Idiot Bond Fan

It's James Bond Day! But is it James Bond Fan Day...or is it James Bond Brand Day?

This day that comes about every October is supposed to be a fan celebration of 007's anniversary, but it has become more of an endless stream of pricey product launches that the everyman is increasingly boxed out of buying. Some thoughts to share...

James Bond is the ultimate seduction artist. His tool bag of seduction techniques is impressive, and tonight we'll cover some of the most effective ways Bond attracts and beds the opposite sex.

Bond inspired the seductions of my youth and shaped the way I interacted with the fairer sex. Has he had that effect on yours?

And for you single people out there, it's time to open up your toolbox and recount with me all those amazing looks, lines, and banter that basically gives him a perfect batting average.

Bond moments in our lives are normally aspirational in nature. But what about those moments that are just plain BAD?

James Bond gets himself into some pretty precarious situations frequently, as many of us do in the course of normal human events. In tonight's episode, I'll call out five specific ones that have happened both to me and to Bond, and perhaps you as well. And either in the moment, or reflecting back on them, I've realized that they have #BADBONDMOMENTS written all over them.

Ten years later...Die Another Day was better then the last time. Here's why.

What are the rules of being a true die-hard Bond fan? Have we been "commanded" to love or hate certain aspects of the world of James Bond by a higher power? Or are there simply a group of generally accepted principles or preferences that the overwhelming majority of Bond fans would agree on?

Well, of course, there's always some that don't follow the Bond guidebook (self-included). And in tonight's discussion, we'll cover the Top 10 most accepted rules, followed by a wide variety of opinions from listeners. Including a newfound resurgence of love around Die Another Day??? That took even me by surprise.

We aren't James Bond...sorry it's true! We cannot physically be in five countries on three continents in a two hour period of time. But when we can't be at an event, secure a Bond related purchase, or have to experience the disappointment of hearing or seeing the joy others had when we when missed out, it can be disheartening. It can be down right FOMO.

But fear not, the truth is you don't need to be everywhere, feel obligated to participate more than you so choose, and you can be selective in weighing out the choices around your James Bond fandom. External factors, divine-intervention, and of course the weight of your wallet will factor in. But most importantly, these difficult choices are best made with a clear head and careful consideration. You don't need to be everywhere, do everything, or buy every product. And if you have ever felt the guilt, shame, or just plan FOMO of not being able to do certain things in this James Bond fan world, then this one is for you.

Most of us Bond fans have a love/hate relationship with the primary retailer for all 007 related merch. We have complaints, we have qualms, and we have horror stories in many cases. But, most of us sit with our concerns and don't vocalize them out loud...particularly in content form. Well, I'm here to speak up for all of us. Let's talk about all the e-com shop where the fast majority of Bond fans do their 00-shopping. You may learn some things you didn't know before, and perhaps (doubtful) leave this episode cutting the company behind the store a little bit more slack than you did prior.

Cold Turkey Challenge complete, six months of no Bond movies! I'll give myself a small pat on the back for this accomplishment. But the greater accomplishment was having more time to dedicate to the things in my life that matter to me (ready for this?)...more than James Bond. Family, friends, work, and so many more things have taken up my free time getting off the Bond-watching hamster wheel that is constantly on repeat. It's been a success all around.

But would you take a challenge like this? Would you take time off to do other things other than repetitiously watch the same 25 movies that you've probably seen dozens if not hundreds of times? You should...and here's why.

Living a Bond lifestyle and enjoying those sartorial moments is fun right? Well, it's also a challenge for the overwhelming majority of not just the fan community, but the male population overall that struggles daily with height, weight, and body-type challenges. Whether due to genetics, metabolism, stress, or nature, so many of us are unable to add ready-to-wear Bond pieces to our wardrobes due to a whole host of factors. And it's time we talked about why....

What has worked for me in "living a Bond lifestyle" and what hasn't? I'll share some personal anecdotes about struggles I've dealt with on a daily basis in having those personal style moments. And perhaps, you already know what I am talking about. Bond inclusivity for all is my motto and should be the standard.

Book reports, senior thesis paper, class presentations...you name it, I incorporated Bond into it growing up. And as I think back about the countless assignments I included 007 references, clips, or citations in, I realize looking back that it was more than just about sharing my Bond passion with my peers. Presenting Bond as an educational tool, whether as a student or teacher, is just another way of schooling those not familiar with our favorite secret agent and furthering the fandom. Here are are a couple of ways I have done it over the years, consciously and subconsciously.