Soul Forge Podcast: Recent Episodes

Shawn Vanderloo

Welcome to the Soul Forge, a place of silent mystery, quiet contemplation, and outright mayhem! Shawn Vanderloo guides you through the adventures of living! We all want to love and be loved. Am I normal? Are you normal? Is happiness possible? Let's find out together!

We're better! We're healed! We are our best selves. The forging of souls is complete. Welcome to the final episode of the Soul Forge Podcast. It's been a crazy 7+ years, but we made it.

This week, Shawn is joined by his brother Robin, to say goodbye to the Soul Forge faithful. There is plenty of memories, and a few new tidbits to entertain all of you out there in Podcastland. Robin talks about a few of his favourite things. Shawn thanks everyone for their support over the years. Whether you were a guest, a subject, sent an email, commented on a post, shared a link or just thought of the Soul Forge, we are grateful.

Although this is a bittersweet time, all hope is not lost. Soul Forge was created in the fire of the Rusted Robot Podcast which also lasted just over 7 years and had 331 episodes. Soul Forge is ending at episode 339. But out of its ashes, a new podcast is born. The Have Coffee Will Travel Podcast shall continue on the work that Shawn started in 2014. Shawn and Leah invite you all to join our new adventure. Like, share, download and subscribe to the Have Coffee Will Travel Podcast by going to https://shows.acast.com/have-coffee-will-travel

Thank you all for a rather odd, yet entertaining 7 years.

This week's podcast promo: Monkeeing Around

Subscribe to our new show! It's on all podcast platforms. Our website is: https://shows.acast.com/have-coffee-will-travel

Why we collect is often as interesting as what we collect. A collection can offer life-support over time, a means of trading, a basis for community and communication, a stockpile of wealth, and a mechanism of self-identity.

The gathering of resources for survival, health, comfort, or economy is a defining characteristic of life. Collecting is a rather curious behavior that seems to defy easy explanation or analysis. In the popular mind, collectors are often viewed as individuals with more money than sense. They drop huge sums on rare artifacts while displacing them from their supposed rightful locations. They are often seen as mildly disturbed cranks who have an inexplicable need to gather large numbers of items few others deem interesting, invariably cluttering their lives or minds in ways that are unhealthy.

The paradox of collecting. It serves multiple purposes, from the deceptive to the inspirational. Collecting is viewed in many different and often competing ways depending on the position of the viewer. And collecting can involve more than the accumulation of significant cultural resources, there can be personal, familial, and regional connections that motivate a collector to gather and curate certain works or objects. Why we collect is a huge topic.

This week's podcast promo: Modern Musicology

Comic books and feedback on episode 337 of Soul Forge Podcast.

A brief history of comics...the first modern American style comic book, Famous Funnies: A Carnival of Comics, was released in the U.S. in 1933. This was a reprinting of earlier newspaper humor comic strips, which had established many of the story-telling devices used in comics. The term comic book derives from American comic books once being a compilation of comic strips of a humorous tone. However, this practice was replaced by featuring stories of all genres, usually not humorous in tone.

Timely Comics is the common name for the group of corporations that was the earliest comic book arm of American publisher Martin Goodman. This is the entity that would evolve by the 1960s to become Marvel Comics. The first printing was in October of 1939.

Marvel has become the unquestionable king of the superhero and comic book industry. The company grew throughout the Golden Age and exploded into the mainstream throughout the Silver Age. Here, heroes like Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor and the X-Men came to embody the company's colorful approach to heroes.

Also in this episode: the different versions of characters and their time-lines, valuable comic books, and the on-screen versions. We also have feedback regarding episode 335.

This week's podcast promo: Flopcast, ESO Patreon

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is the 9th film from Quentin Tarantino. As Hollywood's Golden Age is winding down during the summer of 1969, television actor Rick Dalton and his stunt double Cliff Booth endeavor to achieve lasting success in Hollywood. They meet several colorful characters along the way. The film was released in the summer of 2019.

This week's episode of the podcast is a rambling catch-up show. So much is going on in our lives these days, it can be difficult to find the time and energy to record a new episode. Therefore, it's a quick solo episode. The main event occurring in our lives these days is the ongoing sale of our house. We have had a huge quantity of viewings, but the offers have been few and far between. Mid-October is when we take possession of our new place.

Many other things are taking up our time. In addition to packing for our move, we have also just launched our new podcast. The Have Coffee Will Travel Podcast is similar to Soul Forge, but has a bit more structure and research. So far, topics have included Disney adults, robots and cyborgs, and the history of coffee. You can find the new show at https://shows.acast.com/have-coffee-will-travel

I watched Once Upon a Time in Hollywood during the summer of its release. I remember it being a fun, action-packed spectacle. So, I bought the blu ray when it came out. It's been 5 years since I watched the film, and wanted to introduce Leah to my movie collection. It turns out, half the enjoyment of the film was simply watching it in theatres. This time around, it was a tedious slog. The film is not nearly as good as I remember it being.

This week's podcast promo: The Epsilon Three Podcast

What the truck is my brother Robin up to these days? At one time, Robin made regular appearances on the Soul Forge Podcast. Because it has been so long, it felt like a great time to catch up on his latest happenings.

2024 looked like it was going to be a great year for Robin. However, the universe had other plans. For the previous year, Robin was the only full-time appliance salesman at Best Buy. February 7th was his birthday so he naturally took the day off. On his return the next day, he received a letter informing him that his position was redundant and he was being let go. The letter was dated on his birthday.

This news hit him hard. After a month or two, he decided it was time to find a new job or career. Robin took himself to Sault Community Career Centre. In association with Better Jobs Ontario Robin was enrolled in a course for AZ License training. This meant that once he completed and passed the course, he would drive transport trucks, dump trucks and other heavy machinery.

Robin spent the summer taking his course, and practicing his driving skills. He learned about air brakes and the rules of the road. Driving a standard vehicle was another skill he was taught. How to back up a truck with a trailer was also a skill he acquired.

What the truck happened? Did he get his license? Is Robin now an employed and productive member of society? All this and more on this episode of the Soul Forge Podcast!

Don't forget to subscribe to our new podcast: HAVE COFFEE WILL TRAVEL https://shows.acast.com/have-coffee-will-travel

This week's podcast promo: Earth Station Who

Advice for aspiring writers! Do you want to write a book, a series of books, or some poetry? Do you need some motivation to get started? If you answered yes, or even maybe, to any of these questions, this is the episode for you. And if you answered no, listen anyway. You will always learn something new on the Soul Forge Podcast!

For this episode, we dive deep into the back catalogue. This episode originally aired in the Spring of 2018 as episode 37. There are some great timey-whimey throwbacks as this was recorded 6 years ago. I believe this was the first conversation I ever had with Daniel Peter Hitch. Since that time, he has become my friend and co-host on two other podcasts.

To start with, we begin with a bit of background on Dan's early influences. Every writer begins by falling in love with the works of another author. This brings the conversation to the topic of the motivation and desire to write. We learn what makes Dan tick. But of course, monotony and distraction are the writer's enemy. How does one combat these foes? Routine is the key!

Later we learn about Dan's inspirations. Who or what are Bubbles the Pirate? How many books has Dan written? We end the show with some advice for aspiring writers. Find Dan on Instagram: @daniel_hitch_writer

Don't forget to subscribe to our new podcast: HAVE COFFEE WILL TRAVEL https://shows.acast.com/have-coffee-will-travel

This week's podcast promo: Earth Station Trek

Have Coffee, Will Travel is the brand new podcast from the hosts of the Soul Forge Podcast. What you are about to hear is the first episode. It's all about Disney adults and the recent D23 Expo.

Subscribe to Have Coffee, Will Travel is all of your favorite podcast apps!

Show notes:

Everything Disney!

Shawn and Leah start their brand new podcast with the pop culture behemoth of Disney. Mike from the ESO Podcast Network join them as their first guest.This recording used Streamyard.

What is a Disney adult? A Disney adult is an adult who is a devout fan of The Walt Disney Company. Common hobbies of Disney adults include visiting Disney theme parks, collecting Disney merchandise, cosplaying Disney characters, and consuming content on the Disney+ streaming service. Practices associated with the phenomenon, such as Disney weddings, date back decades to the 1990s.

Our conversation moves on to this year's D23 Expo. D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, also known as Disney D23 or simply D23, is the official fan club for The Walt Disney Company. Founded in 2009, the organization is known mainly for its biennial exposition event, D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event (previously known as the D23 Expo). Highlights from this year's event include all the latest expansion news, as well as all the upcoming projects.

We end our show with a chat about the Disney Cruise Line. There are all kinds of exciting things coming soon!

Thank you for listening to our first episode. It may have been a bit rough, but it will get better!

Find us at https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/66b90a7302d146a034976b2b

Please leave a 5 star review in the podcatcher of your choice!

This week's podcast promo: Earth Station DCU

Bypassing Camus Two! What does that mean? Is there a deeper meaning to this odd podcast episode title?

On this special episode of the Soul Forge Podcast, Shawn and Leah travel a few hours for the weekend. They find themselves in Sudbury, Ontario to visit someone Shawn has known for more than half of his life. Who is this mysterious man named Cory? You are about to learn all that and more on this exciting episode.

Shawn and Cory met in the late 1990s. Cory was dating Laura, whom Shawn already knew, and they moved to Shawn's hometown of Sault Ste. Marie. Shawn and Cory hit if off as friends immediately.

This episode tell us the story of Cory. The Cory story, if you will. We learn where he grew up, some of the places he has lived, a few of the jobs he has held, and a girlfriend or two along the way. Why do fruits and veggies figure so prominently in this story?

Shawn and Cory share a love of pop culture. Movies have always been a big deal for both of them. Relationships have never been easy and because Cory suffers from seizures, he has had a particularly rough go of things.

The question you have been asking yourself though is, why is this episode called bypassing Camus Two? If you stick around until after the halfway point of the show, you will learn why. Suffice it to say, it has something to do with Star Trek, and previous podcasting.

This week's podcast promo: DragonCon Report

The 7 Year Itch is here to celebrate the seventh anniversary of the Soul Forge Podcast. Shawn and Leah cover a variety of topics this week, while also marking this monumental occasion. Come celebrate 7 years with us.

Our first topic of conversation is all about new beginnings. After a fun preamble about 7 years of forging our souls, and more than 10 years of podcasting, we are talking about new ideas. Soul Forge began as a way for Shawn to heal from years of loss and trauma. The podcast became a place to talk about the things and ideas people generally avoid.

Shawn and Leah want to slowly retire Soul Forge. They wish to create something new. Something that belongs to both of them from the very beginning. They are workshopping ideas and names for this new podcast. If you have any ideas or suggestions you can email them at soulforgepodcast@gmail.com

Speaking of new beginnings, Shawn and Leah are looking at buying a house together. A house that is theirs together without any previous history. Their house is up for sale, and their have been many showings. Furniture shopping has begun. They need a new dining room set, as well as a bedroom set. Do they get a king or queen sized bed? What do you think?

The Amore fashion show (as mentioned on episode 329) happened last week. Shawn and Leah attended the event and their thoughts are revealed here. San Diego Comic-Con was this past weekend. There were many Marvel and Star Trek reveals. Inside Out 2 became the highest grossing animated movie in history.

Leah has some new items in her Etsy shop. Find her store by searching collectandcaston

Shawn listed a few new items on Etsy, and they can be found at rustedrobottoys

This week's podcast promo: Cosmic Pizza Podcast

What about Bob Newhart and Shannon Doherty? These are two of the major celebrity deaths the world experienced recently. Back when Shawn was hosting the Rusted Robot Podcast, each episode began with that week's famous deaths. Although that pop culture podcast ended more than three years ago, it is never far from Shawn's memory.

This week, Shawn and Leah jump from topic to topic. There is a lot on their minds. Since two weeks have passed since the last episode, they have a lot of catching up to do. Minor topics include the end of the LCBO strike (which means we can buy our booze again), and the 55 year annivery of the first moon landing.

Mike and Judy sent Shawn and Leah some wedding gifts this week. A huge thank you goes out to this amazing couple for their kindness. For those who don't know, Mike is the head of the ESO Network.

Leah and Shawn are getting more familiar with their Jeep. They took part of the roof off and drove around in style. There is more that can be modified, but that is all in good time.

President Joe Biden has left the race. He will no longer be seeking re-election. As of our recording, the Vice President was not yet the nominee. Although they don't know a lot about United States politics, Shawn and Leah do have a bit of a chat.

The main topic of conversation this week is the house. Shawn and Leah have been doing a lot of prep work. There have been multiple dump runs, as well as donations going to Value Village. They have painted, decluttered and put new carpet on the stairs. Large beds have been replaced by smaller beds to make rooms appear bigger. And Leah wants to know what the animals will think about moving.

This week's podcast promo: Cigar Nerds

Boobs, burgers and beer! These are three things that almost everyone loves. This episode tells you all about the upcoming fashion show hosted by Amore: For Your Pleasure.

On this episode of the Soul Forge Podcast, your host Shawn goes on location for a chat with Gaelyn, the owner of Amore: For Your Pleasure. For those not in the know, Amore is the premiere adult toy store in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Shawn and Gaelyn discuss the upcoming fashion show.

This is the ultimate sexy lingerie fashion show. There have been four or five previous shows. Every year, the event gets bigger. Starting from humble beginnings in the store, the event has now moved to the parking lot across from Jay's Piston Broke Pub.

Boobs, burgers and beer is the theme of the fashion show. The event is a twofold event. Partly to help celebrate pride week, it is also a customer appreciation event to give back to Amore's customers.

The fashion show is held on Wednesday (hump day) and runs between 3 and 10pm. This event is rain or shine. The BBQ is free. There is a cash bar as per regulations. Multiple vendors will be on site. A DJ will provide music and you are free to dance. Games will be held and you can win Amore Bucks to spend in store. The Vendors will be selling jewelry, cookies, soaps and more.

July 24 is the date of this amazingly fun event. Running from 3 until 10, there will be two fashion show. The first will be held at 4pm and the second starts at 7:30. The models range in size from extra small to 5x.

The Facebook page for the event is: https://www.facebook.com/events/791140943217995?active_tab=about

This week's podcast promo: Watchathon of Rassilon

What we leave behind is not nearly as important as what we take with us. At least, when it comes to moving or down-sizing. This is nothing to do with the legacy of our lives. This week the podcast tackles the topic of finding a new home.

Leah's dad is moving. Gord currently lives about a 20 minute drive from his wife. The wife is in a nursing home as her health is poor. Every second day Gord drives 20 minutes down the highway to visit. Gord is 78 years old and his health is also deteriorating. Luckily, Gord's wife owns a home only minutes from the healthcare facility she lives in. We are moving Gord to his wife's old house.

Arranging this move for Gord has been a long process. First, we had to let the tenants know it was time for them to go. Convincing Gord to leave his current home has also been quite the event. Now, we are painting and repairing the new place for him to stay in. Gord and his wife are big time smokers. Three packs a day is not uncommon. All of their possessions are smoke-filled damaged. There is almost nothing salvageable. Only the essentials will make it to the new house.

In other news, Shawn and Leah are looking for a new place to live. Currently, they live in Leah's house. There is not enough room for all their combined possessions. Nor is there room for guests. Therefore, the search for a new home is underway.

After seeing so many houses for sale, we have drawn some conclusions. Your grass needs to be mowed. Decluttering your house, and cleaning up is extremely important. Opening windows goes a long way. A fresh coat of paint won't hurt anything.

As for moving, decluttering and getting rid of things you haven't used in years is a great idea. Use totes instead of cardboard boxes. Memories are in your head, not in your stuff. Take a picture and chuck out useless or extra items. What we leave behind or throw out will not be missed.

This week's podcast promo: Tales From Hollywoodland

The Chicken King presents Grampy D's original recipe.

This week the Soul Forge Podcast crew is on location. We find ourselves at Bruni's Fine Foods for a taste testing. David Poluck from Northern Jewellery and Crafts is the Chicken King. He has created a unique chicken coating mix. The event and subsequent interview are detailed in this episode.

In David's own words, the idea for a deep fried coating mix began with a conversation:

"In a world saturated with fast-food chains and pre-packaged coating mixes, it all began with two friends who found themselves in a discussion about something more when it came to fried chicken. Dissatisfied with the limited options available whether it was the greasy offerings from chain restaurants or the uninspiring coating mixes he found at his local grocery store I made a decision to take matters into my own hands and embark on a journey that would eventually lead to the creation of Grampy D’s original Recipe’s"

David tells us about his childhood influences and the cooks in his life. Creating an easy, yet not greasy coating mix takes time. Four and a half months and many chicken dinners later, the recipe was perfected. Designed for bone-in chicken, you must reduce cooking time for boneless poultry.

At this tasting event, we sampled air-fried, deep-fried and oven roasted cooking methods. About 15 people participated in the event. Their thoughts are recorded in this episode. There is also a fish coating mix that we did not try.

You can buy Grampy D's coating mix in a variety of places. Here in Sault Ste. Marie, it is available at Bruni's Fine Foods, Pino's Get Fresh, RJ's Market and Northern Jewellery. Algonquin Outfitters sells the product, and it can also be found in Sturgeon Falls as well as on Amazon.

Phoebe from Eat At Sault Ste. Marie was also at the event. You can follow her page at https://www.facebook.com/Eatssm

Follow and learn more about David and his businesses at https://luraygems.com/

Soul Forge Podcast can be found at http://www.soulforgepodcast.com/

This week's podcast promo: Monster Attack

Food, History, television shows, work, feedback and more on this week's episode. No topic is too obscure for us to cover!

The weather is our first mini topic. A veritable heat wave has descended upon us. From hail to humidity, no one is safe from these extremes. Some days it feels as though we are sitting here melting.

We had our yard sale this last weekend. Turns out we prefer going to sales, rather than hosting them. There is a lot of prep work involved. Pricing items is quite important, and having an organizational system is key. Item placement will affect your sales. Keeping your items in line of sight is crucial.

Leah goes to a work leadership conference this week. She and her co-workers will exchange ideas, and talk about having difficult conversations. There will be skills fair full of differing booths. This is one of the very few times where Shawn and Leah have been apart for a few days.

Richard from Australia provides feedback on our restaurant review episode. This leads to a discussion about The Blockhouse, an eatery in the old St. Mary's Paper building. We then discuss the historic Canal District, the Soo Locks and the Agawa Train tour.

Our episode ends with a chat about some recent television we have been enjoying. Season three of Bridgerton was a particular delight. The Boys, The Acolyte and The Big Bang Theory are in regular rotation. There is some chatter about sequel series such at Crusade, Star Trek, Young Sheldon, and the Mandolorian.

This week's podcast promo: Monkeeing Around

Taking care of dad for our Father's Day episode!

We start this episode with a brief history of how Father's Day began. Did you know this holiday is not much older than a century? In fact, Father's Day was introduced in 1910. Naturally, it was a response to Mother's Day and soon became associated with retail and commerce. You will learn even more in this episode.

Shawn and Leah discuss their fathers. They each have dads, fathers-in-law, as well as stepfathers. Shawn talks about being a father and a step-father. An important aspect of this discussion is their feelings towards these dads. What happened to the step-dads in their lives?

Taking care of dad is a major part of the episode. Both Shawn and Leah's fathers are in their 70s. Age brings many things with it, including loss of ability, forgetfulness and wounded pride. Imparting their wisdom also becomes important as dads age. Shawn must help his dad do the things he once took for granted. Leah is helping her father move closer to his wife.

Pop Culture and Dads!

Robot and Frank, Darth Vader, Family Law, the dads of Disney, Full House, Steven Speilberg's take on dads, Family Ties, Roseanne, Who's The Boss?, Glee, My Two Dads, Modern Family, and Three Men and a Baby.

No one wants your stuff! When a dad passes on, what happens to their things? A brief discussion on what to do with all the stuff left behind. Who wants what, and where does it go?

This week's podcast promo: Modern Musicology

New ideas are brewing at Soul Forge HQ. Shawn and Leah are bringing you more excitement and adventure. The topics are going to be vast and wide-ranging. We plan to bring our listeners an enhanced podcast experience. Stay tuned for the updated format!

So, we recently got into meal prep. It seemed like a great idea to have ready-made ideas for a week's worth of dinners. An amazing meal was planned, but time got away from us. Therefore, we decided to go to a restaurant because it was too late to cook. We went to Chuck's and while we were there we discussed podcast ideas. Chuck's Roadhouse restaurant review was born! Plenty of new ideas are coming up.

This episode talks about the good and the bad you may experience at a Chuck's restaurant. We're talking about tipping etiquette, half-price apps and a whole lot more. We even had dessert this week!

From Chuck's website:

Chuck’s Roadhouse Bar and Grill has been a beacon to road travellers everywhere since 2015. We pay homage to the traditional roadhouses by providing not only a great atmosphere, but an unwavering commitment to serving the best quality food for the best price. Due to the high demand from our guests across Canada, Chuck’s Roadhouse continues to expand at an increasingly rapid pace.

Food the way it ought to be, priced the way it used to be.

Not only a statement used to represent our brand, but a mindset applied to the process in which our menu is crafted.

Quality menu items including: AAA steaks, Lobster Tail, Prime Rib Burgers, Ice Cold Draught and more, for a fraction of our competitors’ prices. We appeal to communities who look for that classic roadhouse taste, comfortable ambiance and second-to-none guest experience. We’re a brand dedicated to delivering a hospitable dining experience and creating that comfortable place for everyone to enjoy a meal, grab a drink or watch their favourite team on the big screen TV’s.

This week's podcast promo: The Flopcast

We love yard sales. Hosting them. Going to them. Finding hidden treasures. There is very little not to love about a yard sale. Or should we call it a garage sale?

On this episode of the Soul Forge Podcast, Shawn and Leah talk everything there is to talk about yard sales. They will soon be hosting their own. Have you ever hosted a sale? Would you do so again? What is the best thing you have ever gotten at a sale? Let us know at soulforgepodcast@gmail.com

Shawn and Leah talk about some of their recent acquisitions. Leah collects and searches for vintage Disney items. Song of the South and Splash Mountain are her main focus at the moment. She also actively searches for toys from the 1980s. Shawn is always on the lookout for Hot Wheels, Star Trek stuff, movies and fodder for Etsy.

Why do people collect? We break down some of the possibilities. Hosting a yard sale can be tricky. There are many things to understand and think about. Making sure you have enough change is very important. There are weather concerns as well.

Let's host a yard sale, you said. It will be fun, you said. Remember that no one wants your old wine glasses. Make sure to price fairly, and display things in an eye-pleasing manner.

We also talk about antique and thrift stores. There are some amazing YouTubers out there that have a lot of great information. Shawn recently spoke with some podcast marketers who wanted to charge a fortune for their services. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes and How Disney Built America are recent viewing experiences.

Find Leah on Etsy at https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/Collectandcaston

Find Shawn on Etsy at https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/RustedRobotToys

This week's podcast promo: Epsilon Three Podcast

yardsale #Disney #startrek #thrift #antique #collect #vintage #toys #YouTube

Our wedding in Las Vegas and our honeymoon in California.

Leah and Shawn flew to Las Vegas to get married. After spending a few days in Sin City, they drove to Cathedral City, California. This episode of the Soul Forge is a day by day recap of their adventures.

May 2nd and 3rd: The first day was a travel day. Major delays were the main topic of conversation. Mechanical problems caused a 7 hour delay in travel. The second day was much better. The couple got their marriage license. The line was huge. The heat in Nevada is very different from that in Florida. Supper at Bubba Gump Shrimp was decent.

May 4th: Wedding day finds Leah stuffed up and sniffling. The hotel mattress was uncomfortable and the temperature was all over the place. Leah had her makeup done at a beauty school while Shawn and Wyatt picked up their rental car. It was a Mustang! Shawn and Wyatt went toy shopping and picked up comics and hot wheels. Leah and Shawn were married that afternoon. Dinner was at Triple George Grill.

May 5th: A full day of shopping. We visited the Coca-Cola store on the Las Vegas strip. We also went to the Hershey store, the M&Ms shop and the Stranger Things Netflix store. Freemont Street was dirty and busy. The premium outlets were full of moments. The Ocean One Bar and Grill was amazing.

May 6th: We finally left Las Vegas. Before we did though, we visited the Antique Mall of America. It was huge and we probably spent over 2 hours in there. Afterwards, we drove the 4 hours to Palm Springs. The scenery was beautiful, almost as if you were driving towards a gigantic painting. Cathedral City is a warm and comfortable town.

May 7th: We explored the town and area. The roads were fantastic. The thrifting and antique shopping was also amazing. So much fun sticking around our home base.

May 8th: A thrilling drive to Knott's Berry Farm. The highways in California are atrocious. Super busy, congested and full of accidents and slow-downs. The amusement park was fun.

May 9th: The wedding week adventures are coming to an end. We visited the graves of Frank Sinatra and Sonny Bono. Afterwards we enjoyed a couple's massage. Then we had a nap and some drinks.

May 10th: Homeward bound. An early drive to the San Diego airport. We took an alternate route. While it was quite beautiful, it was also treacherously windy and hilly. We were separated for 4 hours on the first plane ride. Fun, but exhausting. We are married!

coach #hotwheels #strangerthings #shakeshack #bubbagumpshrimp #lasvegas #mustang #starwarsday #triplegeorgegrill #coke #hershey #m&ms #disney #puma #vercini #hottopic #lush #tesla #miraclemile

palmsprings #antiques #songofthesouth #volkswagen #elcamino #cowboys #anxiety #depression #whiskey

walmart #thrifting #money #knottsberryfarm #themepark #california #amazonprime #rollercoasters #podcast

startrek #doctorwho #franksinatra #sonnybono

This week's podcast promos: Earth Station DCU, Earth Station Trek, Earth Station Who

The wedding of the century is almost upon us. Shawn and Leah will be married in Las Vegas on May the 4th. This episode of the Soul Forge discusses their plans and the countdown until the big day!

But first, we talk about smile cookies. Tim Hortons, Canada's number 1 coffee shop sells their smile cookies once a year. This is the big fundraiser that sends kids to camp for the summer. These cookies, while delicious, are not packaged up very well.

There may be some drunk singing in Vegas. Leah hopes to get Shawn singing karaoke. The only evidence of Shawn singing while drunk is on YouTube. Can you find it?

Other topics this week include seed planting. Leah is on a seed planting rampage. Mostly cabbage has sprouted so far. Shawn enjoyed coffee with his brothers this weekend. Many topics were discussed. Also, Shawn and Leah answer a few random questions found on TikTok.

The fedora. Shawn always wanted a fedora. However, he is too self-conscious to wear one. This week he bought one anyway. He's finally reached the age where he doesn't care what people think. That's freedom.

Where are we going for the honeymoon? We have ideas. Fremont Street. Alcatraz. DisneyLand. The possibilities are endless. Will Shawn open a comic shop with brother Robin and their friend James? The final countdown is here!

This is the link to watch the livestream of the wedding: https://littlechurchofthewest.com/livestream/

This week's podcast promo: The Dragon Con Report

Are animals self aware? Scientific evidence supports the assumption that it “feels like something” for a fish to be caught on a hook. Shawn and Leah have a bit of a lively discussion regarding animal consciousness. They talk about their dads, wedding preparations, taxes, television shows and more!

Scientists and philosophers across the globe agree it is reasonable to assume the vast majority of creatures on Earth are sentient in some way — including lobster, squid and the tiny flies that swarm over drinks left outside in the summer.

The New York Declaration on #Animal #Consciousness, released Friday, was signed by 39 cognition scholars at universities from Canada to Australia. It says there is “at least a realistic possibility” that all vertebrates and many invertebrates have conscious experience.

The declaration rests on recent scientific studies that show garter snakes can recognize their own scent, crows can report what they see, octopi can avoid pain and fruit flies can sleep — and they sleep best when they’re with other fruit flies.

Also on this episode are discussions about fears, and how much work has been recently dumped onto Letter Carriers. #Television shows mentioned include #Fallout, #Crusade, #Robocop and #Star Trek Discovery. Leah and Shawn's dad started planting in the greenhouse. They sat and shared their seeds.

This week's podcast promo: Cosmic Pizza

Our first fight recently took place. What was it about? How did the issue get resolved? Find out on this exciting episode of the Soul Forge Podcast!

This particular episode premieres on April 11, 2024. It was 17 years ago on this date that Shawn joined the Post Office. Since that time, he has delivered hundreds of thousands, if not millions of letters, flyers, magazines and parcels. How many more years will he continue? Only time will tell!

On Monday of this week, the world experience a solar eclipse. People travelled far and wide to catch a glimpse of the totality. Here in Sault Ste. Marie, we were not in the path. Shawn did manage to take a video of the partial eclipse. However, it was cloudy. There was not much darkness, although the shadows became well defined. And the irony is that after the event was over, the clouds disappeared and the sky was clear.

Star Trek Discovery has returned for its fifth and final season. The first two episodes were decent. Leah created a Facebook group dealing with Jeep ducking. You should all join Soul Forge Jeep Ducks.

Shawn and Leah are fairly well prepared for their wedding on May 4th. Flights and hotels are booked. Dinner reservations have been made. They have plans for several adventures. They hope to go axe throwing and go karting. There is a 2 floor candy store to visit and a movie prop museum to tour. They also plan to visit Disney Land and Alcatraz.

Our first fight happened over the Easter weekend. What was it about? You must listen to find out. And this episode ends with a question and answer session. Leah found some interesting questions on TikTok.

This week's podcast promo: Cigar Nerds

International love is the tale of two strangers who became friends, and then embarked on a long distance relationship. This multi-year romance blossomed. Soon, it turned into a 90 day fiance situation. A year ago they moved in together. Six months ago they married. This is their story. But that's not all!

Luke and Dakota have a story for the ages. He is American. She is Canadian. They once lived thousands of miles apart. Dating for five years over long distance presents many challenges and obstacles. Somehow, Luke and Dakota found a way to overcome everything in their way.

Due to their distance, they learned to communicate. This was all they had during the long years when they could not be together. Brutal honesty is their strength. Now that they are living together, this communication ability is a major asset. They have learned about their love languages.

Dakota feels spoiled. Her love language is Acts of Service. Luke does everything for her. He ensures she is fed and hydrated. Anything she needs, he makes sure she has. For Luke, is need is Quality Time. As long as he knows Dakota is there, he feels safe.

Other topics on this episode include all the government hurdles they need to jump. So much paperwork and bio-metric work can be overwhelming. Fingerprints and photos have been taken numerous times.

Shawn and Leah talk about their trip to Milwaukee to visit Luke and Dakota. Leah picked up a much sought after DVD. Shawn gathered a pile of Hot Wheels. Their Jeep was ducked. What's ducking? Find out here!

This week's podcast promo: The 42 Cast

Relationships go through predictable stages. Each stage builds upon the previous one. Are there 4 stages, five, or seven? This all depends on which particular website or expert you check with. For the purposes of this episode, we will assume there are 4 stages, or levels.

The first stage is the initial meeting and attraction. A significant aspect of this stage is the role of hormones like dopamine and oxytocin. Dopamine, often dubbed the ‘feel-good hormone’, creates feelings of euphoria, craving, and motivation, which are typically associated with the early stages of romantic attraction. Oxytocin, frequently referred to as the ‘love hormone’, fosters feelings of attachment and deepens the emotional bond between partners, especially during intimate moments.

Level 2 is the infatuation or romance stage. Infatuation is “foolish” in that we can only see our partner’s light side. We’re in complete denial of their dark side. Early attraction often involves the physical attributes of the potential partner, and include things like outward appearance, body type, interests and personality traits. At this stage, the attraction may not be too “deep” and each half of a couple is generally putting his or her best foot forward.

Stage 3 is the enlightenment or stability level. Couples often go “deeper” in their connection. Trust is stronger and more intimacies may be shared at this next stage as couples take away some of their “best face” and allow themselves to act more naturally and relaxed. As intimacy develops between the two people, more self-disclosure emerges, both verbally and nonverbally as couples act in ways that are more like how they are in their daily life.

Level 4 is the commitment stage. At this stage in a relationship, couples should have a good understanding of their partner’s values, lifestyle, and goals for the future. You’ve learned to love each other by having to like each other. You choose each other consciously.

This week's podcast promo: Watchathon of Rassilon

Disney Dream cruise of March 3-8, 2024. This is Shawn and Leah's report!

The Disney Dream is a cruise ship operated by Disney Cruise Line, part of The Walt Disney Company. The first of the Dream-class, she is the third ship of the overall fleet, the other four ships in the fleet being the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wish. She currently sails four-day and five-day cruises to the Bahamas and the Western Caribbean calling at Cozumel and Grand Cayman, as well as Disney's private island Castaway Cay. In May 2023, the Disney Dream sailed across the Atlantic Ocean and began sailings in Europe. She entered service in 2011; her sister ship, Disney Fantasy, was deployed in 2012.

This was Shawn's first ever cruise, and Leah's third Disney cruise. On this episode of the podcast, they give you a day by day breakdown of events. Highlights include: trivia, the food, the people they met, and the weather. The fish extender gift exchange was a fun feature. Derived from the fact that outside every stateroom on a Disney Cruise, there is a fish that is used to hold communications from the ship to you. People started making a pocketed cloth container that hangs from the fish (thus Fish Extender) to collect little gifts from others that were cruising on the ship. Everyone who signs up for the Fish Extender is also volunteering to create or buy a gift for everyone else in the group and leave it in their Fish Extender during the cruise. The gifts can be as simple or as elaborate as you’d like them to be. There are no rules about what the gift has to be.

Shawn and Leah also tell you about the broadway-like events they witnessed. Believe and the Golden Mickeys were great fun! Rum tasting left them tipsy, but happy. Castaway Cay and Grand Cayman Island were beautiful to see. The crystal cave tour was a sight to behold, although the tour felt rushed. Pirate Day, and Marvel Day at Sea were fun to experience.

This week's podcast promos: Modern Musicology, ESO Patreon, Monkeeing Around, Monster Attack, Tales from Hollywoodland

Talking about our first cruise together. This is Shawn's very first cruising experience. Leah has been on several. While this episode has a heavy focus on travel, there are several other topics covered as well!

One of Leah's favourite parts of going on a cruise -- multiples stops and visits in one trip. Seeing a good amount of different places on the same vacation is rather enticing. Shawn is excited to see a new part of the world. A major factor in travel are the airports. Layovers can be a challenge. Leah believes a longer layover is not necessarily a bad thing. Longer layovers afford you the opportunity to wander the airport, go to the bathroom, and make your way across the terminal without missing your connecting flight.

In 2 months we will be going to Las Vegas to get married. Our original honeymoon plan was to fly to Hawaii. However, we have decided to explore California in a rental car. We have not packed for our trip this weekend, but we do know what we are bringing to both Florida and Vegas. We are not packed, but ready to go, yes we are!

This episode comes out on Leap Day. Leah's dad's wedding anniversary is on February 29th. He thinks it is hilarious that he only has to celebrate once every 4 years. Shawn and Leah talk about their first Valentine's Day date and what an experience that was.

Leah recently had a root canal and some fillings. She is now awaiting a crown. Travel is expensive, and their is discussion about credit card debt, pensions and retirement money, and only living once so you may as well enjoy it.

Shawn and the boys from the Epsilon Three podcast recently wrapped up their review of Babylon 5's final season. This has a fun tie-in to emotion. Leah does not think Shawn is expressive and she's definitely correct.

This week's podcast promo: The Flopcast

Public displays of affection is the topic on this special Valentine's Day release!

This is episode 314 so naturally we talk about pie. Why pie? 3.14 is the basic formula for pi. That's something to do with math and circles. Shawn and Leah joke about doing an entire episode about pi and pie. This is not that episode.

Next up is a brief review of the movie I.S.S. From its website, a brief description:

Tensions flare in the near future aboard the International Space Station (I.S.S.) as a worldwide conflict breaks out on Earth. Reeling, the US and Russian astronauts aboard each receive orders from the ground: take control of the station by any means necessary. Director Gabriela Cowperthwaite brings together a stellar cast including Academy Award®-winner Ariana DeBose in this high-stakes space thriller.

Did Shawn and Leah enjoy the movie? This episode of the Soul Forge Podcast has that answer, and many others!

Leah will be having a root canal in the near future. That procedure will require a 3 hour drive to Sudbury. As if we didn't have enough travel planned. Upcoming trips include a Disney cruise in March, an Easter visit to Milwaukee in April and a flight to Vegas in May for the wedding.

For some reason we are talking coffee. And smoothies.

The main topic of conversation is public displays of affection. While visiting Traverse City recently, Shawn and Leah were stopped by strangers more than once. It turns out that PDA is rare in northern Michigan. We were looking for antiques and hot wheels. And we made quite the impression with our hand holding. We're precious! Do you hold hands in public? Let us know at soulforgepodcast@gmail.com

This week's podcast promo: Epsilon Three

Sticks and stones may break our bones, but words can hurt just as much. Sometimes they hurt more. This week, Gaelyn, the owner of Amore joins Shawn for an intimate chat. Amore is Sault Ste. Marie's premier adult toy shop. You can find them at 331 Korah Road.

As Shawn walked into Amore to record this episode with Gaelyn, he overhead something about a human auction. The better part of valour suggested that he wait until the conversations was over before asking anything about it. Turns out there will be a fun fundraiser. The human auction is to raise money for the Scarlet Affair Annual Drag Show. This is a fund raising event for Harp and families or individuals that have been affected by HIV or AIDS. Tickets are on sale at Amore for the event.

So essentially, there will be a celebrity auction to raise funds. The event will be held on February 17, at the Soo Moose Lodge. You can bid for a date with a local celebrity. The date will be held a month later. These dates will be in a public space for safety reasons. Jay's Piston Broke Pub and Amore's St Patrick's Day fashion show is where the dates will be taking place.

There are some new products coming into the shop! The emojibator comes in many different shapes and styles. As stated on their website: The most evocative emoji of all, and our most popular toy, the Eggplant Emojibator is the ultimate party starter. Inspired by the eggplant emoji, this adorable toy offers 10 vibration patterns in a waterproof design that's safe for bath and shower play. It will leave you buzzing all night long, and will never leave your texts unread.

Sticks and stones are often less hurtful than words. It is still possible to get bullied after leaving school. Bullying is a form of aggressive behavior in which someone intentionally and repeatedly causes another person injury or discomfort. Bullying can take the form of physical contact, words, or more subtle actions. The bullied individual typically has trouble defending him or herself and does nothing to “cause” the bullying.

Different types of bullyingThere are many different types of bullying:

The different types of bullyingVerbal bullying

Name calling, teasing, putting someone down, threatening to cause someone harm.

Physical bullying

Poking, hitting, punching, kicking, spitting, tripping or pushing someone, breaking someone’s things, pulling faces or making rude hand signals.

Social bullying

Lying, spreading rumours, playing horrible jokes, leaving someone out on purpose, embarrassing someone in public.

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is using technology like email, mobile phones, chat rooms or networking sites to hurt someone by sending hurtful messages, pictures or comments

This week's podcast promo: Earth Station Who

Awesome feedback received this week! Jim from the Monster Attack podcast wrote in to say he is listening. There has been much sickness in the house, but that has not stopped us from making plans and doing the things!

From Jim we learned that our show is engaging and enjoyable. Shawn and Leah have great chemistry and this is apparent when listening. Jim will keep on listening--there are a lot of episodes to catch up on. We will be listening to his Monster Attack podcast.

Everyone in our house has been down with the sickness the last month. We are on the road to recovery, but it is taking longer than expected. Shawn even called in sick to work and that is quite a rarity. There was a recent birthday dinner. Curtis, one of Shawn's brothers, had a birthday in December and this past week, the 3 brothers were able to mesh their schedules and go to Chuck's Roadhouse to celebrate.

Bathroom renovations have been on hold. The leaky sink has sunk our motivation to continue. We are however, planning a cruise, a visit to Milwaukee for Easter, and a trip to Traverse City this weekend. Some time away is required after being sick and taking care of Shawn's dad. There are some fun plans for the next few months!

Check out our Etsy shops! Leah's store can be found by searching Collect and Cast On. Shawn's store is Rusted Robot Toys.

This week's podcast promo: Monster Attack

The Iron Claw tells the story of the professional wrestling family, the Von Erichs. Shawn and Leah just saw this film in theatres, and are here to share their thoughts on the movie, and recall their wrestling memories.

Of the two, Leah is a bigger fan of wrestling than Shawn. She has met many professional wrestlers. One time, Shawn saw Hulk Hogan walking up some stairs. The bulk of Shawn's wrestling knowledge is from the mid-1980s to about 1991. Leah has had much more interaction in the world of wrestling, including going on a wrestling inspired cruise.

The Iron Claw starts in the nineteen-sixties, when Fritz, a struggling wrestler, splurges on a Cadillac to foster an illusion of success, while imbuing his two young sons, Kevin and David, with a gospel of fanatical self-reliance that’s also an imperative to be the “toughest” and the “strongest.” The movie’s protagonist, and its occasional narrator, is the grownup Kevin, the family’s oldest surviving son. Kevin’s older brother, Jack, Jr., died in an accident at the age of six. Jack’s death is one of the key reversals that shadows the family, leading to the pervasive, publicity-fuelled notion—one that the Von Erichs take grimly seriously—of a family curse. The heart of the drama begins in 1979, when Kevin is making a name for himself in the ring—namely, the Sportatorium, a small Dallas arena that Fritz owns and operates. “We loved wrestling,” Kevin reminisces in voice-over, and it shows, even as the rest of the movie depicts how that love was lost, along with many of the people he loved.

“The Iron Claw” is as exuberant as it is mournful, and the high spirits of performance and achievement are inseparable from the price that they exact. Kevin is disciplined, focussed, and grounded; he’s a vigorous and enthusiastic performer, leaping from the ropes, raging, slamming, punching, and putting on a show with the maneuver—the skull-squeezing Iron Claw—that made his father famous. But for Fritz it isn’t enough that Kevin is locally successful; Fritz, who believes that he was wrongly denied the sport’s heavyweight championship, lives for the day that one of his four sons—and, indeed, preferably all of them, in succession—will win that belt.

Fritz’s pecking order is far more than merely professional. Because his very identity—as his family’s protector, the redeemer of its name and the breaker of its curse—is bound to the prospect of his sons’ successes in the ring, his professional favor is also a paternal popularity contest. At the breakfast table, Fritz unabashedly announces his ranking of his four living sons, adding that the ranking “can always change.” The young men, ranging from adulthood to adolescence, are competing, above all, for their father’s love.

This week's podcast promo: Earth Station Trek

Decade 2014 to 2024. This week is the 10 year anniversary of Shawn's podcasting journey. Join us as we look back at some of the highs and lows of this decisive decade.

It all started in 2012 when Shawn got a second-hand iPod. A co-worker introduced him to the world of podcasts. Beginning with Star Trek pods, Shawn soon began to expand his interests. There were so many different shows, formats, genres and types of hosts. That's when he realized he had opinions he could share with the world. His wife agreed to co-host and the Rusted Robot Podcast was born.

Leah wonders why Shawn wanted a co-host. After talking about the need for a co-host, they talk about what transpired. The marriage fell apart, but they tried to keep the show going. After 90 episodes, the show was retooled and Josh became co-host. The Robot had a tumultous 7 year run.

In the meantime, Shawn searched for his wife's replacement. He looked everywhere, but the feelings could not be recaptured. This lead to many moves and adventures and possibly incorrect decisions. Eventually Shawn found himself back home in Sault Ste. Marie. After some mild excursions, Shawn and Leah found themselves together. While Shawn was stuck in Timmins, Leah was finding out who she was.

A decade of podcasting leads to many adventures. Meeting all kinds of people is exciting. There has been a lot of miles traveled in 10 years. A lot of firsts experienced, and many more to come!

This week's podcast promo: Earth Station One

Welcome to the final episode of 2023!

On this show, Shawn and Leah look back on the year that was. After the break, they talk about some future plans. Were you aware of everything that took place in their lives? Are you rooting for the success of their lives together? Shawn, you move too fast is something Shawn has heard more than once. Is he dumb, or does he have unlimited hope and confidence in his decisions? Only you can decide the answer to these questions. The future is wide open, and it seems Shawn and Leah may have gotten it right this time!

In January, Shawn was dating and living with Melissa. By the end of March that relationship was over. Shawn was trying to live his best life, but the universe had other plans. When depression or unhappiness sets in, there's only one thing to do! You must start a new collection. This time it was Hot Wheels! Meanwhile, Leah was living her life and planning cruises!

In April Shawn and Leah had dinner together. Shawn put his property in Timmins up for sale. By May, the pair were a couple and planning a future. In June, the house Shawn lived in with Melissa was sold and Shawn's stuff went into storage and he was sharing an apartment with his brother Robin. However, most nights were spent with Leah. The summer was gone before we knew it. September saw the pair go to Disney World and get engaged. In November they announced their engagement as the ring they ordered was finally delivered.

As for the future, Shawn and Leah are going on a cruise. This will be Shawn's first time on a big boat. They will be going aboard the Disney Dream. In May, they will be going to Las Vegas to get married. The hope and the goal is to honeymoon in Hawaii. After that, the future is wide open!

This week's podcast promo: Earth Station DCU

Shawn and Leah were on holidays this week. Rest assured, it was no vacation. While Shawn took a tour of the great Canadian north, Leah stayed home to renovate the bathroom. What they thought should have taken a few days, became an ongoing saga. However, there are many good times ahead.

The road trip! On Sunday, Shawn drove up to Timmins. He lived there for 19 years, and his doctor is still there. Finding a new doctor is all but impossible. Two days spent in Timmins. Shawn visited his son, a few friends, and cleaned out his building which recently sold. Then he went to see Frank and Martha. They live about 5 hours from Timmins. Frank collected about 2000 VHS tapes for when Shawn was going to open a junk store. The tapes were picked up, and Shawn went on to North Bay and Sudbury. He finally made it home late Wednesday night.

Meanwhile, Leah was busy taking down the old tiles in the bathroom. The previous remodel was not done properly. Lots of dust and dirt, followed by painting and the removal of old stuff. As it stands now, there is still painting and flooring to do. The tiles are up, but the grout remains. The good news is that the entire job should come in well under budget.

Leah booked a cruise for this coming March. Shawn has never been cruising before. They will be aboard the Disney Dream. Leaving from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, they will be seeing the Grand Cayman Islands and Castaway Cay.

In other news, Shawn and Leah are engaged. Shawn proposed in front of Cinderella's castle when the couple went to Disney World back in September. The wedding will take place in Las Vegas on May the 4th. Trying to get an engagement ring is a major drama all by itself. Listen to the episode for all that information.

This week's podcast promo: Cosmic Pizza Podcast

Buy, rent or renovate....these are the options that face us today.

Shawn and Leah discuss the possibilities they have as they progress in their relationship. The upcoming week is full of adventure - Shawn is driving up north to see friends and family, while Leah is staying home to redo parts of the bathroom. Decisions for the future are looming. Shawn's building in Timmins has recently sold. This means that he is mortgage-free, and is free to buy a home in Sault Ste. Marie.

The happy couple has been looking at homes in town to see what's out there. Brand new construction versus older homes. New builds have no charm and character. Older homes may have wet basements and smell of rot. So many options and decisions.

When to buy and when to renovateRemember the following are what to look for when buying a house or renovating your current property.

Market environment – when you’re selling your house and looking to buy, it’s important to research what the current resale market looks like. Many market factors can impact the price of real estate and the market demand. Depending on where you are in Canada and the market conditions in that area may dictate if moving to a new property or renovating is the best solution for you,
Overall costs – it’s important to consider the overall cost of a move and of a renovation. While renovations normally require less monetary support than purchasing property, sometimes it’s best to let the house go and move on to a new house for an exciting new adventure. Especially if family or personal circumstances have changed that may make moving a necessity.
Mental well-being – an unexpected aspect to consider is everyone’s well-being. House hunting is a process that can take longer than expected, so it could take a good amount of perseverance to find something that fits your standard. On the other hand, living in a house undergoing renovation can also be tiring. Either way, be sure that you’re prepared for the work ahead of you.

As with anything, buying something new to replace the old is very exciting, and houses are no exception to that idea. However, renovating brings a different kind of excitement when you see your own designs and vision become reality. Buy, rent or renovate....the choice is yours!

This week's podcast promo: Tales From Hollywoodland

Side hustles are an additional employment opportunity outside of a person's full-time job. They provide supplemental income. Unlike a part-time job, a side hustle commonly has more freedom and gives more control over what a person does, when they do it and how many hours they devote to it. Individuals can typically pursue a side hustle that involves their passions and talents. Some people may eventually make their side hustle their primary career.

There are many benefits of having a side hustle. Individuals typically manage the time they dedicate to their side hustle, making it easier to integrate into their existing schedule as full-time employees. By controlling their schedule, they can make their side hustle accommodate other events or commitments they have while still earning additional income. This may help them gain flexibility and maintain employment in their existing role while also pursuing their passion.

A side hustle is a way to earn extra income in addition to a full-time job. With the extra money, it might be easier to pay bills, contribute to savings or assist with other expenses. The additional income could also help make your side hustle a growing business. One advantage of a side hustle is the opportunity to pursue a career you're passionate about. Pursuing your passions as part of a side hustle might give you the opportunity to develop your side hustle into a career. You can also develop specific skills that may help make your side hustle successful.

This week's podcast promo: The Watchathon of Rassilon

Five Nights at Freddy's movie review and franchise history!

This week on the Soul Forge we talk about everything to do with Five Nights at Freddy's (FNaF). We just saw the movie on opening night. Our initial thoughts and reactions, fresh from the theatre are here for you to enjoy. Also on this episode, we have a brief recap of the last week in our lives.

Shawn and Leah have been cooking. When they went to Disney World, they tried the cheeseburger spring rolls. They were delicious but expensive. After finding the recipe, they made their own version. This version was exquisite, and may be better than the official product. Additionally, they have been watching more Keeping Up Appearances and Blake's 7. You can hear their thoughts on this episode. And finally, Shawn continues his quest to modify and repaint Hot Wheels.

Five Nights at Freddy's (FNaF) is a video game series and media franchise created by Scott Cawthon. The first video game was released on August 8, 2014, and the resultant series has since gained worldwide popularity.

The main series consists of nine video games taking place in locations connected to a fictional family pizza restaurant franchise named "Freddy Fazbear's Pizza", after its mascot, the animatronic bear Freddy Fazbear. In most games, the player assumes the role of a night-time employee, who must utilize tools such as security cameras, lights, doors, and vents to defend themselves against animatronic characters who inhabit the locations and become mobile and hostile at night. The series' lore is gradually revealed through voice recordings, minigames, and Easter eggs featured throughout the games.

The FNaF movie is directed by Emma Tammi, who co-wrote the screenplay with Cawthon and Seth Cuddeback, from a story by Cawthon, Chris Lee Hill, and Tyler MacIntyre. The film stars Josh Hutcherson as a troubled security guard who accepts a night-time job at an abandoned restaurant. He discovers its four animatronic mascots are alive and kill anyone that is still there after midnight. Elizabeth Lail, Piper Rubio, Mary Stuart Masterson and Matthew Lillard appear in supporting roles.

This week's podcast promo: Cigar Nerds

Keeping up appearances can be a full time job. Shawn and Leah are not trying to keep up with the Joneses. In this case, we are talking about a British sitcom created and written by Roy Clarke. Leah recently introduced Shawn to some of her favourite British television shows. The Keeping Up Appearances sitcom follows Hyacinth in her attempts to prove her social superiority, and to gain standing with those she considers upper class. Her attempts are constantly hampered by her lower class extended family, whom she is desperate to hide. Much of the humour comes from the conflict between Hyacinth's vision of herself and the reality of her underclass background. In each episode, she lands in a farcical situation as she battles to protect her social credibility.

Also in this episode, Shawn and Leah discuss some recent travel. Last month saw the two of them travel to Disney World in Florida. They received some lovely feedback from a listener and discuss this. Last weekend the pair went to Saginaw, Michigan. They did a bit of shopping and tried a few stores they had never been to. Burlington Coat Factory proved a disappointment. Five Below was an interesting store with some rather unique items.

Shawn and the rest of his co-workers started new mail routes this week. Unhappy chaos at work is likely the best description. The new routes are quite a bit longer than the old ones. The first day was exhausting and nobody knew what they were doing. There is hope things will settle down soon.

Regarding Hot Wheels, Shawn is on a new path. He has been collecting for several months, but is now entering a new phase. With the purchase of an airbrush, he is looking at doing custom paint jobs. Although he has never used an airbrush before, he is very much looking forward to it.

This week's podcast promo: Monster Attack

Being vulnerable with your partner is fundamental to building intimacy. Communication is a wonderful way to deepen your intimate connection while building trust on the way. Communicating about vulnerable past events or disclosing something that has been weighing you down can build the skills necessary to address sensitive events in the future. Fear from not knowing how your partner will respond may stop some people from sharing things that make them feel vulnerable. But disclosing and seeing how your partner responds can help you determine if there is a long-term future with this person. If they respond dismissively and do not listen to you then that might mirror a future response pattern leading to poor relationship compatible. However, if they respond with love, comfort, and understanding your intimate connection will deepen.

On this episode of the Soul Forge Podcast, Shawn and Gaelyn get serious with sex talking. As the owner of an adult store, Gaelyn is exposed to many different questions. One of the most common is how do couples spice up their sex lives. More often than not, these couples want to bring another person into the bedroom. Gaelyn always asks these people what the ground rules for this situation are. She tells them that problems in a relationship will not be fixed by adding in another person or persons.

Communication is not confrontation. It means that you talk about things that really matter. It means that you are not afraid to say what you really think and feel and that your partner trusts you the same way.

You can communicate in many ways:

Words (what you say and what you do not say in phone calls, in person, in writing)
Gestures (leaning toward or turning away from your partner, nodding your head, showing that you are listening)
Facial expressions (making eye contact, smiling, frowning, looking disgusted)
Touch (hugs, holding hands, sexual intimacy)

Communicating does not mean that you always sit around talking about your relationship. It means that you talk about things that really matter. You should never be afraid to ask questions.

This week's podcast promo: Monkeeing Around

Actor Mahryah Shain drops by the Soul Forge to have a chat about a few things. What are we talking about on this episode? In addition to his company More Hair Naturally, we discuss Disney theme parks, Hot Wheels, toys and mental health. But who is Mahryah Shain...

Mahryah Shain studied at University of Southern California where he completed a Bachelor's degree. In 1999, he started working as an actor, appearing in TV and short films. Through his career, Shain appeared in TV shows like The Handler, Criminal Minds, Bones and Tales. He also appeared in films like Constantine and Babysitter.

Since 2013, Shain has been working as Vice-President of Marketing and Creative Director of the brand More Hair Naturally. He is also a Freelance Graphic Designer that has worked on award season campaigns for films like Vice and If Beale Street Could Talk.

Mahryah is passionate about helping people. Although he is the man behind More Hair, he is interested in a total approach to mental health. He believes that the physical affects the mental. If you take your focus off of your body, you can focus on the world and your impact.

What is More Hair Naturally?

Their mission is to put you back in control of your hair (and life), elevating and raising your self-confidence and self-esteem to the point that you are unstoppable in achieving any goal you set out to achieve. Fighting thinning hair should not be a mystery and comfort should be taken in knowing that answers exist, are easy to understand and are within your reach.

However, it's not just about hair loss (that is just the starting point)...

It's about taking positive actions to change your life, taking actions to improve your confidence, self-esteem, and overall enjoyment in life. The stronger you are as a person, the more likely you are to make a positive impact on your friends, family, the people you encounter and the world at large.

This week's podcast promo: The Flopcast

Our first Disney vacation is in the books! This episode of the Soul Forge is a day by day recap of our exciting adventures. At the end of each day, Shawn and Leah sat down and recorded their memories of the excitement. Florida in September is still quite warm. Walt Disney World requires a lot of walking. Here is the story...

The Walt Disney World Resort, also called Walt Disney World or Disney World, or simply abbreviated WDW, is an entertainment resort complex in Bay Lake and Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States, near the cities of Orlando and Kissimmee. Opened on October 1, 1971, the resort is operated by Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, a division of The Walt Disney Company. The property covers nearly 25,000 acres (39 sq mi; 101 km2), of which half has been used. The resort comprises four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom), two water parks: (Disney's Blizzard Beach and Disney's Typhoon Lagoon), 31 themed resort hotels, nine non-Disney hotels, several golf courses, a camping resort, and other entertainment venues, including the outdoor shopping center Disney Springs.

Shawn and Leah tell you about the nightmare that was getting from their Washington layover into Orlando. The weather did not cooperate so the flight was quite late. One common thing on the entire adventure was the lack of comfort in the seating, both on the jets and the buses. The humidity was off the charts. One of the best parts of our first Disney vacation was visiting with friend Jarman and his wife Jolie.

Shawn and Leah went to Icon Park where they rode the Wheel of Orlando. They also visited a wax museum and the Sea Life Aquarium. The Florida Mall still has an operating Sears store! The Disney Character Wearhouse was always busy. The food at most places was decent.

The actual Disney part of the trip was exhausting due to so much walking and the heat. Fun parts include the ferry ride, the Skyliner, Toy Story Mania and Star Tours. The 50s Prime Time Cafe had wonderful food and ambience. We enjoyed Soarin' as well as Mickey's Runaway Railway rides. We got to see dolphins, lizards, manatees and a hammerhead shark. We were disappointed in Woody's Roundup BBQ and the lack of a direct route to Hollywood Springs from our hotel. Getting the park hopper option is a definite must. The Epcot food and wine festival was the favourite part of our first Disney vacation.

This week's podcast promos: Earth Station One, Earth Station Who, Epsilon Three, and the ESO Patreon promo.

The adventure challenge brings couples closer together. Shawn and Leah just celebrated their birthdays and the adventures are just beginning!

Episode 300 is a huge milestone in podcasting. On this episode, Shawn and Leah talk about travel, growing closer and buying some cool stuff. Leah tells Shawn that since they became a couple, she has listened to many Soul Forge episodes. She has learned a lot of things that she would not have thought to ask. Although Shawn's brother said he should scrap the podcast and delete all the episodes, no harm has come to him from keeping the show going!

Birthdays can be great fun. While preparing for a weekend adventure, Shawn went to Dollarama to get snacks. While checking the pegs for Hot Wheels, he found his first Super Treasure Hunt. These are elusive special editions. This leads to a discussion on northern Ontario and the low stock at most stores. There are few decent buying options in the area.

What were the birthday gifts? Leah got a couple of Funko Pops featuring Walt Disney from Shawn. She also received a Tanzanite pendant. Shawn got a Star Trek Hallmark ornament. He also got the Adventure Challenge Couple's Edition book set. 50 Scratch-Off Adventures! There are 50 challenges that range from $0-$50, but they can all be modified to fit within your budget.

Finally, it's all about Disney and Orlando. Leah got herself the LEGO Disney Camera. 811 pieces of fun. That is just the icing on the cake. In the coming week, Shawn and Leah are going to Disney in Florida. They are looking forward to getting away as a couple. They will meet up with Jarman and his wife. Jarman is the narrator of the Soul Forge introduction.

Leah is a travel agent. You can book her services at www.freetotravel.centreholidays.com

This week's podcast promo: Earth Station Trek

This week's episode is not safe for work. Children should also not listen to this particular episode. But if you are looking to join the kink community, or you are looking for new products, this is the show for you.

Once again we are at Amore, For Your Pleasure...Sault Ste. Marie's premier adult toy store. G, the owner of the shop invited Shawn to chat with a couple of her friends about their specific interests. Get ready for sex blankets and kink on the 299th episode of Soul Forge Podcast!

Rob is a reseller of intimate play blankets. He was tired of doing so much laundry and trying to keep his mattress in good condition. During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic people were spending much more time in the bedroom. It's quite easy to make a mess during intimate playtime, whether due to bodily fluids or spilled bottles of lubrication. Rob found the "No More Wet Spots" blanket. He has been selling them in Amore for some months now. They keep your blankets and mattresses clean and dry. Easily washable, they come in a variety of sizes. Follow Rob's Instagram for more info: https://www.instagram.com/nmws_intimate_blanket

Michelle tells us a bit about the kink community in Sault Ste. Marie. If you are looking for a group to join that has a more open mindset to sex and sex related play, this might be right for you. The most important consideration for this group is keeping the community safe. The group holds what are called monthly munches. These are get-togethers where you are able to talk about your interests such as BDSM, fetish and the like. They also hold the occasional dungeon party where you are able to try out some different aspects of the kink community culture. Much of this information can be found at https://fetlife.com

You can follow Michelle's Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/sinnerssanctuaryssm

This week's podcast promo: Earth Station DCU

Episode 300 of the podcast is fast approaching. We here at the Soul Forge would love to hear from you. Send in your thoughts, opinions, concerns, reviews, fears, emotional outbursts, or anything else you would like. Anything you send in will be read or played on the 300th episode. An Mp3 would be great, or just a regular email is fine. Send anything you want to soulforgepodcast@gmail.com

On this episode, we talk about a little bit of everything. During the past weekend, Shawn drove to Timmins after work on Friday to visit his son. Although the drive usually takes 6 hours, he found a shortcut that shaved approximately 30 minutes from the trip. Naturally it was a quick trip because Shawn had to be back at work on Monday. Shawn and his son Bishop spent all day Saturday together. They went for brunch and then hunted for Hot Wheels. They also had several great conversations about the future.

Bishop's mom is thinking about moving the family to Thunder Bay. Bishop hates change. He would prefer to remain in Timmins. Because he will soon be 18, and hence an adult, he can make his own choices. Perhaps he will move in with a friend. There is still much to consider such as finances and schooling. Gaming is Bishop's main focus. Nothing else seems to matter at the moment. This will definitely be a challenge going forward.

Current world events include the Hawaii wild fire which is the worst in USA history. The war in Ukraine continues to carry on and the missiles requested from Germany may not arrive. Former president Trump has been indicted for a 4th time, this latest one by Georgia.

In less than a month, Shawn and his girlfriend Leah, and their friend Amanda will be at Disney. Although they have gone previously, this will be Shawn's first time. Georgia and Florida. Plane and train rides. The adventure has many moving parts to it.

This week's podcast promo: Dragon Con Report

Weddings and anniversaries are things that many people will experience in their lifetimes. This may include their own weddings, or those they have attended. Anniversaries can be for almost anything. More often than not, when people think of an anniverary, they are celebrating a marriage. However, you can have an anniversary for almost anything. Some of these things may include a breakup, a promotion, an accident or the date a favourite concert was attended.

This episode of the Soul Forge Podcast is celebrating six years. It was July 31, 2017 that the first episode of the show was released. 6 years later the podcast is still going. There have been so many milestones and events in those years. We have spoken to authors, minor celebrities and have covered so many various topics.

Leah joins me for this episode. We talk about our own weddings and anniversaries. While I have been married once, Leah has had 2 weddings. Her first was very fancy, and therefore quite stressful. She was young and didn't know the logistics. Leah's second wedding was at a camp that she rented for the weekend. This second wedding was more fun. I got married in the backyard with very few people. I have not had the head table with the clinking of the glasses for kissing.

Weddings can be hugely expensive and stressful. If Leah gets married again, it will be a much smaller affair. Destination weddings can be fun, but if you're not careful, that wedding may not be legal in Canada and you will have to do it all over again. Don't forget that money and lack of communication is the biggest cause of divorce.

This week's podcast promo: The Cosmic Pizza Podcast

Time travel is a fun concept to contemplate. When would you go? How would you get there? The questions and thought experiments are endless. There might not be a more exciting concept in all of pop culture.

Speaking of time travel, this episode travels back 9 years. At that time, I was recording the Rusted Robot Podcast with my wife. Episode 32 was all about traveling through time. On this episode, we will all travel into the past to hear that episode that was recorded so long ago.

The bulk of the show references a T-shirt I once owned. On this shirt was a clock and each hour was a different method of pop culture time travel shenanigans. Some travel methods include the T.A.R.D.I.S. from Doctor Who, the time machine from the classic film The Time Machine, and the Delorean from the Back to the Future franchise. Also included is the Guardian of Forever from the classic Star Trek episode, "The City of the Edge of Forever". This leads into a nice discussion of Star Trek.

Later in the episode, we talk about books that include temporal displacement. Stephen King wrote 11/22/63 and Evan Mandery wrote a book called Q. The episode finishes up with a talk about some Doctor Who collectibles.

This week's podcast promos: Cigar Nerds Podcast, and The Con Guy

Who's getting married? Now that is an excellent question. Multitudes of couples get married every day. This year, two of my podcasting friends are getting married. Exciting times are coming!

So, it has been 2 weeks since the last episode of the podcast came out. That episode featured the first meeting of podcast legends Shawn and Paul. These two have been podcasting together for 9 years, but up until about 2 weeks ago, they had not met in person. If you have haven't listened to last week's show, you owe it to yourself to do so!

I need new ear buds. For almost 2 years I have been happily using my Apple Airpods. Not too long ago, I accidently washed them. Airpods, it turns out, do not do well in the laundry cycle. Therefore, I need something new. I tried Monster brand, but they do not work well and are super uncomfortable. Airpods are expensive and I'm looking for a low cost alternative.

My son Bishop will be coming to visit for a few weeks later this summer. His communication ability is lacking so we will be working on fixing that. I recently purchased emergency food biscuits. They were on sale and I wanted something to add to my supplies. This September I will be taking my first trip to Disney. Now that is exciting.

Who's getting married? Jarman is getting married this weekend. Jeramy is getting married in October. I am not getting married this year. I'm definity looking forward to seeing pictures of the weddings. Perhaps I will be able to make it to Jeramy's.

We are nearing 300 episodes. We would love your feedback, comments and Mp3 files. Send anything! You can reach us at soulforgepodcast@gmail.com

This week's podcast promo: But First, Let's Talk Nerdy

Shawn and Paul finally meet in real life!

Shawn is from Canada. Paul is from England. They have been podcasting together for over 9 years. They have spoken over Skype and Zoom. However, it was not until this week that the two friends finally met in person. This is the episode where they discuss their history, their visit, and a huge pile of other topics!

Paul, his wife Linda, and their two boys have come to Canada to visit Paul's aunt. It was 1994 the last time Paul and Linda made the trip. Since the two friends started podcasting they have vowed to one day meet in person. The trip to Canada was Paul's perfect opportunity to visit Shawn. So, after a week in Toronto, the boys flew home to England and Paul and Linda flew up to Sault Ste. Marie.

Everything is bigger in Canada. The cars are larger. Road lanes are wider. Cheese is in all the foods. There is more land and everything is more spread out. On Paul and Linda's bucket list was trying a genuine Canadian poutine, which they did. They also enjoyed the beaver tail pastry, Dairy Queen blizzards and Tim Horton's coffee. Trying to visit the United States also became quite the ordeal.

Shawn and Paul finally meet in real life! However, they have quite the podcasting history. Paul was Shawn's UK Correspondant on the old Rusted Robot podcast. They then created and co-hosted the Sci-Fi Waffle podcast for 40 episodes. Dan later joined them and they created the Cosmic Pizza podcast and the Epsilon Three podcast.

This week's podcast promo: Cosmic Pizza Podcast

Your Star Trek guide is a brief primer on the history of the franchise. In this episode, you learn the early history of the series. You also find out about the release dates of the various incarnations of the shows. Viewing order is up to the individual, and you learn several methods to watch Star Trek.

Star Trek first aired in September of 1966. The show had 2 pilots, a rarity in television history. The series was created by Gene Roddenberry, but he had quite a lot of help from others. The original series ran 3 seasons for a total of 79 episodes. It came from briefly in the mid 1970s with an animated show. Movies followed, and eventually more television series. Star Trek is one of the most popular televison franchises to ever exist. Your Star Trek guide breaks down the shows history and air dates.

Star Trek release order (films listed in italics)

Star Trek: The Original Series (TOS)
Star Trek: The Animated Series (TAS)
The first six Star Trek films (The Motion Picture up to Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country)
Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG)
Star Trek: Generations
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (DS9)
Star Trek: Voyager (VOY)
Star Trek films 8-10 (First Contact, Insurrection, Nemesis)
Star Trek: Enterprise (ENT)
Star Trek (2009), Star Trek Into Darkness, Star Trek Beyond
Star Trek: Discovery (DSC)
Star Trek: Picard (PIC)
Star Trek: Lower Decks (LOW)
Star Trek: Prodigy (PRO)
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (SNW)

Star Trek chronological order (films listed in italics)

Star Trek: Enterprise (Year: 2151-2161)
Star Trek: The Cage – The Original Series one-off pilot episode (Year: 2254)
Star Trek: Discovery seasons 1-2 (Year: 2256-58)
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (Year: 2259)
Star Trek: The Original Series (Year: 2265-2269)
Star Trek: The Animated Series (Year: 2269-2270)
The first six Star Trek films (Year: 2273-2293)
Star Trek: The Next Generation (Year: 2364-2370)
Star Trek films 7-10: Generations up to Nemesis (Year: 2293-2379)
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (Year: 2369-2375)
Star Trek: Voyager (Year: 2371-2378)
Star Trek: Lower Decks (2380)
Star Trek: Prodigy (Year: 2383)
Star Trek: Picard seasons 1-3 (Year: 2399-2402)
Star Trek: Discovery seasons 3-4 (32nd Century)

Star Trek has television shows, films, books, comics, fan films, toys, replicas, games and so many other things. There is almost nothing that has not been touched in some way by this juggernaut. Also in this episode, we discuss the ever changing face of the Klingons, and the idea of canon.

This week's podcast promo: The 42 Cast

Codependency is a circular relationship in which one person needs the other person, who in turn, needs to be needed. The codependent person, known as 'the giver,' feels worthless unless they are needed by — and making sacrifices for — the enabler, otherwise known as 'the taker.' Co-dependency is a learned behavior that can be passed down from one generation to another. It is an emotional and behavioral condition that affects an individual’s ability to have a healthy, mutually satisfying relationship. It is also known as “relationship addiction” because people with codependency often form or maintain relationships that are one-sided, emotionally destructive and/or abusive.

Co-dependency is a learned behavior that can be passed down from one generation to another. It is an emotional and behavioral condition that affects an individual’s ability to have a healthy, mutually satisfying relationship. Co-dependent behavior is learned by watching and imitating other family members who display this type of behavior.

Who Does Co-dependency Affect?

Co-dependency often affects a spouse, a parent, sibling, friend, or co-worker of a person afflicted with alcohol or drug dependence. Originally, co-dependent was a term used to describe partners in chemical dependency, persons living with, or in a relationship with an addicted person. Similar patterns have been seen in people in relationships with chronically or mentally ill individuals. Today, however, the term has broadened to describe any co-dependent person from any dysfunctional family.

What is a Dysfunctional Family and How Does it Lead to Co-dependency? A dysfunctional family is one in which members suffer from fear, anger, pain, or shame that is ignored or denied. Underlying problems may include any of the following:

An addiction by a family member to drugs, alcohol, relationships, work, food, sex, or gambling.
The existence of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.
The presence of a family member suffering from a chronic mental or physical illness.

Dysfunctional families do not acknowledge that problems exist. They don’t talk about them or confront them. As a result, family members learn to repress emotions and disregard their own needs. They become “survivors.” They develop behaviors that help them deny, ignore, or avoid difficult emotions. They detach themselves. They don’t talk. They don’t touch. They don’t confront. They don’t feel. They don’t trust. The identity and emotional development of the members of a dysfunctional family are often inhibited

Attention and energy focus on the family member who is ill or addicted. The co-dependent person typically sacrifices his or her needs to take care of a person who is sick. When co-dependents place other people’s health, welfare and safety before their own, they can lose contact with their own needs, desires, and sense of self.

How Do Co-dependent People Behave? Co-dependents have low self-esteem and look for anything outside of themselves to make them feel better. They find it hard to “be themselves.” Some try to feel better through alcohol, drugs or nicotine - and become addicted. Others may develop compulsive behaviors like workaholism, gambling, or indiscriminate sexual activity.

They have good intentions. They try to take care of a person who is experiencing difficulty, but the caretaking becomes compulsive and defeating. Co-dependents often take on a martyr’s role and become “benefactors” to an individual in need. A wife may cover for her alcoholic husband; a mother may make excuses for a truant child; or a father may “pull some strings” to keep his child from suffering the consequences of delinquent behavior.

The problem is that these repeated rescue attempts allow the needy individual to continue on a destructive course and to become even more dependent on the unhealthy caretaking of the “benefactor.” As this reliance increases, the co-dependent develops a sense of reward and satisfaction from “being needed.” When the caretaking becomes compulsive, the co-dependent feels choiceless and helpless in the relationship, but is unable to break away from the cycle of behavior that causes it. Co-dependents view themselves as victims and are attracted to that same weakness in the love and friendship relationships.

Characteristics of Co-dependent People Are: * An exaggerated sense of responsibility for the actions of others * A tendency to confuse love and pity, with the tendency to “love” people they can pity and rescue * A tendency to do more than their share, all of the time * A tendency to become hurt when people don’t recognize their efforts * An unhealthy dependence on relationships. The co-dependent will do anything to hold on to a relationship; to avoid the feeling of abandonment * An extreme need for approval and recognition * A sense of guilt when asserting themselves * A compelling need to control others * Lack of trust in self and/or others * Fear of being abandoned or alone * Difficulty identifying feelings * Rigidity/difficulty adjusting to change * Problems with intimacy/boundaries * Chronic anger * Lying/dishonesty * Poor communications * Difficulty making decisions

This week's podcast promo: Watch-A-Thon of Rassilon

This week's episode is an interview with Leah. Leah is an authorized Disney planner. On this episode of Soul Forge Podcast, we are getting a quick primer on the various Disney vacation options. We also learn a few things about Oswald the Lucky Rabbit.

So, you're looking to book a vacation. Where are you going? What is your budget? Are you bringing kids along with you? Do you want to stay on Disney property or somewhere else? These are just some of the questions that your authorized Disney planner will be asking you. What time of year do you plan on going? What types of accomodations and experiences would you like to enjoy?

Disney offers several types of vacation. You can go to the original Disneyland in California. There are 2 parks at that location. Disney World is in Orlando, Florida with a choice of 4 parks. If you don't want to stay on land, you can take a cruise on a Disney ship. Disney also owns 2 islands in the Bahamas, so that is an option. Or discover the Disney difference at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii.

Wherever you end up going, remember there will be a lot of walking. On resort, make sure to have a hat, sunscreen, a refillable mug and a backpack. Your Disney planner will help you book accomodations, tickets, park reservations and experiences.

To book a Disney vacation with Leah, visit www.freetotravel.centreholidays.com

or email her at leahfrost@centreholidays.com

Visit YouTube to learn more about Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, and the Beverly Challenge.

This week's podcast promo: Thunder Talk

Aged to perspective is not a sentence that makes sense. However, from my point to view, it works perfectly for this episode. I recently came across a meme talking about the age of an actress on Gilligan's Island. As I have gotten older, she has stayed the same age in her celluloid prison. Ideas and levels of attraction can vary greatly through the passage of time. Life is all about perspective.

A widespread picture represents two individuals standing on either side of the number 9 that has been drawn on the floor. For one person, it appears as the number 6 and for another, it’s the number 9.

Who is right and who is wrong? Obviously, they both are right yet they both are wrong in the eyes of another individual because of the viewing perspective. This is the simplest example showing perspective meaning.

Both of them consider themselves to be right; here, they must understand the other perspective by changing their sides.

If people simply understand that a life perspective can be changed, molded, and explained, the world can be a better place for all. It can put end to fights, wars, daily quarrels, and much more. The only requirement is to see things from another person’s perspective.

To learn how to see things from another person’s perspective, you must first learn the fundamentals of perspective. You need to first know what a life perspective is. Your perspective on life determines how you relate to people, how you handle relationships and troubles, and how you live day-to-day.

This week's podcast promo: Monkeeing Around

May the 4th be with you! By happy accident, this episode of the podcast comes out on Star Wars Day! This episode is not about Star Wars. On this week's episode, we are going to learn about a day in the life of a mailman. Many people have wondered and asked about how I do my job; what the work consists of. Well, this week is a walk and talk type show. I will be walking along on my mail route and telling you all about the various aspects of the job. This is CHAOS WALKING!

A mail carrier, mailman, mailwoman, postal carrier, postman, postwoman, postperson, or letter carrier, sometimes colloquially known as a postie (in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom), is an employee of a post office or postal service, who delivers mail and parcel post to residences and businesses. The term "mail carrier" came to be used as a gender-neutral substitute for "mailman" soon after women began performing the job. In the Royal Mail, the official name changed from "letter carrier" to "postman" in 1883, and "postwoman" has also been used for many years.

Letter carriers typically work urban routes that are high density and low mileage. Such routes are classified as either "mounted/mobile" routes (for those that require a vehicle) or "walking" routes (for those that are done on foot). When working a mounted route, letter carriers usually drive distinctive vans with the logo of the postal service on the side and deliver to curbside and building affixed mailboxes. Carriers who walk generally take a taxicab to their routes. Sometimes, the delivery agent will drive a vehicle to their delivery location. This is much more common in the USA than in Canada. They start at a specified location, and carry one "loop" of mail, up one side of the street and back down the other side, until they are back to their vehicle. This method of delivery is referred to as "park and loop". Letter carriers may also accommodate alternate delivery points if "extreme physical hardship" is confirmed. In cases where mail carriers do not have assigned vehicles, they may also get undelivered mail from relay boxes placed along their routes.

This week's podcast promo: Modern Musicology

Video games are typically categorized according to their hardware platform. This traditionally includes arcarde video games, console games, and computer (PC) games. A video game is an electroic game that involves interaction with a user interface or input device. These devices include such things as a joystick, controller, keyboard, or motion sensing device.

The first video game prototypes in the 1950s and 1960s were simple extensions of electronic games using video-like output from large, room-sized mainframe computers. The first consumer video game was the arcade video game Computer Space in 1971.

On this episode of the Soul Forge, Shawn and Leah share some of their memories of video games. Leah's first system was the Commodore 64. Her first game was The Sky is Falling, in which you had to catch fruit. Shawn remembers playing a lot of Missile Command on the Atari 2600. In addition to these systems, they also had the Sega Genesis, the original Nintendo Entertainment System and the Super NES. Naturally, over time, many other systems emerged. These include the various XBOX and Play Station consoles. Nintendo has also released a huge number of video game systems.

Shawn and Leah mention a wide variety of video games. Some of these are (in addition to The Sky is Falling and Missile Command) Earthworm Jim, Toe Jam & Earl, Duck Hunt and Rock n' Roll Racing. There is also discussion around the various Super Mario titles, including Mario Kart. We also hear about Apex, Minecraft, Hollow Knight, and quite a bit about Five Nights at Freddy's.

Video games can be great fun. They can bring the whole family together. We used to spend our weekends renting games. Now we all have access to emulators, walk-throughs and guides. When we were kids, we were lucky to have a game genie!

This week's podcast promo: Metal Geeks

The Visitor is one of the best episodes of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. This podcast episode has absolutely nothing to do with that. Although, there will be some Star Trek talk during the course of this show!

Last week I was on holidays from my work life. So, what did I do with that time off? I went for a visit to my old stomping grounds of Timmins, Ontario. I lived there for 19 years, but moved home to Sault Ste. Marie a year ago. Hence, I was the visitor to Timmins! The drive up was uneventful. I saw two moose on the side of the highway. Rarely do I see anything other than birds.

I stayed at a piece of property I own. That property is now up for sale. I decided that since I am never moving back, and Dakota has left the country, that there is no longer a need to keep the place. As an update, Dakota (my step-daughter) is still in Milwaukee. She and Luke are deciding what to do with the 30 day extension the border patrol gave them.

During one of my days I visited with my old work crew. They were happy and excited to see me, and asked so many questions. I also went to Timmins ComicCon. I saw so many old faces. Everywhere I went I felt like a celebrity. So many hugs and handshakes and smiles. I wasn't depressed at all being in Timmins. Visiting my son and my friends was a great experience.

Star Trek Picard aired its 9th episode of the final season on Thursday. I wasn't able to see it until Friday. Somehow I managed to avoid spoilers. On the way home I went to Sudbury to visit my friend Cory. I found no Hot Wheels on my journey, but I did manage to get a good one once I was back home.

This week's podcast promo: The Flopcast

Batman and more! We are taking a break from the serious side of the Soul Forge Podcast this week. We have pop culture news, memories and ground-breaking insights.

Starting off, we take a walk down memory lane. Shawn's first memory of playing with 'dinky cars' was a Batmobile with a trailer and a boat. No one knows where it ended up, but some light research suggests it was made by Corgi in the 1960s. This memory dovetails nicely with Shawn's current obsession -- collecting batmobiles from Hot Wheels.

The 1980s and 90s were a great time for Batman and more! The Michael Keaton version of Batman made his debut in 1989. The brothers had all the VHS tapes of the Batman movies. Looking back, they can be hard to watch, but at the time, they were masterpieces. After further discussion about Batman movies past and present, Robin tells us there is a Penguin tv series in the works at HBO Max. Robin also recounts his memories of the Batcab and why people would call him Batman.

And then we dive into the most recent trailers and what we have been watching. Secret Invasion is a Nick Fury tv series coming to Disney+. The movie trailers from the last week or so include Blue Beetle, Spider-Man Into the Spiderverse 2, and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. There is also a new trailer for Ahsoka, the latest Star Wars series at Disney.

Finally, we chat about what else we have been watching or what may be coming soon. We are talking about Mandalorian and Star Trek Picard's third seasons. There is news of a Star Trek Starfleet Academy series. As for current tv we are watching, there is The Ark, Quantum Leap, Future Man, The Last Kingdom, The Flash and The Curse of Oak Island. Coming soon is Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3, Five Nights at Freddy's and season 2 of Star Trek Strange New Worlds. And to end things, there is a quick review of John Wick Chapter 4.

This week's podcast promo: ESDCU

Where home is, is the place where you feel in control and properly oriented in space and time. It is a predictable and secure place. In the words of poet Robert Frost, "Home is the place that, when you have to go there, they have to take you in." In short, “home” is the primary connection between you and the rest of the world.

For all people, home is the center of the world and a place of order that contrasts with the chaos elsewhere. When asked to draw a picture of “where you live,” children and adolescents worldwide invariably center their drawings around the home, making it the anchor for everything else.

A strong attachment to the place that you live results in greater satisfaction with your home and expectations of future stability in that place. These feelings transcend attachments to other people in the area and represent a genuine affection for the physical location itself. The passage of time strengthens our attachment to the places that we live. Because our physical surroundings play such an important role in creating a sense of meaning and organization in our lives, it is not surprising that our sense of the place we live is closely tied to our sense of who we are.

On this episode, Shawn converses with Luke and Dakota. You will remember them from episode 268 of the podcast. This time, the couple is attempting to build a home together. This journey has been three years in the making. And it is not quite complete yet. Dakota still has a number of paperwork hurdles to get through.

Although the place they are calling home feels more like Luke's bachelor pad, they are excited to be living together. Neither of them are experiencing any hesitation. They are truly ecstatic to be forging a life as one. Milwaukee is a beautiful city with a rich history.

Shawn has been living back in his home town for a year now. He has no regrets about leaving Timmins. Shawn knows that where home is, is wherever he feels like he belongs.

This week's podcast promo: The Epsilon Three

Gaelyn, owner and operator of Amore - For Your Pleasure is back for another visit. This week she is telling Soul Forge listeners about the complete line of Satisfyers. As a note of caution, this episode is not intended for children. Listening at work is also not recommended.

We are in the age of the love-toy revolution. Forget the times when women or men had to be embarrassed to own a vibrator or a dildo. One brand, in particular, has stood out from the great mass of products for many years: Satisfyer. Innovative, breathtaking, timeless – that is the best way to describe Satisfyer's products. With its revolutionary Air Pulse Technology, Satisfyer stimulates millions of women worldwide to their next climax. Everyone deserves good orgasms.

As the leading brand in the steadily growing sexual wellness sector, Satisfyer appeals to everyone. With an unbeatable price, Satisfyer is the sex toy of the masses. Satisfyer is there for everyone who lives out their sexuality confidently, who is curious and open to new things, and who enjoys their love life. Man, woman, single, couple, gay, straight, young, old – it doesn't matter.

Thanks to Air Pulse Technology, modern women can from now on decide utterly for themselves whether and how to get an orgasm. After placing the toy on the clitoris, the Satisfyer generates pressure waves at various strengths and levels, which you can choose freely.

Men's hearts are also set racing by the Satisfyer. The Satisfyer brand has created special love and lifestyle toys for the modern man's world that are explicitly geared to men's needs: high-tech masturbators with a special design that use an inbuilt thermal motor to simulate body temperature, generate vibrations and thereby convey a never-before experienced feeling of realistic love play – using your hand is so yesterday.

This week's podcast promo: Earth Station Who

Mint versus loose. Which is better? How do you choose to present your collection? Is there really that much of a difference between mint and loose collecting? All that and more on this week's exciting episode of The Soul Forge Podcast!

But first, an update on my Hot Wheels collecting. I have been steadily on the hunt for new and unique die cast cars. YouTube has been a great source of information. People have different tastes in vehicles. It seems as though many collectors do not like the fantasy casts. Instead they prefer to only collect real-world models. This hobby can make one quite obsessive.

So, mint or loose? What terms do we need to be familiar with?

MOC : Mint on card
MIB : Mint in box
MIP : Mint in package

HTF : Hard to find
VHTF : Very hard to find

Carded : Figure is still on original backing card.
Boxed : Figure is still in original box.
Loose : Figure is no longer in it's original box or card.
Complete : Figure has all of its original accessories.
Punched : The hole used to hang the card on a peg in stores has been knocked out.
Unpunched : The hole used to hang the card on a peg in stores has not been knocked out.

There can be many reasons for why someone will keep their action figures MIB/MOC. Some people just like the way the packages look. Many action figures made today are highly detailed, but also are in detailed packages. Others like to keep them MIB/MOC because action figures are worth way more when they are in original packages. The better the condition of the packages, the better the price will be if you ever decide to resell your action figures.

Loose figures will allow you to take them out of the package and “play” with them. You can put your figures in different poses and post them online on blogs or forums. They take up way less storage space. The downside to loose figures is that they lose their values very fast.

The best option (if you can afford it) is to buy 2 of everything. This way, you can display your collection both way and never have to decide!

This week's podcast promo: Earth Station One

Searching for joy is a necessary part of life. There are many day to day things that can bring you down. Sometimes you must actively seek out joy. On this week's episode of Soul Forge Podcast, Shawn and Amanda are doing their best to find the joy in the every day aspects of life.

What exactly is joy? According to the dictionary, joy is: the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation. However, in regards to the podcast, joy is simply the act of feeling good.

Origin of joy:

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English joy(e), from Old French joie, joye, from Late Latin gaudia, neuter plural (taken as feminine singular) of Latin gaudium “joy,” equivalent to gaud- (base of gaudēre “to be glad”) + -ium-ium Amanda finds her joy through random acts of kindness. Making others feel good helps her to feel good too.Martin Luther King Jr. once said the “surest way to be happy is to seek happiness for others.” New research published by a team of psychologists at the University of Missouri-Columbia suggests that King’s words are as true today as they were a half-century ago — that our own happiness is, in large part, influenced by the kindness and generosity we show to others. Amanda just might be onto something here.

We also talk about how our words can influence our moods. For instance, Shawn often says he is observing or describing. This is a more positive spin on the act of complaining or whining. Amanda thinks Shawn is actually whining, but he believes he is explaining or observing. What do you think? This week's podcast promo: Earth Station Trek

Expectations are what we think will happen, while reality is what actually transpires. While we hope these two will match up, they often don't. This disparity of expectations vs. reality can often lead to feelings of discontentment and unhappiness.

Expectations refer to the beliefs that you hold about the outcomes of events. While these expectations can play an important role in determining what happens and can contribute to goal-directed behavior, they can also lead to disappointment when reality does not match up to what you had hoped would happen.

People are surprisingly bad at predicting what will make them happy. This means that your expectations might cause you to think that achieving certain goals will bring joy and contentment, but because these predictions are often wrong, you might pursue the wrong goals.

Your expectations can get the better of you when you expect more than what is realistic in a given situation. You might expect your partner to live up to what you see in romance films. You may expect your job to be an idealized version you dreamed about as a child, or even your life to match what you see on Instagram.

Expectations can create significant stress when they don't match up with reality. Also, consider how social media can greatly contribute to this. You compare our own worst moments (those not deemed to be shareable online) to others' best moments, which very often are filtered to seem perfect.

When you find that what is happening is not what you expected, actively look for the positives in what you have. You may find that once you get over the disappointment, you have something you didn't initially realize you wanted. This helps you to be more appreciative of what you have.

This week's podcast promo: Drinking with Authors

Hot Wheels are my latest micro obsession. What is a micro obsession? Those who know me, are aware that my interests vary far and wide. You never know what might hit my radar and become my next mini obsession. Last year it was prepping for the end of the world. This year, it's Hot Wheels!

For more than five decades, Hot Wheels has provided adrenaline-fueled vehicle play that ignites the challenger spirit in every kid with the most outrageous and innovative cars and track systems. Hot Wheels was born when Mattel co-founder Elliot Handler challenged his design team to create a toy car that was cooler and performed better than anything on the market. They answered with the first-ever trackable toy car.

This episode details my early history with Hot Wheels. From smashing my brother's cars to buidling towns. The price was so reasonable every kid had a ton of cars. We used to call them Dinky Cars. However, Dinky was a completely separate brand.

Hot Wheels are my newest micro obsession. I have been learning all about the history of the toy line. I have also found out about treasure hunt and super treasure hunt vehicles. Thanks in large part to a slew of YouTube channels, I have gained just enough knowledge to be dangerous.

This week's podcast promo: Cosmic Pizza

You're gonna die. I'm gonna die. We are all going to die. That is why it is important to think about end of life planning while you still can. You're gonna die. Therefore, it is up to you to plan how you wish to be taken care of.

Preplanning your final arrangements can save your family and friends from having to make decisions at a difficult time. It also gives you time to make the right choices.

The person you name in your will to handle your affairs (for example, your estate trustee) can change your plans at the time of your death, so it is important to discuss your wishes with him or her and your family members or friends.

This week on the podcast, Amanda is here to remind us all that we are going to die. She pre-planned her and her husband's funerals. Because she knows you're gonna die, she has much to say on this topic. The main take away is that pre-planning your funeral arrangements saves those left behind from having to do it during their grief. It also ensures you get what you want.

Remember to keep all important documents in a safe place where your legal representative(s) can find them easily and give a copy to the person who will likely make the arrangements. Keep in mind that your representative may not be able to have a safety deposit box opened until after the funeral.

At death, your legal representative should take your pre-arrangement documents to your chosen provider and any receipts or other evidence of payment.

The service provider will review the contract with your legal representative and let him or her know if there are any extra costs to be paid at that time.

This week's podcast promo: Cigar Nerds

It's a mixed bag of topics this week. There is no theme holding all the thoughts together. What will Shawn say on this week's episode? No one knows--not even him! Prepare yourself for a cosmic adventure to nowhere!

Valentine's Day was this week. How did you spend the day? Is it Single Awareness Day? Did you go to a fancy restaurant? I spent the day at work, followed by an evening of watching TV, eating chocolate and relaxing. Melissa went to Mexico with her family. We celebrated earlier in the week.

Television and movies are fun. I used to host a podcast all about pop culture and movies and toys. I am currently enjoying The Last Of Us. We are only 5 episodes into the series and it is really great so far. I haven't played the video game it is based on, but that doesn't seem to matter. The third and final season of Star Trek: Picard premieres this week. I have been eagerly anticipating seeing the reunion of the Next Generation crew. My brother Robin and I are going to see Antman and the Wasp: Quantumania on Thursday. Who doesn't love Paul Rudd?

The situation with my dad has improved recently. Things had been tense for quite some time. He recently reached out. We have been doing coffee and having visits. All in all, it has been quite pleasant so far.

Check out Rusted Robot Toys. It's my pop culture shop on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/RustedRobotToys

This week's podcast promo: But First, Let's Talk Nerdy

Love? Loss? Heartache? Anger? Sadness? Brother Robin visits the Soul Forge to celebrate his 37th birthday. Robin has a few things to talk about. Is he ready for the end of society, or can he turn his attitude around?

Seasonal depression might be to blame for Robin's sadness. It could, perhaps, be his recently ended situationship. Right now, he is on a 2 forked road. Sharing memes about healing while waiting for the world to end.

Most things in Robin's life are actually fairly positive. He has a place to live; family and friends who love him; a new vehicle, and a decent job. Money problems have always been an issue for Robin, but things are looking up. His job at Best Buy appears secure for the foreseeable future.

Why is Robin ready to let the nukes fly? This mainly seems to stem from his recent breakup. He was not in a fully fledged relationship, but it seemed to be heading that way. This was the girl of his dreams. When she called it off, he was devastated. He is doing everything possible to feel better and move on.

Robin is ready to let the nukes fly, but he is also trying to heal. Much like I felt after the breakup of my marriage, Robin is sharing memes about positivity, inspiration and healing. He knows he will get through the tough times, and yet he is tired of getting through the tough times.

Tiktok is Robin's release valve. He has been seeing angel numbers and a ton of Tarot videos. Recently, he has turned to making his own videos. There are several methods Robin is using to heal and cope with life. Find him on TikTok under the name Robino Heat.

This week's podcast promos: Metal Geeks, Best Saturdays of our Lives

I went viral this past week. I walked into Walmart and saw that they were adding coin receptacles to their shopping carts. Pulling out my phone, I made a quick Tiktok video. After uploading the video to the service, I thought nothing more about it. Somehow, it attracted a lot of attention from the Tiktok community. Three days after I posted the video, it had 5 million views. A week after posting the video, it had amassed 10.5 million views and more than thirty thousand comments.

Going viral is an online phenomenon that any active Internet user is most likely already familiar with, at least to some extent. When the word viral is used to describe a video, it doesn’t refer to the type of content but rather to the way in which it gains popularity. A video goes viral by quickly amassing millions of views due to social media users sharing it with their friends and/or followers. And the more people share, the higher the number of views.

In short, a viral video is a video spread by users who share and like it, thus increasing its number of views and making it reach viewers outside the original target audience group. Due to the fact that sharing is a key element of creating viral content, it’s mainly encountered within the world of social media. When you manage to make your video go viral, there are really no limits as to how many people can actually watch it. A sensible assumption would be that the potential audience could even consist of as many people as there are users of a particular platform. This is, of course, only a theoretical scenario, but still, it’s not exactly accurate because viral posts and videos tend to travel between different social media platforms.

My viral video: https://www.tiktok.com/@soulforgepodcast/video/7192661184481430790

The Daily Dot article: https://www.dailydot.com/irl/walmart-dollar-shopping-cart/?fbclid=IwAR1oWtz6eZq9WblRCq8hDIP6VOHiVMAYoOZQeP3nFUCqoHySbeWfc7ssTJQ

Support the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/rustedsoul

This week's podcast promo: The 42 Cast

Time, life and aging. Time moves quickly, but where does it go? The seasons of life keep on turning. Before you know it, you have become an older person. This week on the podcast, Shawn and Melissa talk about aging and growing up.

This topic came up because of an article Melissa shared with Shawn. The article was about suddenly finding yourself in the last quarter of your life and not really knowing how you got there. Aging, aches and pains, and wrinkles appear as if by magic. You're dying your hair to hide the grey. You look for an adult and then realize you are the adult.

Also in this episode: stop saving things for good. Good never comes because good is all the time. Change your mindset from 'I have to' into 'I get to'. Don't let fear hold you back from living your best life. Tell your people that you love them. Wear your favourite outfit. Do the things.

Here is the article/post that is responsible for this episode:

You know …… time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of the passing years.It seems just yesterday that I was young and embarking on my new life. Yet in a way, it seems like eons ago, and I wonder where all the years went.I know that I lived them all.I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams.However, here it is …… the last quarter of my life and it catches me by surprise.How did I get here so fast?Where did the years go and where did my youth go?I remember well seeing older people through the years and thinking that those older people were years away from me and that I was only on the first quarter and that the fourth quarter was so far off that I could not visualise it or imagine fully what it would be like.Yet, here it is …… my friends are retired and getting grey - they move slower and I see an older person now. Some are in better and some worse shape than me but I see the great change. They’re not like the ones that I remember who were young and vibrant …… but like me, their age is beginning to show and we are now those older folks that we used to see and never thought we'd become.Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for the day! and taking a nap is not a treat anymore, it's mandatory! because if I don't of my own free will, I fall asleep where I sit!And so …… now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do things that I wish I had done but never did! But at least I know that, though I’m on the last quarter and I'm not sure how long it will last, that when it's over on this earth... it's over.A new adventure will begin!Yes, I have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn't done …… things I should have done but truely there are many things I'm happy to have done.It's all in a lifetime.So, if you're not on the last quarter yet, let me remind you that it will be here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life do it quickly!Don't put things off too long! Life goes by so quickly.So, do what you can today, as you can never be sure whether you're on the last quarter or not!You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of life.... so, live for today and say all the things that you want your loved ones to remember - and hope that they appreciate and love you for all the things that you have done for them in all the years past!‘Life’ is a gift to you.Be Happy!Have a great day! This week's podcast promo: Thunder Talk

Let's take another look at minimalism. In the first year of the podcast we took a dive into that world. In fact, we did two episodes about the minimalism journey. You can find those on episodes 25 and 50. Well, it's been 5 years since our last look. That means it is time to jump back in and see how our journey has gone. Did minimalism become our new normal? Have we utterly failed? You will learn the answers to these questions and more on episode 274!

Minimalism is a tool that can assist you in finding freedom. Freedom from fear. Freedom from worry. Freedom from overwhelm. Freedom from guilt. Freedom from depression. Freedom from the trappings of the consumer culture we’ve built our lives around.

That doesn’t mean there’s anything inherently wrong with owning material possessions. Today’s problem seems to be the meaning we assign to stuff: we assign too much meaning to things, often forsaking our health, our relationships, our passions, our personal growth, and our desire to contribute beyond ourselves. Becoming a minimalist slows down life and frees us from this modern hysteria to live faster. It offers freedom to disengage. It seeks to keep only the essentials. It aims to remove the frivolous and keep the significant. It values the intentional endeavors that add value to life.

In addition to another look at minimalism, this episode also talks about the quest for new toys. No one ever said downsizing was going to be easy. So in that regard, finding the best deals, getting rid of the things we don't need, and watching a lot of quality television is a part of the journey.

This week's podcast promo: The Epsilon Three

The G spot. What is it? Where is it? Find out all about the G spot on the 273rd episode of the Soul Forge Podcast.

This week on the podcast we are at Amore For Your Pleasure. Amore is the premier adult store in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Amore's owner is Gaelyn MacKenzie

Gaelyn is better known as G. She has been the owner/operator of Amore for 11 years. The most important aspect of her business is making her clients feel seen and welcome. This is not a sex shop. This is an adult store.

For a long time, the term "sex shop" invoked a certain image – a seedy place with a neon sign, shelves stacked with porno mags and blow-up dolls and a peep-show booth in the back where mostly male patrons watched X-rated movies for a fee.

Amore is a bright and friendly place that is welcoming to couples, women, LBGT people and men. Men are becoming more comfortable and open. Gaelyn makes sure that her store is a safe space. There is no judgement. Questions are encouraged.

There are 5 categories of products at Amore. 1. Novelty items such as fun party stuff. 2. Videos. 3. Lotions, lubes, massage oils and bath products. 4. Toys and lingerie. 5. Fetish and fantasy.

Amore is located in the west end of Sault Ste. Marie. It's right at the corner of Korah and Douglas. Find them on Facebook at Amore For Your Pleasure.

This week's podcast promo: Monkeeing Around

Best of 2022 lists are everywhere. Here is another one!

The first episode of the new year sees Shawn and Krista looking back over the year that was. 2022 is a year that won't soon be forgotten. From books and movies to television and events, 2022 was quite a year!

Krista's year was quite eventful. She moved out on her own for the first time in 22 years. No roommates. No kids. Just Krista. And then she started a new job. This is apparently the best job she has ever had. Her boss is also the most awesome boss a girl could want. Other than being sick for nearly half the year, Krista had a fairly decent 2022.

Shawn made some major moves in the past year. After talking about it for nearly two decades, he finally made the decision to move back to his home town. Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, he has lived in Timmins for nearly 20 years. The decision to move was a gigantic one, but it has been positive beyond expectations.

Re-connecting with old friends, and building new friendships are all part of the journey. Shawn started dating a lovely girl he has known since high school. They have even moved in together. Quite an adventurous year! His son Bishop even likes this new girl. They get along so well!

Also this year, we have discovered some really great media. The Umbrella Academy and The Last Kingdom did not come out in 2022, but that is when they were discovered. Krista fell in love with Netflix's Wednesday. Shawn read his first book by Terry Pratchett. He also found an amazing flea market type store with multiple vendors called the Vintage Co-op.

This week's podcast promo: Modern Musicology

Cats and dogs are the most popular pets in the world. On this episode, my friend Melissa makes her podcasting debut. She is the proud owner of both a cat and a dog. Her cat's name is Charlie. Max is her handsome black Lab.

Cats are more independent and are generally cheaper and less demanding pets. Dogs are loyal and obedient but require more attention and exercise, including regular walks.

When you can't decide between becoming a cat person and dog person, it seems like there's only one solution: be both. Of course, becoming a dog-and-cat household isn't as simple as bringing a new animal into your home and hoping for the best. There are a number of factors to consider, such as how it will affect your current pet, your home, and lifestyle.

When choosing between a cat or a dog, you should consider how much time you can dedicate to the pet (dogs require more time than cats, and don’t like to be left home alone), how much you can afford to spend (dogs are more expensive than cats), and what temperament of pet you would before (dogs are more needy and affectionate than independent cats).

Cats enjoy simple games that allow them to stalk and pounce. Popular games include bouncing a ping-pong ball on the floor for the cat to jump after, rolling a crumpled ball of paper along the floor, dragging ribbon along the floor, or playing hide and seek.

Dogs enjoy games that allow them to run and chase. As well as playing “fetch,” dogs enjoy playing tug-of-war, hide and seek, find the treat, and running races.

This week's podcast promo: The Flopcast

Is it stress or just life that causes you to feel the way you do?

This week on the podcast, we are taking a look at what has been on the mind of your host. As of late, there has been a bit of nostalgia on the mind. And as such, it might be time to look ahead to what might be coming. A return to the Rusted Robot Podcast might be in order. Shawn hosted that pop culture podcast for about 7 years. Rusted Robot was your weekly dose of geek style news and reviews. Its return might be in the forecast. Kirstie Alley's death would have been a major topic on this week's episode had the podcast still been a thing.

The Etsy shop is going well. It is called Rusted Robot Toys. If you are looking for some pop culture gifts, the Etsy shop should be your first stop. My YouTube channel is also called Rusted Robot Toys. Check it out!

In other news, I purchased my first hour glass this weekend. I have wanted to collect hour glasses for 30 years but never did so. Will this be the start of a new craze? Time will tell (haha)! You also get to hear the newest promos for my 3 podcasts!

Is it stress or just life? That really is the question. When I lived in Timmins I was always sore. I went to a massage therapist on a regular basis. My back and legs were always in pain. Ever since I moved to the Soo I have not needed to see a massage therapist. I didn't realize until recently how much pain and stress was caused by my living situation.

This week's promo: ES DCU

How to be thankful is a vital skill in society. There are so many ways in which to present yourself in the world. Being polite and grateful will allow you to get ahead. Not everyone has the skills or the resources or even the desire to show thankfulness. Those that do have the knowledge and the willingness are well set for success.

Practicing gratitude can be a game-changer: it has far reaching effects, from improving our mental health to boosting our relationships with others. Living your life with gratitude helps you notice the little wins—like the bus showing up right on time, a stranger holding the door for you, or the sun shining through your window when you wake up in the morning. Each of these small moments strings together to create a web of well-being that, over time, strengthens your ability to notice the good.

Building your capacity for gratitude isn’t difficult. It just takes practice. The more you can bring your attention to that which you feel grateful for, the more you’ll notice to feel grateful for! Most of us know it’s important to express thanks to the people who help us, or silently acknowledge the things we are grateful for in life. Research has linked gratitude with a wide range of benefits, including strengthening your immune system and improving sleep patterns, feeling optimistic and experiencing more joy and pleasure, being more helpful and generous, and feeling less lonely and isolated.

This week's podcast promo: Drinking With Authors

90 day fiance or long distance fiance? Perhaps it's both! This episode of the Soul Forge dives into the relationship between Dakota and Luke. We will learn their story, their trials and tribulations. Most of all, we will experience the love they feel for each other.

I have known Dakota since the day she turned 8 years old. She is my son's older sister. Dakota sees me as her father which is truly gratifying. I met Luke the day before we recorded this podcast episode. They have been in a long distance relationship for almost 4 years.

Luke likes to travel. One day he decided to see how far north he could get. Dakota and Luke knew each other somewhat through their online gaming platforms. Luke found himself on the way to Timmins, Ontario. He is from Arizona. Due to a combination of factors including bad weather, Luke was stuck in Timmins and they met for the first time. They really hit it off.

Now, 4 years later, they are engaged. Luke moved from Arizona to Wisconsin. Dakota has been desperately trying to get herself a passport for the last year. She hasn't had any luck, yet she remains hopeful. They are applying for a fiance visa so that Dakota can move to Wisconsin. Once her move is complete, they will have 90 days in which to get married.

Dakota and Luke are in constant communication. In fact, they cite communication as the key to the success of their relationship. They are always on a call. Sometimes that call is voice, and sometimes it consists of virtual reality in game mode. No matter how the communication happens, they say that it is the most vital element in a long distance relationship.

This week's podcast promo: Cosmic Pizza Podcast

When your life is a disaster, there are only so many options to turn things around. This episode does not provide any answers. However, brother Robin leads a fairly amusing life. He sums his life up as a disaster. Is this true? I have known him for his whole life, and I would have to agree with him on this point.

The good news is that Robin's mental health is in a good place. He is not sad, Nor is he depressed. Even though he does not have a job or any money, he is still feeling pretty optimistic about his future.

It has been quite awhile since Robin has appeared on Soul Forge Podcast. We are getting an update on his life. His living situation, his kids, and his proximity to family. We discuss his job loss drama. Job loss is a recurring theme in Robin's life.

We wrap up the episode with some wrestling talk. Robin recently suffered a mangled ear and a concussion. He almost had a chance to wrestle with the Cowboy James Storm. Robin's son recently got a chance to watch his dad in the ring. All in all, we get a lot of fun stories from Robin. And some possible hope for the future.

This week's podcast promo: The Con Guy

The most common reason for sharing housing is to reduce the cost of housing. In many rental markets, the monthly rent for a two- or three-bedroom apartment is proportionately less per bedroom than the rent for a one-bedroom apartment (in other words, a three-bedroom flat costs more than a one-bedroom, but not three times as much). By pooling their monthly housing money, a group of people can achieve a lower housing expense at the cost of less privacy. Other motivations are to gain better amenities than those available in single-person housing, to share the work of maintaining a household, and to have the companionship of other people.

A roommate is a person with whom one shares a living facility such as a room or dormitory except when being family or romantically involved. Similar terms include dormmate, suitemate, housemate, or flatmate ("flat": the usual term in British English for an apartment). Flatmate is the term most commonly used in New Zealand, when referring to the rental of an unshared room within any type of dwelling. Another similar term is sharemate (shared living spaces are often called sharehouses in Australia and other Commonwealth countries). A sharehome is a model of household in which a group of usually unrelated people reside together. The term generally applies to people living together in rental properties rather than in properties in which any resident is an owner occupier. In the UK, the term "roommate" means a person living in the same bedroom, whereas in the United States and Canada, "roommate" and "housemate" are used interchangeably regardless whether a bedroom is shared, although it is common in US universities that having a roommate implies sharing a room together.

This is Krista's story about helping out a friend. That friend turned out to me a nightmarish roommate. Get ready to laugh and cry on this exciting episode of roommate from hell!

Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a kind of depression that appears at certain times of the year. It usually begins in the fall when the days get shorter and lasts through the winter. SAD doesn’t only happen in the colder months though. A less common form of seasonal affective disorder affects people in the summer months and usually starts in the spring. It isn’t really clear what causes SAD, but it’s thought that winter SAD may be caused by lack of sunlight. But this may not be the whole answer, as it’s also thought to run in families: 13–17% of people who develop SAD have an immediate family member with the disorder.

Adults—are at higher risk of SAD than children and teenagers. After the age of 50, the risk of SAD starts to decline. Researchers aren’t yet sure why.
Women—may be more likely to experience SAD. Some research found that women may be up to nine times more likely to be diagnosed than men.
People in more northern countries or cities—are more likely to experience SAD than those who live close to the equator. The amount of daylight you receive changes as you move north, and that change is thought to be part of SAD.

If you think you might have seasonal affective disorder, talk to your doctor. Your doctor can help rule out any other causes for your symptoms, like thyroid problems or other types of depression.

Also in this episode, we read some listener feedback. Bill has been writing into the show for some time, and always has good insights and questions. This time, we are answering these questions and giving advice. We are talking about how to deal with women. Specifically, Bill is interested in how to appropriately give a lady a compliment. It is difficult to say how useful our advice is, as it is only from our perspective. We are not doctors and have no medical training. Our life experience is the only thing we have to rely on.

Tips to Ease Your Winter SAD Symptoms * Spend more time outdoors during the day * Try to arrange the spaces you spend time in to maximize sunlight exposure * Keep curtains open during the day * Trim tree branches or hedges that may be blocking some of the light from getting into your home * Move furniture so that you sit near a window or, if you exercise indoors, set up your exercise equipment by a window * Install skylights and add lamps * Build physical activity into your lifestyle preferably before SAD symptoms take hold. Physical activity relieves stress, builds energy and increases both your physical and mental well-being and resilience * Make a habit of taking a daily noon-hour walk, particularly if you commute to school or work in the dark hours of the day * When all else fails, try a winter vacation in sunny climates—if the pocketbook and work schedule allow. Keep in mind that the symptoms will recur after you return home * Try to resist the carbohydrate and sleep cravings that come with SAD

This week's podcast promo: But First, Let's Talk Nerdy

Doom Box Patrol is another fun conversational episode where we learn about a few weird and random topics. You are going to learn what a doom box is, how it relates to ADHD and what to do about these boxes. We are also going to cover parenting, being a GEN-X kid, trauma, and more!

Doom Boxes – whether created accidentally or on purpose – are a space to stash items together with the intention of organizing them later. Most Doom Boxes though remain in use for years to come, and they become the go-to storage place for old receipts, spare parts, and memorabilia. Doom boxes are boxes containing random items that have been stored together because they don't have their own place in the home yet. Rather than signifying a gloomy or disheartening situation, 'Doom' is actually an acronym in this context (Didn't Organize Only Moved). They become an interim storage method and might be part of an intial attempt to organize a bedroom, office or living space.

People with ADHD are more likely to possess a Doom Box because they have strained executive function, which is the cognitive process responsible for essentially all self-regulation. This can drastically impact one's organization skills.

Also in this episode, we talk about my tendency to procrastinate -- especially when it comes to moving houses. Not unpacking has become kind of a coping mechanism. This ties nicely into our chat about childhood trauma and parental issues.

The latter half of this episode deals quite a bit with parenting. Is it wise to be the better person, or should you allow yourself to be petty for the momentary satisfaction? This and many other questions and brought up and discussed.

This week's podcast promo: Blurred Nerds

Let's Put On A Show! presents Meteor Shower by Steve Martin.

There is a new theatre company in Sault Ste. Marie and their first play will be a comedy written by Steve Martin. Leah Frost and RJ Renner are directing Meteor Shower. You can see the show from October 21st to the 23rd. There will be three showings.

On this episode of Soul Forge, Shawn talks to Leah and RJ about their theatrical origins and the origins of the new theatre company. We learn about where the company name comes from, and the need for community involvement in this new endeavour. Let's Put On A Show! will be doing more traditional comedies and dramas, as opposed to musicals. They chose this particular play for its humour as well as its more modern setting.

About the play: Corky and Norm are excited to host Gerald and Laura at their home in the valley outside Los Angeles to watch a once-in-a-lifetime meteor shower. But as the stars come out and the conversation gets rolling, it becomes clear that Gerald and Laura might not be all that they appear to be. Over the course of a crazy, starlit dinner party, the wildly unexpected occurs. The couples begin to flirt and insanity reigns. Martin, using his trademark absurdist humor, bends the fluid nature of time and reality to create a surprising and unforgettably funny new play.

Get your tickets at: https://lets-put-on-a-show-108707.square.site/?fbclid=IwAR3SfxpMrFXSlLAkLcfxJ-y6jzaOs3IvzhthfeelMVULrJCpPasE80GaXxQ

Let's Put On A Show! would like to thank Mom's Kitchen, Stephanie's Joy, Sault College and The Tech.

This week's podcast promo: Best Saturdays of Our Lives

Climb that damn mountain. Do the things you have always been too afraid to do or try. This is the message behind this episode of the podcast. Amanda returns to talk about her recent knee surgery. Her main message or take away, is that if you want to do something, just do it. Climb that mountain. Take that trip. Start that business. Get the surgery that will allow you to live your best life.

Amanda takes time out of her recovery to share her recent experiences with us. For most of the summer she visited friends and family in Thunder Bay. That is roughly 8 hours from home. Like most of us, she needed a mental health break - a vacation from her every day life.

Why did Amanda get knee replacement surgery? Why was she awake and aware for the procedure? You will find out those answers and more in this exciting episode of the Soul Forge Podcast.

Knee replacement, also called knee arthroplasty or total knee replacement, is a surgical procedure to resurface a knee damaged by arthritis. Metal and plastic parts are used to cap the ends of the bones that form the knee joint, along with the kneecap. This surgery may be considered for someone who has severe arthritis or a severe knee injury.

Various types of arthritis may affect the knee joint. Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that affects mostly middle-aged and older adults, may cause the breakdown of joint cartilage and adjacent bone in the knees. Rheumatoid arthritis, which causes inflammation of the synovial membrane and results in excessive synovial fluid, can lead to pain and stiffness. Traumatic arthritis, arthritis due to injury, may cause damage to the cartilage of the knee.

The goal of knee replacement surgery is to resurface the parts of the knee joint that have been damaged and to relieve knee pain that cannot be controlled by other treatments.

This week's podcast promo: The 42 Cast

If wishes were fishes, we would all cast our nets in the sea. This week's episode is a bit of a mixed bag. We are talking about my recent birthday weekend, but this episode includes a part of our eighth show.

Labour Day weekend is always my birthday celebration time. Most years, people are busy and my special day gets overlooked. However, this year, I had the best celebration in recent memory. My lady and I went to the USA (across the river) and got some tattoos. We did some sight-seeing and a lot of talking. The second day was spent with her family at the Kinross County Fair. She gave me a replica of the Sword of Omens from Thundercats.

Pop culture is briefly mentioned in this episode. The show is coming out on September 8th, which is Star Trek Day! I have been watching She-Hulk, The Orville, Lower Decks, House of the Dragon and Rings of Power.

Finally, the episode finishes up with a re-use of our 8th show. In that one, I talked about what I would wish for if I were given 3 wishes. I figured this topic was appropriate as it was my birthday weekend, and everyone gets to wish for something during that time.

This week's podcast promo: Thunder Talk

My son Bishop comes for a visit!

Five months ago, in April, I moved from Timmins back to my hometown of Sault Ste. Marie. This move was 19 years in the making. Fear held me back. Due to a severe bout of depression I made an impulsive decision and moved back home. I hadn't seen my son since I lelt town. At the beginning of August, I picked him up so he could stay and visit with me.

Since I made the move to come back home, I have been living my best life. Whether that is due to my living situation, or because I'm on depression pills I can't really say. All I know is that I'm going to enjoy it. I wanted Bishop to see the state of my happiness. He enjoyed his visit so much, he extended his stay from 2 to 3 weeks. He would have stayed longer if he didn't need to go home to prepare for the upcoming school year.

We had a great visit. For a boy who rarely walks anywhere, he sure did a lot of it. His cousin Trinity lives about 5 blocks away and he walked there nearly every day. He was able to touch a chipmunk for the first time. We walked the Soo Locks at Whitefish Island. We played at the park and ate lots of ice cream.

I learned how chatty he is with his online friends. Many discussions were had about the future. Bishop knows he does not want to live alone. He knows he needs to finish high school in order to set himself up for success. Adulthood is a realm of fear for my son. However, after many long talks we feel as though we now have a handle on some things.

This week's podcast promos: The Epsilon Three Podcast and the Overtired Podcast

Should we stop being polite? Is the act of being polite something that binds society together and allows civilization to function? Those are heady questions we do not have answers to in a 20 minute podcast. However, we will be conducting an exciting discussion into the nature of politeness.

You may get more done with a little gratitude and polite conversation, but this behavior can bring you down. It can force you into a toxic relationship detrimental to your emotional and physical well-being. Polite, thoughtful reactions and responses to everyday interactions can mean the difference between acceptance and frustration from the other party. So, as you can see, being polite has its ups and its downs.

So, how do we stop being polite? Useless chatter can eat up our day and reduce our productivity. It can also just be really boring. We have all had conversations we wished to exit. Try this next time you find yourself trapped: After a few minutes, excuse yourself by saying something like, “I'm sorry. I'd really like to give you my full attention but I have to finish up before the end of the day.” Offer an apologetic smile as you say it, or use a smiley emoticon if you're dashing off a quick email or text message.

This week's podcast promo: Monster Sci-Fi Show

Everything you want is on the other side of fear.

There are a few things I have learned after podcasting about myself for the last 5 years. When you take a good hard look at your life, you should see areas where you can improve; areas where you are doing great, and areas in between. This is the 5 year podcast anniversary episode. Join me as I take a look back, and think about the future.

The first half of this special episode is looking backwards at what has come before. The early history of the show is filled with rambling and doubt. Eventually I found a voice and a way forward. At first I spoke about myself. Then I covered random topics like happiness, decision making and fatherhood. Then I got into more personal territory such as love and loss.

After a time I realized I did not have the life experience to cover every topic. I began to interview people with different backgrounds. Learning about other people's experiences allowed me to develop a better understanding and to teach my podcast listeners about other ways of living.

Throughout the podcast's run certain themes began to emerge. Mental health is a huge topic that is often covered in various ways. Other topics include love and confidence. But the main theme has been fear and the desire for home.

Send comments to soulforgepodcast@gmail.com

Donate at www.ko-fi.com/rustedsoul

This week's podcast promo: Modern Musicology

The need for rest is something we often forget about. The need for rest is more important than we give it credit for.

Recent research has revealed that people perform better at work and in life if we practice strategic renewal. If you’re rundown you’re more susceptible to getting sick and miss days from work.

You need to get more sleep during the week, scheduling daytime workouts, eat healthy foods, and enjoy rest and relaxation away from the office with your team members whenever possible.

Humans aren’t designed to run on high level without having a period of rest and relaxation. You need a time for renewal. It allows you to relax and rejuvenate your mind and body.

The human body is built to thrive in a series of short sprints. This is why taking a break—even only for a few minutes—can offer you the refresh you need to persevere through your day. Breaks are brief cessations to work, physical exertion, or emotional stress. They promote mental health, boost creativity, increase productivity, promote well-being, reduce stress, improve mood, and strengthen relationships.

The amount of rest required depends on your individual needs. If you didn't sleep well, feel angry, or stressed, you may require more frequent breaks.

Adequate rest helps your body activate its inner healing cascade and return to a state of homeostasis. This is when your body can repair and recover.

This week's podcast promo: Monster Attack

Self-worth and self-value are two related terms that are often used interchangeably. Having a sense of self-worth means that you value yourself, and having a sense of self-value means that you are worthy. The differences between the two are minimal enough that both terms can be used to describe the same general concept.

There’s self-esteem, self-compassion, self-acceptance, self-respect, self-confidence, self-love, self-care, and so on.

There are so many words to describe how we feel about ourselves, how we think about ourselves, and how we act toward ourselves. It’s understandable if they all start to blend together for you; however, they are indeed different concepts with unique meanings, findings, and purposes.

Realizing our self-worth and putting ourselves first is difficult. Many of us start out with a self-love deficit, whether it be caused by our own thoughts or outside forces. The media is constantly bombarding with advertising. We are told we aren't good enough, thin enough, smart enough, and so on. Body image issues primarily affect girls but even boys are beginning to feel bad about themselves.

Also in this episode, we talk about the more wholesome images and messages we got in the 1970s and 1980s. From Fat Albert to GI Joe's PSAs and a host of other sources, the kids of the 70s and 80s were given so many positive ways to look at themselves.

Self-hatred is a terrific way to sabotage yourself. We must pay attention to our thoughts and feelings. If you feel as though you don't deserve good things, that is your lack of self-worth lying to you. The mind creates its reality. Pay attention to your thoughts.

This week's podcast promo: Flopcast

An interview with Mike, owner of Vintage Games and Junque. We are talking about the upcoming Steel City NerdCon being held this July 2 at the Bushplane Museum in downtown Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

Mike and his wife Beth have been in the pop culture business for about 7 years. Approximately 5 years ago they decided the town needed some excitement. They organized the first NerdCon and held it in the back of their building. It was a huge success. With the exception of Covid, there has been an event every year since. Vendors come from all over Ontario to sell their items. This year there are people coming from Quebec. The event gets bigger and better each year.

Usually NerdCon is held in September or October. To try something new, the Vintage Games crew decided to try a summer event. They don't know how it's going to go over, especially because it's the Canada Day long weekend. However, the event is occurring at the same time as Poutine Fest. Multiple poutine vendors will be selling their delicious food only a block from the NerdCon space. Cross promotion is on everyone's mind.

Also in this little chat, Mike talks about his store. Vintage Games and Junque started out in a 400 square foot space. They next year they expanded into an 800 square foot location. For the past 5 years they have been at their current 3500 square foot building at 165 Queen Street East.

Mike describes the shop as a really expensive thrift store. Yet, walking in, it does not have that thrift store feel. You can see how everything is curated and placed with care. Items range from antiques, video games and comics to classic toys, comic books, signs and so much more.

Find Mike and Vintage games on all the social media sites by searching Vintage Games and Junque.

This week's podcast promo: Earth Station Who

Captain Distraction strikes again. And appears when you least expect it. Short attention span theatre is a real thing, but also a fun name for this episode. It is our theory that attention spans are getting shorter and shorter. Shawn believes attention spans have been getting worse, while Amanda thinks they have always been pretty bad. What is the truth of the matter....the world may never know!

As a species, humans have always been distracted by the next big thing. Focusing on one thing at a time is quite difficult. You don't want to miss out on something, but you still want to pay attention to the current thing, but that rock is really shiny, and that animal looks so weird, but what is that noise in the background and hey, what are you eating right now!

What competes for our attention? How do we stay on track? We have television, books, video games, texting, phone calls, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, magazines, Snapchat, movies, friends and so many more things to contend with. And in the past there may not have been as many things, but humans still found ways to be distracted. Before digital technology, we had newspapers, radio, Walkmans, drugs and so many other things as well.

Many of us suffer from big screen syndrome. We lose focus. We can't pay attention with so many things going on in the background. Being alert and mindful may be the only way to ground ourselves.

This week's podcast promo: ESDCU

A rare walk and talk episode with great sound quality!

This week on the podcast, we are discussing a variety of topics. Join me on my mail route for about 20 minutes as I waxed philosophically and poetry about a plethora of subjects. And remember, if you would like to correspond with the show, send an email to soulforgepodcast@gmail.com

The first thing we are talking about this week is cultural references. Turns out that most of mine are from the 1980s and 1990s. That is the era in which I grew up, so I suppose this makes a certain amount of sense. One of my favourite references is '2 weeks' from the film Total Recall. I use it whenever possible. Most of the music I like to listen to is also from the same time frame, with the 1990s being the most favoured. In fact, it's the oldies station I most frequently listen to if I am using home town music stations.

Another topic this week is my TikTok obsession. I have been using the app for about 2 months now. I make between one and four videos per day. It is quite random as sometimes I am being inspiration, while at other moments I am being silly or introspective. You never know what might come out of my mouth!

The rest of the podcast is devoted to a few somewhat related topics. The main focus is on my move back home to the Soo and the happiness factor. For the most part, I feel stress-free. I'm happy. It's almost like I'm on a working vacation. Life seems bright and full of possibility! I've always believed it to be a bad idea to admit to the universe that you are happy. However, I am changing my attitude on this - I am going to enjoy the hell out of my happiness. And so should you!

My life has always been fear driven. Fear has prevented me from following my dreams. This year I turned my back on fear and did things just for me. I was so afraid to move back home, but I did it anyway, and I have never been happier. We all have problems and pain. Today I watched a video on YouTube by Mark Manson. He was discussing problems and pain. A great little video with lots of relevant points.

This week's podcast promo: Earth Station One

One year sober is a huge achievement. For some, 24 hours of sobriety is almost impossible. This is an episode about alcohol addiction and recovery. This is Amanda's story. This is how she became one year sober.

Amanda has always had an addictive personality. She started with a food addiction, but soon made her way to alcohol. Currently in recovery and getting better every day, Amanda still has her addictions - which currently include coffee and purse collecting.

Now in her mid 40s, Amanda was not always an alcoholic. It wasn't until her early 30s that she realized she might have a problem. Like many alcoholics, she was closeted and hid her issues as well as her booze. Hiding bottles became a habit. It was a habit so bad that often she didn't remember where the stuff was hidden and this once led to a relapse during a cleaning session. Amanda went from wine to vodka to drinking earlier and earlier.

Multiple attempts were made to get her life back on track. She joined AA on several occasions. There were at least 5 relapses after reaching a decent amount of sobriety. She wasn't ready yet. That is the main thing she has learned from her time in recovery - you need to be ready for yourself. You can't quit your addictions for someone else. You need to be ready.

Because she had a great job her recovery may have been hampered. Amanda felt a stigma against those with addictions and didn't want to be one of those people. And then one day she didn't feel like dying so she felt ready again. She re-entered the program. And today, she is one year sober.

Also in this episode....open versus closed meetings. How 'God' fits into the program. Relapses. How AA members offer support, love and acceptance. You're not just hurting yourself, but also family and friends.

This week's podcast promo: Earth Station Trek

Long weekend camping is a tradition of sorts here in Canada. Long weekends are too far and few between so you absolutely must take advantage of every opportunity. A few days ago, my brother and I, and a couple of his friends went long weekend camping. I shall tell you all about it in this episode.

Originally I was going to release episode 251 as a walk and talk. That is where I record an episode while delivering the mail. However, the recording was too garbled and so you get this offering instead. Airpods are not the ideal way to record an episode! And yet, the weather today was ideal for working. 14 degrees Celsius and overcast with a slight breeze is perfect. I could have done without the 6 sets of flyers to deliver though.

So as for the long weekend camping adventure, a decent time was had by all. Sure, it was cold and windy and we couldn't always get a fire going, but we had fun. We walked and explored and talked and drank. We even tried to build a fence out of driftwood but it didn't work very well at all. The good news is that my new camping equipment worked out well. I was fairly comfortable even if I wasn't overly warm. I also got to see what deer poop looks like.

Also in this episode, I talk about settling down to my new life back in my hometown. I feel relaxed and pretty decent over all. And yard sale season is fast approaching so the good deals will be coming!

Find me on Etsy at Rusted Robot Toys

Find me on TikTok at soulforgepodcast

and you can leave a donation by going to www.ko-fi.com/rustedsoul

This week's podcast promo: Dragon Con Report

Top 10 things to love!

Do you make a list of your favourite things? How many people out there in podcast-land actually have a running inventory of the things that make them happy? Obviously there is no way of answering that question. On this episode, I run down some of the things I love the most. If there is a better way to celebrate 250 podcast episodes, I can't think of what that might be.

So, what are some of the top 10 things to love? This episode starts with my favourite authors. It turns out I really enjoy action/adventure stories. Give me international chases, mythology, and harrowing odds and I will be happy. I also enjoy science fiction and self-help type books that aren't overly saccharine or preachy. Some deeply philosophical literature is also in my list of things to love.

Two other top 10 lists I present to you are movies and television shows. Once again, I love some science fiction. But I also enjoy the occasional drama and some cartoons. Coming up with absolute lists is a difficult task. Our tastes change over time. However, for the most part, the top 10 things to love list is from my early days, with a few newer things added in.

Finally, we wrap up the podcast. The last list consists of my 10 favourite episodes of Soul Forge Podcast. There is no real theme to these 10 episodes. Some deal with sex and relationships. Others have to do with regular life. The one thing they all have in common is that I love them, and I hope you will too!

This week's podcast promo: Cosmic Pizza

Comparing and contrasting my 2 main homes or cities. I was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie (the Soo), went to university in North Bay, and moved to Timmins at the age of 26. Five and a half weeks ago I moved back to the Soo from Timmins where I spent the past 19 years.

There is quite a bit of difference between the two cities. The Soo is a heavily Italian based town. Timmins is very Frence. People in the Soo are more friendly, while those in Timmins are more apt to have a vanity license plate. How people pronounce the word 'poutine' is different, as well as what they call the long weekend in May.

While both towns are isolated and surrounded by nature, Sault Ste. Marie has more culture and travel opportunities. The Soo boasts a wonderful boardwalk and many old buildings. Timmins has many small lakes where people enjoy hunting and fishing.

Also in this episode, I discuss chocolate milk. As a border town, the Soo has quick access to the USA. American chocolate milk is more fatty, and therefore more tasty.

Have you ever wondered how Canada Post operates? Do you enjoy getting your mail delivered to your door? And what are those grey boxes on street corners? In the second half of this episode, I tell you all about how the mail delivery system works. Also, I explain how the job can differ based on the particular depot you work out of. Topics include: flyers, taxi cabs, sorting, supervisors and mailboxes.

The episode concludes with various smaller topics. We are talking camping season and brotherhood. Yard sale season is also upon us. How am I enjoying TikTok? Find out on this episode!

This week's podcast promo: The Con Guy

Being TikTok famous has never been my goal. Until now, that is! I have been home for a month and my life has undergone some changes. Let me tell you about some of those changes here on episode 248.

So, I have been back in my hometown for a month now. I moved from Timmins to Sault Ste. Marie where I was born and raised. Although I am not completely certain, I think I am finally settling into something of a regular routine. The feeling of being lost is not so strong anymore. After arriving home, I worked for a week and was then off for 2 weeks. Being off for so long is not a good thing for your body. As a mailman, we walk about 25000 steps per day. When on holidays, this does not happen so coming back to work can be rough.

There is also a huge difference in how Canada Post operates in different cities. Timmins has a much more harsh and unforgiving work environment than does the Soo. The work day is structured much differently. The people don't act the same. It is a lot to get used to. The amount of flyers I get on this new route compared to my last one is huge. So many things to get used to.

TikTok famous! I did a video while working and almost didn't post it. It has blown up! My normal amount of views for my videos is about 300 or so. As of recording the views for my 'work at Canada Post' video was 80000. As of writing these show notes it is up to 103000. Crazy times!

Also on this episode I talk about some camping supplies I have recently acquired. And my Etsy shop! And my recent weekend trying to sell my collectibles at the local used toy store.

This week's podcast promo: Cigar Nerds

Your things don't love you, and you are not your things. It took me a long time to realize this one simple truth!

For the vast majority of my life, I was my stuff. And my stuff was me. We were intertwined. All the things I had were my identity. I didn't know who I was without them. And I didn't know who I could be either. Things were necessary for my existence and my reality. They helped me define myself and my worldview. But, they really didn't. I just thought they did; thought I needed the things to bolster my sense of self.

Recently, I have come to understand that things are just things. Stuff is just stuff. Your things don't love you. They don't know you exist. They don't care. Their identity is not based upon you. They just exist. They just are.

And now, I no longer need things to give me a purpose or a sense of self. I can exist independently outside of my possessions. I can enjoy them and have sentimental attachments, but also take a step back.

Being a collector, or a poet, or a book reader used to be how I defined myself. Now, I'm just me. The things are not me. So, now I'm seriously trying to downsize my collection. Too many things are overwhelming. I'm getting older and books are too heavy to move all the time. My car used to be an extension of me. No longer. It's mostly just a car. Your things don't love you, and you don't have to love your things!

This week's podcast promo: But First, Let's Talk Nerdy

We are not too old for this! Maybe we feel like we are getting too old for some things, but we are not. Age is only a matter of perspective, or so we can tell ourselves. We are definitely not as young as we used to be or want to be.

I just signed up for TikTok. After swearing up and down for years that I would never get involved in such a thing, I did. Blaming my brother is likely a good way to go about explaining this change in my behaviour. He needed the money! I am hoping I'm not too old for this.

Adapting to change is tricky as we age. New phones are full of all kinds of technological innovations. Everything is changing so fast and keeping updated is not easy. 30 years ago a car trip consisted of a Walkman and a cassette tape. Kids today have their phones, tablets and gaming systems. Everything now is on demand with instant access. We want things yesterday -- no waiting.

Another thing that changes with age is memory. The forgetting is real. Distraction is a very real thing. Is it caused by depression, aging, 2 years of Covid isolation or something else? Who can say? And does the cause matter? Remembering life details such as birthdays and appointments is no long as easy. You gotta write that shit down man!

This week's podcast promo: Blurred Nerds

Bad decisions make good stories, or so they say! They actually say quite a few different things when it comes to making decisions. I'm not really sure that anyone actually knows anything about anything. Aren't we all just pretending we know what we are doing?

This week's episode finds me talking about my recent move. After living in Timmins for 19 years, I decided to move back to my hometown of Sault Ste. Marie. It was a major decision. I was scared. Petrified some days to be honest. But, they do say that bad decisions make good stories. This journey is just beginning so there's really no way to know if it is right or wrong. Perhaps it just is.

So, we are talking about the move itself. How did my first week of work go? I tell you. The mail delivery system is much different here than back in Timmins. All kinds of new things to get used to. The roads are equally bad in both cities - potholes everywhere. On Facebook, I made a post saying that all my Timmins people should move here too!

In this episode I also discuss how my room decorating is coming along. I have moved many times. And I have a lot of things - so many collectibles. It's time to purge myself of the burden. I'm going to start selling more things at the local toy store.

The episode wraps up by talking about the early days of the Soul Forge Podcast. Many different names were considered until I settled on Soul Forge. Also, many different topic ideas were thought about. I've talked about almost all of them. Remember, bad decisions make good stories!

This week's podcast promo: Modern Music

I moved back home! Say what? Yes, it's true. After 19 years of living in Timmins, I moved back home to Sault Ste. Marie.

Now why did I do such a thing? Great question. I provide some answers and some context in this episode as to why I moved back home. There is likely a lot more I could have gone into during my explanation. However, it has been a hectic few days, and I'm not quite myself yet. Most of my adult life has been spent up in Timmins. And although it is the land that culture forgot, it became home. It was definitely a huge decision.

There are many reasons for the move and not all of them are detailed in this episode. Let's say that my recent bout of depression is a huge factor. In fact, depression probably played the biggest role in all of this. I have not been in my proper frame of mind and some of my thought processes were a bit muddied and muddled. Regardless of the reasons for the move, the fact is that I am now back home for the time being. Will this move be permanent? Will I want to return back to Timmins? Only the future knows.

This week's podcast promo: Best Saturdays of Our Lives

New beginnings are a sure sign of Spring! This is the first week of Spring and so what could be better than an episode all about new beginnings? This week, your host reads quotes from a pile of famous sources. Each quote deals with new beginnings in some form or another. So, just sit back, relax, and let your mind be entertained.

“The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide you’re not going to stay where you are.”

“Celebrate endings—for they precede new beginnings.”

“No matter how hard the past is, you can always begin again.”

“Every day is a chance to begin again. Don’t focus on the failures of yesterday, start today with positive thoughts and expectations.”

“Forgiveness says you are given another chance to make a new beginning.”

“Nothing is predestined. The obstacles of your past can become the gateways that lead to new beginnings.”

“Getting over a painful experience is much like crossing monkey bars. You have to let go at some point in order to move forward.”

“Keep on beginning and failing. Each time you fail, start all over again, and you will grow stronger until you have accomplished a purpose — not the one you began with perhaps, but one you’ll be glad to remember.”

“The heaviness of being successful was replaced by the lightness of being a beginner again, less sure about everything. It freed me to enter one of the most creative periods of my life.”

“There will come a time when you believe everything is finished; that will be the beginning.”

“Sometimes we can only find our true direction when we let the wind of change carry us.”

“Perhaps that is where our choice lies—in determining how we will meet the inevitable end of things, and how we will greet each new beginning.”

“One can begin so many things with a new person—even begin to be a better man.”

“Do not wait until the conditions are perfect to begin. Beginning makes the conditions perfect.”

“Every day I feel is a blessing from God. And I consider it a new beginning. Yeah, everything is beautiful.”

“Challenges are gifts that force us to search for a new center of gravity. Don’t fight them. Just find a new way to stand.”

“Nothing in the universe can stop you from letting go and starting over.”

“It’s a wise man who understands that every day is a new beginning, because boy, how many mistakes do you make in a day? I don’t know about you, but I make plenty. You can’t turn the clock back, so you have to look ahead.”

“You may have a fresh start any moment you choose, for this thing that we call ‘failure’ is not the falling down, but the staying down.”

"Every moment is a fresh beginning."

“It’s never too late to become who you want to be. I hope you live a life that you’re proud of, and if you find that you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start over.”

“Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently.”

“Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”

“The beginning is the most important part of the work.”

"Be willing to be a beginner every single morning."

All quotes can be found at: https://www.countryliving.com/life/g30337217/new-beginnings-quotes/

This week's podcast promo: The 42Cast

Have you ever had an epiphany? You know, one of those lightbulb moments where a sudden realization hits you! One minute you're minding your own business when out of nowhere insight slaps you upside the head. Technically, an epiphany is an intuitive grasp of reality through something (such as an event) usually simple and striking, or an illuminating discovery, realization, or disclosure.

Today's episode details the nature of the epiphany and the search for happiness. We all want happiness. In fact, happiness is the main goal for much of society. Entire industries are devoted to helping us in our quest to be happy. Buy this! Buy that! What many people don't realize, is that happiness is not a permanent state of affairs. There is no magic cure.

Happiness is related to the quest for perfection. However, perfection does not exist. Today's perfection is tomorrow's pile of trouble. We all think we know what we want; what will make us perfectly happy. We must understand that life is about progress - not perfection.

By taking responsibility for our problems we can turn those issues into progress. It is easy to blame others for our unhappiness or lack of perfection. But, if we face our fears and confront our own short-comings, we can become better people. Bravery is feeling the fear and overcoming it. So, in essence, we must define our values, figure out what we need, and build a solid foundation for moving forward. Perfection doesn't exist, and happiness is not constant. And yet, we can work with these ideas and find our true purpose.

This week's podcast promo: Watchathon of Rassilon, ESO Patreon

Stars shine for you, and they shine for everyone. Episode titles are difficult. Song lyrics are often good at expressing things that regular words cannot. This episode, for example, is very strange. There isn't a single thread that holds everything together. Topics seemingly come and go at random.

In this episode, I'm talking about books and authors. But I also touch on the war in Ukraine, if only briefly. Depression is also brought up in passing. Life is full of ups and downs. One day you could be perfectly happy, and the next everything could fall apart. That is why we have to enjoy each moment as it comes. Don't watch the clock. Don't think too much. Just watch how the stars shine for you. Look up. See the bigger picture. Love every moment of your life.

Of course, since this is my podcast, I have to talk a bit about pop culture. Star Trek is brought up, as is often the case with me. And some of my favourite authors are mentioned too! If you're looking for something good to read, check out any of these writers: Robert J Sawyer, Andy McDermott, Matthew Reilly, Paulo Coelho, Mitch Albom and Lee Child.

This week's podcast promo: The Epsilon Three

Rebirth! What does that mean in the context of this week's episode? Well, it's nothing too far out there. After last week's episode about being diagnosed with depression, it seemed like a good opportunity to turn the podcast around. Rebirth is just one of the poems that I read for you this week! That's right, this is another episode where I share my poetry with all of you out there in podcastland.

As many of you know, I used to fancy myself a poet. This was back during my university days. I was still trying to find out who I was, what I was and where I was headed. I have always been in my head and thinking and feeling is simply a part of my nature. When I went to university, I was in the English Literature program. English was my best subject in high school and I didn't know what else to do with my life.

Being around all the intellectual types made me want to dive into that world. However, I never really felt like I fit in there properly. And yet, I decided to go full on into the artsy arena. I began reading and writing a lot of poetry. Throughout my school years I wrote around 100 poems or so. Some I think are excellent, while others are not so great. And this week, I read 10 of my poems to you.

This week's selection of poems:

Baldness: A Ballad
Naked Desire
Not Long Enough
Rebirth
Remember When
She Who Stands Alone
Sonnet One Dirty
Strangers in the Rain
You Came for the Children First
First Day

I hope you enjoy this look at my late teens and early 20s. If you have any feedback, you can email me at soulforgepodcast@gmail.com

And as always, if you'd like to support the show, you can donate at www.ko-fi.com/rustedsoul

This week's podcast promo: Nerdbliss

Official diagnosis - depression!

That sounds fun, doesn't it? Apparently about 10% of people suffer from depression. Of course, they always say suffer from. I suppose they aren't going to say that 10% of people enjoy depression. Perhaps some folks do, but that seems unlikely to be the case.

So, this is a rather short episode of the podcast. Most of it is a retelling of my recent visit back home. I was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, but have been living in Timmins for nearly 19 years. My brother noticed I was not acting like my usual self. He invited me to stay with him for a week. I almost never travel in winter due to the long snowy drive. However, I needed a break from Timmins. So I went. The week was fantastic. I needed some good quality family time.

Getting away from my regular life showed me a few things. I'd been living in a state of depression without realizing how bad it was. The change of scenery opened my eyes. Calling my doctor and explaining my feelings to him was a huge help. His official diagnosis was, of course, depression. Taking steps to get better is so important.

At the end of the podcast is a 3 minute clip from a YouTube video. It explains what depression is. Here is the link just in case you would like to see the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWFuQR_Wt4M

This week's podcast promo: Metal Geeks

Andrew and Shawn are the original geek twins! Ok, maybe not the originals, but they have been geeking out together since the late 1980s. And this is an episode where they join forces to record their first podcast together.

They met back in 1987 during the sixth grade. Their bond over all things geek was, if not immediate, long lasting. With birthdays only 7 days apart, how could they not have a lot of interests in common?

Both Andrew and Shawn and huge fans of pop culture. They spent many hours together playing video games and watching television. And talking about girls. So many hours spent walking or biking or hanging out at the mall.

The television they enjoyed was quite diverse. Well, mostly it was science fiction. Star Trek and Babylon 5 were two of their favourite shows. Robocop The Series was another favourite. Action figures are another area of interest that both of these original geek twins enjoy.

We are talking about high school. And the stores we used to go to. Remember Zellers, K*Mart, and Consumer's Distributing? We sure do!

You can find Andrew and his wife all over the web. They own and operate Creative Nest Studio. It's your best source for hand-made signs and home decor. Check them out everywhere!

Their website is www.creativeneststudio.com

This week's podcast promo: Monster Attack

Here are my 22 tips to help you win at life in 2022.

I searched the internet, I scanned my memory, I looked everywhere, and these are the tips, tricks, rules and guideposts for the year that is 2022. We have likely abandoned our New Year's resolutions at this point. However, it is not too late to make the most of the year. There is always time to win at life in 2022!

You must take these tips in stride. I am only here to be your guide on this journey we call living. I'm not a professional or an expert, but I do have a pile of life experience. In this episode, I give you the tips and tricks. Then I expand on the ideas with worldly examples, or stories from my own life. Do with this information as you see fit. I'm only here to try to help!

Find me on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCataaeTRQltObb7n1GHW_qw

Rusted Robot Toys on Etsy can be found at: https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/RustedRobotToys

This week's podcast promo: The Flopcast

Toys, games, cartoons and more are all a part of Nate's nostagia tour. Join the Soul Forge podcast as we dive deep into Nathan's world of collecting!

I've known Nathan for about 15 years. We worked at The Home Depot together. We bonded immediately over toys and tattoos. Both of us are toy collectors. This is Nathan's story.

As far back as he can remember, Nathan has been a fanboy and a collector. As is typical, his mom tossed out much of his childhood collection. In his mid twenties he began to collect those lost items. And many more besides!

We discuss the joys and pitfalls of re-collecting your childhood. There is the danger of overpaying for that piece you simply must have. Shipping costs can also be a barrier to collecting. Buyer's remorse is another factor to consider.

Something unique to Nathan is his method of display. Every month he picks a new theme and puts out his collection in that category. He cleans and packs away the previous month. This system allows him to display many more things than in a static collection.

How does he acquire his items? There are many ways. As with most of us, he started buying on eBay. Now there are many more options. Facebook is a great resource. Etsy and other online sellers are great as well. Word of mouth in your local collecting community is also very helpful.

Some things he collects have to do with gaming. He has separate collections for board games and video games. Other things he collects are items related to Marvel and DC Comics. The 80s and 90s are also themes. TMNT, He-Man, LEGO, and Ghost Busters are also quite popular in his house.

Nathan will be starting a podcast soon. He will be discussing nostalgia. Sharing stories for the next generation of collectors is a big thing. If you'd like to know more, you can take Nate's nostalgia tour on social media. His Twitter handle is @nostalgia_nate and if you listen to the podcast he shares other areas where he can be reached.

This week's podcast promo: Earth Station Who

It's a new year, and that means it is time for a new episode. It has been a few weeks since the Soul Forge released a new episode. Well, here it is! I hope you enjoy this latest offering of tidbits from my brain!

In this week's episode we explore multiple topics. Firstly, we have to talk about all the crazy weather we have been experiencing lately. The cold has been so brutal I suffered from brain fog the other day while out delivering the mail.

My shipment from Eaglemoss finally came in last week. I placed the order in October and it took 2 months to arrive. And the order was not complete. How rude!

The Etsy shop is going well as of late. Rusted Robot Toys made the Star Seller list for January! There's also a story about the sign I sold. This was the sign my mom saw during our last visit.

Let's talk about sleep. More specifically, the lack of sleep. Puppy life is exhausting. Good thing I have a week off soon. I need to catch up on my beauty rest.1

Motivation Destination is the new Facebook page I created. I'm trying to spread good vibes far and wide. I invite all of you to join the page and share it with your friends! Join at this link: https://www.facebook.com/Motivation-Destination-102230492357275

There is some chatter about recent pop culture. Betty White and Bob Saget recently passed away. And the film Don't Look Up is causing all kinds of controversy.

Finally, we discuss my idea for building an off grid cabin. I need to buy some vacant land. I have been watching multiple YouTube videos about the idea. You can hear all about it in this episode.

Support me financially on Ko-Fi at https://ko-fi.com/rustedsoul

The Etsy shop can be found at https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/RustedRobotToys

This week's podcast promo: Blurred Nerds

How to start a podcast was originally titled, Wanna Start A Podcast? The original release date was June 6, 2019. This is a rare repeat episode while I try to get my mental health back on track. If you want to know how to start a podcast, or at least what I did to start mine, this is the episode for you!

If you wanna start a podcast, there are some things you gotta know!

Okay, so, here it is; I'm going to tell you the basic outline on how to start a podcast of your very own. I'll be going over some of the basic facts, and I'll be sharing my story and what I have learned from my five and a half year journey. Keep in mind that this is my own perspective and other people have gone about things in different ways.

The first thing you will need is an idea to base your show around. In this episode, I tell you what went into my thought process. What knowledge did I already have that would help me to create a show that I would enjoy producing week after week? Remember that the name of your show is extremely important for your branding purpose. And episode titles are likely the hardest part of the whole enterprise.

Equipment is important but there are many different kinds and set ups. Depending on your level of experience, income and passion, your equipment set-up will be unique to you. You're going to need some kind of microphone. These range in price from $10 to several hundreds or more. You need software to record your voice onto. You need editing software. And you are going to need a host in which to upload your finished episodes. Post your episode to as many different places as possible including TuneIn, Stitcher, and iTunes.

Social media can be your friend. Post to as many places as possible and interact with everyone you can. Cross promote with similar podcasts. Make connections. Use Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and any other platforms you feel comfortable with.

Almost everything I have learned about podcasting is included in this episode. I've made many mistakes, and made many friends along the way. The number one thing to remember is that if you have a passion for something, podcast about it. If not, podcasting may not be for you.

This week's podcast promo: ESDCU

What is flawed perfection? No one is their ideal self. We all have things about us that we like, and things we can't stand. This episode was the year end wrap up for 2019. Because I am not feeling like myself lately, it felt like the perfect opportunity for a repeat episode. Originally titled, Unapologetically Me, the name has been changed to Flawed Perfection. This has been done as a way to mark the passage of time, and the idea that we are all imperfectly perfect as we are. What follows are the original shownotes....

2019 taught me a lot about myself. In fact, this has probably been the most progress I have made in a year since 2015. So this episode will detail some of the realizations I have come to. Also, this episode is filled with all kinds of media clips. I have tried to even out the sound levels and think I have mostly succeeded. My apologies if it is not perfect. However, none of us are.

Some topics included in this episode are fear, love, relationships, being an introvert and my new found knowledge that I am, and have always been, an empath. Using various clips from music and pop culture, I try to highlight these topics in an amusing, yet poignant way.

Alternate titles for this episode could have been:

Laws, Lessons and Revelations
This Is Who I Am
47 Minutes of Bullshit

This week's podcast promo: Earth Station One

Better late than never, it's an episode called Too Much Bread, Not Enough Butter.

What is this episode about? It's a bit about Christmas. It's partly about mental health. There's some pop culture thrown in for good measure. Am I taking a break from the podcast? What am I doing with my life? These questions really don't have any answers.

I do talk about Spider-Man No Way Home. And I mention The Wheel of Time, and The Witcher. So, enjoy this shorter than usual, later than normal episode!

This week's podcast promo: Earth Station Trek

Woke, but exhausted is an episode about a lot of things. Many different topics are touched on throughout the course of this show. The original intent was to do a deep dive into woke culture. Yet, as I was researching, I realized I do not have the skills to do the topic justice.

We have an update on the puppy situation. As mentioned last week, our Golden Doodle gave birth to 8 puppies. They are growing quite quickly. There are 2 femails and 6 males. They will be ready for purchase by February.

Going back to work after a week off is no easy feat. Last week I lost my mail scanner. I had 2 meetings with my supervisor. Delivering the mail on foot in December is terrible. There are too many flyers, parcels and snow. This week we have to deliver phone books! To top it all off, we are breaking snow fall records.

If I had my way, I would devote myself to my Etsy reselling business. I could see selling online as a full-time gig as a way to go. Unfortunately, there are not enough thrift stores in my area to make a good go of it. Maybe moving to Tahiti is an option.

Pop culture topics this week include a few fun things. I finally finished season 1 of The Witcher. I have seen 3 episode of Hawkeye on Disney+. I've watched more than my fair share of 90 Day Fiance. And I will be starting a new mini pop culture segment for the Fandon Squad Podcast called the Weekly Geekly.

We finish this episode by going back to the title woke, but exhausted. My first idea was to delve deeply into woke culture. Settling for a brief overview seemed to be the wisest course. So what is woke? From Wikipedia:

Woke (/ˈwoʊk/ WOHK) is an adjective meaning 'alert to racial prejudice and discrimination' that originated in African-American Vernacular English (AAVE). Beginning in the 2010s, it came to encompass a broader awareness of social inequalities such as sexism, and has also been used as shorthand for left-wing ideas involving identity politics and social justice, such as the notion of white privilege and slavery reparations for African Americans.

The phrase stay woke had emerged in AAVE by the 1930s, in some contexts referring to an awareness of the social and political issues affecting African Americans.

This week's podcast promo: Double Edge Double Bill

New Puppies and the Wheel of Time is a long title for a really fun, yet random episode. We will be covering many different topics this week. You could say this is an update on what has been going on around the Soul Forge headquarters.

As of this recording, we are marking the 80th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack. It's also the week of my son's 16th birthday. And Daisy, our Golden Doodle has had her puppies. Daisy has 8 puppies which include 2 females and 6 males. They will be ready for purchase around Valentine's Day.

As part of the ESO Network, it is our duty to update our promos. We usually create a new promo twice a year. On this episode, you will get to listen to the new Soul Forge promo.

Snow is accumulating in Timmins. We have had snow for about 3 weeks now. As of this recording, we have gotten about 48 centimetres. Last year, for the entire year, we received about 60 centimetres. We are breaking records this year I fear.

Also in this episode, The Wheel of Time television and book series are discussed. Toys R Us and overpriced toys are lamented. There is an update on my Etsy shop. And I talk about an action figure I picked up.

We finish the episode with an update on prepping. Several episodes ago I spoke about being prepared for disaster. A few items were ordered and several arrived.

This week's podcast promo: The Epsilon Three

Movember is an annual event involving the growing of moustaches during the month of November to raise awareness of men's health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men's suicide. The Movember Foundation runs the Movember charity event, housed at Movember.com

By encouraging men (whom the charity refers to as "Mo Bros") to get involved, Movember aims to increase early cancer detection, diagnosis and effective treatments, and ultimately reduce the number of preventable deaths. Besides annual check-ups, the Movember Foundation encourages men to be aware of family history of cancer and to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Using the moustache as the driving symbol of the movement, Movember focuses on the three key areas of prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health & suicide prevention. Since inception, the Movember Foundation has raised $837 million and funded over 1,200 projects in more than 20 countries.

Since 2004, the Movember Foundation charity has run Movember events to raise awareness and funds for men's health issues, such as prostate cancer and depression, in Australia and New Zealand. In 2007, events were launched in Ireland, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, Spain, the United Kingdom, Israel, South Africa, Taiwan and the United States. As of 2011, Canadians were the largest contributors to the Movember charities of any nation.

Donate to Rene by going to http://mobro.co/dunkfodder

This week's podcast promo: Cosmic Pizza Podcast

Crooked Teeth/Straight Path or how Facebook memories made me realize I am where I need to be. Crooked Teeth/Straight Path is an odd title. Yet I think it very neatly sums up my life and my journey. A longer title would say more, but brevity is sometimes good too!

Before we get into Crooked Teeth/Straight Path or paths not taken, we have a few items to sum up. Last week's prepper episode brought me a good amount of feedback and discussion. Daisy the dog is about 3 weeks from having her puppies. This week's Star Trek news is that 2 episodes from 2 different series will air on the same day - this hasn't happened for 22 years! I have made 69 sales on Etsy as of today! Find the store at: https://www.etsy.com/shop/rustedrobottoys/

So, Facebook memories can lead to strange thoughts and conversations. November 11th would have been my 9th wedding anniversary. This is the first year I had forgotten. I went down a crazy rabbit hole of thoughts as to where my life is now, or could have been had it followed a different path.

A picture from 35 years ago shows me smiling. I didn't smile for about 15 years because I had crooked teeth. But, if I hadn't have had those crooked teeth, I never would have ended up living in Timmins, and my life would be completely different. How does that follow? Does it make sense? Once you hear the episode, you will understand.

Crooked Teeth/Straight Path is a short episode. And yet, it is filled with so many thoughts. Where would your life have taken you if one decision was made differently? The choice of university can create a completely new life path.

This week's podcast promo: The Con Guy

What is SHTF? Do you know anything about the survival prepping community? Up until a few weeks ago, I had no idea about any of this stuff. One random video on YouTube sent me down a rabbit hole of anxiety. SHTF: Survival Prepping is your guide to what I have learned recently.

My YouTube interests have always varied greatly. Most often I watch videos about philosophy, Star Trek, history, Ebay and Etsy, and a few other things. I came across a video about guns. That video sent me on a voyage of discovery.

An underground bunker is something I have always wanted to have. Being somewhat prepared for an unknown emergency always seemed like a good idea. The hosts in these videos are quite intense. And do they ever enjoy their acronyms. Do you know what SHTF means? What about MAG or EDC?

In this episode, I will tell you about the supplies you may need in an emergency situation. We will talk about your everyday carry. And we will discuss your bug-out bag and your make it home bag. In a survival situation, will you try to be a lone wolf, a grey man or be part of a community?

Supplies you will need or should have include: water, fire starter, paracord, carabiners, battery bank, multitool, tactical pen, flashlights, life straw, blankets, tents, emergency food, first aid kits, saws, knifes and about a hundred other things.

We are living in uncertain times. It never hurts to be prepared.

This week's podcast promo: Cigar Nerds Podcast

Quick shots round two is the second attempt at something. Originally I called them the tactical mini. They are short mini episodes that focus on one topic. But then we string them together into a completely random show. This gives you, as an audience member, a nice mix and variety. Who knows what the next topic will be?

From the show notes of episode 113: A tactical mini is an idea. It is an idea with such focus that it cannot be expanded upon. Each mini will touch on a feeling that is unable to be contained. Single ideas. Single topics. Focus. Depth. Call them quick shots or tactical minis -- the name has not been locked down as of yet. The basic idea is that something has come to my attention and is intruding upon my mind. I need to get it out of my system. Therefore, I drill down into the heart of an issue and get it off my mind, and I free my soul.

These tactical minis or quick shots are only three to five minutes in length. The concept is such that the topic of the mini is too small to become an entire full length episode. Therefore, I have recorded 4 minis and put them into this one episode. It is the first of its kind - an experiment of sorts to see if this whole idea is workable.

Your feedback is encouraged and appreciated. What do you think of this idea? You are more than welcome to record a tactical mini of your own to be played on a future episode of the Soul Forge Podcast. Send your emails to soulforgepodcast@gmail.com or tweet your feelings on the show to @soulforgepod

We hope you enjoy this second attempt. Quick shots round two!

This week's podcast promos: Watchathon of Rassilon, 42 Cast, Best Saturdays of Our Lives, But First Let's Talk Nerdy

Nothing to fear is freedom. Everyone feels fear from time to time. Various levels and intensities as we are all unique with a wide variety of experiences and tolerances. Someone's nothing to fear is another person's greatest fear.

Nothing to Fear was originally going to be a spooky Hallowe'en episode. The idea was to have a few guests to talk about scary movies. The timing did not work out, so it has become an episode about the various types of fear.

We begin the show by talking about my fear of the dark. This gets us into the topic and we delve into 4 types of fear. A huge fear that many people have is the fear of not being accepted. I give several examples from my own life. There is also the fear of failure which has held me back at various times in my own life. And then we chat about the fear of following ( or not following ) our dreams. So many people are afraid of success. We round out the show by talking about the fear of losing people we love.

Nothing to fear is not the spooky episode I had in mind. It has evolved into something much more complex. I hope you enjoy it. And I hope you're able to take something good away from what you hear.

This week's podcast promo: ThunderTalk, Vaccine PSA

A feast for the mind in every episode of the Soul Forge Podcast! So many fun and different topics to cover in this week's episode. Every show is a feast for the mind, but this time, I actually use that phrase. Find out why when you listen to this one!

La Brea is the latest show I have started watching. I find it really fun and entertaining. It had me hooked in the first 5 minutes. I'll be giving you a quick overview on the first 3 episodes. Minor spoilers are revealed, but because the show is so new, it should not matter.

My Etsy shop is called Rusted Robot Toys. A recap of my last 4 months worth of sales is discussed. I also talk about how I pack my orders and ship them out. What's included in every package? You'll find out in this episode, and maybe you'll want to buy something! Find the shop at: https://www.etsy.com/shop/rustedrobottoys/

I was listening to the latest episode of the Delta Flyers podcast and one of the hosts mentioned a book. After looking into the book, I decided to purchase it. Because it sounds like a great read, I share it with you. Perhaps you will want to purchase a copy as well.

Speaking of buying things, I just ordered a few more items from Eaglemoss. They sell Star Trek starships and other fun items. I used the Honey plug-in on my computer to get a discount. Try Honey to save yourself some money. This is not a paid plug lol.

Finally, we talk about my recent fake name change. Trent does not suit me. My demeanor and lifestyle is quite different from Trent. Therefore, I'm just gonna be me!

This week's podcast promo: The Monster Scifi Show, Vaccine PSA

The 5 love languages are 5 different ways of expressing and receiving love: words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch. Not everyone communicates love in the same way, and likewise, people have different ways they prefer to receive love. The concept of love languages was developed by Gary Chapman, Ph.D., in his book The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts, where he describes these 5 unique styles of communicating love, categories he distilled from his experience in marriage counseling and linguistics.

Words of affirmation

People with words of affirmation as a love language value verbal acknowledgments of affection, including frequent "I love you's," compliments, words of appreciation, verbal encouragement, and often frequent digital communication like texting and social media engagement.

Quality time

People whose love language is quality time feel the most adored when their partner actively wants to spend time with them and is always down to hang out. They particularly love when active listening, eye contact, and full presence are prioritized hallmarks in the relationship.

Acts of services

If your love language is acts of service, you value when your partner goes out of their way to make your life easier. It's things like bringing you soup when you're sick, making your coffee for you in the morning, or picking up your dry cleaning for you when you've had a busy day at work.

Gifts

Gifts is a pretty straightforward love language: You feel loved when people give you "visual symbols of love," as Chapman calls it. It's not about the monetary value but the symbolic thought behind the item. People with this style recognize and value the gift-giving process: the careful reflection, the deliberate choosing of the object to represent the relationship, and the emotional benefits from receiving the present.

Physical touch

People with physical touch as their love language feel loved when they receive physical signs of affection, including kissing, holding hands, cuddling on the couch, and sex. Physical intimacy and touch can be incredibly affirming and serve as a powerful emotional connector for people with this love language. The roots go back to our childhood, Motamedi notes, some people only felt deep affection and love by their parents when they were held, kissed, or touched.

Take the quiz to determine your love language: https://www.5lovelanguages.com/quizzes/love-language

This week's podcast promo: Ring of Thunder, Vaccine PSA

If you change your name, does that change your life? We are about to find out in the second half of the episode. First, we must talk about trees, and the Fall, and travel, and selling things to nerds. And then, change your name, change your life will be discussed, debated and deliberated upon!

So, this past weekend I drove the nearly 6 hours it takes, to the Soo. That's Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada for those not in the know! About 2 hours into the drive, I turned onto a different highway. The change was immediate. The trees were popping with the brilliant and exuberant colours of Fall. We don't have colours like that back home in Timmins. I suddenly realized that this is what I miss most about living further south than I do currently.

And then I was in the Soo. I was a vendor at the 3rd Steel City NerdCon. My car was loaded with totes of various pop culture items. Selling off my collection has been a goal of mine for about 5 years. Sadly, I didn't sell everything. In fact, I sold about half as much as in previous years. You will hear the tale in this episode.

Change your name, change your life! Is it possible to change the fundamental nature of who you are? Hard to know. This is an experiment I am currently undertaking. Never have I liked my name. So, I changed it on Facebook to see how it feels. Kinda weird is how it feels. You will hear the entire saga in the second half of this episode.

This week's podcast promos: ESO Patreon, Pop Culture Cosmos, Dr. Geek's Vaccine PSA

Fast and loud is an episode about excitement, adventure, fandom, health and more. Sit down, strap in and get ready for the thrill ride of your life!

First, we are talking about the new CPAP trial that Shawn is partaking in. What is CPAP? A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is the most commonly prescribed device for treating sleep apnea disorders.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) causes interruptions or pauses in your breathing, often because your throat or airways briefly collapse or something temporarily blocks them.

A CPAP machine sends a steady flow of oxygen into your nose and mouth as you sleep. This keeps your airways open and helps you breathe normally.

The next topic is this weekend's upcoming Nerd Con event is Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. This is the third event. I have attended each one so far. My mission is to sell off as many of my collectibles as I possibly can.

SideShow Toys has a new statue up for preorder. It's THE PICARD! Expected to be shipped in late 2022, this thing is highly detailed. It comes with multiple posing options. The only downside is that it costs upwards of $2000. And I want it.

In this week's Rusted Robot Pop Culture segment we look at some exciting news. The Ice Road on Netflix is surprisingly entertaining. Night Court is getting a sequel series. And Babylon 5 is coming back to television under the guidance of the original creator.

This week's podcast promo: Nerdbliss, Dr. Geek's Vax PSA

The Grief Portal is the gateway to nostalgia. It can also be a place to be sad, a place to wallow in self-pity if you're not careful. The Grief Portal can either be a positive place or a negative one. Everything depends on your level of healing. If you are in a place where you can reflect on your losses in a healthy way, the portal is merely a place to pause. However, if you are deep in your misery, the portal can be a dangerous and terrifying place. The choice is yours, and much depends on your healing journey.

What is grief? Grief is the natural reaction to loss. Grief is both a universal and a personal experience. Individual experiences of grief vary and are influenced by the nature of the loss. Some examples of loss include the death of a loved one, the ending of an important relationship, job loss, loss through theft or the loss of independence through disability. Mourning can last for months or years. Generally, pain is tempered as time passes and as the bereaved adapts to life without a loved one, to the news of a terminal diagnosis or to the realization that someone they love may die.

In this episode, I give specific examples of loss from my life. I have done other tribute episodes in the past, but this one is different. This show was recorded on what would have been my mother's 63rd birthday. She has been gone for just over 7 years. I felt the need to mark that anniversary. Also, you can blame Marc Maron's WTF podcast for a portion of this episode.

This week's podcast promo: Metal Geeks, Vaccine PSA

Friends! Who are they? What are they good for? How many friends do you have/need/want? This week's episode tackles the nature of friendship! And it all came about because of a meme I happened to come across. I shared the meme. It touched people's souls. They shared and commented on the meme. Turns out friendship is a delicate and complicated topic/feeling.

My friend Dan was especially moved by the topic. As he explored the idea of the meme, and saw that other people could also relate, he began to suspect that perhaps the statement is so general, it could apply to anyone. So, also in this episode, we talk about the Barnum effect!

Barnum Effect, also called Forer Effect, in psychology, the phenomenon that occurs when individuals believe that personality descriptions apply specifically to them (more so than to other people), despite the fact that the description is actually filled with information that applies to everyone. The effect means that people are gullible because they think the information is about them only when in fact the information is generic. The Barnum Effect came from the phrase often attributed (perhaps falsely) to showman P. T. Barnum that a “sucker” is born every minute. Psychics, horoscopes, magicians, palm readers, and crystal ball gazers make use of the Barnum Effect when they convince people that their description of them is highly special and unique and could never apply to anyone else.

So, sit back and relax. Shawn and Paul and Dan are about to regale you with an exciting topic. Friends. Friendship. If you have any thoughts on the topic we would love to hear from you. Email us at soulforgepodcast@gmail.com

This week's podcast promo: Flopcast, Dr Geek's Vaccine PSA

Bear naked controversy is episode 218 of the Soul Forge Podcast. Many subjects are touched on in this episode. It's a kind of mixed grab bag of topics. This episode also includes the first instance of the Rusted Robot Pop Culture News segment.

Last week I celebrated my 45th birthday. I suppose I should have been upset that the day wasn't all about me, but I wasn't. I actually took everything in stride. You will hear more details in the actual episode, but my birth day included work, flyer preparations, a funeral, a lousy dinner and an unexpected text message from my father.

Bear naked controversy does not include any actual nudity. However, the bear I saw on route while delivering mail was definitely now wearing clothes. The actual controversy stuff is all about the covid vaccine. I'm really tired of all the negativity and the anti-vaccine propaganda.

Also included in this episode, I share more details and news from my Etsy store. I'll be selling some things at a booth during Nerd Con in Sault Ste. Marie in October. This week marks the 55th anniversary of the premiere of the original Star Trek series in 1966. Also, the 4th Matrix movie is getting a trailer this week!

We wrap up the show by talking about school. September means back to school for the children. A couple of my friends (in their 40s) are also doing some school work. I'm not sure I could handle going back to school in my 40s. How about you?

This week's podcast promo: Earth Station Who, Dr Geek's Vaccine PSA

Your host is both wired and tired on this week's episode of the Soul Forge Podcast. It's a fun, random episode filled with the usual irreverant humour you have come to expect!

Why are we wired and tired? Well, Shawn has been exhausted and irritable as of late. This has been going on for many months. He is often out of breath and has a short fuse. So, the doctor hooked him up with a sleep lab study. In this episode, you hear all about that experience. Just take a look at the cover art to see how it looks to be hooked up!

Because I posted the picture of me with all the wires on Facebook, some controversy erupted. You see, I didn't put any caption to give the photo context. My aunt freaked out. My dad (who I have not spoken to in nearly a year) called me a dumbass. It's quite a fun story!

Other random topics are touched on in this episode. I'm thinking of doing a Rusted Robot pop culture segment. I'm going to have an ax enthusiast on an upcoming episode. I also talk a bit about my Etsy shop. Yard sales and nerd conventions and sales and stuff too! And wait until you hear about the new podcast that me and the boys from our Cosmic Pizza Podcast are doing!

This week's podcast promo: Blurred Nerds, Dr. Geek's Vaccine promo

Fun from childhood is an episode about memory. This week we are remembering fun times we had as children. Everyone (I hope) has happy memories from when they were kids. Your experiences will obviously be different from mine. Listen, and see how many things we may have in common!

My mother is part of my 2 earliest memories. I recall sitting at the edge of the ditch and looking at tadpoles and then running home in the rain. Eating fried cheese out of a cast iron skillet is another cherished memory with my mother. Mom and I used to have so much fun.

And then there was the time I tried to kill my brother Curtis. I didn't. I actually ended up saving him. Saving him from the peril I put him in. Jealousy can make you do crazy things.

Camping is a great memory. Every summer we would go to Beals Lake. The adults would catch crawdads and I'd play with them in the morning before tossing them back into the lake. Swimming, hiking and treasure hunting were all part of the camping life.

Other fun things included going treasure hunting at the garbage dump. Hunting for beer bottles and beer cans on the roadside was another exciting adventure. I didn't realize back then that it was more about the money.

My grandfather would also take me to open AA meetings. I learned a lot about life from these meetings. Spending time with my grandfather was the best part. I learned about drinking coffee at these meetings. He also took me for walks in the park and the Soo Locks.

My dad took me and my brother on road trips. We went to Boblo Island, Cedar Point and Canada's Wonderland. These were great trips. So much fun.

Other fun times included selling stuff to the neighbourhood kids. Action figure shopping. Beer bottle cap collecting, Dinky car smashing and many other adventures.

This week's podcast promo: Earth Station One, Dr. Geek's Vax

A positive spin on a negative situation is a good plan. Naturally, it is not always easy or possible to put a positive spin on something, but it's always worth a try. This week's episode is all about the positive spin. Join me on this podcasting adventure as we turn those frowns upside down!

To start with, Julie and I got our second Covid-19 vaccinations last week. We weren't going to get the vaccine shot at all. However, it seemed like the wisest course of action. So we did it! With vaccine passports coming soon, it might be wise for everyone to just get it over with. Obviously there is lots of controversy and dissenting opinions on this.

Also in this episode, I touch on my Etsy shop. Customer service is important. My etsy shop is all about customer service. We try to make the buying experience as positive as we can! Check out my shop at: https://www.etsy.com/shop/rustedrobottoys/

A positive spin is important for our mental health. Here are some of the topics I try to put in a positive light: fires and droughts in the west, and floods in the east. Fixing these issues could spur innovation, create more jobs, and boost the economy.

And then there's Afghanistan and Haiti. The situations in those countries are absolutely horrendous. And yet, I try to put the positivity on these topics. Definitely not an easy task, and yet, I try.

Things may seem bad, but they say that everything that happens is for the best possible reason. Is that true? There's no way to know.

This week's podcast promos: Earth Station Trek, Dr. Geek's Vaccination push, ESO Patreon

Support our work with Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/rustedsoul

It's about time to have a Soul Forge episode about time! This time on the show we will be discussing various aspects of time. We are covering topics such as television shows, the passage of time during travel and a good deal more!

The episode starts with a brief introduction to time. I read the definition of time according to wikipedia. That definition is kinda crappy, so I added my patented personal touch on the topic. Naturally, this leads to me talking about Star Trek. And I talk about Seinfeld. The way time moves doesn't always seem to make sense. Your actual experience and the reality of time do not always meet up in a happy or convenient way.

Travel is done in miles or kilometres. And yet, we measure distance through time. Or, I do, at least. It takes so many hours to get to this place. And this place is that many hours from this other place. I know more about the hours it takes to get somewhere, than I do the actual unit of distance.

Other topics this week include a recent trip to Ottawa and how long that took us. Talking about the time between sales on my Etsy shop. Discussing climate change and how time is running out for humanity to do something about it. Lots more too!

This week's podcast promo: Double Edge Double Bill, Dr. Geek's Vaccine Push

Trees, Traumas and Anniversaries is the 213th episode of the Soul Forge Podcast! On this week's episode we are celebrating 4 years of the Forge with an unconventional episode. This is pure stream of consciousness folks! I didn't take any notes, I didn't plan ahead. There were a few topics I wanted to touch on, but that's the extent of my prep for this week. Trees, Traumas and Anniversaries might very well be your new favourite episode.

I have always had a knack for remembering dates and anniversaries. Could be that I gained this skill from my mother who was famous for recalling obscure events. Perhaps my work as a mailman has something to do with it. Whatever the reason, I've always been pretty great at remembering useless information.

From my dad, or maybe my mom, I gained the collecting gene. My parents were big-time hoarders-collectors. So was my mom's brother actually. My dad once had all of his 40 acres filled with things and stuff. I'm not quite that bad, but it was starting to get overwhelming. That's why I'm in the process of downsizing my collection. That's why I bought a building in which to run a store. And, that's also why I am running my Etsy shop -- until the store opens it is a side hustle to earn extra income, as well as get rid of things.

Trees and plants can see? I just read an article where there is intense speculation that plants can see, communicate and feel pain. We can't ask plants if this is true, but the research is certainly pointing in this direction.

Other topics covered in this show are various traumas, forest fires in the north, and keeping on keeping on. You just gotta keep moving forward. Be like the Kool-Aid man and close your eyes. Break on through that wall of pain and survive. We wrap up the show by talking about Etsy customer service, the Cosmic Pizza Podcast and a few other things.

Shop my Etsy store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/rustedrobottoys/

Support me on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/rustedsoul

This week's podcast promos: Dragon Con Report, Cosmic Pizza, Dr. Geek

Trees, Traumas and Anniversaries - 213

Black Widow is the official title. They should have called it Butt Shot Deluxe. Why Butt Shot Deluxe? If you have seen the film you will certainly understand, but I will explain in more detail during this episode.

Next week will be the 4 year anniversary of the Soul Forge. If you have any words, thoughts, comments, concerns, questions, or anything else you would like to say, now is the time. You can always email the show at soulforgepodcast@gmail.com

Yard sales and travel have opened up again. The world was on pause for the last 16 months, but we are almost all ready to get back into the swing of things. This last weekend Julie and I travelled to North Bay/Mattawa for a bit of a visit. We stayed with my friends Frank and Martha. I picked up almost half of the 2000 VHS tapes Frank found for me. We did a bit of yard sale shopping. Junk and antique stores were visited. Julie got to take a small tour of North Bay where I went to university. A great time was had by all.

Black Widow is now in theatres. Julie, her daughter, and I went to see the film. I'm more into the MCU than they are, but we all enjoyed ourselves. Butt Shot Deluxe should be the name of the movie because that's pretty much all the film-makers focused on. There's more to be said, but you need to listen to the episode to learn more. Also, the latest episode of Cosmic Pizza Podcast that we just recorded is all about alternate superheroes. Stay tuned to Cosmic for more information.

We wrap up the show by talking about the billionaire spacemen. Elon Musk. Richard Branson. Jeff Bezos. They're all super rich. They're all going to space or working towards space. What about solving climate change or the hunger crisis? Nah! Space is much cooler!

This week's podcast promo: The Con Guys, Dr Geeks Vax

Buy that purple El Camino? While many people on Facebook are encouraging, they do not know my car buying history as well as I do. Just because you want something, doesn't mean you should get that thing. That statement could be a mantra for my entire life actually! In this episode we are talking cars, VHS tapes, selling things, movies and a few other topics!

Are you on YouTube? Did you know that Soul Forge is on YouTube? Almost every episode we have published has been uploaded. There are also many episodes of the Rusted Robot Podcast which no longer exists anywhere else. Additionally, there are several videos of me and my awkwardness on YouTube. Check out my channel and subscribe by following this link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCataaeTRQltObb7n1GHW_qw/videos

I also want to give a huge shout-out to the listeners in Kuwait. The people of Kuwait have been keeping me on the top charts in the mental health category for over a month. Just a quick acknowledgement to express my gratitude to all the listeners everywhere, but especially those in Kuwait!

Listener emails are fun to get! This week we answer several questions from Bill L. Bill wants to know about the history of the building I am purchasing. Eventually I'll be putting my store in that space. So, I answer Bill's questions, give some building history, some store details and updates and talk about 2000 VHS tapes. My Etsy shop is doing decent business. It's been open a little more than 2 weeks and I have made 9 sales. If you'd like to check out the store, follow this link: www.rustedrobottoys.etsy.com

Movies are also discussed in this episode. As I'm recording this episode, it is July 14th. Everyone knows that July 14th is Con Air Day! Listen to this episode for more information. We also talk about Disney+ and Black Widow. And we finish off with a brief discussion of The Tomorrow War.

If you'd care to support the show, you can leave a review in Apple Podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/1-soul-forge-introduction/id1265658912?i=1000390465638&mt=2 or you can donate to the Kofi (coffee) fund at https://ko-fi.com/rustedsoul

This week's podcast promo: Soul Forge Podcast, Dr. Geek's Vaccination

Baby, it's a classic! Classic Retro Rewind is the 210th episode of the Soul Forge Podcast. It is also what I believe to be our first mostly repeat show. What you are about to hear is an episode that I released back on September 5, 2017. Episode 12 was all about celebrating birthdays, and why we do such a thing. I talk about the history of birthdays, and actually go into some pretty good details. You will learn about the Germans, the Romans, the Greeks and the Egyptians.

The earliest recorded birthday party in Western annals appears in Genesis in the Old Testament, as the Egyptian pharaoh whom Joseph served is described having one to mark his. Many polytheistic civilizations marked birthdays in conjunction with astrology, in hopes of using that to predict their future destinies, although celebrating birthdays was usually reserved for those potentates who could afford it. Judaism, in contrast, never mentions anyone’s birthday, although it does mark one’s 13th with the rite of passage of a bar or bat mitzvah, since at that age they make the transition to maturity and are expected to understand and take up all the faith and attendant responsibilities of a Jewish adult. Early Christianity had an equally hard time accepting the whole concept of a birthday, regarding astrology as a pagan practice and an individual birthday as a celebration of ego, the exact opposite of the attitude they sought to encourage.

Due to some unforeseen emergency repair work here at work, there really wasn't time to research and record a fully new episode. I hope you enjoy what I was able to put together for you. Sure, I could have skipped a week, but I really don't like doing that.

This week's podcast promo: Cosmic Pizza Podcast, Dr. Geek's Vaccine Push

Ask and receive! This episode is about getting whatever it is that you want. There are rules. There are guidelines. The problem with asking generic questions of the universe is that you won’t know what the answer looks like. Until you can say, with some degree of certainty, what you actually want, how can you possibly know whether or not you receive it?

We all ask the universe for things; it’s not always a conscious process, but through our hopes and dreams, every one of us puts in requests in one form or another.

What that power is and how it works is a matter for debate – God, the universe, the source, cosmic energy – it doesn’t really matter. Asking for something can work. Whatever you believe in, the process of asking and receiving is the same. It’s not enough to just ask, you have to keep the following steps in mind to reap the full benefits:

Be sure, be precise
Ask and let it go
Be patient
Watch for signs
Trust that the universe knows best
Send reminders now and again
Be thankful

Here's a fun Bible verse that sort of relates to the this topic.

Luke 11:9-13 I tell you: ask, and you shall receive; seek, and you shall find; knock, and the door shall be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and everyone who seeks, finds; and to everyone who knocks the door will be opened. Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, would give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, would you give him a scorpion? So if you, even though you are evil, still know to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?”

Check out my etsy shop: www.rustedrobottoys.etsy.com

Support us at www.ko-fi.com/rustedsoul

This week's podcast promo: Cigar Nerds, Dr. Geek's Vaccine

I'm sorry - simple words that can be highly impactful. Apologizing can be one of the most difficult aspects of being human -- there's a certain amount of vulnerability involved. And yet, simply saying you're sorry can make a world of difference in someone's life. This episode is my apology for last week's episode.

Effective apologies are simple if you know what to say.

When you've made a mistake or hurt another person, there are many good reasons why you should apologize. By apologizing, you are able to:

Acknowledge that you were wrong.
Discuss what is allowed and not allowed in your relationship.
Express your regret and remorse.
Learn from your mistakes and find new ways of dealing with difficult situations.
Open up a line of communication with the other person.

A sincere apology can also bring relief, particularly if you have guilt over your actions. An apology alone doesn't erase the hurt or make it OK; it does establish that you know your actions or words were wrong and that you will strive harder in the future to prevent it from happening again.

So that's the main motivation for this episode. It's also another walk-and-talk show. There is a lot of wind noise that I would like to say I'm sorry about, even though nature is not mine to control. I'm also talking about the store, mail delivery, installing a screen door, finding my great-grandfather's grave stone, and several other topics.

This week's podcast promo: But First, Let's Talk Nerdy, and the vaccine promo

Boss Level Sweet Tooth and other updates!

This week is a bit of a mixed bag. No major topic of discussion, but we do have many smaller, bite-sized things to discuss. Just enough to whet your appetite and bring you back for next week's episode!

Starting off with Father's Day. It's coming up this Sunday. What did you get your father-figure for his special day? For those of you lucky enough to have a father, or a good relationship with your father, I hope you make the most of this time!

Kickstarter campaign news! We're talking about the latest figures from my first attempt at fundraising. It is not going so well. As of this recording we are only 9% funded.

I have been watching a lot of YouTube videos as of late. I'm learning everything I can about antiques and how to set up a store. I'm also a bit obsessed with G.I. Joe Classified action figures.

Dog stuff! We have a couple updates about the puppies. In fact, you can hear Daisy the Golden Doodle barking in the background. Nimoy the teacup Yorkie is doing well, He's a happy dog. He eats anything and everything. Potty training is not fun!

Residential school stuff. Bad things have happened in Canada. 215 bodies were recently found in Kamloops, BC. I offer a brief history of Native treatment here in Canada. I don't have a lot of knowledge, but I share what I do know.

Store stuff! I have a five year plan. I am really very excited to get this operation up and running. Recently, I updated the Facebook page for The Rusted Robot. I've also added some products that are for sale. A real website should also be up and running soonish.

We end the show by talking about some recent shows I have been watching. On Netflix I recommend Sweet Tooth. It's a cute 8 episode show about human-animal hybrid babies and the end of the world. Boss Level on Amazon Prime Video is a time-loop movie. Highly recommend both of these!

This week's podcast promo: Best Saturdays of our Lives, Dr Geek's vaccination campaign

Kickstarter My Heart - Episode 206 of the Soul Forge Podcast.

This week I am discussing the Kickstarter campaign I have recently launched. This campaign is in support of the toy and antique store I am planning to open in the near future. This is a dream I have had for more than 3 decades. I will detail my plans to you in this episode.

But first I discuss the weather. What is a podcast without a personal weather story? This week has been brutally hot. As a mailman, I work outside for most of my day. We were given an early start option on Monday. A great idea in theory which did not work out so well for me. You will need to hear the episode to find out what happened in my attempt to beat the heat!

Another update is my toy collecting obsession. I am currently in the midst of trying to downsize my collection. As a kid I never got to have my own G.I. Joe action figures. HASBRO has decided to re-release these toys in an all-new 6 inch version. I want them. I don't need them. It's an issue!

The bulk of the episode is taken up by talk of my Kickstarter campaign. I talk about how it works, the reward levels, and my goals. Additionally, I also give a background on my history of being a collector and my sales background.

If you would like to share the Kickstarter link (or donate!) you can do my with this link: http://kck.st/3vSp3sx

This week's podcast promo: 42Cast, Dr. Geek's Vaccine Spot

Mighty fine ideas are coming at you left and right on this week's episode of Soul Forge! Brother Robin joins Shawn to discuss so many weird, wacky and wonderful ideas. Although the audio quality this week is not up to our usual standards, there is still a lot of good information to be found. We present some mighty fine ideas indeed!

First we start off with an update on Shawn's business idea. As this episode was recorded on the weekend, more progress has already been made than what is mentioned here. Perhaps next week will have tons more good news!

And then we come to some interesting Robin updates. His life is filled with excitement and adventure. It turns out that Robin has been doing some physical labour. This is quite a departure for him. He is helping his buddy with his lawn care and landscape business. In a surprise twist, he's been working on our other brother's property! Additionally, Robin is still working on his t-shirt and mask making business. And finally, Robin tells us about his wrestling video ideas.

There is actually a lot of information packed into this episode. We talk about life goals, life coaching, and how fear prevents us from doing certain things. We hope you enjoy the mighty fine ideas presented to you this week.

This week's podcast promo: Blurred Nerds, Vaccine promo

The entertainment special is a look at some recent movies, television and books that I have been consuming. This week I wanted to share with all of you some things you may have missed or not been made aware of. Whether you are an avid reader or TV watcher, there are likely some items on this list that you haven't come across. Prepare to be entertained by the ENTERTAINMENT SPECIAL!

This episode starts with an update or two. I'm talking about our COVID vaccinations, and I'm talking about the building I'm trying to buy. If all goes well, there will be a new toy store in Timmins in 2022!

Now I'm just going to list all the shows and movies I mention in this episode. Also, the author profile this week is Mitch Albom. He's a fantastic writer and you should seek out his works. As for things to watch, there are many. Here's a list of things I have been enjoying: Lucifer, 13 Reasons Why, Master of None, Love, Flaked, Disenchantment, Castlevania, She-Ra, Love, Death and Robots, Voltron, Black Mirror, Stranger Things, Lost in Space, The Greatest American Hero, The Boys, UFO, Space:1999, Army of the Dead, Brightburn, Jiu Jitsu, Bill and Ted Face the Music, Happy Death Day (2U).

So many amazing and not so amazing things to watch and be amused or distracted by. I hope you enjoyed our first Entertainment special!

This week's podcast promo: Watchathon of Rassilon, Vaccine PSA

It is super important to get your drivers license. And I'm going to tell you why in this new episode of the Soul Forge Podcast! Get your drivers license -- don't wait!

But not only that, I also give some updates on last week's episode. In that episode, I discussed my ideas for a new business, a toy store to be exact. Some progress has been made. I do qualify for the mortgage. However, the down payment just might be more than I can handle at this time. So, we have to wait to see what will happen.

Julie and I have decided to get our COVID vaccines. We were hesitant because of the blood clots we hear about in the news. Apparently, the clot issue is so rare, it is not even worth considering. So, despite our uncertainty, we will be getting our shots. We may even end up with a cool mutation like flight or invisibility!

Finally, we talk about driving. My grandfather was one of my driving teachers. That was scary. And yet, I also went to formal driver training. Sure, I failed 2 times, but I did eventually get it. I also talk about the graduated licensing system that Ontario introduced in the mid 1990s. And I talk about all the cool cars I wanted.

If you'd care to support the show, tell your friends about Soul Forge. Leave a 5 star review. Or, send a couple bucks our way with our ko-fi link: https://ko-fi.com/rustedsoul

This week's podcast promos: Thunder Talk, Vaccine promo, ESO Patreon

My new business idea is to open a really cool toy store. Actually, this isn't my new business idea. This is something I have dreamed of doing for nearly 30 years. Now feels like the perfect time to launch this passion project.

As far back as I remember, I have been a lover of pop culture. I have also been collecting pop culture items for nearly that long. Recently, I decided it was time to lighten the load. My collection is massive and overwhelming at times. A store front would be an ideal place to sell some of these things that I no longer need or want.

So, my new business idea is to open a pop culture and nostalgia store here in Timmins, Ontario, Canada. Will it work? There is no way to know. Do I want to do it anyway? Yes! Absolutely yes! There are a few hurdles and obstacles to overcome, and yet, I think I have the drive, knowledge and will to persevere and succeed. Only time will tell.

This episode is all about my new business idea. It will give you a brief history of my collecting and selling. Would you like to be my business parter or angel investor?

This week's podcast promo: Monster Sci-Fi Show

What is disappointment?

As an emotion, researchers describe disappointment as a form of sadness—a feeling of loss, an uncomfortable space (or a painful gap) between our expectations and reality. When we believe that there's something we must have to be happy and fulfilled, we can set ourselves up for disappointment.

The noun disappointment comes from the Middle French word disappointer, meaning “undo the appointment,” or “remove from office.” It is true that a friend canceling your plans or losing your job is a disappointment, but today disappointment can describe anything that crushes your hopes, ruins your day, or otherwise lets you down.

7 strategies for getting over disappointment:

Give yourself a limited time to feel bad.

Acknowledge the letdown but don't get mired in it. If you didn’t win the lottery, give yourself an hour to feel bad. If you didn’t get a promotion or if your bonus was less than you hoped for, give yourself a day—but then move on.

Don’t ruminate about what might have been.

The more you dwell on the disappointment, the more it will hurt and disrupt your ability to focus, concentrate, problem-solve, or be creative. So be careful not to feed the disappointment and deepen your emotional hurt.

Avoid self-pity.

Self-pity comes with a price—it takes away feelings of empowerment and agency and makes us feel as though we don’t have control over our lives. So indulge it at your peril; it can foster a bad mood and even depression if you get stuck for too long.

Use self-compassion.

Be sympathetic toward yourself and compassionate about the fact that you hurt. Don’t beat yourself up or become self-critical; doing so will only hurt your confidence, damage your self esteem, and make you feel worse.

Put it in perspective.

We often feel disappointed about things we are unlikely to remember in a month’s time. How many of us will think back from five years in the future to that day in 2016 when we didn’t win the lottery? Very few. If the disappointment you experienced was significant, try to focus on the larger picture of your life and remind yourself of all the things that are going well and for which you can be grateful.

Identify the next opportunity.

This is easier to do with lottery tickets, of course, than with more significant events in your life that cause disappointment, but as they say in baseball: There’s always next season. Regardless of what disappointed you, spend a few moments figuring out when and how you can try again.

Remember: Success does not equal happiness.

Research on lottery winners has found that their level of happiness rises dramatically after they win, but then reverts to the same level of happiness they felt before they won—usually within a year.

This week's podcast promo: The Con Guys

200 fun-filled episodes all come down to this! Have you been a listener of the Soul Forge Podcast from the very beginning? Did you start somewhere along the way? Could this be your very first episode? It does not matter when you started listening. The only thing that matters is that you do listen. Our episodes run the gamut from funny to serious, to melancoly, inspirational and totally off-the-wall random. You never know what you're going to get with the Forge!

This episode is a celebration of the last 3+ years. Episode 200 is not a clip show. While that could be a fun idea, the editing would be horrendous. It would probably take many weeks. So, instead, I have decided to create a fun show with random ideas and thoughts. You could almost consider it multiple mini episodes in one tidy package.

Topics I touch on this week are varied and do not necessarily relate to one another. Therefore, I am providing a list here of some of the things I will be covering in a brief manner. These topics include: the end of the Rusted Robot Podcast, downsizing my toy collection, puppy life, the Dukes of Hazzard, bad teeth, the colour purple, zoos, phobias and a whole lot more.

If you have comments or feedback, you can email the show at soulforgepodcast@gmail.com and if you would care to make a small donation you can do so at https://ko-fi.com/rustedsoul

This week's podcast promo: Ring of Thunder, ESO Patreon

When good things end is the 199th episode of the Soul Forge Podcast. And yet, it's so much more than that. This episode is a kind of eulogy for the Rusted Robot Podcast. Rusted was my baby for more than 7 years, and I did everything I could to make it successful, entertaining, and fun. Those days are over now, and this is a nostalgic look back at something I put my heart and soul into. Enjoy! The Final Episode of The Rusted Robot Podcast April 18, 2021 It's been a long road getting from there to here. From humble beginnings, to a pop culture phenomenon, the Rusted Robot Podcast has been around a very long time. We have met so many amazing people along the way. We would like to thank you all for the support you have shown us over the years.

The podcast began in January 2014, and with only a few breaks here and there, it continued on for almost 7 and a half years. It started with Shawn and his wife Brigitte sharing their love of all things geek. It was an attempt to bring a bit of culture to a small northern Ontario town better known for hunting, fishing, drinking and drugs. Once their marriage fell apart, they continued on for awhile but times changed. After a brief hiatus, Shawn recruited Josh as a new co-host. When Josh wasn't available, there would be solo episodes and other guest hosts.

This episode is a farewell to a huge part of Shawn's life. The episode is filled with nostalgia and absolutely packed with clips. So many people were a part of this episode in particular, and of the podcast in general. Make sure to subscribe to the YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCataaeTRQltObb7n1GHW_qw/videos

You can also find Shawn continuing his podcast journey with the boys of the Cosmic Pizza Podcast, and by his self on the Soul Forge Podcast which can be found at http://www.soulforgepodcast.com/

If you would still like to support the show, visit https://ko-fi.com/rustedsoul

And make sure to join our Facebook page for any and all updates on future podcasts: https://www.facebook.com/groups/therustedrobot/

Thank you all for an amazing journey!

This week's podcast promo: Cosmic Pizza Podcast

I tried yoga! My brother made me do it. I tried yoga and it wasn't actually all that bad. This episode of the podcast details my experience. Not only that, brother Curtis shares tips and tricks and everything he has learned about yoga. I tried yoga, and so can you!

It’s time to roll out your yoga mat and discover the combination of physical and mental exercises that for thousands of years have hooked yoga practitioners around the globe. The beauty of yoga is that you don’t have to be a yogi or yogini to reap the benefits. Whether you are young or old, overweight or fit, yoga has the power to calm the mind and strengthen the body. Don’t be intimidated by yoga terminology, fancy yoga studios and complicated poses. Yoga is for everyone.

Ask any yoga practitioner to define yoga, and you’re likely to get a myriad of answers. For some, it’s a way to feel good in their bodies. For others, it’s a spiritual practice, and for many, a way of life. But regardless of your approach, yoga can help reshape and unravel your habitual or unconscious patterns.

Practicing yoga helps provide a foundation and tools to building good habits, such as discipline, self-inquiry, and nonattachment. This exercise is also a pathway to empower you to make conscious choices to live a healthy and fulfilling life. Today, many agree that the word yuj — which yoga derives from — refers to greater internal states, such as clarity, peace, and happiness.

This week's podcast promo: ESO Patreon, Pop Culture Cosmos

How do Curtis and Kate define marriage success, and just who is this Debbie person anyway?

One of the goals of the Soul Forge Podcast is learning the secrets to a happy and successful relationship. An excellent way of doing so is to conduct conversations with couples who are success stories in their own ways. Episode 140 focused on Josh and Kitty. It has taken a long time to find another successful couple who were willing to share their story with us. This episode deals with Shawn's brother Curtis, and his wife.

This couple (Curtis and Kate) have been together for 15 years. How they met is a fun and entertaining part of their story. Although their lives have been filled with ups and downs, and many roads to navigate, they have managed to build a loving and special kind of love. Each of them brought 2 children from previous relationships into the mix. And now they have one that they share in common.

Have a seat and listen to their story. Find out how they met. What was Curtis's deal-breaker? And just who is this Debbie person anyway?

This week's podcast promo: Nerdbliss

We got a new puppy!

If there's one thing I said I would never do, it's getting a dog. However, the moment I saw Nimoy, I knew I had to have him. This episode is the story of our teacup Yorkie. Dan and Paul from the Cosmic Pizza Podcast join Shawn for a lively discussion about pets.

Teacup Yorkie is a smaller version of the same pure breed Yorkie, also known as Toy Yorkie or Micro Yorkshire Terrier. It’s a tiny dog breed at about 5 to 7 inches tall, weighing between 2 to 4 pounds. The average lifespan of the Teacup Yorkie is around 12 years.

First things first, there isn’t an official definition for Teacup Yorkies. However, breeders strive to produce pups that’ll weigh no more than 4 lbs (1.8 kg) once they reach their full ‘adult’ weight after a year.

This is considerably less than standard Yorkshire Terriers. On average, these weigh 7 lbs (3.1 kg); making the size difference between the two fairly substantial.

Teacup Yorkies require special care and attention. In light of that, here are a few pieces of advice to help steer you in the right direction:

You need to monitor your puppy very carefully. Particularly within the first two weeks of getting him. It’s essential that you make a special effort to note how much he eats, drinks, whether he has enough energy to play, and how regularly he goes to the toilet. Teacup Yorkies suffer from hypoglycemia so any changes to the above could be an indicator that a fatal seizure is imminent.
Don’t allow your Teacup Yorkie access to the entirety of your house straight away. Instead, designate a specific room where they’ll feel warm and comfortable. It’s best for them to adjust to their new surroundings gradually, so he doesn’t get too overwhelmed. Teacup Yorkies are easily panicked, be sure to ease them in.
Offer him a comfortable, cozy bed he can climb on and off of easily. It’s of paramount importance your Toy Yorkshire Terrier pup isn’t forced to jump to reach his sleeping area. Their bones are fragile and easily break, the last thing you want is a nasty accident. This also means you shouldn’t leave him alone with furniture he could jump from, i.e., a chair or a sofa.
Keep your eyes peeled. These dogs are incredibly small, so they’re easy to trip over and accidentally kick if you don’t see them coming. Take particular care when walking around your home.
If your Teacup Yorkie is between 4 to 8 weeks old, you shouldn’t bath him. Instead, use baby wipes or a damp towel to clean him gently. After you’ve washed your pup, dry him thoroughly. This is vital because they get very cold, quickly. This can be dangerous as well as uncomfortable for your puppy.
Teacup Yorkies hardly shed so their coats are super easy to maintain and they considered “hypoallergenic”

This week's podcast promo: Mighty Marvel Geeks

Almost everyone has childhood celebrity crushes. To prove it, I asked around and received an overwhelming number of responses. On this episode of the Soul Forge Podcast, we will be going over these lists. For our purpose, the term celebrity is wide open. We have people who loved singers, actors, actresses, cartoon characters and video game avatars. Stay tuned for a fun list of childhood celebrity crushes.

This episode started off innocently enough. Episodes lately have been kind of heavy. The topics have not been light-hearted. On episode 329 of The Rusted Robot Podcast, I mentioned I had a crush on Winnie Cooper from The Wonder Years. Richard, our loyal listener from Australia said that everyone had a crush on Winnie. Naturally, this got me thinking about the other childhood celebrity crushes that I had. Then I thought it might be fun to get examples from other people.

On this episode, you will hear many different perspectives. I got voice clips from co-workers. I got email from listeners. Texts from friends. A huge list on Facebook. Fellow podcasters chimed in. This episode is completely filled with love from our childhoods. In fact, at the end of the show, there's a clip of celebrities talking about their childhood celebrity crushes!

To help support the podcast, click the donate link here: https://ko-fi.com/rustedsoul

This week's podcast promo: Metal Geeks

Ryan Castle from the 2 Stoned Dudes Podcast joins Shawn for a chat about his life, his podcast, his self-esteem issues, and a bit of everything else under the sun!

Ryan is a man from Arizona. Of the many careers he has had, professional wrestler, and member of the US Marine Corps are two of them. We talk briefly about wrestling and the marine corps, and then transition over to how Ryan lost his virginity. Punched in the face for love on multiple occasions, Ryan has lead quite an interesting life. It turns out that having a rough upbringing in childhood can lead to fighting dirty in love relationships.

The episode concludes with talk about some very personal issues. The main topic we cover is self-esteem and addiction recovery. Ryan is a member of Narcotics Anonymous and has also been involved with other 12 Step programs. Recovery, addiction, isolation and self-esteem issues are touched on and explained.

In conclusion, Ryan tells us to tell people what we want. A closed mouth does not get fed. Stand up for who you are and you are less likely to be walked on and over.

This week's podcast promo: The Flopcast

The stench of 'cancel culture' is everywhere these days.

This episode is another one of my imfamous walk and talks. Several times per year, I like to record an episode as I am out and about delivering the mail. I find these types of shows to be more authentic, as whatever I'm saying just comes out naturally. It can be difficult to carry on a monologue while doing a decent job and attempting not to slip, trip or fall.

A bit of a grab bag, this episode touches on several topics. As mentioned, cancel culture is a big part of this show. I touch on the removal of historical statues and the removal of Pepe Le Pew from all upcoming Looney Tunes projects. I completely forgot to bring up the recent decision by the Dr. Seuss estate to stop publishing several 'controversial' books.

Also in this episode, I talk about family history that has recently come to light. It turns out that there are a lot of things about my family that I was not aware of. In addition, I have had a realization about my friend Rene's family and the naming conventions of his kids. And this leads into some Star Trek talk. My oldest friend recently sent me some hand-made props.

If you would like to support the podcast, the easiest way is to make a donation to my |Kofi account. You can do that at https://ko-fi.com/rustedsoul

This week's podcast promo: Earth Station Trek

What is parental alienation? This week's guest is Mike, the head of the ESO Network. Mike is here to talk about his experience with parental alienation. Parental alienation describes the breakdown of the relationship between a child and one of the child's parents, when there is no valid justification for that breakdown. When parental alienation is found to exist between a parent and child, the alienation is attributed to inappropriate actions and behavior by the other parent.

Parental alienation describes a process through which a child becomes estranged from a parent as the result of the psychological manipulation of another parent. The child's estrangement may manifest itself as fear, disrespect or hostility toward the distant parent, and may extend to additional relatives or parties. The child's estrangement is disproportionate to any acts or conduct attributable to the alienated parent. Parental alienation can occur in any family unit, but is believed to occur most often within the context of family separation, particularly when legal proceedings are involved, although the participation of professionals such as lawyers, judges and psychologists may also contribute to conflict.

The theory of parental alienation has been asserted within legal proceedings as a basis for awarding custody to a parent who alleges estrangement, or to modify custody in favor of that parent. Courts have generally rejected parental alienation as a valid scientific theory, but some courts have allowed the concept to be argued as relevant to the determination of the child's best interest when making a custody determination. Legal professionals recognize that alienating behaviors are common in child custody cases, but are cautious about accepting the concept of parental alienation.

This week's podcast promo: Earth Station DCU

The Map of Tiny Perfect Things is a 2021 American science fiction romantic comedy-drama film directed by Ian Samuels, from a screenplay by Lev Grossman, based upon his short story of the same name. It stars Kathryn Newton and Kyle Allen.

Mark, a teenage boy, has been stuck in a time loop, repeating the same day over and over again. Because of his knowledge of what will happen, and the freedom from consequences provided by the time loop, he spends much of his day engaging in random bizarre activities, such as driving construction machinery through town. At the community pool, he makes repeated attempts to impress a pretty girl by trying to save her from being knocked into the water by a thrown beach ball. One day, a girl named Margaret unexpectedly intervenes. Mark tracks her down and discovers that she is also living in the same time loop.

A Map of Tiny Perfect Things is not only the name of the film, and the name of this episode, but also a great way of looking at the world. Each and every one of us lives inside a map based on our feelings and experiences. This movie is definitely worth a viewing. It will make you think in new and unique ways. While not a perfect film, it certainly has something to say about life and living. This is the first movie review episode of the Soul Forge Podcast. If you like this style of episode, perhaps we will do more of them in the future.

This week's podcast promo: Earth Station Who

I bought a new car! I thought about it for a very long time. There was research. And there were test driving sessions. Money and budget was a concern. So many variable go into the thought process of purchasing a new vehicle. It can be extremely stressful.

This episode of the Soul Forge Podcast is all about the car buying process. What type of vehicle? Do I want a car? Or perhaps a minivan. What about a truck? Maybe a fully loaded and tricked out SUV. Too many options to consider can be a real problem.

Therefore, this episode talks about the entire process. I also talk about the reservations and hesitancy I felt about spending all that money. And yet, I bought a new car. And I'm going to tell you all about it. I'm also going to talk about the feelings that come with the process. There is a part of me that feels like I do not deserve to have nice things. And maybe I should not be spending the money. Hold on to your hats as you embark on the car buying journey with me.

This week's podcast promo: Earth Station One

Joey Barnes (Ice Road Truckers) is the king of obsolete. He joins us here on episode 189 of the Soul Forge Podcast. We talk about his current life, his Ice Road Trucker days, and the books he has been busy writing during the lockdown. The king of obsolete has many stories to share.

In a remote corner of Manitoba, Joey “The King of Obsolete” Barnes has deemed his plot of land “The Kingdom,” and it’s filled with vintage CATs and trucks from the 1930s to the 1970s. Many of the vehicles are rarities, and he’s re-engineered many of them into his own unique pieces of equipment.

On this episode, you will hear about Naughty Natalie and Love is Trust. We talk about Joey's 1937 Dodge hotrod truck and his time with the bikers of the 1980s. We also spend some time talking about his writing process. Joey believes in one-shot writing, where there is little to no editing involved.

The following is copied from his website and is a list of his books:

Naughty Natalie Series (3 book series) Paperback Edition (amazon.com)

Amazon.com: Dominatrix School: Failing Military Marriage (9798700687997): Barnes KoO, Joey: Books

Amazon.com: Love is Trust: Summer of Fun 1985 eBook: Barnes, Joey: Kindle Store

My Wasted Youth: Alexander Manitoba: Barnes KoO, Joey: 9798700173766: Amazon.com: Books

The Corvette Stingray

Art Bookbindery Recovery Plates

No Fear No Common Sense Flying ---- 10th book

Misc Stories ---- 9th book

The 4 book series on Naughty Natalie are books 5,6,7,8

Oh My, This is Not Fun ---- 8th book

Dominatrix School Book ---- 7th book

Love is Trust Book ---- 6th book

My Wasted Youth Alexander MB Book ---- 5th book

King of Obsolete Books Series are book 1,2, (3,4 are not in print)

KoO Book Set ---- 1st & 2nd books

Check out Joey's website at www.kingofobsolete.ca

Get his books on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08V17R5XB?ref_=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_tkin&binding=kindle_edition&fbclid=IwAR1lkmx2tAq5Q8JWntPm1i6HxOPn_ES7RKXP3Hviur5QFKv94OH5HlU3cJw

He's on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzEFqMtbWfRYPoOOl89M7sg/videos?fbclid=IwAR3AkEKEzddSh0Wg9jaCBfgayOIjXXcM46MEzh7aYp6foJQeXip7JyetMxE

You can support the podcast at https://ko-fi.com/rustedsoul

This week's podcast promo: Dr Geek's Lab

Love is Trust: Summer of Fun 1985 (Naughty Natalie Series Book 2)

None

Dominatrix School: Failing Military Marriage (Naughty Natalie Series)

My Wasted Youth: Alexander Manitoba (Naughty Natalie Series)

Hoetry. It's poetry about women, sex, connection and pain. Poet Darin Lee stops by the Soul Forge to talk about his latest book, Hoetry.

Who is Darin Lee? He just might be your new favourite poet. Darin has been many things in his life. Besides dabbling in digital marketing, Darin also worked on submarines when he was in the navy. His 2 older brothers are part of his inspiration regarding writing and artistry.

When it comes to writing, Darin has many goals. Future plans include more poetry and self-help books. Other interests include history, politics and possible short stories for children.

Darin's primary focus in Hoetry is the theme of connection. Sometimes this manifests as a lack of connection in some of the writings. He focuses on pain and uncomfortable situations. Hurting, healing and making love are likely the 3 main themes of his work. Chaos and order are also a major part of his poetry.

To purchase a copy of Hoetry, you can simply go to Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/hoetry-Darin-Lee-ebook/dp/B08QVB1JL1/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=hoetry&qid=1612311337&sr=8-1

You can also get a signed copy by messaging Darin on Instagram via https://www.instagram.com/darinlee_/

This week's podcast promo: Double Edge Double Bill

hoetry

What do sex, voodoo and philosophy all have in common? We mention each of those subjects in this episode. Although our main discussion is meant as an introduction to philosophy, we cannot cover all aspects of such a broad field of study in a short episode.

Quite literally, the term "philosophy" means, "love of wisdom." In a broad sense, philosophy is an activity people undertake when they seek to understand fundamental truths about themselves, the world in which they live, and their relationships to the world and to each other. As an academic discipline philosophy is much the same. Those who study philosophy are perpetually engaged in asking, answering, and arguing for their answers to life's most basic questions. To make such a pursuit more systematic academic philosophy is traditionally divided into major areas of study.

There have been many philosophers over the centuries. We mention several of them, but if you're looking for major figures to study, here are some to start with: Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, Descartes, Locke, Hume, Kant, Nietzsche, Marx, and Sartre.

There are many online resources if you are looking for an in depth overview of philosophy. There are also multiple branches or types of philosophy.

The end of the podcast is audio from a YouTube video talking about the Kama Sutra and how it relates to sex. If you'd like to view the video, this is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PbRJxbczgE

This week's podcast promo: Dragon Con Report

The Soul Forge Podcast is your number one source for living your best life. Join me as I guide you on the adventures on living. Want to be a better person? Don't like feeling you're the only one? This is the podcast for you.

Or, more simply, how to be a decent person. Years ago I came across some decent advice. Essentially, this was 32 pieces of wisdom to pass on to your son(s). The idea behind the whole thing, was to teach young boys how to behave as men. Hence, the how to be a man episode. As such, I will be taking each rule one by one and examining them for the hidden wisdom. Listen below is that advice. Print it out. Save it as a handy reference. It's great advice for anyone!

Never shake a man’s hand sitting down.
There are plenty of ways to enter a pool. The stairs ain’t one.
The man at the grill is the closest thing we have to a king.
In a negotiation, never make the first offer.
Act like you’ve been there before. Especially in the end zone.
Request the late check-out.
When entrusted with a secret, keep it.
Hold your heroes to a higher standard.
Return a borrowed car with a full tank of gas.
Play with passion or not at all...
When shaking hands, grip firmly and look him in the eye.
Don’t let a wishbone grow where a backbone should be.
If you need music on the beach, you’re missing the point.
Carry two handkerchiefs. The one in your back pocket is for you. The one in your breast pocket is for her.
You marry the girl, you marry her whole family.
Be like a duck. Remain calm on the surface and paddle like crazy underneath.
Experience the serenity of traveling alone.
Never be afraid to ask out the best looking girl in the room.
Never turn down a breath mint.
In a game of HORSE, sometimes a simple free throw will get ’em.
A sport coat is worth 1000 words.
Try writing your own eulogy. Never stop revising.
Thank a veteran. And then make it up to him.
If you want to know what makes you unique, sit for a caricature.
Eat lunch with the new kid.
After writing an angry email, read it carefully. Then delete it.
Ask your dad to play. He won’t let you win.
See it on the big screen.
Give credit. Take the blame.
Write down your dreams.
Always protect your siblings (and teammates).
Be confident and humble at the same time. This week's podcast promo: Cigar Nerds

Brother Robin is back to talk about life, the universe and everything. We are covering the full spectrum on this episode, from Instagram models, to politics, magic mushrooms and more! Whatever you do, never go full willy-nilly!

This episode is meant to be an update on Robin's life. He lives an exciting roller coaster of adventure and excitement. Much like a roller coaster, he always seems to end up where he began. Is the Universe trying to teach him a lesson of some kind? They say you will keep living the same experience over and over again until you learn something. Perhaps Robin is not capable of learning. Over and over again, he returns to the same state of affairs.

We begin by talking about recent world events. US president Trump recently caused all kinds of havoc when he summoned his followers to storm the US Capitol building. Also, many Canadian politicians took trips overseas during the recent COVID lockdown. People in power are simply causing havoc. We ask, is Trump one of the 'great' men of history?

After the politics, we get into the heart of the episode. Robin is once again unemployed. How did this happen again? How is his life coaching going? What about his vending machine empire? So many questions to be answered.

If you'd like to purchase something from Robin's I Don't Wanna Apparel, you can find him on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/idontwannashop/

You can support the podcast at: https://ko-fi.com/rustedsoul

This week's podcast promo: But First, Let's Talk Nerdy

Welcome back to the Soul Forge Podcast. We hereby present to you, for your listening pleasure, the first episode of 2021. There is no specific topic this week, but we do cover a lot of information and ideas.

First, we place this episode in its historical context. There is a brief discussion about loss, but for more information, you will want to check out episode 30: http://www.soulforgepodcast.com/e/30-the-heart-is-the-only-thing-that-gets-heavier-when-broken/

One of the reasons for starting the podcast was as a form of self-therapy. However, an even more important reason was so that my son would have a load of insight into who his father is and was; a vocal archive of sorts.

Other topics of conversation include my recent engagement to Julie, the importance of episode art (and where you can see it), and a possible new segment called 'the unpopular opinion'.

A sizable segment of the podcast is devoted to gentle goals for a new year. There are about 10 of them and I go through the importance of each item.

If you'd care to support the work I do, you can donate as little as $3 with Kofi. Donate by following this link: https://ko-fi.com/rustedsoul

This week's podcast promo: Cosmic Pizza Podcast

You don't know what you don't know. There are so many wonderful and hidden mysteries in the universe. When I recorded episode 133 (2020 Vision) at the beginning of the year, there was no way I could know what the year would bring. I had so many hopes, goals and plans for the year ahead. Well now that year is over. They say hindsight is 2020. That means it is easy to know what you already know. But you can't put the cart before the horse.

This is the final episode of 2020. As such, we take a look back at the year that was. 2020 is the most wild and unpredictable year of my life time. I believe this is true for most people. In Hindsight is 2020, I talk about that initial episode that started the year. I speak to what became of my plans and goals.

The bulk of the episode is spent going over what the Soul Forge Podcast accomplished in 2020. As I look back at the episodes, I try to pick out recurring themes. There are a few, but you need to listen to the episode to find out what they were. I can't thank all the listeners enough for spending a bit of time with me this last year. See you all again in 2021!

This week's podcast promo: 42 Cast

Lights! Camera! Live Stream! is a unique moment in podcast history. In the year 2020, Indie Pods United was formed. Indie Pods United is a week long celebration of independent podcasts. The event was created by Tina Marie Trimpert of The Psyche-Delic Podcast,

This week on the https://www.facebook.com/SoulForgePodcast/ we present the live stream event from December 3rd. Consisting of your host Shawn Vanderloo sitting in front of a camera, this special episode includes all of the excitement, nervousness and exhaustion that you would have seen if you viewed the video at the time of the recording.

The concept of the live stream was to talk about the Soul Forge Podcast. However, Shawn goes above and beyond this mandate. He discusses his entire podcast journey. This includes all of the highs and lows of the last 7 years. If you have been following Shawn on his journey from the beginning, there may not be too many surprises, but you will still find something to be entralled with.

This week's podcast promo: The Best Saturdays of Our Lives

We're talking about all these emotions! As of late, I have been experiencing emotions to a much greater degree than usual. What's this all about? I have no idea! Perhaps aging is to blame. Or perhaps I'm embracing my feminine side. Whatever the cause, all I can say is, "these emotions though!"

For a long time, we thought there were 6 basic human emotions: fear, disgust, anger, surprise, happiness, and sadness. These were suggested by psychologist Paul Eckman in 1972. In the 1980s, Robert Plutchik introduced another emotion classification system known as the "wheel of emotions." This model demonstrated how different emotions can be combined or mixed together, much the way an artist mixes primary colors to create other colors. In 1999, Eckman expanded his list to include a number of other basic emotions, including embarrassment, excitement, contempt, shame, pride, satisfaction, and amusement.

After getting into some listener feedback, we go right into talking about these emotions though! Work stuff makes me irrationally angry sometimes. The good thing is that I am aware of my irrational behaviour. However, I am not always able to control it. So, we are talking about what has been going on at work lately.

We are also talking about how this is the worst pandemic ever. There's been absolutely no fun to be had. Why can't we have zombies to fight? Then we talk about how much I love Star Trek. Trek fulfills so many of my emotional needs. It really is difficult to describe this to a non-fan.

What about my girlfriend Julie? How does she make me feel? How is she so different from anyone I have dated before? Listen to find out!

I am going to be live-streaming some stuff on the day this episode comes out. Go to www.indiepodsunited.com for all the information.

The emotion information was found at https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-emotions-2795178

This week's podcast promo: Wookiee Radio

On Over My Dead Body, the podcast does a complete 180 degree turn. Usually, we speak about things dealing with life. This time, we are talking about what happens after we die. What kinds of funeral rituals do we want?

The episode goes over a list of some of the more unusual funeral practices around the world. As we talk about them, we share personal stories and talk about how we would feel in certain situations.

Here in North America, and most Western nations, we are used to basically just 2 kinds of death rituals. A person is either buried or cremated. However, many places around the world and through out time, have done some vastly different things.

We talk about regular burial and cremation. And we go over such things as burial beads, plastination, endo-cannibalism, memorial diamonds, body exhumation dancing, fantasy coffins, the Tibetan sky burial, finger amputation, vinyl compression, tree burial, fireworks, the Zoroastrian vulture funeral and the Haida totem pole funeral.

The show ends with a short documentary-type explanation of plastination.

Support us at https://ko-fi.com/rustedsoul

This week's podcast promo: We Be Geeks

There are a lot of decisions that need to be made when looking at buying a new car. In fact, new car decisions can be some of the most stressful kinds of decisions. In this episode of the Soul Forge Podcast, we look at some of the factors that come into play when looking at a new vehicle.

Before looking at my new car options, we go over the vehicles that I have previously owned. My first car was a 1985 Chevrolet Citation. I bought it in 1999. Even now, I still miss that old beast. In fact, I have a recurring dream where I find it again, and try to get it running. So, the first half of the episode is me remembering my old cars.

The second half of the show is all about the 2 new vehicles I am thinking of getting. The current choices are between the Tesla CyberTruck and the Volkswagen I.D. Buzz. Both are electric vehicles. And neither one is yet available. The Tesla should be out by the end of 2021. The VW is looking at a 2022 release date. My current car may not last that long without putting some serious money into it. New car decisions are definitely all consuming.

This week's podcast promo: Watchathon of Rassilon

When I Was Your Age is the episode where my son asks me a series of questions. His mom thought it would be a great idea. This way, he has all these answers for posterity. And when he looks back ages and ages hence, he will know who he was at 14, and who his dad is and was.

We talk about my childhood, silly things I did, items I collected, and some inquiries about my love for Star Trek. It's a real fun episode where my 14 year old son asks some questions about what it was like when I was his age.

This week's podcast promo: Thunder Talk

Don't Mask Your Passions is a companion piece to episode 312 of The Rusted Robot Podcast. While recording episode 312 we got into a really in depth conversation about the nature of fandom and how one goes about displaying that passion. The chat was so good and so long it needed to be its own show. Voila! We have episode 177 of Soul Forge!

Everything started by talking about Dave, an artist who paints pop culture into old paintings. By repurposing something, nothing goes to waste. This got me thinking about wearing your passions loud and proud.

I often find it difficult to display my affections for everyone to see. However, at other times, I have no embarassment. Perhaps I still get stuck in the 1980s mindset of hiding your inner self. Growing up in the 80s was difficult because bullying was so prevalent. And yet, it is no longer the 80s. People can't hurt you for what you like.

And so, the podcast covers many topics this week. We're talking about crazy fans, toxic fandom, and watching shows that aren't age appropriate. Plague doctor replica masks and 1950s style for Kitty. T-shirts with nerd logos, nerdy tattoos, Star Trek vs Star Wars and unnecessary limits.

The Rusted Robot episode that started it all: https://therustedrobot.podbean.com/e/thank-you-mr-bond-connery-312/

Support our show: https://ko-fi.com/rustedsoul

This week's podcast promos: The Monster Sci-Fi Show, ESO Patreon

You remember brother Robin and his trials and tribulations. In this episode, Calm, Coull & Collected: Robin Goes Home - 176, my brother opens up about where he has been, and where he is now. His journey has had many ups and downs, but it appears he may be on the right track now!

Robin moved in with his brother in Spring of 2019. He had hit rock bottom with no where left to turn. For more than a year and a half, his brother watched over him. At long last, it was time to return home and resume his life.

We are talking about vending machines and masks. There are several ways Robin tries to make a living. Refurbishing vending machines are one such way. Making custom order masks are another such method. We also devoted an entire episode of Soul Forge to Robin's attempt at becoming a life coach. Well, he has finished the course. Listen to find out where he is now with that endeavour.

Finally, we talk about his new job. Robin hates authority and people telling him what to do. However, making masks does not pay the bills. He is now working at Leon's Home Furnishings. Apparently it's a tough, labour intensive job, but it is paying the bills.

Listen to Calm, Coull & Collected: Robin Goes Home - 176 for all the updates on Robin Coull's life!

You can order a custom mask by searching I Don't Wanna Shop on Facebook.

You can support the Soul Forge Podcast by donating at https://ko-fi.com/rustedsoul

This week's podcast promo: Mighty Marvel Geeks

Awkward dates, technology and the art of being emotionally unprepared.

My original plan for the episode was a conversation with an avid Trump supporter. The hope was to have an open and honest chat with the goal of getting to the bottom of why this man supports someone that most people cannot stand. However, due to scheduling conflicts, that episode was not to be.

The next thought was to talk about being unprepared emotionally. Winter is coming and I'm never ready for it. At least, not ready in my soul. But alas, it comes every year around the same time. There is no choice but to get ready.

This episode then moves into talking about the best time in the world to be born. Naturally I only have my own perspective. I do believe that my lifespan and era is the best of all possible times. You see, I was born before technology took over so I can appreciate life without being dependant on apps and smartphones. Yet, I'm young enough to appreciate what they bring to the table. And I want to be a cool grampa who wears obscure band T-shirts.

The show ends with a chat about a couple of awkward dates. This ties into being emotionally unprepared on two front. The first date I mention, the girl was not ready or prepared. In the second example, I was too young to be ready and prepared.

The podcast ends with a trailer for the 1992 movie Kuffs. That film ties into the second awkward date.

This week's podcast promo: Ring of Thunder

Perhaps True Crime is the way to go if you want to be a successful podcaster. It certainly appears to be the most popular podcast genre, and True Crime fans are the most vocal and passionate. Should the Soul Forge switch to a True Crime format?

But True Crime is not the only thing we are talking about on this week's episode. Oh no, my friends, it is not. We are also talking about podcast success in general. And happiness. As well as friends. Oh, and also new rules and restrictions and work. Other stuff too! So many things to discuss in this episode.

Did I mention this episode is an 'on the go' type of show? That's right. I'm recording an episode as I walk and deliver the mail. You get to hear dogs barking, mail box lids squeaking, and oh the traffic noises you will hear. So exciting!

Happiness and the year 2020. This has been an unprecedented year in the history of modern humanity. Truly awful for many people. Surprisingly enough, it has probably been my best year in a very long time. Listen to the episode to find out more.

So much podcast 'behind the scenes' talk as well. Would you like to be my social media secretary? You can do all the dirty work to make the show a success. Listen to find out the perks and benefits.

Also included in this show are my thoughts on Trump and the COVID pandemic.

And I talk about my girlfriend Julie. She's really amazing you guys!

This week's podcast promos: Wookiee Radio, ESO Patreon

Julie joins me for a chat about effective communication.

Communication is simply the act of transferring information from one place, person or group to another.

Every communication involves (at least) one sender, a message and a recipient. This may sound simple, but communication is actually a very complex subject.

The transmission of the message from sender to recipient can be affected by a huge range of things. These include our emotions, the cultural situation, the medium used to communicate, and even our location.

On this episode, Shawn and Julie talk about their communication styles, their limitations, the progress they have made, and goals for the future. Talking about communication with Julie is a fun, light-hearted episode with some complexity underneath.

This week's podcast promo: We Be Geeks

Digging through the archives of my family history. I found my grade 2 report card. In fact, there were very many things I found inside this box. This box has been in my possession for several years. It belonged to my grandparents. For quite some time I was hesitant to look inside.

Finally, a few weeks ago, I decided it was time to bite the bullet and look at what was there. Musty and dusty, the box of papers has traveled with me for some time. I couldn't put it off any longer. I found all kinds of things. There was everything from greeting cards to bank statments, and court documents to old newspapers. At first it was overwhelming and full of history.

And then I found my grade 2 report card. That was the only thing in the box that belonged to me. On this episode, I share some family history and read the comments on my report card. This is a fun and fascinating look at what I was perceived as at the age of 7. How much of my early development can be seen in who I am today?

This week's podcast promo: Nerdlanta

Mahogany Clark, is a poet, author, and U.S. army soldier from Miami Florida. She just recently turned 21 years old, and has written two books Self Love & A Cup Of Family Tea, Her third book was written to encourage young children to always feel loved, because proper nurturing is a huge aspect of growing up, and there were times as a kid where she felt unloved, and it is important that children across the world know they are loved, so they can grow and go on to love their own children. We sat down over Skype to chat about her life, her writing and her upcoming book Somebody Always Loves You.

You can follow Mahogany on all the social media links in these show notes, as well as order her books from these links. Her newest book will be available October 14, 2020.

https://m.facebook.com/mahoganywritez/

https://www.amazon.com/Self-Love-Mahogany-Clark/dp/1099940109?fbclid=IwAR2s0191nnjdMzkZ6BnmgeDOxtxYTWmvr6wGJrxL5AKtECGKZl3gAIztTfs

https://borntosoar81.wixsite.com/somebodyalwayslovesy?fbclid=IwAR0zKa1KMp9-z7cBQt95nmG1yMqjfbTjLn9VwkrDYVKqtwTEQP8sSqsIF1k

Mahogany is on Twitter and Instagram @mahoganywritez

This week's podcast promos: Pop Culture Cosmos, ESO Patreon

https://twitter.com/mahoganywritez?s=20

https://twitter.com/mahoganywritez?s=20

Self Love

Moments that define a culture or a generation...these are our cultural touchstones. The term ‘cultural touchstone’ has been credited to Matthew Arnold in his 1880 piece “The Study of Poetry.” In short, Arnold suggested that in order to determine how much praise a new piece of poetry deserved, it should be compared to older poetry that still received the same high praise.

So, in essence, a cultural touchstone is something that defines an era. For instance, a huge movie in the life of my Rusted Robot Podcast co-host, is The Land Before Time. That film defines her generation. I have not seen it, and several people have now suggested I must watch it. This got me thinking about things that define eras and cultures. That is this episode.

Some of the topics covered in this episode include: the 1938 War of the Worlds radio broadcast, JFK's assassination, the Olympics, the Titanic, Star Wars, Star Trek, songs, television shows (episodes or moments), 9/11, the MCU, #metoo, and so many more.

The monologue at the end of the episode can be found on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSLDyAbaqlw

This week's podcast promo: Nerdbliss

March Break is finally over. Summer time fun is at an end. You're going back to school in 2020. It's a weird time in the history of humanity. Never has a society shut down like it has this year.

In this episode, we remember back to school rituals. The coming of another school year always meant back to school shopping. In merchandising, back to school is the period in which students and their parents purchase school supplies and apparel for the upcoming school year. At many department stores, back to school sales are advertised as a time when school supplies, children's, and young adults' clothing goes on sale.

My girlfriend's daughter joins us on the show for a brief chat about her first day back.

This week's podcast promo: Metal Geeks, ESO Patreon

Jeramy from the Fandom Squad Podcast comes by to chat about his rough childhood.

We start by learning about Jeramy's early childhood. His parents divorced when he was fairly young. As a result, he lived with his mother who moved around quite a bit. She also choose men who may not have been suitable for her or Jeramy. There were many such men in her life.

Because Jeramy did not have a stable home life, he turned to food. Eating become something he could control. Over eating led to him becoming the chubby, poor, outcast kid. He was bullied.

Abandoned by his mom at age 11, he went to live with his sister and her family. From ages 11 until 21 he had a somewhat stable home life. However, because of his past, and his feelings of abandonment, Jeramy engaged in self-harm, had low self esteem, and felt unlovable.

Through counseling, Jeramy learned about forgiveness. He was able to re-establish old relationships. He now has a relationship with both his mother and his father. Credit for a lot of his healing must also go to his girlfriend. This is Jeramy's story.

This week's podcast promo: the Flopcast

In Witchcraft for Beginners, Tracy takes us on her journey into the spiritual side of things. On this episode, we go over how she become interested in witchcraft, and what she has learned so far.

Tracy started with an interest in Reiki, and began to learn about the crystals and the chakras. She followed this up with the practice of meditation. Watching Sabrina the Teenage Witch on Netflix, and reading about witchcraft brought Tracy to where she is now.

I first noticed Tracy's interest in the spiritual side of things when she asked to smudge my new house. I had heard of smudging, but hadn't seen it performed. As for smudging, most people use white sage to remove negative energy. You can also use sweet grass, cedar sticks and other plants for differing purposes.

In Witchcraft for Beginners, we also learn about using and trusting your intuition, speaking with spirits, and the difference between witchcraft, Wicca and paganism.

Witches were once much-loved healers in communities. Various circumstances turned that love into hate and fear where these women were seen as evil or tools of the devil.

We finish the episode with some talk about green witches. This includes herbalism and making tinctures, salves and poultices. We also learn about spells, rituals and astrology.

This week's podcast promo: ESDCU, ESO Patreon

Parenting. It's living life in the fast lane. This week's Soul Forge brings you a look behind the parenting style of Rene, a father of 3 boys.

Rene is the father of a 13 year old boy and 11 year old twin boys. On this episode, he discusses his parenting strategies. He talks about the sacrifices he has made to raise his family. We will go behind the scenes and learn about some of the things he has done to give his children a healthy life.

We will also learn about the challenges he has faced. What did he learn along the way? Rene talks about priorities, going with the flow, hockey, and so much more.

Please fill out the survey Rene needs for his class project by following this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc5IwSiOPCa12mJHq_p3iTKR4uVb-dsIpxIm3gMtL8RachM4g/viewform

This week's podcast promo: Earth Station Who

This week the Soul Forge brings you an author interview with Unique'ka. Her self-published book is called The Glow Up. It's a self help book based on the journey of her life. Sit back and listen to a tale as unique as Unique'ka.

Coming from an abusive childhood shaped many factors in Unique'ka's life. She and her brother were both sent to foster care. Her anger issues and feeling of abandonment caused her to run away several times. However, the one constant in her life, was her love of reading and writing.

After dropping out of high school, she began stripping at the age of 17. In time, she had a son and wanted to do better for him, and for herself. Unique'ka began a life-long journey of self reinvention.

Reading self-help books and living her life by their principals is what really helped her turn her life around. She used these books and the lives of people like Oprah as a kind of guidance counselor.

We end the podcast with the story of Unique'ka finding her birth family. We also learn about how the book came to be. You can purchase The Glow Up in several places, but the best sources are Walmart.com and www.msuniqueka.com

This week's podcast promo: Earth Station One

In the life coach session episode, Shawn talks with his brother Robin about his latest endeavour. Robin has decided to pursur a career in life coaching. On this episode, we learn about the reasons why Robin is pursuing this new direction, and we learn a bit about what the course entails.

Robin admits he has no specific talents. However, he is pretty good at finding the talent in others and encouraging them. He feels that by becoming a life coach, he should be able to unlock the potential in others.

Life coaching is not therapy. Therefore, you do not need to have your own life in perfect order to be able to help others. Although every decision Robin has made has been the wrong one, he still feels as if his experiences can help others.

A life coach can help you through many problems or issues. These can range from relationship issues, to decisions about career or family, and many other topics. The best part about being a life coach is that you can set your own schedule and work whatever hours you choose. This is ideal for Robin who does not enjoy waking up early. The life coach session is yours for the taking!

This week's podcast promo: Double Edge Double Bill

Advice from your future self is not something you can get. But, you can get advice from people older or wiser than you. On this week's episode, we celebrate 3 years of podcasting. We also have 30 pieces of advice that a 30 year old wishes he had when he was 20.

Struggle Is Good

Don’t Complain

Spend Time With People You Love

Don’t Start A Relationship If You’re Not In Love

Exercise Daily

Keep A Journal

Be Grateful

Don’t Care About What People Think

Take More Risks

Pick An Industry, Not A Job

Lead The Way

Things Are Not What They Seem

Money Is Not The Most Important Thing

Be Nice

Get Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable

Learn Every Day

Rest Before You Are Tired

Don’t Judge

Think About Others

Give Without Expecting Something In Return

There’s No End Game

Enjoy Small Things

Don’t Take Yourself Seriously

Don’t Blame People

Never Look Back Too Long

Avoid Negative Situations And People

Invest In Yourself

Rely On Yourself

Create Something

Take Action

You can email the show at soulforgepodcast@gmail.com

To support the show: https://ko-fi.com/rustedsoul

This week's podcast promos: Ring of Thunder, The Best Saturdays of Our Lives

Okay so this week we will be discussing a few aspects of the Virgo star sign. Starting off with a brief discussion of topic ideas, we move into a general overview of astrology. This is definately going to be a half-assed zodiac episode.

We are coming up on our 3 year anniversary next week. Would love your feedback, comments, concerns, suggestions...anything really...to know that you care or are paying attention.

Get ready for this crazy episode.

This week's podcast promo: DragonCon Report

What are your favourite things? We are going for a more light-hearted tone this week on the podcast. We have had some heavy subjects as of late. Some levity never hurt anyone before.

So, this time, I am going over some of my favourite things. As an added bonus, you get to hear clips of dialogue from movies, and pieces of songs that I enjoy.

Talking about favourite movies, songs, artists and bands, video games, books and authors, quotes and memes, toys and collecting, and rabbit hole conversations that make you think. I also talk about my girlfriend Julie at the end of the show.

This week's podcast promo: Cigar Nerds podcast

As an added bonus, there is a trailer and discussion of the Pink Cloud Nine podcast.

Who are you? What makes you, you? How do you know if you're really real? Are we living in a natural world or some kind of a simulation?

This week, we take a deep dive into some rather dense topics. First, we look at the concept of 'you' as an individual. Every person you encounter has a different version of who you are in their heads. How do we reconcile all these versions?

Technology is progressing at a rapid pace. Are we heading towards the singularity? Are we there now? Perhaps we are in some type of simulation. Is this the Matrix?

We touch on the concepts of androids, cyborgs and robots. The Turing test is explained. And we touch on the 3 laws of robotics.

Replicas, starring Keanu Reeves is investigated. After a spoiler filled review of the film, we discuss just how possible something like this is.

Replika is a new app. It is your AI chatbox; your new best friend; perhaps your lover. We review the app and talk about some of its features and how it relates to the topic.

This week's podcast promo: The 42 Cast

Feel like a grown-up? Are you mature? Do you have your life all figured out? Are you someone that other people hold up as a shining example of what it means to live a proper life? Is adulthood really real, like for real life?

There are many stages in life where a person may feel as if they have reached a certain stage or level of maturity or independence. But, is adulthood real? How many of you out there feel like an adult? In my experience, it isn't very many of us.

On average, most people feel as though they are about 13 years younder than their actual age. And, there are many stages of life where you can be considered an adult. Other things in life may make you feel more mature or grown up, such as going away to school, buying your first car, living on your own, having a child or getting married.

All these questions and more will be covered in this episode. Plus, we have 21 things that will help you feel like an adult.

This week's podcast promo: But First, Let's Talk Nerdy

The Cosmic Pizza Podcast is here! Your Soul Forge host Shawn has started a new endeavour with a couple of British dudes. After recording an episode of Dan's Temporal Trek podcast, the 3 friends decided their chemistry was so good, they should create their own podcast together. A bit of brainstorming later, and the Cosmic Pizza Podcast was born.

What you will be hearing on this episode of Soul Forge, is Paul, Dan and Shawn introducing the new podcast to the world. Take a listen. If you enjoy it, head on over to your favourite podcast app and subscribe today! The Cosmic Pizza Podcast is serving you a slice of life in every delivery!

This week's podcast promo: Watchathon of Rassilon

Role models and Father's Day are two topics that go together like peanut butter and jam. Is your father a good role model? Who do you look up to? For young children, parents are most often the first role models we have.

We start this episode with a brief history of Father's Day. Once the obligatory research is out of the way, we get into some real stuff. I search my memories for stories of my role models. It turns out that my entire life has been a quest for a positive male influence. Without my dad as a big part of my life I turned to my grandfather. I share many fun stories from my childhood.

Believe it or not, TV parents can often make great role models. Many of us were raised on a steady diet of television. In my own case, I looked to sitcoms like Family Ties, The Brady Bunch, and others to give me some of what I needed. Star Trek and the characters on that show were also hugely responsible for the way I looked at the world.

This week's podcast promo: Thunder Talk

A day in the life of a Canadian mail carrier. We recently received some correspondence from listener Bill L. Bill wanted to know about the way the post office works in Canada. Because he is an American, Bill wanted to know what Canadians think of Americans, and also what we think of the differences between the two postal systems. Every day we deliver a huge amount of letters, magazines, bills, flyers and parcels. Due to the recent Covid-19 lockdown, people are shopping online in greater numbers than ever before. It is overwhelming, hence the joke of delivering parcels for arseholes.

On this episode, I record a snippet of my day as I deliver the mail. There are some sound quality issues due to the wind. The weather is always a factor in the life of a mail delivery agent. Put your headphones on, and put your credit card down. Get ready to learn about the mail delivery process on Parcels for Arseholes.

This week's podcast promo: Pop Culture Cosmos

Controversy in our town! Local couple's fat shaming shenanigans goes viral!

Recently in the city of Timmins, local power couple Jess and Billy (Mr. Tattoo) released a video podcast. This has been a new ongoing project for them as they look to expand their empire. They are known around town as the go to artists for ink work. Actually, Billy doesn't do anything. Jess does all the actual tattoo work. Well, in their latest video they answered a question that asked if they would prefer to be 60 pounds or 600. It was all downhill after that.

Soul Forge Podcast has the audio in question. You will hear the controversy and be able to decide for yourself. Just how bad was the reaction to their fat shaming shenanigans? Did the town react properly?

This week's podcast promo: Nerdlanta

A short story. This week on the podcast we are avoiding anything too serious. We are all due for a bit of light-hearted fun. Uncle Tom's Cabin is a short story that I wrote back in my university days. At one time I had ambitions to be an author, or a novelist or some kind of something in the arts world. So for this week, I present to you, a part of my final project in my creative writing class. I hope you enjoy my take on the story form. Uncle Tom's Cabin from 1998.

This week's podcast promo: Nerdbliss

This past weekend, director, editor, actress Lynn Shelton died unexpectedly. Shelton died of a previously unidentified blood disorder in Los Angeles on May 16, 2020, at age 54, after several days of ill health. She directed several award winning films:

2006 We Go Way Back 2008 What the Funny 2008 My Effortless Brilliance 2009 Humpday 2011 Your Sister's Sister 2013 Touchy Feely 2014 Laggies 2017 Outside In 2019 Sword of Trust This episode of the Soul Forge acknowledges her passing, but the main focus is on the man she left behind. Marc Maron has been a major influence on me and the podcast for the last several years. Although I have never met him, I feel a strange type of connection to his personality and his life. Lynn's passing and his grief have affected me on a fundamental level that I can't explain. So listen to this, but be warned that there are several clips of Marc's WTF Podcast. The emotion is real and it's raw.

This week's podcast promo: Metal Geeks

Thinking of getting weight loss surgery? We have a handy guide with practical handson experience. Listen to Julie's story and decide for yourself.

Gastric bypass is surgery that helps you lose weight by changing how your stomach and small intestine handle the food you eat.

After the surgery, your stomach will be smaller. You will feel full with less food.

The food you eat will no longer go into some parts of your stomach and small intestine that absorb food. Because of this, your body will not get all of the calories from the food you eat.

Sleeve gastrectomy is a surgical weight-loss procedure in which the stomach is reduced to about 15% of its original size, by surgical removal of a large portion of the stomach along the greater curvature. The result is a sleeve or tube like structure. The procedure permanently reduces the size of the stomach, although there could be some dilatation of the stomach later on in life. The procedure is generally performed laparoscopically and is irreversible.

In general surgery, a Roux-en-Y anastomosis, or Roux-en-Y, is an end-to-side surgical anastomosis of bowel used to reconstruct the gastrointestinal tract. Typically, it is between stomach and small bowel that is distal (or further down the gastrointestinal tract) from the cut end.

We answer such questions as, "Is weight loss surgery cheating?" and we go over some of the possible complications, qualifications and mental adjustments you must make. The one thing to remember is not to compare your experience with anyone else.

This week's podcast promo: The Flopcast

We podcast because we love it. We are the Mighty Morphin' Podcast Rangers!

Ok, ok, so we are not all that mighty. And we definitely do not morph. But we do adapt and change over time. Also, we aren't really rangers of any kind. Fine, you got me...we are not super heroes at all. However, we do enjoy the world of podcasting. That's what we do!

On this episode, Shawn, Paul and Dan go behind the scenes. This is a conversation they had after recording an episode for Dan's Temporal Trek Podcast. You can hear the raw and unedited version of that podcast on episode 289 of The Rusted Robot Podcast. However, what you will be hearing on this episode, is what took place after the main recording. The gang were just talking and this amazing conversation about podcasting took shape. We here at the Soul Forge hope you enjoy this look at what podcasters really think about this format.

This week's podcast promo: ESDCU

Shawn and Julie celebrate 150 episodes of the Soul Forge Podcast!

Podcasts are evolving entities. What was originally intended for a show can, and often does, change over time. On this episode, Shawn takes his girlfriend Julie on a tour of the Soul Forge. They talk about the original intention behind the podcast. And they talk about some of the episodes that mean the most to them. Has the podcast served its original intent? How has it changed over the course of its existence?

Join us for introspection, laughter, cussing and so much more on this 150th episode!

This week's podcast promo: Earth Station Who

Robin left home a year ago. He moved from Sault Ste. Marie to Timmins, Ontario. This is about a 6 hour car ride away from his home. The idea was to move into his older brother's house. As the older brother, Shawn felt it was his duty to take care of his youngest sibling.

The idea was for Robin to take stock of his life. The time had come to put everything in order. Robin felt as though he had used up all the goodwill that his hometown had to offer. Would Timmins be any different? Would he be able to abandon his toxic behaviours and put right what once went wrong?

Listen in as Shawn and Robin discuss the entire situation. You will learn exactly what brought Robin to this point in his life. You will also find out how far he has come.

This week's podcast promo: Earth Station One

What if you could return a dead celebrity back to life? Would you do that? This week the Soul Forge tries out a thought experiment based on this very idea. Here we present to you, The Dead Celebrity Resurrection Project!

Your mission: pick 3 dead celebrities. Divide 50 years of life between the 3 of them in whichever way you see fit. The catch: the death must have been accidental such as a plane crash or a heart attack. Therefore, older celebrities dying from cancer or similar are not included. The game is not as easy as it sounds. Who will you bring back, and how many years of life will they get? It's the Dead Celebrity Resurrection Project!

Some of our dead celebrities include: Aaliyah. Elivs, John Ritter, Jesus, George Michael, Jessi Combs, Jack Layton, Steve Jobs, Shakespeare, Vincent Van Gogh, Robin Williams, and Heath Ledger. We also have a wish to give Betty White 50 bonus years right now.

Grab some friends and try this little thought experiment for yourself. It can provide hours of fun!

This week's podcast promo: Dr Geeks Lab

Paul joins us via Skype to talk about his son's recent attempt at suicide.

Our friend Paul lives in the UK with his wife and two sons. I have known Paul for approximately 6 years. Although we have never met in person, i consider him a close friend. He has been with me on my podcast journey for quite some time. He's been a guest on Soul Forge Podcast, and has contributed many times to my other show, The Rusted Robot Podcast.

This week, Paul shares his recent experiences with his youngest son. Dominic is quite intelligent. He has been tested for autism, but is so near the bottom of the spectrum that it does not really qualify. However, he is somewhat socially awkward and is immersed in the world of online gaming. A short time ago, Dominic made an attempt to take his own life. Paul shares this story with us. We learn what lead up to the attempt, and everything that came after. It is an emotional story, but luckily one that has a positive outcome.

This week's podcast promo: Doulbe Edge, Double Bill

All about my mother.

The 3 brothers sit down for a chat and talk about their mother who passed away 6 years ago as of this week.

Remembering mom's angry face and her punishment style.

Mom's sense of humour and love of life.

The things we miss about her now that she's gone.

Mom was the historian of the family.

Rusted Robot Podcast link for episode 18: https://therustedrobot.podbean.com/e/episode-18-for-mom/

Support the podcast at https://ko-fi.com/rustedsoul

This week's podcast promo: Cigar Nerds

A light-hearted look at staying safe during the Covid-19 Corona Virus pandemic. Engage your safety protocols and give us a listen!

We are all going a little bit crazy during this time of social isolation. For some, the safety protocols put in place are not being followed. People are staying in and get bored. So they go out into the community putting themselves and others at risk. We have seen line-ups outside of the liquor stores. These people are not standing at least 6 feet apart. The same goes for those people waiting for the bus to pick them up.

We have a run down of the essential businesses that do not need to close during this crisis. Apparently, most workplaces are essential. It seems the only places closed down are the horse buggy whip makers.

Some positives have emerged from the crisis. People are reaching out to one another. Phone calls, texts, Facetime and other communication methods are being used like never before. Also, pollution has been reduced as more and more people work from home.

This week's podcast promo: DragonCon Report

Yeah, okay, so we all know that the only thing on all our minds is the Covid-19 corona virus pandemic. People are hoarding toilet paper and bottled water. We're all washing our hands as if we just learned how to do that. On that note, it is appropriate we all take a break and have some end times fun!

On this episode, I will be concentrating on overcomng our fears. As such, I have some answers from various people to the question of, "if you woke up tomorrow with no fear, what would you do?"

12 years ago, I wrote a note on Facebook. Apparently I was worried about the end of the world. I read and comment on this note, entitled, Surviving the Coming Apocalypse. A fun thought experiment about preparing for the end times.

To wrap up, I have some quick tips on managing anxiety during a pandemic.

This week's podcast promo: The 42 Cast

So I recently found out that my dad is mad at me. This occurred as a result of my recent episode titled, About Money. I haven't actually figured out why my dad is mad at me. The only hint I have received is a message from dad's girlfriend telling me that she let him listen to the episode. All I can surmise is that I did not mention him enough in the episode. So, this episode is an attempt to correct that oversight.

This week, I speak to my own son and we discuss our relationship. I also tell my son about things that I have done with my father. My dad and I have gone on several vacation-type trips. I mention these trips to my son on this episode. Potatoes are my father's favourite. So naturally, I tell my own potato story. My dad is mad at me, but this episode is an attempt to reach out and clarify a few things. We shall see if this works.

This week's podcast promo: Watchathon of Rassilon

The List of important qualities to have in a partner.

I have been teasing the reveal of the list I made a couple of months ago. In early January, my friend Rene told me that I should make a list of all the qualities I want in a partner. I was very resistant to the idea for several weeks. However, after he brought up the idea on multiple occasions, I finally decided to do it. I made the list. And now, for the first time, I am unveiling the list for all the Soul Forge listeners. Tracy joins the episode to discuss the finer points and details of all the requirements I have made.

Do you have a list? Did you make one before you found your partner? You will be amazed to learn how my life has changed once I actually wrote down my list of important qualities to have in a partner.

Don't forget to send us your comments and questions so that Tracy and I can do a book review of Mark Manson's The Subtle Art of Not Giving A Fuck.

This week's podcast promo: Thunder Talk

What is success? How do we as a society define success? We here at the Soul Forge think it's time that success gets redefined.

Shawn and Tracy ask each other if they feel successful in their own lives. Why do they give the answers they give? They answer by thinking of some of the things they have or do that make them successful in their own ways.

It is important to realize that our definition of success can change over time. As a young man, Shawn found it necessary to collect as many action figures as possible. This was success to him. Now, success is selling off his collection and emptying totes.

Ask yourself what society expects from a successful person. Are you measuring up? Does it even matter if you are? It is possible for you to define success for yourself. Do you have role models of success? Can you use yourself as your own measurement for success? Success is different from region to region and person to person.

This week's podcast promo: The Monster Sci Fi Show

Success in love. This year the Soul Forge is including as many chats with successful couples as it is possible to find. These types of episodes are important in a world that can often seem lonely, cruel and cold. This week, we have a conversation with my co-hosts on my other podcast, The Rusted Robot.

Josh and Kitty have known each other since she was 14 and he was 17. Find out when and how they met, and how long their story has been unfolding. They built the relationship on a solid foundation of friendship; friends who shared similar interests and outlooks on life.

What started as mutual long-term crushes became official dating on August 18, 2000 at 11PM. Josh would go on to rent a room in Kitty's parents' house. They were practically living together almost from the very start. Kitty knew it was meant to be when she build a sign in shop class with her future last name on it.

In all their time together, they have only had 2 minor fights, and 3 somewhat major ones. They have survived living with various room-mates, and have struggled financially.

They attribute their success to communication. It is vital to leave emotion out of discussions. Always try to remain calm and rational. They think like a team, as in "how do we solve this problem together?" Try to avoid drama at all costs.

Josh's breakup limit rule.

This week's podcast promo: Terminus Doctor Who Podcast

This week's episode is kind of an update show. What has been happening in the life of your host? He has been living and working on total drama island! Actually, his personal life is going pretty well for once. Work, however, is quite another matter. Perhaps this episode reveals a bit too much about the inner workings of the post office. Maybe you will learn a few behind-the-scenes details that you knew nothing about. The main point of this episode is to catch you up with the saga of how your host is feeling towards his employment. So get comfortable, have a seat, put your feet up and grab a tasty beverage. You are about to enter total drama island!

This week's podcast promo: Pop Culture Cosmos

Cory Robin visits the Soul Forge Podcast to talk about his brush with fame and the aftermath of the experience.

In 2018 Cory ran for a seat as city councillor for Ward 5 in Timmins. Although he did not win a seat, he learned a great deal about how to handle loss and fame. Cory tells us about how he ran his campaign, the money spent, and the heart and soul he put into the effort.

Listen in to learn what brought him to his decision to run for council. He talks about his passion for Aboriginal First Nations issues. His political ambitions began by trying to deal with systemic racism in our city.

Other topics include the importance of feedback, living through social media and curating an image. Cory tells us about reframing his loss into something positive and he tells us the story of the vote recount.

Final thoughts include being honest and authentic, and knowing who you are. Follow him on Facebook at Robin in the City.

This week's podcast promo: Nerdlanta

Money talks. Money matters. It's all about that money on this week's Soul Forge.

Join me as I discuss financial matters. I will be delving deep into my past for a look at how I grew up and how I gained my attitudes towards money. Because I grew up poor, I have always had an appreciation for money.

In this episode, you'll learn about the vehicle I'm too frugal to purchase. You will hear about my hollywood dreams. And you will learn how my bank lady is setting me up for retirement.

There's a whole lot of information here. It's funny. It's sad. It's eye opening.

This week's podcast promo: Nerdbliss

Sometimes the universe gives you exactly what you asked for. However, the universe also likes to play tricks to keep you on your toes. It will not always give you what you ask for in the ways in which you hoped it would.

This episode tells the tale of last weekend and the events that occurred. As you will recall from the previous episode, my first love, Stephanie, was having a birthday celebration in Sudbury. There were a lot of unexpected and intense moments. And as the title reveals, unexpected magic is the best kind of magic there is.

Do I reveal too much in this episode? Perhaps I do. Does it matter? I do not believe it does. When a person experiences magic, it needs to be shared. No one can ever feel what I felt, but they can know that magic is real. Do you believe? I sure as hell do!

This week's podcast promo: Metal Geeks

Love and heartbreak both lead to poetry. This week, we take a little trip down memory lane. I'm going through my archives and sharing some of my poetry with you. We will be thinking about love, happiness, longing, anger, acceptance, and so many other emotions.

First though, there is some feedback to share. And I have a self-help book to recommend, although I do not agree with the term 'self-help'

Sit back and relax. It is time to be nostalgic about love and heartbreak through poetry.

The 14 poems are as follows:

Acceptance?

Bitter Aftertaste

Blank Page

Cherry

Encounter at the Terminal

Everyday

Idealization

Love's Resurgence

Still

The Lone Essential Truth of Human Existence

The Muse

I'm So Happy!

Truth to Tell

The Site of our First Kiss

This week's podcast promos: the Flopcast, ESO Patreon

My son stops by for a quick father and son chat.

What does Bishop want to do with his life? What are his thoughts about the future? We discuss what he has been learning in school. Is he actually learning anything? Well, it's hard to tell from what he says, but it does appear some things are getting through to him.

We talk about my education, my dreams of opening a bar, and what it would be like if I could start my life over. Bishop gives a definition of what success means to him, and he tells us about the kind of power he would like to have.

We round out our discussion by talking about movies and pop culture. I have been trying to round out his classic movie education, and for the most part, he has been enjoying my efforts.

This week's podcast promo: Earth Station DCU

Radical honesty and the future of the Soul Forge Podcast.

So we all have an idea of what our lives are supposed to be; a vision for what we want, what we need, and how we wish to be seen. This year, I've put a lot of thought into who I am, who I am becoming, and my 2020 vision for the podcast.

The plan is to focus on success stories. Past episodes have focused on mental health. That is all well and good, but this year I want to take a look at people who are already where they want to be. Not all episodes will have this focus however. There will still be the usual kinds of shows. Sprinkling success stories every few episodes will be a nice change of pace where we can all see the good that is in the world.

I am also embracing who I am. Radical honesty is a new concept for me. Previously, I have been concerned with not rocking the boat. Well, those days are limited. It is time for me to be who I really am. This may involve swearing more, showing my cynical side and who knows what else. We are all in this ride together. So get ready for a year of unexpected diversions into everything real! This is my 2020 vision.

This week's podcast promo: Earth Station Who

2019 taught me a lot about myself. In fact, this has probably been the most progress I have made in a year since 2015. So this episode will detail some of the realizations I have come to. Also, this episode is filled with all kinds of media clips. I have tried to even out the sound levels and think I have mostly succeeded. My apologies if it is not perfect. However, none of us are.

Some topics included in this episode are fear, love, relationships, being an introvert and my new found knowledge that I am, and have always been, an empath. Using various clips from music and pop culture, I try to highlight these topics in an amusing, yet poignant way.

Alternate titles for this episode could have been:

Laws, Lessons and Revelations
This Is Who I Am
47 Minutes of Bullshit

This week's podcast promo: Earth Station One

Brother Robin opens up about his struggle with mental health. He lights up a fancy cigarette and unloads many years worth of thoughts. This is Robin's rambling rant!

Robin moved in with his eldest brother about 6 months ago. This was an attempt to get his life back on track. More and more, he has been focusing on his mental well-being. As a cab driver, he often speaks with his clients and tells them about his life and his reasons for moving to Timmins. This is not a proper therapy session, but does allow him to release some of his pent up feelings.

A big part of our conversation deals with his depression and suicidal thoughts. Robin tells us just how close to came to ending everything. He details a horrible childhood, and talks about trying to overcome his limitations. Robin also talks about how he used alcohol as a coping mechanism. There is also some talk about marijuana.

Other topics include losing family members, seasonal depression and his feelings of failure. A main throughline in this rambling rant, is his superhero persona. Brother Robin would often emulate Spider-Man in order to cope with life. While not perfect, sometimes his spider sense saved him from trouble.

This week's podcast promo: Double Edged Double Bill

Mister Rogers is played by Tom Hanks in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. Where are the television shows for kids these days that are similar? They simply do not exist. Having gone to the theatre to see the movie, it got me thinking about my own childhood and the shows I grew up on. In this episode, I give a quick review of the movie, and then go through the list of similar shows that I was brought up on.

Mister Rogers' Neighborhood was originally misterrogers in Canada. Therefore, Fred Rogers played a version of himself from 1962 until 2001.

Mr. Dressup was played by Ernie Coombs. The series ran from 1967 until 1996. The show was similar to Mr Rogers in that the host spoke directly to the child watching. Both shows included songs and stories, arts and crafts and imagination games.

Captain Kangaroo ran from 1955 - 1984.

The Friendly Giant which aired from 1958 to 1985 included puppets and had a go slow, gentle nature.

Fred Penner's Place succeeded The Friendly Giant and ran from 1985 to 1997. This was a musical show that educated kids in various subjects.

Sesame Street debuted in 1969 and is still going.

Polka Dot Door 1971 - 1993

Today's Special 1981 - 1987

Under The Umbrella Tree 1986 - 1993

There are likely many other regional shows that never came to national attention. One thing that the most popular shows had in common was that they treated children as individuals with value. Sure, most were hosted by middle-age white men, but that is a product of television history.

This week's podcast promo: Cigar Nerds Podcast

An open discussion between 2 men and 2 women on the nature of masturbation.

It's normal, it's natural and it's been around since the beginning of time. Not always an easy discussion, yet most people do it. Masturbation has been depicted in art since prehistoric times, and is both mentioned and discussed in very early writings.

On this episode, your 4 co-hosts cover a wide range of topics having to do with masturbation. This episode is probably not safe for work, and you may not want to listen with your kids. At least not until after you have had a chance to listen first.

Men and women have vastly different experiences when in comes to masturbation. Boys generally talk or joke about it from an early age. Most women do not discuss it until much later. Also, the age when pleasuring oneself is discovered can vary as well.

Guilt and shame are often experienced by both genders. A lot of this may have to do with religious prohibition on such matters. Getting caught is also a consideration.

We also discuss frequency of masturbation, techniques, dangerous situations, games, toys, and places in which to do it. What's the deal with porn and imagination?

All this and more on episode 29 of the Soul Forge Podcast. Stay tuned to the end for a fun scene lifted from the movie I Love You, Man.

This week's podcast promo: CasterQuest

Can we go home again?

This week we explore the idea of returning to our roots. The idea of going home again can be very powerful and intoxicating. We must realize, of course, that we are not the people we once were. As time moves on people change. Our homes, even if our family is still living there, are not the same. The structure may be identical, but everyone involved has grown, matured, or changed in some way. So yes, you can go home again, but you need to be aware that everything is different. Your experiences will not be the ones you had before.

The episode is a flow of consciousness type of experiment. Shawn looks back at his life to see how far he has come. There is speculation on what life would be like if Shawn were to return to his home town. Many factors come into play when deciding to make a major life change. Some of these include career path, leaving friends and family, as well as where to live, and the logistics of moving hours away from your base of operations.

Home again! Home again? There are no right answers, however, Shawn has realized he cannot let fear control his decision making any longer.

This week's podcast promos: 42 Cast, ESO Patreon

Random updates, general thoughts, and feedback.

This week Shawn is here to provide you with some much needed updates. He figured it was time to just check it on the situation and fill you in. General chit-chat is never a bad idea!

We start the episode with a mini tribute to Shawn's uncle Frank who recently passed away at the age of 84. You will get a brief background on Frank and the Vanderloo clan.

Shawn will then talk a bit about work. How is he coping with the recent changes? Does he enjoy his new route? All this and more!

Feedback! The feedback section is the largest part of this week's episode. You will find out about Marc Maron and his cats. Listeners were really affected by the clip we played of Marc talking about his cats on WTF episode 993.

The Ghosting episode also inspired a lot of people. We received feedback from Karen, Jarman and Richard. Shawn reads those comments and responds to them. And these comments lead to a discussion about podcasts in general, Jarman's podcast A Play On Nerds, and Shawn's former podcast, Sci-Fi Waffle.

This week's podcast promo: ESDCU

Laughter really is the best medicine. Jokes, comedians and laughter are on the agenda for this week's Soul Forge Podcast. Shawn and Tracy are telling jokes, and trying to make each other laugh. They are discussing some of their favourite comedians. Movies that they find funny are also mentioned.

Shawn's brother Robin has dreams of becoming a stand-up comedian. Or at the very least, going up on stage and giving it a try. If this actually happens, you can be sure we will have a recording on an upcoming episode!

On the topic of comedians and comedy, we talk a bit about comedy specials on Netflix. Some of the comedians we mention in this episode include: Trevor Noah, Jeff Dunham, Marc Maron, Amy Schumer, Arsenio Hall and Ricky Gervais. But there are more discussed.

Tell us about your favourite jokes or stand-up comedians. You can always email the show via soulforgepodcast@gmail.com

Jokes, comedians and laughter! Shawn's favourite comedian made him cry.

This week's podcast promo: Nerdlanta

Ghosting! The Non-Hallowe'en Special!

Everyone is in love, falling out of love, or looking for love. Or maybe it's really just about the sex. Whatever you are looking for, perhaps you've tried your hand at online dating. There are many apps to help you do just that. Sex, love, marriage and heartache can be yours with a few quick swipes.

Our episode begins with a look at the world of online dating. Plenty of Fish is one of the most common sites. It is free and easy to use. Some people use Tinder, Bumble, Grindr, Elite Singles, but there are many others. We have a brief discussion about our own experiences.

Ghosting is not just for Hallowe'en anymore. You can ghost and be ghosted at any time. Most often, ghosting occurs as a result of online dating. It is much easier to dismiss and block someone if you don't know them in real life.

As part of our look into ghosting, we talk about conversation and rapport. We talk about the need for honesty and how this can be difficult for many people. Reading profiles of potential partners is an important part of getting to know someone's intentions. It is tough to meet people in real life.

This week's podcast promo: Earth Station One

We love memes. Memes are how we communicate, and how we express what we are feeling. They often say things that we think but cannot put into words of our own. So, here we have In The Meme Time. It's kind of a play on words. And it's a freaking hilarious episode. I will be telling you what I think each meme means. Also, I will be using my own personal experience to make many of these memes relatable.

Be aware that while this episode is amazing and hilarious, there are some bad words in it. Also, near the end, I left in a blooper that I thought was super amusing. So, put your feet up and relax. In the meme time!

This week's podcast promos: Terminus Doctor Who, ESO Patreon

The happiness equation was born out of a feeling of being doomed to unhappiness. As if the universe would not allow joy to exist. The technical name is cherophobia or fear of happiness. It is an attitude towards happiness in which individuals may deliberately avoid experiences that invoke positive emotions or happiness.

There is the belief that when one becomes happy, a negative event will soon occur that will taint that happiness; as if punishing that individual for satisfaction. There are 4 reasons for this feeling. (1) a belief that happiness will cause bad things to happen; (2) that happiness will cause you to become a bad person; (3) that expressing happiness is somehow bad for you and others; and (4) that pursuing happiness is bad for you and others.

We’re designed to suffer in a sense. Natural selection also designed gratification to evaporate and designed us to keep pursuing it desperately after it evaporates. And to try to cling to it, even though that’s impossible.

Our reactions and emotions make us worry. Happiness is the consequence of taming the wild horse that is our mind.

The journey to happiness requires looking into the face of reality. Buddhism focuses on taming the mind and its various delusions, misunderstandings, and cravings. To attain equanimity — a deep sense of well-being and happiness — requires daily learning and practice.

Happiness is not just a dreamy state of mind. It creates measurable outcomes, as demonstrated by various studies:

Happy people have stronger immune systems and tend to live longer. Happy people are more creative. Happy people are more collaborative at work. Happy people are more successful in their personal and professional lives. Happy people do better in social relationships. Happy people effectively bounce back from adversity. Happy people are more accepting of themselves and others.

This week's podcast promo: PWR Spot Show

Talking about those things that make your day. The small, seemingly insignificant moments that add up to so much. Those things that make you say, "that really made my day!"

On this week's episode, Shawn is joined by Deidre. They laugh and carry on and discuss all the things that help us get through our days. Deidre has an amazing practice she calls Priming. She wakes up early, but stays in bed. She spends the time reliving moments of joy in her life. And she finds 3 moments of gratefulness. Picking goals and envisioning them as already done, and feeling the healing light and sending it out into the world are also parts of Priming.

The episode is made possible in part by the assistance of Rene and Heather. They have both been on episodes of Soul Forge before. Their moments 'that made my day' are included in the show.

We finish up by learning about the Hawaiian prayer Ho'oponopono which can help anyone let go of resentment.

This week's podcast promo: NerdBliss

Who are the climate crusader girls? They are not a superhero group, but they are super in their own ways. These are young girls who are doing everything in their power to try to save the world. Whether it be fighting for water rights, or preventing climate change, they all have strong voices. This episode is going to tell you a little bit about several of these climate crusader girls. For more information you will need to hop on Google and YouTube. There is a lot of information out there.

After a brief preamble about the latest happenings in my life, I talk a bit about my own thoughts on climate change and saving the world. I also read a Facebook Note that I wrote 11 years ago regarding my worries about oil and gas and the end of civlization. The episode continues on with a bit about some of the climate crusader girls and their lives and what they are passionate about. The episode concludes with the speech Greta Thunberg gave at the recent UN Climate Action Summit.

The Climate Crusader Girls:

Greta Thunberg, the 16-year-old Swedish activist, has become one of the most visible faces of the climate activism movement. She’s had a particular gift for articulating the seriousness of the climate crisis. She's getting older generations to understand that young people will pay the price for their irresponsible decisions.

Autumn Peltier, a 13-year-old Anishinaabe girl from Wiikwemkoong First Nation in Canada, has been a vocal advocate for protecting water.

Mari Copeny, an 11-year-old from Flint, Michigan. She has been advocating tirelessly for the government to pay attention to the water crisis in her town since she was 8.

Artemisa Xakriabá, a 19-year-old from the Brazilian Amazon, spoke at the climate strike in New York City about the increasing destruction of the land in her part of the world, pointing out that the indigenous people are overwhelmingly affected by climate change.

There’s also Ridhima Pandey. She's an 11-year-old from India, who is among the group of 16 young people around the world (along with Thunberg) who filed a United Nations complaint against five of the world’s largest polluters.

This week's podcast promo: CasterQuest

Are we living in the best possible version of reality? Did the decisions that we made when we were younger result in the older version of us being the most content? How can we ever know if we made the correct choices? Can we imagine what life we could be living right now if only we had made a different decision?

Obvioulsy there is no way to peer behind the curtain of reality. We cannot ever hope to know what the alternate reality version of us is doing right this minute. No way to know if that other us is living the life we wish we had. All we can do is speculate and wonder.

On this episode Shawn and Trish talk about the decisions that were made that resulted in the lives they are living now. 16 years ago, Shawn was faced with 3 choices: stay in Timmins, go back to North Bay, or head home to Sault Ste. Marie. Ultimately, he stayed in Timmins and fell in love with Trish and had a family for 9 years until he left. But what if he had moved back to the Soo, or if he had never left Trish. It's speculation time. Are we living in the best possible version of reality?

This episode covers life lessons and the decision to leave Trish. The inability to talk about and process emotions. Also, wanting to take charge of your destiny and be the hero of your own story. We also discuss matching your words to your actions and how this is not always easy to do. And we end the podcast by ruminating on the meaning of love. Are we living in the best possible version of reality?

This week's podcast promo: ThunderTalk

My ex-fiance gives me some insight and advice while I stand here at the crossroads. Trish and I were together for 9 years. She has seen me go through quite the transformation over the years. There is probably no one who knows me better. On this week's episode, she tells me like it is. Trish has never been one to hold back on anything.

One of my issues is that I've always felt as if everyone else is better off than I am. This has lead to a certain amount of envy. And also a good amount of self-pity for poor life choices. Trish gives me a fresh perspective on this line of thinking.

We also talk about the feelings of misery and doubt that come when you are at the crossroads in life. We talk about me wanting to update my resume. If I do that, what is the next step? Where will I find a job that gives me the same benefits and advantages that I currently enjoy? I tend to abandon ship and just do anything I can to escape when I feel like I'm at the crossroads of life. I need to consider all my options instead of just closing my eyes and leaping.

And finally, Trish quotes my grandfather's words of wisdom. My Bumpa always said "Make plans, but don't plan the outcome." When you're at the crossroads, these words are important to remember.

This week's podcast promo: Double Edged Double Bill

Yup, it's time for a change. When things become stale, old or boring, we must look for a fresh perspective. We cannot continue to live by our old patterns. Like a snake that sheds its skin, we too must start over, begin again. This episode of the Soul Forge will take on the topic of change.

Your host Shawn is joined by his brother Robin, and together they discuss and examine the changes in their lives. Robin has recently changed everything about his life. He had a job, a car, and a house in Sault Ste. Marie. Due to certain circumstances he lost all of those things. He needed to make a change. He could have remained in his hometown, or he could start fresh. Start fresh is what he did. Moving in with his brother Shawn helped Robin financially and emotionally.

Shawn recently turned 43. The seasons are changing. The postal routes are also changing next week and Shawn is forced to change his shift. It is time for a change. Everything needs to change. Shawn would like to leave Timmins. He wants a new job, a new car, a new house. Winning the lottery is not an option, and yet something drastic needs to change in Shawn's life. Perhaps this is a continuation of his recent existential crisis. What changes will Shawn make? Will he stay stuck in familiar patterns? Only time will tell.

This week's podcast promo: The Nerdy Laser

DragonCon 2019 is over, but it was an amazing experience. On this episode, Shawn talks about all the adventures experienced, incredible people met, the panels attended, and so much more. DragonCon is held in Atlanta, Georgia over the Labor Day weekend. This was the 33rd event.

To get to Atlanta, Shawn drove his little black car from Timmins, Ontario. He crossed the province of Ontario, and then drove through 5 states. Each way, there and back again, took approximately 22 hours over 2 days. Would he do it again? He certainly would! 4500 kilometres is a long way to go to get your geek on, but totally worth it.

On this episode, you will hear about the celebrity panels Shawn and friends attended. The number of people Shawn met is beyond counting. One of the highlights was meeting Kine Corder from episode 41 of the Soul Forge Podcast. Other highlights include Jarman Day, Mike and Judy Faber, Robert J. Sawyer, Mike Gordon and the rest of the ESO Network crew.

Sweet Tea is amazing. Don't stay at the Motel 6 in Findlay, Ohio. Check out Shawn's Facebook page for the DragonCon photo album: https://www.facebook.com/vanderloo

This week's podcast promos: ESO Patreon and Earth Station Who

Geek roots run deep.

What is the fake eyeball sneeze story and how does it provide the jump into this episode? You can thank Chantale for this....

Shawn has always been into the worlds of science fiction and fastasy. He also strives for deeper meanings and connections in the world. On this episode, Shawn takes you on a journey into the heart of himself. You will discover why his geek roots run so deep, and where these roots came from, and how they took hold.

Through poetry, collecting, work and the like, Shawn discusses how he has tried to reach other people. The world is a scary and lonely place, but he believes that through common experiences, and a bit of communition, connections with others can be made. For the benefit of self, and the rest of humanity.

This episode is wide ranging. There are so many ideas and topics covered, but some of these are collecting, selling, television, podcasting and toys.

This week's podcast promo: Earth Station One

In conversation with Jarman, the skeptical atheist and co-host of A Play On Nerds Podcast.

Friend of the show, Jarman, whom you all know at the voice of the opening narration of this very podcast, sits down for a chat with Shawn. They engage in an animated discussion regarding the world the atheism. We learn about Jarman's religious upbringing, what changed, and where he is today.

Topics includes morality, prayers, dating and so many other things. You'll also learn something about Shawn's spirituality.

Atheism is not an affirmative belief that there is no god nor does it answer any other question about what a person believes. It is simply a rejection of the assertion that there are gods. Atheism is too often defined incorrectly as a belief system. Despite the fact that atheism is not a religion, atheism is protected by many of the same Constitutional rights that protect religion. That, however, does not mean that atheism is itself a religion, only that our sincerely held (lack of) beliefs are protected in the same way as the religious beliefs of others. Similarly, many “interfaith” groups will include atheists. This, again, does not mean that atheism is a religious belief.

This week's podcast promo: Flopcast

It's time to move along home. This week on the Soul Forge Podcast we are talking about moving. We mainly focus on what it is like to move as a child when you have no choice in the matter. Of course, we also touch on moving as an adult, although this is usually not as traumatic. So get ready, pack your bags, and join us on a journey into the unknown.

Our guest this week is Steve. He comes to us from the A Play On Nerds podcast. This is a great podcast and if you haven't checked it out yet, you owe it to yourself to do so.

Steve's mom was a pastor. As such, they were required to move every few years. These moves were often across the country. Steve found himself in a lot of strange situations. What is it like to be one of the only white kids in your class? You'll find out on this episode. So listen to us chat away about our various moving experiences. This may not be a 'lessons' episode, but you'll be highly entertained as we move along home.

This week's podcast promo: DragonCon Khan Report

With this experiement of an episode, the Soul Forge Podcast presents something wholly new. Whether we call them tactical minis or quick shots, each segment brings you on a journey. While most podcasts invite you to experience a single topic, this episode presents several different ideas.

A tactical mini is an idea. It is an idea with such focus that it cannot be expanded upon. Each mini will touch on a feeling that is unable to be contained. Single ideas. Single topics. Focus. Depth. Call them quick shots or tactical minis -- the name has not been locked down as of yet. The basic idea is that something has come to my attention and is intruding upon my mind. I need to get it out of my system. Therefore, I drill down into the heart of an issue and get it off my mind, and I free my soul.

These tactical minis or quick shots are only three to five minutes in length. The concept is such that the topic of the mini is too small to become an entire full length episode. Therefore, I have recorded 4 minis and put them into this one episode. It is the first of its kind - an experiment of sorts to see if this whole idea is workable.

Your feedback is encouraged and appreciated. What do you think of this idea? You are more than welcome to record a tactical mini of your own to be played on a future episode of the Soul Forge Podcast. Send your emails to soulforgepodcast@gmail.com or tweet your feelings on the show to @soulforgepod

This week's podcast promos:

Cigar Nerds, Pop Culture Cosmos, The Monster Scifi Show Rusted Robot Podcast

What is faith and magical thinking? On this episode of the Soul Forge Podcast we take a deep dive into the world of the unknown. Faith is something that you just have, or have not. And we are not talking about religious faith in a god of some kind. No - this is the faith you have that things will work out for the best, even though you don't necessarily know how this is going to come about. Magical thinking is related to this concept, but in a much more basic way.

We start by discussing superstitions such as wishing upon a star, or birthday cake candle wishing. This form of faith and magical thinking is where we get our beliefs about the world. We all want to impose some type of control over events which cannot be controlled. We all want control. Magical thinking is the idea that 'if I do this, then this thing will happen.'

The episode moves into the idea that we don't always get what we want, but somehow we get what we need. The universe has a way of providing for us. Some of us have an absolute unfounded faith in things just working out for us. We provide several examples from our own lives as evidence.

We round out the topic by covering how we are connected to nature. And we wonder if we are all in some type of simulation. Are we somehow controlling aspects of the simulation without knowing or realizing it?

This week's podcast promo: The 42 Cast

The Cheryl saga started about 4 years ago. Although we had known each other for about a decade longer, the actual start of anything resembling intimacy began in August of 2015. As most things do, this began with flirtation and a great sense of fun. Shawn was looking for that indescribable feeling that he lost when his marriage fell apart. Cheryl was willing to stand by Shawn's side no matter what Shawn said or did to push her away.

On this episode, Shawn and Cheryl discuss many aspects regarding their 4 year cycle of on-again, off-again relationship. You'll learn about the good times, the bad times, and the interference they faced from those around them. Sit back and get ready for a tale you won't soon forget. It's the Cheryl Saga!

This week's podcast promo: Earth Station One

It's drunken fun with Shawn and Stephanie. And Karen. And Jason. This is the fifth of the 5 episodes in the Stephanie cycle. At the end of February, my old pal Stephanie came for a visit and we recorded 5 episodes back to back to back. Starting with episode 90 these shows have been released every 5 weeks. So for the complete experience, you'll want to listen to episodes 90, 95, 100, and 105 before listening to this, episode 110. However, you do not need to have heard the other shows to enjoy this one.

As we recorded, we tried several craft beers that Stephanie brought with her. This episode, unlike the other 4, does not have a coherent theme. You could almost consider it pure chaos, except for the fact that it is hilarious. It turns out that when I (Shawn) am drunk, I become a raving loon. There is a certain amount of structure to the episode, but most of it is people trying to keep me on topic. Enjoy this episode for what it is. Raw and unedited.

This week's podcast promo: Myopia Defend Your Childhood

What do booze, babies, and motorbikes all have in common? They fill out the background of this very special episode. Our friend Whit returns for his third time on the Soul Forge. He's already talked with us about sex and virginity. Now he has a few things to tell us about his life before podcasting.

The first thing we do is get an update on where Whit is currently, and what he's been up to lately. This episode was recorded just a couple of days before the birth of his first child. You will get to hear about his thoughts and feelings on the upcoming birth. Learn about his fears and his excitement. I will provide you with all the baby details at the end of the episode.

2016 was the worst year of Whit's life. After years of people who were close to him dying, he had had enough and was completely over life. Too many deaths lead to depression and feelings of helplessness. Whit had been working out and trying to lose weight. After a particularly difficult death, he began drinking heavily.

Drinking lead to some drug use. Destructive behaviour was on Whit's menu. He tells the story of his drinking and drugging and how he heard the wake up call. Almost trying Meth snapped him out of his dark behaviour. Find out all the details on what Whit learned.

This week's podcast promo: Nerdbliss

Grade 8 graduation and entering high school is a major milestone in a young person's life. On this week's Soul Forge I sit with my son Bishop to get his take on this life changing time. We do this episode in two parts. We recorded the first half before he graduated, and before he went on his year end trip to Toronto. We then followed this up with a second recording after his return, and after the graduation ceremony. These two conversations are melded together into this podcast.

You will learn what Bishop's thoughts and hopes and fears are. He will regale you with stories from his Toronto trip. Toronto is a big place and the school kids went to many places and experienced many events. And we top it off with his hopes for the future, and how he felt about graduation day. Grade 9 is only two months away, and he has a few thoughts about this as well.

This week's podcast promo: Watchalon of Rassilon

On episode 107, Shawn has a chat with Lisa Beere. She is a children's author, song writer, poet, and a brain injury survivor.

On Writing: the challenge of longer stories vs stories meant for children; paying attention to the details in long format writing. Lisa talks about the writer's routine and what she does daily.

The publishing industry can be difficult to navigate. Two useful resources for aspiring writers are Writer's Market 2019: The Most Trusted Guide to Getting Published and Guide to Literary Agents 2019: The Most Trusted Guide to Getting Published.

We learn about Lisa's website and some of her book events. She tells us about some currents and upcoming works, as well as a few things about the people who have illustrated her books, such as Stephanie Daze who drew the picture used in the cover art for this episode.

Brain Injury: Lisa recounts her story and how she came to acquire a brain injury. She talks about concussions, impact areas and the factors of recovery. She goes over the positive effects from her injury. We will also discuss mindfulness and slowing down to focus on the moment.

You will also learn about the extent of Lisa's brain injury, her speech issues and hearing problems. And you will find out about what happens when listening to music, the radio, telephone sounds and what she has learning about noise desensitization therapy.

Find Lisa's website at http://lisa.beere.ca/ and catch her on Twitter https://twitter.com/LisaBeereAuthor

This week's promo: ESO Patreon

Get ready for the weirdest guest the Soul Forge Podcast has ever had!

Following up on the recent existential crisis episode, our guest this week touches on 3 emotions that everyone is familiar with...that being fear, anger and anxiety. Interestingly, these emotions are not, by definition, linked to depression in all cases.

We dive into the loss of both a wife and a mother within a year of each other, and what that can do to a person's mental health. These events become linked. It becomes difficult to separate one from the other and find a healthy way to deal and heal.

Many of us have a strong desire to help others at our own expense. As such, we tend to surround ourselves with a variety of friends with poor mental health. Let's call these people Mental Illness Friends. It is easier to help others than it is to deal with our own issues.

Loss leads to feelings of impermanence. Nothing feels like forever. Walls of emotional isolation are built and fortified. We must face our expectations of reality and what actually is. How do we deal with our anger and other feelings?

Find us on YouTube by going to this link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCataaeTRQltObb7n1GHW_qw/videos

This week's podcast promo: Nerdbliss Podcast

What if you could send your mind through history and witness a slice of time? Where would you go? What would you see?

On this episode of the Soul Forge, Shawn and Stephanie use this thought experiment to discuss their dreams and desires. Starting off with a brief discussion about what super powers they would have, and why, the duo dive into the past. Join them and recreate your own mind adventures. In this scenario, your consciousness is sent back in time. You cannot change any event you are a witness to. You can experience the feelings of the people you see. You can watch from above like a flying drone camera, or you can be inside the head of a person living at that time. Where will you go?

In this episode, Shawn discusses going back and seeing what the Woodstock music festival of 1969 was really like. It's like being there without all the mess.

Stephanie wants to see the crucifiction of Jesus firsthand. What really happened and what were the people thinking? Did the events really go as reported in the Bible? Was Jesus even a real person? The only way to know for certain is to be a time slice witness.

The death of Socrates, the first few meetings of your grandparents, and the first time you made love are further ideas discussed in this episode. Shawn's earliest memory is just after his baptism at approximately 9 months old. The memory is vivid. Did the event really occur as in his memory? The only way to know for sure is by becoming a time slice witness.

This week's podcast promo: Cigar Nerds

If you wanna start a podcast, there are some things you gotta know!

Okay, so, here it is; I'm going to tell you the basic outline on how to start a podcast of your very own. I'll be going over some of the basic facts, and I'll be sharing my story and what I have learned from my five and a half year journey. Keep in mind that this is my own perspective and other people have gone about things in different ways.

The first thing you will need is an idea to base your show around. In this episode, I tell you what went into my thought process. What knowledge did I already have that would help me to create a show that I would enjoy producing week after week? Remember that the name of your show is extremely important for your branding purpose. And episode titles are likely the hardest part of the whole enterprise.

Equipment is important but there are many different kinds and set ups. Depending on your level of experience, income and passion, your equipment set-up will be unique to you. You're going to need some kind of microphone. These range in price from $10 to several hundreds or more. You need software to record your voice onto. You need editing software. And you are going to need a host in which to upload your finished episodes. Post your episode to as many different places as possible including TuneIn, Stitcher, and iTunes.

Social media can be your friend. Post to as many places as possible and interact with everyone you can. Cross promote with similar podcasts. Make connections. Use Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and any other platforms you feel comfortable with.

Almost everything I have learned about podcasting is included in this episode. I've made many mistakes, and made many friends along the way. The number one thing to remember is that if you have a passion for something, podcast about it. If not, podcasting may not be for you.

This week's podcast promo: The PWR Spot Show

Shawn is back from all the road trips and has stories to tell. Enter the Soul Forge for all the details.

You'll hear what it is like on a road trip in an old RV with fathers and sons. Listen in for the what it's like in the north eastern part of the United States. Did Shawn ever track down Stephen King? How many break downs occurred? What are the Reversing Falls? Bear and Deer and Moose, oh my!

Robin gives us an update on his working situation and tries to contain his laughter.

Any further show notes would just spoil the episode.

This week's podcast promo: ESDCU

The Happiness Ninja visits the Soul Forge Podcast!

Meet Lisa Wilson. She wears many hats as a successful life coach. She is known as a transformation champion, the happiness ninja, and a communication guru. Being a life coach brings with it many responsibilities and as such requires many differents kinds of skills.

You will learn exactly how and why Lisa entered into life coaching as a profession. Her Human Resources experience was a definite asset to her new career. The whole thing really got started when she was laid off from work. Most people would see being let go as a negative experience. But not Lisa. She viewed this change as a gift, and as a push to start anew.

Transformation services: we learn how this works as a career or a job. When someone is laid off from work, Lisa will come in as part of what is called transiition services. She helps the former employee as they are leaving their work for the last time.

Life coaching: we hear about the specifics of the job as it relates to personal and corporate clients.

No. The word 'no' can be a complete sentence. We are over extended in our personal and professional lives and sometimes just saying no is the best option. No explanation or excuses needed.

Communication. It is important to learn how to communicate with others, but it is more important in some cases, to communicate with ourselves. We need to get to know who we are as people, and we need to listen to when our bodies tell us we need to slow down.

Be comfortable with yourself. The happiness equation. Society is always telling us that we need more stuff to be happy. We are always chasing happiness. Society tells us that DO + HAVE = BE HAPPY. But that equation is wrong and needs to be looked at another way. We need to be happy and do things that are fulfilling and then we will have what we need. BE + DO = HAVE.

Find Lisa on the web at lmwcoaching.ca and on all social media at @lmwconsultation

This week's podcast promo: Geekly Oddcast

It's time for an existential crisis! We were all just about due for one anyway. Just like clock work, here is a nice big one for you all to digest.

This week on the Soul Forge Podcast, I will be going over the details of my partial mental breakdown. Mind you, this is not a complete collapse. I still retain my sanity and self-awareness; as well as my self preservation instincts. Some times people need help. This is one of those times.

You will be hearing about how I have been crying at commercials and television shows. I am not one to express emotions very easily, and yet, they seem to be leaking from me beyond my powers to control them. The irrational anger and irritibilty may just be one of the most intensely annoying aspects of this crisis.

Worrying about things that will never or can never happen is exhausting. It is especially bad when you make up scenarios without realizing you are even thinking about them. I suppose it is normal to worry about a road trip where you will be in a motorhome for a week with family members that do not always get along so well. I have that to look forward to in the coming week!

I have learned I need to stop putting other people first. I need to take care of my own needs. And I need to stop being afraid of ending up alone. Time to stop taking the unhealthy relationships just because they are there.

Other concerns of mine include the collapse of civilization, the extinction of the orangutan within the next 10 years, the garbage in the oceans, and all the money we are wasting which could be better spent on saving the world from human misconduct.

This week's podcast promo: Nerdy Laser Podcast

Sex for your birthday is a wonderful experience. It is even more spectacular when you are losing your virginity. So what better way to celebrate the one hundredth (100th) episode of The Soul Forge Podcast than by a look back at the time Shawn lost his innocense? The best part? On this episode, the girl involved is on the show to tell her side of the story.

For episode 100, Shawn and Stephanie get together and listen to episode 31 of the podcast. On that episode, Shawn broke the story of his first love. He reviewed his thoughts, feelings and memories. And he speculated on what would make Stephanie decide to sleep with him. Stephanie after all, is a lesbian. It's not every man that can say he lost his virginity to a lesbian. So on this episode, we hear Stephanie's perspective on the situation.

If you have not listened to episode 31 you may want to go do that first. It is not necessary to enjoy this 100th episode, but it would add some context to the discussion at hand. That episode was recorded without any input from Stephanie. Shawn was going through his memories and filling in the background details of his life.

Sit back and relax as we celebrate 100 amazing, crazy, head-scratching episodes of The Soul Forge Podcast. Soul Forge - the only podcast that makes you take a hard look at your own life.

This week's podcast promo: Rusted Robot Podcast

Shawn's brother Robin has moved in, and now it is up to Shawn to be his brother's keeper. Robin is undergoing a complete reboot and overhaul of his life. It is up to Shawn to guide and nurture Robin on this quest.

On this recording, the brothers discuss their new endeavour. They discuss the new living situation as well as what it is going to take to put Robin back on the right track. Robin talks about what went wrong in his life to bring him to this point. He analyzes what he has left behind him. He talks openly and with candor about what he needs to do, and what he wants in the way of help from his brother.

Listen in as Robin tells you about the jobs he has lost, and the reasons for this. He will explain his ways of thinking. Robin explores his passions and his hopes and dreams. He may have hit rock bottom, but he has not given up hope, and he is not alone.

Shawn and Robin explore what it is going to take to make a success out of what they have been given.

This week's podcast promo: Pod Casserole

Stacey Arrowsmith lives a minimalist life in her van.

For many years Stacey lived a typical, traditional life. She had a husband, children, a four bedroom house with a garage. And lots of things. She had so much stuff. Then she got a divorce and started downsizing. This is the story of how a person can go from a traditional life to a minimalist life. But this isn't the story of minimalism. This is the story of how Stacey found her happiness.

Stacey works for Canada Post as a Route Measurement Officer. We discuss a little bit of what this job entails, but mainly we find out how she lives her life on the road in her van. We learn how to downsize your possessions quickly and efficiently. We find out where and how to store your extra belongings if you have any. Also, the necessity of a physical address even if you do not have a physical, stationary location.

When living in a van, you must pay close attention to the weather and to the temperature. It can be a lot to adjust to, both physcially and mentally. There is also the social stigma, other challenges and the many reactions from various people.

Stacey also tells us about how she does her laundry, and the types of clothes she is able to have in her van. Food prep can be a challenge depending on circumstances. And finding places to park and sleep is also something to think about.

Join us on this week's Soul Forge Podcast as we journey into the world of living in a van. You can follow Stacey's blog at www.chipmunksrvlife.com and on Twitter @chipmunksrvlife

This week's podcast promo: Spooky Dudes

My transgender friend Crystal opens up about her life.

Coming to terms with who you are as a person is often a difficult process. It can be even more difficult when you are a trans individual. This week, our story begins with In The Turn, a documentary about the Vagine Regime, the queer Roller Derby collective. Crystal's story, and the Vagine Regime story intersect in a fascinating and unique way.

Crystal was a fun loving and confident child. Then the school decided she wasn't allowed to play sports because they couldn't figure out which team to place her on. This naturally lead her to withdraw from a lot of life's activities.

Many people in her life were afraid she was suffering from a mental illness of some kind. The doctor suggested that Crystal's mother buy her a dress. The dress unlocked a massive change in behaviour. Crystal felt whole. "Skirts don't cure mental illness."

Also in this episode we learn about the reactions people have towards Crystal, as well as the amount of intolerance she faces. She teaches us how to interact properly with a trans person, and which pronouns to use. You'll hear about rudeness, acceptance, stealth trans people and more.

Crystal shares her story in an unflinching and brave manner. We learn about hormone blockers, mental health, acceptance and gender re-assignment surgery.

If you would like more information, as always you can email the podcast at soulforgepodcast@gmail.com or contact Crystal directly on Twitter @blinkthunder

This week's podcast promo: Caster Quest

It's time to pitch a tent, because camping season is upon us! On this week's Soul Forge podcast, Shawn and Deidre share some of their camping memories.

What is camping anyway? We looked up a definition just to be funny. According to Wikipedia, Camping is an outdoor activity involving overnight stays away from home in a shelter, such as a tent. Typically participants leave developed areas to spend time outdoors in more natural ones in pursuit of activities providing them enjoyment. To be regarded as "camping" a minimum of one night is spent outdoors, distinguishing it from day-tripping, picnicking, and other similarly short-term recreational activities.

We touch on a lot of various topics including Deidre's time in both Girl Guides and Pathfinders. Shawn briefly talks about his time at Air Cadet camp.

Of course, we also talk about the regular camping stuff such as fires and marshmellows and getting rained out. You'll hear about the time Shawn went hiking with his brothers and how that turned out to be a disaster. We talk about crawdads, fishing for squirrels, pitching a tent in the backyard and more. No discussion about camping is complete without a reminder regarding tent etiquette. We may have also mentioned something about drinking and a horrible grade 8 class trip.

This week's podcast promo: The Flopcast

We all experience or receive signs from the universe. However, not all of us are open to such signs/signals/messages. Most surprising of all, the universe doesn’t always make these things totally obvious, or even always easy to see. But if you start paying attention, you will realize that the universe is sending you signals all the time that show you where you need to go and what you need to do to create the life of your dreams.

This can all seem a little bit 'out there' or even a bit 'woo-woo.'

We've often asked ourselves if there really is a universal force guiding us on our journey. Or, are we simply imposing our thoughts, feelings and desires on the situation at hand?

If this universal force does indeed exist, you may choose to call it God, Allah, the Great Maker, or some other similar concept. There is no way to know if a higher power exists, and yet, these signs do seem to come from somewhere.

In this episode, Shawn and Stephanie discuss and explore this topic with examples from their own lives.

5 signs from the universe:

Special numbers in a sequence.
When you experience a delay.
When you experience a coincidence.
When a book, person or course appears in your awareness.
When your intuition seems heightened.

After the end credits we play a snippet of Paulo Coelho talking to Oprah about his book The Alchemist

This week's podcast promo: The Monster SciFi Show

The unboxing of my time capsule of first year university memories. After my first year of school in 1995-1996, I boxed up a bunch of stuff I thought would be significant. I haven't opened the box in 23 years. On this episode, I take everything out, and tell the story of each item. There is no real message or moral to this episode. It's meant as a fun look back at who I was. Following is the list of things found in the time capsule box. Listen to the episode to hear the stories...

Time Capsule Items:

This week's podcast promo: Transmissions From Atlantis

Water is life. You wouldn't think we could make an entire episode about water, but Deidre is back to show us how it's done!

Water is a transparent, tasteless, odorless, and nearly colorless chemical substance, which is the main constituent of Earth's streams, lakes, and oceans, and the fluids of most living organisms. It is vital for all known forms of life, even though it provides no calories or organic nutrients.

We are not talking about the hydrologic cycle, the boiling point, or the fact that water turns to ice by freezing backwards in relation to how everything else freeezes.

8 glasses a day? The Canadian Food Guide says so, but Deidre thinks we should double that amount, depending on how age and activity level. Water activates our cells, keeps us healthy. We are all dehydrated. Lack of water is responsible for our migraine headaches, high blood pressure and cancers. We're also eating too much processed sugar - but there are alternatives.

Coffee! Drink 2 glasses of water for each cup of coffee. Double that for sugary soda pop type drinks. There's a fun bit of humour about triple fisting.

Plastics are everywhere. In the oceans. In our bodies.

Farting. The best way to tell if kids are dehydrated is through fart odours. The worse the smell, the more water is needed.

Our bodies know what they need to stay healthy. Weeds are only weeds because we are not using them properly. Make yourself some dandelion tea!

Find Deidre at https://www.facebook.com/heartzandmindz/

This week's podcast promo: PWR Sports

This week’s Soul Forge Podcast deals with, you guessed it, existential loneliness. What is that? Good question! It is the fundamental basis of human life, or human existence. But, we are having fun with this deep, dark topic. We are not dwelling on the morose. This is a fun episode about something not so fun. Loneliness is something we all experience and can relate to. In this episode, we are going to cover the types of loneliness, and tell personal stories relating to each type.

Existentialism is the philosophical study that begins with the human subject—not merely the thinking subject, but the acting, feeling, living human individual.

Loneliness is a complex and usually unpleasant emotional response to isolation. Loneliness typically includes anxious feelings about a lack of connection or communication with other beings, both in the present and extending into the future. As such, loneliness can be felt even when surrounded by other people. The causes of loneliness are varied and include social, mental, emotional, and physical factors.

Existential Loneliness is a new concept in existential philosophy and psychology. This sense of emptiness and void is really a problem within each person, not a lack of meaningful relationships. However, existential loneliness is deeper than either (1) the absence of a specific person we love or (2) the lack of any meaningful connections with others. Because existential loneliness is so easy to confuse with problems of love or problems of having no relationships, we might spend a few years of our lives struggling with existential loneliness using methods that are appropriate only for interpersonal loneliness.

To be happy, we need intimate bonds; we need to be able to confide, we need to feel like we belong, we need to be able to get and give support. In fact, strong relationships are key — perhaps the key — to a happy life.

Of course, being alone and being lonely aren’t the same. Loneliness feels draining, distracting, and upsetting; desired solitude feels peaceful, creative, restorative.

7 Types of Loneliness

New-situation loneliness
I’m-different loneliness
No-sweetheart loneliness
No-animal loneliness
No-time-for-me loneliness
Untrustworthy-friends loneliness
Quiet-presence loneliness

Read more at https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/the-happiness-project/201702/7-types-loneliness-and-why-it-matters#_=_

This week’s podcast promo: We Podcast And We Know Things

We look at the ideas of jealousy and envy. Recent comments and observations have prompted the hosts to discuss their feelings in regards to these emotions. Thus, we have the ideal topic for this week's podcast episode.

Jealousy generally refers to the thoughts or feelings of insecurity, fear, concern, over relative lack of possessions. It can consist of one or more emotions such as anger, resentment, inadequacy, helplessness or disgust.

Envy (from Latin invidia) is an emotion which "occurs when a person lacks another's superior quality, achievement, or possession and either desires it or wishes that the other lacked it"

After listening to several recent episodes of Soul Forge, co-host Tracy is feeling inadequate. Recent guests, Deidre and Stephanie were eloquent and intelligent and well-spoken. Tracy feels as though she lacks these qualities.

Heather (a guest on several episodes) sends us a text with her thoughts and feelings on this topic.

As we get deeper into the subject we ask ourselves if envy comes from our poor life choices. Do we see in others what we failed to achieve in our own lives? As such, Shawn discusses his ongoing envy of his friend's lives. Yet, we can only see so far into other people's situations. Are we, therefore, jealous or envious of perceptions?

It's possible to use envy and jealousy in a positive manner. We must look inside ourselves, recognize what we desire from others, and strive to create it for ourselves.

This week's podcast promo: Earth Station One

Are you the best guy she knows? Shawn's best friend from university, Stephanie, comes for a visit and a chat about the old times. Steph tells Shawn why she thinks he is the best guy she knows.

Stephanie came for a weekend visit and guest hosted on Shawn's other show, The Rusted Robot Podcast. To hear her podcast debut, check out episode 235 of that show. Some of her opinions were in direct contrast to those of Shawn's co-host Josh. A good time was probably had by all involved.

Shawn and Steph begin this episode by talking about their past and how age has caught up with them since they were in their 20s. There is some chatter about the history of their friendship, and where they stand with each other now. They remember the good times and the bad times. And they remember the last times they saw each other. Stephanie talks about some of the reasons as to why she thinks Shawn is the best guy she knows.

What happens when you realize you're in love with your friend? You try to hide it. And you write some cheesy love poetry. You wait for cheap long distance phone calls on Tuesdays. And you write letters and wait for the reply. Before the internet and smart phones, communication was a lot more complicated.

Music was a big part of the bonding process for these friends. Some of their favourite performers included Britney Spears and the Spice Girls. Amanda Marshall and her nipples were also a big deal.

This week's podcast promo: Monster Sci-Fi Show

February is Black History Month, and for this episode the Soul Forge has a special guest sharing her experience as a black woman living in the north. Deidre is not an ambassador for her race. This is her story - one perspective out of many.

Deidre was born in Winnipeg and moved to Timmins about 10 years ago after a career in Paramedicine. Working as a flight medic allowed her to travel around Canada and the United States, while also exposing her to many different cultures and ways of life. This community involvement not only allowed her to experience other cultures, but also enabled her to see the similarities between these many different peoples.

In her working life, she has seen racism first hand. There is blatant racism, but there is also passive racism, or the kind that is harder to pinpoint, but is real nonetheless. Corporate policies and biases in the workplace and in the school system are still an ongoing concern. From subjective as opposed to objective reports on her work performance, and from schools singling out kids with differences, Deidre has seen her fair share of bigotry.

Other topics discussed in this episode include Jane Elliott's Blue Eyes/Brown Eyes experiment and how this relates to point of privilege. We also discuss various life lessons, what we have taken away from our grandparents, and the role models on television.

We end our discussion with a look at gender and how the black community has received a wake-up call from the LGBTQ community.

This week's podcast promo: The 42 Cast

You can buy me flowers, but you can't buy me love. This week, the Soul Forge Podcast explores the commercialization of love in our 2019 Valentine's Day Special.

Let's talk about the kinds of expectations we have of ourselves and our partners on February 14th. Is there too much pressure from society on how we express our love and affection? Do we really need over-the-top displays of affection to prove our love? Why do we put ourselves through this each and every year?

Just who was this Valentine anyway? We will explore a brief history of his life.

We are pounded and pulverized by advertisements telling us how to show our love. It really is no wonder that we are all stressed out and feel inadequate when we compare ourselves to others.

A brief guide on how and what to buy as a gift for a man on Valentine's Day.

So you put a lot of thought and effort into your gift. That's great, except they don't like it. Now what do you do? In this part of the episode, we talk a bit about what to do and how to avoid feeling like garbage.

Remembering the school days practice of handing out Valentine's cards in class, and the trauma that caused us.

Does it matter when the gift was bought? If your lover picked up your present on the way home on the 14th, or has had it sitting in a drawer for a month...does that equate to the value of the love?

Fate! Is love written in the stars?

Should people get engaged on Valentine's Day? Is this a romantic gesture or a great way to get out of gift giving?

This week's podcast promo: The Nerdy Laser Podcast

Sometimes you just gotta get over yourself. What does that mean, and how does one accomplish such a lofty ideal? Glad you asked! That is the subject of this week's Soul Forge Podcast.

We start with a discussion about the nature of existence and who we are as people. Is everyone around us a simulation put there for us to interact with? Are we a simulation in an alien lab? Could our memories be newly implanted and each day we awake for the first time? We feel as if we are the centre of the universe, but this is not really the cast, unless we actually are the only true person in existence.

So, if we are not the centre of the cosmos, but merely one speck among many, it stands to reason that not everything that happens is about us. Everything is not our fault. We have no way of knowing what other people are going through.

With all that being said, Shawn tells the tale of a text from an old friend. They haven't spoken in years. However, the friend has now broken up with his girlfriend and is free to socialize again. Shawn, being Shawn, is having trouble accepting the idea of hanging out again. Tracy's advice - get over yourself Shawn. Not everything is about you. And that is the nature of this week's podcast conversation.

This week's podcast promo: Pop Culture Cosmos

The Crush List is a return to form in the classic style of the Soul Forge Podcast. This week, Shawn talks about the many crushes he had during his school years. The depth of memory is an amazing thing!

We start by examining where the idea for this topic came from. Credit goes to Britney Spears, with a special shout-out to the Spice Girls. Did you have a favourite Spice Girl? After talking about attractive singers of the 1990s, we delve into early childhood crushes beginning with Kindergarten. We then move onto grades 6 through 8, and finally into high school crushes.

As a special treat, Shawn reads his first year university Crush List. What is a crush list? You must listen to the episode for all the details. Finishing off the story, listeners are treated to a reading of the poem, Encounter At The Terminal.

Feedback is always appreciated. Please email the show at soulforgepodcast@gmail.com

This week's podcast promo: Metal Geeks Podcast

Bell Let's Talk is a wide-reaching, multi-year program designed to break the silence around mental illness and support mental health all across Canada. The more we speak up and share what we're going through, the more it will help others talk about it too. Let's keep talking all year long.

In any given year, 1 in 5 people in Canada experience a mental health issue. 8% of all adults will experience a major depression at some point in their lives. 49% of people do not seek help. One of the biggest hurdles for anyone suffering from mental illness is overcoming the stigma.

For every text message sent by Bell Canada, Bell Aliant and Bell MTS customers, Bell will donate 5¢ towards mental health initiatives.

Shawn, Tracy, Heather and Tanya sit down for a conversation all about mental health. We explore our personal stories, and talk about ways of helping others in need. Topics include: the trap of guilt (good guilt vs bad/learned guilit), the 5 minute rule of motivation, negative core beliefs, and how to see signs of mental illness in others. It can be difficult to notice the changes in people that are an indication of a mental illness as these changes are often gradual and those experiences them often do not recognize the differences in themselves until it is too late.

Oftentimes, you must force yourself to get to a better place, even if just for 5 minutes. Use the 5 minute motivation rule to make yourself do something you used to enjoy. Read a book or magazine. Try journaling or colouring. Meditation, yoga or another exercise can help. Do something for yourself.

We have a list of reading material that can help. This list is by no means exhaustive.

You’re a Badass -Jen Sincro Positivity - Barbara Fredrickson Daring Greatly - Brené Brown Pantsdrunk - Miska Rantanen The Fifth Agreement - Don Miguel Ruiz Power of Now - Eckhart Tolle Five Minute Journal Buddhist Bootcamp - Timber Hawkeye The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck - Mark Manson The Gifts of Imperfection - Brené Brown Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends On It - Kamal Ravikant Authors to check out: don Miguel Ruiz, Mitch Albom, Paulo Coelho, Louise Hay, Humble the Poet, Eckhart Tolle, Brené Brown and so many others. You can contact us at any time via soulforgepodcast@gmail.com Tracy can be reached specifically at tracyhannah78@gmail.com Bell Let’s Talk promotes mental health awareness, acceptance and action built on 4 key pillars: Fighting stigma, improving access to care, supporting world-class research and leading by example in workplace mental health. Information on this podcast is not to be used for diagnosis, treatment or referral services. Individuals should contact their personal physician, and/or their local addiction or mental health agency for further information. If you are in crisis, please go to your local hospital or call 911 immediately This week's podcast promo: ESDCU Podcast

Christina is 6' 5" and she's got tall girl problems!

Having a height advantage can be a wonderful thing, but too much height can cause unique problems. On this episode of The Soul Forge Podcast, Christina shares some personal experiences regarding being a woman of a certain stature.

As far back as she can recall, Christina had to adapt to her surroundings. She has always had to endure comments and 'witty' observations. She had to balance out the composition of school pictures.

Many people of height slouch and become wall flowers. Tall people have many common personality traits that they develop to get along in a world that was not designed for them. Perhaps this is why they created the International Tall Club.

Christina talks about the way in which many men relate to her. She shares wonderful stories about how people have reacted to her. There is a wonderful Klingon story, and a terrific story about working as security in a bar.

It turns out that extreme height can be seen as a disability of sorts. Her height has allowed Christina to be much more empathetic towards people who are often viewed as disadvantaged whether it be due to skin colour, sexual preferance, etc.

Common tall problems include broken toes and broken sunglasses. It's nearly impossible to pay attention to both head and feet when you reach a certain height.

Stay tuned to the podcast for news about Chistina's upcoming book in which she details her experiences as a woman over 6 feet tall. You can follow Christina on social media by searching for Christina Geddes Group.

This week's podcast promo: Nerd Bliss Podcast

Cape Fear! Not the movie, nor the remake, but a state of mind. Cape fear is what occurs when you are not comfortable in a particular style of clothing or fashion.

The Sunday Morning Coffee Club is a rather new experiment in socialization. The club was founded by your ever-present host, Shawn. Through the club, new friends are made, and interesting conversations are had. Coffee club has lead to several ideas for Soul Forge topics. Cape fear is just such a particular topic.

Fashion confidence is a big deal. You may think you can wear anything, but clothing will put you in a certain state of mind. Not everyone can feel free to wear every item of clothing. We are sure there are items in your closet that you never wear.

Shawn wants to bring back the cape as a fashion item, but he has a fear that people will laugh and make fun of him. He does not have the confidence to go out in public wearing a cape. Except, of course, for Halloween or costume balls. Looking back at the trench coat incident, his reluctance is understandable.

Wish.com is a website where you can find all kinds of ridiculous products. Shawn recently ordered a cloak to help alleviate his fear of wearing capes in public. At this point in the podcast, we talk about the difference between capes and cloaks. Capes are starting to make a return to the public eye. At the recent Golden Globe Awards, a celebrity was photographed wearing a rather flamboyant cape. Perhaps this signals their return to the fashion world.

We wrap up the show by talking about posting certain pictures on Instagram and Facebook. There are generational differences regarding what certain age groups feel comfortable posting and wearing.

Types of fear include fear of change, fear of changing jobs, moving on from a relationship, and a fear of people not liking you.

This week's podcast promo: Vitamin Geek Podcast

Happy New Year Soul Forgers, and welcome to the first episode of the year! Presented for your listening pleasure, is audio of Shawn's first ever Tarot card reading.

Is there a secret source of knowledge hidden by the universe? Can Tarot cards, psychics or tea leave readings uncover this mysterious wisdom? Can arcana be real or is this all just made up mumbo jumbo? We may never know for sure, but we can have fun speculating about it.

Join Shawn as he gets his first Tarot card reading. What secrets will be revealed? Without knowing how real this type of magic is, there's no way to ascertain if what Shawn learns can be applied to the real world of career and finances. However, the reading was a lot of fun and some exciting revelations came about. So sit back, put your feet up, and enter the mystical realm of prophecy and predictions.

The tarot (/ˈtæroʊ/; first known as trionfi and later as tarocchi, tarock and tarot) is a pack of playing cards, used from the mid-15th century in various parts of Europe to play games such as Italian tarocchini, French tarot and Austrian Königrufen. Many of these tarot card games are still played today. In the late 18th century, some Tarot packs began to be used in parallel for divination in the form of tarotology and cartomancy and, later, specialist packs were developed for such occult purposes.

Like common playing cards, the tarot has four suits (which vary by region: French suits in Northern Europe, Latin suits in Southern Europe, and German suits in Central Europe). Each suit has 14 cards, ten pip cards numbering from one (or Ace) to ten and four face cards (King, Queen, Knight, and Jack/Knave). In addition, the tarot has a separate 21-card trump suit and a single card known as the Fool. Depending on the game, the Fool may act as the top trump or may be played to avoid following suit. These tarot cards, without occult symbology, are still used throughout much of Europe to play card games.

In English-speaking countries, where these games are not played, tarot cards are used primarily for divinatory purposes, usually using specially designed packs. The cards are traced by some occult writers to ancient Egypt or the Kabbalah but there is no documented evidence of such origins or of the usage of tarot for divination before the 18th century.

This week's podcast promo: Pro Wrestling Roundtable

Looking back at the year that was 2018 - this is our Year in Review special.

Shawn is joined by two of his semi-regular co-hosts, Tracy and Jason. On this episode, the Soul Forge gang takes a peek at some of the most significant episodes produced by the podcast in 2018. Highlights include love, loss, and minimalism. Strippers, booze, and drugs are also mentioned, as is divorce and intimacy.

A major topic this year was the idea of sex. Sex appeared in a number of episodes. Shawn talked about his first sexual experience. Whit told his story of being a virgin at age 28, and then several episodes later, he spoke about having sex for the first time. Shawn, Karen and Jason joked about sex in elevators on episode 69. No actual sex was had during the podcast recordings.

Other topics included weed legalization and preparing for the arrival of a baby. Shawn talked about buying and selling houses. Tracy talked about survival. Jason talked about his new baby. Karen talked about confidence. Daniel talked about writing books. Many people not mentioned in the show made great contributions to the Soul Forge Podcast this year.

We joined the ESO Podcast Network this year.

We joined Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3JXWZDq6CXqrWTI5yYx04B

We joined Tune In: https://tunein.com/podcasts/Health--Wellness-Podcasts/Soul-Forge-Podcast-p1181627/

We're on Twitter: @soulforgepod

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCataaeTRQltObb7n1GHW_qw/videos

This week's podcast promo: Myopia Defend Your Childhood

Saving the world while perched on the edge of normal!

We're taking a look at how fandom is changing the world for the better. What is fandom? It is a group of like-minded people who come together to form a community of sorts. Social media has been a major factor in the changing face of fan acceptance. Without it, many fans (geeks, nerds, dorks, outcasts, misfits) would have trouble finding their people.

Celebrities, often geeks or fans themselves, have used their star power to help unite the various fandoms. They use this power for social change, and to help mitigate the effects of loneliness, bullying anddepression.

Chase Masterson for example, is the spokesperson for Pop Culture Hero Coalition | Let's Stop Bullying Together

Misha Collins uses GISH to bring hope to the world and change it for the better.

What is the difference between sports geeks and fandom geeks? Both kinds of geeks often dress up to show their support for their chosen interest. However, the sports geek is more often given a free pass and not seen as abnormal or weird.

When nerds make money, it changes the world. Their interests become the interests of the world (eg. Elon Musk, Steve Jobs)

The gatekeepers of fandom.

This week's podcast promo: Caster Quest

The lonely Shawn, also known as, the sad Shawn episodes were a series of Rusted Robot Podcast shows. For a time, Rusted Robot was co-hosted by husband and wife team Shawn and Brigitte Vanderloo. For a variety of reasons, that relationship fell apart. Yet, the team decided to continue on hosting the show together. However, due to various circumstances, this was not always possible. Shawn felt the show must go on, even if there wasn't always a co-host around. Shawn was so dedicated to his audience, that he felt it important to always be providing new content.

Episode 79 of Rusted Robot is a prime example of a lonely Shawn episode. On this episode of Soul Forge, Shawn lays out the history and repurcussions of recording episode 79 by himself without a co-host. You'll hear about Karine (at the time she was the new lady in Shawn's life) and her reaction to hearing the episode before their weekend away together. You'll also discover what Shawn learned as a result of hosting a show on his own.

So get ready for the first pre-Soul Forge episode. Learn about pop culture from 2015. This is Soul Forge before that was ever even a thing.

This week's podcast promo: Pop Culture Cosmos

Now is the perfect time of year to share some thoughts on God, religion and the Christmas season. This episode starts with ruminations on the Christmas decoration season and goes back into history with a tale of Christmas carol annoyance. We wrap up the holiday talk with a look at how the corporations use the season in their manipulative marketing ploys to get us to spend money on things we don't need by playing to our emotions.

We then take a look back at religious education. When they decided to take the Lord's Prayer and teachings about religion out of the school system, society seemed to lose something deeply fundamental. These teachings may not have included everyone, but they were instrumental in giving us some important background information about our society.

The idea of a belief in a god or a higher power is tackled. When your son doesn't know what Jesus Clouds are, you have some serious catching up to do. And we talk about the practice of saying your prayers.

Everything comes to a conclusion with a look at religion versus science and taking our own human existence as a matter of faith. Do we really exist? How can we really know anything? This brings us to the ideas of atheism and agnosticism. And finally, we talk about whether life is pre-ordained or if we have free will. Can we fool God by going left instead of going right? And the episode ends with the story of how Shawn was saved by a fellow student who took him to church.

This week's podcast promo: Cigar Nerds Podcast

Sleep and dreams on episode 77 of the Soul Forge Podcast.

Shawn and Tracy are discussing their earliest memories of sleep, and talking about bedtime habits and routines. Everyone you know has a unique set of night-time rituals. Napping is a thing that some people love to do, while others have never gotten into the nap habit.

Insomnia can totally destroy your enjoyment of sleep. Ideal sleeping conditions also vary from person to person. What do you need for a good night rest? Do you prefer the dark, or do you need some light?

Fear of the dark, music, relaxing sounds, white noise, or having the fan on.

Recurring dreams and dreams that continue.

The Batman dream sequence story. Can you read in your dreams or see in colour?

Interpreting your dreams and looking for the mean of dream symbology.

Creativity and dreaming.

Bad dreams and nightmares.

The dream VCR.

This week's podcast promo: The 42Cast

There's a baby on the way! There's a baby on the way! When time is running out, and there's a baby on the way, how do you prepare for the arrival? Jay stokes the fires of the Soul Forge with his take on preparing for baby.

The first thing we talk about is getting the existing child(ren) ready for a new addition to the family. The obvious age gap between the children is an obstacle or opportunity depending on how you prepare. Kids can feel replaced by baby, but giving them ownership of the situation can make them feel empowered.

Preparing and planning for the new arrivial is often a long process. When should you start buying baby supplies? How much is too much? Do you read parenting books or just wing it? So much to think about and get ready for.

Finding out baby's gender before she or he is born is a big deal. You have to decide together with your partner if this is something you wish to do. Maybe you want to be surprised.

Jay discusses what it's like to be an older dad. There are nine years between his children. Different points in your life will create new and exciting challenges or opportunities.

Dealing with the mood swings and demands of an expectant mother can be a real mine field. Jay has some advice for how to navigate this point in the pregnancy.

We finish up by discussing all the work that goes into getting ready for the baby once it is here. Working a lot of overtime at work to hoard money, buy nice things and take some time off to spend with the new bundle of joy. And Jay tells us all about what it's like to be the father of a girl as opposed to a boy.

This week's podcast promo: Earth Station One Podcast

We are celebrating 75 episodes, and we are doing it by letting loose, cursing, laughing and going totally random! Shawn and Tracy are joined by first-timer Melissa. Jay was unable to make it this time.

Canada Post is on strike and we discuss how that is affecting and disrupting daily life here in Canada (remember that Shawn is a letter carrier).

Things we will never do again - a topic that deserves its own episode, but we touch on a few things here.

Pet Peeves: other drivers is a common peeve, but did you know that hating the sound of other people chewing their food is an actual medical condition?

We hit upon a few things that we know for sure. What do you know for sure?

Want vs Need and Personal Definitions: We have a big discussion about things we need and things we want and how we may think we need things that we really don't. Does Shawn really need a $1000 Thundercat statue to define who he is as a person? What defines us as people? Who are we? What makes you who you are?

BUMPA-ISMS: Shawn's grandfather was a huge influence on him. From the way he thinks to the way he talks and behaves (control behaviour vs relax mode).

DNA testing. Tracy tells the story of how DNA testing lead to the catching of a killer.

Working from home sounds nice. We briefly discuss the advantages and disadvantages.

This week's podcast promo: RevCast Shark Podcast

Social Media has changed the universe of human interaction.

What is social media anyway?

There are many types of social media, including: MySpace, FaceBook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, chatrooms, etc.,

How does social media improve your life (connections and interactions) and how does it destract from your life (addiction, lack of attention span, cyberbullying)

Social Media and its obligations can feel like a part-time job, and applications such as Second Life can lead to a false sense of reality.

Dating apps such as Plenty of Fish and eHarmony are also discussed.

This week's podcast promo: The Geekly Oddcast

Your meditation and meditating guide is here!

This week we're talking about what meditation is, what it entails, how and where to do it, as well as our personal experiences with it. It's alright to feel ridiculous at first. We will fill you in on the techniques, the kinds of meditations there are, the apps, and the equipment you can use.

What is meditation used for: comtemplation, reflection, concentration, heightened spiritual awareness, breathing, etc.

Kinds/uses of meditation: falling asleep, self-esteem, acceptance, managing anxiety, (breathe, unwind, restore)

Meditating is good for students, athletes and those who wish to clear their minds.

Similarity between meditation and affirmation.

Meditation apps, classes, where, when, how.

Techniques, crystals, candle flames, pillows, singing bowls, beads...

MEDITATION: IT CAN'T HURT!

This week's podcast promo: The Flop Cast

Suicide. It is a delicate topic. There are no easy ways to talk about it, other than directly. This week on the Soul Forge Podcast, Tracy makes her return to the show and opens up about her struggles with depression, anxiety, and guilt. In this emotional episode, she shares her story, her history and what lead her to try taking her own life.

You will hear the story as it was recorded. There was no editing of any kind. There are no ad breaks or promotions. This is Tracy's story.

Weed is now legal; welcome to Cannabis Canada!

No matter what you call it (Pot, Weed, Blunt, Chronic, Wacky Tabacky, Cannabis, Marijuana, Ganja, Mary Jane, Dope, The Devil's Lettuce) roll up a fancy cigarette and listen to our breakdown of the topic at hand.

LEGAL STUFF:

where to purchase,
legal age and restrictions,
zero tolerance and penalties,
possession rules and limits,
parcel packaging and delivery rules,

We discuss our personal experiences with weed and other drugs, including the first times we tried smoking up. We explore some family history, our initial opposition to cannabis and our eventual acceptance.

We talk about 'pulling a whitey' and feeling the actual experience of being high. Also included in the discussion are the ideas of bongs and other smoking paraphernalia.

The episode concludes with a brief chat about the meaning of 420 and some of the medical benefits that cannabis provides.

This week's podcast promo: Watchathon of Rassilon

How to make friends: a brief outline!

The Soul Forge is tackling the tricky world of making friends as an adult. Some people say developing new friendships in adulthood is really difficult. We take on that idea and turn it on its head.

Jay used to have a hard time making friends, but now he talks to everyone. You too can talk to strangers. Have a single-serving friend today!

Shawn and Yohann created an intense friendship, but it did not start on that way.

Also included: having a coffee and watching the world, slowing down to enjoy life, people watching and more!

We have an update on friend of the show Whit from episodes 44 and 61.

Podcast talk and listening in reverse order and what that can reveal.

This week's podcast promo: Metal Geeks

Sex is this week's topic. What else could we be discussing on episode number 69?

Shawn is joined by Karen and Jason for this brief look at sexuality.

We talk about how old we were when we lost our virginity, as well as where the event occurred and who it was with. Then we transition over to public sex and the possibility of getting caught while doing the deed. Sex in public parks is a great location because of wind on skin, and sex in a car or on the side of the highway is also a great place.

Fire escapes and rooftops are a great idea for being outside but unseen. A lengthy discussion about elevator sex and other fantasy locations ensues. We joke and laugh about partaking in an elevator sex road trip and having coitus in as many different elevators as possible.

We round out our chat with a few specific instances such as handjobs in movie theatres and blowjobs in cars. There's talk about orgies and threesomes and the type of etiquette involved in these situations.

And finally, we offer advice on being safe and respectful. And as it turns out, sometimes being open about your sexuality can lead super creepy people to try to make advances towards you. Don't be creepy.

This week's podcast promo: Earth Station Who

The long awaited, much anticipated Brigitte episode is finally here! Listen in as Shawn discusses the relationship from its very beginnings right to the end. Remember, these are Shawn's memories, and are accurate to the best of his ability to recall the events mentioned.

Topics include how Shawn and Brigitte met, where they worked, and the start of a very interesting friendship. There will be talk about subconscious attraction and how that manifested and developed.

What did a Christmas parade conversation have to do with setting things in motion? Getting to know someone beyond the superficial can certainly have some long lasting repurcussions. And that brings us to the break-up of Shawn's relationship with Trish, the mother of his son Bishop.

Next we talk about the progression of the relationship with Brigitte and how that came to be. Complications and guilt become a factor in everything that comes after.

Shawn and Brigitte get married. They have a second fake marriage with their friends in attendance. Instead of a honeymoon, they renovate their house. 2014 sees them throught many dramatic moments. These moments lead to a communication breakdown and an eventual split. Naturally, like the relationship at its core, the split is unconventional.

We conclude the episode with the soundtrack of heartache. Also, Shawn falls into a deep funk, but with the help of his son, he eventually bounces back. And we part with some final thoughts and feelings.

This week's podcast promo: We Podcast and We Know Things

Hallowe'en is just around the corner and that means pumpkin spice is in the air!

This episode is a friendly chat between Shawn and Tracy about local events, the pumpkin spice season, favourite podcasts, and a bit of Brigitte stuff.

Our Hallowe'en talk includes such topics as the proper age for Trick 'r Treating, and the types of candy we do or do not enjoy. In a surprise twist, we do not mention anything about costumes or parties.

Shawn had an encounter with a bear this week. We talk a bit about that, the Facebook reaction to the bear video, as well as dog attacks.

Both hosts had a brief encounter with Brigitte recently and we discuss that, plus we tease the topic for next week's episode.

Our main topic is podcasts and podcasting habits. There is a great discussion on some of our favourite podcasts, and our listening habits are talked about also. Included in our chat are the following podcasts: My Favorite Murder, WTF with Marc Maron, Mission Log, Movie Crush, Behind the Bastards, and Someone Knows Something.

Of course, no discussion would be complete without talking about all the Star Trek episode review shows that are out there in podcast-land. The true crime rabbit hole is another major topic!

This week's podcast promos: Transmissions from Atlantis, The Classic Original Show

What will you do? Choices. Decisions. Deliberations. Choose your own adventure!

This week, Shawn and Tracy pose a series of questions to each other. These queries range from the philosophical to the downright silly. One thing all the questions have in common is that they will make you stop and think. Is there a better option? Why would someone pick that choice over another, perhaps more advantageous option?

Join the Soul Forge this week and ask yourself the same questions. We would love to hear your answers. You can always contact the show by email at soulforgepodcast@gmail.com

Or Tweet us! We're on Twitter with the handle @soulforgepod

And remember, like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SoulForgePodcast

Of course, you can follow Shawn on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/darthvaderloo/

We can be found on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/show/3JXWZDq6CXqrWTI5yYx04B

And if you would, please leave a 5 star review for the podcast in your chosen podcast app. Our app of choice in iTunes, which you can follow this link for the Soul Forge Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/1-soul-forge-introduction/id1265658912?i=1000390465638&mt=2

This week's podcast promo: The Monster SciFi Show

Kids. Children. Offspring. Yours, mine, and ours.

This week we tackle the topic of living with kids that aren't biologically yours . We are going to use the term step-parent even though many of the stories and situations do not necessarily involve marriage between the couple.

Buidling a relationship with a step-child,
Blended families and becoming a step-parent,
How do these kids react and behave?
The Brady Bunch Illusion - expectations versus reality

Gender:

How a man bonds with kids,
How a woman bonds with kids,
The gender of the child in relation to the gender of the step-parent,

The age of the child/children will have a great impact on the relationship between the other person's kid(s) and the new step-parent.

Discipline styles also differ and this can have an affect on the child. Supper, homework, and bedtime routines can be vastly different.

Remember: communication, tolerance and understanding.

This week's podcast promo: The Nerdy Laser Podcast

The Dalai Lama’s 18 Rules For Living That Will Help You Get Your Sh*t Together At the turn of this century, the Dalai Lama issued “18 Rules for Living’. As I share them with you here today I hope that they will inspire you as much as they have me – to stretch yourself, to go within, to strive for more, to be more, to grow more – and as a result always be living into your greatest potential and purpose in life. Basically, these will help you to really get your shit together.

RULE 1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

RULE 2. When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.

RULE 3. Follow the three Rs: Respect for self, Respect for others, Responsibility for all your actions

RULE 4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.

RULE 5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.

RULE 6. Don’t let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

RULE 7. When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

RULE 8. Spend some time alone every day.

RULE 9. Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.

RULE 10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

RULE 11. Live a good, honourable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll be able to enjoy it a second time.

RULE 12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.

RULE 13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don’t bring up the past.

RULE 14. Share your knowledge. It’s a way to achieve immortality.

RULE 15. Be gentle with the earth.

RULE 16. Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.

RULE 17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.

RULE 18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.

7 QUESTIONS TO NOW CONSIDER:

What risks are you willing to take in your life right now?
How will you be more open to acknowledging and learning from your “mistakes”?
Where will you take greater responsibility in your life?
When will you spend quality, reflective time alone every day?
How will you share the knowledge and wisdom you have?
How do you respect for yourself and others?
What are the values by which you live your life?

This week's podcast promo: Here Be Tygers

Passion, emotions, cultural longing....just some of the reasons for the creation of art. During my university years, I needed an outlet so I chose poetry as the vehicle of my creative expression. This episode explores a few of my poems and reveals the story behind them.

I've been adding content to my YouTube channel in hopes of providing value to you and gaining more subscribers. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCataaeTRQltObb7n1GHW_qw/videos

Spotify! Just a reminder that you can find the podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3JXWZDq6CXqrWTI5yYx04B

Announcement! I'm working on a new podcast with my friend Sheamus. You can listen to his other podcasts, such as: Chewed Gum, INFAMINDS, Great Job Thank you, Tuesdays With Mari, 727, Crime in Movies

A brief talk about my dreams of writing greatness, and the dramatic reading of several poems:

A Wrestler Professes His Love,
Baldness: A Ballad,
Eikasia,
Love's Resurgence,
Still,
The Last Prospector,
The Logger,
The Wedding Band Part 1,
The Wedding Band Part 2,
Blue Velvet

This week's podcast promo: Metal Geeks Podcast

The art and history of the tattoo.

First, we take a look at the reasons for the tattoo across history, and we briefly explore ancient and modern tattoo techniques.

Society has viewed the tattoo in many ways, from art form to trendy fad, and from taboo to outlaw.

Why do people get inked?

Pure Addiction Studio's $13 tattoo marathon.

Women's bodies and tattoos.

Pain and pleasure of inking.

Shawn's tattoo history.

Tracy's tattoo history.

Future tattoos.

Share your tattoo pics and stories with us on Facebook and Twitter!

https://www.facebook.com/SoulForgePodcast/

https://twitter.com/SoulForgePod

You can find us on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/show/3JXWZDq6CXqrWTI5yYx04B

This week's podcast promo: The Geekly Oddcast

No longer a virgin, Whit from episode 44 returns to the Soul Forge to share his tale of sex and love, and how he came to lose his virginity.

Who is the lucky girl that took Whit's V-card?
Tinder Roulette can be a dangerous game,
First date awkwardness,
The 6 date girlfriend rule,
First kiss,
Family dynamics,
Oral sex and the fear of teeth,
Condoms,
Positions and the loss of virginity,
The speed of the relationship and feelings...

This week's podcast promo: Earth Station Who Podcast

The Soul Forge Podcast is celebrating its first full year of operation. Listen in as we discuss everything that has happened these last 12 months. This ain't no clip show folks!

The guests, co-hosts and contributors are acknowledged,
The history of the idea and the original concept for the podcast is discussed,
Podcast goals: helping people, gaining a global audience, massive downloads, learning new things, etc...
A year's worth of changes -- how things were at the beginning versus where things are now.
Topics: so many themes and ideas explored and analyzed.

The song at the end is called Chasing You, and was performed by Mugzy who was the guest/interviewee on episode 48

This week's podcast promo: Pop Culture Cosmos

What is reincarnation and is there even such a thing? Shawn and Tracy conduct a thought experiment, imagining that reincarnation is a real phenomenon, and then piece together how it might actually work.

The immortal soul's travels and the ultimate journey.

The consciousness equation...the give and take between the mind and the soul.

Destinations - The Soul's choice vs higher power.

Achieving enlightenment, lessons learned, what is the purpose?

Do we have a soul? What is the spark of consciousness?

Self-awareness, memory and emotions vs instinct.

Every soul is on an individual journey and faces many obstacles in a quest to learn lessons and level up.

CHANCES ARE...a brief discussion about the film from 1989.

Are people that we consider 'old souls' nearing enlightenment?

What is the disconnect between the soul and consciousness, why are there memory blocks?

How history repeats itself and worldwide consciousness is being risen.

Akashic records - accessing your soul file.

This week's podcast promo: Cigar Nerds Podcast

Exploring the ideas of soulmates, twin flames, intimacy and chemistry.

A soulmate allows us to be our true, open and honest self.

Shawn talks about his own experiences feeling that soulmate connection. There is discussion on several definitions of what a soul mate is. The energetic cloth and the patterns and wave lengths that bind two people together in a soulmate connection. Soulmates come into our lives to awaken and challenge us to become our best versions of ourselves.

There is more than one type of soulmate.

Twin flames. Are they really a thing? There is talk of the many life times of connection between two people. This is not necessarily a romantic relationship, but it can be.

We talk about the ideas of connection and chemistry and how they can be the same, but also different. With our soulmates we take the mask off to reveal our inner selves. Is the soulmate connection a fated eventuality?

This week's podcast promo: The Rusted Robot Podcast

Unrealistic beauty standards from around the world!

Photoshop, advertisements, marketing and society,
Instagram stars and beauty reality,
How clothes can help,
Fake it until you make it - confidence and contentment,
Minimal effort can make a huge difference in self esteem

Unrealistic Beauty Standards for Women:

tanned skin vs pale,
social status,
Geisha culture,
large vs small body shape,
foot binding

Unrealistic Beauty Standards for Men:

Muscles vs The Dad Bod,
the full beard look,
baldness and the comb-over,
height

Life is full of choices. Choice, by its very nature, has multiple options. These option points are what we call forks. You can choose to follow one path or another, and the outcomes can be life altering.

This week, Shawn is joined by Dave, Rene and Bob. Together, these 4 friends discuss some of the forking choices in their lives. They talk about various kinds of forks, such as those dealing with school, career, marriage, and regret.

This episode will explore how life could have gone. How do you define success? What about mental forks, such as age and aging?

There is even talk about celebrity encounters, the importance of connection and life stages.

This week's podcast promo: Watchathon of Rassilon

Does confidence come from within or through cosplay?

Cosplay expert Karen enters the Soul Forge to give us a brief overview of who she is and what she does.

How did Karen and I meet?
Karen's cosplay and her challenge,
The cosplay community is vast and varied,
Shyness can bring fear,
Social awkwardness and the costume solution,
Personal confidence and the backlash,
Costuming and the limitations,
GISH: Greatest International Scavenger Hunt, an intro...
The non-binary comfort zone,
Hair stories,

Find Karen on Twitter @flynndanarra

Find Karen on Instagram @ladydanger47

This week's promo: The Nerd Bliss Podcast

Summer time and the promise of possibility!

Camping traditions.... Nan and Jean and the Beals Lake story,

Watermelon, hotdogs, fires, marshmellows, fireworks, crawdads, hiking and biking

Yardsale Season,

Music festivals,

Fishing stories and Xbox adventures,

Brother Adventures: hiking, concert road trips,

August life celebration event,

ReBoSh weekends

This week's promo: Transmissions from Atlantis

A discussion about culture and race.

Diversity in the workplace,
I know a lot of white people,
The world isn't just black and white,
The George Costanza dilemma,
My own limited inter-racial contact,
The trouble with racial labels,
Racism in Fandom: Ghostbuster, Star Wars and Kelly Marie Tran,
The Time Travel solution,
Black Lives Matter,
Gay Pride,
The shift in society and changing language,
The N word,
Education equals enlightenment!

This week's promo: Terminus Doctor Who Podcast

Gratitude, Gratefulness, Appreciation

Oftentimes, we do not express just how much people mean to us, either for the things they have done, or what they have said. It's important to acknowledge those people who have helped or guided us, whether they are aware of their impact or not.

Here is a list of things that I'm grateful for, and there are many...

Hope, Positivity, Communication

This week we take a look at the Earth Station One Podcast Network. We'll be exploring how a network operates, and how it helps out its members.

The Rusted Robot Podcast hits 200 episodes.

Who are the people behind the hashtag #podpeople?

The podcast concludes with some juicy gossip I should probably not be sharing, but it explains the anger I've been feeling as of late.

This week's promo: Revcast Shark Podcast

The divorce process and feelings surrounding it.

Divorce can be an extremely emotional experience that creates a wide variety of mixed feelings.

Some relationship history; a time-line of tragedy or preventable folly?

Thoughts, feelings, hopes and preparation for re-marriage.

What changed my mind -- the initial disbelief in divorce.

The divorce process: forms, costs, procedures, etc.

Variable emotional response...divorce really makes you feel some deep feelings.

Entering a new relationship, getting re-married, the family response, the child factor.

This weeks promo: Myopia podcast

A Minimalism Guide for Episode 50!

A brief history of my introduction to Minimalism,
Josh and Ryan and the Minimalist documentary and podcast,
'OMIT NEEDLESS THINGS,'
The Minimalist lifestyle -- possessions and purchases,
Being content with your life, not with your stuff,

My history...

A life of collecting,
The collector's dilemma,
The cost to your happiness,
My down-sizing journey

Minimalism strategies for a simpler life!

This week's promo: Meet the Night Blogger

The original file for the episode has been removed. My guest interviewee has gone through some transformation and decided she would like all traces of her past self removed from the internet.

We're talking about sexuality, personal power, self-expression, love, leadership, spirituality, creativity and more...

Fear, free-will and speaking your truth,
Taking responsibility and losing control,
Mindfulness -- the priciples of Tantra,
Coaching, mentorship, events,
Embracing the feminine power,
Light and dark masculine,
Self-sabotage and people pleasing

Mugzy - The Down Under Eminem!

Reyne Brady's origin story,
Major influences and early life,
Fueled by coffee,
The wigger phase,
Acting career,
About Australia,
Day job and travel dreams,
The message in the music,

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Mugzy-216863988358655/

ReverdNation: https://www.reverbnation.com/mugzy187

End Song: Chasing You

This week's promo: The Pop Culture Cosmos Podcast

Exploring the universe of Star Trek with my boy, a non-fan.

Early Star Trek memories,
The importance of the number 47,
Science Fiction vs Fantasy,
TV series, starships and space stations,
Theme song controversy,
Toys and collectibles,
Hiding your fandom,
Bishop's interests,
We're on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3JXWZDq6CXqrWTI5yYx04B
Our website is our social media hub http://www.soulforgepodcast.com/

This week's promo: ESDCU

What else is there?

What comes next?

The happiness equation

Always looking over the hill

On the outside looking in

The non-reality of social media

The evolution of human consciousness

Zen-type books

Mindfulness and the now

What's holding you back from trying new things?

This week's promo: Casterquest

Am I quitting my job to podcast full time?

Episode 44 feedback,
Current events,
Embarassing stories,
What makes you happy?
Comicon Timmins prep,
Daily step counts,
Celebrity deaths,
TV and Movie recommendations,
Joining a network

This week's promo: 42Cast

Whit shares his virginity story with us.

Lifestyle choices vs opportunity,
Barriers to sex -- STDs, fear, love
Theatre handjob story,
Waiting until marriage,
Virginty as a precious gift,
Dating apps,
Social circle influences,
Life lessons,
How to contact Whit

Feel better sooner with Bowen Therapy.

What is Bowen?
How do Bowen treatments help?
Rebooting the body,
Fight or flight vs parasympathetic mode,
Bowen therapy session run down,
What Bowen treats,
http://bowenbypatty.ca/
https://www.facebook.com/BOWENTHERAPY101/
http://cbbg.ca/

The true meaning of life is discussed!

What is 42?
The humor of Douglas Adams,
The life of Stephen Hawking,
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy,
Source material and interpretation of intent,
Regrets and taking chances.

Accidental celebrity Kiné Corder visits the Soul Forge!

Rise to fame,
Her life's mission,
Prosperity Report: Love and Money Podcast,
Money mentality,
Financial Therapy Association,
Presidential Lifestyle,
Kiné is a psychotherapist specializing in brain-based financial therapy

Fallout from Episode 39...

Podcasting is hard,

Words have unintended consequences,

Being responsible for your own truth,

The podcast process,

Bad stuff is easier to recall,

A few positive memories,

A connection between episodes,

An extended invitation

Emotionally Bankrupt - My life with Lynn, and how I ended up living in Timmins!

Quarter life crisis time,
Minimum wage blues,
Single and lonely,
ICQ and the instant family,
Advice - followed and not followed,
Financial ruin,
Emotional turmoil,
Life lessons

POETRY:

I'm So Happy
Truth to Tell
Reflections of a Dead Sun
A Thank You Poem

Looking at fear from an irrational perspective.

What scares people but really shouldn't.

I share my fears.

Audio clips from friends and family outlining their fears.

A discussion follows each guest's fear.

Fear is the path to the Dark Side.

I sit down for a talk about becoming a writer with Dan Hitch!

Dan's early influences,
Motivation and desire to write,
Monotony and distractions,
Writer's routine,
Bubbles the Pirate,
Inspirations,
Advice for aspiring writers

Contact Daniel:

Twitter: @hitch_daniel @BubblesPirate @rider_coattail

Instagram: @daniel_hitch_writer

Facebook Pages : Invites sent to Bubbles The Pirate and The Connected Worlds Chronicles

LinkedIn: Daniel Peter Hitch

Kik: Discussing DISCO

An unconventional upbringing: a chat with my brother.

Stripper outfit model,
Abandoned at the bus stop,
Left alone in a locked vehicle,
Wet, frozen and alone by a lake,
Drinking and driving is bad,
Wrestling, fighting and football

What we learned and how we deal with it.

Hoarding is not collecting!

Hoarding, collecting and minimizing,
Keeping in touch is hard,
Trying to get life in order,
Adventures in house selling,
Asbestos in the attic!

My brush with fame!

These are the people I've seen or interacted with.

The time I embarrassed myself in front of Marina Sirtis...

I've interviewed several writers/authors.

Celebrity sound-bites and more!

Special bonus episode with famous Star Trek personality Larry Nemecek.

A discussion on Star Trek Discovery.

Larry Nemecek talks about his new podcast.

Check out The Trek Files podcast on January 23, 2018

A brief discussion on elevator etiquette.

Remembering Facebook 'Notes'

The first annual list of things that piss me off.

What gets under your skin? Let us know!

Sex and the loss of virginity.

Here's the story of the first time I realized I was in love...

The first time I had sex.

Cheesy love poetry!

Do you have game? I sure didn't!

Waiting until marriage???

Was it love, lust or obsession?

A memory of loss....

Starting a family,
Talking to baby,
Regretful jokes,
Time-line of tragedy,
Shutdown of emotions,
Counseling and help,
What I learned

When mom needs to be placed in a home.

Paul shares a very personal story.

Family and friends and support.

Care facilities-you don't have to do this alone.

Progress of the disease.

Preparation and coping skills.

What do kids think about Christmas?

The best things about Christmas!

Favourite Christmas memories!

The true meaning of the season.

Random thoughts about Christmas!

What do you want to be remembered for?

Immortality through memory,
The 27 Club,
Famous people from history,
Who do we remember forever?
What I've done to be remembered,
Awesome feedback!

Special Thanks to:

Robin Coull, Daniel Peter Hitch, Paul Wright, The Just in Time Podcast

Who is this Bishop person anyway?

Episode feedback,
Black Pete and Christmas,
The birthday boy!
Bishop talks with his dad,
Cool legacy ideas...
Advice and insight,
Bishop's favourite things!

A brief intro to minimalism...

Episode 24 feedback,
How I found minimalism,
Josh and Ryan's story,
My minimalism journey,
Letting go of sentimental items,
Guide posts of minimalism,
Minimal maxims,
Dealing with debt,
Minimalism documentary trailer

My baby mama sits down to talk about our history and how far we've come.

How we met,
Time line of love,
Meeting the families,
Random adventures,
A shared loss,
Co-parenting successfully,
Pictures and memories,
Different perspectives,
Honesty and growth,
The importance of stuff,
Poor Impulse Control

The infamous Pork "N Beans story.

Who is the Action-No Action Man?

Lesbian liaisons.

Who really took back the night anyway?

Why do we do what we do?

The opposite sex can make us do some crazy things.

Enjoy the simple things!

It's important that we take time out of our busy lives to feel pleasure from the simple, everyday experiences that we occasionally take for granted, the things that make us smile.

Nature,

Family,

Food,

Snow,

Drink,

Fire,

Fishing,

Bubble baths,

Reading,

Pets,

Baking,

Leaf piles,

Jesus clouds,

Rocks on frozen lakes,

Old people holding hands,

Coffee-infused buildings

Try Again, Fail Again, Fail Better!

Halloween booze,
Coulda been a bartender,
Choosing Careers with meaning,
Don't take things personally,
Age 30 as a turning point,
Essential services,
Giving back,
Life as a mail man,
Dream job failures

Current state of pop culture:

Childhood Pop Culture (PC),
Influences on PC likes,
Sports culture,
How tastes evolve,
PC as society's glue,
Technology and PC overload,
Nerd fights,
PC collectibles,
Author recommendation

Top 10 Reasons to Collect!

Is collecting in the blood?
Mom's collection,
Dad's hoard,
My list of things,
The Completist,
Physical versus Digital,
Letting go...

What's been happening since I started the podcast?

Current relationship status,
Goals for the future,
What about the money?
So much stuff!
Pop culture entertainment,
Family time,
Happiness!

Thankfulness is healthy!

2 components of gratitude,
The health benefits,
How gratiude strenthens society,
My story,
The vulnerability of manners,
Thank U Alanis Morissette,
Daily gratitude practices,
Thanksgiving traditions

Feedback and Recognition.

Listener email,
The importance of feedback,
Is recognition necessary?
The podcast so far!
Your voice is essential.

Remembering Mom.

She's been gone more than 3 years, but her legacy lives on.

Listen as I recall my favourite memories, and the experiences we shared.

She had very specific loves and character quirks.

She loved with a unique fierceness.

September 22, 1958 - March 31, 2014

A guest shares her journey with us.

How anxiety functions,
Nervousess vs anxiousness,
Panic attacks,
How social media lessens the stigma,
Depression as an energy drain,
Depression vs sadness,
The effects on memory,
Core values and negative reinforcement,
Treatment and help

The brothers take a road trip and ask me questions...

Deeply personal inquiries,
Silly queries,
Inane interrogations,
Random fun,
You'll learn a lot more about me!

A brief history of the birthday celebration.

My significant birthdays.

Why cake? Why candles?

How life changes on certain birthdays.

Birthdays of history.

All about loss.

What is loss?

What does it feel like?

How to deal with loss.

Examples of loss.

A discussion on Apathy

What is apathy, what are the characteristics?

What does an apathetic individual look like?

Solutions!

Repurcussions!

My personal experience with apathy

www.wearedapperties.com

What is Anger?

The causes of anger.

Methods of expression.

The HANGRY is real!

Animal anger responses.

The 5 styles of anger.

What would you wish for?

You only get 3 wishes. Choose wisely!

What's the catch?

What are the ramificactions?

Are there limits?

How do you decide?

What is fatherhood? It's more than being a biological sample donor.

It's true that being dad is different than being a father.

Follow my journey as a son, a stepson, a dad, a father, and a stepdad.

What did I learn from my family? What influence does repression have?

My entire life has been a search for love, acceptance, meaning, and guidance.

Making Decisions can be hard!

Opportunity Cost

The Decision Making Process:

GOFER
DECIDE

Decision Fatigue, Choice Overload

Scary choices help us grow, level up, gain XP

The universe conspires to make things happen

Bad decisions make the best stories

What is happiness?

Is happiness achievable?

Definition of happiness,
Examples of being happy,
Tips on how to be happy

Alternate names for the podcast. A lot of consideration went into naming the Soul Forge Podcast. So before we get into some heavy topics, I thought it appropriate to go over other possibilites I considered when naming the show. This should give a bit more insight into exactly what my goals, motivations and hopes for the podcast are. Thanks for tuning in and spreading the Soul Forge message.

Exploring the love life of your host.

First kiss,
Crushes,
Missed opportunities,
Random dating,
Girlfriends,
Mistakes,
Lessons,
and more!

A quick overview of your host's life.

Home life,
Family,
Schooling,
Dating,

This will give you a bit of background

A quick introduction into what the Soul Forge is, the idea behind the concept, and what it hopes to achieve.

Delve into what we mean by soul.

Also, a brief run down on how to contact the podcast.