A long time friend of mine and aspiring chef Thomas Lee Murphy, has recently gone through one of many difficult and sobering transitions in his own life. Surviving the tragic death of his wife and raising his young children since, has been a gut wrenching challenge. To say the least. This is a story of an awakening to the reality of his mental situation and the sobering journey of finding purpose. Amidst the cloudy aftermath of his drunken destruction, he finally receives a message of grace and profound understanding. His life is being saved for something bigger.

I love you, brother. Thank you for sharing this with me.

An open and honest conversation with two young and healthy 20 something year old men. Kristoff is my stepson and currently a semi-permanant fixture in the household. Taking some time away from the university life and experiencing a fulltime job with crazy schedules. Jake- one of Kristoff's best friends, is also living out the blue collar lifestyle. Taking it on the chin like the rest of us, when life dishes it out. We discuss what life is like in the current world of fast technology, social media, political controversy, and fading traditions. How faith has been a pivotal piece for each of us in our survival of mental health challenges. Jake and Kristoff (the 20 somethings) grew up together and both found refuge in the sport of baseball throughout their high school career. Which obviously was't that long ago. Although humor seems to be the initial hardware used in navigating such vulnerability, it isn't long before each of us begin to expose our deepest programming. From surviving our childhood to understanding the scope of fatherhood as we have experienced it. This discussion dives deep into our own personal experiences. Ultimately, it is an ivitation to all men to welcome their own vulnerability into the conversation and fearlessly lift one another up.

Retired Sheriff's deputy Matt Skidgel, has had many humbling experiences protecting communities in the bay area. Peacefully enjoying his retirement, these days Matt has been crafting a life with just as much color but armed with paint brushes and digital cameras. For the last few years, Matt has utilized his creativity to keep himself occupied and mentally sound as he is reminicent of the hardships in police work. We talk about his methodologies in his artistic expression and how he goes about selling and sharing his work. Matt is admittedly, an non-religious God believer and at some point in this interview we discuss how Faith, as he understands it, translates to his everyday life. The biggest common factor in our likeminded approach to faith just might be our appreciation for all the beauty in God's creation.

Matt's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattskidgel?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Recently, as I scroll through TikTok I come across a rapper's profile that caught my attention. His name is Robert AKA "Castor Pollux". A true lyricist to the fullest degree. As someone who aspires to own the experience of performing a hip hop song on stage at somepoint, I am thoroughly intrigued. His appearance as a performer not exactly reflecting your standard Hip Hop representative, led me to believe he may have something to offer with his vocalized talent. HE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT.

Specifically, I'm fed videos of him behind a desk in a office cubicle. Wearing a cheesy polo apparently, lipsyincing to his own recorded songs. His chin draped in this ZZ top like beard narrowly avoiding a dip in his cup of Joe. I love the contrasting nature of his style. Reminiscent of a popular Hip Hop duo in the 90's titled "The High and Mighty", the sound of his unique voice and catchy cadence hypnotize the little chubby Hip Hop fan that resides within. Naturally, we hit it off as we journey into the past where it is revealed that our substitution for lack of a digital landscape fulfilling our need for adventure becomes the streets and it's inhabitants surrounding our broken family homes. A sacrifice of safety for a taste of the poetic yet dangerous side of reality. What better way than to transform the trauma into poetry.

Spotify

TikTok

YouTube

The hot topic of ridding TikTok in the U.S.

A discussion of how relavant the controversial platform really is in our personal lives. We will soon be transitioning to a seperate show for this format of the podcast between myself and Ricardo. Relative Roads will still exist and continue produce interesting content on a more intimate level with select guests. Stay tuned for details!

It is becoming a regular activity to sit in a vehicle and discuss world topics/ issues with my fellow road warrior, Ricardo. So, we might as well make a whole new podcast out of it! Stay tuned for all possibities! In this particular conversation, some of the topics discussed are:

Raising children to be good people

Warner Bro's filming in Sacramento

Anti religious social media posts

Religion and how it relates to parenting

Homelessness

Politics and our limited trust and understanding

Leonardo DiCaprio sitting on Ricky's lap

Please note, the opinions shared in this podcast are for the purpose of comic relief between two good friends. Promoting our own spiritual and mental health. It is NOT our intention to offend any particular person or people. Our goal is to share the laughter with hopes of providing audible entertainment to those willing to listen.

Thanks for all your support!

Eric had an accident at the workplace that almost took his life. Nearly ripping his foot into shreds, he survives the catastrophic event only to withstand the aftermath of jobloss, divorce, and a mental breakdown. He has taken every humbling and painful step to rebuild his life and his relationships. An admirable man in the midst of a long journey of healing.

Local Musician Ray Sansom, helps me to understand his artistry as a self taught guitar player and singer, song writer. When faced with a life and death moment, Ray reaches deep within to discover that his love for music and desire to share his creations helped save his life. You can find Ray's work on youtube.

Please stay tuned after the podcast conversation for the full song "Trannysouras Rex"

https://www.youtube.com/@grizzlywhiskers2952