The Eyres devote this episode to their love of books, and give a few clues about their own forthcoming books; and talk about writing in general and the various publications they are publishing articles and poems in these days. But they begin the show with November Thanks-giving and with their conviction that "Gratitude is not the path to happiness, gratitude IS happiness in its most obtainable form."

This episode is about the Eyres' concern that most of us don't read (or write) poetry anymore. In earlier generations, poetry was a key form of entertainment and expression and caused a very different kind of thought than today's texting, messaging, and social media. The goal of a prose writer is to help his reader understand, but the goal of a poet is to help his reader feel. Read Richard's poetry online every Monday in Meridian Magazine.

In this episode, the Eyres explore the win-lose culture that we and our kids live in, and discuss the question of how competing and improving and winning can be given a more positive and win-win spin. How can we teach our kids to be motivated to improve and win within themselves rather than measuring by whether or not they can beat someone else? Here are some ideas in the family and the spiritual realm.

Yesterday Richard, while traveling, ran into a man who had detailed memories of the TV show the Eyres hosted years ago which was called Families are Forever. It started some thought about some of the unique national and local media experiences they have had and they dropped their planned topic and just reminisced about media experiences and about how the common love all parents have for their children should unite this divided world.

Linda is on an outing with her four daughters and daughters in law this week, so Richard takes the opportunity to interview his good friend and publisher Christopher Robbins and the two of them talk about trends, changes, and the future both of families and of publishing. Christopher's book company is called Familius, and it exclusively publishes books that seek to help parents and families. See Familius.com.

The Eyres continue their 3-letter lesson series (which will become a hybrid book) with INC which is not a corporation but an abbreviation for Inclusive which is what the world needs now and the opposite of the exclusive, divisive, polarizing attitudes that dominate our politics and our news and divide our communities and churches and families. Inclusivity is the answer! See the connected poem on Instagram @RichardLindaEyre.

In today's episode, Richard and Linda get into their own personal love of music and sports and the extensive efforts they see parents putting in to get their kids to all the teams and lessons and extracurriculars they are involved in. Then they pose the question "is it too much?" and why don't kids have jobs outside the home as they grow up like the parents did, learning responsibility and how to deal with money.

Today, the Eyres get back into their Three-Letter Lesson series and talk about an expanded view of the word SEE. Can we look harder, notice more, become more aware of beauty, of people, of situations, and even of the Divine. Can we tap into the Spirit and thus see more? Can we see deeper inside of ourselves as well as further outside of ourselves; and can this sharper, more perceptive seeing turn into true understanding and empathy?

(Rerun from 05/28/22) After a family week in Costa Rica and a few days in LA for Richard's national tennis tournament, the Eyre's are casting today from Phoenix where their granddaughter's high school graduation. They are joined on today's podcast by their daughter Shawni, a prominent mom-blogger (71toes.com) in a discussion of UNITY in politics, in communities, in Church, and in Families. Are we more divided than ever before, and what is the path to more UNITY?

In this episode, the Eyres begin by talking about their return from New York and their week with family as a granddaughter leaves for a mission in Australia. They then shift to an online seminar Richard is preparing called "How to LIVE" with month-long sections on How to LIVE physically, How to LIVE mentally, How to LIVE emotionally, How to LIVE socially, and How to LIVE spiritually. Write to [email protected] if you want to participate.