Embracing the challenge, inserting yourself in the outcome, Bullpen Bombers, and scouting reports. As the opposing catcher said "this is the hardest place in America to play baseball... it's also our favorite place to play baseball."

Before we dive into the numerous other motivations of this time of year, a conversation with a new leader in Bonfire this weekend stirred up wise words from Teddy Lowe.

From my workshop, late into a cold night, reflecting on weather and the rightness of being wrong. (It's colder in Michigan. I get it.) Monday Moti is back from the postseason break.

When the company you've earned makes you better.

A year (or a few) of discomfort. Or a lifetime of regret. Your call.

A short moti at the very end of a long day

Sage Sale '18 was an Aggie Bonfire Greenpot. Her conduct and performance were motivators to all. Her leadership was transformative. At the time of this recording, she was a Naval Aviator, just transitioning to a new and exciting role in oceanography in the US Navy.

Stories become myths, that may become legends. Like... did you hear the one about the guy who missed the birth of his child to make a Stack Shift? (Spoiler alert: That never happened.)

Nathaniel Hall was a fish for Bonfire '04, the second Bonfire Stack off campus. His motivation and personal leadership was legendary. He would go on to be a Brown Pot. Today he builds nuclear reactor cores. He's never stopped motivating and leading.

(Expect bonuses. This is half of a long and ranging conversation.)

Moments of misery are breadcrumbs home to long-ago memories of greatest pride.