Soul Forge Podcast

Suicide Is Painless - 147

Paul joins us via Skype to talk about his son's recent attempt at suicide.

Our friend Paul lives in the UK with his wife and two sons. I have known Paul for approximately 6 years. Although we have never met in person, i consider him a close friend. He has been with me on my podcast journey for quite some time. He's been a guest on Soul Forge Podcast, and has contributed many times to my other show, The Rusted Robot Podcast.

This week, Paul shares his recent experiences with his youngest son. Dominic is quite intelligent. He has been tested for autism, but is so near the bottom of the spectrum that it does not really qualify. However, he is somewhat socially awkward and is immersed in the world of online gaming. A short time ago, Dominic made an attempt to take his own life. Paul shares this story with us. We learn what lead up to the attempt, and everything that came after. It is an emotional story, but luckily one that has a positive outcome.

This week's podcast promo: Doulbe Edge, Double Bill

Sons Of A Mother - 146

All about my mother.

The 3 brothers sit down for a chat and talk about their mother who passed away 6 years ago as of this week.

Remembering mom's angry face and her punishment style.

Mom's sense of humour and love of life.

The things we miss about her now that she's gone.

Mom was the historian of the family.

Rusted Robot Podcast link for episode 18: https://therustedrobot.podbean.com/e/episode-18-for-mom/

Support the podcast at https://ko-fi.com/rustedsoul

This week's podcast promo: Cigar Nerds

Engage Safety Protocols - 145

A light-hearted look at staying safe during the Covid-19 Corona Virus pandemic. Engage your safety protocols and give us a listen!

We are all going a little bit crazy during this time of social isolation. For some, the safety protocols put in place are not being followed. People are staying in and get bored. So they go out into the community putting themselves and others at risk. We have seen line-ups outside of the liquor stores. These people are not standing at least 6 feet apart. The same goes for those people waiting for the bus to pick them up.

We have a run down of the essential businesses that do not need to close during this crisis. Apparently, most workplaces are essential. It seems the only places closed down are the horse buggy whip makers.

Some positives have emerged from the crisis. People are reaching out to one another. Phone calls, texts, Facetime and other communication methods are being used like never before. Also, pollution has been reduced as more and more people work from home.

This week's podcast promo: DragonCon Report

End Times Fun - 144

Yeah, okay, so we all know that the only thing on all our minds is the Covid-19 corona virus pandemic. People are hoarding toilet paper and bottled water. We're all washing our hands as if we just learned how to do that. On that note, it is appropriate we all take a break and have some end times fun!

On this episode, I will be concentrating on overcomng our fears. As such, I have some answers from various people to the question of, "if you woke up tomorrow with no fear, what would you do?"

12 years ago, I wrote a note on Facebook. Apparently I was worried about the end of the world. I read and comment on this note, entitled, Surviving the Coming Apocalypse. A fun thought experiment about preparing for the end times.

To wrap up, I have some quick tips on managing anxiety during a pandemic.

This week's podcast promo: The 42 Cast

My Dad Is Mad At Me - 143

So I recently found out that my dad is mad at me. This occurred as a result of my recent episode titled, About Money. I haven't actually figured out why my dad is mad at me. The only hint I have received is a message from dad's girlfriend telling me that she let him listen to the episode. All I can surmise is that I did not mention him enough in the episode. So, this episode is an attempt to correct that oversight.

This week, I speak to my own son and we discuss our relationship. I also tell my son about things that I have done with my father. My dad and I have gone on several vacation-type trips. I mention these trips to my son on this episode. Potatoes are my father's favourite. So naturally, I tell my own potato story. My dad is mad at me, but this episode is an attempt to reach out and clarify a few things. We shall see if this works.

This week's podcast promo: Watchathon of Rassilon

The List - 142

The List of important qualities to have in a partner.

I have been teasing the reveal of the list I made a couple of months ago. In early January, my friend Rene told me that I should make a list of all the qualities I want in a partner. I was very resistant to the idea for several weeks. However, after he brought up the idea on multiple occasions, I finally decided to do it. I made the list. And now, for the first time, I am unveiling the list for all the Soul Forge listeners. Tracy joins the episode to discuss the finer points and details of all the requirements I have made.

Do you have a list? Did you make one before you found your partner? You will be amazed to learn how my life has changed once I actually wrote down my list of important qualities to have in a partner.

Don't forget to send us your comments and questions so that Tracy and I can do a book review of Mark Manson's The Subtle Art of Not Giving A Fuck.

This week's podcast promo: Thunder Talk

Success Redefined - 141

What is success? How do we as a society define success? We here at the Soul Forge think it's time that success gets redefined.

Shawn and Tracy ask each other if they feel successful in their own lives. Why do they give the answers they give? They answer by thinking of some of the things they have or do that make them successful in their own ways.

It is important to realize that our definition of success can change over time. As a young man, Shawn found it necessary to collect as many action figures as possible. This was success to him. Now, success is selling off his collection and emptying totes.

Ask yourself what society expects from a successful person. Are you measuring up? Does it even matter if you are? It is possible for you to define success for yourself. Do you have role models of success? Can you use yourself as your own measurement for success? Success is different from region to region and person to person.

This week's podcast promo: The Monster Sci Fi Show

True Love: Josh & Kitty - 140

Success in love. This year the Soul Forge is including as many chats with successful couples as it is possible to find. These types of episodes are important in a world that can often seem lonely, cruel and cold. This week, we have a conversation with my co-hosts on my other podcast, The Rusted Robot.

Josh and Kitty have known each other since she was 14 and he was 17. Find out when and how they met, and how long their story has been unfolding. They built the relationship on a solid foundation of friendship; friends who shared similar interests and outlooks on life.

What started as mutual long-term crushes became official dating on August 18, 2000 at 11PM. Josh would go on to rent a room in Kitty's parents' house. They were practically living together almost from the very start. Kitty knew it was meant to be when she build a sign in shop class with her future last name on it.

In all their time together, they have only had 2 minor fights, and 3 somewhat major ones. They have survived living with various room-mates, and have struggled financially.

They attribute their success to communication. It is vital to leave emotion out of discussions. Always try to remain calm and rational. They think like a team, as in "how do we solve this problem together?" Try to avoid drama at all costs.

Josh's breakup limit rule.

This week's podcast promo: Terminus Doctor Who Podcast