A FEW FAVORITE PODCASTS

There are too many podcasts in this world—can everyone just stop making great new episodes so I can catch up?!?! Apparently, I listened to approximately 34,000 minutes of podcasts in 2018–which is about 23.5 days.

I’m due for a bigger post on amazing episodes and podcast rankings, but for now, here are a few podcasts that stand out when I think back through 2018:

• Revisionist History from Malcom Gladwell

• Reply All

• Armchair Expert (language/content warning)

• Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend

• The Bible Project

FAVORITE DOCUMENTARIES + NETFLIX

And because streaming has created another endless flow of content, here are some of my favorite documentaries I watched in 2018:

• Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind

• André the Giant

• Jim & Andy (Jim Carrey)

• The Final Year (Obama foreign policy team)

• Won’t You Be My Neighbor (Mr. Rogers)

• Everything is Copy (Nora Ephron)

• May it Last (Avett Brothers)

And a few things from Netflix can’t go without mention:

• Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee

• My Next Guest Needs No Introduction (David Letterman)

• Stranger Things (we finally binged the full series)

91 HEADSPACE SESSIONS & 2 FLOAT SESSIONS

In January of 2018, I bought a subscription to Headspace, a meditation and mindfulness app I had previously tested out for a month. They continue to add new sessions and features and I have to say it’s awesome. I wasn’t as consistent as I had hoped, but I’ve picked up some very helpful skills for dealing with stress, anxiety, and a mind that tends to constantly spin. The app was essential when I experienced some legit panic attacks in August.

I also experienced a float tank for the first time in 2018. Also known as a “sensory deprivation tank,” you get into this pod with about 16-inches of salt water that allows you to effortlessly float. Close the lid, pop in the ear plugs, and you get a 90-minute session of total isolation. Complete darkness, no sound, and barely any physical sensations since the air and water match your skin temperature. It was a wild experience.

647,000 WORDS READ IN THE POCKET APP

It’s my go to “save to read later” app. Using the mobile app and the Chrome browser extension, I save articles, posts, and videos to catch up on when I have some down time. This is the 6th year in a row I’ve been in the top 5% of Pocket readers.

ONE OF 16 FINALISTS FOR THE SCHOOL BOARD

File this under “most unexpected development” for 2018. When Ball State University was given the authority to take over/manage Muncie Community Schools, they were also given the responsibility to appoint a new seven-person school board. There was an application process, and having some desire to make a difference locally and offer up fresh thinking, I put my hat in the ring. 88 others did the same, and they whittled the list down to 16 candidates. Entirely to my surprise, I was one of the 16 finalists who were then invited to participate in a public forum. This was the final step before the recommendation from the Ball State President determined the new school board. I wasn’t selected, but it was a fascinating experience and made me realize I need/want to continue looking for ways to contribute to the local community.

2 BOUSES ON THE BOARD FOR MUNCIE FELLOWS

Stacey and I are both excited to be joining the advisory board for an exciting new program called Muncie Fellows. I’ll be helping with communications and Stacey will focus on finances. The Fellows will welcome 10-12 recent college graduates each year, giving them a intensely practical nine-month leadership program that equips college graduates to live out their faith in every area of life. They’ll get an internship, serve in the local community weekly, take classes on calling and vocation, and be paired up with a mentor and host family. We’re just getting started, but the potential for impact is already very high. Learn more at munciefellows.com.

9 ORGANIZATIONS INVESTED IN BY GIVING

A friend of mine wrote a book this year called, Where Am I Giving?, and made a great point: people regularly post when they buy a new car or house or phone, but why don’t we share when we give or donate just as openly? We’re probably worried about being seen as bragging or getting on our high horse. But what if we more openly talked about where and why we give our money, time, and resources? Detailing specific amounts probably isn’t wise (or necessary), but perhaps having a more open conversation in this area can spark us all to be more generous, to give more regularly, and to develop a more generous circle of friends and community.

In 2018, we gave financially to: Serge, Food for the Hungry, The Revolution, Charity:Water, Reliant/Collegiate, World Vision, National Kidney Foundation, Together Rising, and Douglas County Schools.