Hello from My Front Porch - Season 5 (2020)

Hello From My Front Porch S5E004: The signs are small, but there are indications that we may be starting to emerge from the pandemic era of our lives this year. Oh we are a long way from "back to normal", but I have started to notice little changes to move us back that direction.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E005: Today I celebrate my 53rd rotation around the sun. My daughter Ashley sent me gifts, with instructions to not open until today. I didn't know which were from her, so now I've got multiple deliveries to open and see which are the gifts.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E006: Had a conversation with a work colleague about our ever-growing and never-ending To Do lists, and about how eclectic those lists can get. He gave me a perfect analogy that I will shamelessly steal from now on of life being like a chemistry set.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E007: People are constantly talking about a desire to go back to "the good old days" but reality is, if we really stop and think about it, there may have been some good things about "those days" but there was also some not so good things, too.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E008: I started the day feeling sick. Tummy was uneasy, cold sweats, migraine level sinus head pain, and 'backed-up plumbing'. I grabbed a double bacon king at Burger King for lunch and all the symptoms went away. I may have found the next miracle drug.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E009: We all know that trust is key element to ANY healthy relationship, whether personal or professional. But even though we all know it's important, and even though we all want to be trusted, I question how much each of us are truly willing to trust.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E010: There continue to be small signs that we are starting to settle into a new pandemic era 'normal'. This time it shows up in communities going forward with Halloween "Begger's Night" activities; while urging continued and wise safety precautions.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E011: The Filipino-American Society of Iowa will again be Honoring Our Veterans this year. But due to the pandemic, FAS is preparing a very special virtual celebration event which will feature both veterans and several very special guests.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E012: The Social Studies teacher within me comes back to the surface in this look at the Balance of Powers built into the US Constitution, and how those elements are no longer in "balance" the way they were originally intended to be.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E013: On the eve of the 2020 elections we talk about those who become so wrapped up in and passionate about their political efforts that it becomes more than just a way to vote but evolves into a full-fledged religion with religious fervor behind it.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E014: It's Election Day 2020 and much has been said in the media about the problems and issues to expect when voting. I feel like much of that has been over-hyped. So I share my views on voting as well as my own personal experience at my voting location.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E015: As the votes the 2020 election votes continue to be counted it becomes more clear that our society has become spoiled and demanding. We expect instant gratification - even on vote counts - and if we don't get that we sure know how to complain.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E016: The Filipino-American Society of Iowa, for whom I serve as Vice President, will be unable to do our Honoring Our Veterans event in person this year due to the pandemic. So we came up with a very creative virtual approach to recognizing veterans.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E017: My good friend Steve Roberts, who owns the Pie Five where I get my favorite pizza, risked losing that business due to pandemic-related financial issues. But he was supported by a large turnout of people in a very It's a Wonderful Life kind of way.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E018: In a recent work-related discussion a term was used that really struck me. The concept of Emotional Maturity was one that inspired me to engage in a bit of personal introspection and cues up a thought-provoking challenge for us all.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E019: Contrary to popular belief, this is not a video of me singing songs from "Frozen". As we celebrate the Thanksgiving season it's a good time to also consider the baggage that we each carry with us that we really don't need to. We need to let it go.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E020: In a follow-up to the "Out of Balance" episode, I share the handful of thoughts, ideas, and suggestions that I have for solidifying full confidence in the US election system as well as restoring voter representation as was intended by our Founders.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E021: My niece Megan has been living in the 2nd floor of my house for the last 18 months. As she now prepares to take on a new chapter life in California I take time to visit with her about her life journey to this point and where it hopefully now leads.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E022: They say there are signs that reveal when you cross from one stage of life into another. I believe I have identified one such instance in my own life. It comes from a very unlikely place - the reading glasses display at a Dollar Tree store.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E023: Our first significant snow of the 2020-2021 winter season has now arrived. And based on the reports from my 'snow guy' this is very wet, heavy snow with a layer of ice under it. It's a good thing I don't need to go any farther than my Front Porch.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E024: What a surprise to have the jolly guy in red stop by and guest host. Santa gives us an interesting bit of insight into the real definitions behind the Naughty and Nice Lists and what each of us can do to just be nice "for goodness sake".

Hello From My Front Porch S5E025: For Christmas 2020, my gift to each viewer is a collection of some of my favorite Christmas songs. Selections include: Let It Snow, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Jingle Bells, Blue Christmas, White Christmas, and The Christmas Song.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E026: My brother Zene and his wife Kelsey came all the way up from Oklahoma just for a holiday season visit with family. I got to host them and their boys at my house, which also required a Front Porch appearance before I would let them leave.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E027: The first snow that we received mostly melted; but a fresh and deeper amount of snow has now arrived. And for once I'm actually pleased to see it. Because now I've rediscovered the joys of sledding thanks to Lisa and her daughter.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E028: Many are celebrating the new year 2021 while still holding on to all the bad baggage they built up during 2020. This is a new year and we can do great things, but only if we release the past and spread our wings to fly into the future.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E029: Everyone has opinions about Donald Trump and his time as President of the United States. While I have never been a supporter, I do admit that I had hoped he would rise to the job and have positive impacts. Reality disagrees.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E030: I saw an article about the US Chamber encouraging investment in programs to help train workers faster and more targeted to job functions. I couldn't help but observe that the process of Structured On-the-Job Training in my book does exactly that.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E031: A recent conversation about how people used to be able trust elected officials more led to a reality check that maybe they really weren't more trustworthy, perhaps we just didn't know as much about their games as we do now.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E032: During cold winter days the Front Porch stays comfortably warm, though some casually passing by might not assume that to be the case. We can make the same faulty assumptions about people we come in contact with, too.

Hello From My Front Porch S5033: Poor choices on my part have allowed both my weight and my blood sugar level to go up to unacceptable amounts. But I've been able to reduce them before so I know I can do it again, though it may not be as easy this time around.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E034: 40 degrees and sunny isn't the only bright news on the Front Porch. I've continued to be mindful of renewed dieting and it's paying off. My daily blood sugar levels are back under control after just a few days of better focus.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E035: My attitude towards snow has improved thanks to the fun of going sledding with Lisa and Sophia. But while we've had snow, it's been too cold to play outside. Now is our 3rd snow storm and I'm hopeful this time we can enjoy it.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E036: Continuing the journey of my re-commitment to better health. Not only have I kept the blood sugar levels down, but I've also now been able to confirm that I am again back under 200 pounds. And Christmas is finally put away.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E037: My good friend 'Pizza Steve' Roberts owns the only Pie Five Pizza franchise in the entire State of Iowa. But this local, small business owner and employer keeps getting the run around trying to tap into COVID-relief funding.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E038: Today is a relaxed day. No web meetings for work, and the recent snow accumulations meant I wasn't going to be venturing out either. So today was a much more casual day at 'the office' - which for me is still just my house anyway.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E039: The frozen Artic edition of the Front Porch as the Midwest continues to deal with subzero temperatures, and even colder wind chills. But I did brave the cold for a short time to pay a visit to my friend 'Pizza Steve' at Pie Five.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E040: After multiple days of subzero temperatures and snowfall it is a wonderful relief to see the sun shining in the sky again. But a -2 temperature outside helps reinforce the great warmth that the Front Porch can still have during the day.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E041: My regular check-up visit with my doctor further confirms the good news of the positive changes I have again been making. Many improvements since my last visit and the measurable vital signs proved it. Officially back on track.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E042: I'm seeing a lot more vehicles on the road without license plates. Which leads me down the mental path of why police may be distracted on other things, as well as the reality that the truly guilty seem to slip by too often.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E043: American politics are now divided into two camps of either a red or blue label. But this isn't the first time we've been manipulated into such a two-tone conflict. In fact, we've been conditioned for such battles our entire lives.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E044: I always love it when I get to introduce someone to Pie Five Pizza. This time it's my dear friend Maricris Onairda and her son Samuel. He was home for a just a week on leave and I'd like to think this was the highlight of his trip.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E045: My home office is in my basement, where it can get a bit chilly at times. But the Front Porch is a toasty oasis. Makes me think about how we do that internally, too. We can get a bit chilly inside; need to choose to find the warmth again.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E046: I recently joined Tik Tok and have enjoyed some of funny clips. In fact, I was inspired to bring a bit of that upbeat goofiness to the Front Porch. See the result of that experiment as I find fun in a common problem.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E047: One of the things that we've been forced to do more of, which I hope continues even after we all feel 'safe' again, is people having greater awareness of others around them. If we had all been doing it before we may have been better off.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E048: In celebration of St. Patrick's Day 2021 I pause to discuss the ways in which I feel that I have professionally discovered my own 'pot of gold'. I feel very lucky for my opportunities today and every single day that I get to do what I do.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E049: I used to be focused on crusading and convincing people regarding causes which had my attention at the moment. But as I mature I find I have less of a desire to wage such battles, and more interest in building bonds and bridges.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E050: My job requires me to travel, which we are starting to do again. Eventually you will need the COVID vaccine to be able to fly. So I've now received the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine. And I bring you along for the experience, too.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E051: Green is my favorite color. And it shows up in many places in my life. The cover of my book. A bunch of my clothes. Even my girlfriend's maiden name. But now, thanks to my son, my new favorite shoes show off 'being green' the best.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E052: My inner Social Studies teacher comes out once again as I feel prompted to revisit the topic of the Bill of Rights, the US Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and codified laws. The differences are very important to know.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E053: I decided it was time to buy some new pillows, so I also used this as a chance to test out some that I've heard a lot about. Find out my review of options from Serta and MyPillow. And why I think the best option may just be both of them.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E054: Completed my COVID-19 BINGO card by receiving the second shot of the Pfizer vaccine. Different people seem to be having vastly different reactions to these vaccines, so I'm sharing my experience to hopefully help others.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E055: The Filipino-American Society of Iowa, for which I have the honor of serving as Vice President, is hosting a FREE COVID-19 vaccination clinic this weekend along with Vaxi Taxi and New Hope United Methodist church here in Des Moines.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E056: I am very excited to get to be presenting at that Training Industry Conference and Expo 2021. This marks my first time getting to share with these wonderful folks; they are an audience who are known for their forward thinking approaches.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E057: My presentation at TICE 2021 on the topic of SOJT went well and was followed by some engaged discussion. Sadly the completion of my session also meant the end to my temporary "Doctor of Learning" honorary title. What a bummer.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E058: Marvel Studios has brilliantly launched their portion of the Disney+ streaming platform by doing more than just rerunning their movies. They are using it to run limited run series which delve much deeper into rich storytelling.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E059: Mother's Day 2021 I turn the show over to (3) wonderful moms that I have had the privilege of knowing for many years: my own mom and my sisters Toni Delp and Terri Delp. They share their motherly insights, wisdom, and advice.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E060: Just happened to run into two wonderful friends of mine at my favorite pizza place: Pie Five in Ankeny, IA. Turns out it was their very first visit to P5 and so I was more than happy to play 'tour guide' and capture their first P5 tastes.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E061: Though I've never been a fan of wearing the masks, I still do so in compliance with pandemic precautions. But now as guidelines begin to change I am struck by the blatant level of hypocrisy which exposes just how pointless the masks have been.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E062: Finding an internal calming oasis by sitting on the Front Porch swing, windows open, and just enjoying the fresh air and outdoor sounds. It's much more relaxing than engaging in pointless political arguments online. At least today.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E063: A regular Front Porch viewer sent me a message observing that it had been quite a while since I'd posted a new episode. So I did this one primarily to assure them (and anyone else) that we're still here even when I'm not 'here'.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E064: My good friend Pizza Steve Roberts is ready to defend his reigning champion title at the Pizza Fest in Ankeny, Iowa. He's even engineered a new pizza that tastes like the Iowa State Fair on a crust. Here's hoping for a 2nd consecutive win.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E065: Post-pandemic Father's Day 2021 weekend meant being able to spend time with loved ones. We grilled out with my dad at his house on Saturday and then my son Alex and I actually went to a movie - in a theater - on Sunday. Great memories.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E066: For quite a while I've been mentioning that my job is going very well and that 'sometime' I would need to do an episode to share with you all what's going on. Well, this is that episode and boy do I have a whole lot of awesome stuff to share.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E067: Went to the dentist to start the process of dealing with a broken tooth. Also learned I need a 'deep cleaning', so that's also now scheduled. But the dentist seemed oddly disappointed to discover I still have never had any cavities to fill.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E068: Visited with Belinda Roberts, owner of the Roberts Filipino Store in Des Moines. They won the World Food Prize Festival competition in 2018 and 2019. If they win again in 2021 they qualify for the Hall of Fame. I want to help them do that.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E069: For those who want to complain that other workers are 'showing up and taking our jobs' they may want to take heed to what I'm hearing all across the country - that the ones getting the jobs are the ones willing to DO the jobs.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E070: While I am happy to have life returning to 'normal' I also find myself lamenting over some of the higher levels of consideration and thoughtfulness that was more present during the tighter pandemic restriction months of 2020.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E071: People can be very inconsiderate and demanding at times. This may show up more regularly at restaurants than almost anywhere else. There are lessons to be learned from my observations of some truly rude and bad customers.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E072: My friend Pizza Steve Roberts has issued a challenge. If you can fold pizza boxes faster than him you can win FREE Pie Five pizza. So of course I had to accept the challenge. But we all got treated to an exciting Father-Son match-up, too.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E073: Getting myself psyched up for a busy Saturday. The Filipino-American Society of Iowa (FAS) hosts our annual Golf Tournament, then our annual Pig Roast picnic, and then I'll wrap up the day singing the National Anthem at the Iowa Cubs.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E074: US Olympic gymnast Simone Biles has been the subject a lot of discussion after she withdrew from competition citing her mental health. It's a subject which prompts me to ponder the topic of responsibility and it's multiple levels.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E075: It has been more than a year and a half since I got to see my daughter Ashley and son-in-law Joshua. But this weekend we fixed that as I got to spend time with them seeing some tourist sites and enjoying services at the church they pastor.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E076: For much of my life I have taken my teeth for granted. There was a period of time that my dental hygiene was horrible. Fortunately I have really strong teeth, but I have been much more focused on caring for them lately. You should too.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E077: It's been all over the news and social media - the Field of Dreams baseball field in Dyersville, Iowa hosted an actual major league game. The positive energy and goodwill that has flooded from it proves: "If you build it, they will come".

Hello From My Front Porch S5E078: Among the event cancellations in 2020 was the Iowa State Fair. I was very glad to see the Fair return in 2021, and I was extremely honored to have the opportunity to start a day of the Fair by presenting our National Anthem there again.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E079: With the return of the Iowa State Fair comes the return of the annual 'sampling the new Fair foods' day with my bestie Tarah. It's a tradition we've done since 2016. Oh, and I got to present the National Anthem again at the Fair, too.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E80: In a rare instance of a prerecorded Front Porch episode, we return to Alachua, FL and my visit with Ashley and Joshua to discuss a topic that has been coming up fairly regularly for about 5 years. Well, now there's no more need to wonder.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E81: While I do enjoy helping others learn and grow, for my own personal development I depend on the ATD International Conference and Expo each year. Obviously there wasn't one in 2020; but very excited to have it return in 2021.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E82: After not having ATD ICE in 2020, offering it in 2021 had some considerations that needed to be planned for. I get to spend some time chatting with the absolutely inspiring Beck Magnotta, chair of the ICE Program Advisory Committee.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E83: It's the big day for me - when I get to facilitate my own session at ICE 2021, on the topic of #SOJT of course. While the setup is quite different from what we are all used to, the important thing is that we are all here and learning together.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E84: My son Alex gave me some Kermit the Frog sneakers as a gift. Since my book cover is green, I decided to wear them all week at ATD ICE and kept posting them to social media in shameless self-promotion. And some people actually noticed.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E85: One of the great things about attending the ATD ICE event is the chance to make connections that you otherwise would never make. A chance conversation with a woman from the University of Arkansas is one such example for me.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E86: One of the most unique offerings at ATD ICE 2021 was the services of a company named Dear World. In a time where many of us erect tall defensive walls around ourselves it can be tough to be 'open'. These folks beautifully address that.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E87: One of my absolute favorite people in the world is my dear friend Cindy Grill, also known as Hot Tamale. She did some great performances at the Iowa State Fair and has some other exciting performances planned in some exciting places.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E88: Two political topics dominating my social media feeds are legal abortion and reinstating Donald Trump. While I don't fault the passionate crusaders on both sides of both topics, I cannot endure all of the misinformation.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E89: As our nation honored the memories of those lost on the 20th anniversary of 9/11 I was disturbed to see so many on social media posting their frustration with the 'annual reminders'. But there's a bigger lesson to be learned.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E90: During a recent air travel experience I had the misfortune of sitting directly in front of a man who did not like wearing his face mask, who was well-versed on all current conspiracy theories, and went out of his way to annoy everyone.

Hello From My Front Porch S5E91: It was 55 years ago when the great experiment called "The Monkees" was launched. Now as the remaining band members, Micky Dolenz and Mike Nesmith, embark on their farewell tour, I am declaring the Year of the Monkees.