Getting Old Quickly

In Episode 180, Billy Donnelly decides that this is the end of the Getting Old Quickly podcast. After 3 ½ years of doing this show, he shares his reasoning for bringing things to a close and explains how and when he knew he was making the right decision. He offers his thanks to so many who helped make this podcast last as long as he did and talks about what an important role this personal outlet has played in his life.

In Episode 179, Billy Donnelly wants to talk about the male loneliness epidemic he's heard getting more attention lately. As a subject that's been discussed on Getting Old Quickly before, he aims to address some of the contributing factors that cause such difficulty in making and maintaining adult friendships -- but also why it can be a bit harder for men, in general. He also talks about some of the mockery of the problem he's heard, sharing why it's not helpful and just further keeps the vicious cycle of male loneliness rolling forward. Additionally, he shares his belief that the more we talk about such a problem and continue to acknowledge it's happening, the easier it becomes for people to find others looking for similar connection.

In Episode 178, Billy Donnelly shares that he's been plagued by negative thoughts as of late -- regardless of how much he works to fight against them on the regular. He speaks with reminders that these things are never fully gone and, even though we know how to combat them, sometimes it's easier said than done. However, he wants others to know just what a pain in the ass they can be from time to time and that we all struggle with it when it does re-occur.

In Episode 177, Billy Donnelly reveals that he has joined a bocce league. And, in doing so, he once again reiterates the need for us to find a way to get to yes and do the things that interest us. Much like he found with painting earlier in the year, he was able to talk himself into doing something that looked fun, instead of finding an excuse not to -- and may have found another hobby to keep him busy and get him out of the house.

In Episode 176, Billy Donnelly reminds you (and himself) that we are not flawless individuals. We screw up, and we make mistakes. However, all we can do is take things one day at a time and continue trying to learn and be better from those failings. All we can do is just keep swimming.

In Episode 175, Billy Donnelly shares the details of his recent vacation to the Mediterranean, talking about what he liked and didn't like during his cruise voyage through parts of Greece, Italy, and Malta. He also provides an update on his health and how his anxieties held up during the trip. Additionally, he speaks a few words about the tragic loss of wrestler Windham Rotunda/Bray Wyatt.

In Episode 174, Billy Donnelly pops in with an explanation as to why there's not much of a show this week. As a result of whatever germs he picked up while on his Mediterranean cruise, he spells out why pushing through with details of his trip while struggling with his voice and having difficulty hearing isn't the best idea.

In Episode 173, Billy Donnelly is not here. Instead, he's traveling through parts of Europe on a cruise. But he still manages to share some of his excitement but also natural anxieties about the vacation while gone.

In Episode 172, Billy Donnelly offers up a reminder that we never eliminate our issues. While it's a wonderful idea to believe we slay our dragons, he shares his disbelief that such is ever truly the case -- because it's a constant battle to keep them at bay. As a result, he counters that it's more about continuing to create more and more distance from our struggles in order to make them less powerful when they inevitably resurface.

In Episode 171, Billy Donnelly has rediscovered his passion for going to the movies. And while that might not usually seem like a big deal, it signals that he's been able to move forward and let go of the hurt he still felt from his experience working at the Alamo Drafthouse (as shared in Episode 17: Forget The Alamo). He shares his pride in being able to make progress with those emotions while once again finding joy in something he loved dearly, especially after convincing himself he didn't need it in his life.