March 19, 2020
Yeah, okay, so we all know that the only thing on all our minds is the Covid-19 corona virus pandemic. People are hoarding toilet paper and bottled water. We're all washing our hands as if we just learned how to do that. On that note, it is appropriate we all take a break and have some end times fun!
On this episode, I will be concentrating on overcomng our fears. As such, I have some answers from various people to the question of, "if you woke up tomorrow with no fear, what would you do?"
12 years ago, I wrote a note on Facebook. Apparently I was worried about the end of the world. I read and comment on this note, entitled, Surviving the Coming Apocalypse. A fun thought experiment about preparing for the end times.
To wrap up, I have some quick tips on managing anxiety during a pandemic.
This week's podcast promo: The 42 Cast
March 12, 2020
So I recently found out that my dad is mad at me. This occurred as a result of my recent episode titled, About Money. I haven't actually figured out why my dad is mad at me. The only hint I have received is a message from dad's girlfriend telling me that she let him listen to the episode. All I can surmise is that I did not mention him enough in the episode. So, this episode is an attempt to correct that oversight.
This week, I speak to my own son and we discuss our relationship. I also tell my son about things that I have done with my father. My dad and I have gone on several vacation-type trips. I mention these trips to my son on this episode. Potatoes are my father's favourite. So naturally, I tell my own potato story. My dad is mad at me, but this episode is an attempt to reach out and clarify a few things. We shall see if this works.
This week's podcast promo: Watchathon of Rassilon
March 5, 2020
The List of important qualities to have in a partner.
I have been teasing the reveal of the list I made a couple of months ago. In early January, my friend Rene told me that I should make a list of all the qualities I want in a partner. I was very resistant to the idea for several weeks. However, after he brought up the idea on multiple occasions, I finally decided to do it. I made the list. And now, for the first time, I am unveiling the list for all the Soul Forge listeners. Tracy joins the episode to discuss the finer points and details of all the requirements I have made.
Do you have a list? Did you make one before you found your partner? You will be amazed to learn how my life has changed once I actually wrote down my list of important qualities to have in a partner.
Don't forget to send us your comments and questions so that Tracy and I can do a book review of Mark Manson's The Subtle Art of Not Giving A Fuck.
This week's podcast promo: Thunder Talk
![Success Redefined - 141]()
February 27, 2020
What is success? How do we as a society define success? We here at the Soul Forge think it's time that success gets redefined.
Shawn and Tracy ask each other if they feel successful in their own lives. Why do they give the answers they give? They answer by thinking of some of the things they have or do that make them successful in their own ways.
It is important to realize that our definition of success can change over time. As a young man, Shawn found it necessary to collect as many action figures as possible. This was success to him. Now, success is selling off his collection and emptying totes.
Ask yourself what society expects from a successful person. Are you measuring up? Does it even matter if you are? It is possible for you to define success for yourself. Do you have role models of success? Can you use yourself as your own measurement for success? Success is different from region to region and person to person.
This week's podcast promo: The Monster Sci Fi Show
![True Love: Josh & Kitty - 140]()
February 20, 2020
Success in love. This year the Soul Forge is including as many chats with successful couples as it is possible to find. These types of episodes are important in a world that can often seem lonely, cruel and cold. This week, we have a conversation with my co-hosts on my other podcast, The Rusted Robot.
Josh and Kitty have known each other since she was 14 and he was 17. Find out when and how they met, and how long their story has been unfolding. They built the relationship on a solid foundation of friendship; friends who shared similar interests and outlooks on life.
What started as mutual long-term crushes became official dating on August 18, 2000 at 11PM. Josh would go on to rent a room in Kitty's parents' house. They were practically living together almost from the very start. Kitty knew it was meant to be when she build a sign in shop class with her future last name on it.
In all their time together, they have only had 2 minor fights, and 3 somewhat major ones. They have survived living with various room-mates, and have struggled financially.
They attribute their success to communication. It is vital to leave emotion out of discussions. Always try to remain calm and rational. They think like a team, as in "how do we solve this problem together?" Try to avoid drama at all costs.
Josh's breakup limit rule.
This week's podcast promo: Terminus Doctor Who Podcast
February 13, 2020
This week's episode is kind of an update show. What has been happening in the life of your host? He has been living and working on total drama island! Actually, his personal life is going pretty well for once. Work, however, is quite another matter. Perhaps this episode reveals a bit too much about the inner workings of the post office. Maybe you will learn a few behind-the-scenes details that you knew nothing about. The main point of this episode is to catch you up with the saga of how your host is feeling towards his employment. So get comfortable, have a seat, put your feet up and grab a tasty beverage. You are about to enter total drama island!
This week's podcast promo: Pop Culture Cosmos
February 6, 2020
Cory Robin visits the Soul Forge Podcast to talk about his brush with fame and the aftermath of the experience.
In 2018 Cory ran for a seat as city councillor for Ward 5 in Timmins. Although he did not win a seat, he learned a great deal about how to handle loss and fame. Cory tells us about how he ran his campaign, the money spent, and the heart and soul he put into the effort.
Listen in to learn what brought him to his decision to run for council. He talks about his passion for Aboriginal First Nations issues. His political ambitions began by trying to deal with systemic racism in our city.
Other topics include the importance of feedback, living through social media and curating an image. Cory tells us about reframing his loss into something positive and he tells us the story of the vote recount.
Final thoughts include being honest and authentic, and knowing who you are. Follow him on Facebook at Robin in the City.
This week's podcast promo: Nerdlanta
January 30, 2020
Money talks. Money matters. It's all about that money on this week's Soul Forge.
Join me as I discuss financial matters. I will be delving deep into my past for a look at how I grew up and how I gained my attitudes towards money. Because I grew up poor, I have always had an appreciation for money.
In this episode, you'll learn about the vehicle I'm too frugal to purchase. You will hear about my hollywood dreams. And you will learn how my bank lady is setting me up for retirement.
There's a whole lot of information here. It's funny. It's sad. It's eye opening.
This week's podcast promo: Nerdbliss
January 23, 2020
Sometimes the universe gives you exactly what you asked for. However, the universe also likes to play tricks to keep you on your toes. It will not always give you what you ask for in the ways in which you hoped it would.
This episode tells the tale of last weekend and the events that occurred. As you will recall from the previous episode, my first love, Stephanie, was having a birthday celebration in Sudbury. There were a lot of unexpected and intense moments. And as the title reveals, unexpected magic is the best kind of magic there is.
Do I reveal too much in this episode? Perhaps I do. Does it matter? I do not believe it does. When a person experiences magic, it needs to be shared. No one can ever feel what I felt, but they can know that magic is real. Do you believe? I sure as hell do!
This week's podcast promo: Metal Geeks
January 16, 2020
Love and heartbreak both lead to poetry. This week, we take a little trip down memory lane. I'm going through my archives and sharing some of my poetry with you. We will be thinking about love, happiness, longing, anger, acceptance, and so many other emotions.
First though, there is some feedback to share. And I have a self-help book to recommend, although I do not agree with the term 'self-help'
Sit back and relax. It is time to be nostalgic about love and heartbreak through poetry.
The 14 poems are as follows:
Acceptance?
Bitter Aftertaste
Blank Page
Cherry
Encounter at the Terminal
Everyday
Idealization
Love's Resurgence
Still
The Lone Essential Truth of Human Existence
The Muse
I'm So Happy!
Truth to Tell
The Site of our First Kiss
This week's podcast promos: the Flopcast, ESO Patreon
