Contemplating Life with Chris Young

Chris Young
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  • Personal Journals
  • Updated Weekly

"Contemplating Life" is a podcast by author, assistive technology developer, and disability advocate Chris Young. Each week we will explore a variety of topics including disability, religion, politics, entertainment, and whatever else I can think of. Please support this podcast on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/contemplatinglife

  1. Contemplating Life – Episode 117 – “Record Breaking Difficult Decisions”

    10h ago

    Contemplating Life – Episode 117 – “Record Breaking Difficult Decisions”

    In this episode, I fast-forward through events after my dad died in February 2019 up until July 2025, after I made the decision to actively pursue placement in a skilled nursing facility. It includes a video of a speech I gave at my 70th birthday. This is part four of my continuing series recounting my efforts to maintain my benefits and live in a safe, comfortable environment.  Links of Interest Episode 66 “I Was Nearly Murdered” https://contemplating-life.com/?p=331 Wellbrooke of Avon: https://trilogyhs.com/senior-living/in/indianapolis/wellbrooke-of-avon/ Father Paul Landwerlen obituary: https://www.archindy.org/criterion/local/2025/06-13/landwerlen.html Episode 12 in which I discuss my fear of death: https://contemplating-life.com/?p=69 Episode 14 in which I discuss how I got past my fears: https://contemplating-life.com/?p=76 Street view of mile marker 20.1 on I-465 where we had a flat tire: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KdU9GtU4UMkSnGaQ8 Hoosier Helpers from IDOT: https://www.in.gov/indot/current-programs/hoosier-helpers/ Wellbrooke of Avon: https://trilogyhs.com/senior-living/in/indianapolis/wellbrooke-of-avon/ Greenwood Healthcare Center: https://communicarehealth.com/location/greenwood-healthcare-center/ Private Room at Wellbrooke: https://share.icloud.com/photos/010P48zzQC-vwzoSBLcuL-Ouw Video from my 60th birthday party: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhJT0-3KFcM Video from my 70th birthday party: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2EIBq4vxr8 Episode 78 about my friend Buz: https://contemplating-life.com/?p=424 Episode 45 about my friend Mike Gregory: https://contemplating-life.com/?p=256 World record donation for SMA treatment: https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/663805-largest-donation-for-a-patients-medical-treatment Most expensive drugs: https://www.drugs.com/article/top-10-most-expensive-drugs.html Evrysdi (Risdiplam) the SMA drug I take. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Risdiplam Zolgensma and Itvisma gene therapies for people with SMA: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onasemnogene_abeparvovec For more episodes: https://contemplating-life.com/ Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/contemplatinglife Where to listen to this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/contemplatinglife YouTube playlist of this and all other episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFFRYfZfNjHL8bFCmGDOBvEiRbzUiiHpq

    36 min
  2. Contemplating Life – Episode 116 – “Good Source Material”

    May 11

    Contemplating Life – Episode 116 – “Good Source Material”

    In this episode, I cover the events surrounding my dad’s funeral. The episode includes the audio of the eulogy I gave. I highly recommend you watch the YouTube version, as it includes a slideshow of photos of my dad to accompany the eulogy. This is part three of my continuing series recounting my efforts to maintain my benefits and live in a safe, comfortable environment.  Links of Interest Stevens Mortuary Calgary Catholic Cemetery Obituary for my Dad. Includes the slideshow shown at the mortuary Standalone audio with slideshow of my dad’s eulogy:  Prayer of St. Francis Sheet Metal Workers Local 20 Sheet Metal Workers Credit Union Tarpenning-Lafollette Co., where dad worked:  Google Street view of cathedral doors Fleming and Associates Matthew 25:31-46 (NABRE) Matthew 7:20 (NABRE) Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument Ultimate Remote Control For more episodes Support us on Patreon Where to listen to this podcast YouTube playlist of this and all other episodes:

    55 min
  3. Contemplating Life – Episode 115 – “The Life and Death of Kenny Young”

    May 1

    Contemplating Life – Episode 115 – “The Life and Death of Kenny Young”

    In this next chapter in my ongoing series recounting my efforts to live in a safe, comfortable environment, it is finally time to talk about my dad’s death. To put it in context, we take a deep dive into his life and go down some side routes, talking about my family in general. These times were also complicated because my sister Carol was battling throat cancer. This is a very long episode, but there is no good place to split it in the middle. The YouTube version has many photos, videos, and illustrations. So, you might want to watch this one rather than just listen. Links of Interest Indiana School for the Deaf  Delirium tremens a.k.a. “The DTs” Arsenal Technical High School Mission Impossible (1966 TV series)  Peter Lupus Sydenham's chorea a.k.a. Saint Vitus' dance:  Old Indianapolis City Hall Defense Finance and Accounting Service:  Emmett J. Bean Finance Center Fort Benjamin Harrison Gallaudet University Sheet Metal Workers Union:  Indiana Bell Telephone HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer My video about the NFL “Crucial Catch” ceremony 10/21/2018:  Central Indiana Council on Aging (CICOA Greenwood Healthcare Center:  For more episodes Support us on Patreon Where to listen to this podcast YouTube playlist of this and all other episodes:

    1h 1m
  4. Contemplating Life – Episode 114 – “It’s Hard to Find Good Help”

    Apr 20

    Contemplating Life – Episode 114 – “It’s Hard to Find Good Help”

    In this episode, I continue my series by recounting my efforts to maintain my Medicare and Medicaid benefits and live in a safe, comfortable environment. Links of Interest Special Needs Trust: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_needs_trust Employer Identification Number (EIN): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Employer_Identification_Number Central Indiana Council on Aging (CICOA): https://cicoa.org/ 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_FIFA_World_Cup Surname “Adewale” 218th most common in Nigeria: https://forebears.io/surnames/adewale Larue Carter Mental Hospital: https://indyencyclopedia.org/larue-carter-hospital/ For more episodes: https://contemplating-life.com/ Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/contemplatinglife Where to listen to this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/contemplatinglife YouTube playlist of this and all other episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFFRYfZfNjHL8bFCmGDOBvEiRbzUiiHpq

    19 min
  5. Contemplating Life – Episode 113 – “Benefits Battles and Dueling Diagnoses”

    Apr 13

    Contemplating Life – Episode 113 – “Benefits Battles and Dueling Diagnoses”

    In this episode, I am beginning a series that could possibly be the last of this podcast. It might not be. But it’s a series I need to get finished in case this is the last. Unless I pull off a minor logistical miracle sometime in the foreseeable future, I will be leaving the house that I have lived in since I was a few weeks shy of my fourth birthday. I will be moving into a skilled nursing facility where I hope to live out my days in comfort. This series will chronicle my battles to receive the benefits I need to live a safe and fulfilling life. It will lead up to my current situation, which has led me to conclude that it’s time to move on to a different setting. I have no idea how long this series will take. It’s a long story. Links of Interest Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spinal_muscular_atrophy Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duchenne_muscular_dystrophy Indiana Department of Vocational Rehabilitation: https://www.in.gov/fssa/ddars/brs/vocational-rehabilitation-employment/ Indiana Aged and Disabled Waiver: https://www.in.gov/medicaid/members/home-and-community-based-services/aged-and-disabled-waiver/ Indiana Development Disability Waivers: https://www.in.gov/medicaid/members/home-and-community-based-services/family-supports-waiver/ Developmental Disability Defined: https://www.in.gov/gcpd/developmental-disability/ An older document defining DD: https://www.in.gov/fssa/ddars/files/Eligibility_and_ICF_ID_DD_LOC_Determination_signed.pdf Mensa International: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mensa_International Types of trusts: https://blogs.iu.edu/sharedsolutions/2023/08/21/planning-for-the-future-special-needs-and-miller-trusts-explained/ Newspaper article about Special Needs Integrity agency: https://www.indystar.com/story/news/2015/11/16/nonprofit-accused-taking-millions/75886746/ Interview with Greg Fehribach: https://www.ibj.com/videos/interview-issue-2015-greg-fehribach For more episodes: https://contemplating-life.com/ Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/contemplatinglife Where to listen to this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/contemplatinglife YouTube playlist of this and all other episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFFRYfZfNjHL8bFCmGDOBvEiRbzUiiHpq

    30 min
  6. Contemplating Life – Episode 112 – “Oscar 2025: What Dreams May Come.”

    Apr 7

    Contemplating Life – Episode 112 – “Oscar 2025: What Dreams May Come.”

    In this episode, we review the last four films in this year’s survey of the Oscar-nominated Best Pictures. We will recap all of the winners versus my picks. Links of Interest “What Dreams May Come” (Act III, Scene I) “Hamlet”: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/What_Dreams_May_Come “Train Dreams” (2025 film): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Train_Dreams_(film) “Marty Supreme” (2025 film): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marty_Supreme “F1” (2025 film): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F1_(film) “Winning” (1969 film): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winning_(film) “Hamnet” (2025 film): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamnet_(film) “Hamlet” (play c1600 William Shakespeare): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamlet Movie awards for 2025 releases 98th Academy Awards: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/98th_Academy_Awards 82nd Golden Globe Awards: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/82nd_Golden_Globes 32nd SAG Actor.Awards: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/32nd_Actor_Awards For more episodes: https://contemplating-life.com/ Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/contemplatinglife Where to listen to this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/contemplatinglife YouTube playlist of this and all other episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFFRYfZfNjHL8bFCmGDOBvEiRbzUiiHpq

    22 min
  7. Contemplating Life – Episode 111 – “Oscar 2025: What the Hell Was That?”

    Mar 23

    Contemplating Life – Episode 111 – “Oscar 2025: What the Hell Was That?”

    In this episode, we continue our look at Oscar-nominated films. In this episode, I explore four films so bizarre that they left me asking, “What the hell was that?” Links of Interest SNL sketch from 1979 “What the hell is that?” on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DU_Gd623HJo “The Secret Agent” (2025): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Secret_Agent_(2025_film) “One Battle After Another” (2025): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Battle_After_Another “Nuremberg” (2025): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuremberg_(2025_film) “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” (2025): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/If_I_Had_Legs_I%27d_Kick_You “Bugonia” (2025): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bugonia_(film) “Poor Things” (2023): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poor_Things_(film) Episode 80a, which discusses “On the Line”: https://contemplating-life.com/?p=437 “On the Line” (2022): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/On_the_Line_(2022_film) Movie awards for 2025 releases 98th Academy Awards: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/98th_Academy_Awards 82nd Golden Globe Awards: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/82nd_Golden_Globes 32nd SAG Actor: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/32nd_Actor_Awards For more episodes: https://contemplating-life.com/ Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/contemplatinglife Where to listen to this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/contemplatinglife YouTube playlist of this and all other episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFFRYfZfNjHL8bFCmGDOBvEiRbzUiiHpq

    26 min
  8. Contemplating Life – Episode 110 – “The Cost of Revenge”

    Mar 20

    Contemplating Life – Episode 110 – “The Cost of Revenge”

    Contemplating Life – Episode 110 – “The Cost of Revenge” In this episode, I recount a harrowing experience with a health scare last week and an incident that angered me so much that I indulged the darkest parts of my personality to plot a revenge that I never intended to deliver, but simply crafted to give me peace of mind. What that plot told me about myself was quite revealing. Trigger Warning: This episode contains misogynistic and offensive language. Links of Interest David Gerrold: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Gerrold St. Francis Hospital, Indianapolis: https://directory.franciscanhealth.org/location/franciscan-health-indianapolis Florence Nightingale: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florence_Nightingale Lycanthrope: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Werewolf#:~:text=)%2C%20or%20occasionally-,lycanthrope,-%5Bb%5D Episode 22 “The Reunion” an award-winning article I wrote in 1987: https://contemplating-life.com/?p=149 Matthew 25:34-36 (NASRE): https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/25?34 The Golden Rule: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Rule Luke 6:31 (NASRE): https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/6?31  “Planet of the Apes” (1968): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planet_of_the_Apes_(1968_film) Clip from “Planet of the Apes”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cdmqn9JIuzc Report about racist tweet reposted by Trump: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jImPTGrwF4Y Rosary: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosary George Carlin “Confession”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEyJ0XZoKSU Episode 104 “Prophets Aren’t About Prophecy”: https://contemplating-life.com/?p=580 For more episodes: https://contemplating-life.com/ Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/contemplatinglife Where to listen to this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/contemplatinglife YouTube playlist of this and all other episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFFRYfZfNjHL8bFCmGDOBvEiRbzUiiHpq

    29 min
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"Contemplating Life" is a podcast by author, assistive technology developer, and disability advocate Chris Young. Each week we will explore a variety of topics including disability, religion, politics, entertainment, and whatever else I can think of. Please support this podcast on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/contemplatinglife

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