This one's for Van Halen fans! Peter shares trivia and older Van Halen songs he's enjoying. Dede challenges you to write the dedication page of your life story and to make sure the words are positive self talk. They discuss why it's important to practice empathy and what the quote, "Everyone has a story you know nothing about" means to them.

Peter talks about his recent surgery and the music he listened to in the hospital. Dede recommends embracing the holiday chaos and appreciating the moments. Giving to charity is also a way to show kindness during the holiday season.  Pete's Diary partners with two non-profits:  Children's Craniofacial Association (www.ccakids.org) & Harmony 4 Hope (www.harmony4hope.org).

All episodes also available to watch on Pete's Diary YouTube and IGTV channels.

Peter talks about AC/DC & Malcolm Young being an early influence on the guitar, and Dede talks about how we can all do our part to end the loneliness epidemic.  They discuss how Pete's Diary social media followers sent so much support and kindness during Peter's recent surgeries, including Jared James Nichols who reached out to Peter while he was in the hospital.

Peter talks about getting to play with Jared James Nichols in Chicago and Dede shares how Peter is a great example that anything is possible with passion and a positive attitude. Chicago Music Exchange lends more kindness in the form of a loaner Gibson Les Paul.

Peter interviews and jams with Trapper Schoepp, who talks about his music influences, a special vintage guitar, and a song he co-wrote with Bob Dylan.

Dede and Peter talk about how a visit to Chicago Music Exchange after one of his surgeries turned into a fun afternoon playing vintage guitars.  Learn the story behind Peter's Jared James Nichols "Old Glory" Signature Epiphone and why you shouldn't let a stranger's opinion change what you believe about yourself.

Dede & Peter talk about how their first visit to Norman's Rare Guitars in LA amplified kindness and how being exceptional means you must have the courage to stand out.  Peter rocks his Gibson Les Paul gold top and reviews a new band he discovered called Dirty Honey.

Peter interviews fellow classmate and class of 2019 graduate Thomas Power who is a jazz guitar player at Libertyville High School.  Thomas recalls how his Mom pushed him to take jazz lessons whe he preferred heavy metal.  He fought against it at the time, but he's now very grateful for the skills he's developed and the opportunities it's given him.  Thomas will be attending Miliken University to earn a degree in Music Education.

Peter interviews his Mom, Dede Dankelson, in this bonus episode for Mother's Day.  Dede shares how the novel Wonder by R.J. Palacio inspired a random act of kindness that happened on the same day she received bad news from one of his doctors.  The coincidence of these events occurring on the same day reminds her that the path less traveled can be simultaneously challenging and beautiful.

Peter interviews Donnalyn Warmbold who is a Data Processing Specialist at Libertyville High School in Illinois.  Mrs. Warmbold shares how an anonymous "Grinch" made sure her family had a nice Christmas after her father passed away from cancer.  She hopes to one day pay it forward to another family in need.