Soul Forge Podcast

New Car Decisions - 179

There are a lot of decisions that need to be made when looking at buying a new car. In fact, new car decisions can be some of the most stressful kinds of decisions. In this episode of the Soul Forge Podcast, we look at some of the factors that come into play when looking at a new vehicle.

Before looking at my new car options, we go over the vehicles that I have previously owned. My first car was a 1985 Chevrolet Citation. I bought it in 1999. Even now, I still miss that old beast. In fact, I have a recurring dream where I find it again, and try to get it running. So, the first half of the episode is me remembering my old cars.

The second half of the show is all about the 2 new vehicles I am thinking of getting. The current choices are between the Tesla CyberTruck and the Volkswagen I.D. Buzz. Both are electric vehicles. And neither one is yet available. The Tesla should be out by the end of 2021. The VW is looking at a 2022 release date. My current car may not last that long without putting some serious money into it. New car decisions are definitely all consuming.

This week's podcast promo: Watchathon of Rassilon

When I Was Your Age.... 178

When I Was Your Age is the episode where my son asks me a series of questions. His mom thought it would be a great idea. This way, he has all these answers for posterity. And when he looks back ages and ages hence, he will know who he was at 14, and who his dad is and was.

We talk about my childhood, silly things I did, items I collected, and some inquiries about my love for Star Trek. It's a real fun episode where my 14 year old son asks some questions about what it was like when I was his age.

This week's podcast promo: Thunder Talk

Don't Mask Your Passions - 177

Don't Mask Your Passions is a companion piece to episode 312 of The Rusted Robot Podcast. While recording episode 312 we got into a really in depth conversation about the nature of fandom and how one goes about displaying that passion. The chat was so good and so long it needed to be its own show. Voila! We have episode 177 of Soul Forge!

Everything started by talking about Dave, an artist who paints pop culture into old paintings. By repurposing something, nothing goes to waste. This got me thinking about wearing your passions loud and proud.

I often find it difficult to display my affections for everyone to see. However, at other times, I have no embarassment. Perhaps I still get stuck in the 1980s mindset of hiding your inner self. Growing up in the 80s was difficult because bullying was so prevalent. And yet, it is no longer the 80s. People can't hurt you for what you like.

And so, the podcast covers many topics this week. We're talking about crazy fans, toxic fandom, and watching shows that aren't age appropriate. Plague doctor replica masks and 1950s style for Kitty. T-shirts with nerd logos, nerdy tattoos, Star Trek vs Star Wars and unnecessary limits.

The Rusted Robot episode that started it all: https://therustedrobot.podbean.com/e/thank-you-mr-bond-connery-312/

Support our show: https://ko-fi.com/rustedsoul

This week's podcast promos: The Monster Sci-Fi Show, ESO Patreon

Calm, Coull & Collected: Robin Goes Home - 176

You remember brother Robin and his trials and tribulations. In this episode, Calm, Coull & Collected: Robin Goes Home - 176, my brother opens up about where he has been, and where he is now. His journey has had many ups and downs, but it appears he may be on the right track now!

Robin moved in with his brother in Spring of 2019. He had hit rock bottom with no where left to turn. For more than a year and a half, his brother watched over him. At long last, it was time to return home and resume his life.

We are talking about vending machines and masks. There are several ways Robin tries to make a living. Refurbishing vending machines are one such way. Making custom order masks are another such method. We also devoted an entire episode of Soul Forge to Robin's attempt at becoming a life coach. Well, he has finished the course. Listen to find out where he is now with that endeavour.

Finally, we talk about his new job. Robin hates authority and people telling him what to do. However, making masks does not pay the bills. He is now working at Leon's Home Furnishings. Apparently it's a tough, labour intensive job, but it is paying the bills.

Listen to Calm, Coull & Collected: Robin Goes Home - 176 for all the updates on Robin Coull's life!

You can order a custom mask by searching I Don't Wanna Shop on Facebook.

You can support the Soul Forge Podcast by donating at https://ko-fi.com/rustedsoul

This week's podcast promo: Mighty Marvel Geeks

Awkward Dates - 175

Awkward dates, technology and the art of being emotionally unprepared.

My original plan for the episode was a conversation with an avid Trump supporter. The hope was to have an open and honest chat with the goal of getting to the bottom of why this man supports someone that most people cannot stand. However, due to scheduling conflicts, that episode was not to be.

The next thought was to talk about being unprepared emotionally. Winter is coming and I'm never ready for it. At least, not ready in my soul. But alas, it comes every year around the same time. There is no choice but to get ready.

This episode then moves into talking about the best time in the world to be born. Naturally I only have my own perspective. I do believe that my lifespan and era is the best of all possible times. You see, I was born before technology took over so I can appreciate life without being dependant on apps and smartphones. Yet, I'm young enough to appreciate what they bring to the table. And I want to be a cool grampa who wears obscure band T-shirts.

The show ends with a chat about a couple of awkward dates. This ties into being emotionally unprepared on two front. The first date I mention, the girl was not ready or prepared. In the second example, I was too young to be ready and prepared.

The podcast ends with a trailer for the 1992 movie Kuffs. That film ties into the second awkward date.

This week's podcast promo: Ring of Thunder

True Crime Perhaps - 174

Perhaps True Crime is the way to go if you want to be a successful podcaster. It certainly appears to be the most popular podcast genre, and True Crime fans are the most vocal and passionate. Should the Soul Forge switch to a True Crime format?

But True Crime is not the only thing we are talking about on this week's episode. Oh no, my friends, it is not. We are also talking about podcast success in general. And happiness. As well as friends. Oh, and also new rules and restrictions and work. Other stuff too! So many things to discuss in this episode.

Did I mention this episode is an 'on the go' type of show? That's right. I'm recording an episode as I walk and deliver the mail. You get to hear dogs barking, mail box lids squeaking, and oh the traffic noises you will hear. So exciting!

Happiness and the year 2020. This has been an unprecedented year in the history of modern humanity. Truly awful for many people. Surprisingly enough, it has probably been my best year in a very long time. Listen to the episode to find out more.

So much podcast 'behind the scenes' talk as well. Would you like to be my social media secretary? You can do all the dirty work to make the show a success. Listen to find out the perks and benefits.

Also included in this show are my thoughts on Trump and the COVID pandemic.

And I talk about my girlfriend Julie. She's really amazing you guys!

This week's podcast promos: Wookiee Radio, ESO Patreon

Talking About Communication with Julie - 173

Julie joins me for a chat about effective communication.

Communication is simply the act of transferring information from one place, person or group to another.

Every communication involves (at least) one sender, a message and a recipient. This may sound simple, but communication is actually a very complex subject.

The transmission of the message from sender to recipient can be affected by a huge range of things. These include our emotions, the cultural situation, the medium used to communicate, and even our location.

On this episode, Shawn and Julie talk about their communication styles, their limitations, the progress they have made, and goals for the future. Talking about communication with Julie is a fun, light-hearted episode with some complexity underneath.

This week's podcast promo: We Be Geeks

I Found My Grade 2 Report Card - 172

Digging through the archives of my family history. I found my grade 2 report card. In fact, there were very many things I found inside this box. This box has been in my possession for several years. It belonged to my grandparents. For quite some time I was hesitant to look inside.

Finally, a few weeks ago, I decided it was time to bite the bullet and look at what was there. Musty and dusty, the box of papers has traveled with me for some time. I couldn't put it off any longer. I found all kinds of things. There was everything from greeting cards to bank statments, and court documents to old newspapers. At first it was overwhelming and full of history.

And then I found my grade 2 report card. That was the only thing in the box that belonged to me. On this episode, I share some family history and read the comments on my report card. This is a fun and fascinating look at what I was perceived as at the age of 7. How much of my early development can be seen in who I am today?

This week's podcast promo: Nerdlanta