Guest Friends

My guest for this episode of the Guest Friends podcast is one of my life-long best friends: Carl Johnson. If you’re familiar with this podcast, you may recall that Carl was our very first guest. We’ve invited him back for round 2 because he’s good people to talk to and because he’s releasing a new book called Undercurrents of Optimism and Joy: A Timely Meditation When Everything Feels The Exact Opposite. Carl was born in Redford, Michigan and now lives in downtown Farmington with his wife Colleen and their two kids Waylon and Shiloh (who both contributed their talents to the opening promo for this episode). He is a graphic designer by trade and has owned his company Saint Creative for 13 years.   As long-term friends, we’ve bonded over a plethora things, but one of our main connections is music. We’ve probably seen somewhere around 200 concerts together – and I’d say that’s a conservative estimate. It might not be a huge shocker then that we have an entrenched routine of trading year-end playlists. At this point, we even record the playlist reveals along with commentary (see below for a link to listen in to those). I met up with Carl just a few weeks before he was planning to release his 4th book… on April 4th, no less – the eve of his 44th birthday! Amongst other insights, Carl shares why he wants his new book to read like the rock-and-roll album Hello Hurricane sounds; what “prosperity zucchini” has to do with turning off the news; and why you should surround yourself with dangerous people (don’t worry, he doesn’t mean mobsters). By the way, Carl welcomes feedback about the book. In fact, he dares you to give him feedback. The Guest Friends podcast is available on many of the preferred platforms. #NewBook #Author #Writer #WrittenInDetroit #Encouragment #Undercurrents #Optimism #Joy #Guest #GuestFriendsPodcast #Podcast #Podcasting #Friends #Friendship #Conversation #Lifestyle    GuestFriendsPodcast@gmail.com Instagram: Guest Friends   LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Logo Credit: Saint-Creative.com Music Credit: Of Asaph (James Alleman) Promo Voiceover: Shiloh Promo Soundbed: Waylogne19 (Waylon)   Recommended Resources: Book: Undercurrents of Optimism and Joy Article: Americans Not Happy About Their Options (USA Today) Author: Erwin McManus Show: Running Wild with Bear Grylls Album: Hello Hurricane (Switchfoot) Music: Saint Watermix Playlists

My guest for this episode of the Guest Friends podcast is a fundamental building block of who I am because he’s my dad: Joseph Waterman. Born in Detroit during World War II, he was the youngest of seven siblings and grew up helping his dad at a gas station / repair shop they owned on Springwells called Waterman’s Garage. Joe later met his wife Elsie during a trip with friends to play miniature golf and they were married in 1962. They soon thereafter moved to the suburb of Livonia and raised five kids (of which I am the youngest). Having been a hard worker – and early riser – all his life, Joe has spent the past 20+ years delaying retirement by working for Vesco Oil Corporation in Detroit. But don’t let that fool you, he has found his own unique ways to have fun over the years (just ask those who know about the adventures of parasailing at Otsego Lake, for starters).  Some of my earliest memories include time spent with my dad at the shop on Springwells and then going to Detroit Tigers baseball games at the old Tiger Stadium, afterwards; family vacations to the aforementioned Otsego Lake State Park in northern Michigan; and carrying on his affection for strawberry pie at Big Boys restaurant.    I met up with Joe (aka dad) to discuss something almost unheard of… he still owns (and drives) the car he purchased new at the age of 19 – a 1960 Chevy Impala. If you do the quick math, that means that as of this recording, Joe has owned this vehicle for over 62 years! Amongst other insights, Joe shares what serendipitous event happened when he was making plans to hotrod a ’48 Plymouth; why the first car show he ever entered was a 5-hour drive out-of-state (and why he continues to attend Ducktail Run in Gas City, Indiana all these years later – including a few big surprises surrounding the 2022 show!); and how Dolly Parton unknowingly got involved in promoting his vehicle. And yes, Joe cruised the famous Woodward Ave in the 1960s with his Chevy Impala… before it was a thing. The Guest Friends podcast is available on many of the preferred platforms. #OriginalOwner #1960ChevyImpala #Impala #Chevy #Chevrolet #MadeInDetroit #BuiltInDetroit #ClassicCars #CarShows #WoodwardDreamCruise #WoodwardAve #Detroit #PureMichigan #DucktailRun #Restoration #Guest #GuestFriendsPodcast #Podcast #Podcasting #Friends #Friendship #Conversation #Lifestyle    GuestFriendsPodcast@gmail.com Instagram: Guest Friends   LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Logo Credit: Saint-Creative.com Music Credit: Of Asaph (James Alleman)   Recommended Resources: Article: Detroit News “Woodward Dream Cruise: A 62-year love affair with a ’60 Chevy” Event: Woodward Dream Cruise Event: Ducktail Run Rod & Custom Show History: 1960 Chevy Impala Place: Cars, Inc (for Chevy restoration parts)

My guest for this episode of the Guest Friends podcast is a man whose persona is a thoughtful collection of writer, minister, educator, thespian, and encourager: Paul Patton.  He and his wife Beth were married in 1974; they have 3 daughters and 8 grandchildren. He currently resides in Spring Arbor, Michigan – where he recently retired as Professor of Communication and Media at Spring Arbor University. In the 2021 book he co-authored with his fellow educator Robert H. Woods Jr. titled “Everyday Sabbath: How to Lead Your Dance with Media and Technology in Mindful and Sacred Ways”, his prayerful plea for the next generation is that they would “…love deeply, think wisely, and forgive quickly.” Paul initially went to Spring Arbor to play college baseball, but along the way he became a youth minister. It was while pastoring at Trinity Baptist Church in Livonia that Paul had the idea in the Spring of 1981 to start Trinity House Theatre when he experienced the unifying power that performing plays could bring to all involved – especially to those who needed it most. So, with no previous theatrical training, he jumped in to start writing and producing plays that would “…enliven the communities of Southeastern Michigan through brave, truthful, and necessary works of art.” 40+ years later, Trinity House is celebrating its anniversary as a sacred listening room for performing artists to thrive (it’s predominantly known as a live music venue now). For several years, I only knew Paul by myth and legend, until I finally had a chance to meet him at a dinner party shortly after I joined the Trinity House board of directors. Paul is just one of those people who you can’t help but be awed by their wisdom and presence. Along with being encouragers of creative efforts, we’ve also bonded over being fellow podcasters – with his short-form podcast series “Soul Stirrings” (available on SoundCloud) giving insights to the Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.   I met up with Paul on the very stage he helped to build all those years ago in order to discuss the particulars surrounding the founding of the theatre. Amongst other insights, Paul shares how innovative auditioning techniques opened up the possibilities for a previously overlooked population of acting hopefuls; why it’s stupid to hold back on complimenting people; and how memorization can activate an oasis of the mind whenever you need it (you’ll hear his evidence of that, firsthand). As a bonus, we also discuss some of the history of the small meeting house at Six Mile and Haggerty (built in 1850 in Livonia, Michigan) that Trinity House has resided in since its founding, and we reveal a special historical event that took place within its walls. The Guest Friends podcast is available on many of the preferred platforms. GuestFriendsPodcast@gmail.com Instagram: Guest Friends   LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Logo Credit: Saint-Creative.com Music Credit: Of Asaph (James Alleman) Promo Voiceover: Jill Jack Promo Soundbed: “Amelia” by Jill Jack   Recommended Resources: Place: Trinity House Donate: Paul Patton Founders Club Podcast: “Soul Stirrings” with Paul Patton Book: “Everyday Sabbath: How to Lead Your Dance with Media and Technology in Mindful and Sacred Ways” by Paul Patton and Robert H. Woods Jr. Book: “I Asked for Wonder” by Abraham Joshua Heschel Video: Trinity House YouTube Page

My guest for this episode of the Guest Friends podcast is another long-time friend and neighbor: Michal McIntosh.  She and her husband Terry have been married for 43 years, have 5 children, and as of last count – because this number seemingly increases by the day – they have 13 grand children (grands). Michal grew up as a PK (preacher’s kid) and through her Dad’s ministry, spent her teenage and college years living in the Atlanta area with her family. Upon returning to Michigan and marrying Terry, she then took up the calling as a PW (preacher’s wife). When she’s not leading a Bible study, discipling other women, or serving in the church kitchen ministry, Michal can be found joyfully tending to her many grands. She’s also an avid gardener – whether that be growing an army of tomatoes, or beautifying the yard with several varieties of flowers.  While she’d prefer to operate behind the scenes, Michal was gracious to agree to be interviewed here (as part of returning a favor, and with a tad bit of convincing!). I met up with Michal in her home to discuss her dedicated practice of writing Thank You Notes as a way to express her gratitude and offer encouragement to others. Amongst other insights, Michal shares how a thank you note won her husband over; what simple strategy she uses to combat writer’s block; and where she keeps some of the treasured thank you notes that she’s received over the years.      The Guest Friends podcast is available on many of the preferred platforms.   #ThankYouNotes #ThankYou #Gratitude #Appreciation #Encouragement #Creativity #Guest #GuestFriendsPodcast #Podcast #Podcasting #Friends #Friendship #Conversation #Lifestyle    GuestFriendsPodcast@gmail.com Instagram: Guest Friends   LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Logo Credit: Saint-Creative.com Music Credit: Of Asaph (James Alleman) Promo Voiceover: Paul Patton Promo Soundbed: Apple Logic loops   Recommended Resources: Supplies: Thank You Notes w/envelopes Learning: Examples of What to Write Video: Jimmy Fallon – Thank You Notes segment

My guest for this episode of the Guest Friends podcast is my fellow bray, homie, and mic-dropper: Jason Tomlinson. AKA – J-Live.   Jason was born in Guam as part of a missionary family and has lived a little bit of everywhere since then – including having been partially raised in the Mitten State from 1989-1994. He and his wife Leah are both high school teachers and reside with their three lovely children just outside of Nashville, Tennessee.   I met up with Jason at the podcast studio inside the boutique Russell Hotel in East Nashville to discuss his passion for words – especially through the mediums of Spoken Word poetry and Podcasting. Amongst other insights, Jason shares his connection to Shel Silverstein's "Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout"; what having his poems published in the Flint Journal at age 15 taught him; and how his new podcast "Eight Stories Tall" is out to prove that "an uninteresting person does not exist." Oh, and you'll get a chance to hear J-Live perform two of his original spoken word poems: "It's a Wonderful Life" and "Grace Tree" during the episode.  We'd enjoy your comments or questions: GuestFriendsPodcast@gmail.com Instagram: Guest Friends   LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Logo Credit: Saint-Creative.com Music Credit: Of Asaph (James Alleman) Promo Production & Voiceover: Brian "Broops" Brophy   Recommended Resources: Podcast: Eight Stories Tall (Jason Tomlinson) Podcast: The Pivot (Andrew Osenga)  Place: The Russell Hotel - Nashville YouTube: Shel Silverstein reading "Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout Would Not Take the Garbage Out"  YouTube: Amena Brown "Dear TV Sitcoms" YouTube: Shane Koyczan "To This Day" (anti-bullying poem)  

My guest for this episode of the Guest Friends podcast is my nephew - and hands-on renaissance man: Justin Stilson. Justin and his wife Brittany live just outside of Bay City, Michigan. Having grown up in a family that valued working with their hands, Justin experienced everything from construction work, to restoring muscle cars, to tending to goats, to trying out crafts like scrapbooking. With a willingness to learn new things and to put in the hard work, it's not a big surprise then that he eventually took the leap into entrepreneurship by starting his own business: Stilson Sign & Custom.   I met up with Justin in his home/workshop to discuss how he's become a devoted old-world artisan with pinstriping and antique sign painting. Amongst other insights, Justin shares why the D.I.Y. ethic is just a way of life (especially when your family never called a repairman); how his toolbox involuntarily became his first pinstriping canvas; and why ambition is the ultimate call-to-action.     We'd enjoy your comments or questions: GuestFriendsPodcast@gmail.com Instagram: Guest Friends   LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Logo Credit: Saint-Creative.com Music Credit: Of Asaph (James Alleman)   Recommended Resources: Social: Stilson Sign & Custom (FaceBook) Social: Stilson Sign & Custom (Instagram) Place: American Gasser - Saginaw Video: "Von Dutch - Legend of Pinstriping" Tools: Mack Brush Company

[Of note: this conversation was originally recorded in December 2019 – in somewhat simpler times. Although it captures a specific moment in time and place, it is meant to be enduring – so it is with great excitement that we are finally able to give it an official release exactly two years from its inception!] My guest for this episode of the Guest Friends podcast is the thoughtfully effervescent: Anna Widgeon. Anna is a lawyer by day, a seminary student by night, and a wandering creative soul at just about any other portions of time that exist in her world – which includes having put together a Kickstarter campaign to produce her first album “Stories & Scars” a few years back. I met up with Anna at the Plymouth Coffee Bean in downtown Plymouth, Michigan to discuss how she's become a coffee fanatic. Amongst other insights, Anna shares her coffee origin story 1.0 in Argentina; how coffee plants growing on the sides of volcanoes is a literal thing in Guatemala; and why it's not uncommon for her to roll with barista friends and anyone else she can nerd out about coffee roasting techniques with. Side note... she's in position to be that person that carries a portable drip coffee setup in her “messenger bag” - and it would be her pleasure to make you coffee if you ask politely. We also take a moment to capture the quasi-adventure of ordering a drink for our coffee-challenged host. Of which the barista spontaneously named it the “chocolate chai flavor extravaganza”. Special shout-out to @tbulls @moose131984 and the fam for allowing Joy to bring her voiceover talents to the mic during the promo! Thanks, Joy!!!   We'd enjoy your comments or questions: GuestFriendsPodcast@gmail.com Instagram: Guest Friends   LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Logo Credit: Saint-Creative.com Music Credit: Of Asaph (James Alleman) "Promo" Music: "Tell Me Something True" by Anna Widgeon   Recommended Resources: Documentary: A Film About Coffee TEDxTalk: "Everything You've Ever Wanted To Know About Coffee" (Chandler Graf) Video: "Everything You've Ever Wanted To Know About Coffee" (Tastemade) Place: Plymouth Coffee Bean Place: Hyperion Coffee - Ypsi Place: 19 Drips Coffee and Tea - Ann Arbor Place: New Order Coffee - Detroit Place: Red Dot Coffee - Northville Roaster: Gooseneck Coffee Co. Article: "5 Best Guatemalan Coffee Brands 2021"  

My guest for this episode of the Guest Friends podcast is my family's long-time next-door neighbor: Jim Voigt. I met up with Jim in his home in the metro Detroit area to discuss his experiences having been drafted into the Vietnam War in April of 1966. After being seriously injured by a Viet Cong mortar blast while on ambush patrol during the war, Jim spent several months recovering in hospitals in Saigon and later in Japan. Since he had difficulty physically writing letters from his hospital bed during his recovery, he ended up recording audio letters on a reel-to-reel tape machine to send home to friends and family to keep them updated on his condition, and to keep his spirits up. For the first time in close to 50 years, Jim has resurfaced those tapes, and you can hear some of that content interwoven into our discussion. Amongst other insights, Jim shares the rollercoaster ride of dropping into Vietnam from 20,000 feet to avoid being shot down; how he learned a valuable life-lesson by way of a 3x5 card; and why mom's homemade chocolate chip cookies are welcomed friends when you're a soldier digging into a foxhole. We'd enjoy your comments or questions: GuestFriendsPodcast@gmail.com   LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Logo Credit: Saint-Creative.com  Music Credit: Of Asaph (James Alleman) "Inspired By" Segment Production: Shane Sevo   Recommended Resources: Documentary: Ken Burn's "The Vietnam War": TheGeniusOfPlay.org Database: The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall 

My guest for this episode of the Guest Friends podcast is the youngest of three brothers - all of whom I hope to feature on Guest Friends at some point, as we've basically been more like family - having grown up two doors down from each other: Dan Wells. Dan - along with his wife Jennifer - are parents to a 15-month-old son and a Siberian Husky. Dan is also an accomplished architect, and a wizard at Legend of Zelda for the N64. I met up with Dan and Jennifer at their home - which doubles as the compound for Cousin Camp: a curated gathering of their nieces and nephews that takes place each Memorial Day weekend. What started as simply getting together to watch some movies and eat some food has turned into - having just completed its 6th year - something epic for the cousins. Amongst other insights, Dan and Jennifer share why traditions - like where the pizza is purchased - is of utmost importance to impressionable youth; how Pinterest and other tutorial websites can be a major budget hack when trying to build on themes - especially when creating cool things like Harry Potter wands; and how to encourage imagination and creative play when it doesn't come as naturally to kids born in the digital world.  We'd enjoy your comments or questions: GuestFriendsPodcast@gmail.com   LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Logo Credit: Saint-Creative.com  Music Credit: Of Asaph (James Alleman) "Inspired By" Voiceover: Ella "Inspired By" Production: Joe Wells   Recommended Resources: Website: TheGeniusOfPlay.org Article: If you want your kid to get a good job, let them play more Tutorial: Making Harry Potter wands Video Game: Legend of Zelda for Nintendo 64 Video Game: Rock Band 4 Food: Toramina's Pizza Architecture: National Tennis Center

My guest for this episode of the Guest Friends podcast is long-time bosom buddy: Ben Davis. Ben is a married father of four, seemingly a life-long soccer coach, and a Veteran who served for over 5 years in the Army (from 2003-2008). He also hosts the Arsenal of Hope podcast which focuses on dietary, fitness, and wellness tips - especially for Veterans. I met up with Ben at the Detroit Foundation Hotel podcast studio (the building was the former site of the Detroit Fire Department headquarters and was built in 1921). Amongst other insights, Ben shares why "sticking it to the man" was at least partial motivation for taking on 12 Ultra Marathons over the course of a year; how the combination of trail running and changing his diet became the most effective medication cocktail; and why planning a 22-hour run on Belle Isle in Detroit is so significant to him. We'd enjoy your comments or questions: GuestFriendsPodcast@gmail.com   LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Logo Credit: Saint-Creative.com  Music Credit: Of Asaph (James Alleman) "Inspired By" Voiceover: Doug Wells   Recommended Resources: Website: Arsenal of Hope Website: Victory Gym Book: Ultra Marathon Man (Dean Karnazes) Documentary: Free to Run Place: Detroit Foundation Hotel Company: Rogue Arc (design)

Our friend Carl Johnson – from our very first episode – takes a turn to host this 7th episode of the Guest Friends podcast where he welcomes friend and fellow small business owner: Rob Woelkers. Rob is the founder, owner, and operator of PLUSkateboarding shop in downtown Farmington, Michigan. He’s had the joy of opening the door to his business for 16 years, and is a legendary figure in his community – especially as an ambassador for the sport of skateboarding through efforts like spearheading the Riley Skate Park project. Carl met up with Rob at his skate shop on a bustling Spring day to discuss the culture and the business of skateboarding. Amongst other insights, Rob shares some skateboarder wisdom of how to reduce the chance of serious injury: “If you can’t jump up it [on foot], you shouldn’t jump down it [on a skateboard]”; the story behind a “big fake check” that lead to a massive return on investment for the community ($$$); and what his answer to the age-old question “Have you met Tony Hawk?” is.  We'd enjoy your comments or questions: GuestFriendsPodcast@gmail.com Instagram: Guest_Friends_Podcast   LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Logo Credit: Saint-Creative.com  MusicCredit: Of Asaph (James Alleman)   RECOMMENDED RESOURCES: PLUSkateboarding Blog Tony Hawk: Birdhouse demo @Riley Skate Park Article: Mark Gonzales Thrasher Magazine How to: Kick Flip Documentary: Dogtown and Z-boys

My guest for this episode of the Guest Friends podcast is my former 6th grade teacher at Taylor Elementary School: Tom Gerken. Tom was born in Ohio, but he spent his entire 37-year teaching career and raised his family "North of the boarder" in Livonia, Michigan. Although retired from the classroom now, Tom continues to lead an active and healthy lifestyle - including still running 2-miles every day. I'd imagine that not too many people get the chance to reconnect with one of their favorite teachers later in life - let alone interview them. So I was grateful to have the opportunity to meet up with Tom after running into him at an Al Kaline autograph signing at Comerica Park in Detroit this past Fall. Amongst other insights, Tom shares how little league baseball and his love of the Detroit Tigers influenced his teaching career; how being pink-slipped twelve of his first thirteen years in the profession was an unwelcome introduction to the political process; and how his students in the '70s got an education in the "History of Rock & Roll" as part of his early curriculum stylings. We'd enjoy your comments or questions: GuestFriendsPodcast@gmail.com   LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE:  Logo Credit: Saint-Creative.com  Music Credit: Of Asaph (James Alleman)   RECOMMENDED RESOURCES: Documentary: American Teacher Book: Tribe of Mentors (by Tim Ferriss) 1999 Teacher of the Year: Andy Baumgartner Article: Michigan K-12 Funding 1968 World Champion: Detroit Tigers Article: The 50s - A Decade of Music That Changed the World (Rolling Stone)

My guest for this episode of the Guest Friends podcast is a former co-worker who has become a cherished friend over the course of the past ten years: Anjanetta Dorsey. Anjie is a married mother of two, a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), and has an MBA in Healthcare Leadership. When she's not on the sidelines at her sons' soccer games, she can be found plotting out what independent restaurant to venture to next. I met up with Anjie just after Thanksgiving to discuss her passion as a Foodie. Amongst other insights, Anjie shares how her Grandma influenced her with invitations into the process of preparing meals; how she's a spice girl (no, not the music group); and how she's thinking of starting a formalized dining club (to which Guy Fieri would probably get the first invite). We'd enjoy your comments or questions: GuestFriendsPodcast@gmail.com   LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Logo Credit: Saint-Creative.com  Music Credit: Of Asaph (James Alleman) "Inspired By" Voiceover: Caleb Dorsey "Food is Our Fast Friend" poem written by: Christopher Waterman   Recommended Resources: Lonely Planet: Detroit   Hour Detroit Magazine Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails (Detroit) Restaurateur: Guy Fieri Documentary: 42 Grams

My guest for this episode of the Guest Friends podcast is long-time family friend: Eva Wesman - who was born in 1927 (which means she is 91 years young at the time of this interview!) in Michigan's Upper Peninsula (Yooper!). I met up with Eva in a rehab clinic where she was recovering from a recent injury - and she was especially gracious to be interviewed in between therapies. Truth be told - since we both enjoy telling stories - we talked non-stop for almost 2.5 hours! That conversation has been edited for timely presentation and here you will find Part 2 where we focus on Eva's remembrances during the World War II era and through her young adulthood in the latter part of the 1940s and 50s. Amongst other insights, Eva shares her exploits as a semi-professional hitch-hiker (in a pre-Uber world) in order to attend weekend dances; how spending the night at a funeral home is "spooky as all get out"; and why wearing a borrowed wedding dress is a good strategy to meet your future spouse at a train depot (Michigan Central Station). We'd enjoy your comments or questions: GuestFriendsPodcast@gmail.com Instagram: Guest_Friends_Podcast   LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Logo Credit: Saint-Creative.com  Music Credit: Of Asaph (James Alleman) "Inspired By" Voiceover: Eric Dorman   RECOMMENDED RESOURCES: Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1941 State of the Union Address "The Four Freedoms" (January 6, 1941) Norman Rockwell's "Four Freedoms" paintings Combat medics of WWII Michigan Central Station (train depot)  

My guest for this episode of the Guest Friends podcast is long-time family friend: Eva Wesman - who was born in 1927 (which means she is 91 years young at the time of this interview!) in Michigan's Upper Peninsula (Yooper!). I met up with Eva in a rehab clinic where she was recovering from a recent injury - and she was especially gracious to be interviewed in between therapies. Truth be told - since we both enjoy telling stories - we talked non-stop for almost 2.5 hours! That conversation has been edited for timely presentation and here you will find Part 1 where we focus on Eva's remembrances of The Great Depression - one of the darkest and most desperate times in American history. Amongst other insights, Eva shares the personal struggles that her parents faced in a time of intensely scarce resources; how a mill pond and discarded automobile tires can be luxurious entertainment for children; and a sensible strategy for choosing which political side to support. Comments or questions: GuestFriendsPodcast@gmail.com   LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Logo Credit: Saint-Creative.com  Music Credit: Of Asaph (James Alleman)   Recommended Resources: Great Depression history Ken Burns presents The Roosevelts: An Intimate History (documentary) Pure Michigan - Upper Peninsula Plymouth District Library (Plymouth, MI)   

My guest for this episode of the Guest Friends podcast is even closer than a friend because he's family: my brother Jason Waterman. I met up with Jason (during a very brief break in his travels) to discuss his experiences as an expatriate - having spent almost 10 years living internationally in places including Germany, Romania, and Mexico. Amongst other insights, Jason shares how he went from having "zero desire" to travel to having it fundamentally change the way he thinks; when he found out that you can't always drive as fast as you want on the Autobahn; and why you shouldn't just work, work, work, work, work before you take the time to experience the world.      Comments or questions: GuestFriendsPodcast@gmail.com   LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Logo Credit: Saint-Creative.com  Music Credit: Of Asaph (James Alleman) Experiential Travel Website: Afar.com   Locals Mentioned: Regensburg, Germany Timisoara, Romania Guadalajara, Mexico

My guest for this inaugural episode of the Guest Friends podcast is one of my life-long best friends of over 20 years: Carl S. Johnson. Carl is a married father of two, graduate of the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, owns and operates the graphic design firm Saint Creative, and is prone to enjoying a Starbucks s'mores mocha while contemplating lyrics of rock-and-roll songs as they spin on his turntable. I met up with Carl to discuss the topics of marriage, friendships, and doing the hard work in relation to passion projects. Amongst other insights, Carl tells us what he didn't learn in marriage books, of being blown away by his son's Lego skills, and to fight the resistance in order to do something significant with our lives. Comments or questions: GuestFriendsPodcast@gmail.com   LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE:   Music Credit: Of Asaph (James Alleman) OfAsaphMusic.bandcamp.com   Logo Credit: Saint Creative (Carl S. Johnson) Saint-Creative.com   Doldrums and the Divine Breath by Carl S. Johnson The Ferrari in the Garage by Carl S. Johnson PrisonFellowship.org Do the Work by Steven Pressfield Celebration of Discipline by Richard J. Foster The Inklings (C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien)