Today I share some insights as I deal with the loss of a friend. Death sucks, but when you lose people who are YOUNGER then you, with no warning, it really sucks.

Today I talk about losing my friend Niel Guilarte who I worked with during the making of The Messengers: A Podcast Documentary

We got to room with each other at events, and we just clicked. We always made each other laugh. My favorite was when Niel would start laughing and he couldn't finish the story he had started.

When you start to see your heroes get old and some cracks around the edges, it's sad, but it's a warning sign. Niel was here, and the next day he wasn't. He leaves a wife and 11-year old daughter he adored, and a new house.

He was the best friend of one of my favorite people Chris Krimitsos. Which is one of the things that is adding to the pain. I have people in Florida who could use a hug. I love to help people, and in this case there is nothing I can do.

Mentioned In This Episode

Bookends - Simon and Garfunkel

Bette Midler - Stay With Me

Niel's Gofund Me

There are times you feel bad. The lights are off and it seems like there is no way home. Keep moving. It's funny when I have to do a sermon in my church, something ALWAYS comes up on Facebook that fits. This is what came up:

41 is Coming

In the Bible, it rained for 40 days and 40 nights.

Day 41 came and the rain stopped.

Moses committed murder & hid in the desert for 40 years.

Year 41 came, and God called him to help rescue Israel.

Moses went up on the mountain for 40 days.

On day 41, he received the Ten Commandments.

The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years.

Year 41, they walked into the Promised Land.

Goliath taunted Israel for 40 days.

Day 41 came, and David slew him.

Jonah preached a message of repentance to Ninevah for 40 days.

On day 41, God stopped His plan to destroy them.

Jesus fasted and was tempted for 40 days.

Day 41, and the devil fled.

After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples for 40 days.

On day 41, He ascended into Heaven.

All this to say...don't quit. The rain will stop, the giant will fall, and you will enter your "promised land." Don't give up at 40.

41 is coming.

See you later Niel.

This was recorded during my last few minutes of being 59. Life is dragging me kicking and screaming into my 60s. I'm not happy about it.

Don't you get it? I'm 23 honest. I've been 23 my whole life?

Have I made my last trip to Dairy Queen? It turns out everything I eat is poison. That's something you know but don't care, and it turns out you should've cared a little more than you did.

John Mayer has a great song called "Stop this Train" that has a line John

Had a talk with my old man
Said, "Help me understand"
He said, "Turn 68"
"You renegotiate"

I was able to renew my drivers license for 8 years which means aside from a sticker (which I can get through the mail) I will be 68 the next time I renew my liscene.

WHen you go to the MBV you go in and get a number, and wait for your name to be called. I kind of feel like a 'This is not a drill" situation, and I'm waiting for my number to be called. UNlike the BMV, I'm hoping for a very long line.

You can buy me a coffee for my birthday using this link.

John Mayer - Stop This Train

Episode Summary

In this episode, Dave reflects on his recent struggles with his car in frigid Ohio weather and how it reminded him of the "old days" of dealing with unreliable vehicles. From the quirks of old, hand-me-down cars to the challenges of modern, fuel-injected engines, Dave humorously recounts the learning curves of car maintenance. The episode dives into the importance of adaptability, whether in fixing a car, keeping up with evolving technology, or navigating life’s unexpected hurdles.

If you like this show, you can buy me a coffee.

Main Takeaways

1. Winter Woes & Car Troubles:

   • Dave shares his frustrations about his car refusing to start in Ohio’s brutal winter weather.
   • Memories of growing up with unreliable cars and the "DIY" fixes of the past (like using Bondo or ether) highlight how technology has changed car maintenance.

2. Lessons in Adaptability:

   • From cars to technology, Dave emphasizes the importance of staying adaptable and keeping up with advancements.
   • He parallels learning to fix cars and his ongoing efforts to master artificial intelligence and SEO.

3. Keeping Emergency Funds & Friends Handy:

   • Dave reminds listeners of the value of having an emergency fund and reliable friends who can lend their expertise when needed.
   • His Ford mechanic friend saves the day with a simple car-starting trick.

4. Balancing Technology & Life:

   • Dave acknowledges how fast-paced technology evolves and highlights the importance of continuous learning to avoid falling behind.
   • He reflects on losing weight, staying updated with AI, and preparing for a milestone birthday.

5. Humor & Nostalgia:

   • Dave’s stories about his past cars (like the “Slova” and Fred Flintstone-style Datsun) bring laughter and nostalgia.
   • The absurd quirks of old vehicles, like passenger doors flying open mid-drive, make for entertaining storytelling.

Notable Quotes

• “If you don’t keep learning, you don’t just stop—you go backwards.”
• “I could pop the hood, look at it, and say, ‘Yep, there it is. That’s the engine.’”
• “Every car I bought, the very first day, I swapped out the stereo for ear-bleeding madness.”

Resources Mentioned

• Dave Ramsey’s Emergency Fund Advice: A reminder to always be prepared for unexpected expenses. Check out his book.
• Artificial Intelligence & SEO: Dave's exploration of how these tools are shaping the future of technology and online presence.

Listener Call to Action

• Stay tuned for the next episode, where Dave dives into how his upcoming milestone birthday is messing with his head.

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