Live an Untethered Life

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Gary Goodwin gives a humorous and whimsical look at bringing meaning to life. Can you cram the meaning of life into a tattoo? Is hell really someone eating fast food beside you in a theater? Is the pursuit of happiness really a trap? Find out the answers, or at least some thoughts about the answers along with more questions in Live an Untethered Life by Gary Goodwin, the Untethered Lawyer The podcast bursts with big ideas on happiness, ethics, thinking, nature, exercise, mindfulness and life. Joseph Campbell suggested that life does not have meaning. Your must bring meaning to life.

Gary Goodwin


    • Dec 3, 2022 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 4m AVG DURATION
    • 80 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Live an Untethered Life

    Biosphere 2: Fake Science or Forecasting End of Times

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2022 1:47


    This episode is also available as a blog post: http://liveanuntetheredlife.com/2022/11/20/biosphere-2-fake-science-or-forecasting-end-of-times/

    Adding meaning to Life

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2022 4:28


    While hiking on the Juan de Fuca trail I had a glimpse on how to add meaning to life. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://liveanuntetheredlife.com/2022/11/06/adding-meaning-to-life/

    Like all retired lawyers, I like to research new activities and to make sure I know as much as possible before starting.

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2022 3:07


    Sometimes all of the research on camping is simply not enough to counter some really simply mistakes. Here's an extremely useful list of the best helpful hints. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://liveanuntetheredlife.com/2022/09/19/like-all-retired-lawyers-i-like-to-research-new-activities-and-to-make-sure-i-know-as-much-as-possible-before-starting/

    Desperately seeking happiness

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2022 6:03


    Not being happy seems to make people even more unhappy. Better focus more on the journey than the destination.

    Narrowing down those infinite paths

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2022 9:25


    The unexamined life is not worth living. But can you over examine your own life that you stop looking up and living in the moment?

    Infinite paths

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2022 7:38


    Life is a journey. But like C.W. Lewis, if you don't know where you are going, then any path will do.

    Cramming the meaning of life into a tattoo.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2022 5:58


    As we all know, you have to bring meaning to life. So what sort of symbol might capture that when words also seemed to fall short.

    Live an Untethered Life (Trailer)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2022 0:33


    Everything you wanted to know about Cannabis But thought it too illicit to ask.

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2022 6:35


    Some interesting legal and chemical side effects. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://liveanuntetheredlife.com/2018/11/26/everything-you-wanted-to-know-about-cannabis-but-thought-it-too-illicit-to-ask/

    The Cookie Conundrum

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2022 5:39


    Do we really know what our webmasters are baking by placing cookies on your webpages?

    The Internet of things best left unsaid: A Satire

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2021 3:54


    The Internet of Things is everywhere. And likely in places we wished it wasn't. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://liveanuntetheredlife.com/2021/11/13/the-internet-of-things-best-left-unsaid-a-satire/

    Some Memos not covered by Executive privilege

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2021 4:43


    The newly formed Policy Loyal On the President (“PLOP”) wrote the President's economic briefing note for the upcoming NAFTA negotiations. These negotiations shall follow the standard art of the deal format by starting crazy and working from that point onwards. A satire This episode is also available as a blog post: http://liveanuntetheredlife.com/2021/11/07/some-memos-not-covered-by-executive-privilege/

    From the HR Department of International Conglomerate Incorporated

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2021 4:27


    When the HR department has to bring all their tools to bear to get people back to the office when they have seen a better life elsewhere. A bit of Satire. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://liveanuntetheredlife.com/2021/10/28/from-the-hr-department-of-international-conglomerate-incorporated/

    Folies in the extended family

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2021 7:00


    With a character home, problems are to be expected and what problem could not be fixed by simply leaving a box of money out on the portico for the endless troop of contractors? This episode is also available as a blog post: http://liveanuntetheredlife.com/2021/09/11/folies-in-the-extended-family/

    Living la Covida Loca in the office

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2021 3:28


    Now that we are returning to the office, the new normal will be a whole lot different. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://liveanuntetheredlife.com/2021/08/29/living-la-covida-loca-in-the-office/

    Can you still zoom from Walden's Pond?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2021 1:12


    A large portion of employees have decided they no longer want careers. Some have put off retirement due to COVID uncertainty. Now that things have settled, they may be retiring and taking a larger cohort with them. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://liveanuntetheredlife.com/2021/08/21/can-you-still-zoom-from-waldens-pond/

    For employers, it's too late to apologize.

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2021 5:39


    Sometimes an apology is too little too late to repair an employer employee relationship. Or sometimes any relationship. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://liveanuntetheredlife.com/2021/06/07/for-employers-its-too-late-to-apologize/

    Don't dread eating tomorrow's frog

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2021 1:14


    If your job is to eat a frog, best get it done first thing in the morning. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://liveanuntetheredlife.com/2021/07/10/dont-dread-eating-tomorrows-frog/

    We live in interesting times.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2021 1:49


    Now that we are getting ready to have coffee with Abby Normal again, here's a list of things to look out for. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://liveanuntetheredlife.com/2021/07/29/we-live-in-interesting-times/

    The Necktie is dead.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2021 1:14


    The next existential crisis. What to wear to work now that they expect you back. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://liveanuntetheredlife.com/2021/07/01/the-necktie-is-dead/

    Bit by Bitcoin mining

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2021 3:42


    Bitcoin still remains all the rage, but this enthusiasim may be knocked down somewhat with the specter of government regulation or the inevitability of quantum computing. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://liveanuntetheredlife.com/2021/07/26/2125/

    In Blockchain we trust

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2021 5:53


    One way to get rid of all of the lawyers is to make a fun alternative! This episode is also available as a blog post: http://liveanuntetheredlife.com/2018/04/08/in-blockchain-we-trust/

    Four helpful vacation hints

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2021 1:30


    Here are a few helpful hints to help get away from that wonderful work/life balance that you managed to develop after this COVID pause. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://liveanuntetheredlife.com/2021/06/26/four-helpful-vacation-hints/

    Mogul Moral Hazard

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2021 6:29


    Some regular stupid comes and goes. But a special stupid, that take talent and a bit of serendipity. Take going skiing after a break of a decade or more. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://liveanuntetheredlife.com/2018/04/01/mogul-moral-hazard/

    Time Management along the Space/Time continuum

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2021 9:00


    As we all know, the space/time continuum is an actual thing. Just imagine how your perception of time actually changes depending upon where you are and what you are doing. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://liveanuntetheredlife.com/2018/03/25/relative-time-management/

    If you have employment contracts, then you better listen to this.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2021 5:30


    Employers using employment contracts need to know what happens when they ask for releases when an employment relationship ends. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://liveanuntetheredlife.com/2021/06/07/2067/

    Working with Insurance Companies Can be Fun

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2021 7:50


    As they say, having insurance is great, unless you need to really need them. After years working in the field, I found a job that doesn't have me gutting and smelling like fish! This episode is also available as a blog post: http://liveanuntetheredlife.com/2018/03/18/working-with-insurance-companies-can-be-fun/

    Character Homes need insurance but demand sacrifice

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2021 11:19


    Thoreau had it right when he talked about this couple finally getting their house, when in actual fact it was more that the house got them. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://liveanuntetheredlife.com/2018/03/11/character-homes-need-insurance-but-demand-sacrifice/

    The Pursuit of Wonderment

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2021 1:06


    If you had to edit portions of the Declaration, where would you start? I am suggesting replacing pursuit of happiness with pursuit of wonderment. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://liveanuntetheredlife.com/2018/03/09/the-pursuit-of-wonderment/

    You actually are living in the Matrix

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2021 7:12


    There are some obvious, and sometimes not so obvious little things that influence your choices. These are nudges. Less than a push, but more than a simple tap. Once you notice them, you can see them everywhere around you. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://liveanuntetheredlife.com/2021/05/11/you-actually-are-leaving-in-the-matrix/

    Developing a gift giving decision strategy matrix maximizes feel good returns and minimizes gift exchange returns

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2021 1:01


    Now we seem to be maximizing our consumer instincts by buying gifts since it helps with our overall contentment. But you are revealing your innermost thoughts about how you feel about this person. by giving gifts, there be dragons. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://liveanuntetheredlife.com/2020/12/23/developing-a-gift-giving-decision-strategy-matrix-maximizes-feel-good-returns-and-minimizes-gift-exchange-returns/

    Trickster Trees and Nature Deficit Disorder

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2021 6:56


    People want to get back outdoors. And Nature Deficit disorder is a real thing. But sometimes nature has a tendency to do what it always has done. And getting in the way of that has always been a problem. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://liveanuntetheredlife.com/2018/02/25/trickster-trees-and-nature-deficit-disorder/

    I miss astral projection

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2021 1:15


    Just a few thoughts on astral projection. I think this was a bigger thing many years ago. But with all of the fantasy movies coming out, I think more people really wished this was occurring. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://liveanuntetheredlife.com/2018/02/25/i-miss-astral-projection/

    The new immortals: What if artificially intelligent persons demanded their rights?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2021 7:04


    Even worse, what if artificially intelligent persons retained artificially intelligent lawyers? Maybe even less soul than the human ones. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://liveanuntetheredlife.com/2018/02/04/the-new-immortals-what-legal-status-should-be-granted-to-artificially-intelligent-persons-canadian-lawyer/

    Incorporating Machiavelli into the mergers and acquisitions department

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2021 6:22


    Machiavelli was born May 3rd, 1469. But let's imagine him in present day going for an interview. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://liveanuntetheredlife.com/2018/12/18/incorporating-machiavelli-into-the-mergers-and-acquisitions-department/

    The Creature from Frankenstein

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2021 0:30


    The creature appears more human than most people. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://liveanuntetheredlife.com/2018/02/04/the-creature/

    Dragon vs Nazgul mount

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2021 0:40


    if you had your preference, and apparently some sense of delusional immortality, which mount would you prefer. And all of this is pre Game of Thrones where dragons were way more cool. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://liveanuntetheredlife.com/2019/03/31/dragon-vs-nazgul-mount/

    Living after doing stupid

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2021 3:21


    When you are young, you don't really think you're immortal. It just never crosses your mind that you might get hurt. But now, I wonder about at least a few of times that I should have won the darwin award. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://liveanuntetheredlife.com/2021/05/02/living-after-doing-stupid/

    Nature Deficit Disorder and the Cottage Preseason Opener

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2021 4:23


    If you have a cottage, you are eagerly wanting to get there and open things up. Sometimes you have to be a bit cautious in case any part of nature made a nest before you got there. Here are some tales you could probably relate. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://liveanuntetheredlife.com/2018/02/18/nature-deficit-disorder-and-the-cottage-preseason-opener/

    Smart Phone Dopamine Doping

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2021 4:28


    Is hearing that little bing on your phone feeling about the same as bing on a slot machine? Are you training yourself for little rewards? This episode is also available as a blog post: http://liveanuntetheredlife.com/2018/01/28/smart-phone-dopamine-doping/

    Can Pets add to happiness?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2021 2:20


    Recent studies suggest that we are happier treating our pets than ourselves. And during times of COVID, we could all use a bit more happiness. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://liveanuntetheredlife.com/2021/04/30/pets-can-add-to-happiness/

    Happiness divided by Sadness plus Meaning equals Well Being

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2021 4:12


    And no, the answer is not 42 as in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams, the "Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything", calculated by an enormous supercomputer named Deep Thought over a period of 7.5 million years. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://liveanuntetheredlife.com/2021/04/30/happiness-divided-by-sadness-plus-meaning-equals-well-being/

    Why do sinners make the best saints?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2021 2:43


    Do people just love bad people? Do people love turn around stories? Maybe badness is simply more interesting. Find out here. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://liveanuntetheredlife.com/2021/04/30/why-do-sinners-make-the-best-saints-2/

    Can you cram the meaning of life into a tattoo?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2021 5:07


    Like everything, tattoos don't have meaning. You bring meaning to the tattoo. My first time. At age 60. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://liveanuntetheredlife.com/2019/03/31/triskelion-tattoo/

    My code of conduct is wordier than your code of conduct

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2021 6:13


    Enron had a great code of conduct. Too bad no one followed it.

    The unstoppable resolutions meet the unmovable realities

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2021 1:01


    When those resolutions start slip sliding away. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://liveanuntetheredlife.com/2021/01/01/the-unstoppable-resolutions-meet-the-unmovable-realities/

    The Agile Body-3-Old style Karate

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2021 5:09


    Karate involves mindfulness and strategy. But like Mike Tyson philosophizes, Everyone Has a Plan Until They Get Punched in the Mouth This episode is also available as a blog post: http://liveanuntetheredlife.com/2018/01/19/the-agile-body-3-old-style-karate/

    The Agile Body-2

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2021 2:11


    Never underestimate an old man with a karate black belt that is so worn it turned white again. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://liveanuntetheredlife.com/2018/01/19/the-agile-body-2/

    The Agile Body 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2021 1:17


    As I age, I try to vary my exercise program. I also try to confuse my body as much as my mind as to what might happen next. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://liveanuntetheredlife.com/2018/01/18/the-agile-body/

    A few more thoughts on a Thoreau style Personal Vision

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2021 5:37


    A Thoreau personal vision suits a slimmed down less stressful lifestyle which allows you to follow-up on the more important things in life. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://liveanuntetheredlife.com/2018/01/13/a-thoreau-style-personal-vision/

    Happiness Pursuit-Cruising for Contentment

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2021 6:37


    Maybe instead of trying to access this unattainable happiness highway, we might try a causal cruising for contentment. Easier to obtain than the possibly unattainable. What are your thoughts? This episode is also available as a blog post: http://liveanuntetheredlife.com/2018/01/05/happiness-pursuit-cruising-for-contentment/

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