From78

This morning, one of my four kids (he’s 5) said, “Today is a good day!” Immediately after he said this, the song Today by The Smashing Pumpkins started to play in my head, and I started to hum it as I made breakfast.

“What song are you humming, Dad?” Asked the oldest boy, he is close to 7.

I told him what it was.

“Can we listen to it?” He asked. I played it for him via Apple Music, and the next song that the algorithm put in the rotation was Pictures of You by The Cure.

The five year old listened to Robert Smith sing and said, “This is a beautiful song.”

In that moment, I felt lots of things.

Monday morning. I’m sick with something; it doesn’t seem serious, but it definitely impairs my ability to think clearly and quickly. I’m operating at a very slowplace today.

Perhaps this can be viewed as a good thing, a kind of physical body event that is making me do something I want to do anyway: Slow down.

I’m also not able to even attempt to have multiple things going on. (I’ve misplaced a mug of coffee– It’s somewhere, but I don’t know where– and a cap to my water bottle…). This could also be a good thing. Right? Because it makes me focus on one thing at a time.

Of course, keeping this going when my normal, not-sick system settings are restored will not be easy.

From an interview with George Saunders in The Atlantic, where Saunders is talking about admitting to what we have gotten wrong, as opposed to avoiding it in all the ways we can avoid owning up to what we have done or failed to do.

And as they got older, we would have talks with [our kids] where we’d say, You know, we kind of messed that up. Sorry. And it’s amazing how that kind of just takes the wind out of any negative sails, to just admit it.

Yeah.

An association: This reminds me of one of the many 12 step sayings, “You’re only as sick as your secrets.”

If keep something I’ve really messed up a secret, it can really mess with me a lot… it takes effort to keep something a secret. Admitting to what I’ve done wrong, or poorly, or failed to do, is not fun, but it takes less energy than keeping something a secret.

I wish I understood how synthesizers worked.

From the book Winnicott: Life and Work by Robert Rodman (Amazon)

Her beliefs in the supernatural, evidenced by the notion that Lawrence of Arabia was communicating with her through a parrot, further suggest that at the very least, she was not accustomed to the rigors of scientific thought. (p. 53)

What a great sentence that is.

From Being & Having by Gabriel Marcel.

There is no privileged state which allows us to transcend time

Yeah.

Looking out the window at the cold slowly day outside brought up many memories of days like this when I was young.

The clearest memories were from when I was a student at a community college who would go to Borders Books, Misic, & Cafe to study… and (rather often) avoid studying by reading things that had nothing to do with my studies.

I found it interesting to notice/pay attention to what it felt like to remember these days from the past in my present.

What stood out was the feeling of wanting to be someplace warm, with a book, in close proximity to (but not talking to) other oeople.

This feeling that was invoked as I stood inside a warm place and looked out into a cold snowy outside, and it was the same feeling today as it was some 20 years (!) back.

The feeling is a bridge, a connection between me then and me now, between an affective experience then and now.

From Disquiet.

Choose a topic that is important to you and start typing, and uploading images, and audio, and video, and code, and whatever other forms your experience of the topic takes. And don’t just cover the topic. Write about your life. Write elements of whatever you would write elsewhere in public — on social media, in comments, in newsletters, on BBS’s, in email discussion groups — on your blog first and foremost. Make everything else — all the places online that you don’t own — ancillary to the central activity of blogging.

Yeah!

I just made an influences page here (you can see it at the top of the site in the navigation bar). I plan to keep adding to this as I think about who and what have influenced me.

However, when I look at it now, I notice something I think is significant that helps me not be overly focused on making things perfect: Most of the stuff the people on this list make isn’t super polished/overly produced.

• Chris Arnade’s Substack is very well written, but he keeps it very simple.
• Patti Smith’s Substack has videos she makes with a stock webcam on her computer.
• Nick Cave’s Red Hand Files are simple blog posts.
• Rob Bell’s podcast has no intro music and he leaves in the hums and ahh, and repetitive things he says.
• Marc Weidenbaum’s Disquiet website is an example of a simple blog that has been around for a very long time.

Of course, there are some things on this list that do have a rather high production value to them, such as Bella Freud’s videos, and Ezra Klein’s podcast, but these things constitute the minority rather than the majority of things on this list.

Getting to work on editing the next episode of the From78 Podcast. This one is a long interview, so it will take much longer to edit than a normal audio-essay. I’m telling myself not to be overly perfectionistic.

Today is set up in a way I like.

• Family: Morning involved getting my kids ready and to school
• Health: Followed up with cardio exercise today
• Me: Interlude where I was able to do some rolling/stretching and cleaned myself up
• Work: 5 hours working with patients

A good balance.

It’s a cold wet Sunday evening here in the American Midwest as I write these words. I’ve had my kids (ages 6, 4, 2, & 1) inside for most of the day. This is not an ideal situation.

One thing I’ve figured out is that unspent energy goes through some sort of change around 4:00 pm, where it becomes manic-crazy-in-your-face-energy. This is the kind of energy that leads to a high likelihood of something double-plus-unfold happening.

(Other parents: have you noticed this too, or is this something unique to my family?)

So, I need something I can do with the kids. It can’t last long. It has to be free or very low cost.

My first bet was the library, but it closes early on Sunday. By the time I got them there we’d have to turn around and leave fairly quickly. So, that was out.

I consist putting on a video of some sort, but kids programming is psychological warfare against adults. I don’t think it’s great for kids either, but unlike adults, they tend to like it…. And a video won’t really burn off the unspent energy, and will make bedtime more difficult.

Then I remembered that there is a small indoor play place at the nearby McDonald’s.

There was a time I looked down on McDonald’s. I don’t anymore. The main reason for this shift was coming across the work of Chris Arnade, who convinced me that in many places, McDonald’s is an institution that is a sort of community center. This is most noticeable in places where good park districts and good library sbranches are absent.

I thought about Arnade, and the mind changing work he’s done this evening, as I watched my kids climb and play off some of their unspent energy.

I don’t have a big point to make behind this.

I know I’m way late to this party, but i just started to play the video game Disco Elysium, and I really like it a lot.

This is serious surprise to me, because, generally, I don’t like playing video games.

What I like about it

1. It’s not a combat heavy game.
2. It has a cool plot/mystery, which gives me Twin Peaks vibes.
3. The soundtrack (by the band Sea Power) is very good.
4. It’s an open world that is dense and fun to explore.
5. The voice acting is great.

Hello,

This is the second field note I’ve recorded and posted to the new From78 site (hosted via Micro.blog). I used a small wireless mic and my iPhone’s voice memo app to make the field note. If it sounds good, I plan to do more things like this.

The idea is to record stuff in the fly, as a kind of field note. Then, later, use those off the cuff field recordings as source material for a From78 podcast.

One more test… posting from another app. This time with an image attached.

I’ve made an account at micro.blog and want to test things out. This post is the first “kicking the tires”” kind of post…

Summary:

In this episode of From78, I reflect on how place and technology shape the way we experience time and connection. Recording from my office before a day of clinical work, I think about the privilege of listening, the importance of “regular” places where relationships once accumulated, and how those spaces seem increasingly rare. Rather than simply criticizing technology, I explore a more balanced view—drawing on Marc Weidenbaum’s idea of being “digitally cozy”: staying engaged with books, walks, art, meals, and family while dialing back the constant churn of short-term online conversations. I also reflect on how meaningful relationships can form entirely through technologically mediated means, setting the stage for an upcoming interview that continues this conversation.

Table of Contents:

• 00:32 Introduction and Reflections on Being a Psychoanalyst
• 02:16 Exploring the Concept of Place
• 06:34 Technology’s Role in Social Interaction
• 07:33 Insights from Disquiet.com
• 11:53 Balancing Technology and Real Life
• 16:44 Upcoming Interview and Conclusion

Summary:

In this episode of the From 78 podcast, recorded on Thursday, December 4th, I discuss the subjective experience of time and how it intertwines with social spaces and technology. After a hectic Thanksgiving with my family, I delve into the significance of physical places in making meaningful human connections, contrasting them with today’s digital interactions. I highlight a particular episode of Craig Mod’s newsletter ‘Ridgelines’ that emphasizes the atmosphere of jazz kisaten in Japan and their unique social dynamics. I also share observations from my own life, pondering how modern technology and remote work have transformed communal spaces like cafes, affecting how people interact today. Suggestions and reflections on this transformation invite listeners to consider their own experiences and interactions in such spaces.

Table of Contents:

• 00:32 Introduction and Thanksgiving Reflections
• 01:52 Podcast Content and Recent Activities
• 04:14 Craig Mod and His Works
• 06:50 The Importance of Place in Human Experience
• 12:22 Jazz Kissa: A Unique Cultural Phenomenon
• 17:48 Reflections on Modern Social Interactions
• 24:50 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

Referenced:

• Marjory Prime (film)
• Mubi (service)
• Craig Mod (web)
• Things Become Other Things (book)
• Ridgelines 218 (web)
• Ridgelines archive (web)
• Kissa by Kissa (book)

Contact: from78podcast@gmail.com

Summary:

In episode 025 of the ‘From 78’ podcast, I reflect on the significance of maintaining routines and the therapeutic role of podcasting in organizing thoughts. I discuss the challenges of a busy November travel schedule, which disrupted my usual podcast routine, prompting me to reflect more deeply on how expressing my thoughts changes my relationship with them. Highlighting Albert Camus' ‘Notebooks 1942-1951,’ I explore the longing for places of informal social interaction and the creation of bonds outside structured environments.

I also examine Paul Kingsnorth’s idea of the ‘four Ps’ (People, Place, Prayer, Past) and their diminishing role in contemporary life, juxtaposed with the practical difficulties of reclaiming these elements without abandoning modern conveniences. The episode concludes with gratitude to listeners and a reflection on balancing the longing for a deeper connection with the practicalities of modern living.

Table of Contents:

• 00:32 Introduction and Podcast Update
• 01:54 The Importance of Podcasting in My Life
• 04:21 Reflecting on Inspirations and Ideas
• 08:45 Engaging with Albert Camus
• 12:00 Longing for Connection and Place
• 19:52 Paul Kingsnorth’s Four Ps
• 23:14 Modern Intelligence and Points of Reference
• 29:05 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell

Summary:

In this episode, I interview Rob Bell, delving into significant memories and experiences that shaped Rob’s life. We explore Rob’s childhood memories on a farm and a rustic cabin in Michigan, poignant historical events like the Challenger explosion, and discussions on the impact of environment and personal history on his outlook.

Rob articulates his philosophies on living a fulfilled life by being attuned to nature, engaging in creative processes, and embracing curiosity and connection with others. The conversation also touches on influences from music, the importance of empathy, and the evolution of personal growth in understanding oneself and others.

You can find more of Rob’s work over at RobBell.com, and you can join his Patreon page to support his ongoing work.

Table of Contents:

• 00:31 Introduction and Early Memories
• 00:56 Life on the Farm
• 02:24 Michigan Cabin Adventures
• 03:17 Significant Historical Events
• 05:53 Impact of Locations on Life
• 06:31 Connection with Nature
• 16:32 Influence of Media and Music
• 20:47 Reflections on Parenting and Influence
• 26:03 Current Phase of Life
• 29:49 Navigating Emotional Investments
• 34:24 Understanding Agricultural Perspectives
• 35:39 Shifting from Contempt to Curiosity
• 37:28 The Glitch in the Progressive Matrix
• 45:11 Navigating Parent-Child Relationships
• 52:28 Learning from Others and Self-Reflection
• 56:30 The Power of Perspective and Absurdity

Summary:

In this episode of the ‘From 78’ podcast, I explore the subjective experience of time and the impact of physical places on shaping personal identity and relationships.

I share personal anecdotes about the various places that significantly impacted my life, including a game store, a Borders bookstore, and a Denny’s restaurant. I reflect on how these places provided a sense of community, facilitated friendships, and influenced my tastes and aesthetics. I also ponder the effect of technology on social interaction and question how I can create or find similar meaningful spaces in my current life.

The episode encapsulates a sense of nostalgia, gratitude, and curiosity about the evolving nature of communal spaces.

Table of Contents:

• 00:31 Introduction and Greetings
• 01:03 Kolacky and Coffee: A Morning Ritual
• 02:10 The Importance of Plans
• 02:47 Wandering Thoughts: The Significance of Place
• 05:10 Reflecting on Past Experiences
• 07:39 The Role of Place in Personal Growth
• 10:56 Memorable Places: Game Store and Borders
• 17:59 Denny’s: A Hub for Connection
• 27:00 The Impact of Technology on Social Spaces
• 28:54 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude

Summary:

In this impromptu episode of the 78 podcast, Neil Gorman delves into his subjective experience of time, sparked by a spontaneous observation while driving past a middle school.

The episode explores themes of nostalgia and longing as Neil reflects on his own middle school experiences, juxtaposing them with his life as an adult, and wrestling with the emotions these memories evoke.

Table of Contents: Introduction and Episode Context Reflecting on Daily Routines A Nostalgic Encounter Memories of Middle School The Longing for Youth Adult Reflections and Realizations Concluding Thoughts and Reflections