Call Me Donovan

Tifton Media Works
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  • PHILOSOPHY

Donovan was born and raised in the deep South. In the South, you have rednecks, religion, sports, and big trucks. Donovan isn’t and doesn’t relate to any of those things. His background is in technology, and he likes to think of himself as the enemy of ignorance and stupidity. Recently, he decided to get sober… for good. This means much of Call Me Donovan (formerly DDP) will be him discussing that continuous journey with all the ups and downs that go along with it. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support.

  1. 12/10/2025

    Is the Juice Worth the Squeeze?

    Hey, it’s Donovan. Today’s episode is a bit raw — a snapshot of where my head’s been lately. I talk about hitting 928 days sober, but still fighting the noise in my own brain — that restless, scatterbrained feeling that makes me start too many projects and finish too few. Between running my IT business, juggling podcasts, and keeping Radio Tift on life support, I’ve realized I’m stretched way too thin. I used to have this green coffee mug that said Simplify on it, and lately that word’s been haunting me. I love the creative stuff — South Geek News, The Morning Drip, Agenda Fluid — but I’m starting to wonder if the juice is worth the squeeze. I’m tired. I’m not unhappy because of one thing, but because everything feels like too much. The holidays aren’t helping either. I still love my family, my friends, the work — but the tank’s empty. I’m trying to figure out how to refill it without going back to the bottle. If you’ve ever been there — spread too thin, trying to hold it all together — maybe this one’s for you. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support. Contact Twitter/Insta/Threads: donadkisson Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.com Voicemail:  https://callmedonovan.com/voicemail Email:  don@callmedonovan.com Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music) Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render

    24 min

  2. 10/24/2025

    The High Cost of Staying Alive

    In this episode of Call Me Donovan, I dusted off the mic after a bit of a break to catch up and unload about life, health, and the ridiculous state of healthcare in America. I kicked things off talking about guest-hosting on Grumpy Old Geeks with Jason DeFilippo while his usual co-host was living it up at Disneyland Paris — a fun detour before diving into the not-so-fun topic of health insurance sticker shock.I talked about how I’ve been feeling drained lately — tired all the time despite good sleep and a clean lifestyle — but joked that going to the doctor here in the “land of the free and the uninsured” isn’t exactly affordable. That rolled into a hard look at my own insurance costs as a self-employed small business owner: over $21,000 a year in premiums for a bronze plan with a $16,000+ deductible. Yeah, that’s not a typo — twenty-one grand for the privilege of still paying out of pocket.I ran the numbers (because I’m a glutton for punishment): my family’s health insurance costs are jumping by over 1,000% once the subsidies disappear next year. So, like a lot of Americans, we’ll probably have no coverage in 2026. I made my usual case for universal healthcare — not because it’s perfect elsewhere, but because the current “you’re on your own” model is insane.I wrapped things up asking listeners to share their own marketplace horror stories at callmedonovan.com/voicemail, signed off hoping everyone’s holding up, and reminded y’all — if surviving in this economy doesn’t give you high blood pressure, your next premium notice will. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support. Contact Twitter/Insta/Threads: donadkisson Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.com Voicemail:  https://callmedonovan.com/voicemail Email:  don@callmedonovan.com Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music) Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render

    7 min

  3. 09/19/2025

    Bending the Knee to Power and Money

    I’ll be honest—I don’t know if anything I said in this episode will make a difference, but I had to get it off my chest. The murder of Charlie Kirk has thrown the country into another firestorm, and what frustrates me most isn’t just the tragedy itself, but how the political right is weaponizing it to silence criticism and push their agenda. I talk about free speech—what it really means, what it doesn’t, and how the government should not be the arbiter of who gets to speak.I share my thoughts on J.D. Vance’s comments about “consequences” for people pointing out Charlie’s own words, and why that logic is both hypocritical and dangerous. I also dive into the fallout around Jimmy Kimmel, corporate cowardice, and how big media companies bend to political pressure when their bottom line is at stake.This episode is raw, frustrated, and maybe even a little hopeless—but it’s real. I may not have power, but I do have a voice. And as long as I do, I’m going to use it. This was originally shot as a video which can be found here:  Bending the Knee to Power and Money - by Donovan Adkisson Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support. Contact Twitter/Insta/Threads: donadkisson Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.com Voicemail:  https://callmedonovan.com/voicemail Email:  don@callmedonovan.com Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music) Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render

    13 min

  4. 08/13/2025

    Where the Hell Did 20 Years Go?

    This one’s a walk down memory lane—literally and figuratively. I was just standing at the office door, staring outside, when a flood of memories hit me. March 2026 will mark 20 years in this house—our first real “house-house,” not a mobile home, not an apartment, but an actual piece of stick-built real estate with roots. Before that, we’d done the whole double-wide life (which, don’t get me wrong, still had plenty of heart and HVAC). The journey from farming and window fans to fiber optics and podcast studios has been one wild, dusty, sunroom-repairing ride. I reflected on how so much has changed—kids growing up and moving away, technology evolving from Blackberrys to Rodecaster Pros—and how, weirdly, so much has stayed the same. Like me, still here in this space, wondering where all the time (and hair) went. My two sons are on opposite ends of the country now, and my daughter’s still nearby. I haven’t seen my oldest in person in 10 years, which is a gut-punch I don’t even know how to fully process, but hey, we’ve got Signal and texts. That counts for something… right? There’s some nostalgia, yeah—especially when I remember the midnight Discord chats, taking a leak under the Bradford pear trees (may they rest in mulch). But there’s also pride. I’ve built a business, survived 808 days (and counting) of alcohol-free living, and I’ve even kept a few good friends in rotation. So this episode? It’s part reflection, part processing, part “are you feeling this too?” Especially for my fellow older Gen Xers. Hit me up and let me know how you’re doing. Seriously. Contact Twitter/Insta/Threads: donadkisson Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.com Voicemail:  https://callmedonovan.com/voicemail Email:  don@callmedonovan.com Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music) Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support. Contact Twitter/Insta/Threads: donadkisson Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.com Voicemail:  https://callmedonovan.com/voicemail Email:  don@callmedonovan.com Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music) Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render

    24 min

  5. 07/28/2025

    The Clog That Broke Me

    Hey y’all — Donovan here, and in this episode of Call Me Donovan, I go full tilt into the joys (read: hell) of homeownership. What started as a normal Sunday with laundry turned into a plumbing nightmare: backed-up sinks, overflowing washing machine lines, and a trip—or three—to Lowe’s. I recount how my daughter and I tackled the clog from hell, including crawling under the house, getting soaked in nasty water, and me ending up covered in kitty litter and PVC glue. I also reflect on what it’s like to own a home after years of living in double wides, share a few family stories from my younger days, and throw in a little unsolicited advice for anyone romanticizing the idea of homeownership. Spoiler: it ain’t all HGTV. So if you’ve ever dealt with a stubborn drain, a busted garbage disposal, or just needed a reminder that homeownership means you are also the plumber, carpenter, and janitor—this one’s for you. Got your own homeowner horror story? Hit me up at don@callmedonovan.com or leave me a voicemail at callmedonovan.com/voicemail. This one’s messy—in more ways than one. Pipe Image Socials Twitter/Insta/Threads: donadkisson Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.com Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music) Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support. Contact Twitter/Insta/Threads: donadkisson Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.com Voicemail:  https://callmedonovan.com/voicemail Email:  don@callmedonovan.com Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music) Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render

    23 min

  6. 06/26/2025

    Still Running… Barely

    Hey, it’s Donovan — and welcome back to another episode of Call Me Donovan! Today marks 761 days alcohol-free, and I’m reflecting on what it means to get older — not just for us as people, but for the stuff we rely on every day. Namely: our aging vehicles. In this episode, I dive into the increasingly expensive (and frustrating) world of maintaining older cars. I tell the story of our 2003 Ford Explorer, which still has under 78,000 miles but has racked up thousands in repair costs over the past two years — including a full transmission rebuild. I also share the ups and (mostly) downs of my 2013 Ford Focus and its infamously glitchy “automatic-manual” transmission. Oh, and let’s not forget my son’s bright yellow ‘03 Ford Ranger — we call it the “submarine.” If you've ever stared down a $3,000 repair bill and wondered if it’s time to give up and buy new, you’ll feel this one. Also, I touch briefly on this brutal heat dome sitting over the South and share a few thoughts on climate change — yeah, it’s real, and I’m not sugar-coating it. Finally, I wrap with some Fourth of July safety reminders (especially for the pets!) and a little personal perspective on life as a middle-aged, long-married atheist dad living in the heart of the Bible Belt. It’s another slice-of-life monologue from yours truly. Thanks for listening. —Donovan 🎙️ Got thoughts? 📩 Email me: don@callmedonovan.com 🎤 Leave me a voicemail: callmedonovan.com/voicemail 🌐 Check out more: tiftonmediaworks.com Socials Twitter/Insta/Threads: donadkisson Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.com Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music) Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support. Contact Twitter/Insta/Threads: donadkisson Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.com Voicemail:  https://callmedonovan.com/voicemail Email:  don@callmedonovan.com Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music) Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render

    18 min

  7. 06/10/2025

    When Tech Guys Grab Tools: A Home Repair Adventure

    This time on Call Me Donovan, I’m catching you up on what’s been a hectic couple of weeks around here. First off, I quietly passed the two-year mark on my alcohol-free journey — 745 days and counting. But honestly, things have been such a blur lately I’m not even sure if I already mentioned that. My son Tyler came in from Seattle for one of his regular visits, and as usual, it turned into a bit of a workcation. Whenever he comes home, he asks what projects we can tackle together, and this time we had two big ones. The first was in our so-called “sunroom” — really the cat lounge at this point — where we had to replace a rotted bottom plate after my wife’s accident earlier this year. What should have been a quick repair turned into a comedy of missing tools, stubborn concrete, and way too many trips to Lowe’s. The second project was even more of an adventure: replacing siding on my office and shop building where years of water damage had taken its toll. Let’s just say spiral nails, uncooperative soffits, and old siding don’t come apart easily. We got it done though — with plenty of cuts, bruises, and sore muscles to show for it. In the end, despite the hard work, I had a blast working side-by-side with my son and daughter, doing something that didn’t involve screens or keyboards for a change. We’re already eyeing the next big job: completely rebuilding our back deck later this year. Along the way, I also talk a bit about old friends, the state of our social lives these days, and a little homebrew fix my wife came up with for improving audio in the podcast studio. As always, thanks for listening — and if you’ve got a message or story to share, drop me a voicemail or text. Until next time, take care and stay cool. Picture of the podcasting table Contact Information email: don@callmedonovan.com Twitter/Insta/Threads: donadkisson Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.com Voicemail: https://callmedonovan.com/voicemail Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music) Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support. Contact Twitter/Insta/Threads: donadkisson Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.com Voicemail:  https://callmedonovan.com/voicemail Email:  don@callmedonovan.com Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music) Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render

    22 min

  8. 06/05/2025

    Pet Peeve - Words Have Meaning

    In this episode, I’m venting about something that’s been gnawing at me—how certain terms get hijacked and misused, particularly “anti-Semitism.” Lately, especially with Trump back in power and targeting DEI initiatives and college campuses, there’s this overuse of the term to label any criticism of the Israeli government as anti-Semitic. That’s not only lazy—it’s dishonest. Let me be clear: what Hamas did to Israel was horrific. They’re a terrorist organization, period. But criticizing the Israeli government’s response—especially the ongoing destruction and suffering in Gaza—doesn’t mean you’re anti-Semitic. Protesting for humanitarian reasons isn’t hate; it’s compassion. Being Palestinian doesn’t automatically make someone Hamas. And not every bombed building is a terrorist hideout. People—families—are dying, starving, and being displaced. I can support Jewish people and still oppose Israel’s policies. That’s not bigotry; it’s nuance. And frankly, I’m sick of the weaponization of language to shut down discourse. Words matter. Misusing “anti-Semitism” to score political points or silence protestors is not just misleading—it’s dangerous. That’s my pet peeve of the day. See you next time. Contact Information email: don@callmedonovan.com Twitter/Insta/Threads: donadkisson Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.com Voicemail: https://callmedonovan.com/voicemail Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music) Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support. Contact Twitter/Insta/Threads: donadkisson Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/callmedonovan.com Voicemail:  https://callmedonovan.com/voicemail Email:  don@callmedonovan.com Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. (Intro music) Outro Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render

    7 min
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About

Donovan was born and raised in the deep South. In the South, you have rednecks, religion, sports, and big trucks. Donovan isn’t and doesn’t relate to any of those things. His background is in technology, and he likes to think of himself as the enemy of ignorance and stupidity. Recently, he decided to get sober… for good. This means much of Call Me Donovan (formerly DDP) will be him discussing that continuous journey with all the ups and downs that go along with it. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/call-me-donovan--6578547/support.

Information

  • Creator
    Tifton Media Works
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    83
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Tifton Media Works
  • Show Website
    Call Me Donovan