Hello from My Front Porch

- Season 7

(2022)

S7E1: Amazingly we launch into a seventh year of the program. Last season I set out to only do episodes with others, but that proved challenging and very restrictive. So I'm shaking off those restrictions and returning to what has always been fun.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E2: Lisa and I spent some time (and dollars) strolling around a local antique mall near my home. We had fun take a few photos with items we found, including some hats. But thanks to 'big brother' social media those hats followed me home.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E3: The very last home game of the Iowa Cubs regular season and yours truly got to perform the National Anthem. Why did I wait until the very last game to do so this year - my 18th year doing it? There's an interesting story about that.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E4: Both of my parents have had significant medical issues, hospital stays, and a need for increased support and care. I get asked often how they are doing. It makes sense to simply allow them to share about their current situations.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E5: The TV show 'Dallas' was always a favorite of mine. The complex character of JR Ewing was especially interesting to me. So it was a special thrill to get a special visit to the Ewing homestead at Southfork Ranch in Dallas, Texas.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E6: I have become increasingly cynical about politics over the years. It's still an important process to engage in but I get frustrated by candidates who do not tell me why to vote FOR them. Shaimaa Aly is a refreshing exception to that trend.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E7: I am a big fan of the breakfast pizza made by the Iowa-based convenience store chain Casey's. I've been wanting it for weeks but never made it in time to get some. But today the tasty, delicious, awesomeness goal was achieved.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E8: Here we are at the end of October, in Iowa, and it's warm. Warm enough to be outside without heavy coats or really even coats at all. Which will definitely help make this first real Halloween post-COVID an active and fun one.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E9: I love the 1950's TV show 'The Munsters'. I've got the whole series and several of the follow-up movies and shows on DVD. Now Rob Zombie has produced a reboot and it's on Netflix. Here is my review of it, and it's not all bad.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E10: As we approach yet another election day I am struck by the examples of what I see as utter stupidity on the part of some candidates, their campaigns, or even the two monolithic political parties. You can't make this stuff up, folks.

S7E11: Yes I'm quite cynical now regarding the topic of politics. I'm also very middle of the road ideologically. But I still greatly value the right to freely and openly vote that we have in the United States. Here's why your vote DOES matter.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E12: The appearance of the Front Porch hasn't changed much in the 7 years we've been going. But recently I discovered the difference that the pillows on the swing can make. And now it seems I've become a decorative pillows guy.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E13: This year for the annual gatherings of my team I opted to host the event at the Southfork Ranch, made famous on the 'Dallas' TV series. In addition to being a productive time together we also enjoyed some Texas-style fun.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E14: The assassination of President John F. Kennedy is a moment in our nation's history which continues to impact us six decades later. Visiting the actual location of the tragic event in Dallas, Texas is a profound experience to share.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E15: For many, Thanksgiving is a joyful time with family and friends. But for many it is a sad day which reminds them of losses and pain. For others it is greeted with cynicism and doubt of what to be thankful for. This episode is for them.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E16: It is fairly common for people ask for a 'seat at the table'. But what does that really mean? Where does it apply? And most importantly, do we even know what to do with it when we get it? All of which can apply directly to us.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E17: I have not be able to wish my daughter Ashley 'Happy Birthday' in person since December 2015 (she got married and moved to Florida in September 2016). The 7-year drought was finally, and happily, broken this year.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E18: My personal health journey continues as celebrate continuing to be at (or even under) my target weight. Though I do still need to exercise more, there are ways I continue to find which spotlights my success - such as my gun belt.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E19: Winter has definitely arrived in Iowa. It brings with it the sense of Christmas spirit. I agree with Buddy the Elf that the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear; and here are some of my personal favorites.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E20: An old, familiar face makes a surprise appearance to share some encouraging words about priorities during the Christmas season. He should know, he's pretty much THE expert on all things Christmas. And small pranks, it seems, too.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E21: Gave my face a break for the week which meant the stubble on my face has become noticeable. But it's also inspirational. Well, in the sense that it inspired me to explore the rich history and exciting future of Dr. Henry Jones, Jr.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E22: It's a new year on the calendar and that serves as impetus for many people to make resolutions for personal change. While it is a good time to motivate self-improvements, it need not be the only time that we do so.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E23: Got a wonderful surprise in the mail today. A letter from my 10-month old granddaughter Ellie. It actually was supposed to have gotten to me before Christmas, but apparently the USPS had a different timetable in mind.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E24: We wade into the seedy world of politics for this one as I share some of my admittedly cynical observations about the concept of 'gridlock' in the current Congress and what they may mean for politicians and the rest of us.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E25: Unlike some people I don't mind shopping at Wal-Mart. In fact I've bought a lot of stuff there over the years. But I'm finding my brand loyalty being tested by what seem to be noticeable declines their customer focus.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E26: I'm finding that the older I get the more I appreciate a turning lane at an intersection with a stoplight. But I have been noticing an increase in yellow light turning lanes lately. Their lack of helpfulness really annoys me.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E27: In a recent work trip to the DC area I was inspired to visit several of my favorite monuments and places of interest. I used to do this every visit to DC but got out of the habit during COVID lock-downs. It was great to visit them again.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E28: There was a great deal of conversation about the Chinese Spy Balloon that was recently revealed to be floating over the US. While that is concerning on its own, it prompts me have broader concerns related to China's influence.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E29: Sometimes simple little things inspire me to have deep thoughts. Such is the case with a recent lane changing experience on the highway. It caused me to step back and ponder what presumptions do I need to re-evaluate in myself.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E30: Life can get overwhelming with all the stress and negativity. Which is why I've opted to push all of that aside and take a moment to appreciate the genuineness of children. I share a few clips that make me smile and I hope you will, too.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E31: A tongue-in-cheek look at some things that have happened recently which never would've happened previously and are, in a humorous way, indications of the nominal success I've achieved professionally and personally.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E32: My granddaughter Elliana Moon has reached the 1-year old mark. So hard to believe that much time has passed. But in this 'unconventional' Front Porch episode you get to join me in hanging out with the energetic and adorable young lady.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E33: A not so funny thing happened on my way to Florida to celebrate my granddaughter's first birthday. An unfortunate situation caused me to experience a rare meltdown. But I re-learned a lesson my mom tried to teach me for years.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E34: Of all the plays still being discussed from Super Bowl LVII the one that I think deserves to stand out above them all is the intentional non-touchdown by the Chiefs' Jerik "Jet" McKinnon. His selfless, team-focused action was truly amazing.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E35: Life can get tough sometimes. And not even for bad reasons; just that a whole lot of 'life' can pile up on us at one time. In those situations it is easy give in and crumble under the weight. But it is important we continue moving forward.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E36: Crossed another item off my bucket list. I have always wanted to take part in an actual talent audition, but for much of my life I lacked the confidence to do so. But now I can say that I finally did it, and I think I did it pretty well, too.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E37: During the pandemic we all were forced to make changes to how we engaged in daily life. But now that things are returning to 'normal' I cannot help but notice that there were some positive aspects which I wish had continued.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E38: Airlines need to make money like any other business. They have to make their flights as cost-efficient as possible. This means funneling travelers through a handful of hubs. But there can be serious problems when one of the hubs has issues.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E39: I finally got to debut as a National Anthem performer for the Des Moines Buccaneers hockey team. In fact I got to perform twice in one weekend. This meant two games and twice as much opportunity to have family and friends join the fun.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E40: A recent overheard conversation between two workers in a store prompts me to ponder how the mindset of a lot of people in the workforce today has significantly changed, and not necessarily in the best interest of customer service.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E41: The recent scoring record achievement of LeBron James has people calling him the GOAT in basketball. Others disagree and promote other names like Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant. Personally I disagree with the entire GOAT idea.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E42: Over the years I have had multiple opportunities to present our National Anthem at events of all types and sizes. And 2023 is shaping up to potentially be my most active Anthem year yet. I'm very excited about the opportunities coming up.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E43: We all do it. We all lie - to ourselves and to others. Not even the big deceptions; but rather the small, daily ones. "Just 15 more minutes." "Only 1 more episode." "I'll be there in a second." And I have a theory for why some of us do it.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E44: Monster Jam returns to Des Moines and I have the honor of performing the National Anthem at two of the events. Which means I have Anthem Posse members joining me for the fun, including my nephew Dylan who loves monster trucks.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E45: Taxes. Not a nice topic at all. Due to a paperwork snafu I discovered not as much was withheld from my income as I expected in 2022, leaving me with an unexpected tax bill for the first time in decades. As surprises go it was not a nice one.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E46: Humans are weird. So many of us miss out on doing fun and exciting things because some internal, irrational fear prevents us from doing those things. Personally I also find it weird that I used to be pretty fearless when I was little.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E47: As with most people, I enjoy the occasional 'discussion' on social media. Often the educator in me comes out to share facts or missing information. Today I got accused of having a 'chip on my shoulder' because of it. But that may not be so bad.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E48: Had a wonderful night celebrating The Monkees landmark "Headquarters" album with Micky Dolenz in Minneapolis. My new friends Joyce, Kyle, and John help explain why this album, and this music, means so much to long-time fans.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E49: Outside it's very blustery, but inside I'm joyfully celebrating receiving a couple of very precious gifts from my granddaughter Ellie. Not only do I now own her 3rd ever colored picture, but proof that "somebunny" loves me. Ditto, Ellie. Ditto.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E50: I had been doing really well on my healthier living habits - until COVID. Now I'm working to get back to where I was, but it's not as easy. But I now urge others to learn from my missteps and do more to proactively take care of themselves.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E51: A tasty return to Redfield, Iowa for some Paul's Pizza and to sample Pizza Steve's latest reason for taste buds to celebrate. And there are many, many reasons for celebrating all that the Dexfield Diner and Pub folks have going on.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E52: A few years ago my dear friend Kay stepped away from a career in nursing to operate a restaurant and entertainment venue in Maxwell, Iowa. In that short time she has successfully established Mom's as a key part of the community.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E53: In my backyard grows one lone yellow tulip. It predates me living in the house. Without any tending nor attention from me, it keeps coming back year after year. This delicate flower creates an example we can all draw inspiration from.

Hello From My Front Porch S7E54: Though the weather outside was less than delightful, it did not dampen my excitement at having the honor of presenting our National Anthem at the May 12 Iowa Cubs baseball game for my 19th year. Looking forward to 20 next year.

Hello From My Front Porch: S7E55: A video sent to me of 'debate' in the US House of Representatives prompts me to discuss how we see politics operating today. How it has become more about 'playing the game' than actually serving the interests of The People.

Hello From My Front Porch: S7E56: A professional friend of mine that I've known for many years recently reminded me of who I was when he and I first met. Which got me reflecting on the path my life has taken since then and the amazing adventure that it has been.

Hello From My Front Porch: S7E57: Each year I attend ATD's International Conference and Expo because it is the one place I can exchange ideas with peers from all over the world. This year I got to make a new friend in Rachel Cooke whose ideas are refreshing and inspiring.

Hello From My Front Porch: S7E58: Today I reconnected with Terrance Donahue, a great professional friend that I haven't seen in many years. Just another benefit of this 'annual family reunion' of my industry peers, also known as the ATD International Conference and Expo.

Hello From My Front Porch: S7E59: It's an ATD twofer today as I had opportunities to visit with both of the Kirkpatrick Partners, maintainers of The Kirkpatrick Model. Wendy Kirkpatrick shares her insights on the ATD23 conference and the evolution of their legendary tool.

Hello From My Front Porch: S7E60: It's an ATD twofer today as I had opportunities to visit with both of the Kirkpatrick Partners, maintainers of The Kirkpatrick Model. Jim Kirkpatrick shares his perspectives on the current and future directions of our industry using that model.

Hello From My Front Porch: S7E61: As it's name indicates, the ATD International Conference and Expo draws professionals from all over the world. It has been great for me to get to know Dr. Peter Pease from the UK who has a strong interest in the concepts of SOJT.

Hello From My Front Porch: S7E62: The #ATD23 conference is always great because it draws attendees from all over the world. I had opportunity to visit with Lahcen Labrouri from Morocco about this, and the interviews he had been doing with several international people.

Hello From My Front Porch: S7E63: #ATD23 is officially done. So I wanted to wrap it up the way I started it - with my session co-facilitator Ron Jacobs. With his long-time history with #SOJT (including helping even create that term) his insights tie-off this week's learning well.