I'm reading Ted Gioia's "Immersive Humanities Course," 52 weeks of World Classics. We start with Plato! The Last Days of Socrates and excerpts from The Republic.

I'm a beginner at reading the classics, but I've decided to just "crack the book" and get started. Here are a few of my key take-aways from Plato:

1. Human nature just doesn’t change. Socrates talks about how to influence a crowd (by misrepresenting ideas), and he gives a pretty funny explanation of misanthropy that I didn’t expect. (You hate people because you expect them to be perfect and they aren’t. Grow up, get real, and understand that the vast majority are neither purely good or purely evil, but somewhere in the middle.)
2. The distinction between an Idea (maybe think of it as a quality, like Beauty) and the thing that has the beauty (like a beautiful vase, for example) is important. The object can point to the Truth of the quality but never perfectly. It is critical to be very clear on what is the Idea and what is the object exemplifying that Idea. That sounds very obvious when I write it but in the real world it is easy to skip over.
3. These books covered things I had heard of, like the Theory of Ideas, the Argument from Affinity, and the Theory of Recollection. I won’t go into them here, but I have kept notes to trace them for myself. There was a surprising amount of reflection on the nature of the soul. Now, of course, I’m wondering exactly when did the Greeks divide man into body and soul, and what exactly did “soul” mean for them? I know they didn’t necessarily think of it like I think of my soul as a Christian.
4. Book I of The Republic is all about “doing right,” a phrase for a Greek word that is also translated “justice” but incorporates a much bigger and more moral sense than mere legal justice. There is a lot to think about for people who are considering leadership, especially political leadership. 
5. Finally, the Cave Allegory. I thought it was basically about not seeing things clearly, but learning to see them as they really are. In fact it is much, much more than that. In particular, Socrates talks about learning to see in the bright light, and then trying to come back to those inside the cave, trying to explain the truth. And there’s a line that I’ll misquote, but the point is, “Are you blind because you have always been in the dark, or are you blind because you were dazzled by brightness?” What a question.

This is a year-long challenge! Join me next week for Greek Poetry and The Odyssey.

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A NEW ADVENTURE.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the thought of diving into those classic books you feel like you should have read by now, but don’t know where to start, Crack The Book is for you.

I’m your host, Cheryl. I stumbled upon a list of classic books and realized how much I’d missed. I wanted to understand these stories and ideas and didn’t know where to start. But I was tired of feeling out of the loop and told myself - I can do this.

And you can too.

In each episode, we unpack an all-time classic book - Plato, Confucius, Dante, and more - exploring their stories, their lessons, and how we can apply them to our lives today.

We’re going to take a walk through the humanities, starting from the earliest epics ever written through to the 21st century modern classics.

So come along with me - I’ll break down the big ideas, share my honest take on what’s worth your time, and show you how these classics can connect to your life.

I’m by no means an expert on these works, but I’m excited for you to join me on this adventure of curiosity and discovery.

Whether you’re new to these books or revisiting them with fresh eyes, you’re in the right place.

Subscribe to Crack The Book now on your favorite podcast platform.

The first episode launches March 18th.

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While we take a little break, enjoy this episode from last year. We interviewed our boat broker Michal Bach and learned a lot. If you enjoyed this interview, check out some of our other guests: JB Turner on August 6, 2024, Kate Seremeth on September 10, 2024, and Ali Hasell on November 26, 2024.

Buying a boat is easier said than done. And finding the right one isn’t that simple either. Thankfully, we had Michael Bach on our side when we bought our sailboat, Abide.

Michael joins me in this episode to share his story of becoming a broker which started out working in shipyards and racing. We then uncover the process we went through together of finding the right boat and arranging the purchase and works.

This episode is packed with surprising stories, professional expertise, and practical advice for anyone interested in sailing!

Highlights from this episode:

• Our broker Michael’s journey from boat racing to finding Abide.
• How Michael sniffs out the duds when looking for boats for his clients.
• Who is the typical boat owner?
• How the boat buying process works.
• How COVID prompted us (and many others) to sail more.

Stay subscribed so you don't miss our new podcast adventure!

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Michael Bach - [email protected].

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Captivate - https://adventure-on-deck.captivate.fm

While we take a little break, enjoy this episode from last year with our chef Vanessa! And if you enjoyed this episode, she also shares life at a charter yacht show. Check out that episode from November 19, 2024.

Are you feeling hungry? You will be after listening to this episode!

Vanessa Verster, our chef on board our sailboat, Abide (and Roland’s wife), joins me on this episode to give us a behind the scenes look into life as a private chef on the sea.

We discover Vanessa’s story of how she got involved in chartering, despite having no initial sailing experience. Vanessa is now part of our crew where she uses her culinary mastery to feed us breakfast, lunch and dinner in a space smaller than most home kitchens!

Highlights from this episode:

• Vanessa’s journey to chartering, from South Africa to the USA.
• The challenges of cooking for up to ten people in a tiny galley kitchen.
• Life on mixed charters and handling diverse groups of guests.
• The differences between restaurant and private cheffing.
• The process of crafting a menu and why guests don’t get to see it before boarding.
• Nightmare guest stories!
• The no-go topics of conversation for mixed family charters…

Stay subscribed so you don't miss our new podcast adventure!

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While we take a little break, enjoy this episode from last year. And to continue to part 2, check out the episode from July 2, 2024.

We love a challenge. And this story is all about jumping in head first. In episode one I uncovered the story of how our adventure began, from the first time Bill and I went sailing, to coming to own a 136-foot sailboat. If you haven’t listened to episode one already, start there!

In this episode, I’m joined by our intrepid captain Roland, who without him, our adventure might not have been possible. We pick up where we left off with Abide arriving at Belfast's Front Street Shipyard, before winding back time to introduce Roland and how he became our captain.

Highlights from this episode:

• How our captain’s journey took him from cleaning the bottoms of boats to joining our crew.
• How chartering works, and what it’s like to live on board with people you’ve only just met!
• How Hurricane Irma tore through our plans.
• Learning about the process from delivery to sailing the world.
• How our journey made us see America from a completely new perspective.

Stay subscribed so you don't miss our new podcast adventure!

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Captivate - https://adventure-on-deck.captivate.fm

I’m making some changes to Adventure On Deck.

Over the past year, this podcast has been a space to share stories of adventure, discovery, and our life aboard Abide. And I thank you so much for being a part of this with me. But as all great stories must, this chapter has come to a natural close, now that we’ve told the refit story.

During our adventures, I’ve discovered how much I love how stories pop up in our own lives and how we can get to know the world as a progression of stories

I’ve also discovered how much I love podcasting and connecting with you!

That’s why, although this story has come to a close, the podcast will live on, but it’s time to steer the course into something new.

In this episode, I talk about what’s coming next in this new chapter.

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Have you ever read a book that feels like it was written for the exact moment you’re living?

That’s how I felt when I read Homer’s Odyssey during our last trip to St. Thomas this year. The story of the epic, 20-year journey home has stuck with me, and I couldn’t help but see the parallels to our adventures aboard Abide.

That’s why in this episode, I’m sharing 5 of these parallels that we’ve learnt from. If you haven’t read The Odyssey - don’t worry, I’ll give you some context. And either way, if you’re planning an adventure of your own, there’s something to learn here.

We may not have ended up getting on Poseidon’s bad side - but there have definitely been some unexpected challenges!

In this episode, I share:

• 5 ways our adventure mirrors Homer’s Odyssey.
• How the realities of our trip differed from our expectations.
• The sirens (or distractions) we’ve had to resist along the way.
• Why “home” looks so different after spending time at sea.
• Lessons that you can bring to your own adventures.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe on your favourite podcast platform so you don’t miss the next one.

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For more about Abide - https://svabide.com/

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Abide on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sail_abide

Cheryl Drury on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryldruryphotographer/

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Captivate - https://adventure-on-deck.captivate.fm

Happy New Year, Adventurers! What went well in 2024 for you and what went not so well?

This week, I’m joined by my husband, Bill, as we reflect on the highs and lows of 2024 and look ahead to what’s in store for 2025.

We’re playing a little game of ‘Good Thing, Bad Thing’ - a game we loved to play with our kids around the dinner table to get everyone talking about their day. We’re reminiscing about some incredible moments from this past year - and a few not-so-great moments that we can learn from. From launching this podcast to our favorite trips aboard Abide, 2024 has been super busy and full of surprises and lessons.

Highlights from this episode:

• A look back at our year with Abide.
• Some of the best - and worst - moments of 2024.
• Our hopes, goals, and plans for 2025 aboard Abide and personally.
• Chartering a boat and why we’re doing more of it in 2025.
• And more!

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe on your favourite podcast platform so you don’t miss the adventure in 2025.

LEARN MORE

For more about Abide - https://svabide.com/

CONNECT

Abide on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sail_abide

Cheryl Drury on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryldruryphotographer/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5GpySInw1e8IqNQvXow7Lv?si=9ebd5508daa245bd

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adventure-on-deck/id1749793321

Captivate - https://adventure-on-deck.captivate.fm

In this special holiday episode, I’ve put something together for you that will surely get you in the Christmas spirit!

I’m putting my own spin on Clement Moore’s classic, ‘The Night Before Christmas’,  inspired by life aboard Abide with our family and crew (and a familiar face that shows up).

Curl up with a cup of hot chocolate (or your favorite holiday drink from last week’s episode!) and set sail with us.

If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to follow Adventure On Deck on your favourite podcast platform so you don’t miss the next one.

Thanks so much for listening to Adventure On Deck in 2024, and see you in the New Year!

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For more about Abide - https://svabide.com/

CONNECT

Abide on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sail_abide

Cheryl Drury on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryldruryphotographer/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5GpySInw1e8IqNQvXow7Lv?si=9ebd5508daa245bd

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adventure-on-deck/id1749793321

Captivate - https://adventure-on-deck.captivate.fm

When we host guests aboard Adibe, one thing we love to do is prepare cocktails. And now that the holiday season is upon us, what better way to celebrate than by sharing our top three drinks we love to share?

If you’re planning on hosting a party, or looking for some inspiration, this episode will make it a little easier for you to make things memorable.

This week, I’m joined by our daughters, Paige and Darcy, to share three beverages we love to serve aboard Abide.

We’ve got two alcoholic cocktails to share with you and one for the designated drivers. And each drink comes with some garnish suggestions to impress your guests. Plus, we’re throwing in a couple of bonus recipes that hold a special place in our family.

Highlights from this episode:

• The must-try holiday drinks we love serving aboard Abide.
• Alcoholic, non-alcoholic, hot and cold - something for everyone.
• How making these drinks create a key part of creating a welcoming atmosphere on Abide.
• And more…

If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to follow Adventure On Deck on your favourite podcast platform so you don’t miss the next one.

LEARN MORE

For more about Abide - https://svabide.com/

CONNECT

Abide on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sail_abide

Cheryl Drury on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryldruryphotographer/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5GpySInw1e8IqNQvXow7Lv?si=9ebd5508daa245bd

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adventure-on-deck/id1749793321

Captivate - https://adventure-on-deck.captivate.fm