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

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

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

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

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

Mentioned In This Episode

Bookends - Simon and Garfunkel

Bette Midler - Stay With Me

Niel's Gofund Me

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

41 is Coming

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

Day 41 came and the rain stopped.

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

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

Moses went up on the mountain for 40 days.

On day 41, he received the Ten Commandments.

The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years.

Year 41, they walked into the Promised Land.

Goliath taunted Israel for 40 days.

Day 41 came, and David slew him.

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

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

Jesus fasted and was tempted for 40 days.

Day 41, and the devil fled.

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

On day 41, He ascended into Heaven.

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

41 is coming.

See you later Niel.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

John Mayer - Stop This Train

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

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

1. Winter Woes & Car Troubles:

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

2. Lessons in Adaptability:

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

3. Keeping Emergency Funds & Friends Handy:

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

4. Balancing Technology & Life:

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

5. Humor & Nostalgia:

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

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

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

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

Visit Us: BetterDave.com Subscribe: www.betterdave.com/follow

• A Christmas Conundrum:

  What do you do when the much-anticipated family gathering is jeopardized by an unexpected bout of COVID-19? Dave recounts his experience, offering a candid and touching perspective on the true meaning of the season.

• Reminiscing with Friends:

  From cherished childhood memories to the pains and aches of getting older, Dave and his best friend embark on a nostalgic journey, bringing laughs and poignant moments.

• The Gift of Adaptation:

  Learn how Dave turned a disappointing holiday season into a moment of gratitude and reflection, even dubbing COVID-19 as an unexpected Christmas gift.

• Chicken Noodle Soup for the Soul:

  A simple can of soup leads Dave down memory lane, teaching us all the power of sensory experiences and the warmth of family traditions.

• Adventures in Everyday Life:

  From rolling into a gas station with an empty tank to making peace with life's unpredictable nature, Dave's tales offer inspiration and a fresh perspective on life's little adventures.

I filed for Bankrupcy in 2004. I know there is a difference between being poor and being BROKE. 

Today I share a strategy I've been doing for most of this year and it's saving me close to $50 a month and I don't have to do a thing.

A bundle of Disney+, Hulu, and Max is $30/month Peacock $14/month Paramount and Showtime $13/month. Total: $57

(and yes, I know there are more). 

Rotate Your Streaming Services:

• Cancel all but one streaming service at a time.

• Saves up to $50 a month by only paying for one service at a time.

• Focus on quality content, avoiding time wasted on subpar shows.

⭐ Smart Meal Planning:

• Instead of eating out, consider quick and affordable home cooking.

• A simple George Foreman Grill can make delicious burgers at a fraction of the cost.

• This not only saves money but is healthier and faster than fast food.

⭐ Avoid Impulse Purchases:

• Think twice before buying things you don’t need, especially during sales.

• Consider if the purchase truly adds value to your life.

• Practice this discipline to accelerate your journey towards being debt-free.

Want more money tips? Check out "Get Your Money Working For You."

Want to give back? Buy Me a Coffee (or two).

In the latest episode, I share my personal experience with podcasting, detailing how I ended up in podcasting post-divorce while living in my brother's basement.

Despite successfully establishing myself over two decades and earning recognition, I still struggle with imposter syndrome. Reflecting on accolades like being called an influencer and my moves within the industry, I discuss the complicated feelings of self-worth and acceptance.

Wrapping up, I share some cozy moments from my day-to-day life, which help ground me amid these introspective thoughts.

Clips from Podnews Weekly

Podnews Daily

Like the show? Buy me a coffee.

Welcome to another episode of Better Dave! Today, I'm diving into the fascinating world of personal finance and exploring how we can get our money working for us.

I've spent over three decades with the same bank, but recently, I've rediscovered the benefits of modern financial tools like SoFi and Acorns. 

As I monitor my income and outcome in Monarch, I have noticed the more attention you spend on your money, the more money there is to manage.

 Whether you're drowning in debt or just looking for smarter ways to manage your finances, there's something here for everyone. So, let's get started on building a better financial future together!

Mentioned In This Episode

Sofi online bank account

Acorns Banking (round up and invest)

Monarch Budgeting Program

Enjoy the show? Buy Dave a Coffee (or two)

Today's story reminds us there's still hope in humanity. In this episode, our host, Dave Jackson, shares a personal mishap that turns into a surprising testament to the goodness of people. After a pleasant bike ride in Ohio, Dave discovers he’s lost his wallet, containing all his essential cards and cash. His frantic search proves futile, leading to setbacks as he navigates the day without his wallet.

Lessons Learned:

Do not put ALL of your cards in your wallet. 

Enjoy the show? Buy Dave a Coffee.

On the latest episode of Better Dave, titled "Putting the FUN in Funeral," host Dave Jackson shares a heartwarming and humorous tribute to his favorite teacher and mentor, Jim Blackstock. This episode takes us on an emotional yet uplifting journey, emphasizing the profound impact a great teacher can have on our lives.

Here are three key takeaways from this poignant episode:

- **Integrating Humor in Education**: Dave underscores how Jim Blackstock's unique teaching style, blending humor with education, made learning enjoyable and memorable, influencing Dave's own teaching approach.

- **The Power of Mentorship**: The episode highlights the significant role mentorship plays in shaping personal and professional growth, as demonstrated by Jim's encouragement of Dave's writing, which started in his college days.

- **Celebrating Life with a Smile**: The touching account of Jim Blackstock’s funeral, infused with whimsy and laughter, serves as a reminder of the importance of celebrating life and the legacies we leave behind.

🎙️ Tune in to reflect on the laughter and lessons shared in this special episode of Better Dave. It's a true testament to the lasting impact of teachers like Jim, who inspire and transform lives beyond the classroom.

Here is the episode I did before. The best teacher I ever had.

Like the show? Buy Dave a Coffee and Say Thanks!

Today I turn 59 and apparently, I have one goal: Don't Break a Hip. So I reflect a bit on my 20s, 30s, and 40s, as I have 365 more days in my 50's. According to AI, "From reminiscing about past relationships and experiences to contemplating the inevitability of aging and the challenges of staying healthy, Dave's musings offer a heartfelt and relatable perspective on navigating life's journey." So click Play already

Key Points: You can't change people.

I don't want to live a life filled with Ozzy Lyrics.

With some lessons, you need two chances to learn.

Getting old is weird, and I don't want to live in fear.

While the baby of the family gets away with murder, there is still a price to pay.

While she may be a queen, I need another divorce.

Mentioned In This Episode

River by Joni Mitchell

Joni Mitchell on the Grammys 2024

Ozzy See You On The Other Side

Prince Lonely Christmas ( the snare is weirdly in the right headphone)

Future.co (virtual weight loss coaches)

Like the Show? Consider buying me a coffee.