Soul Forge Podcast

We're better! We're healed! We are our best selves. The forging of souls is complete. Welcome to the final episode of the Soul Forge Podcast. It's been a crazy 7+ years, but we made it.

This week, Shawn is joined by his brother Robin, to say goodbye to the Soul Forge faithful. There is plenty of memories, and a few new tidbits to entertain all of you out there in Podcastland. Robin talks about a few of his favourite things. Shawn thanks everyone for their support over the years. Whether you were a guest, a subject, sent an email, commented on a post, shared a link or just thought of the Soul Forge, we are grateful.

Although this is a bittersweet time, all hope is not lost. Soul Forge was created in the fire of the Rusted Robot Podcast which also lasted just over 7 years and had 331 episodes. Soul Forge is ending at episode 339. But out of its ashes, a new podcast is born. The Have Coffee Will Travel Podcast shall continue on the work that Shawn started in 2014. Shawn and Leah invite you all to join our new adventure. Like, share, download and subscribe to the Have Coffee Will Travel Podcast by going to https://shows.acast.com/have-coffee-will-travel

Thank you all for a rather odd, yet entertaining 7 years.

This week's podcast promo: Monkeeing Around

Subscribe to our new show! It's on all podcast platforms. Our website is: https://shows.acast.com/have-coffee-will-travel

Why we collect is often as interesting as what we collect. A collection can offer life-support over time, a means of trading, a basis for community and communication, a stockpile of wealth, and a mechanism of self-identity.

The gathering of resources for survival, health, comfort, or economy is a defining characteristic of life. Collecting is a rather curious behavior that seems to defy easy explanation or analysis. In the popular mind, collectors are often viewed as individuals with more money than sense. They drop huge sums on rare artifacts while displacing them from their supposed rightful locations. They are often seen as mildly disturbed cranks who have an inexplicable need to gather large numbers of items few others deem interesting, invariably cluttering their lives or minds in ways that are unhealthy. 

The paradox of collecting. It serves multiple purposes, from the deceptive to the inspirational. Collecting is viewed in many different and often competing ways depending on the position of the viewer. And collecting can involve more than the accumulation of significant cultural resources, there can be personal, familial, and regional connections that motivate a collector to gather and curate certain works or objects. Why we collect is a huge topic.

This week's podcast promo: Modern Musicology

Comic books and feedback on episode 337 of Soul Forge Podcast.

A brief history of comics...the first modern American style comic book, Famous Funnies: A Carnival of Comics, was released in the U.S. in 1933. This was a reprinting of earlier newspaper humor comic strips, which had established many of the story-telling devices used in comics. The term comic book derives from American comic books once being a compilation of comic strips of a humorous tone. However, this practice was replaced by featuring stories of all genres, usually not humorous in tone. 

Timely Comics is the common name for the group of corporations that was the earliest comic book arm of American publisher Martin Goodman. This is the entity that would evolve by the 1960s to become Marvel Comics. The first printing was in October of 1939.

Marvel has become the unquestionable king of the superhero and comic book industry. The company grew throughout the Golden Age and exploded into the mainstream throughout the Silver Age. Here, heroes like Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor and the X-Men came to embody the company's colorful approach to heroes. 

Also in this episode: the different versions of characters and their time-lines, valuable comic books, and the on-screen versions. We also have feedback regarding episode 335.

This week's podcast promo: Flopcast, ESO Patreon

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is the 9th film from Quentin Tarantino. As Hollywood's Golden Age is winding down during the summer of 1969, television actor Rick Dalton and his stunt double Cliff Booth endeavor to achieve lasting success in Hollywood. They meet several colorful characters along the way. The film was released in the summer of 2019.

This week's episode of the podcast is a rambling catch-up show. So much is going on in our lives these days, it can be difficult to find the time and energy to record a new episode. Therefore, it's a quick solo episode. The main event occurring in our lives these days is the ongoing sale of our house. We have had a huge quantity of viewings, but the offers have been few and far between. Mid-October is when we take possession of our new place.

Many other things are taking up our time. In addition to packing for our move, we have also just launched our new podcast. The Have Coffee Will Travel Podcast is similar to Soul Forge, but has a bit more structure and research. So far, topics have included Disney adults, robots and cyborgs, and the history of coffee. You can find the new show at https://shows.acast.com/have-coffee-will-travel

I watched Once Upon a Time in Hollywood during the summer of its release. I remember it being a fun, action-packed spectacle. So, I bought the blu ray when it came out. It's been 5 years since I watched the film, and wanted to introduce Leah to my movie collection. It turns out, half the enjoyment of the film was simply watching it in theatres. This time around, it was a tedious slog. The film is not nearly as good as I remember it being.

This week's podcast promo: The Epsilon Three Podcast

What the truck is my brother Robin up to these days? At one time, Robin made regular appearances on the Soul Forge Podcast. Because it has been so long, it felt like a great time to catch up on his latest happenings.

2024 looked like it was going to be a great year for Robin. However, the universe had other plans. For the previous year, Robin was the only full-time appliance salesman at Best Buy. February 7th was his birthday so he naturally took the day off. On his return the next day, he received a letter informing him that his position was redundant and he was being let go. The letter was dated on his birthday.

This news hit him hard. After a month or two, he decided it was time to find a new job or career. Robin took himself to Sault Community Career Centre. In association with Better Jobs Ontario Robin was enrolled in a course for AZ License training. This meant that once he completed and passed the course, he would drive transport trucks, dump trucks and other heavy machinery.

Robin spent the summer taking his course, and practicing his driving skills. He learned about air brakes and the rules of the road. Driving a standard vehicle was another skill he was taught. How to back up a truck with a trailer was also a skill he acquired.

What the truck happened? Did he get his license? Is Robin now an employed and productive member of society? All this and more on this episode of the Soul Forge Podcast!

Don't forget to subscribe to our new podcast: HAVE COFFEE WILL TRAVEL https://shows.acast.com/have-coffee-will-travel

This week's podcast promo: Earth Station Who

Advice for aspiring writers! Do you want to write a book, a series of books, or some poetry? Do you need some motivation to get started? If you answered yes, or even maybe, to any of these questions, this is the episode for you. And if you answered no, listen anyway. You will always learn something new on the Soul Forge Podcast!

For this episode, we dive deep into the back catalogue. This episode originally aired in the Spring of 2018 as episode 37. There are some great timey-whimey throwbacks as this was recorded 6 years ago. I believe this was the first conversation I ever had with Daniel Peter Hitch. Since that time, he has become my friend and co-host on two other podcasts.

To start with, we begin with a bit of background on Dan's early influences. Every writer begins by falling in love with the works of another author. This brings the conversation to the topic of the motivation and desire to write. We learn what makes Dan tick. But of course, monotony and distraction are the writer's enemy. How does one combat these foes? Routine is the key!

Later we learn about Dan's inspirations. Who or what are Bubbles the Pirate? How many books has Dan written? We end the show with some advice for aspiring writers. Find Dan on Instagram: @daniel_hitch_writer

Don't forget to subscribe to our new podcast: HAVE COFFEE WILL TRAVEL https://shows.acast.com/have-coffee-will-travel

This week's podcast promo: Earth Station Trek

Have Coffee, Will Travel is the brand new podcast from the hosts of the Soul Forge Podcast. What you are about to hear is the first episode. It's all about Disney adults and the recent D23 Expo.

Subscribe to Have Coffee, Will Travel is all of your favorite podcast apps!

Show notes:

Everything Disney!

Shawn and Leah start their brand new podcast with the pop culture behemoth of Disney. Mike from the ESO Podcast Network join them as their first guest.This recording used Streamyard.

What is a Disney adult? A Disney adult is an adult who is a devout fan of The Walt Disney Company. Common hobbies of Disney adults include visiting Disney theme parks, collecting Disney merchandise, cosplaying Disney characters, and consuming content on the Disney+ streaming service. Practices associated with the phenomenon, such as Disney weddings, date back decades to the 1990s.

Our conversation moves on to this year's D23 Expo. D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, also known as Disney D23 or simply D23, is the official fan club for The Walt Disney Company. Founded in 2009, the organization is known mainly for its biennial exposition event, D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event (previously known as the D23 Expo). Highlights from this year's event include all the latest expansion news, as well as all the upcoming projects.

We end our show with a chat about the Disney Cruise Line. There are all kinds of exciting things coming soon!

Thank you for listening to our first episode. It may have been a bit rough, but it will get better!

Find us at https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/66b90a7302d146a034976b2b

Please leave a 5 star review in the podcatcher of your choice!

This week's podcast promo: Earth Station DCU

Bypassing Camus Two! What does that mean? Is there a deeper meaning to this odd podcast episode title?

On this special episode of the Soul Forge Podcast, Shawn and Leah travel a few hours for the weekend. They find themselves in Sudbury, Ontario to visit someone Shawn has known for more than half of his life. Who is this mysterious man named Cory? You are about to learn all that and more on this exciting episode.

Shawn and Cory met in the late 1990s. Cory was dating Laura, whom Shawn already knew, and they moved to Shawn's hometown of Sault Ste. Marie. Shawn and Cory hit if off as friends immediately.

This episode tell us the story of Cory. The Cory story, if you will. We learn where he grew up, some of the places he has lived, a few of the jobs he has held, and a girlfriend or two along the way. Why do fruits and veggies figure so prominently in this story?

Shawn and Cory share a love of pop culture. Movies have always been a big deal for both of them. Relationships have never been easy and because Cory suffers from seizures, he has had a particularly rough go of things.

The question you have been asking yourself though is, why is this episode called bypassing Camus Two? If you stick around until after the halfway point of the show, you will learn why. Suffice it to say, it has something to do with Star Trek, and previous podcasting.

This week's podcast promo: DragonCon Report

The 7 Year Itch is here to celebrate the seventh anniversary of the Soul Forge Podcast. Shawn and Leah cover a variety of topics this week, while also marking this monumental occasion. Come celebrate 7 years with us.

Our first topic of conversation is all about new beginnings. After a fun preamble about 7 years of forging our souls, and more than 10 years of podcasting, we are talking about new ideas. Soul Forge began as a way for Shawn to heal from years of loss and trauma. The podcast became a place to talk about the things and ideas people generally avoid.

Shawn and Leah want to slowly retire Soul Forge. They wish to create something new. Something that belongs to both of them from the very beginning. They are workshopping ideas and names for this new podcast. If you have any ideas or suggestions you can email them at [email protected]

Speaking of new beginnings, Shawn and Leah are looking at buying a house together. A house that is theirs together without any previous history. Their house is up for sale, and their have been many showings. Furniture shopping has begun. They need a new dining room set, as well as a bedroom set. Do they get a king or queen sized bed? What do you think?

The Amore fashion show (as mentioned on episode 329) happened last week. Shawn and Leah attended the event and their thoughts are revealed here. San Diego Comic-Con was this past weekend. There were many Marvel and Star Trek reveals. Inside Out 2 became the highest grossing animated movie in history.

Leah has some new items in her Etsy shop. Find her store by searching collectandcaston

Shawn listed a few new items on Etsy, and they can be found at rustedrobottoys

This week's podcast promo: Cosmic Pizza Podcast

What about Bob Newhart and Shannon Doherty? These are two of the major celebrity deaths the world experienced recently. Back when Shawn was hosting the Rusted Robot Podcast, each episode began with that week's famous deaths. Although that pop culture podcast ended more than three years ago, it is never far from Shawn's memory.

This week, Shawn and Leah jump from topic to topic. There is a lot on their minds. Since two weeks have passed since the last episode, they have a lot of catching up to do. Minor topics include the end of the LCBO strike (which means we can buy our booze again), and the 55 year annivery of the first moon landing.

Mike and Judy sent Shawn and Leah some wedding gifts this week. A huge thank you goes out to this amazing couple for their kindness. For those who don't know, Mike is the head of the ESO Network.

Leah and Shawn are getting more familiar with their Jeep. They took part of the roof off and drove around in style. There is more that can be modified, but that is all in good time.

President Joe Biden has left the race. He will no longer be seeking re-election. As of our recording, the Vice President was not yet the nominee. Although they don't know a lot about United States politics, Shawn and Leah do have a bit of a chat.

The main topic of conversation this week is the house. Shawn and Leah have been doing a lot of prep work. There have been multiple dump runs, as well as donations going to Value Village. They have painted, decluttered and put new carpet on the stairs. Large beds have been replaced by smaller beds to make rooms appear bigger. And Leah wants to know what the animals will think about moving.

This week's podcast promo: Cigar Nerds