My father over-identified with his work. It cost him his life. I’ve talked about that a lot since losing him, which happened 22yrs ago, today. Talking about my Dad’s overworking and depression was a warning to folks kind enough to listen. I also know I live with many of the same capacities for overwork and … Read More
I honestly thought I had a pretty solid pace going. But I was soon passed by a group on younger men, probably from the local HighSchool. They were wearing new shoes and no shirts. I picked up the pace a bit when they passed, almost by instinct… but found myself gasping for air and once … Read More
Take a brief tour through some of the key moments in conversations that defined Season 3 of the podcast. My guests: – Dominique Dubois Gillard – Sandra McCracken – Carlos Whittaker – Jeremy Cowart – Michael Mcbride – Matt Shotwell – Scott Erickson – Jonathan Merritt – … Read More
You may have heard the rumor or legend or sorts that certain cultures throughout history have been at least suspicious or cautious about photography in fear that something of the soul was captured in the process. The other side of that coin is that, to many purveyors of the arts, a great portrait actually has … Read More
The question “What do you do?” or “What do you do for a living?” it’s not so much a question about work as it is a way to figure out who someone is; a question of identity. And that relationship between who I am and what I do can be tricky,… even confusing. Too closely … Read More
A buddy of mine (we’ll just call him Bill) invited a childhood friend of his (let’s call him Ted) to visit from out of town. Having picked him up at the airport, my buddy Bill drove Ted directly downtown to get lunch. As he got near the heart of downtown, Bill blew through a stop … Read More
On April 10, my wife gave birth to Katelyn Quinn River McRoberts. She’s a joy! Since we returned home from the hospital, several loving and considerate family members have swing by in the evenings to deliver dinner! We have felt so loved and cared for by these sisters and brothers. That’s what food is perhaps … Read More
Had a really enlightening conversation with a new friend the other night. He leaned across the table, shouting over the sound of the music and the conversations at adjacent tables, “My mom wanted me to go to Bible school.” I leaned in. “Why didn’t you?” “It didn’t feel right. I love numbers. I mean, I … Read More
What you make matters. No matter what that thing is, your work is essential. Here’s why I think that: This Summer will mark my 20th year as a professional artist. While my first album was released in 1998, the process really started a year before that when my landlord told me that what I made … Read More
My religious tradition uses the word “evil” or “darkness.” Steven Pressfield calls it “Resistance.” And while there are volumes written about it, the one thing I’ve come to know/believe about evil/darkness/Resistance is that it plays the long game. More than anything else, darkness or evil counts on you and I quitting at some point. So don’t. Getting … Read More
