Amplify Kindness

Peter interviews Pete Falknor, General Manager at Chicago Music Exchange. Pete shares a story that reinforces how giving and receiving kindness amplifies it for everyone. Dede & Peter also had a sneak peek of Chicago Music Exchange's showroom, which re-opened to the public on Father's Day 2020 after being closed for over two months due to COVID-19. Peter played some great sounding Gibson and Fender guitars, and one very special Les Paul that came from the CME vault. The Pete's Diary Show, Season 2, Episode 18

Let's be honest, this "new normal" after shelter in place kinda sucks.  Dede and Peter share how they're having trouble adjusting to wearing a mask and people being socially distant.  How are you coping?

Dede & Peter talk about how music helps them overcome depression and motivates them throughout their day. Peter talks about his Cochlear implant (Bone-Anchored Hearing Aid - BAHA) and how it's been life changing. He just experienced hearing in stereo for the first time by positioning himself between 2 speakers, and AC/DC was his first listen. Hearing Malcolm and Angus in stereo, he says, was truly something special.

Dede & Peter are wishing you all a special Mother's Day of good health, peace, and harmony.  Keep rocking Moms!

Are you struggling with mental health? Dede and Peter talk about how quarantine is making them anxious and depressed. They discuss how they're coping and encourage everyone to be kind to both themselves and others.  Everyone is grieving something from this, and we aren't all going at the same pace.

Dede & Peter talk about discovering Benheart luxury leather artisans in Florence, Italy while on their 2019 family vacation. They met the owner, Ben, and feel a deep connection with the brand. This story of connection and kindness will open you to Ben's Heart as well. Benheart has retail stores around the world where they sell handmade leather jackets, bags, and shoes. Their first USA store in Beverly Hills, California opened in early 2020. Shop online at www.benheartusa.com.

The Pete's Diary Show is back for Season 2! Dede & Peter give an update on how they're surviving the pandemic crisis, thoughts on how to help musicians and businesses, and their concern for the rare disease community. Peter shares his experience seeing Joe Bonamassa live, just before the quarantine started.  Fuel up with some music, motivation and kindness!

Peter gives us a tour of his new 1960s Gibson Les Paul Bourbon Burst and plays some sweet riffs.  Dede challenges you to start 2020 with a fresh perspective by checking in with your feelings and outlook.  They end Episode 10 reminding you that having a positive outlook and practicing gratitude enables you to receive kindness from people. This wraps up Season 1 of "The Pete's Diary Show."  Drop a comment, and let us know what you'd like us to cover in Season 2.  We're planning to amplify music, motivation, and kindness even more in 2020 with guest interviews.

Peter talks about his first Gibson Guitar in this special holiday edition of The Pete's Diary Show. Dede surprises Peter with a story about a Secret Santa who shops at Chicago Music Exchange and sent Peter a special gift. Don't miss the ending of Episode 9! Watch all episodes of "The Pete's Diary Show" on IGTV and YouTube.

Peter plays his favorite Slash riffs, and Dede shares how excited she is about scoring tickets for the Stadium Tour 2020. Hear the story of how NHL Coach Mike Babcock inspired Dede to raise Peter to "Be a Difference Maker." You can also watch Episode 8 on YouTube or IGTV.  Help us out and follow or subscribe while you're there. Check out the book "Leave No Doubt: a Credo to Chasing Your Dreams" by Mike Babcock.

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.

Peter interviews Adam Faulkner who teaches special education at Libertyville High School in Illinois.  Mr. Faulkner shares how a stranger risked his own safety to drive him back to school during a winter storm.  That was over 20 years ago during college, but this self-less gesture reminds Mr. Faulkner that helping others sometimes requires courage.

Peter interviews Jeremy Marino who teaches Orchestra at Libertyville High School in Illinois.  They discuss how kindness often goes unnoticed in the simple acts people do for you every day and how we can all practice patience and listening to show kindness toward others.

Peter interviews Daniel Gooris who teaches Physical Education at Libertyville High School in Illinois.  Mr. Gooris recalls how family and friends created a community of support for he and his wife after their daughter was born with medical complications.  They were deeply touched by others providing meals and running errands, so they could stay focused on their newborn.  They've continued receiving support through the years as their daughter continues her medical journey, and this reminds him to pay it forward when he can.  Kindness is contagious!

Peter interviews Alice Leafblad who teaches Social Studies and Life Skills at Libertyville High School in Illinois.  Mrs. Leafblad shares how her 5th grade teacher believed she could achieve more and invested his time into helping her find ways to be successful in class and extra- curricular activities.  Mrs. Leafblad follows his example in her teaching strategies today, helping students feel motivated, confident, and successful.

Peter interviews Dyan Naslund who teaches English at Libertyville High School in Illinois.  Ms. Naslund talks about a health scare she had several years ago and how she had the courage to let her colleagues know about it.  Having the courage to share her situation gave Ms. Naslund tremendous support and reminds her how she can pay it forward when others are going through a difficult time.

Peter interviews David Ness who teaches Guitar classes at Libertyville High School in Illinois.  Mr. Ness shares how he struggled in high school but had a teacher who noticed he was unhappy and had lunch with him quite frequently.  Her interest and concern for how he was doing left a lifelong impression that he uses with his own students today.  Mr. Ness takes the time to get to know his students because there is always more to someone's story than what you see during class.  

Peter interviews Dr. Tom Koulentes who is the Principal at Libertyville High School in Illinois.  Dr. Koulentes shares how an elderly couple in Costa Rica cared for one of his students.  Their selfless act of kindness reminds him what life is all about, "That it's about connecting with other human beings, that love is the ultimate currency, and that gratitude can be shown without materialistic things."

Peter interviews David Kreutz who teaches human anatomy at Libertyville High School in Illinois.  Mr. Kreutz shares how an elderly couple paid for his dental care.  Thirty years later, Mr. Kreutz reflects on how this gift of kindness, which happened during his transitional college years, reminds him that showing someone you care can be life changing.  Knowing that you're not alone reduces stress.  Nobody, he says, should feel so anxious that they can't learn.

Peter interviews Amy Holtsford who teaches law & government at Libertyville High School in Illinois.  Mrs Holtsford shares how a teacher encouraged her to play baseball during the mid-70s when girls weren't allowed to be on the team.  Thirty years later, Mrs. Holtsford thinks often of what a difference this teacher made in her life and how she can do the same today for her students.