Gratitude Journal: Recent Episodes
Matthew Stark
Brief, introspective musings on the human condition directed outward for further thought and discussion!
In this episode, Matthew shares how the great Sherlock Holmes can help us focus on what's important...and how to be grateful FOR it.
In this episode, Matthew reflects on how a solitary, lonesome trek through dangerously hot weather could spark a momentary appreciation of an unexpected meteorological 'gift'.
In this episode, Matthew talks about accidentally finding the Japanese concept of 'gaman'...how Fr. Fick showed him it, indirectly, years ago...and why it's imperative that he try to practice it.
In this episode, Matthew struggled to keep it together on a day-to-day basis. The island beckons.
In this episode, Matthew gets stuck on the idea of 'impermanence', and wonders if anything can free the wheel from spinning in the mud.
Matthew ruminates on how a slight grain of acknowledgement can sometimes make all the difference.
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In this episode, Matthew 'gets a hand' from a stranger...and wonders if he can reciprocate.
Get in touch with Matthew: TheGratitudeJournal@proton.me
In this 2026 episode, Matthew speaks at length about fraught relationships, spiritual darkness, and the need to pay heed to the sound of the bell.
I'll let you decide as to whether or not 2025 was good or awful. Here's to a better 2026!
No, Matthew is not dead! Matthew discusses acquaintances who come out of the woodwork, blowing leaves, and the need for (finally!) sleep.
What can creepy-crawlies teach us about 'gratitude'? Matthew shares his fear for them, and how it helped him move in the direction (cautiously) of thanksgiving. (eek)
That's what we called 'a walk' in the seminary! Excuse the Hokas grinding against the cement! Matthew takes a jaunt around the neighborhood, in search of being grateful for an event long after it already happened. Strange, huh? No, not really. Bring your sunglasses and SPF-40!
In this audio/video episode, Matthew reveals an honest assessment of his current mental state...and how something as simple as a train whistle can hopefully re-center us, amongst the daily chaos.
In this episode, Matthew continues to explore 'loss' and the death of his parents.
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In this episode, Matthew reveals the recent loss of his parents, as well as the gratitude found in a time of loss.
In this episode, Matthew recounts his 12 hours in the Emergency Room and why the most unlikely people can help us realize a brief whiff of 'gratitude'.
Can we learn something from Donald Trump? In this episodes, Matthew discusses the crutch called 'being a victim', and why it's necessary to identify the warning sins and how to deal with the aftermath.
In this episode, Matthew leans into finding merit and worth in the smaller, less-noticeable events in which to discover, and uncover, gratitude.
New eyes, a sweet tooth, and a chance meeting with a VERY large dog, on this episode of 'The Gratitude Journal' podcast.
In this episode, Matthew gets new eyes, expands his care-giving duties, and checks the box-score of his beloved (?) Cleveland Guardians.
A tray of cookies. Should you have one? Two? 'Making Your Peace' with the trials and tribulations, in this episode of the Gratitude Journal podcast.
In this final 2023 episode, Matthew ruminates on grapefruits, sisters, and 'thank you' cards...all in anticipation of a coming new year.
Matthew's Thanksgiving message on experiencing the 'now' and then letting it go...and how difficult that can be, especially when your mouth is full of turkey!
Although he's still pondering the importance of cucumbers, Matthew provides an update on Donna's cancer diagnosis and an uninvited surprising visit from an old nemesis.
In this episode, Matthew reveals Donna's pathology report...and discusses the value...and the challenge... of performing tasks unconditionally.
In this episode, Matthew arranges the fruit, serves it, and hopes that it can replicate the joy of twisting the throttle on a sunny day on the back-roads of northeast Ohio!
You up for a ride? Let's hit the trail, grateful for fine morning weather and an occasional Port-A-Potty!
Can chocolate teach us about the 'order of the universe'? In this episode, Matthews ponders this great question!
In this episode, Matthew looks at re-purposing our 'damaged' status and how it might benefit those around us.
Gloomy...cold....barren....both with the weather and , perhaps, the soul. In this first episode of 2023, Matthew admits to experiencing all of these lately. But he also offers a possible antidote, courtesy of an often-used line from childhood, on this episode of the Gratitude Journal podcast.
As 2022 comes to a close, Matthew reflects on the thing...or the 'things'....that need to be re-analyzed and re-considered, in order to make 2023 an even better year.
Are you 'descending'? Have you 'descended'? Let's try to look up...together...on this episode of 'The Gratitude Journal' podcast.
In this 100th episode, Matthew expresses gratitude for the stunning New Mexico landscape and for the opportunity to record a 100th episode…and especially for those who download and listen.
Cryptic message revealed: in this episode, Matthew reveals his 'future plans' for the podcast, while at the same time trying to find meaning in 'this or that'.
Yes...Matthew's demise has been greatly exaggerated! This time around, he explains his absence, his introduction to the world of COVID...and an upcoming BIG announcement!
Holding hands in a dimly bar...listening to the rustling of the leaves...and hoping that a taco place is open on a holiday. In search of 'moments'? Matthew reflects on these things. Can we find them, or do they just happen?
In this episode, Matthew tries to find the meaning and the correlation of where the 'beginning' meets the 'end', where they overlap, and how one might take the place of the other.
A West Highland Terrier by the name of 'Izzy' decides that he's had enough. And Matthew shares his story in this episode about love, loss, and a dog's fixation with cheese.
When is the last time you really 'drilled down' in to your gratitude list? I mean, REALLY drilled down? Who needs bacon when you have cheese Pringles! More about 'gratitude lists', on this episode of 'The Gratitude Journal' podcast!
'Needs vs Wants'. 'Wants vs Needs'. In this latest episode, Matthew reflects on whether one is more important than the other. And if so, which? The 'need to want', or the 'want to need'?
New Year's resolution? Not today. Not ANY day. In this first episode of the new year, Matthews proposes experimenting with small ways to 'build back better' by shooting for longer-term smaller changes or alterations that might have longer-term effect and positive outcomes. (and who knows...you might STILL lose some weight!)
Is 'preparation' even possible for defending ourselves against 'the big ones'? In this episode, Matthew tries to investigate finding purpose and meaning within the construct of those enormous, life-changing events...and can we make ourselves 'ready' for them?
Happy Thanksgiving! Try to keep up with Matthew as he does his annual Thanksgiving morning sojourn, talking gluttony, gratitude, and hopefully not stepping in doggie-doo-doo!
We pack up some equipment and hit the road this time around, venturing a whole 10 minutes away to the First Congregational Church of Akron, Ohio. The delightful and insightful Senior Minister Rev. Nanette Pitt joins the podcast! While totally masked and practicing safe social-distancing, Matthew and Reverend Nanette discuss why the 'spiritual discipline of waiting' is something to be grateful for, her journey to the U.S, from South Africa, and why she chose a path 'on the side of God and on the side of love in this life'.
What are you doing for YOU? Does it sound trite? Maybe it isn't, as Matthew takes a peek behind the the 'things of illusion. Are we processing those things as 'beautiful' or 'painful'? And what does it all have to with being grateful for treating ourselves well?
Can the trite, often-over-used declarations from TV's 'talking heads' teach us anything about finding gratitude? Let's find out, in this episode of 'The Gratitude Journal' podcast.
The warm sound of 'vinyl'. The warm feeling of a liquid being inserted in to your vein. Same thing? In this episode, Matthew used his old album-collection to help focus on 'the past', where it sits, where it should be allowed, and how it sizes up things for the present.
What can 'Words With Friends' teach us about 'gratitude'? Who cares if you have bad letters...it's our job to make them work! Passive vs Active, in this episode of 'The Gratitude Journal' podcast!
Wanna go for a ride? In this episode, Matthew breaks open the bicycle helmet, turns on the small lav microphone, and embarks on the Freedom Trail, taking you with him as he discusses the value of the 'what-if' moment.
First 'good', then 'bad'. Then back to 'good', and then returning to 'bad'. In this episode, Matthew uses 'celebration' and 'loss' as entry-points into a discussion on 'duality', and how the 'yin and yang' of our lives are indirectly dependent on each other!
'Indians', 'Wahoo', and a lifetime of baseball memories! In this episode, Matthew says 'goodbye' to his beloved baseball team, reflects on the difficulty of new beginnings, and why 'baseball' is still the greatest game ever invented.
Did that person thank you? In this episode, Matthew ponders the reasons we do what we do and the impact on our 'gratitude expectations'.
'Solitude' vs 'Being Alone'. How much of a difference is there? And in the midst of bone-crushing loneliness, can any gratitude be found? That's next, in the episode of the 'The Gratitude Journal' podcast!
Your house is burning down...what do you take? What's most important? Is this episode, Matthew gives thought to the things of 'value' and the things of value that we may even part with, so that other can derive value from them. Is it even possible?
Anyone ever help you 'change direction'? Anyone force you off the road you were on? Was it for the better? Or worse? In this episode, Matthew chats about the people who helped him 'veer off course', and the effect that that fork in the road had on his life.
Either/or? Could be or could not be? Can 'past' be 'present' again? In this episode, Matthew reflects on being appreciated by former employers, consuming exceptional pizza, and carving up the roads on a Triumph...but maybe not in that order. If things like these can no longer be experienced, is being grateful that we had the chance to have them in our life enough?
When crap turns to...not-so-crappy? In this episode, Matthew ponders the 'bad'...and how, potentially, we can dig deeper to find the 'good'. Just maybe.
Prior to hitting the road for his sister's wedding, Matthew urges subscribers and non-listeners alike: get vaccine, people!
Can a nun lay the groundwork for standing up for yourself? In this episode, Matthew gives 'gratitude props' to Sister Mary Dorothy, the young, intelligent nun who encouraged questioning the teacher and the teachings.
Can 'memory foam' mold is in to being more grateful? Matthew throws back the covers on 'the bed', in this episode of 'The Gratitude Journal Podcast'.
A needle in the arm...a gift? In this episode, Matthew explores how this controversial 3 seconds of pain could be a life-giving early Holiday gift!
When he was young, he didn't care. But now he does! In this episode, Matthew uses his temporary (hopefully) lower back pain to express gratitude for what we don't normally acknowledge nearly as much as we should: our health.
In this episode, Matthew reels off several seemingly small events that should get more 'gratitude consideration'...sometimes the things that might go unnoticed!
In this episode, Matthew discusses the role of those 'bare essentials' that we sometimes over look and fairly to appreciate.
Can we 'train' to be a better empath? In this episode, Matthew recounts his failings to be empathetic. And he uses...Plato...to hopefully be better at placing himself in someone's shoes.
Sounds strange, but can you feel grateful...for being bummed out? In this episode, Matthew talks about his ongoing battle with depression and why progress might be measured with how grateful we feel for the help we get.
Sometimes all it takes is '1%' to make all the difference! In this episode, Matthew discusses a recent episode where time was of the essence, and a small sliver of opportunity was enough to avert disaster. 'Gratitude' abounds!
Are you kind? The Grateful Dead asked this question, as does Matthew. In this episode, he ponders the connection between 'gratitude' and 'generosity', and dives in to a more penetrating inquiry: "Does it all start with being kind to yourself?"
Can you reel off FIVE things that you're grateful for because of the pandemic? Matthew goes in depth on his list, in this latest episode of the 'Gratitude Journal' podcast!
Our brain is a complex organism. Can we control it? Does its multi-functioning, simultaneously-operating brilliance need to be 'roped in' from time to time? Matthew ponders motorcycles, Alzheimer's, and the medulla, in this episode of the Gratitude Journal podcast.
In this special episode of 'The Gratitude Journal' podcast, Matthew chats with his first guest, fellow long-time Ohio broadcaster and content-creator Steve Kelly. Steve shares his unique perspective on his experience working as an entrepreneur, the singular challenges he faces, and how he uncovers the space to dig deep in order to find grateful moments in his journey.
Is it admirable to want to be 'unremarkable'? In this episode, Matthew hypothesizes about our quest to have the 'shared experience', and how being unremarkable may in fact make us very special.
In this latest episode, Matthew further explores the 'body of work', and how our actions can knowingly (or unknowingly) affect one or more people.
In this episode, Matthew ponders the necessity of stepping in to the shoes of others, why we might to direct our energies towards strengthening our degree of empathy, and how an Amish proverb might be the road to the great good.
In this episode, Matthew pays tribute to veteran and hard-core life-long Steelers fan Jerry DiBacco, a West Virginia man who also happens to be his uncle, who recently passed away. Matthew acknowledges gratitude for his life-lessons, his ability to execute 'grace under pressure', and his penchant for being able to uncover the humor that helps us celebrate the events in our lives.
In this first episode of 2021, Matthew recounts a particular recent 'perfect moment' in an otherwise imperfect time-period, begging the question: can WE plan these out or do they plan on seeking US out?
Not one to to perform 'year-end recaps', Matthew summarizes the year with a showcase of three particular events that made 2020 stand out, in a episode that may be the final one of the year. Happy Holidays!
Matthew reflects on the late, great Monsignor Leonard J. Fick, his seminary mentor, and how 'taking a chance' is sometimes inevitable.
In this episode, Matthew praises 'heat' and other basic necessities that we sometimes take for granted. Curl up by the fire with a blanket and your favorite beverage and have a 'listen'!
In this episode, Matthew tries to 'conduct' the Time Symphony, waxing philosophic on how the intent to manipulate the concept of time, rather through Alzheimer's, his dog, Izzy, or through 'time' itself, has proven to be fruitless.
In this episode, Matthew (a bit under the weather) contemplates finding common-ground in the middle of a pandemic and a chaotic election, and what it might take to stop 'walking on egg-shells'.
In this episode, Matthew ponders 'unconditional' living: love, giving, and receiving. Are dogs better at it than we are? And can we learn from them?
Heat....Water....Oxygen.....and pale ale? In this episode, Matthew urges everyone to NOT to take the essentials for granted!
In this latest episode, Matthew digs deep to scoop out a few 'drops' of gratitude in this otherwise challenging and hazy time in which we live.
In this latest episode, Matthew discusses the dilemma of 'boredom', and investigates how we might use it to our 'gratitude' advantage!
In this episode, Matthew talks about that 'middle ground' in the exploration of the concept of 'empathy', especially in the midst of a pandemic.
In this episode, Matthew tries to find some common balance between that which is...and that which was.
In this episode, Matthew chats about the need to place less importance on the 'main event' in front of you and dig deeper for those instances that might not be so illuminated.
In this latest episode, Matthew tries to find balance between 'unexpected problems' and 'unexpected goodness'!
In this episode, Matthew still struggles with the death of his granddaughter, but he also looks at sometimes undervalued examples from which to find 'gratitude'.
In this episode, Matthew searches for answers...the answers that are dearly departed can hopefully give us.
In this episode, Matthew offers thoughts on the recent death of his granddaughter, Mallie.
In this episode, Matthew shares experiences from his past about 'the moment', and how we can neither avoid them nor prepare for them.
In this episode, Matthew talks about 'making do' with what you have, adapting what his parents taught him about it, and trying to apply it in the age of COVID-19.
In this episode, Matthew reflects on seemingly tiny gestures from people in his past, and how those gestures have amounted to big things now.
In this episode, Matthew celebrates 'inclusion' as we settle in on 2020's rendition of Independence Day.
In this episode, Matthew takes some time to highlight 'average' people, to reflect on their influence, and the gratitude he has for his own 'average-ness'.
In this episode, Matthew talks about his almost-92-year-old father, Fathers' Day, and feeling gratitude for still having 'Pop' in his life.
In the latest episode, Matthew updates all on his St. Louis trip...and he reveals a big decision!
Do you have a 'mentor'? In this episode, Matthew talks about the mentors who have helped shape him.
Things are not always as they seem. In this episode, Matthew discusses the fact that 'everyone has a story'.
In this episode, Matthew expounds upon his 'half-glass-empty' admission, and how 3 small hints of 'light' can sometimes help quell the tide.
In this episode, Matthew confesses to his struggles with 'regret' and tries to decipher ways to move through it.
Amidst the COVID-19 crisis, Matthew talks at length about his wife's Alzheimers condition and how it reminds us to 'live in the moment'.
In this episode, Matthew talks about his cousin in West Virginia, Stanley 'Champ' Sedmock, on his passing, and what his death can mean to all of us.
In this episode, Matthew walks us through some of his feelings regarding the Coronavirus, as well as some of the ways he's trying to sort through the various places where we might find gratitude inside of it.
With the coronavirus scare surrounding us, Matthew digs deep in this episode to figure out where the 'gratitude' might lie.Sometimes it can be found in the most unexpected places.
In this episode, Matthew reflects on past family adventures to his parents' hometown of Thomas, West Virginia, and how those visits now differ from years gone by.
In this episode, Matthew talks about 'unconditional love'...courtesy of dogs! It's the upcoming anniversary of the death of one of his favorite friends, Maggie, and Matthew discusses her, as well as the attachment we have to our furry pals.
In this episode, snow, car-brakes, dog urine, and ER visits make Matthew hypothesize about 'the unexpected'!
In this episode, Matthew discusses part-time jobs, direction, and getting past the 'gunk' in order to appreciate what's in front of you...whether it's clear or not.
In this episode, Matthew ponders the state of his chosen vocation as well as what the future might hold.
In this episode, Matthew reflects on trying to focus on extracting everything you can 'out of the moment', even when it seems like the moment is fleeting, at best.
Can 'beer' save the world? Who can say. But, it can prompt one to look through the gunk, perhaps, to uncover a glimmer of light. Matthews reflects on the magic of 'one beer' in today's 'Gratitude Journal' podcast.
Have you caused someone to be 'taken aback'? In this episode, Matthew discusses 'appreciation' and how it might just contribute to 'making someone's day'!
Matthew introduces 'The Gratitude Journal' podcast, exploring the first steps towards putting pen to paper in the 'gratitude journal'.
Further thoughts on 'regret' from Matthew, sprinkled in on a gorgeous Autumn day in northeast Ohio.
Matthew is back after a lengthy hiatus, centering on 'conditions' and how they have a tendency to dominate the decision-making process regarding 'staying in touch'.
After his weekend trip to a memorial service in Tennessee, Matthew shares some thoughts about life and death.
Matthew ponders 'decisions', the 'sitting on the fence' dilemma, and his future involving twisting the throttle!
Long drives, vacations, and 'taxation with representation'! Matthew investigates 'happiness' in this latest edition of the 'Piper Court' podcast.
After his dog-walk, Matthew discusses the real and imaginary 'boundary lines', both the ones that should remain intact and those that seem to have been obliterated.
Matthew laments the 'drowning in technology'...and a possible tiny strategy to temporarily overcome it!
In this inaugural episode, Matthew ruminates on 'patience'...and why it may NOT be the best idea to disrespect the construction folks in the orange vests!