John was hopping puddles in Saint Paul enjoying State Tournament Hockey. He picked up some wisdom from the boys along the way, and got a solo pedicure. 

John and Stacey redeem the first holiday card golden ticket, attend an Elvis movie that felt like seeing The King live, and remind us to always leave room for the interesting even if it’s an ice luge or anthem singer. 

John grabs wisdom from a buddy’s experiencing reading his son’s hockey lineup and a figure skater who, with a steady diet of beach bonfires, turned a hyper-competitive sport into “such a vibe.” 

John believes he’s All Conference in being Minnesotan. And even though our snowmen’s’ heads are falling off, the sound of Martin Zellar’s voice makes it easier to stick it out.  

John reminds us, and himself, two valuable lessons he’s learned along the way. 1) It’s not all about you. 2) It’s all connected. Also, he’s tired of Lindsey Vonn.  

John did a planes, trains, and automobiles trip to the gluten free mecca of the world, Providence, Rhode Island. He learned what matcha is and struggled with a robot toilet. 

It’s medallion hunt season, which means John is once again a Winter Carnival widower. While his wife searches for the medallion, John seeks meaning from the importance of place and good looking quarterbacks.

John checks in with a friend who unplugged and walked off the grid to see how he’s doing 3 years into his experiment on the playa. And he reminds us to stay wild, because the world is as sharp as a knife.  

John is a week into Dry January, and it’s triggering a 5/8th life crisis. He wonders aloud whether he should be doubling down on the things he’s always done, or if he should seek newness on the regular. 

John spent 4 days and 3 nights eating and drinking his way through fabulous Las Vegas and is ready to be PRIME in the new year. He encourages you to pick your word and make 2026 what you want it to be.