Failing Up

It goes without saying that I am not an authority on hair, but having acknowledged this I just don't get the "Man Bun."  I really thought this would just be a passing fad, but it is still going strong.  Why is it event called a Man Bun, I don't hear anyone saying "Woman Bun."  Why do guys have to identify the bun on their head with a gender. Does Man Bun say, I am a real man with a bun, or is intended make it clear that a woman bun is not on their head?  How about a man muffin?  What do I know I'm a bowling ball.  A "Man Ball."timothymahar.org

With all that is going on in our country, and hearing constantly that The First Amendment  of the Constitution is under attack, I thought I better brush up and take a look at it.  What hit me in the face is that the freedoms I've taken for granted my entire life: 1. Are the foundation of who we are. 2. I've taken for granted. 3. Are under attack.  I don't care if you are right, left, up down, red, blue or purple we all have a right to these five core freedoms and the disagreements, varied views and truth have made us ALL better since 1791 when the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was adopted. Five Freedoms: Religion, Speech, Press, Assembly, and Petition.timothymahar.org

In this episode I have a conversation with Reiki Master Heather Maloney.  Our conversation explored the subjects of healing through the Reiki practice and benefits  of maintaining self inner peace.  We also discussed spirituality and  how different cultures and maintain their connection to a higher power.  timothymahar.org

In this episode I have a conversation with my dear friend  Patrick Hogan, former local political figure, baseball fan/historian, who's Irish ancestry flows through his veins. We discussed the critical importance of local politics, (Tip O'Neal, "All politics are local."), baseball history and players from the past, and our Irish culture.  A wonderful conversation, with a great friend! timothymahar.org

When I was a young boy I listened to top 40 radio for hours.  There was something comforting in listening to the local DJ spin records, have call in games and take requests, they were there all night, in the morning, on the school bus and in the car.  With most of broadcast/cable television having screaming mannequins spew noise and make lots of money doing so, I find comfort in my old friend. I can still change stations, get just the news and not screaming, have friend in the car or any place. The internet, AI, Newspapers are on life support,  social media, phones and television for the most part has sold it's soul, the one constant for all these years, is radio!  From the very late 19th century through 20th and today, our old friend is going strong! timothymahar.org

There is nothing like the aroma of fresh cut grass to let you know all is alright.  That comforting smell of growth and hope seems like a switch was flipped from black and white to a color screen.  It does not matter if it is in a city park, small patch of grass in a yard or acres and acres that magical whiff of springs takes us through the times of our lives and reassures that all is well.  I recall the noise of the lawn mower being driven by Joe the janitor outside the open classroom windows at Kasson Road Elementary School in Upstate NY, the smell of the grass coming into the classroom letting us know soon we would be free.  Of course later on in high school there was a different type of grass odor that omitted from outside.  Oh well, a story for another day!!  Welcome grass stains and the fragrance of my life! timothymahar.org

When a little boy I use to love to watch the television program Let's Make a Deal with my grandfather. It was fun to see the contestants struggle to get the best deal.  When I was at Cornell University one of my responsibilities was to co-manage the Cornell Baker Program in Real Estate Advisory Board.  This Board was made up some of the most  influential and successful individuals in the industry.  They were smart, slick, talented and transactional.  While a student at the Maxwell School of Public Administration at Syracuse University, I was taught and had guest lecturers who were leaders in negotiations, and diplomacy both in Syracuse and Washington D.C.  Attempting to negotiate a peace agreement is not a transactional deal.  It is a delicate process that requires individuals with vast experience, not a relative for former business friend in real estate.  That's like sending an airline pilot to fly the Artemis II.  An airline pilot is skilled smart and talented but the the space craft is beyond their capacity.  They are worlds apart.  Let's Make a Deal? or Let's reach and agreement?    timothymahar.org

This was the common question shouted from the wayback in the station wagon when on a trip.  The reply was always vague in an attempt to keep all children in the car calm and unaware of the actual circumstance.  Dad are we almost there? Dad replies: "yes few more miles, about an hour."  Mom, I have to go the bathroom, she replies: " hang on, the next stop is close."When will the war end? Reply: "in two to three weeks."  America is in the wayback!!timothymahar.org

The first American to be Pope; Pope Leo the XIV finds himself under attack from the current administration for praying for peace, and calling for leaders to stop the violence and find a diplomatic solution to end war.  These are not the words of a weak person, in contrast these are the words of a very strong person, there is no weakness in faith. He stated that Jesus does not recognize prayers for war and destruction.  That makes sense to me, especially after the threat from our President that a whole civilization will die. Jesus was after all the prince of peace.  Jesus's sermon on the mount, "Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God." Mathew 5:9 for those that are checking.  The Pope does not fear, he has faith that he shares, just like leaders from other religion and spiritual groups. They do not preach Idolatry, worshiping false idols, people, objects, or concepts that take the place of God in a person's life, often promising fulfillment and failing to deliver. Jesus was a radical who challenged authority, worked with the poor and downcast, preached peace and love.  Would today's conservative fundamental Christians accept such a person?  You can't have Christianity without Christ.  The Pope is not a politician, he is a man of faith.  I find comfort in his words/prayers, and I am grateful for him.   I wish all my brothers and sisters no matter your religion, or no religion peace and love!timothymahar.org

I don't care about red states, or blue states, or conservative, liberal, what do we Americans see when we look in the mirror. Do we recognize the reflection today? timothymahar.org

After just watching the Artemis II go around the darkside of the moon and viewing the crescent earth, I was in awe and how small our planet is in a vast universe.  As they sent back a photo of the full earth in the darkness of space, just like the one taken in 1972, I was struck by beauty of earth.  This fragile planet that we al share and have found ways to destroy eachother and it.   John Lennon had it right: "Imagine there's no countries, It isn't hard to do, nothing to kill or die for, and no religion too, imagine all the people living life in peace." For some reason seeing our planet from 225,000 miles away makes that seem not so much like a dream.  Robert Kennedy, "some men see things as they are and say "Why?" I dream things that never were and say, "Why not?"Why not??timothymahar.org

During a  time of great division, losing faith, trust in our leaders, unjust actions, fear and a unpopular undefined war, the moon launch of Atremis 2 has brought us together during the spacecraft's brief 8 minute  accent into space.  As WE marvel at the dedication, courage, and technology of so many. No red, no blue, just us.  This reminds me of the 1968 Apollo 8 Christmas Eve  orbit around the moon ending a year of violence and turbulence, when those astronauts read from the Book of Genesis, making us realize we are all sharing this small beautiful planet.  The first picture of the Earth rise over the moon taken by Bill Anders confirmed this.  I hope this mission re-ignites that perspective. timothymahar.org

It's that time for those twice a year Catholics to show up.  The ones that go to church on Christmas and Easter only, and consider their bases covered.  Now, I do not go to church every Sunday, but just like when you are on a good laxative, I am a regular and  not all the time.  These folks however, show up twice a year like it's some fringe concert.  They take up the parking spaces and hog the pews.  I think the collections should be double on these holidays, and parishioners get parking stickers so these twice a year folks pay to park.    Oh hell, that's not very nice of me to say, another item added to my confession list.  timothymahar.org

We live in a time of division and conflict.  I know, tell me something new captain obvious.  I was thinking of the basic conflict resolution model: 1. Emotions 2. Issues 3. Common Interests 4. Consensus.Looks simple yet so complicated when we are stuck in emotions.Timothy Mahar received a Master's of Arts in Public Administration along with a Certificate of Advanced Study in Conflict Resolution from the Maxwell School of Public Administration at Syracuse University.   timothymahar.org

It would be so refreshing if a politician, member of congress, a cabinet member, even pundits would answer a question directly.  Even if I did not agree with your answer I would respect taking the spin off the ball.  The tactics of screaming, story telling, infomercials, deflections, have me spinning like I am on the Tilt-A-Whirl and about to lose my cookies!!   timothymahar.org

I love Saint Patrick's Day.  It is a day where memories and friends of long ago come to life through music, and food.  When family afar and those that have passed on feel close.timothymahar.org

We live in an age of video wars that we can watch in the safety of our homes detached from the sacrifice, courage and death that occurs.  We look to win, but of course war is not a game.  It is fought by those military that have more courage than I will ever be made to understand, and started by those who watch.  I think back to when I worked for the Syracuse Newspapers and was doing an internship with the Newsline.  I was sent to do a story on the D-day invasion.  One person I interviewed was Thomas Niland Jr. The first Athletic Director at Lemoyne College, a coach, and  onetime player, also a veteran of Utah Beach and wounded in the Battle of the Bulge.  The movie, Saving Private Ryan was based on his cousins.  He said to me in the interview how much is bothers him when sporting events are described as wars, or battles.  Players come home from games, many solder do not come home from war. timothymahar.org

In 1969 during the height of the Vietnam war Creedence Clearwater Revival released the song, "Fortunate Son."  This song has remained timeless and is as applicable today as it was then. timothymahar.org

And Divided We Fall! There is a reason that leaders like to have people divided simply because it weakness their voice and power of influence. In this time of division and name calling, I find myself constantly reflecting on the basic conflict resolution model.  In that model sides work through emotions, to issues, towards common interests, then to consensus.  We all have common interests, in our case freedom, stability, security and opportunity.  These may look different for some, but they are common.  If parties and groups are kept in the emotional phase through fear, anger, and other rhetorical tactics they never realize their shared interests and combined strengths.  Unfortunately, It then takes a crisis for those parties to come together.    timothymahar.org

Way back when I was in college a little wild and all over the place, a dear friend of mine at the time who had vast interest and depth of knowledge with rock music suggested I listen to the Kinks song Celluloid Heroes.  This song written by Ray Davies, that debuted on their 1972 album, Everybody's in Show-Biz instantly moved me, as it in some ways hit home for me.  This is one of the most beautiful and meaningful rock ballads of all time, written and performed by one of the most underrated bands from the, British Invasion. Though the song was written with a different meaning at the time, I feel it reflects our fascination and craving for fame in our current social medial, click, realty television YouTube culture.  timothymahar.org

Well, every four years I love Curling.  The Winter Olympics has one of the most mellow sports in Curling, but it is action packed and high-risk with the other events.  In fact, the Winter Olympics is far more exciting then the summer games.  I mean come on, the Luge, the Skeleton, Bob Sled, Down Hill Skiing, Snow Boarding, Ski Jumping and of course, Curling.  Every four years I become an expert in sports I know nothing about, and find myself glued to the television watching a stone slide down the ice. timothymahar.org

On February 4th, 1988, thirty eight years ago, my father Thomas Francis,"Te Te" Mahar passed away at the age of 55yrs.  This podcast is a tribute to my father the love we shared, and lessons I learn during the 8 months leading up to his death.  This is shared through the lyrics of his favorite song, Frankie Lane's 1949 hit, "That Luck Old Sun".  A song that played constantly during this time, and is a warm hug to this day.  As the song say's: " like that lucky old sun, give me nothing to do, but roll around heaven all day."  I know my dad and his friends are rolling.    timothymahar.org

Everyone is flicking the "bird"!  Drivers flick it, kids flick it, leaders flicked it, old, young, red, blue, it does not matter the entire world is getting flicked off.  This once cherished gesture of last resort has become a common form of accepted communication, and not in an affection manner I might add. timothymahar.org

The snow just keeps falling! It is like living in a snow globe.  There is  sense of peace as the snow falls, and also the reality of having to shovel or plow.  It does seem as if time stops during the a snow storm, then starts ticking as soon as it is over. As pretty and peaceful as it may be, after a while it just is not cute anymore.  I hope that damn groundhog see's his shadow!!timothymahar.org

Put another log on the fire we are in a deep freeze! It's so cold I opened the refrigerator to warm up.  This is old school cold, comfort food cold, ping pong in the basement cold.  The kind of cold that bites your face and freezes your nostril hairs.  The frost of winter's breath.timothymahar.org

The rush and crush of the holiday season is past.  Since Halloween, Christmas trees went up, houses illuminated like the Las Vegas strip, pressure shopping, pressure cooking, pressure fun, all gone with the drop  of a ball on New Year's.What does that leave us with?  A tree that goes out as fast as it came in, broken New Year's resolutions, utility bills, and bills!! The Christmas sprite gone and the middle finger back, while on the road.   Goodwill passed on for another ten months and a real strong whiff of reality.   Welcome back!!!!timothymahar.org

In this episode I have conversation with Bill Crist, the Chair of the Advisory Council with the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary.  Bill shares with us the work and goals of the Sanctuary along with the history of Lake Ontario.   Bill also discusses the connection and past history of all the great lakes along with the St. Lawrence River, and the impact they had through the years on the region and the world.    timothymahar.org

2025 seems to be the year when the truth was laid to rest. Truth from so called leaders, truth as to what we read online, and the truth from certain media outlets.What are the consequences of unchecked truth, lies without accountably. It is manipulation by a few to motivate many to act for their benefit.  It is an erosion of simple values and decency.  It is a greenlight for illegal and lethal activity.  Yes, it is true: "the truth will set you free." timothymahar.org

As winter's snow blankets the ground with a cold warmth of silent nights, there are a new set of rules to live by.  These lifestyle rules apply to how we walk, drive, and even the amount of salt we use. (outside that is)  Ah, beautiful winter a season with rules of its own. timothymahar.org

The tryptophan has worn off, and as we awaken from a peaceful Thanksgiving nap all Hell is breaking loose, it's the holidays!  Trees on speeding cars, neighbors houses lit up like a landing strip at LAX, shop until you drop, and get it all done in twenty days! Then when the big day it over the rush to tear down!  Deck the halls with whatever it left. timothymahar.org

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.  It's foundation, of family, friends, tradition, and food remains for the most part untouched by the stress and rush of other holidays.  Unlike Halloween where decorations are up in in stores by August, or Christmas where decorations are for sale by October, Thanksgiving does not have that forced rush about it.  In fact, in many cases it can be overlooked by those who are in a hurry to get their Christmas tree up as fast as they can in November.  Oh, yes commercialism creeps in as "Black Friday" becomes Thanksgiving afternoon, but to me this holiday remains about gratitude, family and friends, those still with us and the love and the memories of those who have passed on.  Happy Thanksgiving!timothymahar.org

In this episode a follow-up to 'This Land is Your Land" by Woody Guthrie, I reflect on The Thanksgiving  Day classic," Alice's Restaurant" written by his son Arlo Guthrie.  This song which honored  the legacy of Woody and his belief in blending satire, humor and charm through storytelling and bringing the listener along for ride. "Alice's Restaurant" was released in 1967 the same year Woody died.  The song it as applicable today as it was then considering these times we are living! Not a song to read, but a must listen. I recommend you listen to it on Thanksgiving morning while the turkey is being stuffed.   "You can get anything you want at Alice's Restaurant".timothymahar.org

With all that is currently going on in our country I found myself searching for  inspiration, a sense of connectiveness beyond all the geographic and political boundaries of today.  I came across one of the greatest protest songs ever written.  It was written in 1940 and recorded in 1944, by Woody Guthrie, "This Land is Your Land".It held true then, and holds true today. timothymahar.org

There is something about Sunday Night that can bring on the blues.  All the activities of the past week behind and the new week ahead.  It is a kind of calm before the storm.  Even when I use to work on Sunday Nights there was always a different feel, in a studio, or on the streets.   There is a peace, and bit of sadness in the reflection along with a sense of warmth.  timothymahar.org

After 232 years the penny has been minted for last time.  The impact may not be immediate, but over the long run it will be felt.  Our friend the penny, with Abraham Lincoln greeting us and giving us a sense of security.  Eventfully there will no longer be penny loafers, or just the price "of a penny for our thoughts", even though we always gave our two cents. We will have less luck, and the song, Pennies from Heaven is where all the pennies will be.  So, there's my own two cents take it or leave it, you had better take, it won't be around for long. timothymahar.org

Today marks the 50th anniversary of the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald on November 10th, 1975.  Twenty-nine  brave souls perished that day in the cold waters of Lake Superior.  Later a folk rock ballad was written, composed and performed by Canadian singer-song writer Gordon Lightfoot to memorialize the crew on board the Edmund Fitzgerald that perished that evening around 7:15pm. The song was recorded in December of 1975 and released in August of 1976. It was a song that you did not talk through or dance to.  Instead, you became engulfed with it as the music and lyrics transformed you.  I was a senior in high school and it still give me chills, as it keeps the memory those twenty-nine souls alive. In this episode I read the song and remember those 29 sailors.  "Superior, they said, never gives up her dead. When the gales of November come early". Gordon Lightfoottimothymahar.org

After 208 years the Farmers' Almanac is hanging it up. The 2026 edition will be the last. I never read the Farmers' Alamac, but I always took comfort in knowing it was there, especially this time of year.  As the cold breath of November was upon us we would hear on the news: "according to the Farmers' Almanac, we are in for a harsh winter".  A lineage of 208 years ending makes me sad. Goodbye old friend I never knew, but I took great comfort in knowing you were around. timothymahar.org

I was listening to NPR, (while we still have it) the other day and the topic was ASI, Artificial Super Intelligence.  Now mind you, AI fills a void that has been identified in the majority of our civilized species.  A void we won't get back because we have become dependent on the technology.This next generation of Advanced Intelligence is still in the very early design phase. The result will be robots that are vastly more intelligent.  In essence we are designing the alien  force that will cause our extinction.   The Dinosaurs had and excuse, they did not create the asteroid. timothymahar.org

Nothing brings autumn to life like a fresh glass of real cider!  Not that pasteurized juice you buy a the grocery store.  Real apple cider that explodes with the tastes of fall.  This takes me back to autumn when pumpkin seeds, were a dessert, and the blowing leaves and chilly nights brought created a comfort where time stood still.  timothymahar.org

I was 9 years old in 1968 during all the chaos of war, riots, assassinations, the space race, a cultural revolution that had a tremendous impact on the misfit I have become and relish.  Today information is everywhere and unavoidable, loud, threating and lacking virtue, what is the effect it is having on our children.  Talk of war from within, masked men dropping from the sky, hate speech treated as just a joke, this is soaked up by our children daily.  Building a new generation of broken bridges and fear.  Our children are the forgotten victims, a time of supposed innocence, and discovery robbed by intentional fear, and violence.  Children have had their innocence robbed throughout history by war, poverty, evil acts, and injustices', but not with this intentional frequency from leaders. Do the math! timothymahar.org

Nothing beats a nice warm bowl of tomato soup on a rainy autumn day in the Northeastern United States.  As the rain falls on the vibrant leaves from a gray sky there is a sense of warmth and peace in that familiar bowl of soup. The changing of the leaves, a rich harvest and the comfort they bring is nature's way of saying goodbye to the year.  It is always a time of reflection for me, not just of the current year, but also the previous years and all the people I was blessed to share them with.  The warmth of the soup the comfort of the chill, and the beauty of the leaves blocks out the noise we are bombarded with daily.  timothymahar.org

In this episode I have an insightful and entertaining conversation with former international lacrosse player for the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, founding member of the rock band The Ripcords and lecturer/mentor Rex Lyons.  We touched on the legacy of his father  Oren Lyons, a renowned lacrosse player and human rights advocate, the impact the that the Haudenosaunee Confederacy has had throughout our history, the origin and spiritualty of lacrosse, and of course the Ripcords and their latest fantastic CD, White Cadillac!   timothymahar.org

In this episode I have a conversation with author and renaissance woman Ava Zacardi.  Ava has completed her final book in her Julia trilogy titled, 'Forever Julia, Bella's Journey."  Her exploration of family, art and regional beauty through the main character, Julia is gripping, entertaining, and moving as she takes readers on an unforgettable journey with Julia.   Ava is also an accomplished artists and was a regular character on a late night television movie and cooking show in Syracuse, NY.  Join us as we take an enlightening journey with Ava!timothymahar.org

There is not a place on earth that can compete with Autumn in New York. From Manhattan, to Old Forge, the Great Lakes, the St Lawrence River, and Niagara Falls,  Autumn in New York is a different experience to be cherished.  Yes different, yet the same, a changing season with, crisp air, sweaters, cider and pumpkins, that gives us the flare of the Big Apple, or the quaintness of a country road; Autumn is a constant change that brings  peace amongst panic.  There is a chill in the air, but a warmth in our hearts. timothymahar.org

In a day and age when most of us are obsessed with washing hands in the bathroom and not having to touch anything, we carry one filthy item with us after we depart this public space of shared germs and no eye contact.  It is our phone that one item we can't live without for one second of the day.  We cross the street with it, walk into each other on sidewalks, refuse to shut it off on planes, and yes carry on conversations while in the public bathroom.  You get out of a bathroom without touching anything except the door with your elbow, self-flushing, self- soap, and paper towels, but that phone my friend brings all those germs with you!!  Talk, talk, talk, wash, wash, wash, that's one dirty phone!!timothymahar.org

In this episode I have a conversation with the one and only Frank Malfitano the founder and  Executive Director of the Syracuse, N.Y. Jazz Fest. We explore Frank's vast musical and cultural experiences and reflect on the impact earlier artists had on the evolution of Rock and Roll, Jazz, and Blues. Artists who's music is just as important and vibrant in today's scene.  Frank is a true treasure and continues to bring incredible artists and music to this region! timothymahar.org

In this episode I have a conversation with Stephen Butler the former Executive Director of CNY Arts, actor, and playwriter.  Our conversation touched on the impact the arts have played throughout history. We also discussed the evolution of the creative process through times of crisis, and Stephen's new play. timothymahar.org

The end of summer tradition, the  New York State Fair. Most states have a fair and in the case of New York it takes place at the end of August and ends on Labor Day.  Once the clock strikes midnight a switch is flipped and it is autumn in New York. The Fair is an annual touchstone of fried food, rides, cows, horses, music, all kinds of exhibitions, sweating people, games and more.  If you it can be fried it's at the Fair. The constant and comfort is that no matter what is going on in the world, no matter how divided when you enter gate at the Fair, you are fair-goer a part of a community buying cowboy hats, eating everything fried and sticky, and winning a big pink rabbit!  timothymahar.org

Almost all jobs whether it be a counter position at fast food restaurant, or CEO, of a large company, coach, university president, plumber etc.. has a description, qualification for the position sought.  They fall into the areas of experience, education, character background, have you ever been convicted of a felony bankrupted a business, because why would you hire them to lead your business. Yet, the President of the United States the leader for the free world does not have a description, requirements for the position with the exception of being 35 years of age and a natural born citizen. No required knowledge of the law, military service, successful business background.  No concern with criminal records or character, or references.  Could a candidate get hired at McDonalds that we trust the free world with? timothymahar.org

When the government decides they would like to recommend the displaying and telling of history in a narrative that is beneficial to them, it is no longer history, it is propaganda.  Propaganda is intended to communicate a message through multiple platforms attempting to pursued the audience for the benefit of the sender.  When history becomes tainted and fake, we live in a dangerous reality, where truth is fabricated and events of the past will repeat themselves.  Fake History is bad for your health. timothymahar.org