In this episode of Set Lusting Bruce, host Jesse Jackson welcomes guest Jay Armstrong, a longtime friend and one of the podcast's earliest guests. Jay shares insights from his teaching experiences, where he used Bruce Springsteen's 'Thunder Road' as a poetic exercise for his students. The episode dives into the longstanding debate over whether Mary gets in the car and how perspectives on the song have evolved over time. Jay discusses his new book, 'Follow Your Dreams Down: Scenes from Small Towns, Jukebox Nights, and Roads That Give Second Chances,' which is a collection of short stories inspired by Springsteen's songs. The conversation also touches on Jay's experiences with his medical condition, the importance of resilience, and the challenges of writing fiction. Tune in for an engaging discussion about music, teaching, and the human experience, all through the lens of Bruce Springsteen's work.

00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Jay Armstrong

00:28 The Thunder Road Classroom Debate

03:10 Jay's New Book and Writing Journey

05:24 Exploring Themes in Bruce's Music

07:28 Jay's Fiction Writing Inspiration

10:56 Challenges of Writing Short Stories

18:16 Bruce Springsteen's Recent Works and Collaborations

23:41 Reflecting on Youth and Urgency

24:16 Anticipation for the Bruce Springsteen Movie

25:13 The Challenge of Being True to Oneself

26:47 The Fear of Rejection

28:12 Writing and Letting Go

29:37 Lessons from Living with a Condition

31:54 Memories and Stories of Loved Ones

33:08 The Absurdity of Love

36:10 Crafting a Book Like a Concert Setlist

40:45 Connecting with Readers

44:32 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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