Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here.

Today on Simple Joe, I start the show by venting about how much I hate paper cuts and why they hurt more than they should, before easing into a reflective Friday episode focused on slowing down and heading into some well-earned downtime. We hear the weather for Jerusalem, Israel, and Cincinnati, Ohio, celebrate December 19 birthdays including Cicely Tyson, Maurice White, Jake Gyllenhaal, and more, and look back at historic moments like the publication of A Christmas Carol and Zanzibar’s independence. I also talk through National Hard Candy Day, National Emo Day, and Go Caroling Day, sharing a few personal stories along the way. The heart of the episode is a thoughtfully researched Top 10 list of gifts that create great memories, from starting traditions and surprise days off together to shared experiences, meaningful places, and my personal favorite, a photo book from the previous year, which has become one of the most meaningful gifts I receive. It’s a reminder that the best gifts aren’t expensive or complicated, they’re the ones that turn into stories, connection, and memories that last far longer than any object.

Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you.

You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store

Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading

If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!