The-Vast-Night-Of-Fear-Bob Davis Podcast 937

The-Vast-Night-Of-Fear-Bob Davis Podcast 937

Vast Night Of Fear and Peak Summer Days

Firstly these peak summer days make me reminisce. We’re going to do that and more in The-Vast-Night-Of-Fear-Bob Davis Podcast 937.

Lot On My Mind

Secondly done a lot of political podcasts this month. Time for an easy talker. No prep. Or plan. Just what’s on my mind.

Striking A Perfect Chord

To begin with I watched a movie the other night that really struck the perfect chord for the times we’re living through.

The Vast Of Night

Certainly you should check out The Vast of Night when you get the chance.

Anger Incubator

In the same vein I noticed a news story the other day that says America is an ‘Anger Incubator’. Even more it reminded me of a recent podcast this month which wondered whether we’re all delirious. You can hear it here.

Find out more in The-Vast-Night-Of-Fear-Bob Davis Podcast 937.

Is Fear The Root of Our Anger?

In addition rather than anger I submit America is really an incubator of fear right now. Fear is what drives the anger.

And this is why, for instance, The Vast of Night is so good.

Perfect Summer Days Are A Contrast

But on the other hand, when we hit one of these perfect summer days, it gives me some perspective. Even more it strikes me as strange that we’re living in caldron of fear and anger with the wind in the trees and the sound of cicadas.

Sounds, Smells and Sights of Summer

Even the sound of a train rolling through the neighborhood reminds me of times past. Similarly, the feel of burnt grass or warm asphalt under my bare feet

And the smells! Right after a thunderstorm. In the early morning hours.

Do We Control Outcomes?

Finally, I think our fears are related to the certainty we can’t control outcomes right now. Not even a little.

Embrace The Heat

In conclusion it’s a short summer in the upper Midwest. Embrace the heat. Sleep with the windows open. Get out in the vast night and capture a look at the stars. Share it with someone before the heat leaves us.

Sponsored by AuntieBrentals and Realty One Group

The-Vast-Night-Of-Fear-Bob Davis Podcast 937

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Farewell Boy Scouts America-Podcast 724

Farewell Boy Scouts America-Podcast 724

The Boy Scouts of America recently changed its name. The reason? Scouts USA will admit girls. These days a decision like that can kick off a firestorm of criticism. There’s even a new Christian alternative to the Boy Scouts. For my best friends and I, BSA was all about camping. We’ll talk about it in Farewell Boy Scouts America-Podcast 724.

Best Friends Like None Other

I had two best friends growing up. Both of them invited me into the Boy Scouts. The other day one of them texted me, concerned that the Boy Scouts would not admit girls. “Are you gonna do a podcast about that?”, he wondered. I said I didn’t think so. The idea of a podcast about changes in our social institutions though, stuck with me.

Summer Memories

Especially relevant is how summer brings back memories. It’s warm already in Minnesota and that makes me think about my best friends, camp outs, summer camp and fun. For us, that’s what the Boy Scouts were. So I’ll share some stories about our campouts in Farewell Boy Scouts America-Podcast 724.

Nonconformist Scoutmaster

What’s more, as I researched and thought about this podcast I realized how important our scoutmaster was to all of us. It’s not what you’d expect. Our scoutmaster and the men who watched over us were anything but conformists.

No Patience For Rules and Regulations in 1970’s America

As world war two vets, our scoutmasters weren’t about to take crap from anyone. Moreover, they didn’t have much patience for bureaucracy, rules and regulations. What they did was make sure we were safe, had a good time, and took care of each other. They also stood up for us, celebrated us and had our back. In Farewell Boy Scouts America-Podcast 724.

Changing Institutions

Most noteworthy to this podcast is the idea that institutions like the Boy Scouts are changing. Crumbling even. There’s no shortage of criticism for ‘Scouts USA’ from commentators who make sure to tell the reader they were Eagle Scouts and went on to Explorers. We didn’t. In fact we thought ‘Super Scouts’ were kind of weird.

Friends For Life

For us it was all about camping and the kind of friendship none of us will have again. I think it was that way with our scoutmasters and the fathers of the kids who came to the campouts too. For me, I don’t mind leaving it all behind and keeping those times as memories. As Stephen King once wrote, “I never had friends later on like the ones I had when I was 12. Jesus. Does anyone?”

My sentiments exactly.

Was it the Boy Scouts? Or was it us?

Sponsored by Ryan Plumbing and Heating Of Saint Paul

Farewell Boy Scouts America-Podcast 724

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