We covered a decent amount of ground on this one. We talked about the music these fellas are making, the music they're into, addiction and recovery, the CIA and the war on drugs, Manson and well.. like I said, we covered a lot of ground and I have a hard time focusing. Just a disclaimer: I'm not a therapist, psychiatrist, medical doctor or anything close to those. I talk about a lot of things from personal experience, so when to it comes to mental health and treatment and that sort of thing, please never just go and do the things that I talk about and swear as gospel as far as my personal journey is concerned. It's really best to consult a professional.

Bryan is a fantasy author who has had the fantasy worlds he writes about living in his head since he was 10. He started seriously writing on his first two novels, The Spirit of Vengeance and The New Reign - the first two in The Atonement Trilogy, when he was just 14. Life came at him and he wasn't able to round out the trilogy until years later with The Shadow of War. Since then he has also written and published a standalone novel called Banesong and is currently working on a magnum opus!

When not writing, Bryan runs his own business as a home inspector, working on projects around his own home, and from what it sounds like, the great outdoors!

We had a great time talking about the grit, determination, and consistency it takes to be a writer. The need to stop talking about it and just sit down and do it. We also touched on the tendency for writers to inject themselves into their stories and the varying effects of doing so. Do you read a book to learn about the author or do you read it based on the description or because Oprah said it was good?

Bryan Gifford Website: https://www.bryangifford.com/

I intended on an hour long episode but after sitting down with Dustin, we almost ended up at two hours. We had great conversation about his music, his travels, the state of live music, some of his ups and downs in life that molded him into the singer and songwriter he is. He's been writing since he was 12 and has released a variety of tunes that I think could appease just about any listener.

Dustin Brown Website: https://www.dustbromusico.com/

Lance is a lover of the martial arts. He has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, black belt in Jiu-Jitsu, as well as he and his wife owning and operating Select Jiu Jitsu, the premiere jiu jitsu academy in Waco, TX. Outside of the almost daily rolling and choking people, Lance is a firefighter in Spring, TX AND when he has downtime, he's a hell of a blues guitar player. Lance is either changing lives with his academy or saving lives firefighting, either way he is on a mission to make an impact in the communities he serves.

Select Jiu Jitsu Website: https://www.selectjiujitsu.com/

Jay Carbajal is a teacher, an artist, and a boxing and kendo enthusiast. He trains boxing at Waco Boxing Club and kendo with Baylor physics professor Dr. Kenichi Hatakeyama. He derives a lot of his personal spiritual growth from both physical activities as well as art and teaching.

Jay Carbajal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jay_crb/

My good friend, musician and aspiring game developer Weston Dodd came on the show and as expected, we discusses everything from Renfest and it's dark mysterious underbelly to Death Drones, "AI Art" to musical politics, reading to enhance beard growth, and of course his music and game.

Ghost Dance Band Website: https://www.theghostdanceband.com/

This introductory episode provides a look into the plans for the podcast and what inspired me to get this show started.

The Perfect Pass: American Genius and the Reinvention of Football, by S.C. Gwynne, is a fascinating and detailed look at the story of Hal Mumme and the rise of the "Air Raid" offense in college football. The book is a compelling tribute to the power of the underdog, as Mumme, a small-time coach from Texas, revolutionized the way the game is played.

Mumme, a little-known coach who spent most of his career at small schools, was an unlikely candidate to change the game of football. But with the help of his protégé, Mike Leach, he developed a new offensive system that relied on quick passes and a high-tempo pace. This "Air Raid" offense was initially met with skepticism by many in the football establishment, but over time it proved to be incredibly effective.

Gwynne does an excellent job of telling the story of Mumme and the Air Raid, providing a detailed look at the strategies and tactics used by the offense. He also provides insight into the people and events that helped shape Mumme's career, including his relationships with coaches like Leach and his struggles to gain acceptance from the football establishment.

Throughout the book, Gwynne illustrates the power of the underdog, highlighting how Mumme and his team were able to overcome the odds and make their mark on the sport. The Perfect Pass is a must-read for any football fan, and it is a testament to the ingenuity and determination of those who dare to challenge the status quo.

Overall, the book is a great, informative and well-written read, Gwynne's writing is engaging and he does a great job of bringing the story of Hal Mumme and the Air Raid offense to life. It is a great read for anyone interested in football or the story of an unlikely underdog who managed to change the game