Back in 2005 I made a huge decision to leave behind my school, my friends and my life in Columbia Missouri. I was heartbroken, mentally disheveled and felt like my life was spinning a slow spiral down a shallow drain. The decision was made in haste but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I made in my life. As you all know by now.

As a side effect of moving into a cabin in the words of wine country is I was limited to forms of entertainment. I didn’t have TV, there was no cell service to speak of and I was miles away from anyone with a head full of teeth (river folk are an interesting breed).

What I did have was a high speed internet connection and a new thing called “Podcasts” in my iTunes. Living alone with little human interaction can make you go crazy in no time. These podcasts kept me sane by entertaining me and taking my attention away from the problems in my life, by allowing me to laugh again and grow to know things would be OK.

One of the first podcasts I subscribed to was Keith and the Girl. Back then they were two professional clowns (seriously) who were dating and trying to make a name for themselves in NYC, in between gigs as Elmo at children’s parties. One a standup comedian, the other a talented if not under-appreciated singer. Keith Malley and Chemda became my friends, even if they didn’t know it. Continue reading →