Building a Better Dave

Dave Jackson

A funny look at relationships, marriage, divorce, love, sex, life, dating advice, and the weird thoughts that pop into Dave's head when he is sleep deprived. Guaranteed to make you laugh, cry, think, or groan. Life is too important to be taken seriously

  1. Waterboarding for Fruit

    2D AGO

    Waterboarding for Fruit

    Hey, it’s Dave—and on this episode of Building a Better Dave, I talk all about the weirdness that is Halloween in my neighborhood lately. As October rolls in, I’ve noticed a crazy escalation in skeleton yard decorations. What used to be simple six-foot skeletons have turned into these massive twelve-foot giants. I can’t help but wonder if this is just the middle-aged version of keeping up with the Joneses. Halloween itself has always struck me as strange, especially when you factor in how expensive candy has gotten (seriously, $15 a bag now?!) and how we’ve all just accepted feeding our kids mountains of sugar as tradition. Confession: If I buy a bunch of candy, I’m probably just going to eat it myself, which is why I might skip handing it out altogether and let myself get "tricked" this year. This episode, I also reminisce about the good old days of Halloween pranks—TPing houses, knocking and running, and my brother’s infamous police escort home after getting caught. My dad was definitely not amused. It feels like those harmless pranks just don’t happen anymore—probably because today’s doorbell cameras have killed the fun. Of course, I have to mention bobbing for apples, which, looking back, is basically waterboarding with fruit. Pump enough apple cider into a kid and you end up with what I like to call the “Runs” (and I list every synonym I can think of—because why not?). And what’s up with every costume needing to be "slutty" these days? Slutty nurse, slutty librarian, even slutty Daffy Duck! Not sure when that trend started, but it seems to get more out there every year. I wrap up by admitting I bought a new Christmas tree—when all I intended was a little four-foot tree, I walked out with a seven-and-a-half foot beauty. Honestly, I think I’m trying to recapture one of my favorite childhood memories: coming in from the snow, curling up in front of the tree with a thick blanket and some hot chocolate from my mom. That feeling of safety just sticks with me, especially as the holidays get closer. Hope you enjoy my holiday ramblings, stories of waterboarding for fruit, and my skepticism about modern Halloween. Until next time, hang in there—it’s going to get better. Highlights: Giant skeletons and the one-upmanship of Halloween decorations The economics—and temptations—of Halloween candy How doorbell cameras ruined classic Halloween pranks Bobbing for apples: my take on this bizarre tradition The rise of “slutty” costumes and my bewilderment Reflecting on the holidays and chasing those cozy, safe memories Did this episode make you laugh,cry, think, or groan? Consider buying Dave a coffee.

    12 min
  2. Old Habits Die Hard

    OCT 9

    Old Habits Die Hard

    In this episode, I open up about a recent experience I had on Reddit where, despite my own advice, I ended up feeding the trolls. I share how I got pulled into a frustrating back-and-forth with someone who just wasn’t open to any input, and how that made me reflect on my own “educator mindset”—the urge to resolve every conflict or misunderstanding online. I talk about the importance of setting boundaries not just with online trolls, but also when inviting podcast guests onto your show. Remember: if someone really wants to be on your show, they’ll usually find time that works for you. On the personal side, I give an update about being busier than ever at my church due to a colleague’s health issues. I discuss how this has affected my routine, my stress levels (thanks for the heads up, Oura Ring!), and the push I’m giving myself to prioritize health and movement—even if it means just getting out to walk at my local park. Plus, I share a little inspiration from watching the Ozzy Osbourne documentary "Coming Home," which has me thinking about aging, health, and making time for what really matters. --- Key Takeaways: - Don’t let internet trolls drain your energy—learn to recognize when to disengage (even if you think that last message might “fix” things). - When it comes to podcasting, don’t be afraid to set your own boundaries around scheduling guests. - Some people just aren’t open to feedback, and that’s okay—sometimes it’s best to step back. - Make sure your social profiles link to your website to help connect with people you actually can help. - Growth comes from noticing your own patterns—and learning from your mistakes. - Keep prioritizing your health and well-being, even when life gets busy. - Inspiration can come from unexpected places—even a documentary about Ozzy Osbourne. --- Links Mentioned: Coming Home -Ozzy Osbourne documentary  Connect with Me: betterdave.com Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed the episode, do consider buying me a coffee :)

    14 min
  3. Father Time is Undefeated

    MAR 1

    Father Time is Undefeated

    Today I share some insights as I deal with the loss of a friend. Death sucks, but when you lose people who are YOUNGER then you, with no warning, it really sucks. Today I talk about losing my friend Niel Guilarte who I worked with during the making of The Messengers: A Podcast Documentary We got to room with each other at events, and we just clicked. We always made each other laugh. My favorite was when Niel would start laughing and he couldn't finish the story he had started.  When you start to see your heroes get old and some cracks around the edges, it's sad, but it's a warning sign. Niel was here, and the next day he wasn't. He leaves a wife and 11-year old daughter he adored, and a new house.  He was the best friend of one of my favorite people Chris Krimitsos. Which is one of the things that is adding to the pain. I have people in Florida who could use a hug. I love to help people, and in this case there is nothing I can do.  Mentioned In This Episode Bookends - Simon and Garfunkel Bette Midler - Stay With Me Niel's Gofund Me There are times you feel bad. The lights are off and it seems like there is no way home. Keep moving. It's funny when I have to do a sermon in my church, something ALWAYS comes up on Facebook that fits. This is what came up: 41 is Coming In the Bible, it rained for 40 days and 40 nights. Day 41 came and the rain stopped. Moses committed murder & hid in the desert for 40 years. Year 41 came, and God called him to help rescue Israel. Moses went up on the mountain for 40 days. On day 41, he received the Ten Commandments. The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. Year 41, they walked into the Promised Land. Goliath taunted Israel for 40 days. Day 41 came, and David slew him. Jonah preached a message of repentance to Ninevah for 40 days. On day 41, God stopped His plan to destroy them. Jesus fasted and was tempted for 40 days. Day 41, and the devil fled. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples for 40 days. On day 41, He ascended into Heaven. All this to say...don't quit. The rain will stop, the giant will fall, and you will enter your "promised land." Don't give up at 40. 41 is coming. See you later Niel.

    28 min
  4. Someone Stop This Train

    FEB 8

    Someone Stop This Train

    This was recorded during my last few minutes of being 59. Life is dragging me kicking and screaming into my 60s. I'm not happy about it.  Don't you get it? I'm 23 honest. I've been 23 my whole life?  Have I made my last trip to Dairy Queen? It turns out everything I eat is poison. That's something you know but don't care, and it turns out you should've cared a little more than you did. John Mayer has a great song called "Stop this Train" that has a line John  Had a talk with my old man Said, "Help me understand" He said, "Turn 68" "You renegotiate" I was able to renew my drivers license for 8 years which means aside from a sticker (which I can get through the mail) I will be 68 the next time I renew my liscene. WHen you go to the MBV you go in and get a number, and wait for your name to be called. I kind of feel like a 'This is not a drill" situation, and I'm waiting for my number to be called. UNlike the BMV, I'm hoping for a very long line. You can buy me a coffee for my birthday using this link. John Mayer - Stop This Train No I'm not colorblind I know the world is black and white Try to keep an open mind but I just can't sleep on this tonight Stop this train I wanna get off And go home again I can't take the speed It's movin' in I know I can't But honestly Won't someone stop this train? Don't know how else to say it Don't wanna see my parents go One generation's length away From fighting life out on my own   So scared of getting older I'm only good at being young So I play the numbers game To find a way to say that Life has just begun Had a talk with my old man Said, "Help me understand" He said, "Turn 68" "You renegotiate" "Don't stop this train" "Don't for a minute change" "The place you're in" "And don't think I couldn't" "Ever understand" "I tried my hand" "John, honestly" "We'll never stop this train."   Once in a while When its good It'll feel like it should And they're all still around And you're still safe and sound And you don't miss a thing Till you cry when you're drivin' away in the dark Singing   Stop this train I wanna get off And go home again I can't take the speed It's movin in I know I can't 'Cause now I see I'll never stop this train

    13 min

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About

A funny look at relationships, marriage, divorce, love, sex, life, dating advice, and the weird thoughts that pop into Dave's head when he is sleep deprived. Guaranteed to make you laugh, cry, think, or groan. Life is too important to be taken seriously

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