twice that amount and get the tools that you will actually need and last a lifetime. Heck, buy a couple each month if budget is a concern. I give recommendations on where to shop, what to get and how to feel confident in the tools that you do have rather than a kit that never gets opened. You might find that you actually get into it, like me but at least you will have something that someone can help you if the need arises.Learn more at https://altf4.co

You might have been wondering where I am at such a polarizing time. That time has come. I comment on the Minneapolis, ICE shooting that occurred a couple of weeks ago. I also talk about history and how events of the Boston Massacre relate to this and what I think you should do about it, if anything. Remember, we should be doing what matters. Consider my words but keep on doing things that matter for the proper perspective.Learn more at https//altf4.co.

Today's podcast was born out of some question my son was asking me. Today I talk about things to consider when starting out buying tools. It is really hard to recommend brands especially when things change over the years so I focus more on the what to do versus what not to do. Hopefully, I impart some wisdom so that you can do your own analysis and make your own decisions. There probably are some buy or do not buy recommendations but it all depends on what you are doing and want to do in the future.Learn more at https://altf4.co

We are in that time of year where a lot of people are thinking about ways to become a different person. You might call it a resolution or just a goal but despite the fact that our culture highly regards goals, I tend to think that they are not all they are cracked up to be. Goals have their place but what are they going to do for you and your future? Today I talk about the traps of goals and how to incorporate them into becoming the real person you want to be.Learn more at https://altf4.co

Today I go through my work in 2025 and sum up the highlights for the year. I analyze the general theme of the month/quarter/year as well as highlight my favorites of the year. When I look back at previous years, I realize that this has typically been a post and not a podcast. Oh well, I already planned it this way. See you in 2026.Learn more at https://altf4.co.

I've got a lot of problems with you people. It is time for the annual airing of grievances. You can probably guess some of the items because it seems like they are on my list every year. However, there are some new ones this year. Thank goodness because I get tired of brining up the same issues. Stay tune to the end if you want to hear about how this process has effected me and the impact to the new year.Learn more at https://altf4.co

While the deal is not completely done, we are in the process of packing. We are also paying rent in the new house and so we have the keys but I am a little leery of doing too much until the deal is done. It does allow us to do some advanced planning about how things are going to be arranged at the new house. As I pack, I am wondering how I am going to cram things into the places that no longer exist. It makes me feel like I missed my window on some hobbies and that maybe I should consider down sizing. My internal debate today.Learn more at https://altf4.co

It's that time of year again. It is time for my gift buying episode. The thing that is different about this year is that I also talk about strategies that I typically use for my spouse. I probably won't get a lump of coal this year but these are the kinds of things I would suggest for guys like me. Feel free to send me something on my list and good luck in your season's shopping.Learn more at https://altf4.co

There is a reason that my regular cadence has cooled tremendously. Today I talk about those reasons and a little bit about what my future holds. Let me just say that getting old isn't for the feint of heart. Hopefully we all get the opportunity. Learn more at https://altf4.co

I had a dream that one day I would be independent pursuing the American Dream. This is my admission of surrender that AltF4.co is limping along as a labor of love rather than a career. Today I talked about the changes in my life, where I have been and my future. Learn more at https://altf4.co

This is the story that never ends, so I thought I would throw in my two cents about it. You know who I am talking about, Charlie Kirk. But, before I get into that I want to talk about the intended subject of the podcast, LBJ. Ultimately you can decide but what I am highlighting is how people can look at the same data and come to two different conclusions. If you are finding that you are getting pushed around between two sides of Kirk's legacy, then this podcast is for you.Learn more at https://altf4.co

I almost disappeared off the face of the earth. I said almost. Today, I talk about what has been going on and the prognosis for the future. The title, my lack of content and all that will be in today's podcast. Hopefully you will find that it is not just an explanation of nuts and bolts but also an emotional story into a parents journey into a new phase of life for everyone involved.  Learn more at https://altf4.co

The word value in business is thrown around like a dirty pair of socks. It is a huge buzz word in the context of value sells, especially in an uncertain economy. But, does value mean the same to everyone? In fact, I think a lot of the customer fatigue and lack of satisfaction after delivery comes from a mismatch in the understanding of value. I am going to explore the definitions and struggles with the concept of value.Learn more at https://altf4.co

Maybe there is something about me that old people like to talk to. I have heard stories from my wife's grandparents that she has never heard. That being said, this story is not one of them. But, it is quite a bit out there as in unbelievable. Believe it or not, but this is the story of my wife's paternal grandfather who had all the kids and was also the first birthday in what I call 'Birthday Week'.Learn more at https://altf4.co

If you have ever been a long distance runner, then you know the term. I explain what it means and how it is all related to the subject today. This won't be a sports show but an analogy to how and why it is important to know your pace and pace yourself so that you can achieve the best possible finish.Learn more at https://altf4.co

If you listen to the news or social media, then it will drive you crazy. Not only do we have to take responsibility for our burgeoning 'Idiocrasy' but also the constant stream of lies over our whole lives. But, if we dwell on that, we will get sucked down the whirlpool drawn and deeper into our own personal Matrix. Today I talk about current news and then what I am doing about it.Learn more at https://altf4.co

End your programming means that we have to start questioning and evaluating some of the most hallowed status quo. That means that institutions such as the local school district or education first groups like Advanced Placement have more in mind than college credit. There is an extremely effective message on overselling the value of participation. Don't get me wrong, they do what they claim, but it certainly matters what the definition of is, is if you get my drift.Learn more at https://altf4.co

The origin of this podcast came from me needing to get my notes put together for a podcast. I thought it would be cute to carry the theme through the rest of the podcast. That means that I am talking about projects and initiatives that I have in the pipeline. You might be surprised at my conclusion or my take on it at least.Learn more at https://altf4.co

If you liked the Toby Keith song and message, then you may not like what I have to say today. The topics covered pretty much stick to the topic such as Trump, Iran, justification for bombing and what that means for his legacy. I also talk about what I am doing instead of fretting about things outside of my circle of influence.Learn more at https://altf4.co

Alright, maybe the platter only has one kind of sandwich on it. Maybe it is an 'S'-sandwich at that. But the idea was that I was going to have a smorgasbord of topics to cover. I guess you got ham and turkey. These are the sandwiches that are going to fill you up though. Let's stop talking about sandwiches and give a listen. Learn more at https://altf4.co

Due to circumstances beyond my control, I had a lot of downtime, The Handmaid's Tale has been on my reading radar but this time I was watching a show the show with my wife. I take a critical look at the symbology and structure of the show to see if that world is in our future somehow. You might be surprised at my analysis. Learn more at https://altf4.co.

Things may not be as they seem. In this case, that was true. Our senses are a good predicter on whether things look right, feel right then probably are right. But when there is conflicting information it does pay to take a closer look. Learn more at https://altf4.co

A term coined in the mid-2000s about podcasts that stopped releasing new episodes. A show that I listen to recently announced that they would stop making new episodes. I talk about what that means to me as well as some personal information going on in my life and how that effects AltF4.co.Learn more at https://altf4.co

When I look at the calendar, things are pretty booked through late July. This is only a season and I am hoping that with kids starting their own journeys that I can look forward to future years of a more controlled fashion. All this being said, too much focus on the present can loose track of steps to prepare to future projects that need to happen now. I share my tunnel vision and encourage you to take a step back so that you don't miss the opportunity.Learn more at https://altf4.co

Parenting can feel like a bull ride sometimes. If you draw the easy one then you might hang on but miss the style points. If you get the hard one, it might kill you. Hang on and do the best you can. My family dynamic is about to to change with graduation coming up in less than a month. As such, I talk about things that occur on that journey and analyze options.Learn more at https://altf4.co

Today, I will talk about what I did last week. It was not really scheduled but I got a lot done by making the most of time. There were some honey-dos as well as some purely self-indulgent things that I chose to do. As a result, I feel good and I do feel rested unlike some of the amazing trips I have taken as vacation over the years.Learn more at https://altf4.co

I am not Catholic, but I have a lifelong closeness to the religion. Today, I talk about how my proximity has influenced my life as well as some of the controversies related to the direction of Catholicism. Surprise, surprise even Dante gets into the discussion. This is about remembering Pope Francis and the impact the church has on inside and outside the faith. Learn more at https://altf4.co.

It is easy to get into a groove and seek validation with sources that meet your bias. I am just as guilty of this by listening to things like talk radio and podcasts. I do this sometimes because I wonder how or why some event is going to be spun. It was years ago that I was listening to Glen Beck and he announced that he was no longer going to talk about Obama as well as pray for him. I thought, what a novel idea. Someone that lives by values that he proclaims to oppose the establishment. We should all make up our minds with facts rather than siding with people we largely agree.Learn more at https://altf4.co

I thought that it would be fun (for me) to reminisce about my time in the Carolinas. Of course, I was interested about whether they were getting equitable treatment in the clean-up efforts as well as whether Helene was as bad as I imagined. I suspect that it was worse because things look alright considering the amount of work that was still being done.  Learn more at https://altf4.co

I am not outing anybody, but I do talk about what I would call food processing nightmares today. In some cases, it is enough to make your appetite turn. But we all have to eat to thrive. Fortunately, we have choice and at least at certain times of year we have tremendous abundance. Food can be one of the great pleasures in life that is also a necessity. I encourage you to learn more about your choices.Learn more at https:\\altf4.co

Big news that was not unexpected happened last week in the bio tech sector. 23 and Me declared bankruptcy in order to sell the company. I have a little bit of experience with it and I share that today as well as what I see went wrong. I finish today off with some general tips on what to do to protect yourself in the future. Keep your head on a swivel when it comes to protecting your identity.Learn more at https://altf4.co

There are a lot of movies where I think, I'd like to see that. Ken Burn's The Vietnam War is one of those. I have watch his Civil War series many years ago. This is less of a review of his work than an analysis of what we as a people should learn from Vietnam. I consider myself fairly well versed but I learned quite a few things from this. To be honest, nothing should be a surprise but I have been fooled by the Team America propaganda over the years.Learn more at https//altf4.co

Today is a tale about two cities that share a border. One went one way and the the other a different way. As with all of my work, many times looks are deceiving. I am relatively sure that we can take this little story and overlay it over other things that are going on to make a parable more relatable. Tune in today to find out what those cities did and what we can learn from it in other contexts.Learn more at https://altf4.co

I am sure that everyone has their own personal answer to this. For me, it throws a wrench into things when I want to do something else and I am forced to take some downtime. Of course, I always want to make the best out of an imperfect situation which leads me thinking about what I can do with this time. I talk about those things today.Learn more at https://altf4.co

Flannel, messenger bag and mock combat boots. Have I painted the picture yet? Meet Generation Z, the latest Artist generation that is coming of age. The last Artist generation were the Silents. I read a snippet of Co-Pilot, Microsoft's AI to see what they have to say about Gen Z, but I also talk about some other things going on in life related to my ability to relate to them.Learn more at https://altf4.co

I don't exactly know who this person is, but the writings are fire. I saw this reposted on MeWe the other day and I have been forming my own opinions about the massive changes going on at the federal level of government with amazement. Trump and DOGE have a demolition crew at the base of dam. When they finally destroy the foundation, they will probably get crushed in the force of the flood and debris but the impossible is beginning to happen.Learn more at https://altf4.co

Today I break one of my guidelines about bringing up politics midweek. But, this is less about the topic and more about me being upset about what transpired. Sure I made some mistakes by participating and was a contributor to the argument. Today, I talk about why I am so upset and what I am going to do about it. And yes, I am starting to feel better.Learn more at https://altf4.co

If I worked at this a little bit, I could turn this from something serious into some sort of stand-up routine. But, alas I am not going to be a comedian today but adding some perspective. If you are struggling in either relationship or your job then maybe one parallel or the other will ring true. I may or may not be taking my own advice here but I am recognizing what some of my tendencies lean toward.Learn more https://altf4.co

Today I am going to talk about things you never hear at the sporting goods store. You don't read magazine or blog articles about it. Heck, people don't even talk about it. This might be because they don't deal with it. But, my encouragement for testing or practice is all about the subject. These are the things that have happened to me as I continue to train for my PCT section hike.Learn more at https://altf4.co

You have probably heard the saying 'What is old is new again.". Well, today is no exception. With people freaking out about the new administration, I try to make the argument that you shouldn't be so concerned just because wasn't your guy. Conversely, I don't think you should be jumping up and down if it is your guy. I think that you will see what I mean if you give it a listen. Learn more at https://altf4.co

I say pretty much what I want to say in the podcast. This concept is sufficiently nuanced and complicated that I won't do it justice in a short paragraph. This is a programming concept and I do my best to distinguish how you would use each type. The reason that I think it is important is all about that ever sharpening logic saw that I keep pushing and working on myself.Learn more at https://altf4.co

Since the beginning of time, man and nature rested in the Winter. I think I am inventing a new tradition. Just kidding, but today I talk about current events in my life and what my plans are moving forward. There is a reason the saying 'No Rest For the Wicked' is common. It describes me perfectly.Learn more at https://alt.f4.co

about a Politician, then this might be the one. There has been a lot of to do about recently deceased, former president Jimmie Carter. I acknowledged last week, while I was alive during the entire term of Jimmie Carter I don't remember a single thing. As a result, I have been reading a lot of anecdotes and other things about the man. Dare I say, his legacy as a President might be dubious but his legacy as human is impeccable. Is there anything else more important?Learn more at https://altf4.co