A couple of friends who live rather ordinary lives, sharing stories of the "normal life" that can be rather funny and fascinating when you take a deeper look. Oh, and there's some music on here too.
Comparing two things that end up telling a story of an unusual love affair
An ode to the Sandhills cranes I've seen for the past 6 years in Birchwood TN. I'm not an avid birder, and do not appreciate nature as much as I should, but these 3 to 3 1/2 feet tall creatures are rather notable.
So, after playing a show in downtown chattanooga we were approached by a guy… Also, sandhill cranes are majestic. #birding
Jason and I got the chance to visit with WUTC's Sir Richard Winham to share some songs and stories. What a guy! Aaannnnnd he is British. So, we basically were talking to a Beatle.
Christmas Day in chattanooga was unseasonably warm but still jolly. Here's a couple short stories in honor of holiday traditions and George Michael.
A visit to Asheville brings about our second edition of “Kids Pick The Topic”.
*Most memorable holiday gifts. *Why does Jason not believe in the power of giving gifts now? *Male emotions are difficult. And soooo much more...
In an effort to not be a total humbugger, here's a seasonal song from a few years ago. Featuring some vocals from Elizabeth Cargile.
In honor of thanksgiving, a couple kids pick todays topic and weigh in on it. The topic…Grass. So, here you go!
This is the first mostly complete song that I wrote in the winter of 1997. I came home from college to visit my family and my oldest sister told me about a mutual friend who was dabbling in hard drugs. At the time, I associate it any drug use with addiction, and I'm not sure if this song accurately describes what that friend was going through but I felt inspired to write. 
There's a small handful of people who I consider to have been a mentor in my life. Coach Fox was one of the very first, and even though it was an honor to have known him for almost 30 years, his recent passing from COVID was way too soon and tragic. In this weeks episode, a few friends join in to share some stories as we pay tribute to a man who was our mentor, friend, teacher, coach, spiritual leader, and so many other things.
A little sad sounding song inspired from seeing suites friends surviving sticky situations over the past couple seasons. Featuring Butch Ross (would make for a great podcast guest)
Jason has small nostrils but how did he responds to his Covid-19 vaccine? The Beatles are the #goat and there's some futbol team from their hometown. And…so much more.
Well, after 60ish episodes it was time to do a "best of" compilation. Many great stories, heartfelt snippets, and nonsensical exchanges are not on here, but that just gives us motivation to do a part 2... Thanks to friends like Willis, Amanda, Kris, and Richie for making cameos. If you are still reading this... On this episode, you will find some tales of road trips, early childhood thoughts about homosexuality, an ode to a friend who has passed away, the protests of 2020, and a few other topics.
When is dessert not dessert? Why does Jason love Ben Shapiro so much? Should you take part in a Master's program so you can extend your intramural career? And, a little bit about toxic masculinity.
What should you put in your body? Jason justifies his choices and we take a look at an awkwardly justifiable apology from a previous purity culture advocate.
No Jason. But also I'm rambling. And, #covid apparently never left. Also, do you feel tension between personal freedoms and the responsibility to serve others?
Jason finally admits to having adult ADHD but does not admit to having a personal sweater vest at 16. So, two steps forward and two steps back.
How many fireworks does a real American shoot off on July 4th? Can you hate Lee Greenwood and still be a real American? And, if you think America may not be perfect does that mean you should move to another country? Ohhhh.....say....
So, it was July 4 and I was with a very enthused eight year old. Thought it might be a good idea to look at our nations birthday through the eyes of a child. Kids say the darndest things about democracy…
Inspired after a recent trip to the old ballpark, and without a co-host, this is a one-man show to reminisce on childhood sports and what draws us to the things we are drawn to naturally.
Does virtue signaling only apply to the "woke" members of social media? Are outwardly-showing "patriots" also demonstrating their own signal?
For a 3 1/2 year-old, Jace is a solid podcast interview. 5 stories make the cut this time. #thenormallifepodcast #kidssaythedarndestthings #childrensstory #conversationswithkids
Can't stop Jason from talking about bias. Dude is just really trying to improve his rough edges. #childhood #alabama #pathfinders #implicitbias
How do childhood experiences shape implicit biases?
Sitting down over Chinese food to discuss cooking contests, getting to know people while they are alive, and Jason's new found ability to be on time.
It's been a heavy couple of weeks. We went with a lighter route for this episode. The worst best job we both ever had, funny kids, and the Sabbath were focused on. Welcome to the normal life.
Part 2 of our conversation on the Boymanship podcast. A little more personal than part 1. A little more about race, police, the South, and why Bill Cosby was my hero when I was a child.
We got to jump in on the Boymanship Podcast and discuss "White Men Can't Jump", stereotypes, how the South can be a scary place, and more... This is part 1 of a 2 part discussion.
Always good to connect with long time friends and this episode features our college buddy Kris. It was a little awkward to relive some of the old stories, but I was only slightly triggered. We also took a little time to reflect on where the Chattanooga area was almost exactly 1 year ago today.
When should you alter a child's bedtime routine? Analytics are fun. What is a tree-fella? Tree-fellow? And soooooo much more!
Where were you when... The #challenger exploded? The #ojsimpsontrial verdict was LIVE? #911 bombing took place? #waltermondale was defeated? #sidbream slid home safely? All this and more of this weeks episode of the #thenormallifepodcast
Jason is under the weather...where did that phrase start?? Anyway, you are just stuck with one of us but it's for only 32 minutes.
A short dive into implicit bias, systemic racism in surprising places, and greatest albums of all time.
A somewhat good friend Madrid makes a virtual stop-in and shares his Northern "charm". How important are first impressions? How real is implicit bias? And, do fliflops really look good with flannel shirts?
Former student. Current friend. Future revolutionary. Amanda shares tares of adventure, chaos, and friendship.
1. An attempt at 3-year-old story time at 11pm. 2. Tales of important songs and the life stages they are connected to. 3. Oh, and a bit of mindless rambling. Welcome to the normal life.
Toto was deeply inspired by Africa and so was Jason during his time there as a student missionary. Do missionaries take a #whitejesus message when they go overseas? Why is it easier to desire to serve overseas instead of next door? And, how often should you feed your 3-year-old son spoiled beans?
Some pretty interesting Wednesdays we have been having lately. Also, why do Funyuns still exist? Systemic racism at The Capital? And, why is Jason applauded for his inability to be on time? Plus....a cliffhanger...
Mike helps me break down why Jason would have never made it in the military. We also discussed tension between liberals and conservatives, and others groups, while trying to highlight the principal that a wise man once told me... "You may doubt by methods but don't doubt my motivations."
Part 2 of our conversation with Mike. Is the military racist? There's a loaded question and there are a few more addressed...
Childhood friend Mike stops by to confront Jason about the time J stole Mike's first love...
It's a seasonal time of year. Can you name the seasonal tunes that we are humming? Come on! There's worser things to do as you roadtrip to your grandma's house...
Back when I was still mostly positive about Christmas music, around 2006, my then girlfriend and I wrote this song. It's still pretty solid, the song not the relationship.
Part 2 of the most recent conversation with our friend Will. More stories of law enforcement, #defundthepolice , why buffets are a “noooo”, and moore.
Back in person. Back with officer and friend Will. Discussion and disagrements over terrible Christmas music, #defundthepolice , cadet camp blues, and #maga protests.
Tried to be somewhat seasonal, but Jason took us down the bathroom humor rabbit hole. My apologies...
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