In this episode of Call Me Donovan, I dusted off the mic after a bit of a break to catch up and unload about life, health, and the ridiculous state of healthcare in America. I kicked things off talking about guest-hosting on Grumpy Old Geeks with Jason DeFilippo while his usual co-host was living it up at Disneyland Paris — a fun detour before diving into the not-so-fun topic of health insurance sticker shock.I talked about how I’ve been feeling drained lately — tired all the time despite good sleep and a clean lifestyle — but joked that going to the doctor here in the “land of the free and the uninsured” isn’t exactly affordable. That rolled into a hard look at my own insurance costs as a self-employed small business owner: over $21,000 a year in premiums for a bronze plan with a $16,000+ deductible. Yeah, that’s not a typo — twenty-one grand for the privilege of still paying out of pocket.I ran the numbers (because I’m a glutton for punishment): my family’s health insurance costs are jumping by over 1,000% once the subsidies disappear next year. So, like a lot of Americans, we’ll probably have no coverage in 2026. I made my usual case for universal healthcare — not because it’s perfect elsewhere, but because the current “you’re on your own” model is insane.I wrapped things up asking listeners to share their own marketplace horror stories at callmedonovan.com/voicemail, signed off hoping everyone’s holding up, and reminded y’all — if surviving in this economy doesn’t give you high blood pressure, your next premium notice will.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support.ContactTwitter/Insta/Threads: donadkissonBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.comVoicemail: https://callmedonovan.com/voicemailEmail: don@callmedonovan.comPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music)Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render
I’ll be honest—I don’t know if anything I said in this episode will make a difference, but I had to get it off my chest. The murder of Charlie Kirk has thrown the country into another firestorm, and what frustrates me most isn’t just the tragedy itself, but how the political right is weaponizing it to silence criticism and push their agenda. I talk about free speech—what it really means, what it doesn’t, and how the government should not be the arbiter of who gets to speak.I share my thoughts on J.D. Vance’s comments about “consequences” for people pointing out Charlie’s own words, and why that logic is both hypocritical and dangerous. I also dive into the fallout around Jimmy Kimmel, corporate cowardice, and how big media companies bend to political pressure when their bottom line is at stake.This episode is raw, frustrated, and maybe even a little hopeless—but it’s real. I may not have power, but I do have a voice. And as long as I do, I’m going to use it.This was originally shot as a video which can be found here: Bending the Knee to Power and Money - by Donovan AdkissonBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support.ContactTwitter/Insta/Threads: donadkissonBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.comVoicemail: https://callmedonovan.com/voicemailEmail: don@callmedonovan.comPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music)Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render
This one’s a walk down memory lane—literally and figuratively. I was just standing at the office door, staring outside, when a flood of memories hit me. March 2026 will mark 20 years in this house—our first real “house-house,” not a mobile home, not an apartment, but an actual piece of stick-built real estate with roots. Before that, we’d done the whole double-wide life (which, don’t get me wrong, still had plenty of heart and HVAC). The journey from farming and window fans to fiber optics and podcast studios has been one wild, dusty, sunroom-repairing ride.I reflected on how so much has changed—kids growing up and moving away, technology evolving from Blackberrys to Rodecaster Pros—and how, weirdly, so much has stayed the same. Like me, still here in this space, wondering where all the time (and hair) went. My two sons are on opposite ends of the country now, and my daughter’s still nearby. I haven’t seen my oldest in person in 10 years, which is a gut-punch I don’t even know how to fully process, but hey, we’ve got Signal and texts. That counts for something… right?There’s some nostalgia, yeah—especially when I remember the midnight Discord chats, taking a leak under the Bradford pear trees (may they rest in mulch). But there’s also pride. I’ve built a business, survived 808 days (and counting) of alcohol-free living, and I’ve even kept a few good friends in rotation.So this episode? It’s part reflection, part processing, part “are you feeling this too?” Especially for my fellow older Gen Xers. Hit me up and let me know how you’re doing. Seriously.ContactTwitter/Insta/Threads: donadkissonBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.comVoicemail: https://callmedonovan.com/voicemailEmail: don@callmedonovan.comPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music)Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/renderBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support.ContactTwitter/Insta/Threads: donadkissonBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.comVoicemail: https://callmedonovan.com/voicemailEmail: don@callmedonovan.comPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music)Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render
Hey y’all — Donovan here, and in this episode of Call Me Donovan, I go full tilt into the joys (read: hell) of homeownership. What started as a normal Sunday with laundry turned into a plumbing nightmare: backed-up sinks, overflowing washing machine lines, and a trip—or three—to Lowe’s. I recount how my daughter and I tackled the clog from hell, including crawling under the house, getting soaked in nasty water, and me ending up covered in kitty litter and PVC glue. I also reflect on what it’s like to own a home after years of living in double wides, share a few family stories from my younger days, and throw in a little unsolicited advice for anyone romanticizing the idea of homeownership. Spoiler: it ain’t all HGTV. So if you’ve ever dealt with a stubborn drain, a busted garbage disposal, or just needed a reminder that homeownership means you are also the plumber, carpenter, and janitor—this one’s for you. Got your own homeowner horror story? Hit me up at don@callmedonovan.com or leave me a voicemail at callmedonovan.com/voicemail. This one’s messy—in more ways than one.Pipe ImageSocialsTwitter/Insta/Threads: donadkissonBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.comPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music)Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/renderBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support.ContactTwitter/Insta/Threads: donadkissonBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.comVoicemail: https://callmedonovan.com/voicemailEmail: don@callmedonovan.comPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music)Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render
Hey, it’s Donovan — and welcome back to another episode of Call Me Donovan! Today marks 761 days alcohol-free, and I’m reflecting on what it means to get older — not just for us as people, but for the stuff we rely on every day. Namely: our aging vehicles. In this episode, I dive into the increasingly expensive (and frustrating) world of maintaining older cars. I tell the story of our 2003 Ford Explorer, which still has under 78,000 miles but has racked up thousands in repair costs over the past two years — including a full transmission rebuild. I also share the ups and (mostly) downs of my 2013 Ford Focus and its infamously glitchy “automatic-manual” transmission. Oh, and let’s not forget my son’s bright yellow ‘03 Ford Ranger — we call it the “submarine.” If you've ever stared down a $3,000 repair bill and wondered if it’s time to give up and buy new, you’ll feel this one. Also, I touch briefly on this brutal heat dome sitting over the South and share a few thoughts on climate change — yeah, it’s real, and I’m not sugar-coating it. Finally, I wrap with some Fourth of July safety reminders (especially for the pets!) and a little personal perspective on life as a middle-aged, long-married atheist dad living in the heart of the Bible Belt. It’s another slice-of-life monologue from yours truly. Thanks for listening.—Donovan🎙️ Got thoughts?📩 Email me: don@callmedonovan.com🎤 Leave me a voicemail: callmedonovan.com/voicemail🌐 Check out more: tiftonmediaworks.comSocialsTwitter/Insta/Threads: donadkissonBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.comPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music)Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/renderBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support.ContactTwitter/Insta/Threads: donadkissonBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.comVoicemail: https://callmedonovan.com/voicemailEmail: don@callmedonovan.comPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music)Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render
This time on Call Me Donovan, I’m catching you up on what’s been a hectic couple of weeks around here. First off, I quietly passed the two-year mark on my alcohol-free journey — 745 days and counting. But honestly, things have been such a blur lately I’m not even sure if I already mentioned that. My son Tyler came in from Seattle for one of his regular visits, and as usual, it turned into a bit of a workcation. Whenever he comes home, he asks what projects we can tackle together, and this time we had two big ones. The first was in our so-called “sunroom” — really the cat lounge at this point — where we had to replace a rotted bottom plate after my wife’s accident earlier this year. What should have been a quick repair turned into a comedy of missing tools, stubborn concrete, and way too many trips to Lowe’s. The second project was even more of an adventure: replacing siding on my office and shop building where years of water damage had taken its toll. Let’s just say spiral nails, uncooperative soffits, and old siding don’t come apart easily. We got it done though — with plenty of cuts, bruises, and sore muscles to show for it. In the end, despite the hard work, I had a blast working side-by-side with my son and daughter, doing something that didn’t involve screens or keyboards for a change. We’re already eyeing the next big job: completely rebuilding our back deck later this year. Along the way, I also talk a bit about old friends, the state of our social lives these days, and a little homebrew fix my wife came up with for improving audio in the podcast studio. As always, thanks for listening — and if you’ve got a message or story to share, drop me a voicemail or text. Until next time, take care and stay cool.Picture of the podcasting tableContact Informationemail: don@callmedonovan.comTwitter/Insta/Threads: donadkissonBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.comVoicemail: https://callmedonovan.com/voicemailPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music)Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/renderBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support.ContactTwitter/Insta/Threads: donadkissonBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.comVoicemail: https://callmedonovan.com/voicemailEmail: don@callmedonovan.comPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music)Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render
In this episode, I’m venting about something that’s been gnawing at me—how certain terms get hijacked and misused, particularly “anti-Semitism.” Lately, especially with Trump back in power and targeting DEI initiatives and college campuses, there’s this overuse of the term to label any criticism of the Israeli government as anti-Semitic. That’s not only lazy—it’s dishonest. Let me be clear: what Hamas did to Israel was horrific. They’re a terrorist organization, period. But criticizing the Israeli government’s response—especially the ongoing destruction and suffering in Gaza—doesn’t mean you’re anti-Semitic. Protesting for humanitarian reasons isn’t hate; it’s compassion. Being Palestinian doesn’t automatically make someone Hamas. And not every bombed building is a terrorist hideout. People—families—are dying, starving, and being displaced. I can support Jewish people and still oppose Israel’s policies. That’s not bigotry; it’s nuance. And frankly, I’m sick of the weaponization of language to shut down discourse. Words matter. Misusing “anti-Semitism” to score political points or silence protestors is not just misleading—it’s dangerous. That’s my pet peeve of the day. See you next time.Contact Informationemail: don@callmedonovan.comTwitter/Insta/Threads: donadkissonBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.comVoicemail: https://callmedonovan.com/voicemailPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music)Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/renderBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support.ContactTwitter/Insta/Threads: donadkissonBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.comVoicemail: https://callmedonovan.com/voicemailEmail: don@callmedonovan.comPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music)Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render
Today’s episode is a bit more raw, a bit more unsettled. I start off just talking about the heat—because, yeah, it’s one of those Georgia scorchers—but it quickly shifts into something heavier. Maybe it’s the heat, maybe it’s the state of everything lately, but I’ve had this itch in the back of my mind that just won’t go away. A feeling that something’s not quite right, and hasn’t been for a while. I talk about hitting two years sober—my longest stretch without alcohol since I was a teenager. That’s a big deal for me. And yet, even with that personal win, I find myself looking out at the world and feeling... off. There's a heaviness. Maybe you’ve felt it too. I get into what’s been gnawing at me—news that former President Biden has advanced prostate cancer, and the circus that’s erupted around it. What should’ve been a private, human moment has turned into political theater. Accusations, conspiracies, investigations—none of it feels rooted in compassion anymore. It’s all noise. Then Trump, as usual, manages to stir the pot more with attacks on Springsteen, Kamala Harris, and anything that doesn’t bow to his ego. Somewhere along the way I ended up watching a video breaking down The Handmaid’s Tale—yeah, that one. And for the first time, I truly felt how close fiction and reality can run. Project 2025? Christian nationalism? The erosion of rights and freedoms I once believed were unshakable? It all feels a bit too close to the plot of Gilead for comfort. I don't think I’ve ever said it this clearly before, but I’m scared for the future of this country. Not in a dramatic way, but in that quiet, creeping kind of way. The kind that lives in your chest when you realize the cracks you dismissed before might actually be fractures now. It hurts to watch this American experiment falter. Still, I’m trying. Trying to hold on to some kind of hope. Trying to believe that those of us who care—really care—can still push back against the darkness. I want to know how you're feeling. Are you seeing the same things I’m seeing? Do you feel it too? Or maybe you’re seeing something I’ve missed. Let me know. You can always reach out. Seriously—I mean that. Drop a voicemail at callmedonovan.com/voicemail, send an email to don@callmedonovan.com, or even text me at 229-234-1307. This one’s heavy. But maybe that’s okay. Not every episode has to end on a high note. Sometimes it’s enough just to speak the truth as you feel it, and hope someone out there hears it. Take care. Talk soon.Contact Informationemail: don@callmedonovan.comTwitter/Insta/Threads: donadkissonBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.comVoicemail: https://callmedonovan.com/voicemailPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music)Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/renderBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support.ContactTwitter/Insta/Threads: donadkissonBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.comVoicemail: https://callmedonovan.com/voicemailEmail: don@callmedonovan.comPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music)Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render
Hey folks, it’s Donovan—and in this episode, I’m admitting something big: I’m an information junkie. From obscure trivia to daily newsletters and news overload, I just can’t stop chasing info. But lately? I’ve hit a wall. My inbox looks like a digital garage sale of unread newsletters, and I’m starting to question how much I actually need to know. I talk about the evolution of info addiction—from the glory days of Slashdot and early blogs, to the rise of newsletters and the sneaky way they’ve taken over our inboxes. Spoiler alert: I’m deep in newsletter fatigue, and I bet some of you are too. I share how my daily scroll went from curiosity to chaos, why I can’t seem to hit “unsubscribe,” and ask—are we all just pretending to be more informed than we are? Let’s talk about it. Shoot me an email at don@callmedonovan.com or leave a voicemail at voicecast.app/cmd. I want to hear how you’re handling the information tsunami. And hey, if you manage to listen all the way through without getting distracted by another notification, bless you. Stay curious, maybe unsubscribe from one thing—and I'll catch you next time.Samuel’s Thoughts 169: Informed but Sane?!Contact Informationemail: don@callmedonovan.comTwitter/Insta/Threads: donadkissonBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.comVoicemail: voicecast.app/cmdPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music)Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/renderBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support.ContactTwitter/Insta/Threads: donadkissonBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.comVoicemail: https://callmedonovan.com/voicemailEmail: don@callmedonovan.comPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music)Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render
SPOILER ALERT: If you haven’t watched Pantheon on Netflix and don’t want ANY spoilers, then don’t listen to this episode yet. I do my best to not give away everything but there are certain plot points I have to discuss for the purpose of this episode’s direction. In the show Pantheon on Netflix, we have the story of Uploaded Intelligence, where people are able to upload themselves, their “intelligence”, into a computer. It’s a great show, but it did make me wonder the age old philosophical question: What makes us… us?Enjoy my brain bleed for this episode!I’d love to hear your thoughts and opinions on this subject. You can email me at don@callmedonovan.com or you can leave a voicemail by visiting https://voicecast.app/cmd.If you would rather text, that number is 229-234-1307.Pantheon (TV series) - WikipediaContact Informationemail: don@callmedonovan.comTwitter/Insta/Threads: donadkissonBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.comPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music)Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/renderBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support.ContactTwitter/Insta/Threads: donadkissonBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.comVoicemail: https://callmedonovan.com/voicemailEmail: don@callmedonovan.comPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music)Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render
After an exhausting day of work on Thursday, my Friday morning did not start out in the best of ways. I’m tired. I’m sore. People piss me off. It’s Pi Day. Whatever else I can b***h and gripe about. Welcome to my venting episode.Contact Informationemail: don@callmedonovan.comTwitter/Insta/Threads: donadkissonBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.comPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music)Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render---Be sure to subscribe to my Substack to stay up to date with non-podcast related "stuff". Get full access to Call Me Donovan at callmedonovan.substack.com/subscribeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support.ContactTwitter/Insta/Threads: donadkissonBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.comVoicemail: https://callmedonovan.com/voicemailEmail: don@callmedonovan.comPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music)Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render
Hey, y'all! It's me, Donovan, and welcome back to Call Me Donovan. Today marks 648 days of alcohol retirement for me, and man... what a time to be sober! As I'm recording this, it's March 5th, 2025, the day after Trump’s marathon State of the Union address (two hours, really?). But honestly, I don't even watch those things anymore—no matter who's in office.This episode is me just talking through some of the heavy stuff that's been weighing on my mind. It's getting harder and harder to navigate modern life without getting totally burnt out by the endless political chaos. Staying informed feels like a must, but damn, it's exhausting. Between social media echo chambers, nonstop bad news, and watching the erosion of what we thought were "unshakable" checks and balances, it's enough to fry anybody's brain.I'm sharing my own struggle with trying to balance staying aware without letting it drag me into despair. I talk about the voices I trust online (shoutout to Philip DeFranco, Luke Beasley, Jesse Dollemore, and David Pakman) and how I'm managing my mental health while living in South Georgia, where talking politics is its own kind of minefield.Plus, I really want to know—how are you getting through all of this? How are you protecting your peace, staying healthy, and managing your vices when the world feels like it's spinning off its axis? I’d love to hear your thoughts.Thanks for hanging out with me. If you enjoyed the episode, check out all of our other shows over at TiftonMediaWorks.com.Contact Informationemail: don@callmedonovan.comTwitter/Insta/Threads: donadkissonBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.comPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music)Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render---Be sure to subscribe to my Substack to stay up to date with non-podcast related "stuff". Get full access to Call Me Donovan at callmedonovan.substack.com/subscribeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support.ContactTwitter/Insta/Threads: donadkissonBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.comVoicemail: https://callmedonovan.com/voicemailEmail: don@callmedonovan.comPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music)Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render
Hey everybody, I know it's been a while, but I’m back with a new episode! Today, I’m just checking in, reflecting on 634 days of alcohol retirement, and testing out my new AirPods—so forgive me if the audio quality is crap. It’s another rainy day in South Central Georgia, and the winter weather has been a wild roller coaster.I also talk about some upcoming projects, including another episode of SouthGeek News with Ben Rehberg, dropping this Friday. If you're into tech and want a peek behind the scenes, check out SouthGeekNews.com.Of course, I couldn’t avoid diving into some political thoughts—because, let’s be honest, how can we ignore what’s happening? From the latest executive order that’s got me worried about the future of democracy to my not-so-fond opinions on Elon Musk and the current state of the country, I don’t hold back. If you’re looking for a laugh (or maybe a cry), check out TrumpGolfTrack.com for a ridiculous stat on how much golf is being played in the White House.On a personal note, I’m nearing my two-year sobriety mark in May, and I share a bit about my journey. If you're on your own path to sobriety, I hope it's going well for you, too.So, buckle up for a mix of reflections, rants, and real talk. Until next time, take care of yourself and your loved ones. Be well!Contact Informationemail: don@callmedonovan.comTwitter/Insta/Threads: donadkissonBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.comPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music)Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render---Be sure to subscribe to my Substack to stay up to date with non-podcast related "stuff". Get full access to Call Me Donovan at callmedonovan.substack.com/subscribeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support.ContactTwitter/Insta/Threads: donadkissonBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.comVoicemail: https://callmedonovan.com/voicemailEmail: don@callmedonovan.comPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music)Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render
I don’t know if it’s my empathetic side, my adversarial side, or just my intolerance for injustice—but I despise lies. And right now, the lies aren’t even hidden. They’re right in front of us, and far too many people are letting them slide.In this episode, I dive into the realities we’re facing in 2025. The economy, the border, inflation—there are truths here, but they’re being drowned out by manufactured crises and political spin. What’s worse? The people who should be standing up and calling b******t… aren’t.We talk about what’s really happening, what history shows us, and why it’s past time to demand truth. If you’ve ever felt like you’re screaming into the void, you’re not alone.Let’s break it down. Let’s get real.Contact Informationemail: don@callmedonovan.comTwitter/Insta/Threads: donadkissonBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.comPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music)Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render---Be sure to subscribe to my Substack to stay up to date with non-podcast related "stuff". Get full access to Call Me Donovan at callmedonovan.substack.com/subscribeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support.ContactTwitter/Insta/Threads: donadkissonBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.comVoicemail: https://callmedonovan.com/voicemailEmail: don@callmedonovan.comPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music)Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render
It’s January 22, 2025 and we have snow! Snow, in South Central Georgia! WTF? LOLIt’s also day 606 of alcohol retirement. But snow!Also, I tell you a story about an accident my wife had this past Sunday. Not going to lie; it scared me. Pictures of my back yard with snow!Contact Informationemail: don@callmedonovan.comTwitter/Insta/Threads: donadkissonBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.comPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music)Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render---Be sure to subscribe to my Substack to stay up to date with non-podcast related "stuff". Get full access to Call Me Donovan at callmedonovan.substack.com/subscribeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support.ContactTwitter/Insta/Threads: donadkissonBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.comVoicemail: https://callmedonovan.com/voicemailEmail: don@callmedonovan.comPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music)Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render
Hey there, it's January 8th, 2025, and I'm reflecting on milestones and simplicity. I recently hit day 592 of being alcohol-free and just celebrated my 55th birthday. With that comes the occasional chuckle over senior discounts, but I’m embracing it, whites in my hair and all. January is always a strange month for me—it's reflective yet uninspiring, like a reset button for the year.This year, I’m focusing on simplicity. A long-lost coffee cup from years ago, emblazoned with the word "simplify," inspired me to strip away unnecessary complications in life. It’s about getting back to basics, allowing space for boredom without losing my mind, and cutting out distractions.I’m also mulling over spirituality—yes, even as an atheist—an idea that might make you clutch your pearls. It’s a topic I’m developing for another podcast episode, so stay tuned for that. For now, though, I’m committed to making life a bit less chaotic, whether it’s simplifying work or tackling creative pursuits like writing.Retirement is still years away, but I’m already thinking about how to transition into a slower, more intentional pace of life. Until then, I’ll be here, keeping things real and uncomplicated. Thanks for joining me and take care of yourselves. Peace.Contact Informationemail: don@callmedonovan.comTwitter/Insta/Threads: donadkissonBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.comPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music)Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render---Be sure to subscribe to my Substack to stay up to date with non-podcast related "stuff". Get full access to Call Me Donovan at callmedonovan.substack.com/subscribeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support.ContactTwitter/Insta/Threads: donadkissonBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.comVoicemail: https://callmedonovan.com/voicemailEmail: don@callmedonovan.comPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music)Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render
Podcast Episode Notes: 2024 Year in ReviewIn this New Year's Eve episode, I take a look back at the ups and downs of 2024. One of my biggest personal achievements was celebrating over a year of sobriety, and I’m now looking forward to hitting the two-year mark in May. On the bittersweet side, we said goodbye to Tashi, our 15-year-old indoor cat, and a colleague whose sudden passing reminded me just how fragile life can be.Podcasting was a major highlight this year. I relaunched SouthGeek News with my friend and co-host, Ben Rehberg, and set up Tifton Media Works LLC to support my creative projects. It’s been exciting to see this venture grow, and I even set up a small recording space that’s perfect for hosting guests.Business at SouthTech Network Solutions grew by 5.8%, though inflation has been a challenge. I’m planning some rate adjustments in 2025 to keep up. Another lesson I learned this year was knowing when to let go of projects. After a year of running Radio Tift, I decided to sunset the station—it was a fun but costly venture. In its place, I launched PodWave Radio, a 24/7 stream of some of my favorite podcasts.As I reflect on the year, I feel a mix of gratitude and hope. While 2024 brought its share of challenges, it also gave me opportunities to grow and try new things. Heading into 2025, I’m staying positive and looking forward to what’s next. Thanks for joining me on this journey—here’s to a great year ahead! Get full access to Call Me Donovan at callmedonovan.substack.com/subscribeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support.ContactTwitter/Insta/Threads: donadkissonBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.comVoicemail: https://callmedonovan.com/voicemailEmail: don@callmedonovan.comPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music)Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render
From time to time, I will drop video episodes in this feed and, for the most part, the audio will be sufficient for the episode. However, in cases such as the one I just dropped about my thoughts on the new Superman trailer, listening to the audio only really doesn’t make sense. So, if you’re interested in what I have to say about the James Gunn Superman Teaser Trailer, then you need to be subscribed to my Substack!!Thank you and Merry Christmas! LOL Get full access to Call Me Donovan at callmedonovan.substack.com/subscribeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support.ContactTwitter/Insta/Threads: donadkissonBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.comVoicemail: https://callmedonovan.com/voicemailEmail: don@callmedonovan.comPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music)Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render
I started Call Me Donovan to primarily discuss my alcohol retirement. Now, however, I’m going to pivot a bit. Don’t worry; I will still discuss alcohol retirement, but I want to make this particular podcast an all-encompassing one about whatever I want to discuss. If it turns out to be something you feel you can no longer be a part of, I completely get it. It might not be what you signed up for originally. I would, however, encourage you to stick around and see what happens. But if you don’t, no hard feelings! Contact Informationemail: don@callmedonovan.comTwitter/Insta/Threads: donadkissonBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.comPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music)Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render---Be sure to subscribe to my Substack to stay up to date with non-podcast related "stuff". Get full access to Call Me Donovan at callmedonovan.substack.com/subscribeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support.ContactTwitter/Insta/Threads: donadkissonBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.comVoicemail: https://callmedonovan.com/voicemailEmail: don@callmedonovan.comPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music)Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render
Hop aboard, my whimsical wanderer, as we meander through a maze of musings and mischief, where tangents bloom like wildflowers and clarity peeks in like a shy guest (sometimes… okay, occasionally). From the sparks that ignite our creativity (and the struggles when the spark plug misfires) to the universal quest to simply matter, this episode is a delightful chaos of thoughts. Oh, and did I mention? We’re toasting to 556 fabulous days of being alcohol-free—with sparkling water, of course. Cheers to the journey! Contact Informationemail: don@callmedonovan.comTwitter/Insta/Threads: donadkissonBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.comPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music)Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render---Be sure to subscribe to my Substack to stay up to date with non-podcast related "stuff". Get full access to Call Me Donovan at callmedonovan.substack.com/subscribeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support.ContactTwitter/Insta/Threads: donadkissonBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.comVoicemail: https://callmedonovan.com/voicemailEmail: don@callmedonovan.comPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music)Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render