Call Me Donovan-logo

Call Me Donovan

Arts & Culture Podcasts

Donovan was born and raised in the deep South. In the South, you have rednecks, religion, sports, and big trucks. Donovan isn’t and doesn’t relate to any of those things. His background is in technology, and he likes to think of himself as the enemy...

Location:

United States

Description:

Donovan was born and raised in the deep South. In the South, you have rednecks, religion, sports, and big trucks. Donovan isn’t and doesn’t relate to any of those things. His background is in technology, and he likes to think of himself as the enemy of ignorance and stupidity. Recently, he decided to get sober… for good. This means much of Call Me Donovan (formerly DDP) will be him discussing that continuous journey with all the ups and downs that go along with it. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support.

Language:

English


Episodes
Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Still Running… Barely

6/26/2025
Hey, it’s Donovan — and welcome back to another episode of Call Me Donovan! Today marks 761 days alcohol-free, and I’m reflecting on what it means to get older — not just for us as people, but for the stuff we rely on every day. Namely: our aging vehicles. In this episode, I dive into the increasingly expensive (and frustrating) world of maintaining older cars. I tell the story of our 2003 Ford Explorer, which still has under 78,000 miles but has racked up thousands in repair costs over the past two years — including a full transmission rebuild. I also share the ups and (mostly) downs of my 2013 Ford Focus and its infamously glitchy “automatic-manual” transmission. Oh, and let’s not forget my son’s bright yellow ‘03 Ford Ranger — we call it the “submarine.” If you've ever stared down a $3,000 repair bill and wondered if it’s time to give up and buy new, you’ll feel this one. Also, I touch briefly on this brutal heat dome sitting over the South and share a few thoughts on climate change — yeah, it’s real, and I’m not sugar-coating it. Finally, I wrap with some Fourth of July safety reminders (especially for the pets!) and a little personal perspective on life as a middle-aged, long-married atheist dad living in the heart of the Bible Belt. It’s another slice-of-life monologue from yours truly. Thanks for listening. —Donovan 🎙️ Got thoughts? 📩 Email me: don@callmedonovan.com 🎤 Leave me a voicemail: callmedonovan.com/voicemail 🌐 Check out more: tiftonmediaworks.com Socials Twitter/Insta/Threads: donadkisson Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.com Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music) Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support.

Duration:00:17:55

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

When Tech Guys Grab Tools: A Home Repair Adventure

6/10/2025
This time on Call Me Donovan, I’m catching you up on what’s been a hectic couple of weeks around here. First off, I quietly passed the two-year mark on my alcohol-free journey — 745 days and counting. But honestly, things have been such a blur lately I’m not even sure if I already mentioned that. My son Tyler came in from Seattle for one of his regular visits, and as usual, it turned into a bit of a workcation. Whenever he comes home, he asks what projects we can tackle together, and this time we had two big ones. The first was in our so-called “sunroom” — really the cat lounge at this point — where we had to replace a rotted bottom plate after my wife’s accident earlier this year. What should have been a quick repair turned into a comedy of missing tools, stubborn concrete, and way too many trips to Lowe’s. The second project was even more of an adventure: replacing siding on my office and shop building where years of water damage had taken its toll. Let’s just say spiral nails, uncooperative soffits, and old siding don’t come apart easily. We got it done though — with plenty of cuts, bruises, and sore muscles to show for it. In the end, despite the hard work, I had a blast working side-by-side with my son and daughter, doing something that didn’t involve screens or keyboards for a change. We’re already eyeing the next big job: completely rebuilding our back deck later this year. Along the way, I also talk a bit about old friends, the state of our social lives these days, and a little homebrew fix my wife came up with for improving audio in the podcast studio. As always, thanks for listening — and if you’ve got a message or story to share, drop me a voicemail or text. Until next time, take care and stay cool. Picture of the podcasting table Contact Information email: don@callmedonovan.com Twitter/Insta/Threads: donadkisson Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.com Voicemail: https://callmedonovan.com/voicemail Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music) Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support.

Duration:00:22:15

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Pet Peeve - Words Have Meaning

6/5/2025
In this episode, I’m venting about something that’s been gnawing at me—how certain terms get hijacked and misused, particularly “anti-Semitism.” Lately, especially with Trump back in power and targeting DEI initiatives and college campuses, there’s this overuse of the term to label any criticism of the Israeli government as anti-Semitic. That’s not only lazy—it’s dishonest. Let me be clear: what Hamas did to Israel was horrific. They’re a terrorist organization, period. But criticizing the Israeli government’s response—especially the ongoing destruction and suffering in Gaza—doesn’t mean you’re anti-Semitic. Protesting for humanitarian reasons isn’t hate; it’s compassion. Being Palestinian doesn’t automatically make someone Hamas. And not every bombed building is a terrorist hideout. People—families—are dying, starving, and being displaced. I can support Jewish people and still oppose Israel’s policies. That’s not bigotry; it’s nuance. And frankly, I’m sick of the weaponization of language to shut down discourse. Words matter. Misusing “anti-Semitism” to score political points or silence protestors is not just misleading—it’s dangerous. That’s my pet peeve of the day. See you next time. Contact Information email: don@callmedonovan.com Twitter/Insta/Threads: donadkisson Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.com Voicemail: https://callmedonovan.com/voicemail Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music) Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support.

Duration:00:06:39

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

I Just Don't Feel Good About Any of It

5/21/2025
Today’s episode is a bit more raw, a bit more unsettled. I start off just talking about the heat—because, yeah, it’s one of those Georgia scorchers—but it quickly shifts into something heavier. Maybe it’s the heat, maybe it’s the state of everything lately, but I’ve had this itch in the back of my mind that just won’t go away. A feeling that something’s not quite right, and hasn’t been for a while. I talk about hitting two years sober—my longest stretch without alcohol since I was a teenager. That’s a big deal for me. And yet, even with that personal win, I find myself looking out at the world and feeling... off. There's a heaviness. Maybe you’ve felt it too. I get into what’s been gnawing at me—news that former President Biden has advanced prostate cancer, and the circus that’s erupted around it. What should’ve been a private, human moment has turned into political theater. Accusations, conspiracies, investigations—none of it feels rooted in compassion anymore. It’s all noise. Then Trump, as usual, manages to stir the pot more with attacks on Springsteen, Kamala Harris, and anything that doesn’t bow to his ego. Somewhere along the way I ended up watching a video breaking down The Handmaid’s Tale—yeah, that one. And for the first time, I truly felt how close fiction and reality can run. Project 2025? Christian nationalism? The erosion of rights and freedoms I once believed were unshakable? It all feels a bit too close to the plot of Gilead for comfort. I don't think I’ve ever said it this clearly before, but I’m scared for the future of this country. Not in a dramatic way, but in that quiet, creeping kind of way. The kind that lives in your chest when you realize the cracks you dismissed before might actually be fractures now. It hurts to watch this American experiment falter. Still, I’m trying. Trying to hold on to some kind of hope. Trying to believe that those of us who care—really care—can still push back against the darkness. I want to know how you're feeling. Are you seeing the same things I’m seeing? Do you feel it too? Or maybe you’re seeing something I’ve missed. Let me know. You can always reach out. Seriously—I mean that. Drop a voicemail at callmedonovan.com/voicemail, send an email to don@callmedonovan.com, or even text me at 229-234-1307. This one’s heavy. But maybe that’s okay. Not every episode has to end on a high note. Sometimes it’s enough just to speak the truth as you feel it, and hope someone out there hears it. Take care. Talk soon. Contact Information email: don@callmedonovan.com Twitter/Insta/Threads: donadkisson Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.com Voicemail: https://callmedonovan.com/voicemail Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music) Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support.

Duration:00:21:48

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Newsletter Fatigue Is Real (And So Is Podcast Guilt)

4/9/2025
Hey folks, it’s Donovan—and in this episode, I’m admitting something big: I’m an information junkie. From obscure trivia to daily newsletters and news overload, I just can’t stop chasing info. But lately? I’ve hit a wall. My inbox looks like a digital garage sale of unread newsletters, and I’m starting to question how much I actually need to know. I talk about the evolution of info addiction—from the glory days of Slashdot and early blogs, to the rise of newsletters and the sneaky way they’ve taken over our inboxes. Spoiler alert: I’m deep in newsletter fatigue, and I bet some of you are too. I share how my daily scroll went from curiosity to chaos, why I can’t seem to hit “unsubscribe,” and ask—are we all just pretending to be more informed than we are? Let’s talk about it. Shoot me an email at don@callmedonovan.com or leave a voicemail at voicecast.app/cmd. I want to hear how you’re handling the information tsunami. And hey, if you manage to listen all the way through without getting distracted by another notification, bless you. Stay curious, maybe unsubscribe from one thing—and I'll catch you next time. Samuel’s Thoughts 169: Informed but Sane?! Contact Information email: don@callmedonovan.com Twitter/Insta/Threads: donadkisson Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.com Voicemail: voicecast.app/cmd Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music) Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support.

Duration:00:07:32

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

What Makes Us... Us?

3/27/2025
SPOILER ALERT: If you haven’t watched Pantheon on Netflix and don’t want ANY spoilers, then don’t listen to this episode yet. I do my best to not give away everything but there are certain plot points I have to discuss for the purpose of this episode’s direction. In the show Pantheon on Netflix, we have the story of Uploaded Intelligence, where people are able to upload themselves, their “intelligence”, into a computer. It’s a great show, but it did make me wonder the age old philosophical question: What makes us… us? Enjoy my brain bleed for this episode!I’d love to hear your thoughts and opinions on this subject. You can email me at don@callmedonovan.com or you can leave a voicemail by visiting https://voicecast.app/cmd. If you would rather text, that number is 229-234-1307. Pantheon (TV series) - Wikipedia Contact Information email: don@callmedonovan.com Twitter/Insta/Threads: donadkisson Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.com Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music) Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support.

Duration:00:23:44

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

F*ck This Day in Particular

3/14/2025
After an exhausting day of work on Thursday, my Friday morning did not start out in the best of ways. I’m tired. I’m sore. People piss me off. It’s Pi Day. Whatever else I can b***h and gripe about. Welcome to my venting episode.Contact Informationemail: don@callmedonovan.comTwitter/Insta/Threads: donadkissonBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.comPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music)Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render---Be sure to subscribe to my Substack to stay up to date with non-podcast related "stuff". Get full access to Call Me Donovan at callmedonovan.substack.com/subscribe Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support.

Duration:00:10:53

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Navigating the Noise: Politics, Mental Health, and Making It Through 2025

3/5/2025
Hey, y'all! It's me, Donovan, and welcome back to Call Me Donovan. Today marks 648 days of alcohol retirement for me, and man... what a time to be sober! As I'm recording this, it's March 5th, 2025, the day after Trump’s marathon State of the Union address (two hours, really?). But honestly, I don't even watch those things anymore—no matter who's in office.This episode is me just talking through some of the heavy stuff that's been weighing on my mind. It's getting harder and harder to navigate modern life without getting totally burnt out by the endless political chaos. Staying informed feels like a must, but damn, it's exhausting. Between social media echo chambers, nonstop bad news, and watching the erosion of what we thought were "unshakable" checks and balances, it's enough to fry anybody's brain.I'm sharing my own struggle with trying to balance staying aware without letting it drag me into despair. I talk about the voices I trust online (shoutout to Philip DeFranco, Luke Beasley, Jesse Dollemore, and David Pakman) and how I'm managing my mental health while living in South Georgia, where talking politics is its own kind of minefield.Plus, I really want to know—how are you getting through all of this? How are you protecting your peace, staying healthy, and managing your vices when the world feels like it's spinning off its axis? I’d love to hear your thoughts.Thanks for hanging out with me. If you enjoyed the episode, check out all of our other shows over at TiftonMediaWorks.com.Contact Informationemail: don@callmedonovan.comTwitter/Insta/Threads: donadkissonBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.comPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music)Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render---Be sure to subscribe to my Substack to stay up to date with non-podcast related "stuff". Get full access to Call Me Donovan at callmedonovan.substack.com/subscribe Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support.

Duration:00:13:24

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Check In With 634 Days of Alcohol Retirement

2/19/2025
Hey everybody, I know it's been a while, but I’m back with a new episode! Today, I’m just checking in, reflecting on 634 days of alcohol retirement, and testing out my new AirPods—so forgive me if the audio quality is crap. It’s another rainy day in South Central Georgia, and the winter weather has been a wild roller coaster.I also talk about some upcoming projects, including another episode of SouthGeek News with Ben Rehberg, dropping this Friday. If you're into tech and want a peek behind the scenes, check out SouthGeekNews.com.Of course, I couldn’t avoid diving into some political thoughts—because, let’s be honest, how can we ignore what’s happening? From the latest executive order that’s got me worried about the future of democracy to my not-so-fond opinions on Elon Musk and the current state of the country, I don’t hold back. If you’re looking for a laugh (or maybe a cry), check out TrumpGolfTrack.com for a ridiculous stat on how much golf is being played in the White House.On a personal note, I’m nearing my two-year sobriety mark in May, and I share a bit about my journey. If you're on your own path to sobriety, I hope it's going well for you, too.So, buckle up for a mix of reflections, rants, and real talk. Until next time, take care of yourself and your loved ones. Be well!Contact Informationemail: don@callmedonovan.comTwitter/Insta/Threads: donadkissonBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.comPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music)Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render---Be sure to subscribe to my Substack to stay up to date with non-podcast related "stuff". Get full access to Call Me Donovan at callmedonovan.substack.com/subscribe Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support.

Duration:00:14:56

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Demand Truth

1/29/2025
I don’t know if it’s my empathetic side, my adversarial side, or just my intolerance for injustice—but I despise lies. And right now, the lies aren’t even hidden. They’re right in front of us, and far too many people are letting them slide.In this episode, I dive into the realities we’re facing in 2025. The economy, the border, inflation—there are truths here, but they’re being drowned out by manufactured crises and political spin. What’s worse? The people who should be standing up and calling b******t… aren’t.We talk about what’s really happening, what history shows us, and why it’s past time to demand truth. If you’ve ever felt like you’re screaming into the void, you’re not alone.Let’s break it down. Let’s get real.Contact Informationemail: don@callmedonovan.comTwitter/Insta/Threads: donadkissonBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.comPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music)Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render---Be sure to subscribe to my Substack to stay up to date with non-podcast related "stuff". Get full access to Call Me Donovan at callmedonovan.substack.com/subscribe Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support.

Duration:00:08:57

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Snow?! I Don't Even Like the Sound of It!

1/22/2025
It’s January 22, 2025 and we have snow! Snow, in South Central Georgia! WTF? LOLIt’s also day 606 of alcohol retirement. But snow!Also, I tell you a story about an accident my wife had this past Sunday. Not going to lie; it scared me. Pictures of my back yard with snow!Contact Informationemail: don@callmedonovan.comTwitter/Insta/Threads: donadkissonBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.comPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music)Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render---Be sure to subscribe to my Substack to stay up to date with non-podcast related "stuff". Get full access to Call Me Donovan at callmedonovan.substack.com/subscribe Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support.

Duration:00:15:27

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

The Reset. Getting Back to Basics.

1/9/2025
Hey there, it's January 8th, 2025, and I'm reflecting on milestones and simplicity. I recently hit day 592 of being alcohol-free and just celebrated my 55th birthday. With that comes the occasional chuckle over senior discounts, but I’m embracing it, whites in my hair and all. January is always a strange month for me—it's reflective yet uninspiring, like a reset button for the year.This year, I’m focusing on simplicity. A long-lost coffee cup from years ago, emblazoned with the word "simplify," inspired me to strip away unnecessary complications in life. It’s about getting back to basics, allowing space for boredom without losing my mind, and cutting out distractions.I’m also mulling over spirituality—yes, even as an atheist—an idea that might make you clutch your pearls. It’s a topic I’m developing for another podcast episode, so stay tuned for that. For now, though, I’m committed to making life a bit less chaotic, whether it’s simplifying work or tackling creative pursuits like writing.Retirement is still years away, but I’m already thinking about how to transition into a slower, more intentional pace of life. Until then, I’ll be here, keeping things real and uncomplicated. Thanks for joining me and take care of yourselves. Peace.Contact Informationemail: don@callmedonovan.comTwitter/Insta/Threads: donadkissonBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.comPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music)Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render---Be sure to subscribe to my Substack to stay up to date with non-podcast related "stuff". Get full access to Call Me Donovan at callmedonovan.substack.com/subscribe Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support.

Duration:00:21:35

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

My 2024 Year in Review

12/31/2024
Podcast Episode Notes: 2024 Year in ReviewIn this New Year's Eve episode, I take a look back at the ups and downs of 2024. One of my biggest personal achievements was celebrating over a year of sobriety, and I’m now looking forward to hitting the two-year mark in May. On the bittersweet side, we said goodbye to Tashi, our 15-year-old indoor cat, and a colleague whose sudden passing reminded me just how fragile life can be.Podcasting was a major highlight this year. I relaunched SouthGeek News with my friend and co-host, Ben Rehberg, and set up Tifton Media Works LLC to support my creative projects. It’s been exciting to see this venture grow, and I even set up a small recording space that’s perfect for hosting guests.Business at SouthTech Network Solutions grew by 5.8%, though inflation has been a challenge. I’m planning some rate adjustments in 2025 to keep up. Another lesson I learned this year was knowing when to let go of projects. After a year of running Radio Tift, I decided to sunset the station—it was a fun but costly venture. In its place, I launched PodWave Radio, a 24/7 stream of some of my favorite podcasts.As I reflect on the year, I feel a mix of gratitude and hope. While 2024 brought its share of challenges, it also gave me opportunities to grow and try new things. Heading into 2025, I’m staying positive and looking forward to what’s next. Thanks for joining me on this journey—here’s to a great year ahead! Get full access to Call Me Donovan at callmedonovan.substack.com/subscribe Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support.

Duration:00:13:08

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Subscribe to the Substack

12/19/2024
From time to time, I will drop video episodes in this feed and, for the most part, the audio will be sufficient for the episode. However, in cases such as the one I just dropped about my thoughts on the new Superman trailer, listening to the audio only really doesn’t make sense. So, if you’re interested in what I have to say about the James Gunn Superman Teaser Trailer, then you need to be subscribed to my Substack!!Thank you and Merry Christmas! LOL Get full access to Call Me Donovan at callmedonovan.substack.com/subscribe Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support.

Duration:00:01:10

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

The Pivot

12/13/2024
I started Call Me Donovan to primarily discuss my alcohol retirement. Now, however, I’m going to pivot a bit. Don’t worry; I will still discuss alcohol retirement, but I want to make this particular podcast an all-encompassing one about whatever I want to discuss. If it turns out to be something you feel you can no longer be a part of, I completely get it. It might not be what you signed up for originally. I would, however, encourage you to stick around and see what happens. But if you don’t, no hard feelings! Contact Informationemail: don@callmedonovan.comTwitter/Insta/Threads: donadkissonBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.comPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music)Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render---Be sure to subscribe to my Substack to stay up to date with non-podcast related "stuff". Get full access to Call Me Donovan at callmedonovan.substack.com/subscribe Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support.

Duration:00:11:05

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

We Just Want to Matter

12/3/2024
Hop aboard, my whimsical wanderer, as we meander through a maze of musings and mischief, where tangents bloom like wildflowers and clarity peeks in like a shy guest (sometimes… okay, occasionally). From the sparks that ignite our creativity (and the struggles when the spark plug misfires) to the universal quest to simply matter, this episode is a delightful chaos of thoughts. Oh, and did I mention? We’re toasting to 556 fabulous days of being alcohol-free—with sparkling water, of course. Cheers to the journey! Contact Informationemail: don@callmedonovan.comTwitter/Insta/Threads: donadkissonBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.comPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music)Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render---Be sure to subscribe to my Substack to stay up to date with non-podcast related "stuff". Get full access to Call Me Donovan at callmedonovan.substack.com/subscribe Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support.

Duration:00:38:19

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

A Panic Attack in this Economy?

11/20/2024
In this episode I discuss something that happened to me this week that I’m pretty sure was a panic attack. A panic attack? It’s not something I’ve experienced before, at least I don’t think I have. Contact Informationemail: don@callmedonovan.comTwitter/Insta/Threads: donadkissonBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/donadkisson.bsky.social(When played) Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render---Be sure to subscribe to my Substack to stay up to date with non-podcast related "stuff". Get full access to Call Me Donovan at callmedonovan.substack.com/subscribe Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support.

Duration:00:18:48

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Post Election Thoughts

11/13/2024
Well, good morning, good afternoon, good evening, depending on what time of day you find yourself in. Today is 536 days of alcohol retirement and this is Call Me Donovan for Wednesday, November 13, 2024. We’re in the short rows of the year now, with Thanksgiving about 2 weeks away, then Christmas, and onward to 2025.I haven’t done one of these in a little while—probably since before the election. I try to keep politics out of this podcast because it’s really about sobriety, my “alcohol retirement,” and other aspects of my life as an aging Gen Xer, father of three, and husband of 34 years.Usually, I don't bring politics into this. I'm not going to get too political here, either. That's what *Good Talk, America* is for, although I haven't done anything over there recently. It’s challenging to line up my thoughts about what’s been going on. My friend Sam checked in on me after the election, and it’s strange how these recent elections have affected people's mental health. My first vote was in the 1988 election for George H.W. Bush. Growing up in a Republican household, influenced by my father—a Republican and, to be honest, a racist—my views initially mirrored those of my family.It wasn’t until Obama’s first successful election that I switched from being a registered Republican to a Democrat. I consider myself an independent nowBack in 2016, I remember watching people devastated by Hillary Clinton’s loss. That level of despair was foreign to me at the time. My thinking was that elections come and go. But looking back, I now understand a little more of that feeling, even though I’m disappointed, as my candidate didn't win this time.There's a meme I saw recently about privilege, and I’m paraphrasing here: you're privileged if you don’t care about issues that don’t directly affect you. For instance, I’m a white male in the southern United States—the demographic that largely voted for Trump. I may not be directly impacted by issues affecting women or the LGBTQ+ community, but I still care about the people those issues do affect. My kids, for example, have chosen not to have children because of the state of the world, and while that may change, it reflects a lot about their outlook on society.Reflecting on the Democratic Party's post-election analysis, it seemed like their messaging missed the mark. There’s been criticism that Democrats were too “highbrow” and didn’t connect with some voters who felt ignored. And as Jon Stewart highlighted recently, many accusations of “wokeism” in the Democratic campaign were misplaced. While they talked about women's rights, price gouging, and small business support, none of it was particularly “woke” in the way it’s often accused of being.In some ways, Trump’s appeal lies in his ability to communicate on a very simple level—studies have shown that he speaks at a fifth-grade level. His messaging is easily consumable, which resonates with many people, even if his intelligence might be questionable. It saddens me to think that perhaps this reflects the overall intelligence of the electorate, who may not be as informed as we’d like to believe.Looking at the election analytically, I think the Democrats’ failure lay partly in a condescending attitude that turned people off. Knocking on doors multiple times was annoying rather than persuasive. The Democrats led with ego, much like in 2016, assuming they couldn’t lose. However, as recent events show, it’s essential to understand that economic metrics might show progress overall, but many people don't feel that improvement directly in their daily lives.It’s difficult to explain inflation and economic factors to the general public. The pandemic’s economic impact, inflation spikes, and wage stagnation have made people feel economically strained. Historically, inflation means prices go up, but rarely do they come back down, which can be hard for people to accept.I'm sorry if this discussion went in a different direction than planned. Either way, thank you for...

Duration:00:04:32

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Letters to Dad: Part 1

10/31/2024
I’m starting a new series within the CMD podcast called “Letters to Dad”. It’s things I never got to say to my dad, so I’m doing in it an audio “letter” format. Maybe it’ll have legs. We’ll see. Contact Informationemail: don@callmedonovan.comTwitter/Insta/Threads: donadkisson(When played) Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render Get full access to Call Me Donovan at callmedonovan.substack.com/subscribe Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support.

Duration:00:05:07

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Vertigo?

10/24/2024
I think I woke up upside down this morning. Not feeling all that great for a Thursday, so I’ll keep this one short. I may have sinus related vertigo. Whatever the hell it is, it isn’t fun. Also, we lost another one of our cats. With the exception of the stray that took up with us a year or so ago, “now there is one”.If you want to see how crappy I look and you only get the audio feed, you can see the video of this podcast at https://callmedonovan.comContact Informationemail: don@callmedonovan.comTwitter/Insta/Threads: donadkisson(When played) Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render Get full access to Call Me Donovan at callmedonovan.substack.com/subscribe Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support.

Duration:00:12:05