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Life Through a Dram

Media & Entertainment Podcasts

Life Through a Dram sees Danny Brown's take on life, being a better person, and appreciating the here and now, all accompanied by a dram of fine single malt whisky. With a relaxed take and an eye for the good and the inspiring, Danny shares stories and personal examples of people making a difference in the world, as well as how you can make that difference too. Life Through a Dram is the perfect way to either start your week, or end it.

Location:

Canada

Description:

Life Through a Dram sees Danny Brown's take on life, being a better person, and appreciating the here and now, all accompanied by a dram of fine single malt whisky. With a relaxed take and an eye for the good and the inspiring, Danny shares stories and personal examples of people making a difference in the world, as well as how you can make that difference too. Life Through a Dram is the perfect way to either start your week, or end it.

Language:

English

Contact:

647.637.3776


Episodes

Sunsetting Life Through a Dram (and Introducing Podcaster Stories)

4/28/2020
In this episode, I share why I'm sunsetting the Life Through a Dram podcast, and introduce the show that's taking over from it, Podcaster Stories. I want to thank you for being here for this show's life, and hope to see you over at the new one. Slainte var. Check out Podcaster Stories

Duration:00:03:21

Let's All Thank a Teacher

3/20/2020
One of the impacts with the new normal due to the coronavirus is having our kids home from school past the normal March Break period. Not only does this offer a unique situation for parents to deal with, but also teachers, as they come to the realization that they may not get to finish the school year with their kids. After all, given they spend 7 hours a day, 5 days a week with our kids, it's only natural to have teachers look to their students as part of their family. Given the sadness many teachers are feeling at the moment, I thought it'd be nice to show our appreciation Topics on today's show include Settle back for a chat about the role teachers play in shaping the adults we become, and how you can offer your own thanks. Support Life Through a Dram Leave a reviewListen on your favourite appSupport with a donation Contact me: danny@dannybrown.me My equipment Rode PodMicFocusrite Solo Scarlett 3rd Gen Audio InterfaceRockJam MS050 Adjustable Mic Suspension BoomDragonpad Pop

Duration:00:10:34

Being a Better Person in the Coronavirus Age

3/14/2020
Being a good person is not a given - you can say all the stuff in the world about how good you are, and how you'll look out for those around you. But if your actions don't back up your words, you'll never be anything other than the person that said so much and delivered little. This is especially true with the current global coronavirus pandemic, and how people are selfishly reacting to that. We don't have to be that person. We shouldn't be that person. Whether we are or not, though, comes down to one simple question: Do you want to be a better person, truly? Topics on today's show include Settle back for a chat about actions being more effective than words, and why the world needs us all to be better people. Support Life Through a Dram Leave a reviewListen on your favourite appSupport with a donation Contact me: danny@dannybrown.me My equipment Samson Q2U Dynamic MicFocusrite Solo Scarlett 3rd Gen Audio InterfaceRockJam MS050 Adjustable Mic Suspension BoomDragonpad Pop Filte

Duration:00:10:46

The Danger of Shaping Our Kids Like Us

3/9/2020
As parents, we want what's best for our kids, no matter what that may relate to - school, fun, love, etc. We sign them up for new adventures, hoping they'll find enjoyment there. But are we really signing them up for stuff that they want to do, or stuff that we want them to do, with the belief that we, the parents, aren't being selfish? These questions came to me as a moment of realization a couple of years ago, when my son decided he no longer wanted to do martial arts, something I'd done as a younger man and was now pleased to see my son take an interest in. Topics on today's show include Settle back for a chat about lessons from kids, and adults realizing that selfishness and encouragement tread a very fine line sometimes. Support Life Through a Dram Leave a reviewListen on your favourite appSupport with a donation Contact me: danny@dannybrown.me My equipment Samson Q2U Dynamic MicRockJam MS050 Adjustable Mic Suspension BoomDragonpad Pop Filter Mentioned on today's show S

Duration:00:08:29

Do Kids See What We Wish We Could See?

2/21/2020
Do all kids simply have imaginary conversations, or are there spirits of kids that died early that roam the earth looking for friends to keep them company? Do all kids find a storytelling gift early, and it’s only when they go to school and are taught that it’s “bad” to use your imagination that they lose the will to converse with someone that isn’t there? These questions came to me again recently following a conversation with my daughter, and a memory of something that happened when she was 4 years old. Topics on the menu include Settle back for a chat about invisible friends, imaginations being allowed to grow, and why we need to rediscover the child in us. Support Life Through a Dram Leave a reviewListen on your favourite appSupport with a donation Contact me: danny@dannybrown.me My equipment Samson Q2U Dynamic MicRockJam MS050 Adjustable Mic Suspension BoomDragonpad Pop Filter Mentioned on today's show The Conjuring movieCan cats see ghosts?The meaning of MushuThe Polar

Duration:00:12:03

Entrepreneurship, Mental Health, and Moments of Stillness, with Josh Currivan

2/14/2020
Being an entrepreneur can be hard. Coping with mental health issues while growing and running your own business can add immense stress, both to you personally and those around you. This is something that green industry professional Josh Currivan knows only too well. The last time we chatted, we spoke about his younger life, his upbringing, his mental health issues, and how that had led him to where he is today. In this episode, we catch up one year later to talk about mental health and entrepreneurship, and how the two are intertwined. Topics on the menu include Settle back for a chat about the pressures of wanting to succeed, why you need to take the emotion out of business decisions to, and why the "go after everything" mindset is hurting you. Connect with Josh: Josh Currivan on InstagramThe WeScape podcast Support Life Through a Dram Leave a reviewListen on your favourite appSupport with a donation Contact me: danny@dannybrown.me My equipment Samson Q2U Dynamic MicRockJam

Duration:00:32:09

The Journey to Where We Are

2/7/2020
Life takes us on many twists and turns. Some, we control, some, we have zero input on whatsoever. Some turns are full of hope, opportunities, moments that turn into memories. Some are full of desperation, and a reminder of the unfairness that life can throw at us any time. Like the friends I have that are impacted by cancer at the minute, and may be fighting a losing battle, no matter how hard they push back. These twists and turns make us question the validity of living life well. After all, if we live life to the best we can, and be the best we can, yet still be struck down by something as devastating as cancer… Why bother? Why live life well at all, if that’s our reward? Except… that’s not our reward. Our reward is continuing to live, and enjoy, and be happy, and bring happiness to others. Because that’s what defines us. That’s what makes us who we are, as I discuss on this week's show. Topics on the menu include Settle back for a chat about fate, destiny, what we can and can't

Duration:00:07:19

People Are Upset About the Super Bowl Halftime Show - Really?

2/4/2020
With the Super Bowl weekend just gone, it seems more people are talking about the halftime show with Shakira and JLo than the actual winners of the game. And, to be honest, it's kind of ridiculous. Across multiple social media channels, posts were shared - and continue to be - from people appalled by the outfits the two Latina superstars wore, the dance moves they performed, and the apparently suggestive nature of the performance as a whole. Many NFL fans berated the organization for allowing such a show to take place, complaining that it had ruined what used to be a family-friendly event. Here's the thing, though - the NFL is hardly the beacon of family-friendliness, nor has it been for a while, as I talk about in this week's show. Topics on the menu include Settle back for a chat about all that's wrong with those who'll quickly condemn the two artists at this year's Super Bowl halftime show, while happily supporting an organization that consistently shows how morally corrupt it i

Duration:00:09:34

This Is Where We Take a Stand

1/25/2020
Almost seven years ago, I wrote a short story entitled The Cautionary Tale of Balderdash and Hogwash, which was a chapter in my book, The Parables of Business. I was reminded of this by one of the readers of my newsletter, who emailed me with a note that stated, “More relevant than ever, with today’s climate of fake news, political divisiveness, and groupthink mentality when it comes to critical thought.” I re-read the chapter again and, while I’d like to think that the world in general isn’t as gullible as the followers of the two main characters, current events would suggest otherwise. I thought I’d share it here with you in this week's episode, and add some new thoughts, seven years later.. Topics on the menu include Settle back for a chat about not taking anything for granted, and why this time, this place, is where we need to take a stand. Support Life Through a Dram Listen or leave a review on iTunesListen on Google PodcastsListen on SpotifyListen on RadioPublicListen on Po

Duration:00:14:20

Life Owes You No More Time

1/12/2020
This week saw the death of Rush drummer Neil Peart. A Canadian icon, his death saw many people on social media share what he and the band he drummed for meant to them, as well as personal stories and examples of how he specifically had made a difference in their lives. One of these examples was from my good friend Bob LeDrew who, when speaking about Peart's death on Facebook, made a comment that really stuck with me, and is the title of this week's show: life owes you no more time. It's a statement that is really timely, as it comes at a time when another good friend is detailing his battle with cancer. In the Facebook group he set up to chart this journey, John Haydon posted a video that talks about how he feels at "this stage of his life", and why he believes the terminology about this being any kind of stage of life is incorrect. In this week's episode, I dive deeper into both these poignant statements, as well as how other cultures look at life, and why it's only a borrowed amou

Duration:00:11:38

Controlling the Ship

1/1/2020
So it's been a while since the last episode. A bunch of stuff got in the way - life, health, home, and more. All the things that usually throw you off track when you let them. But at the same time, I could have controlled how much I let these things impacted the other parts of my life, and the frequency I shipped them - this podcast, my newsletter, ideas I let slip, etc. In this week's episode, I talk about why we need to control the narrative, and ship only when we're ready to. Topics on the menu include Settle back for a discussion on realizing how we're defined by our choices and the mechanics behind them. Support Life Through a Dram Listen for free or leave a review on iTunesListen for free on Google PodcastsListen for free on RadioPublicListen for free on OvercastSupport with a donation Contact me: danny@dannybrown.me My equipment Samson Q2U Dynamic MicRockJam MS050 Adjustable Mic Suspension BoomDragonpad Pop Filter Mentioned on today's show Moving three hours northMy n

Duration:00:14:41

Why We Need to Be Better At Being Authentic

9/27/2019
Recently, I posted an update on Facebook about school picture days, and how they encourage false narratives when it comes to our kids. The thinking was, we push back online when it comes to fake influencers and buying likes on social media, who try and sell us the perfect life that they lead, even when it's anything but. Yet for our kids, when it comes to the annual picture day at school, we prettify our kids, and tell them they need to be their "best self", so to speak, otherwise the pictures will be ruined. Is that truly the message and lesson we want to be giving? In this week's episode, I talk about why we need to be better, and more consistent, when it comes to being authentic in life. Topics on the menu include Settle back for a discussion on whether the happiness we're seeking for our kids is actually for them or more about ourselves, and why we need to make sure it's for the right reasons. Support Life Through a Dram Listen for free or leave a review on iTunesListen for

Duration:00:14:19

Why We Need to Let Kids Be Kids

6/15/2019
As parents, we can add pressure to the lives of our kids without realizing it. Instead of enjoying life as a kid, they're worrying about approval from us instead, and it's harming their growth. By adding this pressure, we're setting them up to fail, and potentially leading to deeper issues in later life, including mental health and behavioral problems. In short, we're failing our kids, and we need to start asking why this is the case, and how can we fix it. In this week's show, I chat about why we need to recognize the signs of our kids feeling pressure, and how we can redress this before it's too late. Topics on the menu include Settle back for a discussion on whether the happiness we're seeking for our kids is actually for them or more about ourselves, and why we need to make sure it's for the right reasons. Support Life Through a Dram Listen for free or leave a review on iTunesListen for free on Google PodcastsListen for free on RadioPublicListen for free on OvercastSupport

Duration:00:18:25

Uber, the NFL, and Convenience Over Ethics

6/8/2019
Over the years, Uber and the NFL have come under scrutiny for their unethical practices. From misogynistic and threatening behaviour to women, to abusing employees and more, both companies have suffered major PR scandals. And yet we continue to support them. Why? In this week's show, I dig into this mindset of convenience over ethics. Topics on the menu include Settle back for a discussion on why we seem vociferous in our condemnation of these acts, and yet also quick to forgive, either through convenience or because it's game time. Support Life Through a Dram Listen for free or leave a review on iTunesListen for free on Google PodcastsListen for free on RadioPublicListen for free on OvercastSupport with a donation Contact me: danny@dannybrown.me My equipment Samson Q2U Dynamic MicRockJam MS050 Adjustable Mic Suspension BoomDragonpad Pop Filter Mentioned on today's show Uber Executive Suggests Digging Up Dirt on JournalistsThe Moment I Learned Just How Far Uber Will Go to S

Duration:00:17:04

Why We Need to Be The Connected

5/25/2019
What if, regardless of our religious, cultural, and political beliefs, we had that one single thing in common that connects us? And, if we did have that connection, we could use that as a starting block to find other things we have in common and, by doing so, realize we’re not that different after all? That's the raison d'etre behind my new project, Be The Connected. We’re feeling more alone than ever—despite the promise of social media to connect us. We want to feel more connected to others; to rediscover the joy of the internet. That's where Be The Connected comes in. Through the exploration of common ground with others, and finding value in our differences, there will be conversations and articles discussing what truly matters to us, without any political or religious interference. The world doesn’t need to be as divided as it is. We don’t need to be as divided as we are. We can be so much more than the sum of our “differences”. When it comes to connection, changing mindsets, and

Duration:00:11:20

Abortion Rights - The War on Women Needs to Stop

5/18/2019
There's currently a war on women being waged in the US, with abortion rights being the battlefield. In episode 27 of Life Through a Dram, I talk about why this war has no place in the 21st century, and why we need to support women with every ounce of strength we have. Topics on the menu include: Settle back for a discussion about taking a step back into the dark ages, why abortion should not be a decision made by anyone but the woman involved, and why we need to make this an issue we all rally against. Support Life Through a Dram Listen for free or leave a review on iTunesListen for free on Google PodcastsListen for free on SpotifySupport with a donation My equipment: Samson Q2U Dynamic MicRockJam MS050 Adjustable Mic Suspension BoomDragonpad Pop Filter Mentioned on today's show: Abortion Bills in the USState Senator Kim LaSataThe war on womenACLUPlanned ParenthoodArdbeg 10 year old

Duration:00:11:43

When We Use the Wrong Kind of Glue

5/11/2019
We make our own bonds, but sometimes we use the wrong kind of glue. All in the name of loyalty. Because there is something inherently good about loyalty – after all, who doesn’t want to be the one that others count on and never let down? – it makes it easier to screw up. And that’s okay, because none of us are perfect, as I discuss in episode 26 of Life Through a Dram. Topics on the menu include: Settle back for a chat about making mistakes, fixing them, and why we should be careful who we open up our private circles to. Support Life Through a Dram Listen for free or leave a review on iTunesListen for free on Google PodcastsListen for free on SpotifySupport with a donation My equipment: Samson Q2U Dynamic MicRockJam MS050 Adjustable Mic Suspension BoomDragonpad Pop Filter Mentioned on today's show: ASUS Zenfone 5ZJustice LeagueAquamanBlack PantherAuchentoshan 12-year old

Duration:00:15:37

Love People, and Use Things

5/4/2019
In episode 25 of Life Through a Dram, I talk about how we need to shift the focus from things to people. Marketers and advertisers have led us down a consumer-driven path of needing things to make us feel validated, but as I discuss in this week's show, that seeking of validation is misplaced. Topics on the menu include: Settle back for a chat about what's truly important in life, and why it's not too late for is to change how we live ours. Support Life Through a Dram Listen for free or leave a review on iTunesListen for free on Google PodcastsListen for free on SpotifySupport with a donation My equipment: Samson Q2U Dynamic MicRockJam MS050 Adjustable Mic Suspension BoomDragonpad Pop Filter Mentioned on today's show: The MinimalistsMinimalism: A Documentary About the Important ThingsBowmore 12-year old

Duration:00:11:58

We're Not as Strong as We Look, But We're Stronger Than We Think

4/27/2019
In episode 24 of Life Through a Dram, I share how an email from my previous guest, Brian Driggs, inspired me to take an internal look at what I want Life Through a Dram to be about, as well as my goals for the show and the bigger human community in general. Topics on the menu include: Settle back for a personal and open take on where I am currently, where I want to be, and how that includes you. Support Life Through a Dram Listen for free or leave a review on iTunesListen for free on Google PodcastsListen for free on SpotifySupport with a donation My equipment: Samson Q2U Dynamic MicRockJam MS050 Adjustable Mic Suspension BoomDragonpad Pop Filter Mentioned on today's show: Brian Driggs on LinkedInThe Gearhead Project (from Brian Diggs)Life Through a Dram Episode 23Mental Health and MeSam FiorellaAvatarGlenmorangie

Duration:00:15:20

Building an Intentional Business and Life, with Brian Driggs

4/13/2019
In episode 23 of Life Through a Dram, I chat with Brian Driggs on his changing use of social media, how he's building an intentional business, his plans for The Gearhead Project, and why private communities are the future of the internet. Topics on the menu include: Settle back for an engaging and informative chat with Brian, as he shares his thoughts on doing more, better. Connect with Brian: The Gearhead ProjectBrian on LinkedIn Support Life Through a Dram Subscribe for free or leave a review on iTunesSubscribe for free or leave a review on Google PodcastsSubscribe for free on SpotifySupport with a donation My equipment: Samson Q2U Dynamic MicRockJam MS050 Adjustable Mic Suspension BoomDragonpad Pop Filter Resources mentioned in today's show: KloutGlenmorangie 18 Year Old Extremely Rare

Duration:00:34:26