We Lost A Good One

This episode is three years old! Back in 2022 friend and fellow comedian Robert Jenkins joined me to talk about his father Michael Jenkins. A man who saw the world with a clear moral clarity, we touched on his tough upbringing in Flint and Detroit, a long life spent with his wife Rita, becoming a Jehovah's Witness, and how he managed Lewy Body Dementia on his way out. Rob and I also managed to solve world peace.

This episode I am joined by... my dad! The inspiration to start We Lost A Good One came from the fact that I had never once talked to my dad Charlie about what it was like losing his older brother Bryon at such a young age. Well, after two seasons and quite the hiatus, we finally did it! We dusted off my dad's memories and with a box of my Uncle Bryon's papers, letters, schoolwork, pictures and other artifacts between us, had quite the conversation.

Mark Zacharda is running for state representative in Michigan's new 71st house district. It is a mostly rural district where it has been tough for people over the past years, with jobs leaving and small towns being hallowed out. Mark is a full time farmer and former HS biology teacher who is eager to be a public servant for his family, friends and neighbors and to work for them in Lansing to meet their needs. Mark took a break from campaigning to share some stories he unearthed about his grandfather Robert Zacharda while sorting through boxes left behind after his grandmother's more recent passing. We get into some family history, world history, politics, and the importance of the tangible and intangible legacy you leave behind. If you are interested in learning more about Mark's campaign: check out votemarkz.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/welostagoodone/message

If you've listened to the introductory episode of We Lost A Good One, you know that this whole thing was in part, inspired by an interaction I had with Jack Nutter. He was the man who greeted me with, "we lost a good one" at my grandfather's funeral a few years back. That moment stuck with me and inspired me to try and have more of these conversations with that same energy. I'm tempted to fill this episode description with all the reasons people in my hometown of Ovid-Elsie look up to and appreciate Mr. Nutter, but that's not the point of the podcast so I'll do my best to focus on who he wanted to focus on, his childhood pastor and teacher, Pastor Bob Fry. A golden gloves boxer as well, Jack shared stories of a man he looked up to in his youth many years ago in Manton, MI. Someone who exemplified a combination of physical strength, quiet wisdom and complete calm. Someone who could get you to hold yourself to a higher standard without even saying a word. We veered off topic quite a bit, just like I knew we would and honestly wanted to. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/welostagoodone/message

Mr. Scott Sheedlo is an amazing English teacher, college professor, cross-country coach, my high school biology teacher and also an all around great guy. About two decades after teaching me how to dissect a frog, he joined me to dissect the life and loss of his wonderful mother Colleen. She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and teacher who never stopped trying to better herself while encouraging others to do the same, whether they wanted to or not! Her family, former students, tennis partners and everyone at Greg and Lou's would agree, her best will be missed and was surely good enough!  Music and editing by the fine folks at The C2R Network. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/welostagoodone/message

For the first episode of our new season, I sat down with an old friend and fellow Ovid-Elsie High School class of 2001 graduate, Malleri Singer, to talk about her amazing mother, Mona Myrtle Tobey. As I wrote this episode summary, I stopped and looked up the definition for stalwart; loyal, reliable, and hardworking. Malleri describes her mother as all of those things and more. We talk about Mona's early life growing up in Owosso, Michigan, hanging out at Chick 'N Joy, working her way up the ladder at Motor Products Owosso to provide the best home possible for her kids, eventually finding her own success and independence. We also discuss her untimely passing on an island in the Canadian woods and everything 18-year-old Malleri learned as she was forced to step up and handle those end of life duties that typically aren't asked of us for many decades.  This is also our first episode edited by friend of the show Jeff Jones (round of applause). As a thank you for editing and writing the new theme song, you should check out his show, Cruel2Rewind wherever you get your podcasts.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/welostagoodone/message

Today's guest, author and founder of Grieving It Shanice McLeish, joins me to talk about losing her father at 8 years old and how that helped to inspire her new children's book. Grief on the Playground is a story which takes you on a ride through the 'grief rollercoaster'. Grief on the Playground is necessary for all children who have lost someone they loved. Readers all around confirm Grief on the Playground is a great tool for coping with the loss of a parent, sibling, friend, or pet. The picture book should be used as an aid to help children and adults talk about this very tough subject. The same day this episode airs, it will be available at all your major online booksellers. Go buy a copy! Shanice was an absolute joy to talk to. I'm putting instructions for a dead yard in my will as we speak. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/welostagoodone/message

This episode I am joined by my longtime friend and fellow podcaster, Jeff Jones. Jeff, along with his wife Angie, host an absolutely delightful podcast called Cruel2Rewind. It is the #1 Chicago based, underground, husband and wife, movie podcast in the country. I met Jeff in college and have known him for over 20 years. I knew his dad Bill had passed away when Jeff was very young but I didn't know much more than that. It was a pleasure doing an archeological deep dive with him to discuss the memories he has of his father, along with the myths and mysteries he left behind. Who was Sugar Bear? Why leave a job in radio for... divorce law?! From the Air Force to the airwaves, Bill Jones was a loving husband and father with an entertaining personality and a restless soul that moved on much too soon. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/welostagoodone/message

David Dyer is one of my favorite people in comedy and life in general. Based in Grand Rapids, MI, David has been performing comedy around the country for almost 30 years. He also hosts his own podcast called Idioms, he has released a comedy special and has produced multiple web-series. We had been talking about it for awhile so I was glad to finally sit down and chat about his father J. Thomas VanSlooten. Tom was a beloved member of his family and his community. Whether he was working as a dentist, tending to his orchard, volunteering or with his family, Tom was easy to like, super funny, and had a presence that made everyone's day a little bit better. For more info about Dave and all his projects and where he is performing go to https://www.daviddyercomedy.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/welostagoodone/message

From St. Louis, Missouri, my guest Libbie Higgins is a hilarious up and coming comedian. She hosts her own podcast, Slop City, and can be found on social media @libbiehiggins. Despite being in the midst of a national tour, she was kind enough to sit down with me to chat about losing her dad, Charles, aka Chas, far too soon. Always, the life of the party, Charles was know for having too much beer and too many cigarettes, but also an amazing spirit and a never-ending love for his children. For more info about Libbie and where she'll be performing you can visit https://libbiehiggins.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/welostagoodone/message

Content Warning: Aimee Poulin lost her cousin to suicide just over a month ago. I was honored to have her join me while the thoughts of him were so fresh in her mind. We chatted about their childhood adventures and their relationship that was part cousin and part friend. We also veered off into other directions as we discussed suicide, loss, and how when someone we know dies, a little bit of us dies too. So hey, come along and process mortality with us! This week's music is OOB by none other than Aimee Poulin herself. If you are from Maine or have been to Old Orchard Beach it is a must listen. Listen to OOB here. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/welostagoodone/message

As I stumble my way deeper into the world around death and dying, I recently discovered the concept of Death or End of Life Doulas. It really piqued my interest, so I searched for some on Instagram, sent some messages, and found one willing to chat! Sabrina Singh is and End of Life Doula based in London, England. She was kind enough to take a moment of her time to discuss how she helps those coming to terms with their end of life, as well as their loved ones, to find light and meaning during this unique time. In typical We Lost A Good One fashion, we also took some time to honor her late father Yoda who passed away this last year. If you would like connect with Sabrina or find out more about her services, you can find her on; Facebook, Paperbell, and Instagram. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/welostagoodone/message

Tim Finkel was 30 years old when he lost his brother Don. He joined me to talk about his life and what it was like losing a brother that early. Right before I posted this episode, I listened to it one more time. After that listen I realized this one was as much about the person who passed as it was about the resilience and strength of the people left behind. Tim shares some great insight into battling through a loss to come out a better person on the other side as well as honoring the resilience of his sister-in-law and her family. It reminded me to remember that after you're gone, your loved ones are going to be ok. That said, Don was surely an amazing brother, son, father, Corvette designer and all around great guy; genuine and always present for those he was with. We definitely lost a good one. The music in this episode is No Hard Feelings by The Avett Brothers. Generally, I enjoy using older songs in the public domain but this is one of my favorite songs about passing on and in addition to being written by a pair of brothers, I felt like it really captured the way it sounds like Don lived his life everyday. We also discussed Tim's upcoming teen comedy class at Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle. If you are interested, you can find more information at https://www.comedycastle.com/comedy-classes/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/welostagoodone/message

Our first Aunt! My old comedy buddy and all-around great guy Pat Sievert was kind enough to join me for episode 5. We talked about his Aunt Mickey Phillips, an amazing person and a beloved teacher. A true linch pin who brought friends and family together throughout her life. This episodes music is You'll Miss Me by Blind Albert Reed. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/welostagoodone/message

Join me and my guest Micaela Tepler as we follow her Bubbe Faye on an epic journey that includes fleeing Nazis, traveling through Europe and Russia, surviving Kazakh floods, refugee camp romance, a transatlantic crossing, a bathtub full of pike, two immigrations, a mafioso boyfriend, Micaela's bat mitzvah, indigestion, and a battle with dementia that she never really lost. This episode's music is a song called Tumbalalaika. A Jewish folk love song that was one of the last things Faye Tepler remembered. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/welostagoodone/message

I had the pleasure of talking with my friend and former coworker Lia who lost her best friend in the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary. Strangely enough, we recorded this right before two more mass shootings occurred in the US. Then again, at times it feels like one is always just around the corner. I hesitated to release this episode but I think we discuss aspects of this topic in a way that is respectful and potentially helpful to those who are going through something similar or know someone who is. If you would like to learn more about the individuals lost at Sandy Hook and how to support the many charities started in their honor, go to https://mysandyhookfamily.org/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/welostagoodone/message

Episode two! I had the pleasure of chatting with friend and comedian Adam Degi about his late father Paul Degi. Paul was a great father, musician, artist, and apparently one of the early pioneers of the "dad joke." If you want to follow Adam or find out when and where he'll be performing check out @adamdegi on twitter and instagram. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/welostagoodone/message

For the first episode of We Lost A Good One, I sat down with my old friend and fellow comedian, Nick Leydorf. We talked about his dad Jeff who passed away 17 years ago. Nick and I went to the same high school where his dad was a beloved art teacher so it was nice to get to know him a little better. As mentioned in the episode, Nick is also a lawyer with a focus on estate planning. To connect with Nick for legal services, he can be found at www.leydorflawfirm.com. For his comedic side he can be found at @comedianatlaw or check out his podcast, Free Consultation, available on all platforms. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/welostagoodone/message

Comedian Will Green explains the fever dream and poor reasoning that led him to want to sit down with friends, family, and anyone else who will talk to him to look back fondly on the life of someone in their life who has passed away. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/welostagoodone/message