If you like the work I’m doing, please consider contributing to my Patreon account. I created it to help raise funds to improve my podcasting equipment, and free myself up to create better content for you, my dear listeners. Every little bit helps, so please do as little or as much as you can.
How’s your grandmother doing? Is your grandfather still alive?
My grandparents passed away years ago, but my wife’s grandmother is still with us. She’s alone. She’s on fixed income and, with this crisis, it looks like some of that may be cut. Her home needs repairs, her car needs repairs, she needs a lot of things.
And she’s not alone.
Did you know that 45% of women over 75 live alone, and many of them live far below the poverty line? (https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/Aging%20and%20Disability%20in%20America/2017OlderAmericansProfile.pdf)
In the past, churches did a good job of taking care of these people, and families were tighter. These days, many of the institutions we had are crumbling and the elderly and poor among us are often forgotten.
Are you willing to help?
If you can donate at all, it will help us get the non-profit started, and with that organization we will provide for home repairs, car repairs, food assistance, clothing assistance, and lots of other ways to help the elderly widows among us.
Join me in helping some of the most vulnerable among us.
Shawn.
Podcast Links:
DO YOU KNOW YOUR FATHER? BORING DAD LECTURE (#1)
How well do you know your father? Do you know him at all?
Fortunately, I know my father pretty well. Unfortunately, my children don’t know me very well.
I started this podcast with the simple idea of recording some of the things I wish I could have told my kids when they were growing up. Some of them I’ve already told them, some of them I haven’t. I also miss having Airmen to mentor when I was still in the Air Force. So this is part of my solution. This is the first in the new series of Boring Dad Lectures where I’ll talk about life, money, careers, sex, politics, religion, and a host of other things. I’m not out to convert anyone or sell anything to anyone. Rather, I’m trying to be a source of mentorship and balanced perspective for people who are just starting out in life, or who’ve seen some things but are still trying to figure things out.
If you’ve been listening to the podcast for a while, you’ll still like this episode. I finally reached the end of the original Boring Dad Lecture list and decided it is time to start re-recording a lot of them. The most recent episodes will stand as they are, but most of them need to be redone. When I started, I really didn’t understand what direction I was taking, I didn’t understand my equipment, and I didn’t have a solid vision of the direction I wanted to go. Now that I’ve been doing it for a while, I have a much better idea, so it’s time to give the whole series a good, more professional polish.
I’ll still be carrying on with my Off The Deep End series. Those are mostly self-indulgent. I’m also going to keep all the old episodes available on Podbean, or wherever you’re finding them now. Eventually they’ll come down but, for the foreseeable future, they’ll stand as they are.
If you like the work I’m doing, please consider a small donation through my Patreon page. There is a link available through my website at seanmurdocktalks.com.
Last, once this is done, I’ll start recording season 2 of the Boring Dad Lectures, which are subtitled An Atheist Teaches the Bible. There are so many lessons and philosophies in there that are so often maligned or misrepresented and it’s really frustrating to me. So, since I’m not shy about tackling really tough subjects, I’m going to break out some of my old Bible study notes, some of my old lessons, and revamp them with a broader perspective of the world. It’s going to be very, very worth your time.
Love you much.
Sean.
FINDING BALANCE BETWEEN SIMPLICITY AND LUXURY – BORING DAD LECTURES (#2)
More words from you favorite cargo shorts and sneaker wearing Dad type. This time it’s a ramble about finding the best quality things you can on a budget and simplifying your life so you’re not bogged down. Hope it helps. Hope you’re well.
MASTER THE CRAFT OF BEING AN ADULT – BORING DAD LECTURE (#3)
Sean opens up about being an adult, being a veteran, and navigating through life.
“Adulting” is a meme these days, but what does it really mean? Is it just about paying your bills on time, and settling down for a long-term relationship, or is it something more? Sean talks about what he learned since he got out of the service and gives some solid, boring Dad advice on a better way to navigate life.
Thanks for listening!
GOLD, SILVER & SEEDS – BORING DAD LECTURE (#4)
This one gets a little heavy. It’s about money…mostly…partly. It’s really about character and how that relates to money. Check it out!
Sean talks about how having the right mentality toward money and life is a much better path to a good life than worrying about how much you have in your bank.
MASTER YOURSELF BEFORE MASTERING A PET – BORING DAD LECTURE (#5)
So, Sean was just going to talk about dogs, but ended up diving off the deep end again – it starts with dogs then takes on all of social media. Yeah, his brain works like that sometimes.
But seriously, it’s about learning to respect yourself – your inner self in the same way you respect a beloved pet. And, curiously, it’s critical to learn how to do that before trying to get a pet, and by doing that, you can help make the world a better place. Something like that.
Talk to you soon!
UNDERSTAND ADDICTION FROM A PLACE OF LOVE – BORING DAD LECTURE (#6)
Oh, boy…here we go again. Opening up for real this time with the ultimate in Boring Dad Lectures.
Here’s the thing, it’s important to understand that when someone struggles with addiction, it almost always has to do with them self-medicating some pain they have in their life. We all have trauma that causes pain. Some of that is personal, some of it is generational, and there are countless other reasons. The important thing is to treat it with compassion when you see it in other people, and when you see it in yourself.
I feel like I should give this disclaimer, too. I’m not a therapist or counselor. I’ve just seen a lot of stuff and think deeply. If you need help, seek it out from a professional. Work on healing.
Lots of love.
Sean.
INTEGRITY FIRST – BORING DAD LECTURE (#7)
Sean drones on about the importance of integrity – and considering integrity first. It’s in the title. That’s what it’s about. Now, let’s see if Sean can live up to his own standards…
DON’T LOOK TO POLITICIANS FOR CHANGE, CHANGE COMES FROM WITHIN – BORING DAD LECTURE (#8)
It’s so easy to think that politicians have the answers and can make sweeping changes, but they really can’t. Real change comes from the inside and works its way out.
With the shootings this week, it’s time for all the political talking points to come out. People across the spectrum are making their very emotional cases for their causes. What I don’t hear is a call for us to change our hearts. Today Sean talked about how real change only comes from the inside and how we need to reconnect to each other and to our humanity. It’s an emotional one. It’s a tough subject.
I wish you all my best.
Shawn.
UNDERSTAND DUALITY AND NON-DUALITY – BORING DAD LECTURES (#9)
This is a tough subject. As you can tell as you listen, it’s still something I don’t fully understand. But I know enough to understand that it’s a critical part of becoming an adult – becoming a better person.
Be careful listening to this one.
SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY – BORING DAD LECTURE (#10)
It’s important to serve your community, in big and small ways. Whether you’re just picking up trash, getting out to vote, serving in the military, or working on yourself, it all counts. Try to do something each day to make the world you live in a little better than the day before.
Sean really opens up about his failings as a father, friend, husband, in this episode. After struggling to transition from military to civilian life, he’s faced a lot of unexpected challenges. But he got through it and intends to move forward – and he’s calling you to move forward with him.
WRITE A BOOK – BORING DAD LECTURE (#11)
OK, admittedly not my best episode yet, but whatever. They all can’t be so deep.
But, hey, look, it’s important to write a book. It’s important to put down your thoughts, organize them, defend them, support them, and see how it can improve you as a person. It’s also important to leave some sort of legacy. When you’re gone, all your knowledge and wisdom goes with you. Care to share before you go? I do.
FIND A GOOD PARTNER OR NO PARTNER – BORING DAD LECTURE (#12)
A fantastically important thing to understand.
I’ve had my ups and downs with relationships. One thing I’ve learned is that having a partner in life is critical. It’s so important to have that one person who you can turn to, trust, share good and bad times with, and who will challenge you to become a better person. But how do you find that person? And what if you can’t?
Sometimes, when we’re in the thick of loneliness, it’s easy and feels good to reach out to someone for companionship (and sex). But it’s so important to be sure that you’re finding the right person. The wrong person leads to a lifetime of grief – trust me, I’ve been there.
In this episode, Sean gives some good advice on how to find a good partner and, as you can imagine, it has a lot to do with finding yourself first.
DON’T LOOK TO SOMEONE ELSE TO COMPLETE YOU. BE COMPLETE. – BORING DAD LECTURE (#13)
Some more great relationship advice from a man who’s been there and seen some stuff. The armchair psychologist.
Have you heard this cliche before? Have you heard it in movies when people say, “You complete me”? Well, that’s nonsense. Sort of. It’s complicated. Thankfully, Sean took the time to talk about it from his perspective.
Hope this helps!
ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE HALF OF EACH OF YOUR PARENTS – BORING DAD LECTURE (#14)
Getting to know your parents is a big step in getting to know yourself. But what if you have a tough relationship with your parents? Where do you go from there?
I’ve tried a lot of different things and have a unique perspective on this. This isn’t meant to be a cure-all for what ails us, but a perspective that can help you think about your unique situation. My own relationships with my parents and children are often strained, but there are positive lessons to take away from that. There are lessons in there that, perhaps, can make the world a little better.
I really hope this helps.
BECOME GREAT AT A CRAFT – BORING DAD LECTURE (#15)
There’s so much career advice in the world that it can be hard to sort through it all. My advice is simple: it’s far better to be paid for what you know, rather than how much sweat you can produce.
That’s advice I got from my father-in-law years ago and it’s always served me well. In this podcast, I unpack that idea, and, naturally, take it to another level!
HOW TO GET ANYTHING YOU WANT – BORING DAD LECTURE (#16)
No. This isn’t a new spin on The Secret or some sort of blab-it-and-grab-it sermon. This is the real deal. These are real observations about how a universal principle works, and how you can put it to work in your life.
UNDERSTANDING UNIVERSAL BALANCE – BORING DAD LECTURE (#17)
Yeah, I’m doing it again…taking on a huge subject. But this one is really important to understand.
It’s so important to understand that life has its ups and downs – on all levels. Tides come and go, relationships have ups and downs, cycles of day and night affect our lives, and the seasons roll along. From the largest thing to the smallest, there are infinite rhythms and, if you pay attention, if you prepare, then you can be ready for them, and avoid being taking away on the tides of life. You can find a space where you become solid and grounded despite what is going on around you.
GUARD YOUR THOUGHTS – BORING DAD LECTURE (#18)
Thoughts become things. For real. What are you thinking about?
This is one of my all-time favorite subjects to think about and talk about. It’s really hard to overstate how important this is. These days, with so many things competing for our attention, it’s more important than ever to guard our thoughts and make sure they are coming from a place of love.
FIND YOUR TRUE RELIGION – BORING DAD LECTURE (#19)
Yes, once again, I’m going there. I’m taking on a hot-button issue. Be gentle and kind.
Have you ever wondered about why religion is so ubiquitous? Every culture throughout history has had some sort of religion. Personally, I believe this is due to an evolutionary tendency we have toward looking for larger meaning in life beyond the mundane. I lay it out in the podcast, but I think our need for religion, or some religious practice, is as fundamental to humanity as our need for food and sex. I know I’m going to turn off some of the atheist absolutists, but if you stick with me, you may see there is method in my madness.
THE SEX TALK – BORING DAD LECTURE (#20)
So…the sex talk. Not one of your favorite subjects to hear about? Nor mine.
Like everything else on this podcast, I tried to come at this from an objective point of view, and treat it with love and compassion. Admittedly, even though I really want this podcast to be inclusive of everyone, this is geared toward the fellas out there. That’s because it’s where my experience base is. Also, I wanted to share more about the heart of sexuality from a man’s perspective rather than guess about the heart of sexuality from a woman’s perspective. As always, I want to strive toward a better sort of masculinity in the world because it seems like the world is really hungry for that.
ORDER VS. CHAOS – BORING DAD LECTURE (#21)
Do you ever feel like life is too orderly? No? Neither do I. Too much chaos can be a bad thing. But so can too much order.
Sean takes a deep dive into the nature of order and chaos and how they play a part in life. Each of these are opposite ends of a spectrum and both of them play vital roles in life and throughout the universe. Are you welcoming them into your life? How can you do that? Listen, and I’ll tell you.
WHY GET AN EDUCATION? BORING DAD LECTURE (#22)
With all the challenges in life, why bother getting a good education?
These days there so much talk about student debt and finding jobs, and pressure for college, that it’s easy to lose sight of the real point of getting an education. There’s a misconception in our culture that getting the right education is the only way you can lead a good life. That’s true to a point, but it misses the larger purpose of getting an education which simply to improve yourself.
Sean talks about his own struggle with education, what his goals are now, and why he arrived at them. Perhaps this can help bring some clarity if you’re starting out on your educational journey.
LIVE LIFE LIKE A SONG. BORING DAD LECTURE (#23)
Have you ever wondered if there’s a right way or a wrong way to live life? Well, there’s a right way, or you could say the better way. And I’m gonna talk about it.
MONEY VS. CURRENCY. BORING DAD LECTURE (#24)
Did you realize that money isn’t currency, and that currency isn’t money? No? Neither did I. And, my good friend, that may be why you’re having “money” problems.
ORDER VS. CHAOS PART II – BORING DAD LECTURE (#25)
Why do some people practice religions? Why is the world so nuts? What are we doing here?
Have I ever been shy about tackling the really, really big subjects? Nope. And I’m doing it again here.
This one gets pretty deep, so get ready.
DO YOU KNOW YOUR FATHER? BORING DAD LECTURE (#1A)
How well do you know your father? Do you know him at all?
Fortunately, I know my father pretty well. Unfortunately, my children don’t know me very well.
I started this podcast with the simple idea of recording some of the things I wish I could have told my kids when they were growing up. Some of them I’ve already told them, some of them I haven’t. I also miss having Airmen to mentor when I was still in the Air Force. So this is part of my solution. This is the first in the new series of Boring Dad Lectures where I’ll talk about life, money, careers, sex, politics, religion, and a host of other things. I’m not out to convert anyone or sell anything to anyone. Rather, I’m trying to be a source of mentorship and balanced perspective for people who are just starting out in life, or who’ve seen some things but are still trying to figure things out.
If you’ve been listening to the podcast for a while, you’ll still like this episode. I finally reached the end of the original Boring Dad Lecture list and decided it is time to start re-recording a lot of them. The most recent episodes will stand as they are, but most of them need to be redone. When I started, I really didn’t understand what direction I was taking, I didn’t understand my equipment, and I didn’t have a solid vision of the direction I wanted to go. Now that I’ve been doing it for a while, I have a much better idea, so it’s time to give the whole series a good, more professional polish.
I’ll still be carrying on with my Off The Deep End series. Those are mostly self-indulgent. I’m also going to keep all the old episodes available on Podbean, or wherever you’re finding them now. Eventually they’ll come down but, for the foreseeable future, they’ll stand as they are.
If you like the work I’m doing, please consider a small donation through my Patreon page. There is a link available through my website at seanmurdocktalks.com.
Last, once this is done, I’ll start recording season 2 of the Boring Dad Lectures, which are subtitled An Atheist Teaches the Bible. There are so many lessons and philosophies in there that are so often maligned or misrepresented and it’s really frustrating to me. So, since I’m not shy about tackling really tough subjects, I’m going to break out some of my old Bible study notes, some of my old lessons, and revamp them with a broader perspective of the world. It’s going to be very, very worth your time.
Love you much.
Sean.
STEAL THE KEY. BORING DAD LECTURE (#26)
Integrating the masculine and feminine sides within oneself is critical. But how do you do that?
There’s an old fairy tale from the Brothers Grimm called Iron John. It’s been a major story of my life and I’ve thought about it deeply for years. Recently I had a breakthrough and came to understand it in a whole new way.
HOW TO DAD. BORING DAD LECTURE (#27)
Don’t you mean, “How to BE a Dad?” Nope. That’s different.
I had to take a break for a little while because the family was wrestling with a chest/head cold and loads of other stuff. I really missed my podcasting! But I’m back with loads of new content!
Stay tuned! At the end of this podcast, I talk about some of the fun things I have coming up, so stick around, share it around, and…yeah…do that.
