When I think about this podcast and what I hope for in each episode it is a few things (probably in this order): 1. it is an honest, authentic conversation, because if it isn't honest then what is the point, 2. it explores interesting topics in a way that allows me (and hopefully listeners) to learn something new or think about something from a different perspective, and 3. it is entertaining and enjoyable to for people to consume. I think this conversation with Dave hit all 3, at least for me. Dave is another one of my old friends, who I've known since junior high (when he stole my spot on the basketball team). Over the years we've become really good friends, played football together, were roommates together at Boston College, and I even had the privilege to be the best man at his wedding. 

One of the reasons we've become so close is because of how extremely genuine Dave is, almost to a fault at times. Myself being much more of a people pleaser and worried about what other people think, I have always admired how easy it seems for Dave to be comfortable being himself. That shined through often in this conversation and I think that is in large part why I enjoyed it and learned so much from it. We talked about his value (which is too long to write here or I'd run passed the character limit), we talked about the pros/cons of being so genuine, we talked about his internal debate about having kids, we talked about God, we talked about race and why Dave feels like at times he should be doing more to help his community. All of those are really interesting and important topics, but it was the way in which we talked about them that made it so impactful. Dave was not afraid to open up, to explore, and to be completely honest about how he thinks about his approach to life. 

Probably the biggest thread that ran through most of the episode was this question of if being completely genuine is a good thing (makes life simple, allows you to always be true to yourself, etc.) or a bad thing (results in you not questioning yourself enough, can lead to more self serving actions, etc.)? I really appreciate Dave coming on and allowing for some real talk on this question and all the other topics we hit. As I do sometimes, at the end of the episode Dave and I kept the convo going and we put the mic back on to record an extra 15 minute bonus segment. So if you enjoyed the the main segment, check that out too.