CrackerJacks

You might not heard of Bill Wilson, but you might have experienced or seen his impact in your community. Born in late 19th century, Bill Wilson, raised in Vermont by his Civil War veteran grandfather, lived an incredibly challenging personal life of biblical level suffering only to lay the ground work to help millions of people bulwark against their alcohol addiction. 'Pass it on' is the story of Bill Wilson, the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, and how his life struggles helped families and addicts find support and healing by coming together. Kirk and I walk through this book and are amazed at the perseverance of Wilson, the support of his wife Lois, and the serendipity found in the kindness of others. Reference: "Pass it On": The Story of Bill Wilson and how the A.A. Message Reached the World. United States, Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, 1984.

Kirk and I recap what Plutarch wrote about Alexander the Great. In this second century text, Plutarch, 'one of the greatest biographers and moralists of all time', summarizes the lives of prominent Greek and Romans through his second century text, Plutarch's Lives.  With this discussion, Kirk and I stumble around Plutarch's biography of Alexander and ponder his life's moments outside the details of his conquest.  The goal of this discussion is to encourage our BAMF listener to read about Alexander's life and check out the other biographies in Plutarch's Lives.  This book edition 'originally published in 1683 in conjunction with a life of Plutarch by John Dryden, was revised in 1864 by the poet and scholar Arthur Hugh Clough, whose notes and preface are also included in this edition.' Dryden, John. Plutarch's Lives. United Kingdom, Modern Library, 2001. https://www.audible.com/pd/Parallel-Lives-of-the-Noble-Greeks-and-Romans-Audiobook/B00TZJLJ66

In this week's BAMF episode, Kirk and I will discuss Steven Pressfield's epic novel 'Gates of Fire.' A historical fiction, Gates of Fire describes the 480 B.C. Spartan's preparation and sacrifice for the Battle of Thermopylae. Through the narration of a surviving squire, the 300 used fear as fuel and the courage of Spartan women to 'fight in the shade.' Work Cited: Dryden, John, and Plutarch. The Lives of the Noble Grecians and Romans, Volume II. United Kingdom, Random House Publishing Group, 2000. Pressfield, Steven. Gates of Fire: An Epic Novel of the Battle of Thermopylae. United Kingdom, Random House Publishing Group, 2007.

The Odyssey is a 26,000 line poem orally performed by a blind poet named Homer around 800 B.C. This timeless art has since been written down and continues to awe generations around the world. The dactylic hexameter style of poetry and story lines, even translated, reveals layers of genius I found challenging to grasp as this conversation reveals. Kirk and I talk about Odysseus in The Odyssey; therefore, CrackerJacks' first BAMF (Book And My Friend) discussion. If you have not read or listened to The Odyssey, I hope this conversation encourages you to learn more about this story. Works Cited: Knox, Bernard. The Odyssey. United Kingdom, Penguin Books, 1997.

Hey all you cool cats and kittens - The following is a short recap of the 2019 crackerjack episodes I had the pleasure of recording. These 10 local crackerjacks discussed with me various topics from fighting to leadership. As you might know, the dictionary definition of a crackerjack is someone or something that is exceptionally good. Why I think and call these folks 'crackerjacks' is simple. Their default life actions are to stick up for a person or a principle. I find that exceptionally good. You don’t have to take my word for it, just ask their family or friends. They’ll say things like... this crackerjack lights up the room or willing to give you their jacket off their back, or they’ll say this person make others feel at ease. Bottomline - these crackerjacks have a common characteristic, and that is they each put others before themselves.

In December 2016, Dave was at his mother’s funeral mourning with his wife and three kids. During those sad moments, Dave couldn’t imagine that in a few short days he would also have to bury his loving son who sat beside him. Living through every parents’ worst nightmare, Dave brings perspective and encouragement to others who fear or know loss. As the radio voice of local sports teams, Dave’s broken heart doesn’t stop him from trying to keep the games exciting for the families and the fans. Dave and his family's courage to continue to find joy in life has given this community a lesson in bravery and strength.

This next Crackerjack began a leadership role early on which started a life of encouraging women and men to achieve their personal best through daily discipline plus hard work. Jenn’s courage to bet on herself & other good people developed a community of like-minded go-getters who care about a healthy lifestyle of fitness and fun. As a successful entrepreneur and a mom of little ones, Jenn talks about the lessons of her Crossfit community to what its like to find balance with all her responsibilities.

Fumbling of chairs and tuning instruments at a Junior High or High School's band concert might appear disjointed to the audience, but this next guest has spent over 30 years organizing these young students to help them reach their potential as musicians. From teaching each student the importance of disciple to working tighter on the same sheet of music, Kathy has created an impact on these students lives that will benefit this community for years. This is episode seven.

This conversation is with a courageous local who started a fight over a year ago with a strong spirit and takes the hardest of hits with grace and humor. As an avid cyclist and raising three kids, Matthew’s life changed in 2017 after a meeting at the Cleveland Clinic. Without self-pity, Matthew explains the challenges of treatment and countless surgeries as he comes out of the valley to win the fight. My hope is Matthew’s inspiration provides us a pause to reflect on our priorities as we listen to a real fight song. https://give.ccf.org/fundraiser/1817215

Mike's enthusiasm fuels the fire of an authentic spirit found in Ohio City's West Side Catholic Center. As most young men his age question life, Mike lives as if life questions him. Mike surrounds himself with the grace of volunteers and daily challenges of providing second chances to people without hope. We are grateful for WSCC and directors like Mike who are working in the shadows to kindle hope.

Angie is driven. She has earned a doctorate, supports her surgeon husband, and raises two great kids. She also is on the city council. Although her neuroscience is on the back burner - we as a community continuously benefit from her passion and optimism to bring this little community together. From either through bocce ball or board games, Angie works hard to first listen to the citizens and then make the best decisions to ensure we maintain the integrity of this little bubble. Angie spends about 30 minutes with me and you’ll soon see how it takes people like Angie to keep the village strong!

These next guests have spent their adult lives building and challenging each other to reach top degree black belt levels in various martial arts including Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Scott and Jason discuss what it takes to achieve these levels but also how their unique teaching styles in their respected schools have helped men and women in this community become more confident and skilled. They live on the edge of their abilities and outside comfort zones to stay life long learners but quick to teach each other and others who are willing to walk the road to mastery.

My favorite neighbor has agreed to be the second CrackerJacks guest. You might recognize him as the vagabond outside the local grocery store chatting on his phone. While he definitely looks like “that guy” he is probably giving hope to the hopeless or encouraging or listening to a soul who is struggling with life-shattering addiction. He has dedicated almost the last decade of his life to good people and their families who want to recover from addiction. Kirk spends about 20 minutes with me explaining the importance of fellowship and vulnerability as the keys of active personal recovery. Recorded on July 4th, Independence Day, this is Kirk.

Episode 1 - John Jouriles, WWII Combat Veteran, Blackhawk Division What an honor! We recorded this episode on June 6, 2019, the 75th anniversary of D-Day. This day in 1944 represented the arrival of hope for western Europe and the world on the shore of Normandy, France. U.S. Army Private 1st class John Jouriles headed to France as a teenager shortly after Operation Overlord to continue the fight. John shares his experience about growing up in 1930s during the Great Depression, hearing about the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, fighting in Europe in 1945, and settling back in Ohio. The 20th century and WWII marked a pivot point in today’s world and a member of the greatest generation sat 5 feet away from me for about 90 minutes. I hope you enjoy listening to his story.