I don't always have New Year's Resolutions, but I have one this year..."to care less." Here's what I mean by that...

I had an opportunity to witness something really beautiful with one of my 3rd-grade girls during PE. I wanted the class to move freely with some music while I played my bucket drums for a dynamic warm-up. It's worth telling the story--maybe it will inspire you too? Enjoy.

Photo: "RJ @ Huntington Beach Sunset"

"You can only generate ideas when you put pencil to paper, brush to canvas... when you actually do something physical." -Twyla Tharp

This is episode #400 for The Long Road! I wanted to do a special show for #400, so I'm profiling the family-owned Musgrave Pencil Company in Shelbyville, TN. It's an amazing story of American grit, creativity, and a legacy of quality workmanship. 

Consider picking up a cool 12-pack of Tennessee Red cedar pencils! They are great pencils and make unique gifts. 

Reference: Musgrave Pencil Company History
Photo by Ron Jones

In yet another valiant effort to increase and inspire improved literacy, I share some wonderful reflections of the Giant Redwood trees in California courtesy of California native and esteemed author John Steinbeck.

Book Reference: "Travels with Charley: In Search of America" by John Steinbeck (1962)

This episode is about depression and how to "MANually reset" yourself so you don't need medication, counseling, or a suicide vest. I'm primarily speaking to the men today, but there is value for all. On the mechanical side, some trade tech talk today on firewood, sheds, gravel, and building with railroad ties and how this is in stark contrast to children today who don't even know left vs. right, how to tie their shoes, or how to read an analogue clock.

Stinger Credit: @mattbradfordmusic

the playground is deserted/ no buses pass
the street smells heavy of broken glass
"Tombstone Blues Original Transcript" by Bob Dylan (1965)

I was at the Bob Dylan Center in Tulsa yesterday. What a massive archive collection of so many "physical" holdings. Here are some deep thoughts on the value of physical and paper items as opposed to the current emphasis upon digital.

"The Mojave is a big desert and a frightening one. It's as though nature tested a man for endurance and constancy to prove whether he was good enough to get to California."

I miss the California desert. Here's a nice capture of California heat from Steinbeck's 1962 travelogue, "Travels with Charley," as he rolled through the Mojave.

Book Reference: "Travels with Charley: In Search of America" by John Steinbeck (1962)

"You can't defend a nation with a board of directors."

Another share from John Steinbeck's travelogue "Travels with Charley." Where are real men today? Steinbeck recorded the quote above from an elderly gentleman of French persuasion during his 1960 travels across the USA, and we are still asking the question in 2025...where are the REAL men, and no, they are not on the board of directors of 7-11.

Book Reference: "Travels with Charley: In Search of America" by John Steinbeck (1962)
Music Credit: "Line of Fire" by Stanley Jay Tucker

"I see too many men delay their exits with a sickly, slow reluctance to leave the stage. It's bad theatre as well as bad living." -John Steinbeck

Here's another wonderful book review share from John Steinbeck on how men should live dangerously and prioritize the "quality" of life or a few more years of quantity.

*Reference: "Travels with Charley: In Search for America" by John Steinbeck (1962)

Some reflections on the retirement of Marjorie Taylor Greene and how it might relate to circling the wagons...and bracing for impact too.

"Star Spangled Banner" solo by Stanley Jay Tucker