All the way from Yamaguchi Prefecture in Japan JT welcomes friend of the show Mark Reid from the Zen Sammich podcast (link here).

Mark is a Lawyer, Professor and has a Masters degree in Philosophy so Mark is not just some "soapbox philosopher" like JT!

In this epsiode we discuss Mark's journey and life as Americans living abroad, zen and stoicism, lady's speed stick, podcasting, and of course the excellent podcast that Mark hosts. 

We also learn more about Washi and some of the unique traditions that the Japanese keep alive to this day.

From Mark's excellent website;

"Zen Sammich is two things: (1) It is a secular zen based  self-improvement site. Real world advice for living in the present and  making your present moment better everyday. (2) It is an escape from  identity politics and religion. You are never going to convince someone  on the other side of the abortion or gun control debates, regardless of  which side you are on. They have made up their minds and you have made  up yours. This site is for those interested in discourse and learning  about how to live in a world where people don't and won't think like you  do."

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests on The Fortunate Son are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint or position of JT, The Fortunate Son, or Tower Studios NZ.

The views and opinions expressed by JT are his own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Tower Studios NZ. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors, or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.

Please have a listen to this short message from JT

you can contact JT via social media or dirrectly at [email protected]

Apologies for the long hiatus folks, its been awhile since the last episode and I explain why on this program

*This program is dedicated to loved ones of supporters of The Fortunate Son who have recently lost their battles with cancer and Covid, Karl and Lucinda from JT to your families im so sorry for your loss*

On this program JT covers the process of Dostaning or Swedish death cleaning, basically decluttering your posessions and just as importantly your emotional and mental clutter as to not burden those we leave behind when we pass on, life is short and remember tommorow is never promised

"3 reasons the world doesnt suck today"

https://www.sunnyskyz.com/good-news/3959/Arizona-Woman-Drops-Off-Surprise-Gift-To-Louisiana-Man-Whose-Home-Was-Hit-By-Hurricane

https://www.sunnyskyz.com/good-news/3966/TikTok-Users-Surprise-89-Year-Old-Pizza-Delivery-Man-With-12-000-Check

https://www.sunnyskyz.com/good-news/3968/-039-Fires-Do-Not-Have-Borders-039-Mexican-Firefighters-Arrive-In-California

https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/dog-rejoin-owners-covid/index.html

 On this program JT discusses "The Crab Mentality" and how to guard against it and look after your personal journey and life goals.

Thank you so much for all the support regarding the time off the show and the ongoing recovery of WIlliam.

"6 reasons the world doesnt suck";

https://www.sunnyskyz.com/good-news/3893/Woman-Reunited-With-Stolen-Teddy-Bear-Containing-Her-Late-Mother-039-s-Voice

https://www.sunnyskyz.com/good-news/3906/Two-Beluga-Whales-Set-Free-After-Nearly-A-Decade-In-Captivity

https://www.sunnyskyz.com/good-news/3902/Police-Dog-Finds-Missing-Mother-And-Baby-On-His-First-Ever-Shift

https://www.sunnyskyz.com/good-news/3899/There-039-s-A-Gorilla-Baby-Boom-Happening-In-Uganda

https://www.sunnyskyz.com/good-news/3897/NFL-Quarterback-Trubisky-Sends-Heartfelt-Letter-And-Jersey-To-Grieving-Family

https://www.sunnyskyz.com/good-news/3898/Adopted-Teen-Is-Helping-Senior-Dogs-Find-Loving-Homes-Just-Like-She-Did

Update on Bidger's story (young man who protected his sister from a dog attack in Wyoming USA;

https://www.news18.com/news/buzz/boy-who-saved-his-sister-from-lethal-dog-attack-starts-thebridgerchallenge-for-kindness-2783117.html

Please listen to this short update, thank you so much for your support!

Do to an unforeseen emergency, JT could not get an episode up this week, please listen to this short update for details.

If you would like to follow William's progress please join us on IG or the Facebook group, thank you for all the love and support you have shown me in this difficult time.

On this episode JT discusses how to approach someone who you think may be suffering from depression and also some pointers on living with depresion.

JT also covers the Myers-Briggs test and how it may be useful for you in life.

"4 reasons why the world doesnt suck";

https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/the-largest-urban-rooftop-farm-in-the-world-is-now-bearing-fruit-and-more-in-paris/

https://www.sunnyskyz.com/good-news/3871/Police-Officer-Pulls-Over-Driver-For-Brake-Lights-Then-Fixes-The-Electrical-Problem

https://www.sunnyskyz.com/good-news/3873/6-Year-Old-Boy-Risked-His-Own-Life-To-Protect-Little-Sister-From-Dog-Attack

https://www.sunnyskyz.com/good-news/3865/US-Soldier-Becomes-The-First-Woman-To-Join-The-Green-Berets

Deppression article links;

https://www.rethink.org/advice-and-information/about-mental-illness/learn-more-about-conditions/depression/

https://www.healthline.com/health/what-to-say-to-someone-with-depression#what-to-say

https://www.verywellmind.com/tips-for-living-with-depression-1066834

Myers-Briggs Wiki link and Test link;

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myers%E2%80%93Briggs_Type_Indicator

https://www.truity.com/test/type-finder-personality-test-new

Tonights program is the first installment of "JT's house of travels",  where he discusses some of the places he has been and many places in the world where he would love to visit one day. He caps it of with a "Top 5 list" of countries he hasnt been able to get to just yet.

https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/people-try-to-do-right-by-each-other-no-matter-the-motivation-says-new-scientific-study/

https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/the-great-american-outdoors-act-of-2020/

https://www.sunnyskyz.com/good-news/3845/She-Was-Laid-Off-So-She-Became-The-039-Lasagna-Lady-039-Serving-Thousands-Of-Free-Meals-To-Those-In-Need