The Mason Minute

For many families, medical bills can be a major source of stress. Anytime there’s a doctor visit, hospital stay, or even a trip to the emergency room, the bills that come with those are often large. Since I’ve been fairly healthy most of my life and don’t have kids, I didn’t worry about these things. But that changed less than two months ago, with one trip to the emergency room, two short hospital stays, and then a couple of major procedures. As one of my coworkers explained it, you have to look at it like you’re playing with Monopoly money. Because the numbers you see in those bills can keep you up at night… Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex

We spend most of our lives searching for answers. For those of us who lack patience, we’re really just wanting answers. It doesn’t matter the situation, the quicker we know what’s going on, the quicker we’re able to deal with it. For the last seven weeks, I’ve been needing answers. I’ve been impatient. It’s taken a long time to get the full picture of my heart. We knew part of the problem, but we didn’t have the full picture. Finally, I know what’s going on. And while I don’t have all the answers, I have enough to make me feel better. There are still lots of questions, but at least I know something… Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex

Many people say the media tends to exaggerate some facts. One area where I know that’s true is when patting themselves on the back for their achievements. Oftentimes, when someone’s worked in a town for a long time, they’re often dubbed a local legend, and many times that’s an exaggeration. Late last week, Indianapolis radio icon Bob Kevoian lost his battle with cancer at age 75. He was one half of the long-running, market-dominating Bob & Tom morning show, which has been heard nationwide for two decades. And if there’s one man who truly deserved the moniker of local legend, it’s Bob Kevoian… Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex

I’ve had a pet peeve that I’m sure I’ve talked about before. But it seems to be getting worse in recent years. Advertisers have always used songs to promote their products. And over the last few decades, rather than creating custom jingles, they have used popular songs. In recent years, companies have started using songs that weren’t big hit records but may have found popularity on places like MTV. And lately, they seem to be ruining songs that were always some of my favorites. The one song in particular that got me onto this rant is by the group M|A|R|R|S, and it’s called ‘Pump Up The Volume’. And what bothered me most was the company using the song… Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex

For the last six weeks, since my visit to the emergency room, I have felt a little off. Part of the reason is due to all the medications they have me on to try to get my body prepared for surgery, and for the future. Because of these medications, I’ve already lost 40 pounds. And while that’s a good thing, I’m sure it’s part of the reason I don’t feel so good. My heart specialist said I’d feel like I had the flu, but that’s not the right feeling. I don’t feel this way every day, but I often feel woozy. Where everything‘s just off. If it only lasted for an hour or two, it would be okay. But this spacey feeling can sometimes last for more than the day… Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex

My doctors have put me on a low-sodium diet. And truthfully, that’s not something I focused on through the years. Calories, fat, sugars, all of the things the weight loss experts tell you to focus on. So now, my wife and I are reading labels for every product at the grocery store. I realize many products have natural sodium, but as I’m finding, many add sodium for shelf stability. It’s going to be a challenge navigating this new normal. Well, some companies make low-sodium versions of products; you have to really focus on the small details. I’m already tired, and this research is going to take a lot of time… Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex

Through the years, I’ve had a challenging relationship with doctors. And I’m being kind by using the word challenging. I’ve not had much luck with them. But over the last six weeks, I spent more time talking to doctors than I would like. But when I was in the hospital last week, one of my nurses explained why I have such issues. She said doctors love everything by the book. And when they’re faced with challenging circumstances or patients who ask a lot of questions, it causes them stress that makes a lot of sense. I do ask a lot of questions and challenge them often, which they obviously don’t like. This wisdom helped me understand so much… Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex

We all have quirks. Although I don’t know if you’d consider this a quirk, I like to be punctual. But every now and then, you have to accept defeat. But, as the old saying goes, better late than never. It’s been a few days since the last Mason Minute, in fact, probably the longest span since we started the podcast 15 years ago. Another unexpected hospital stay kept me away from the microphone. And I don’t think my wife was willing to bring my computer and recording unit to the hospital so I could stay on schedule. But as she reminds me, it’s my schedule, not the world’s. While I realize the world goes on without The Mason Minute every day, or even every couple of days, I still feel bad… Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex

I’ve been thinking a lot about the difference between fear and being scared. I had to go to the hospital today for some outpatient surgery. I’m scared. And it’s the first time I honestly believe I’ve been scared in a long time. I fear things, but I’ve realized it’s not to the point of being scared. The doctor says this is a routine procedure, and while it is for him, it’s definitely not for me. I guess fear is a good thing. Because if I weren’t afraid, I’d wonder what was wrong with me. There are so many times in life when we feel fear, or even think we’re terrified. But we don’t realize the levels of these feelings until we hit the extremes… Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex

We live in stressful times. Technically, we’re involved in a war in the Middle East. We have so much political strife in our country, but what’s the biggest Easter crisis this year? Reese‘s Peanut Butter Eggs. People are complaining that this year’s Reese’s eggs don’t have as much chocolate and don’t taste the same as last year’s. Hershey, the company that makes them, admits they changed their chocolate formula. Due to rising prices, they decided to make a change. And people aren’t happy. But now, as Easter is upon us, they tell us they’re going to change the formula back to the way it used to be… Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex

We all have cravings. But over the last couple of weeks, I’ve had one for something I’ve never really desired before. I’ve been craving water. My doctors have me limiting my fluids. I’m only supposed to drink 64 ounces a day for now. And I understand they don’t want me drinking soda, alcohol, or anything in general that’s bad for me. That’s okay. I’m fine, just drinking water. But now it’s all I want. I feel dehydrated. I’m often parched. And I don’t crave Coca-Cola or Jack Daniels. I just want ice-cold water. It’s the strangest thing I’ve ever been through, and hopefully it won’t last much longer… Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex

If you’re a typical pet owner, your dogs or cats are just like a member of the family. And the hardest thing to have to deal with is saying goodbye. It’s never easy, and never fun. And while I still mourn all the pets I’ve had over the years, I’m feeling a bit melancholy today. My sister-in-law had to say goodbye to one of her dogs the other day. And I didn’t realize how hard it would hit me. Molly and I had a routine every time I visited. After waking up and being taken outside to do her business, she had to come back in and hang out with me. And she hops up and squeezes it next to me. No matter the time of the year, we always had to get our snuggle time. And now that’s gone… Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex

Throughout our lives, we have been warned that salt is not good for us. And as we get older, we understand the nuances between the salt shaker and sodium. While salt contains sodium, other products also contain the mineral, so we have to pay attention to them. My doctor has warned me that I need to start looking at cutting out all sodium from my diet. I’ve never been a salt user, so that’s the easy part, but the hidden sodium in almost everything we eat will be the challenge. I’m not sure I can get rid of all of it, but we’re already trying to reduce what I eat. And, like many people with the same issue, I’ve learned one thing. If it has flavor, it has… Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex

How much do you know about the food you give your pets? Back in my Radio days, I learned a lot about cat food when I was spokesman for one of the big brands. But as much as I learned about cat food, I still don’t know a lot. And when it comes to dog food, I know even less. It’s been a long time since I had a dog, but I can’t even remember what we fed it or why. I keep seeing TV commercials telling me that kibble is bad for a dog. A lot of these upstart, fresh brands talk about it in a bad way. As I learned with cats, while we want them to eat the best food, they like what they like… Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex

Let me ask you a serious question. Are you happy? In all honesty, I don’t know what that means. The term is so vague and so personalized. I don’t think we all see happiness equally. One thing that most of the world will agree on is that Americans aren’t very happy. And this just isn’t a recent development. It’s something that’s been going on for years. In terms of happiness, the United States ranks only 23rd worldwide. Number one, you ask? It’s Finland, for the ninth year in a row. Why are the Finnish so happy? I’m sure we can give plenty of examples of why Americans aren’t very happy, but this information is fascinating… Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex

I know that people can be split into two groups: coffee drinkers and non-coffee drinkers. I guess you could say the same thing about tea. Although I know some people who love iced tea but avoid hot tea. When it comes to tea, I’m all in. There’s something about brewing tea that is calming. I’m sure it goes back to my younger days when my mother would brew tea for me when I wasn’t feeling good. I don’t drink it as often as I want to, because to do it right takes time. And I don’t always have the time I’d like. But I read something the other day about hot tea that concerns me. For years, we’ve heard how good it was for you, but now there’s something to be worried about… Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex

Fifteen years ago today, the first episode of The Mason Minute debuted. I hung up my headphones after leaving the radio business in 2006. But I never imagined taking on a project like a podcast. And most podcasts only last a few years. And I think about that fact often. But in all honesty, I never thought I would do this for even a decade, let alone 15 years. Now, I can’t imagine not doing it, and even though it’s only 60 seconds long, the time it takes to create, edit, and produce each episode is more involved than you might imagine. And while I know the world would go on without this podcast, I can’t imagine going on without it… Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex

I’ve always been amused that nearly every fast food restaurant sells a fish sandwich during the Lenten season. I understand why they do it, but I always wondered why they took it off the menu after Easter. Of course, the most popular fish sandwich is also my favorite fish sandwich, the McDonald’s Filet-o-Fish. I always figured they sold the majority of their Filet-o-Fish during Lent. But that’s not the case. I recently read that while about 75 million Filet-o-Fish sandwiches are sold during the 6+ weeks of Lent, over 200 million are sold outside of Lent for the rest of the year—that’s almost three times as many. That’s amazing… Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex

If you spend any time at the grocery store, you’ve likely spent an ample amount of time looking at expiration dates. I understand the need for them, but I’m honestly confused about why some products need one. For example, the other night I was getting ready to put on the nose strip I use to keep my airways open while I sleep. I’ve used them for years, but didn’t realize they had expiration dates until recently. Why? What part of this product can expire? I understand when food needs them. But they’re just products marked with those dates, and it makes me wonder… Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex

I’ve had many unique experiences throughout my life. But until recently, I’ve never been shamed by a social media platform. Technically, they weren’t successful, but they tried. A couple of weeks ago, when I slowed down the Mason Minute at my doctor’s request, Facebook messaged me to say I was now posting 30% less than I normally do. They were trying to make me feel guilty for not posting every day. I’m not sure what they hoped to accomplish. But they tried to make me feel guilty for not posting on social media, which was a first. Now, if they paid me to post every day, they could try to shame me, but I do this of my own free will, so I don’t know what they were thinking… Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex