Soul Forge Podcast

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Welcome to the soul forge....a place of silent mystery, quiet contemplation, and outright mayhem! Join your host, Shawn Vanderloo, as he guides you through the adventures of living! Together, we'll talk about life and love, sex and dating, joy and heartache, memories and loss, and so much more!…

Shawn Vanderloo


    • Oct 3, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 27m AVG DURATION
    • 339 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Soul Forge Podcast

    So Long and Thanks For All The Fish: The Final Episode - 339

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2024 33:25


    We're better! We're healed! We are our best selves. The forging of souls is complete. Welcome to the final episode of the Soul Forge Podcast. It's been a crazy 7+ years, but we made it. This week, Shawn is joined by his brother Robin, to say goodbye to the Soul Forge faithful. There is plenty of memories, and a few new tidbits to entertain all of you out there in Podcastland. Robin talks about a few of his favourite things. Shawn thanks everyone for their support over the years. Whether you were a guest, a subject, sent an email, commented on a post, shared a link or just thought of the Soul Forge, we are grateful. Although this is a bittersweet time, all hope is not lost. Soul Forge was created in the fire of the Rusted Robot Podcast which also lasted just over 7 years and had 331 episodes. Soul Forge is ending at episode 339. But out of its ashes, a new podcast is born. The Have Coffee Will Travel Podcast shall continue on the work that Shawn started in 2014. Shawn and Leah invite you all to join our new adventure. Like, share, download and subscribe to the Have Coffee Will Travel Podcast by going to https://shows.acast.com/have-coffee-will-travel Thank you all for a rather odd, yet entertaining 7 years. This week's podcast promo: Monkeeing Around Subscribe to our new show! It's on all podcast platforms. Our website is: https://shows.acast.com/have-coffee-will-travel  

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    Why We Collect - 338

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2024 24:31


    Why we collect is often as interesting as what we collect. A collection can offer life-support over time, a means of trading, a basis for community and communication, a stockpile of wealth, and a mechanism of self-identity. The gathering of resources for survival, health, comfort, or economy is a defining characteristic of life. Collecting is a rather curious behavior that seems to defy easy explanation or analysis. In the popular mind, collectors are often viewed as individuals with more money than sense. They drop huge sums on rare artifacts while displacing them from their supposed rightful locations. They are often seen as mildly disturbed cranks who have an inexplicable need to gather large numbers of items few others deem interesting, invariably cluttering their lives or minds in ways that are unhealthy.  The paradox of collecting. It serves multiple purposes, from the deceptive to the inspirational. Collecting is viewed in many different and often competing ways depending on the position of the viewer. And collecting can involve more than the accumulation of significant cultural resources, there can be personal, familial, and regional connections that motivate a collector to gather and curate certain works or objects. Why we collect is a huge topic. This week's podcast promo: Modern Musicology

    Comic Books - 337

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2024 27:07


    Comic books and feedback on episode 337 of Soul Forge Podcast. A brief history of comics...the first modern American style comic book, Famous Funnies: A Carnival of Comics, was released in the U.S. in 1933. This was a reprinting of earlier newspaper humor comic strips, which had established many of the story-telling devices used in comics. The term comic book derives from American comic books once being a compilation of comic strips of a humorous tone. However, this practice was replaced by featuring stories of all genres, usually not humorous in tone.  Timely Comics is the common name for the group of corporations that was the earliest comic book arm of American publisher Martin Goodman. This is the entity that would evolve by the 1960s to become Marvel Comics. The first printing was in October of 1939. Marvel has become the unquestionable king of the superhero and comic book industry. The company grew throughout the Golden Age and exploded into the mainstream throughout the Silver Age. Here, heroes like Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor and the X-Men came to embody the company's colorful approach to heroes.  Also in this episode: the different versions of characters and their time-lines, valuable comic books, and the on-screen versions. We also have feedback regarding episode 335. This week's podcast promo: Flopcast, ESO Patreon

    Once Upon a Time in Hollywood - 336

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2024 16:39


    Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is the 9th film from Quentin Tarantino. As Hollywood's Golden Age is winding down during the summer of 1969, television actor Rick Dalton and his stunt double Cliff Booth endeavor to achieve lasting success in Hollywood. They meet several colorful characters along the way. The film was released in the summer of 2019. This week's episode of the podcast is a rambling catch-up show. So much is going on in our lives these days, it can be difficult to find the time and energy to record a new episode. Therefore, it's a quick solo episode. The main event occurring in our lives these days is the ongoing sale of our house. We have had a huge quantity of viewings, but the offers have been few and far between. Mid-October is when we take possession of our new place. Many other things are taking up our time. In addition to packing for our move, we have also just launched our new podcast. The Have Coffee Will Travel Podcast is similar to Soul Forge, but has a bit more structure and research. So far, topics have included Disney adults, robots and cyborgs, and the history of coffee. You can find the new show at https://shows.acast.com/have-coffee-will-travel I watched Once Upon a Time in Hollywood during the summer of its release. I remember it being a fun, action-packed spectacle. So, I bought the blu ray when it came out. It's been 5 years since I watched the film, and wanted to introduce Leah to my movie collection. It turns out, half the enjoyment of the film was simply watching it in theatres. This time around, it was a tedious slog. The film is not nearly as good as I remember it being. This week's podcast promo: The Epsilon Three Podcast

    What The Truck? - 335

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2024 27:18


    What the truck is my brother Robin up to these days? At one time, Robin made regular appearances on the Soul Forge Podcast. Because it has been so long, it felt like a great time to catch up on his latest happenings. 2024 looked like it was going to be a great year for Robin. However, the universe had other plans. For the previous year, Robin was the only full-time appliance salesman at Best Buy. February 7th was his birthday so he naturally took the day off. On his return the next day, he received a letter informing him that his position was redundant and he was being let go. The letter was dated on his birthday. This news hit him hard. After a month or two, he decided it was time to find a new job or career. Robin took himself to Sault Community Career Centre. In association with Better Jobs Ontario Robin was enrolled in a course for AZ License training. This meant that once he completed and passed the course, he would drive transport trucks, dump trucks and other heavy machinery. Robin spent the summer taking his course, and practicing his driving skills. He learned about air brakes and the rules of the road. Driving a standard vehicle was another skill he was taught. How to back up a truck with a trailer was also a skill he acquired. What the truck happened? Did he get his license? Is Robin now an employed and productive member of society? All this and more on this episode of the Soul Forge Podcast! Don't forget to subscribe to our new podcast: HAVE COFFEE WILL TRAVEL https://shows.acast.com/have-coffee-will-travel This week's podcast promo: Earth Station Who

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    Advice for Aspiring Writers - 334

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2024 32:16


    Advice for aspiring writers! Do you want to write a book, a series of books, or some poetry? Do you need some motivation to get started? If you answered yes, or even maybe, to any of these questions, this is the episode for you. And if you answered no, listen anyway. You will always learn something new on the Soul Forge Podcast! For this episode, we dive deep into the back catalogue. This episode originally aired in the Spring of 2018 as episode 37. There are some great timey-whimey throwbacks as this was recorded 6 years ago. I believe this was the first conversation I ever had with Daniel Peter Hitch. Since that time, he has become my friend and co-host on two other podcasts. To start with, we begin with a bit of background on Dan's early influences. Every writer begins by falling in love with the works of another author. This brings the conversation to the topic of the motivation and desire to write. We learn what makes Dan tick. But of course, monotony and distraction are the writer's enemy. How does one combat these foes? Routine is the key! Later we learn about Dan's inspirations. Who or what are Bubbles the Pirate? How many books has Dan written? We end the show with some advice for aspiring writers. Find Dan on Instagram: @daniel_hitch_writer Don't forget to subscribe to our new podcast: HAVE COFFEE WILL TRAVEL https://shows.acast.com/have-coffee-will-travel This week's podcast promo: Earth Station Trek

    Disney Adults, D23 and a New Podcast - 333

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2024 54:15


    Have Coffee, Will Travel is the brand new podcast from the hosts of the Soul Forge Podcast. What you are about to hear is the first episode. It's all about Disney adults and the recent D23 Expo. Subscribe to Have Coffee, Will Travel is all of your favorite podcast apps! Show notes: Everything Disney! Shawn and Leah start their brand new podcast with the pop culture behemoth of Disney. Mike from the ESO Podcast Network join them as their first guest.This recording used Streamyard. What is a Disney adult? A Disney adult is an adult who is a devout fan of The Walt Disney Company. Common hobbies of Disney adults include visiting Disney theme parks, collecting Disney merchandise, cosplaying Disney characters, and consuming content on the Disney+ streaming service. Practices associated with the phenomenon, such as Disney weddings, date back decades to the 1990s. Our conversation moves on to this year's D23 Expo. D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, also known as Disney D23 or simply D23, is the official fan club for The Walt Disney Company. Founded in 2009, the organization is known mainly for its biennial exposition event, D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event (previously known as the D23 Expo). Highlights from this year's event include all the latest expansion news, as well as all the upcoming projects. We end our show with a chat about the Disney Cruise Line. There are all kinds of exciting things coming soon! Thank you for listening to our first episode. It may have been a bit rough, but it will get better! Find us at https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/66b90a7302d146a034976b2b Please leave a 5 star review in the podcatcher of your choice! This week's podcast promo: Earth Station DCU

    Bypassing Camus Two - 332

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2024 33:30


    Bypassing Camus Two! What does that mean? Is there a deeper meaning to this odd podcast episode title? On this special episode of the Soul Forge Podcast, Shawn and Leah travel a few hours for the weekend. They find themselves in Sudbury, Ontario to visit someone Shawn has known for more than half of his life. Who is this mysterious man named Cory? You are about to learn all that and more on this exciting episode. Shawn and Cory met in the late 1990s. Cory was dating Laura, whom Shawn already knew, and they moved to Shawn's hometown of Sault Ste. Marie. Shawn and Cory hit if off as friends immediately. This episode tell us the story of Cory. The Cory story, if you will. We learn where he grew up, some of the places he has lived, a few of the jobs he has held, and a girlfriend or two along the way. Why do fruits and veggies figure so prominently in this story? Shawn and Cory share a love of pop culture. Movies have always been a big deal for both of them. Relationships have never been easy and because Cory suffers from seizures, he has had a particularly rough go of things. The question you have been asking yourself though is, why is this episode called bypassing Camus Two? If you stick around until after the halfway point of the show, you will learn why. Suffice it to say, it has something to do with Star Trek, and previous podcasting. This week's podcast promo: DragonCon Report

    The 7 Year Itch - 331

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2024 24:16


    The 7 Year Itch is here to celebrate the seventh anniversary of the Soul Forge Podcast. Shawn and Leah cover a variety of topics this week, while also marking this monumental occasion. Come celebrate 7 years with us. Our first topic of conversation is all about new beginnings. After a fun preamble about 7 years of forging our souls, and more than 10 years of podcasting, we are talking about new ideas. Soul Forge began as a way for Shawn to heal from years of loss and trauma. The podcast became a place to talk about the things and ideas people generally avoid. Shawn and Leah want to slowly retire Soul Forge. They wish to create something new. Something that belongs to both of them from the very beginning. They are workshopping ideas and names for this new podcast. If you have any ideas or suggestions you can email them at soulforgepodcast@gmail.com Speaking of new beginnings, Shawn and Leah are looking at buying a house together. A house that is theirs together without any previous history. Their house is up for sale, and their have been many showings. Furniture shopping has begun. They need a new dining room set, as well as a bedroom set. Do they get a king or queen sized bed? What do you think? The Amore fashion show (as mentioned on episode 329) happened last week. Shawn and Leah attended the event and their thoughts are revealed here. San Diego Comic-Con was this past weekend. There were many Marvel and Star Trek reveals. Inside Out 2 became the highest grossing animated movie in history. Leah has some new items in her Etsy shop. Find her store by searching collectandcaston Shawn listed a few new items on Etsy, and they can be found at rustedrobottoys This week's podcast promo: Cosmic Pizza Podcast

    What About Bob - 330

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2024 24:15


    What about Bob Newhart and Shannon Doherty? These are two of the major celebrity deaths the world experienced recently. Back when Shawn was hosting the Rusted Robot Podcast, each episode began with that week's famous deaths. Although that pop culture podcast ended more than three years ago, it is never far from Shawn's memory. This week, Shawn and Leah jump from topic to topic. There is a lot on their minds. Since two weeks have passed since the last episode, they have a lot of catching up to do. Minor topics include the end of the LCBO strike (which means we can buy our booze again), and the 55 year annivery of the first moon landing. Mike and Judy sent Shawn and Leah some wedding gifts this week. A huge thank you goes out to this amazing couple for their kindness. For those who don't know, Mike is the head of the ESO Network. Leah and Shawn are getting more familiar with their Jeep. They took part of the roof off and drove around in style. There is more that can be modified, but that is all in good time. President Joe Biden has left the race. He will no longer be seeking re-election. As of our recording, the Vice President was not yet the nominee. Although they don't know a lot about United States politics, Shawn and Leah do have a bit of a chat. The main topic of conversation this week is the house. Shawn and Leah have been doing a lot of prep work. There have been multiple dump runs, as well as donations going to Value Village. They have painted, decluttered and put new carpet on the stairs. Large beds have been replaced by smaller beds to make rooms appear bigger. And Leah wants to know what the animals will think about moving. This week's podcast promo: Cigar Nerds

    Boobs, Burgers and Beer - 329

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2024 20:13


    Boobs, burgers and beer! These are three things that almost everyone loves. This episode tells you all about the upcoming fashion show hosted by Amore: For Your Pleasure. On this episode of the Soul Forge Podcast, your host Shawn goes on location for a chat with Gaelyn, the owner of Amore: For Your Pleasure. For those not in the know, Amore is the premiere adult toy store in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Shawn and Gaelyn discuss the upcoming fashion show. This is the ultimate sexy lingerie fashion show. There have been four or five previous shows. Every year, the event gets bigger. Starting from humble beginnings in the store, the event has now moved to the parking lot across from Jay's Piston Broke Pub. Boobs, burgers and beer is the theme of the fashion show. The event is a twofold event. Partly to help celebrate pride week, it is also a customer appreciation event to give back to Amore's customers. The fashion show is held on Wednesday (hump day) and runs between 3 and 10pm. This event is rain or shine. The BBQ is free. There is a cash bar as per regulations. Multiple vendors will be on site. A DJ will provide music and you are free to dance. Games will be held and you can win Amore Bucks to spend in store. The Vendors will be selling jewelry, cookies, soaps and more. July 24 is the date of this amazingly fun event. Running from 3 until 10, there will be two fashion show. The first will be held at 4pm and the second starts at 7:30. The models range in size from extra small to 5x. The Facebook page for the event is: https://www.facebook.com/events/791140943217995?active_tab=about This week's podcast promo: Watchathon of Rassilon

    What We Leave Behind - 328

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2024 27:59


    What we leave behind is not nearly as important as what we take with us. At least, when it comes to moving or down-sizing. This is nothing to do with the legacy of our lives. This week the podcast tackles the topic of finding a new home. Leah's dad is moving. Gord currently lives about a 20 minute drive from his wife. The wife is in a nursing home as her health is poor. Every second day Gord drives 20 minutes down the highway to visit. Gord is 78 years old and his health is also deteriorating. Luckily, Gord's wife owns a home only minutes from the healthcare facility she lives in. We are moving Gord to his wife's old house. Arranging this move for Gord has been a long process. First, we had to let the tenants know it was time for them to go. Convincing Gord to leave his current home has also been quite the event. Now, we are painting and repairing the new place for him to stay in. Gord and his wife are big time smokers. Three packs a day is not uncommon. All of their possessions are smoke-filled damaged. There is almost nothing salvageable. Only the essentials will make it to the new house. In other news, Shawn and Leah are looking for a new place to live. Currently, they live in Leah's house. There is not enough room for all their combined possessions. Nor is there room for guests. Therefore, the search for a new home is underway. After seeing so many houses for sale, we have drawn some conclusions. Your grass needs to be mowed. Decluttering your house, and cleaning up is extremely important. Opening windows goes a long way. A fresh coat of paint won't hurt anything. As for moving, decluttering and getting rid of things you haven't used in years is a great idea. Use totes instead of cardboard boxes. Memories are in your head, not in your stuff. Take a picture and chuck out useless or extra items. What we leave behind or throw out will not be missed. This week's podcast promo: Tales From Hollywoodland

    The Chicken King - 327

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2024 22:46


    The Chicken King presents Grampy D's original recipe. This week the Soul Forge Podcast crew is on location. We find ourselves at Bruni's Fine Foods for a taste testing. David Poluck from Northern Jewellery and Crafts is the Chicken King. He has created a unique chicken coating mix. The event and subsequent interview are detailed in this episode. In David's own words, the idea for a deep fried coating mix began with a conversation: "In a world saturated with fast-food chains and pre-packaged coating mixes, it all began with two friends who found themselves in a discussion about something more when it came to fried chicken. Dissatisfied with the limited options available whether it was the greasy offerings from chain restaurants or the uninspiring coating mixes he found at his local grocery store I made a decision to take matters into my own hands and embark on a journey that would eventually lead to the creation of Grampy D's original Recipe's" David tells us about his childhood influences and the cooks in his life. Creating an easy, yet not greasy coating mix takes time. Four and a half months and many chicken dinners later, the recipe was perfected. Designed for bone-in chicken, you must reduce cooking time for boneless poultry. At this tasting event, we sampled air-fried, deep-fried and oven roasted cooking methods. About 15 people participated in the event. Their thoughts are recorded in this episode. There is also a fish coating mix that we did not try. You can buy Grampy D's coating mix in a variety of places. Here in Sault Ste. Marie, it is available at Bruni's Fine Foods, Pino's Get Fresh, RJ's Market and Northern Jewellery. Algonquin Outfitters sells the product, and it can also be found in Sturgeon Falls as well as on Amazon. Phoebe from Eat At Sault Ste. Marie was also at the event. You can follow her page at https://www.facebook.com/Eatssm Follow and learn more about David and his businesses at https://luraygems.com/ Soul Forge Podcast can be found at http://www.soulforgepodcast.com/ This week's podcast promo: Monster Attack

    Bridgerton, Bacon, The Boys and More - 326

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2024 35:12


    Food, History, television shows, work, feedback and more on this week's episode. No topic is too obscure for us to cover! The weather is our first mini topic. A veritable heat wave has descended upon us. From hail to humidity, no one is safe from these extremes. Some days it feels as though we are sitting here melting. We had our yard sale this last weekend. Turns out we prefer going to sales, rather than hosting them. There is a lot of prep work involved. Pricing items is quite important, and having an organizational system is key. Item placement will affect your sales. Keeping your items in line of sight is crucial. Leah goes to a work leadership conference this week. She and her co-workers will exchange ideas, and talk about having difficult conversations. There will be skills fair full of differing booths. This is one of the very few times where Shawn and Leah have been apart for a few days. Richard from Australia provides feedback on our restaurant review episode. This leads to a discussion about The Blockhouse, an eatery in the old St. Mary's Paper building. We then discuss the historic Canal District, the Soo Locks and the Agawa Train tour. Our episode ends with a chat about some recent television we have been enjoying. Season three of Bridgerton was a particular delight. The Boys, The Acolyte and The Big Bang Theory are in regular rotation. There is some chatter about sequel series such at Crusade, Star Trek, Young Sheldon, and the Mandolorian. This week's podcast promo: Monkeeing Around

    Taking Care of Dad - 325

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2024 33:57


    Taking care of dad for our Father's Day episode! We start this episode with a brief history of how Father's Day began. Did you know this holiday is not much older than a century? In fact, Father's Day was introduced in 1910. Naturally, it was a response to Mother's Day and soon became associated with retail and commerce. You will learn even more in this episode. Shawn and Leah discuss their fathers. They each have dads, fathers-in-law, as well as stepfathers. Shawn talks about being a father and a step-father. An important aspect of this discussion is their feelings towards these dads. What happened to the step-dads in their lives? Taking care of dad is a major part of the episode. Both Shawn and Leah's fathers are in their 70s. Age brings many things with it, including loss of ability, forgetfulness and wounded pride. Imparting their wisdom also becomes important as dads age. Shawn must help his dad do the things he once took for granted. Leah is helping her father move closer to his wife. Pop Culture and Dads! Robot and Frank, Darth Vader, Family Law, the dads of Disney, Full House, Steven Speilberg's take on dads, Family Ties, Roseanne, Who's The Boss?, Glee, My Two Dads, Modern Family, and Three Men and a Baby. No one wants your stuff! When a dad passes on, what happens to their things? A brief discussion on what to do with all the stuff left behind. Who wants what, and where does it go? This week's podcast promo: Modern Musicology

    Chuck's Roadhouse Restaurant Review - 324

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2024 25:59


    New ideas are brewing at Soul Forge HQ. Shawn and Leah are bringing you more excitement and adventure. The topics are going to be vast and wide-ranging. We plan to bring our listeners an enhanced podcast experience. Stay tuned for the updated format! So, we recently got into meal prep. It seemed like a great idea to have ready-made ideas for a week's worth of dinners. An amazing meal was planned, but time got away from us. Therefore, we decided to go to a restaurant because it was too late to cook. We went to Chuck's and while we were there we discussed podcast ideas. Chuck's Roadhouse restaurant review was born! Plenty of new ideas are coming up. This episode talks about the good and the bad you may experience at a Chuck's restaurant. We're talking about tipping etiquette, half-price apps and a whole lot more. We even had dessert this week! From Chuck's website: Chuck's Roadhouse Bar and Grill has been a beacon to road travellers everywhere since 2015. We pay homage to the traditional roadhouses by providing not only a great atmosphere, but an unwavering commitment to serving the best quality food for the best price. Due to the high demand from our guests across Canada, Chuck's Roadhouse continues to expand at an increasingly rapid pace. Food the way it ought to be, priced the way it used to be. Not only a statement used to represent our brand, but a mindset applied to the process in which our menu is crafted. Quality menu items including: AAA steaks, Lobster Tail, Prime Rib Burgers, Ice Cold Draught and more, for a fraction of our competitors' prices. We appeal to communities who look for that classic roadhouse taste, comfortable ambiance and second-to-none guest experience. We're a brand dedicated to delivering a hospitable dining experience and creating that comfortable place for everyone to enjoy a meal, grab a drink or watch their favourite team on the big screen TV's. This week's podcast promo: The Flopcast

    Let's Host A Yard Sale - 323

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2024 29:08


    We love yard sales. Hosting them. Going to them. Finding hidden treasures. There is very little not to love about a yard sale. Or should we call it a garage sale? On this episode of the Soul Forge Podcast, Shawn and Leah talk everything there is to talk about yard sales. They will soon be hosting their own. Have you ever hosted a sale? Would you do so again? What is the best thing you have ever gotten at a sale? Let us know at soulforgepodcast@gmail.com Shawn and Leah talk about some of their recent acquisitions. Leah collects and searches for vintage Disney items. Song of the South and Splash Mountain are her main focus at the moment. She also actively searches for toys from the 1980s. Shawn is always on the lookout for Hot Wheels, Star Trek stuff, movies and fodder for Etsy. Why do people collect? We break down some of the possibilities. Hosting a yard sale can be tricky. There are many things to understand and think about. Making sure you have enough change is very important. There are weather concerns as well. Let's host a yard sale, you said. It will be fun, you said. Remember that no one wants your old wine glasses. Make sure to price fairly, and display things in an eye-pleasing manner. We also talk about antique and thrift stores. There are some amazing YouTubers out there that have a lot of great information. Shawn recently spoke with some podcast marketers who wanted to charge a fortune for their services. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes and How Disney Built America are recent viewing experiences. Find Leah on Etsy at https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/Collectandcaston Find Shawn on Etsy at https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/RustedRobotToys This week's podcast promo: Epsilon Three Podcast #yardsale #Disney #startrek #thrift #antique #collect #vintage #toys #YouTube

    Wedding Week Adventures - 322

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2024 65:00


    Our wedding in Las Vegas and our honeymoon in California. Leah and Shawn flew to Las Vegas to get married. After spending a few days in Sin City, they drove to Cathedral City, California. This episode of the Soul Forge is a day by day recap of their adventures. May 2nd and 3rd: The first day was a travel day. Major delays were the main topic of conversation. Mechanical problems caused a 7 hour delay in travel. The second day was much better. The couple got their marriage license. The line was huge. The heat in Nevada is very different from that in Florida. Supper at Bubba Gump Shrimp was decent. May 4th: Wedding day finds Leah stuffed up and sniffling. The hotel mattress was uncomfortable and the temperature was all over the place. Leah had her makeup done at a beauty school while Shawn and Wyatt picked up their rental car. It was a Mustang! Shawn and Wyatt went toy shopping and picked up comics and hot wheels. Leah and Shawn were married that afternoon. Dinner was at Triple George Grill. May 5th: A full day of shopping. We visited the Coca-Cola store on the Las Vegas strip. We also went to the Hershey store, the M&Ms shop and the Stranger Things Netflix store. Freemont Street was dirty and busy. The premium outlets were full of moments. The Ocean One Bar and Grill was amazing. May 6th: We finally left Las Vegas. Before we did though, we visited the Antique Mall of America. It was huge and we probably spent over 2 hours in there. Afterwards, we drove the 4 hours to Palm Springs. The scenery was beautiful, almost as if you were driving towards a gigantic painting. Cathedral City is a warm and comfortable town. May 7th: We explored the town and area. The roads were fantastic. The thrifting and antique shopping was also amazing. So much fun sticking around our home base. May 8th: A thrilling drive to Knott's Berry Farm. The highways in California are atrocious. Super busy, congested and full of accidents and slow-downs. The amusement park was fun. May 9th: The wedding week adventures are coming to an end. We visited the graves of Frank Sinatra and Sonny Bono. Afterwards we enjoyed a couple's massage. Then we had a nap and some drinks. May 10th: Homeward bound. An early drive to the San Diego airport. We took an alternate route. While it was quite beautiful, it was also treacherously windy and hilly. We were separated for 4 hours on the first plane ride. Fun, but exhausting. We are married! #coach #hotwheels #strangerthings #shakeshack #bubbagumpshrimp #lasvegas #mustang #starwarsday #triplegeorgegrill #coke #hershey #m&ms #disney #puma #vercini #hottopic #lush #tesla #miraclemile  #palmsprings #antiques #songofthesouth #volkswagen #elcamino #cowboys #anxiety #depression #whiskey  #walmart #thrifting #money #knottsberryfarm #themepark #california #amazonprime #rollercoasters #podcast  #startrek #doctorwho #franksinatra #sonnybono  This week's podcast promos: Earth Station DCU, Earth Station Trek, Earth Station Who

    321 - The Final Countdown

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2024 30:56


    The wedding of the century is almost upon us. Shawn and Leah will be married in Las Vegas on May the 4th. This episode of the Soul Forge discusses their plans and the countdown until the big day! But first, we talk about smile cookies. Tim Hortons, Canada's number 1 coffee shop sells their smile cookies once a year. This is the big fundraiser that sends kids to camp for the summer. These cookies, while delicious, are not packaged up very well. There may be some drunk singing in Vegas. Leah hopes to get Shawn singing karaoke. The only evidence of Shawn singing while drunk is on YouTube. Can you find it? Other topics this week include seed planting. Leah is on a seed planting rampage. Mostly cabbage has sprouted so far. Shawn enjoyed coffee with his brothers this weekend. Many topics were discussed. Also, Shawn and Leah answer a few random questions found on TikTok. The fedora. Shawn always wanted a fedora. However, he is too self-conscious to wear one. This week he bought one anyway. He's finally reached the age where he doesn't care what people think. That's freedom. Where are we going for the honeymoon? We have ideas. Fremont Street. Alcatraz. DisneyLand. The possibilities are endless. Will Shawn open a comic shop with brother Robin and their friend James? The final countdown is here! This is the link to watch the livestream of the wedding: https://littlechurchofthewest.com/livestream/ This week's podcast promo: The Dragon Con Report

    Animal Consciousness and Other Ideas - 320

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2024 28:45


    Are animals self aware? Scientific evidence supports the assumption that it “feels like something” for a fish to be caught on a hook. Shawn and Leah have a bit of a lively discussion regarding animal consciousness. They talk about their dads, wedding preparations, taxes, television shows and more! Scientists and philosophers across the globe agree it is reasonable to assume the vast majority of creatures on Earth are sentient in some way — including lobster, squid and the tiny flies that swarm over drinks left outside in the summer. The New York Declaration on #Animal #Consciousness, released Friday, was signed by 39 cognition scholars at universities from Canada to Australia. It says there is “at least a realistic possibility” that all vertebrates and many invertebrates have conscious experience. The declaration rests on recent scientific studies that show garter snakes can recognize their own scent, crows can report what they see, octopi can avoid pain and fruit flies can sleep — and they sleep best when they're with other fruit flies. Also on this episode are discussions about fears, and how much work has been recently dumped onto Letter Carriers. #Television shows mentioned include #Fallout, #Crusade, #Robocop and #Star Trek Discovery. Leah and Shawn's dad started planting in the greenhouse. They sat and shared their seeds. This week's podcast promo: Cosmic Pizza

    Our First Fight - 319

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2024 27:23


    Our first fight recently took place. What was it about? How did the issue get resolved? Find out on this exciting episode of the Soul Forge Podcast! This particular episode premieres on April 11, 2024. It was 17 years ago on this date that Shawn joined the Post Office. Since that time, he has delivered hundreds of thousands, if not millions of letters, flyers, magazines and parcels. How many more years will he continue? Only time will tell! On Monday of this week, the world experience a solar eclipse. People travelled far and wide to catch a glimpse of the totality. Here in Sault Ste. Marie, we were not in the path. Shawn did manage to take a video of the partial eclipse. However, it was cloudy. There was not much darkness, although the shadows became well defined. And the irony is that after the event was over, the clouds disappeared and the sky was clear. Star Trek Discovery has returned for its fifth and final season. The first two episodes were decent. Leah created a Facebook group dealing with Jeep ducking. You should all join Soul Forge Jeep Ducks. Shawn and Leah are fairly well prepared for their wedding on May 4th. Flights and hotels are booked. Dinner reservations have been made. They have plans for several adventures. They hope to go axe throwing and go karting. There is a 2 floor candy store to visit and a movie prop museum to tour. They also plan to visit Disney Land and Alcatraz. Our first fight happened over the Easter weekend. What was it about? You must listen to find out. And this episode ends with a question and answer session. Leah found some interesting questions on TikTok. This week's podcast promo: Cigar Nerds

    International Love - 318

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2024 31:16


    International love is the tale of two strangers who became friends, and then embarked on a long distance relationship. This multi-year romance blossomed. Soon, it turned into a 90 day fiance situation. A year ago they moved in together. Six months ago they married. This is their story. But that's not all! Luke and Dakota have a story for the ages. He is American. She is Canadian. They once lived thousands of miles apart. Dating for five years over long distance presents many challenges and obstacles. Somehow, Luke and Dakota found a way to overcome everything in their way. Due to their distance, they learned to communicate. This was all they had during the long years when they could not be together. Brutal honesty is their strength. Now that they are living together, this communication ability is a major asset. They have learned about their love languages. Dakota feels spoiled. Her love language is Acts of Service. Luke does everything for her. He ensures she is fed and hydrated. Anything she needs, he makes sure she has. For Luke, is need is Quality Time. As long as he knows Dakota is there, he feels safe. Other topics on this episode include all the government hurdles they need to jump. So much paperwork and bio-metric work can be overwhelming. Fingerprints and photos have been taken numerous times. Shawn and Leah talk about their trip to Milwaukee to visit Luke and Dakota. Leah picked up a much sought after DVD. Shawn gathered a pile of Hot Wheels. Their Jeep was ducked. What's ducking? Find out here! This week's podcast promo: The 42 Cast

    Relationship Level Ups - 317

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2024 23:00


    Relationships go through predictable stages. Each stage builds upon the previous one. Are there 4 stages, five, or seven? This all depends on which particular website or expert you check with. For the purposes of this episode, we will assume there are 4 stages, or levels. The first stage is the initial meeting and attraction. A significant aspect of this stage is the role of hormones like dopamine and oxytocin. Dopamine, often dubbed the ‘feel-good hormone', creates feelings of euphoria, craving, and motivation, which are typically associated with the early stages of romantic attraction. Oxytocin, frequently referred to as the ‘love hormone', fosters feelings of attachment and deepens the emotional bond between partners, especially during intimate moments. Level 2 is the infatuation or romance stage. Infatuation is “foolish” in that we can only see our partner's light side. We're in complete denial of their dark side. Early attraction often involves the physical attributes of the potential partner, and include things like outward appearance, body type, interests and personality traits. At this stage, the attraction may not be too “deep” and each half of a couple is generally putting his or her best foot forward. Stage 3 is the enlightenment or stability level. Couples often go “deeper” in their connection. Trust is stronger and more intimacies may be shared at this next stage as couples take away some of their “best face” and allow themselves to act more naturally and relaxed. As intimacy develops between the two people, more self-disclosure emerges, both verbally and nonverbally as couples act in ways that are more like how they are in their daily life. Level 4 is the commitment stage. At this stage in a relationship, couples should have a good understanding of their partner's values, lifestyle, and goals for the future. You've learned to love each other by having to like each other. You choose each other consciously. This week's podcast promo: Watchathon of Rassilon

    Disney DREAM Cruise Line Review - 316

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2024 50:55


    Disney Dream cruise of March 3-8, 2024. This is Shawn and Leah's report! The Disney Dream is a cruise ship operated by Disney Cruise Line, part of The Walt Disney Company. The first of the Dream-class, she is the third ship of the overall fleet, the other four ships in the fleet being the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wish. She currently sails four-day and five-day cruises to the Bahamas and the Western Caribbean calling at Cozumel and Grand Cayman, as well as Disney's private island Castaway Cay. In May 2023, the Disney Dream sailed across the Atlantic Ocean and began sailings in Europe. She entered service in 2011; her sister ship, Disney Fantasy, was deployed in 2012. This was Shawn's first ever cruise, and Leah's third Disney cruise. On this episode of the podcast, they give you a day by day breakdown of events. Highlights include: trivia, the food, the people they met, and the weather. The fish extender gift exchange was a fun feature. Derived from the fact that outside every stateroom on a Disney Cruise, there is a fish that is used to hold communications from the ship to you. People started making a pocketed cloth container that hangs from the fish (thus Fish Extender) to collect little gifts from others that were cruising on the ship. Everyone who signs up for the Fish Extender is also volunteering to create or buy a gift for everyone else in the group and leave it in their Fish Extender during the cruise. The gifts can be as simple or as elaborate as you'd like them to be. There are no rules about what the gift has to be. Shawn and Leah also tell you about the broadway-like events they witnessed. Believe and the Golden Mickeys were great fun! Rum tasting left them tipsy, but happy. Castaway Cay and Grand Cayman Island were beautiful to see. The crystal cave tour was a sight to behold, although the tour felt rushed. Pirate Day, and Marvel Day at Sea were fun to experience. This week's podcast promos: Modern Musicology, ESO Patreon, Monkeeing Around, Monster Attack, Tales from Hollywoodland

    Not Packed, But Ready To Go! 315

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2024 27:45


    Talking about our first cruise together. This is Shawn's very first cruising experience. Leah has been on several. While this episode has a heavy focus on travel, there are several other topics covered as well! One of Leah's favourite parts of going on a cruise -- multiples stops and visits in one trip. Seeing a good amount of different places on the same vacation is rather enticing. Shawn is excited to see a new part of the world. A major factor in travel are the airports. Layovers can be a challenge. Leah believes a longer layover is not necessarily a bad thing. Longer layovers afford you the opportunity to wander the airport, go to the bathroom, and make your way across the terminal without missing your connecting flight. In 2 months we will be going to Las Vegas to get married. Our original honeymoon plan was to fly to Hawaii. However, we have decided to explore California in a rental car. We have not packed for our trip this weekend, but we do know what we are bringing to both Florida and Vegas. We are not packed, but ready to go, yes we are! This episode comes out on Leap Day. Leah's dad's wedding anniversary is on February 29th. He thinks it is hilarious that he only has to celebrate once every 4 years. Shawn and Leah talk about their first Valentine's Day date and what an experience that was. Leah recently had a root canal and some fillings. She is now awaiting a crown. Travel is expensive, and their is discussion about credit card debt, pensions and retirement money, and only living once so you may as well enjoy it. Shawn and the boys from the Epsilon Three podcast recently wrapped up their review of Babylon 5's final season. This has a fun tie-in to emotion. Leah does not think Shawn is expressive and she's definitely correct. This week's podcast promo: The Flopcast

    Public Displays of Affection - 314

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2024 23:00


    Public displays of affection is the topic on this special Valentine's Day release! This is episode 314 so naturally we talk about pie. Why pie? 3.14 is the basic formula for pi. That's something to do with math and circles. Shawn and Leah joke about doing an entire episode about pi and pie. This is not that episode. Next up is a brief review of the movie I.S.S. From its website, a brief description: Tensions flare in the near future aboard the International Space Station (I.S.S.) as a worldwide conflict breaks out on Earth. Reeling, the US and Russian astronauts aboard each receive orders from the ground: take control of the station by any means necessary. Director Gabriela Cowperthwaite brings together a stellar cast including Academy Award®-winner Ariana DeBose in this high-stakes space thriller. Did Shawn and Leah enjoy the movie? This episode of the Soul Forge Podcast has that answer, and many others! Leah will be having a root canal in the near future. That procedure will require a 3 hour drive to Sudbury. As if we didn't have enough travel planned. Upcoming trips include a Disney cruise in March, an Easter visit to Milwaukee in April and a flight to Vegas in May for the wedding. For some reason we are talking coffee. And smoothies. The main topic of conversation is public displays of affection. While visiting Traverse City recently, Shawn and Leah were stopped by strangers more than once. It turns out that PDA is rare in northern Michigan. We were looking for antiques and hot wheels. And we made quite the impression with our hand holding. We're precious! Do you hold hands in public? Let us know at soulforgepodcast@gmail.com This week's podcast promo: Epsilon Three

    Sticks and Stones - 313

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2024 26:07


    Sticks and stones may break our bones, but words can hurt just as much. Sometimes they hurt more. This week, Gaelyn, the owner of Amore joins Shawn for an intimate chat. Amore is Sault Ste. Marie's premier adult toy shop. You can find them at 331 Korah Road. As Shawn walked into Amore to record this episode with Gaelyn, he overhead something about a human auction. The better part of valour suggested that he wait until the conversations was over before asking anything about it. Turns out there will be a fun fundraiser. The human auction is to raise money for the Scarlet Affair Annual Drag Show. This is a fund raising event for Harp and families or individuals that have been affected by HIV or AIDS. Tickets are on sale at Amore for the event. So essentially, there will be a celebrity auction to raise funds. The event will be held on February 17, at the Soo Moose Lodge. You can bid for a date with a local celebrity. The date will be held a month later. These dates will be in a public space for safety reasons. Jay's Piston Broke Pub and Amore's St Patrick's Day fashion show is where the dates will be taking place. There are some new products coming into the shop! The emojibator comes in many different shapes and styles. As stated on their website: The most evocative emoji of all, and our most popular toy, the Eggplant Emojibator is the ultimate party starter. Inspired by the eggplant emoji, this adorable toy offers 10 vibration patterns in a waterproof design that's safe for bath and shower play. It will leave you buzzing all night long, and will never leave your texts unread. Sticks and stones are often less hurtful than words. It is still possible to get bullied after leaving school. Bullying is a form of aggressive behavior in which someone intentionally and repeatedly causes another person injury or discomfort. Bullying can take the form of physical contact, words, or more subtle actions. The bullied individual typically has trouble defending him or herself and does nothing to “cause” the bullying. Different types of bullying There are many different types of bullying: The different types of bullying Verbal bullying Name calling, teasing, putting someone down, threatening to cause someone harm. Physical bullying Poking, hitting, punching, kicking, spitting, tripping or pushing someone, breaking someone's things, pulling faces or making rude hand signals. Social bullying Lying, spreading rumours, playing horrible jokes, leaving someone out on purpose, embarrassing someone in public. Cyberbullying Cyberbullying is using technology like email, mobile phones, chat rooms or networking sites to hurt someone by sending hurtful messages, pictures or comments   This week's podcast promo: Earth Station Who

    Attacked By Monsters - 312

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2024 24:40


    Awesome feedback received this week! Jim from the Monster Attack podcast wrote in to say he is listening. There has been much sickness in the house, but that has not stopped us from making plans and doing the things! From Jim we learned that our show is engaging and enjoyable. Shawn and Leah have great chemistry and this is apparent when listening. Jim will keep on listening--there are a lot of episodes to catch up on. We will be listening to his Monster Attack podcast. Everyone in our house has been down with the sickness the last month. We are on the road to recovery, but it is taking longer than expected. Shawn even called in sick to work and that is quite a rarity. There was a recent birthday dinner. Curtis, one of Shawn's brothers, had a birthday in December and this past week, the 3 brothers were able to mesh their schedules and go to Chuck's Roadhouse to celebrate. Bathroom renovations have been on hold. The leaky sink has sunk our motivation to continue. We are however, planning a cruise, a visit to Milwaukee for Easter, and a trip to Traverse City this weekend. Some time away is required after being sick and taking care of Shawn's dad. There are some fun plans for the next few months! Check out our Etsy shops! Leah's store can be found by searching Collect and Cast On. Shawn's store is Rusted Robot Toys. This week's podcast promo: Monster Attack

    The Iron Claw - 311

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2024 23:40


    The Iron Claw tells the story of the professional wrestling family, the Von Erichs. Shawn and Leah just saw this film in theatres, and are here to share their thoughts on the movie, and recall their wrestling memories. Of the two, Leah is a bigger fan of wrestling than Shawn. She has met many professional wrestlers. One time, Shawn saw Hulk Hogan walking up some stairs. The bulk of Shawn's wrestling knowledge is from the mid-1980s to about 1991. Leah has had much more interaction in the world of wrestling, including going on a wrestling inspired cruise. The Iron Claw starts in the nineteen-sixties, when Fritz, a struggling wrestler, splurges on a Cadillac to foster an illusion of success, while imbuing his two young sons, Kevin and David, with a gospel of fanatical self-reliance that's also an imperative to be the “toughest” and the “strongest.” The movie's protagonist, and its occasional narrator, is the grownup Kevin, the family's oldest surviving son. Kevin's older brother, Jack, Jr., died in an accident at the age of six. Jack's death is one of the key reversals that shadows the family, leading to the pervasive, publicity-fuelled notion—one that the Von Erichs take grimly seriously—of a family curse. The heart of the drama begins in 1979, when Kevin is making a name for himself in the ring—namely, the Sportatorium, a small Dallas arena that Fritz owns and operates. “We loved wrestling,” Kevin reminisces in voice-over, and it shows, even as the rest of the movie depicts how that love was lost, along with many of the people he loved. “The Iron Claw” is as exuberant as it is mournful, and the high spirits of performance and achievement are inseparable from the price that they exact. Kevin is disciplined, focussed, and grounded; he's a vigorous and enthusiastic performer, leaping from the ropes, raging, slamming, punching, and putting on a show with the maneuver—the skull-squeezing Iron Claw—that made his father famous. But for Fritz it isn't enough that Kevin is locally successful; Fritz, who believes that he was wrongly denied the sport's heavyweight championship, lives for the day that one of his four sons—and, indeed, preferably all of them, in succession—will win that belt.  Fritz's pecking order is far more than merely professional. Because his very identity—as his family's protector, the redeemer of its name and the breaker of its curse—is bound to the prospect of his sons' successes in the ring, his professional favor is also a paternal popularity contest. At the breakfast table, Fritz unabashedly announces his ranking of his four living sons, adding that the ranking “can always change.” The young men, ranging from adulthood to adolescence, are competing, above all, for their father's love. This week's podcast promo: Earth Station Trek

    Decade - 310

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2024 40:28


    Decade 2014 to 2024. This week is the 10 year anniversary of Shawn's podcasting journey. Join us as we look back at some of the highs and lows of this decisive decade. It all started in 2012 when Shawn got a second-hand iPod. A co-worker introduced him to the world of podcasts. Beginning with Star Trek pods, Shawn soon began to expand his interests. There were so many different shows, formats, genres and types of hosts. That's when he realized he had opinions he could share with the world. His wife agreed to co-host and the Rusted Robot Podcast was born. Leah wonders why Shawn wanted a co-host. After talking about the need for a co-host, they talk about what transpired. The marriage fell apart, but they tried to keep the show going. After 90 episodes, the show was retooled and Josh became co-host. The Robot had a tumultous 7 year run. In the meantime, Shawn searched for his wife's replacement. He looked everywhere, but the feelings could not be recaptured. This lead to many moves and adventures and possibly incorrect decisions. Eventually Shawn found himself back home in Sault Ste. Marie. After some mild excursions, Shawn and Leah found themselves together. While Shawn was stuck in Timmins, Leah was finding out who she was. A decade of podcasting leads to many adventures. Meeting all kinds of people is exciting. There has been a lot of miles traveled in 10 years. A lot of firsts experienced, and many more to come! This week's podcast promo: Earth Station One

    Shawn, You Move Too Fast - 309

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2023 32:12


    Welcome to the final episode of 2023! On this show, Shawn and Leah look back on the year that was. After the break, they talk about some future plans. Were you aware of everything that took place in their lives? Are you rooting for the success of their lives together? Shawn, you move too fast is something Shawn has heard more than once. Is he dumb, or does he have unlimited hope and confidence in his decisions? Only you can decide the answer to these questions. The future is wide open, and it seems Shawn and Leah may have gotten it right this time! In January, Shawn was dating and living with Melissa. By the end of March that relationship was over. Shawn was trying to live his best life, but the universe had other plans. When depression or unhappiness sets in, there's only one thing to do! You must start a new collection. This time it was Hot Wheels! Meanwhile, Leah was living her life and planning cruises! In April Shawn and Leah had dinner together. Shawn put his property in Timmins up for sale. By May, the pair were a couple and planning a future. In June, the house Shawn lived in with Melissa was sold and Shawn's stuff went into storage and he was sharing an apartment with his brother Robin. However, most nights were spent with Leah. The summer was gone before we knew it. September saw the pair go to Disney World and get engaged. In November they announced their engagement as the ring they ordered was finally delivered. As for the future, Shawn and Leah are going on a cruise. This will be Shawn's first time on a big boat. They will be going aboard the Disney Dream. In May, they will be going to Las Vegas to get married. The hope and the goal is to honeymoon in Hawaii. After that, the future is wide open! This week's podcast promo: Earth Station DCU

    Road Trips, Renovations & Romance - 308

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2023 22:24


    Shawn and Leah were on holidays this week. Rest assured, it was no vacation. While Shawn took a tour of the great Canadian north, Leah stayed home to renovate the bathroom. What they thought should have taken a few days, became an ongoing saga. However, there are many good times ahead. The road trip! On Sunday, Shawn drove up to Timmins. He lived there for 19 years, and his doctor is still there. Finding a new doctor is all but impossible. Two days spent in Timmins. Shawn visited his son, a few friends, and cleaned out his building which recently sold. Then he went to see Frank and Martha. They live about 5 hours from Timmins. Frank collected about 2000 VHS tapes for when Shawn was going to open a junk store. The tapes were picked up, and Shawn went on to North Bay and Sudbury. He finally made it home late Wednesday night. Meanwhile, Leah was busy taking down the old tiles in the bathroom. The previous remodel was not done properly. Lots of dust and dirt, followed by painting and the removal of old stuff. As it stands now, there is still painting and flooring to do. The tiles are up, but the grout remains. The good news is that the entire job should come in well under budget. Leah booked a cruise for this coming March. Shawn has never been cruising before. They will be aboard the Disney Dream. Leaving from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, they will be seeing the Grand Cayman Islands and Castaway Cay. In other news, Shawn and Leah are engaged. Shawn proposed in front of Cinderella's castle when the couple went to Disney World back in September. The wedding will take place in Las Vegas on May the 4th. Trying to get an engagement ring is a major drama all by itself. Listen to the episode for all that information. This week's podcast promo: Cosmic Pizza Podcast

    Buy, Rent or Renovate - 307

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2023 23:00


    Buy, rent or renovate....these are the options that face us today. Shawn and Leah discuss the possibilities they have as they progress in their relationship. The upcoming week is full of adventure - Shawn is driving up north to see friends and family, while Leah is staying home to redo parts of the bathroom. Decisions for the future are looming. Shawn's building in Timmins has recently sold. This means that he is mortgage-free, and is free to buy a home in Sault Ste. Marie. The happy couple has been looking at homes in town to see what's out there. Brand new construction versus older homes. New builds have no charm and character. Older homes may have wet basements and smell of rot. So many options and decisions. When to buy and when to renovate Remember the following are what to look for when buying a house or renovating your current property. Market environment – when you're selling your house and looking to buy, it's important to research what the current resale market looks like. Many market factors can impact the price of real estate and the market demand. Depending on where you are in Canada and the market conditions in that area may dictate if moving to a new property or renovating is the best solution for you, Overall costs – it's important to consider the overall cost of a move and of a renovation. While renovations normally require less monetary support than purchasing property, sometimes it's best to let the house go and move on to a new house for an exciting new adventure.  Especially if family or personal circumstances have changed that may make moving a necessity. Mental well-being – an unexpected aspect to consider is everyone's well-being. House hunting is a process that can take longer than expected, so it could take a good amount of perseverance to find something that fits your standard. On the other hand, living in a house undergoing renovation can also be tiring. Either way, be sure that you're prepared for the work ahead of you. As with anything, buying something new to replace the old is very exciting, and houses are no exception to that idea. However, renovating brings a different kind of excitement when you see your own designs and vision become reality. Buy, rent or renovate....the choice is yours! This week's podcast promo: Tales From Hollywoodland

    Side Hustles - 306

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2023 21:47


    Side hustles are an additional employment opportunity outside of a person's full-time job. They provide supplemental income. Unlike a part-time job, a side hustle commonly has more freedom and gives more control over what a person does, when they do it and how many hours they devote to it. Individuals can typically pursue a side hustle that involves their passions and talents. Some people may eventually make their side hustle their primary career. There are many benefits of having a side hustle. Individuals typically manage the time they dedicate to their side hustle, making it easier to integrate into their existing schedule as full-time employees. By controlling their schedule, they can make their side hustle accommodate other events or commitments they have while still earning additional income. This may help them gain flexibility and maintain employment in their existing role while also pursuing their passion. A side hustle is a way to earn extra income in addition to a full-time job. With the extra money, it might be easier to pay bills, contribute to savings or assist with other expenses. The additional income could also help make your side hustle a growing business. One advantage of a side hustle is the opportunity to pursue a career you're passionate about. Pursuing your passions as part of a side hustle might give you the opportunity to develop your side hustle into a career. You can also develop specific skills that may help make your side hustle successful. This week's podcast promo: The Watchathon of Rassilon

    Five Nights at Freddy's - 305

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2023 33:05


    Five Nights at Freddy's movie review and franchise history! This week on the Soul Forge we talk about everything to do with Five Nights at Freddy's (FNaF). We just saw the movie on opening night. Our initial thoughts and reactions, fresh from the theatre are here for you to enjoy. Also on this episode, we have a brief recap of the last week in our lives. Shawn and Leah have been cooking. When they went to Disney World, they tried the cheeseburger spring rolls. They were delicious but expensive. After finding the recipe, they made their own version. This version was exquisite, and may be better than the official product. Additionally, they have been watching more Keeping Up Appearances and Blake's 7. You can hear their thoughts on this episode. And finally, Shawn continues his quest to modify and repaint Hot Wheels. Five Nights at Freddy's (FNaF) is a video game series and media franchise created by Scott Cawthon. The first video game was released on August 8, 2014, and the resultant series has since gained worldwide popularity. The main series consists of nine video games taking place in locations connected to a fictional family pizza restaurant franchise named "Freddy Fazbear's Pizza", after its mascot, the animatronic bear Freddy Fazbear. In most games, the player assumes the role of a night-time employee, who must utilize tools such as security cameras, lights, doors, and vents to defend themselves against animatronic characters who inhabit the locations and become mobile and hostile at night. The series' lore is gradually revealed through voice recordings, minigames, and Easter eggs featured throughout the games. The FNaF movie is directed by Emma Tammi, who co-wrote the screenplay with Cawthon and Seth Cuddeback, from a story by Cawthon, Chris Lee Hill, and Tyler MacIntyre. The film stars Josh Hutcherson as a troubled security guard who accepts a night-time job at an abandoned restaurant. He discovers its four animatronic mascots are alive and kill anyone that is still there after midnight. Elizabeth Lail, Piper Rubio, Mary Stuart Masterson and Matthew Lillard appear in supporting roles.  This week's podcast promo: Cigar Nerds

    Keeping Up Appearances - 304

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2023 24:24


    Keeping up appearances can be a full time job. Shawn and Leah are not trying to keep up with the Joneses. In this case, we are talking about a British sitcom created and written by Roy Clarke. Leah recently introduced Shawn to some of her favourite British television shows. The Keeping Up Appearances sitcom follows Hyacinth in her attempts to prove her social superiority, and to gain standing with those she considers upper class. Her attempts are constantly hampered by her lower class extended family, whom she is desperate to hide. Much of the humour comes from the conflict between Hyacinth's vision of herself and the reality of her underclass background. In each episode, she lands in a farcical situation as she battles to protect her social credibility.  Also in this episode, Shawn and Leah discuss some recent travel. Last month saw the two of them travel to Disney World in Florida. They received some lovely feedback from a listener and discuss this. Last weekend the pair went to Saginaw, Michigan. They did a bit of shopping and tried a few stores they had never been to. Burlington Coat Factory proved a disappointment. Five Below was an interesting store with some rather unique items. Shawn and the rest of his co-workers started new mail routes this week. Unhappy chaos at work is likely the best description. The new routes are quite a bit longer than the old ones. The first day was exhausting and nobody knew what they were doing. There is hope things will settle down soon. Regarding Hot Wheels, Shawn is on a new path. He has been collecting for several months, but is now entering a new phase. With the purchase of an airbrush, he is looking at doing custom paint jobs. Although he has never used an airbrush before, he is very much looking forward to it. This week's podcast promo: Monster Attack

    Sex Talking - 303

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2023 26:46


    Being vulnerable with your partner is fundamental to building intimacy. Communication is a wonderful way to deepen your intimate connection while building trust on the way. Communicating about vulnerable past events or disclosing something that has been weighing you down can build the skills necessary to address sensitive events in the future. Fear from not knowing how your partner will respond may stop some people from sharing things that make them feel vulnerable. But disclosing and seeing how your partner responds can help you determine if there is a long-term future with this person. If they respond dismissively and do not listen to you then that might mirror a future response pattern leading to poor relationship compatible. However, if they respond with love, comfort, and understanding your intimate connection will deepen. On this episode of the Soul Forge Podcast, Shawn and Gaelyn get serious with sex talking. As the owner of an adult store, Gaelyn is exposed to many different questions. One of the most common is how do couples spice up their sex lives. More often than not, these couples want to bring another person into the bedroom. Gaelyn always asks these people what the ground rules for this situation are. She tells them that problems in a relationship will not be fixed by adding in another person or persons. Communication is not confrontation. It means that you talk about things that really matter. It means that you are not afraid to say what you really think and feel and that your partner trusts you the same way. You can communicate in many ways: Words (what you say and what you do not say in phone calls, in person, in writing) Gestures (leaning toward or turning away from your partner, nodding your head, showing that you are listening) Facial expressions (making eye contact, smiling, frowning, looking disgusted) Touch (hugs, holding hands, sexual intimacy) Communicating does not mean that you always sit around talking about your relationship. It means that you talk about things that really matter. You should never be afraid to ask questions. This week's podcast promo: Monkeeing Around

    More Hair Naturally with Mahryah Shain - 302

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2023 50:10


    Actor Mahryah Shain drops by the Soul Forge to have a chat about a few things. What are we talking about on this episode? In addition to his company More Hair Naturally, we discuss Disney theme parks, Hot Wheels, toys and mental health. But who is Mahryah Shain... Mahryah Shain studied at University of Southern California where he completed a Bachelor's degree. In 1999, he started working as an actor, appearing in TV and short films. Through his career, Shain appeared in TV shows like The Handler, Criminal Minds, Bones and Tales. He also appeared in films like Constantine and Babysitter. Since 2013, Shain has been working as Vice-President of Marketing and Creative Director of the brand More Hair Naturally. He is also a Freelance Graphic Designer that has worked on award season campaigns for films like Vice and If Beale Street Could Talk. Mahryah is passionate about helping people. Although he is the man behind More Hair, he is interested in a total approach to mental health. He believes that the physical affects the mental. If you take your focus off of your body, you can focus on the world and your impact. What is More Hair Naturally? Their mission is to put you back in control of your hair (and life), elevating and raising your self-confidence and self-esteem to the point that you are unstoppable in achieving any goal you set out to achieve. Fighting thinning hair should not be a mystery and comfort should be taken in knowing that answers exist, are easy to understand and are within your reach. However, it's not just about hair loss (that is just the starting point)... It's about taking positive actions to change your life, taking actions to improve your confidence, self-esteem, and overall enjoyment in life. The stronger you are as a person, the more likely you are to make a positive impact on your friends, family, the people you encounter and the world at large. This week's podcast promo: The Flopcast

    Our First Disney Vacation - 301

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2023 61:25


    Our first Disney vacation is in the books! This episode of the Soul Forge is a day by day recap of our exciting adventures. At the end of each day, Shawn and Leah sat down and recorded their memories of the excitement. Florida in September is still quite warm. Walt Disney World requires a lot of walking. Here is the story... The Walt Disney World Resort, also called Walt Disney World or Disney World, or simply abbreviated WDW, is an entertainment resort complex in Bay Lake and Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States, near the cities of Orlando and Kissimmee. Opened on October 1, 1971, the resort is operated by Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, a division of The Walt Disney Company. The property covers nearly 25,000 acres (39 sq mi; 101 km2), of which half has been used. The resort comprises four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom), two water parks: (Disney's Blizzard Beach and Disney's Typhoon Lagoon), 31 themed resort hotels, nine non-Disney hotels, several golf courses, a camping resort, and other entertainment venues, including the outdoor shopping center Disney Springs. Shawn and Leah tell you about the nightmare that was getting from their Washington layover into Orlando. The weather did not cooperate so the flight was quite late. One common thing on the entire adventure was the lack of comfort in the seating, both on the jets and the buses. The humidity was off the charts. One of the best parts of our first Disney vacation was visiting with friend Jarman and his wife Jolie. Shawn and Leah went to Icon Park where they rode the Wheel of Orlando. They also visited a wax museum and the Sea Life Aquarium. The Florida Mall still has an operating Sears store! The Disney Character Wearhouse was always busy.  The food at most places was decent. The actual Disney part of the trip was exhausting due to so much walking and the heat. Fun parts include the ferry ride, the Skyliner, Toy Story Mania and Star Tours. The 50s Prime Time Cafe had wonderful food and ambience. We enjoyed Soarin' as well as Mickey's Runaway Railway rides. We got to see dolphins, lizards, manatees and a hammerhead shark. We were disappointed in Woody's Roundup BBQ and the lack of a direct route to Hollywood Springs from our hotel. Getting the park hopper option is a definite must. The Epcot food and wine festival was the favourite part of our first Disney vacation. This week's podcast promos: Earth Station One, Earth Station Who, Epsilon Three, and the ESO Patreon promo.

    The Adventure Challenge - 300

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2023 32:45


    The adventure challenge brings couples closer together. Shawn and Leah just celebrated their birthdays and the adventures are just beginning! Episode 300 is a huge milestone in podcasting. On this episode, Shawn and Leah talk about travel, growing closer and buying some cool stuff. Leah tells Shawn that since they became a couple, she has listened to many Soul Forge episodes. She has learned a lot of things that she would not have thought to ask. Although Shawn's brother said he should scrap the podcast and delete all the episodes, no harm has come to him from keeping the show going! Birthdays can be great fun. While preparing for a weekend adventure, Shawn went to Dollarama to get snacks. While checking the pegs for Hot Wheels, he found his first Super Treasure Hunt. These are elusive special editions. This leads to a discussion on northern Ontario and the low stock at most stores. There are few decent buying options in the area. What were the birthday gifts? Leah got a couple of Funko Pops featuring Walt Disney from Shawn. She also received a Tanzanite pendant. Shawn got a Star Trek Hallmark ornament. He also got the Adventure Challenge Couple's Edition book set. 50 Scratch-Off Adventures! There are 50 challenges that range from $0-$50, but they can all be modified to fit within your budget. Finally, it's all about Disney and Orlando. Leah got herself the LEGO Disney Camera. 811 pieces of fun. That is just the icing on the cake. In the coming week, Shawn and Leah are going to Disney in Florida. They are looking forward to getting away as a couple. They will meet up with Jarman and his wife. Jarman is the narrator of the Soul Forge introduction. Leah is a travel agent. You can book her services at www.freetotravel.centreholidays.com This week's podcast promo: Earth Station Trek

    Sex Blankets and Kink - 299

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2023 24:42


    This week's episode is not safe for work. Children should also not listen to this particular episode. But if you are looking to join the kink community, or you are looking for new products, this is the show for you. Once again we are at Amore, For Your Pleasure...Sault Ste. Marie's premier adult toy store. G, the owner of the shop invited Shawn to chat with a couple of her friends about their specific interests. Get ready for sex blankets and kink on the 299th episode of Soul Forge Podcast! Rob is a reseller of intimate play blankets. He was tired of doing so much laundry and trying to keep his mattress in good condition. During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic people were spending much more time in the bedroom. It's quite easy to make a mess during intimate playtime, whether due to bodily fluids or spilled bottles of lubrication. Rob found the "No More Wet Spots" blanket. He has been selling them in Amore for some months now. They keep your blankets and mattresses clean and dry. Easily washable, they come in a variety of sizes. Follow Rob's Instagram for more info: https://www.instagram.com/nmws_intimate_blanket Michelle tells us a bit about the kink community in Sault Ste. Marie. If you are looking for a group to join that has a more open mindset to sex and sex related play, this might be right for you. The most important consideration for this group is keeping the community safe. The group holds what are called monthly munches. These are get-togethers where you are able to talk about your interests such as BDSM, fetish and the like. They also hold the occasional dungeon party where you are able to try out some different aspects of the kink community culture. Much of this information can be found at https://fetlife.com You can follow Michelle's Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/sinnerssanctuaryssm This week's podcast promo: Earth Station DCU  

    covid-19 children bdsm kink amore blankets sault ste for your pleasure soul forge podcast
    Moving Parts - 298

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2023 17:34


    Episode 300 of the podcast is fast approaching. We here at the Soul Forge would love to hear from you. Send in your thoughts, opinions, concerns, reviews, fears, emotional outbursts, or anything else you would like. Anything you send in will be read or played on the 300th episode. An Mp3 would be great, or just a regular email is fine. Send anything you want to soulforgepodcast@gmail.com On this episode, we talk about a little bit of everything. During the past weekend, Shawn drove to Timmins after work on Friday to visit his son. Although the drive usually takes 6 hours, he found a shortcut that shaved approximately 30 minutes from the trip. Naturally it was a quick trip because Shawn had to be back at work on Monday. Shawn and his son Bishop spent all day Saturday together. They went for brunch and then hunted for Hot Wheels. They also had several great conversations about the future. Bishop's mom is thinking about moving the family to Thunder Bay. Bishop hates change. He would prefer to remain in Timmins. Because he will soon be 18, and hence an adult, he can make his own choices. Perhaps he will move in with a friend. There is still much to consider such as finances and schooling. Gaming is Bishop's main focus. Nothing else seems to matter at the moment. This will definitely be a challenge going forward. Current world events include the Hawaii wild fire which is the worst in USA history. The war in Ukraine continues to carry on and the missiles requested from Germany may not arrive. Former president Trump has been indicted for a 4th time, this latest one by Georgia. In less than a month, Shawn and his girlfriend Leah, and their friend Amanda will be at Disney. Although they have gone previously, this will be Shawn's first time. Georgia and Florida. Plane and train rides. The adventure has many moving parts to it. This week's podcast promo: Dragon Con Report

    Weddings & Anniversaries - 297

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2023 23:54


    Weddings and anniversaries are things that many people will experience in their lifetimes. This may include their own weddings, or those they have attended. Anniversaries can be for almost anything. More often than not, when people think of an anniverary, they are celebrating a marriage. However, you can have an anniversary for almost anything. Some of these things may include a breakup, a promotion, an accident or the date a favourite concert was attended. This episode of the Soul Forge Podcast is celebrating six years. It was July 31, 2017 that the first episode of the show was released. 6 years later the podcast is still going. There have been so many milestones and events in those years. We have spoken to authors, minor celebrities and have covered so many various topics. Leah joins me for this episode. We talk about our own weddings and anniversaries. While I have been married once, Leah has had 2 weddings. Her first was very fancy, and therefore quite stressful. She was young and didn't know the logistics. Leah's second wedding was at a camp that she rented for the weekend. This second wedding was more fun. I got married in the backyard with very few people. I have not had the head table with the clinking of the glasses for kissing. Weddings can be hugely expensive and stressful. If Leah gets married again, it will be a much smaller affair. Destination weddings can be fun, but if you're not careful, that wedding may not be legal in Canada and you will have to do it all over again. Don't forget that money and lack of communication is the biggest cause of divorce. This week's podcast promo: The Cosmic Pizza Podcast

    Time Travel - 296

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2023 53:53


    Time travel is a fun concept to contemplate. When would you go? How would you get there? The questions and thought experiments are endless. There might not be a more exciting concept in all of pop culture. Speaking of time travel, this episode travels back 9 years. At that time, I was recording the Rusted Robot Podcast with my wife. Episode 32 was all about traveling through time. On this episode, we will all travel into the past to hear that episode that was recorded so long ago. The bulk of the show references a T-shirt I once owned. On this shirt was a clock and each hour was a different method of pop culture time travel shenanigans. Some travel methods include the T.A.R.D.I.S. from Doctor Who, the time machine from the classic film The Time Machine, and the Delorean from the Back to the Future franchise. Also included is the Guardian of Forever from the classic Star Trek episode, "The City of the Edge of Forever". This leads into a nice discussion of Star Trek. Later in the episode, we talk about books that include temporal displacement. Stephen King wrote 11/22/63 and Evan Mandery wrote a book called Q. The episode finishes up with a talk about some Doctor Who collectibles. This week's podcast promos: Cigar Nerds Podcast, and The Con Guy

    Who's Getting Married? - 295

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2023 16:37


    Who's getting married? Now that is an excellent question. Multitudes of couples get married every day. This year, two of my podcasting friends are getting married. Exciting times are coming! So, it has been 2 weeks since the last episode of the podcast came out. That episode featured the first meeting of podcast legends Shawn and Paul. These two have been podcasting together for 9 years, but up until about 2 weeks ago, they had not met in person. If you have haven't listened to last week's show, you owe it to yourself to do so! I need new ear buds. For almost 2 years I have been happily using my Apple Airpods. Not too long ago, I accidently washed them. Airpods, it turns out, do not do well in the laundry cycle. Therefore, I need something new. I tried Monster brand, but they do not work well and are super uncomfortable. Airpods are expensive and I'm looking for a low cost alternative. My son Bishop will be coming to visit for a few weeks later this summer. His communication ability is lacking so we will be working on fixing that. I recently purchased emergency food biscuits. They were on sale and I wanted something to add to my supplies. This September I will be taking my first trip to Disney. Now that is exciting. Who's getting married? Jarman is getting married this weekend. Jeramy is getting married in October. I am not getting married this year. I'm definity looking forward to seeing pictures of the weddings. Perhaps I will be able to make it to Jeramy's. We are nearing 300 episodes. We would love your feedback, comments and Mp3 files. Send anything! You can reach us at soulforgepodcast@gmail.com This week's podcast promo: But First, Let's Talk Nerdy

    Shawn and Paul Finally Meet In Real Life - 294

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2023 24:40


    Shawn and Paul finally meet in real life! Shawn is from Canada. Paul is from England. They have been podcasting together for over 9 years. They have spoken over Skype and Zoom. However, it was not until this week that the two friends finally met in person. This is the episode where they discuss their history, their visit, and a huge pile of other topics! Paul, his wife Linda, and their two boys have come to Canada to visit Paul's aunt. It was 1994 the last time Paul and Linda made the trip. Since the two friends started podcasting they have vowed to one day meet in person. The trip to Canada was Paul's perfect opportunity to visit Shawn. So, after a week in Toronto, the boys flew home to England and Paul and Linda flew up to Sault Ste. Marie. Everything is bigger in Canada. The cars are larger. Road lanes are wider. Cheese is in all the foods. There is more land and everything is more spread out. On Paul and Linda's bucket list was trying a genuine Canadian poutine, which they did. They also enjoyed the beaver tail pastry, Dairy Queen blizzards and Tim Horton's coffee. Trying to visit the United States also became quite the ordeal. Shawn and Paul finally meet in real life! However, they have quite the podcasting history. Paul was Shawn's UK Correspondant on the old Rusted Robot podcast. They then created and co-hosted the Sci-Fi Waffle podcast for 40 episodes. Dan later joined them and they created the Cosmic Pizza podcast and the Epsilon Three podcast. This week's podcast promo: Cosmic Pizza Podcast

    Your Star Trek Guide - 293

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2023 21:37


    Your Star Trek guide is a brief primer on the history of the franchise. In this episode, you learn the early history of the series. You also find out about the release dates of the various incarnations of the shows. Viewing order is up to the individual, and you learn several methods to watch Star Trek. Star Trek first aired in September of 1966. The show had 2 pilots, a rarity in television history. The series was created by Gene Roddenberry, but he had quite a lot of help from others. The original series ran 3 seasons for a total of 79 episodes. It came from briefly in the mid 1970s with an animated show. Movies followed, and eventually more television series. Star Trek is one of the most popular televison franchises to ever exist. Your Star Trek guide breaks down the shows history and air dates. Star Trek release order (films listed in italics) Star Trek: The Original Series (TOS) Star Trek: The Animated Series (TAS) The first six Star Trek films (The Motion Picture up to Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country) Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG) Star Trek: Generations Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (DS9) Star Trek: Voyager (VOY) Star Trek films 8-10 (First Contact, Insurrection, Nemesis) Star Trek: Enterprise (ENT) Star Trek (2009), Star Trek Into Darkness, Star Trek Beyond Star Trek: Discovery (DSC) Star Trek: Picard (PIC) Star Trek: Lower Decks (LOW) Star Trek: Prodigy (PRO) Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (SNW) Star Trek chronological order (films listed in italics) Star Trek: Enterprise (Year: 2151-2161) Star Trek: The Cage – The Original Series one-off pilot episode (Year: 2254) Star Trek: Discovery seasons 1-2 (Year: 2256-58) Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (Year: 2259) Star Trek: The Original Series (Year: 2265-2269) Star Trek: The Animated Series (Year: 2269-2270) The first six Star Trek films (Year: 2273-2293) Star Trek: The Next Generation (Year: 2364-2370) Star Trek films 7-10: Generations up to Nemesis (Year: 2293-2379) Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (Year: 2369-2375) Star Trek: Voyager (Year: 2371-2378) Star Trek: Lower Decks (2380) Star Trek: Prodigy (Year: 2383) Star Trek: Picard seasons 1-3 (Year: 2399-2402) Star Trek: Discovery seasons 3-4 (32nd Century) Star Trek has television shows, films, books, comics, fan films, toys, replicas, games and so many other things. There is almost nothing that has not been touched in some way by this juggernaut. Also in this episode, we discuss the ever changing face of the Klingons, and the idea of canon. This week's podcast promo: The 42 Cast

    Codependency - 292

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2023 27:53


    Codependency is a circular relationship in which one person needs the other person, who in turn, needs to be needed. The codependent person, known as 'the giver,' feels worthless unless they are needed by — and making sacrifices for — the enabler, otherwise known as 'the taker.' Co-dependency is a learned behavior that can be passed down from one generation to another. It is an emotional and behavioral condition that affects an individual's ability to have a healthy, mutually satisfying relationship. It is also known as “relationship addiction” because people with codependency often form or maintain relationships that are one-sided, emotionally destructive and/or abusive. Co-dependency is a learned behavior that can be passed down from one generation to another. It is an emotional and behavioral condition that affects an individual's ability to have a healthy, mutually satisfying relationship. Co-dependent behavior is learned by watching and imitating other family members who display this type of behavior. Who Does Co-dependency Affect? Co-dependency often affects a spouse, a parent, sibling, friend, or co-worker of a person afflicted with alcohol or drug dependence. Originally, co-dependent was a term used to describe partners in chemical dependency, persons living with, or in a relationship with an addicted person. Similar patterns have been seen in people in relationships with chronically or mentally ill individuals. Today, however, the term has broadened to describe any co-dependent person from any dysfunctional family. What is a Dysfunctional Family and How Does it Lead to Co-dependency? A dysfunctional family is one in which members suffer from fear, anger, pain, or shame that is ignored or denied. Underlying problems may include any of the following: An addiction by a family member to drugs, alcohol, relationships, work, food, sex, or gambling. The existence of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. The presence of a family member suffering from a chronic mental or physical illness. Dysfunctional families do not acknowledge that problems exist. They don't talk about them or confront them. As a result, family members learn to repress emotions and disregard their own needs. They become “survivors.” They develop behaviors that help them deny, ignore, or avoid difficult emotions. They detach themselves. They don't talk. They don't touch. They don't confront. They don't feel. They don't trust. The identity and emotional development of the members of a dysfunctional family are often inhibited Attention and energy focus on the family member who is ill or addicted. The co-dependent person typically sacrifices his or her needs to take care of a person who is sick. When co-dependents place other people's health, welfare and safety before their own, they can lose contact with their own needs, desires, and sense of self. How Do Co-dependent People Behave? Co-dependents have low self-esteem and look for anything outside of themselves to make them feel better. They find it hard to “be themselves.” Some try to feel better through alcohol, drugs or nicotine - and become addicted. Others may develop compulsive behaviors like workaholism, gambling, or indiscriminate sexual activity. They have good intentions. They try to take care of a person who is experiencing difficulty, but the caretaking becomes compulsive and defeating. Co-dependents often take on a martyr's role and become “benefactors” to an individual in need. A wife may cover for her alcoholic husband; a mother may make excuses for a truant child; or a father may “pull some strings” to keep his child from suffering the consequences of delinquent behavior. The problem is that these repeated rescue attempts allow the needy individual to continue on a destructive course and to become even more dependent on the unhealthy caretaking of the “benefactor.” As this reliance increases, the co-dependent develops a sense of reward and satisfaction from “being needed.” When the caretaking becomes compulsive, the co-dependent feels choiceless and helpless in the relationship, but is unable to break away from the cycle of behavior that causes it. Co-dependents view themselves as victims and are attracted to that same weakness in the love and friendship relationships. Characteristics of Co-dependent People Are: An exaggerated sense of responsibility for the actions of others A tendency to confuse love and pity, with the tendency to “love” people they can pity and rescue A tendency to do more than their share, all of the time A tendency to become hurt when people don't recognize their efforts An unhealthy dependence on relationships. The co-dependent will do anything to hold on to a relationship; to avoid the feeling of abandonment An extreme need for approval and recognition A sense of guilt when asserting themselves A compelling need to control others Lack of trust in self and/or others Fear of being abandoned or alone Difficulty identifying feelings Rigidity/difficulty adjusting to change Problems with intimacy/boundaries Chronic anger Lying/dishonesty Poor communications Difficulty making decisions This week's podcast promo: Watch-A-Thon of Rassilon

    Let's Go To Disney - 291

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2023 26:00


    This week's episode is an interview with Leah. Leah is an authorized Disney planner. On this episode of Soul Forge Podcast, we are getting a quick primer on the various Disney vacation options. We also learn a few things about Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. So, you're looking to book a vacation. Where are you going? What is your budget? Are you bringing kids along with you? Do you want to stay on Disney property or somewhere else? These are just some of the questions that your authorized Disney planner will be asking you. What time of year do you plan on going? What types of accomodations and experiences would you like to enjoy? Disney offers several types of vacation. You can go to the original Disneyland in California. There are 2 parks at that location. Disney World is in Orlando, Florida with a choice of 4 parks. If you don't want to stay on land, you can take a cruise on a Disney ship. Disney also owns 2 islands in the Bahamas, so that is an option. Or discover the Disney difference at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii. Wherever you end up going, remember there will be a lot of walking. On resort, make sure to have a hat, sunscreen, a refillable mug and a backpack. Your Disney planner will help you book accomodations, tickets, park reservations and experiences. To book a Disney vacation with Leah, visit www.freetotravel.centreholidays.com or email her at leahfrost@centreholidays.com Visit YouTube to learn more about Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, and the Beverly Challenge. This week's podcast promo: Thunder Talk

    Aged To Perspective - 290

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2023 18:31


    Aged to perspective is not a sentence that makes sense. However, from my point to view, it works perfectly for this episode. I recently came across a meme talking about the age of an actress on Gilligan's Island. As I have gotten older, she has stayed the same age in her celluloid prison. Ideas and levels of attraction can vary greatly through the passage of time. Life is all about perspective. A widespread picture represents two individuals standing on either side of the number 9 that has been drawn on the floor. For one person, it appears as the number 6 and for another, it's the number 9. Who is right and who is wrong? Obviously, they both are right yet they both are wrong in the eyes of another individual because of the viewing perspective. This is the simplest example showing perspective meaning.   Both of them consider themselves to be right; here, they must understand the other perspective by changing their sides. If people simply understand that a life perspective can be changed, molded, and explained, the world can be a better place for all. It can put end to fights, wars, daily quarrels, and much more. The only requirement is to see things from another person's perspective. To learn how to see things from another person's perspective, you must first learn the fundamentals of perspective. You need to first know what a life perspective is. Your perspective on life determines how you relate to people, how you handle relationships and troubles, and how you live day-to-day. This week's podcast promo: Monkeeing Around

    Chaos Walking - 289

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2023 21:35


    May the 4th be with you! By happy accident, this episode of the podcast comes out on Star Wars Day! This episode is not about Star Wars. On this week's episode, we are going to learn about a day in the life of a mailman. Many people have wondered and asked about how I do my job; what the work consists of. Well, this week is a walk and talk type show. I will be walking along on my mail route and telling you all about the various aspects of the job. This is CHAOS WALKING! A mail carrier, mailman, mailwoman, postal carrier, postman, postwoman, postperson, or letter carrier, sometimes colloquially known as a postie (in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom), is an employee of a post office or postal service, who delivers mail and parcel post to residences and businesses. The term "mail carrier" came to be used as a gender-neutral substitute for "mailman" soon after women began performing the job. In the Royal Mail, the official name changed from "letter carrier" to "postman" in 1883, and "postwoman" has also been used for many years. Letter carriers typically work urban routes that are high density and low mileage. Such routes are classified as either "mounted/mobile" routes (for those that require a vehicle) or "walking" routes (for those that are done on foot). When working a mounted route, letter carriers usually drive distinctive vans with the logo of the postal service on the side and deliver to curbside and building affixed mailboxes. Carriers who walk generally take a taxicab to their routes. Sometimes, the delivery agent will drive a vehicle to their delivery location. This is much more common in the USA than in Canada. They start at a specified location, and carry one "loop" of mail, up one side of the street and back down the other side, until they are back to their vehicle. This method of delivery is referred to as "park and loop". Letter carriers may also accommodate alternate delivery points if "extreme physical hardship" is confirmed. In cases where mail carriers do not have assigned vehicles, they may also get undelivered mail from relay boxes placed along their routes. This week's podcast promo: Modern Musicology  

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