Reflecting on 2022

In this episode, Joe and Erich reflect on 2022 and their direction in 2023. For a portion of this conversation, we take a step back to go over how the previous few years felt stagnant to lay the groundwork for the reemergence that started in late 2022. Around the middle of 2022, starting live streams with Joe since he moved to Nashville began to shift momentum. Erich continues to push himself psychically with runs and rides, which has led to a commitment to run in the Chicago Marathon in 2023. One big driving factor was the book The Comfort Crisis. The book's core is to get yourself more comfortable with the uncomfortable. From there, we see what Joe explores with his master's and Ph.D. We must zoom out and look at human culture, be critical, and ask what is working. Joe believes that each of us should aspire to aim for something greater. Meaning the goal should be aspirational. The likelihood you will accomplish the goal is small, but in setting the bar, you may embody the goal you set for yourself.

SocietyErich WenzelJanuary 10, 2023Joe Jackowski, Year in Review, Marathon, Learning, Creativity, Meaning MakingComment

Top Gun and The State of Hollywood

In this episode, we discuss some recent films they have enjoyed and how they contrast with other films that did not stand up to past expectations. We start the discussion with Top Gun: Maverick and why that film feels like a breath of fresh air compared to other sequels. So many sequels over the last decade lack the essence of what made the originals massive successes that have shaped our culture.

Pop CultureErich WenzelJune 27, 2022Film, Star Wars, Top Gun, Spider-man, Storytelling, Meaning Making, PodcastComment