Midlife Mixtap‪e‬ Nancy Davis Kho: Gen X humor writer and '80s song lyrics over-quoter

“Weird, quirky circumstances”: Author and “10 Things to Tell You” podcaster Laura Tremaine on her new book that encourages readers to share more stories to deepen relationships, foster understanding, and connect us more closely, even during a pandemic.



* Share Your Stuff. I’ll Go First. 10 Questions to Take Your Friendships to the Next Level

* LauraTremaine.com

* Laura on Instagram @laura.tremaine

* 10 Things to Tell You Podcast

* Kate Davis – Strange Boy



Hear me out: this, but with an actual taxi

Thanks as always to M. The Heir Apparent, who provides the music behind the podcast – check him out here! ***This is a rough transcription of Episode 91 of the Midlife Mixtape Podcast. It originally aired on February 16, 2021. Transcripts are created using a combination of speech recognition software and human transcribers, and there may be errors in this transcription, but we hope that it provides helpful insight into the conversation. If you have any questions or need clarification, please email dj@midlifemixtape.com ***

Laura Tremaine 00:00

No, all opportunities do not go away any second. You do not have to seize every moment. It’s gonna take a long time and you need to just settle in.

00:09

Welcome to Midlife Mixtape, The Podcast. I’m Nancy Davis Kho and we’re here to talk about the years between being hip and breaking one.

[THEME MUSIC – “Be Free” by M. The Heir Apparent]

Nancy Davis Kho 00:30

Hi, listeners. This is Nancy Davis Kho, host of the Midlife Mixtape Podcast, and author of The Thank-You Project: Cultivating Happiness One Letter of Gratitude at a Time. I’m also a frustrated fan of live music at a time when going to a concert could kill you. So since I can’t recommend any concerts to you, I thought I would at least start out today’s show with a music tip. Check out the brand-new album Strange Boy by Kate Davis. And before you ask, yes, indeed, this is nepotism play. Kate’s the daughter of my sweet cousin Jim. However, she also happens to be wildly talented, and this is a brand-new album and it’s so great. It’s a cover album of the late great Daniel Johnston’s project, Retired Boxer.

Kate has teamed up with Daniel’s charity, the  Hi, How Are You Project for the release, with a portion of the proceeds from sales and streaming going to the charity. As part of this partnership, Kate was part of the Hi, How Are You Mental Health Day Fundraiser and performed over live stream with Jeff Tweedy, Bully, Molly Burch, Lucius, Tunde Adebimpe of TV on the Radio, and a bunch of other folks.

If you’re thinking about Kate Davis music, you’re thinking about Sharon Van Etten, Phoebe Bridgers, Feist…if you like that music vibe, check out Strange Boy on Spotify, Bandcamp, Apple Music and other streaming services, or you could order some choice blue vinyl. Strange Boy, by Kate Davis – give yourself the gift of a midmonth music refresher!

[Music – I’ll Do Anything But BreakDance For Ya, Darling, from Strange Boy by Kate Davis].

“A sense of endless possibility”: Different Together founder J. Christopher Collins on his new book, “Mending Our Union,” why face-to-face conversation by people with differing viewpoints can foster hope, and practical tips for tense talks.



* J Christopher Collins’ website

* Mending Our Union

* Different Together

* Glide Memorial Church

* Living Room Conversations

* Braver Angels



I could be wrong. I suppose it’s possible. (I could be right)

Thanks as always to M. The Heir Apparent, who provides the music behind the podcast – check him out here! ***This is a rough transcription of Episode 90 of the Midlife Mixtape Podcast. It originally aired on February 2, 2021. Transcripts are created using a combination of speech recognition software and human transcribers, and there may be errors in this transcription, but we hope that it provides helpful insight into the conversation. If you have any questions or need clarification, please email dj@midlifemixtape.com ***

 

J Christopher Collins 00:00

I’ve asked some of the Different Together participants, why do you keep on coming back here? And I commonly hear that, “it’s because I’m more hopeful. I’m less dismissive of people’s opinions.” And that is a starting point that is hopeful.

Nancy Davis Kho 00:16

Welcome to Midlife Mixtape, The Podcast. I’m Nancy Davis Kho and we’re here to talk about the years between being hip and breaking one.

[THEME MUSIC – “Be Free” by M. The Heir Apparent].

Nancy Davis Kho 00:38

Hi listeners – This is Nancy Davis Kho, host of the Midlife Mixtape Podcast, and author of The Thank-You Project: Cultivating Happiness One Letter of Gratitude at a Time. Valentine’s Day is coming and if you’re thinking, “Oh great, yet another holiday in captivity,” may I suggest a way to make it stand out from every other Sunday since last March? Write your Valentine, your Galentine or your Bacchanal-entine a gratitude letter for all the ways they’ve improved your life, and hand it over along with a copy of my book! You can find The Thank-You Project in bookstores, online, or for audio download and here’s some incentive – if you buy the book and you’re planning to give it to your Valentine, email me at dj@midlifemixtape.com tell me who you’ll gift the book and letter to and I’ll mail you a personalized bookplate to stick inside! Valentine’s Day SOLVED. Now let’s get back to real romance by which I mean, rewatching Bridgerton.

[MUSIC]

Hi everyone, and Happy 2021! You know if you listened to Episode 89 at the end of last year that I needed to take a bit of personal time off after the death of my mom in December. And I just wanted to start off this episode in this year by thanking all of you who reached out to check in on me and express condolences. It was a rough go as, frankly, was appropriate, and even once I started feeling better, I really couldn’t really exhale until after Inauguration Day.

But I found once January 20th was behind me, I was actually feeling inspired and excited about the chance to talk to someone for the podcast and in particular today’s guest, J.

“I grieve and thank Time for all of these reasons”: In this special year-end episode, a compendium of listeners’ stories of the losses they’re grieving and something they’re grateful for in 2020, and a tribute to the most wonderful mom in the world.



* Midlife Mixtape End of Year Virtual Dance Party with DJ Damon – Dec 22 at 6 pm PT

* Wendi Aarons’ humor writing on McSweeneys

* Wendi Aarons’ humor writing on the New Yorker



Thanks as always to M. The Heir Apparent, who provides the music behind the podcast – check him out here! ***This is a rough transcription of Episode 89 of the Midlife Mixtape Podcast. It originally aired on December 22, 2020. Transcripts are created using a combination of speech recognition software and human transcribers, and there may be errors in this transcription, but we hope that it provides helpful insight into the conversation. If you have any questions or need clarification, please email dj@midlifemixtape.com ***

Nancy Davis Kho 00:00

I have more memories of this year than most. I understand how life can change in an instant and I will always be thankful for 2020, for it has truly made me stop and smell the roses.

00:12

Welcome to Midlife Mixtape, The Podcast. I’m Nancy Davis Kho and we’re here to talk about the years between being hip and breaking one.

[THEME MUSIC – “Be Free” by M. The Heir Apparent]

Nancy 00:37

If you’re hearing this episode on the day it publishes – that is, Tuesday, December 22, 2020 – I’d like to invite you to a celebration of the final Midlife Mixtape Podcast episode of the longest year in the history of print calendars. I’ve asked my friend DJ Damon, who in normal times spins ‘80s alternative dance music at the Cat Club in San Francisco, to host Midlife Mixtape listeners on his Twitch channel tonight for two hours, starting at 6 pm Pacific, 7 Mountain, 8 Central, and  9 pm Eastern. All you have to do at the appointed time is go to https://www.twitch.tv/dj_damon – that’s https://www.twitch.tv/dj_damon – don’t worry, I’ll leave a link in the show notes – and you’ll be at the party along with Prince, Bronski Beat, Depeche Mode and more.

Obviously NOT like an in-person dance party but you can still turn your computer speakers all the way up to 11 and dance around your living room. There’s a chat function on Twitch and I’ll be hanging out there so I hope you’ll drop in and say hello.

As you’re going to hear at the end of the episode, I’m haven’t been able to put together my normal OCD playlist for this one, so I’m relying on you guys to add your requests to the chat tonight and Damon will get them spinning. No matter how you’re feeling today -sad, angry, disappointed, grateful, optimistic, lucky – dancing is always the right answer. I mean, we’ve all seen the solo Kevin Bacon anger dance scene in Footloose, right? Dance out those feelings. I hope you’ll join in for a single song or for a couple of hours tonight, Dec 22 at 6 pm PT at https://www.twitch.tv/dj_damon. I’ll buy the first round!

[MUSIC]

Nancy

Welcome to the final episode of the Midlife Mixtape Podcast of 2020. I’m the host and creator of the show, Nancy Davis Kho, and I’m so glad you’re joining us.

I hope if this show has brought you laughter, good memories,

“Find an upbeat ending”: NYT bestselling author Bruce Feiler on the power of storytelling when we go through difficult times, the universal patterns of “lifequakes”, and how we can better manage change at any age.



* BruceFeiler.com

* Life is in the Transitions: Mastering Change at Any Age

* The Life Story Project

* Bruce’s Ted Talks



In honor of Bruce’s first concert, my mom’s birthday this week, and presenting Midlife Mixtape Podcast sponsor Amateur Music Network, I bring you my favorite JD song to belt out.



Thanks as always to M. The Heir Apparent, who provides the music behind the podcast – check him out here! ***This is a rough transcription of Episode 88 of the Midlife Mixtape Podcast. It originally aired on December 8, 2020. Transcripts are created using a combination of speech recognition software and human transcribers, and there may be errors in this transcription, but we hope that it provides helpful insight into the conversation. If you have any questions or need clarification, please email dj@midlifemixtape.com ***

Bruce Feiler 00:01

The proper response to a setback is a story. So, you’re going to move on, and the only question is: what story are you going to tell about it?

00:10

Welcome to Midlife Mixtape, The Podcast. I’m Nancy Davis Kho and we’re here to talk about the years between being hip and breaking one.

[THEME MUSIC – “Be Free” by M. The Heir Apparent]

Nancy Davis Kho 00:35

Hi listeners – Just as quick reminder as you’re doing your holiday shopping this year that indie bookstores, indie music venues, and creatives of all stripes need your support in order to be around to greet us when we emerge from this pandemic. I’m inviting you to be creative in your giving this year – buy a ticket for an artist’s live stream concert, tip generously when a DJ you like does a live set on Twitch, buy some merch from a club or a singer you love. Your local bookstore probably has gifts from $3 bookmarks on up to fat coffee table books, and they’re keeping employment and tax dollars right in your neighborhood. I hope you’ll remember to shop local, shop small, and keep live music alive in your life this December!

[MUSIC]

Hey there Pop Rocks, and if you need that reference go back and listen to Episode 87 with Joanna Bloor. Nancy here and I hope you’re hanging in, keeping your masks tight, your distances social, and your sanity intact. That light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter every day, and we are going to get there.

I am really excited about today’s conversation because it’s one that I think couldn’t come at a better time for all of us. My guest today is Bruce Feiler.

Bruce Feiler is the author of seven New York Times bestsellers; the presenter of two prime-time series on PBS; and the inspiration for the drama series COUNCIL OF DADS on NBC. Bruce’s two TED Talks have been viewed more than two million times. His new book, LIFE IS IN THE TRANSITIONS: Ma...

“Figure out your ball”: In her work as “aspiring Fairy Godmother”, tech startup veteran Joanna Bloor talks about uncovering your unique magic, why “adventure timelines” are better than resumes, and channeling her inner Bette Midler.



* Joanna’s website Joanna Bloor

* Joanna working with Fatima to create magic – video

* Joanna’s live show every Friday talking about the Future of the Human Workplace and how you can rock your place in it. Tickets Here

* FIGURE 8 VOYAGE – 4 Oceans, 2 Circumnavigations, 1 Guy, 1 Year – Alone.

* Sign up for Joanna’s newsletter here.



No sequins but this is a damn ‘80s delight

Thanks as always to M. The Heir Apparent, who provides the music behind the podcast – check him out here! ***This is a rough transcription of Episode 87 of the Midlife Mixtape Podcast. It originally aired on November 24, 2020. Transcripts are created using a combination of speech recognition software and human transcribers, and there may be errors in this transcription, but we hope that it provides helpful insight into the conversation. If you have any questions or need clarification, please email dj@midlifemixtape.com ***

Joanna Bloor 00:00

“Who do you want to be when you grow up?” is a question that never ends.  The fact that we stop asking people at like, what, 10? I think it’s crazy. I think we should ask people all the time.

00:12

Welcome to Midlife Mixtape, The Podcast. I’m Nancy Davis Kho and we’re here to talk about the years between being hip and breaking one.

[THEME MUSIC – “Be Free” by M. The Heir Apparent]

Nancy Davis Kho 00:36

Hi listeners – I just want to take a moment at the top of this Thanksgiving Week episode to express my thanks to all of you for listening to the Midlife Mixtape Podcast! It’s gratifying to know that my loyal listeners are as interested in the insights from a grab bag of interesting people “in the years between being hip and breaking one” as I am – and I look forward to bringing that #relatablecontent to your ears in the months to come. Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and happy Thanksgiving in whatever form that takes in 2020 – go back and listen to Ep 86 with Epidemiologist Dr. George Rutherford if you need a reminder of just how to do that – and thank you for tuning in to the show!

[MUSIC]

Hello, Gum Drops. I start most of my episodes with some variation on “Hi Guys,” but I recently saw an Instagram post encouraging us to drop that word in favor of less gendered, more inclusive nouns, and Gum Drops was one of them, which tells me that literally anything goes. So, in the future, prepare yourself to be addressed as Pet Rocks, Pop Rocks, and Bands that Have Been Overlooked by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Before I introduce today’s guest, I want to invite you to listen all the way to the end because it’s almost time for another Listener Contributed Episode – this one will be the final episode of the year. I want to collect YOUR stories and I’ll tell you the topic towards the end of the show.

When I first connected with today’s guest I was immediately struck by her optimism and positivity. We were talking about recording an episode for October, but it occurred to me: she could be my post-election insurance policy. If things hadn’t broken the way we hoped, I realized she might be the one person who could walk us back from the abyss with her focus on future and potential. What a THRILL to realize,

“The responsible thing to do”: In this special episode, UCSF public health specialist Dr. George Rutherford MD answers Midlife Mixtape listeners’ questions about COVID, vaccine development, and how to stay safe in the months ahead.

Fresh Garbage but ain’t no spinach

Thanks as always to M. The Heir Apparent, who provides the music behind the podcast – check him out here! ***This is a rough transcription of Episode 86 of the Midlife Mixtape Podcast. It originally aired on November 10, 2020. Transcripts are created using a combination of speech recognition software and human transcribers, and there may be errors in this transcription, but we hope that it provides helpful insight into the conversation. If you have any questions or need clarification, please email dj@midlifemixtape.com ***

Dr. George Rutherford, MD 00:00

It’s unfortunate, but this is a moment in time. This time next year this problem will hopefully be solved.

00:08

Welcome to Midlife Mixtape, The Podcast. I’m Nancy Davis Kho and we’re here to talk about the years between being hip and breaking one.

[THEME MUSIC – “Be Free” by M. The Heir Apparent]

Nancy 00:33

This year’s Thanksgiving celebrations may be the strangest on record – between the hardships of 2020 and the fear of COVID spread, it’s unlikely we’re celebrating the holiday as usual. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t reasons to be grateful, or ways to find more thankfulness in our lives. And to make it easier, I’m giving away ten signed copies of my book, The Thank-You Project: Cultivating Happiness One Letter of Gratitude at a Time, on Goodreads. Just head over to Goodsreads.com and search for the book or for my name, and you’ll find the page that lets you enter to win. Of course, you can also find the book in bookstores, online, and for audio download – all the details at www.DavisKho.com. And hey, the holidays are coming…how about writing a thank-you letter to someone and tucking it inside my very pretty little blue book? It’s a double whammy – science shows that both you and the letter recipient will feel better! Then you can just sit back and tuck YOURSELF into some eggnog and sugar cookies?

It’s a thought.

Hey people, we’re back! I’m Nancy Davis Kho and I want to thank you for tuning in. How’s your stress level? I’m recording this episode on the fourth day of November 3,  three days AFTER the election, so while I’m optimistic about the outcome of the presidential race and hoping not to be dropping an episode during a civil war, I have to assume it could happen? In which case, may your toilet paper supplies be robust, your reflexes sharp, and your battle hymns ready. That’s gallows humor, I don’t know what we’re supposed to be thinking or doing right now. I look forward to the day that I can go 24 hours in a row without thinking about the president.

Today’s episode is a bit different than normal, but given the circumstances, I figured you wouldn’t mind. The deal is that I know an epidemiologist, and in 2020, that’s quite a useful connection to have. So, I asked if he would come on the show and talk not about midlife, but about COVID: where we are, where we’re going, what we need to know right now. (Of course, I asked him about his first concert, I’m not a barbarian.) You all sent in some questions, I had some of my own, and the result is today’s interview, with Dr. George W. Rutherford, M.D. Dr. Rutherford is the Salvatore Pablo Lucia Professor of Epidemiology, Preventive Medicine, Pediatrics and History and Head of the Division of Infectious Disease and Global Epidemiology in th...