Our Selves, Our Posterity
In this issue: Jerry Seinfeld’s humor reveals shared experiences, tips to avoid media overload, a curated list of news sources & inspiration from a 98-year-old.
Aspirational: Think Posterity, Create Legacy
Beyond the Laughs: How Jerry Seinfeld Reflects Our Common Ground
Confession time. While I respect Jerry Seinfeld’s success, I couldn’t stand the TV show Seinfeld. However, I recently gained an appreciation for Seinfeld, the man and comedian, after listening to an interview with him on the podcast Honestly. In it, he explains what makes him funny: he talks about what others think but won’t say aloud, i.e., those pesky hairs on the shower tile.
Great comedians have an innate ability to tap into our commonalities. They’re not just observers of the human condition; they are experts at unveiling the idiosyncrasies that unite us. Along with our shared experiences, we also have a strong, perhaps even ego-centric, desire to be appreciated and understood.
A quote from Rob Reimer's book Soul Care resonated with me: "In true community, people live open, honest, and confessional lives. Great comedians cultivate a sense of commonality–community–with their audiences. They observe, reflect, and connect through authenticity. I long for that type of community where openness transcends differences.
Too often, we encounter people who immediately define themselves by labels. Twice, I’ve met someone in a church group whose first words after sharing their name were, “I’m a Republican." It’s an off-putting introduction. I’m never sure how to respond, and I have concerns about people who wrap their identities so tightly around partisan ideology, whether it's Democrat or Republican. While that type of interaction is not commonplace, we can probably agree that polarization prevents unity and meaningful change.
Jerry Seinfeld finds humor in the everyday. It reflects our quirky yet undeniable common ground. By recognizing our shared experiences, we take a huge step in reshaping the present and the future. Ourselves, Our Posterity aims to create a community where we move beyond the labels of "red" or "blue" and embrace a shared journey of making the world a better place for our posterity, for future generations. Whether you arrive metaphorically dressed in red, blue, or my favorite—purple—you’ll find an environment where openness, learning, and growth are at the forefront. Together, we can create a legacy of connection, one rooted in recognizing our common humanity and unique perspectives.
Future content for the “Aspirations: Think Posterity, Create Legacy” section will include:
Manageable, easy steps for taking action on issues important to you.
Insights on how lifelong learning can keep our minds sharp and our perspectives fresh, including book and podcast recommendations.
Thought-provoking articles that delve into the power of individual action and innovative solutions so we can contribute to societal change.
Bite-sized Civics lessons to refresh knowledge of the Constitution, history, and how government is supposed to work.
Nonpartisan curated and original content to inform and educate on areas where our voices need to be heard to create a better future.
Strategies to write your memoir or legacy story.
Practical: Take Steps, Generate Momentum
Tuning In Without Burning Out: Healthy Ways to Absorb the News
I think there’s something to the adage “Ignorance is bliss.” Teaching face-to-face and online simultaneously during COVID was challenging for me. I didn’t have the energy to discern what was shared on the news, so for my mental health, I disconnected from social media and the news.
I also think staying informed can feel overwhelming if done without boundaries. Here are a few boundaries for maintaining a healthy mindset regarding absorbing the news.
Just as with all things, moderation. You must limit your intake.
Do not scroll for news. Decide on a few trusted sources and decide how much time and when you will set aside to read or listen.
Take breaks from the news. Decide on a day or days that you will abstain. Avoid the news at night if you have an active imagination and sleep issues.
Decide which topics interest you. It's good to explore new issues occasionally but avoid stories that will be irrelevant in the next news cycle.
Keep a balanced perspective. Remember, the everyday good stuff won’t make the news. Look for the positive in others and your surroundings.
Recommended News Sources
Here’s a curated list of news sources I use, along with their benefits and drawbacks. I like to read the news, but I also listen to some short podcasts regularly.
The Free Press (Online News)
My oldest son Peter recommended that I listen to Honestly, the podcast started by journalist Bari Weiss. From there, I learned about her media company, The Free Press, and started reading the free content. I found I wanted their full offerings and am now a paid subscriber.
Benefits
If you are a First Amendment absolutist, you will enjoy reading their news, commentaries, and special-interest stories.
They provide curated summaries of major news items from other news sources (see drawbacks), which provide a quick overview of events.
They call it as they see it and are dedicated to returning honesty and independence back to journalism. Fair warning, the tone in some pieces is witty and sarcastic.
Their special interest stories and columns are thought-provoking. I especially enjoy Douglas Murray’s “Things Worth Remembering” Sunday column, in which he discusses a famous speech.
It’s written for thinkers. Sometimes, I have to look up words. It’s so refreshing not to have dumbed-down content.
Drawbacks
While there is a free version, the paid version is $80 per year. (I really don’t see this as a drawback because I get more than I get my money's worth.)
Sometimes, the sarcasm goes over my head.
The curated list has links to the full articles. However, for some, if you don’t have a paid subscription, you can’t access the article. Most of the links, though, allow you to read the full article.
NPR News Now Podcast
Benefits
It’s succinct, five-minute headline news. The perfect length for a warmup on the treadmill.
Updated regularly throughout the day.
For me, the fast pace makes it easy to listen to. But I’m Cuban and Puerto Rican, so slow talking frustrates me.
Drawbacks
While this doesn’t happen often in this particular NPR program, the publicly funded agency is sometimes biased, favoring left-leaning causes.
It has short commercials.
The Pour Over Today Podcast
My son Peter also recommended this podcast. I recently started listening to it, but I can still offer some insights.
Benefits
The episodes are short, around 10 minutes.
While it is a Christian podcast, the reporting has so far been balanced and unbiased. They are committed to being politically neutral.
Scripture is woven into the podcast but not the news stories. The focus is to help Christians focus on what is important.
Drawbacks
It is only uploaded on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday right now.
They are slow-talkers. Although this may not be a drawback for you, I overcame it by speeding up the settings.
There are short commercials.
Reason Roundup (Online News)
Benefits
It is a free, quick read and honors its “Free Minds, Free Markets” slogan.
They provide curated summaries of major news items from other news sources, which provide a quick overview of events.
Drawbacks
Like The Free Press, the curated news is sometimes linked to newspapers that require a paid subscription.
The Newsworthy Podcast
Benefits
It’s fast-paced, news usually 14 minutes long.
So far, I haven’t heard bias.
Drawbacks
It has commercials, but I jump past them.
Sometimes the length is over 15 minutes, which is too long for me.
Inspirational: Inspire Lives, Celebrate Triumphs
Making a Splash at 98
Jean Craig-Flynn took up swimming at age 70 to cope with losing her husband, and now, at 98, she swims daily. Her incredible health is a testament to the six pillars of aging well: regular exercise, a healthy diet, positive social connections, stress management, good sleep, and avoiding risky substances.
Jean meets new friends at the pool, stays active, and leans on her faith. She says, "If you have faith, you can go through just about anything.”
Her story shows it’s never too late to build healthy habits and live with joy and purpose.
Positive, engaging, and informational. I look forward to future issues!
What an excellent newsletter - full of inspiration and great advice!