My wife and I are a bit older than you and Meagan and also decided we didn’t want the responsibility of raising our own children. One thing you neglected to mention is the awesomeness of the children your friends did decide to bring into this world. Most of our friends children are adults at this point with whom you can enjoy a beer or fine single malt. When they were younger you could borrow them when you needed to see a “kid’s” movie and didn’t want to be the only childless couple in the theater. We had a go to child of a good friend we still refer to as our rental son and we now include him in our circle of friends.
I truly do appreciate individuals who know themselves well enough to know that raising children is not for them. I think it shows such a strong sense of understanding.
Nick, I’m a recent subscriber, but a long-time fan.
When the world gets a bit too much, I usually spend an evening with Jack and Ron – Jack on ice, and Ron on YouTube. I find that an hour of Jack and Ron lightens the burden enough for me to sleep, and this strategy has been my go-to for years.
But recently, this has stopped working. And then it occurred to me that while Ron’s singlemindedness is part of why he helps me relax, it’s really your voice and elocution that do most of the heavy lifting – that and the 80-proof bourbon-pretending-to-be-whiskey I pair with them. And this is why I found your podcast, and why I hope you’ll continue making these videos until the end of time.
Right now, my kids are getting ready for bed, and my wife is reading something that’s making her smile. The evening outside is cool, and not too grey or wet. And somewhere in the distance there’s a neighbor inspiring me with the smell from his outdoor grill. Jack is on ice, and I’m writing to the voice of Ron. Things should feel idyllic, but I just can’t shake this heavy feeling.
With the war not too far from here (I live in Amsterdam, the Netherlands – but I’m not from here, nor from anywhere in particular) and Russian media apparently talking about a third world war, and how nice it would be to wipe out three of the countries that surround me, all of Jack, Ron, and Donkey Thoughts combined aren’t taking the edge off this evening.
So I wonder Nick, what do you do when the weight of the world gets too much? Any advice on how to drop some of it? A better whiskey perhaps?
And I hope after the world doesn’t end (and when travel no longer feels dangerous) you’ll resume your Europe tour, because seeing one of your shows is on my bucket list. As is buying you a drink to thank you for your oeuvre; it has brough me so much comfort over the years.
I believe everything said about parents...but when your old and getting going in the morning takes 20 minutes, and good cup of coffee...one of the few things that will bring joy, occupy your time (now that your retired) are the kids and grand kids...otherwise its just golf and tv.
Points well stated Mr Offerman and just one more reason to dislike Ferrell and his funny man antics. You did however overlook one benefit of having children as we age into those needy senior citizen types. Those without kids will have no one to rudely tolerate them, or to spend countless minutes with on holidays (the major ones) and birthdays. When all you anti-kidders longingly watch your fellow nursing home parents enjoy the warmth, love and near genuine compassion of drive-by visits by unwilling family members several times a year, you shall know the err of your ways.
Some people can't stand themselves without even realizing it and it shows. I never had a functioning family dynamic and have never experienced going to visit anyone in a nursing home when I was young. Multigenerational trauma is very real and I'm breaking it by not spawning. I've spent the majority of my life in solitude, but 8 years ago I found The One, and it's so amazing that we are so perfect together. I'm totally ok being alone though. I had tons of time to amuse myself and waste time in the past. When it comes down to it, don't need anyone, and in the future if I can't take care of myself and my quality of life is gone, I will look into euthanasia. I was already miserable the first 29 years of life, why drag it out til I'm back in diapers? Hard pass.
Hmmm although I am old... ancient actually, my poochy tummy has had some folks ask me when my baby is due..... my baby has (cough) made me a grandmother. Look at my wrinkles around my eyes, neck, upper arms... and gasp, ankles...... people; no one my age should be pregnant. Guess I need to wear a tummy band....
Need some help. Just cut a 4 ft log off a walnut tree at my in law’s farm for my my wife. I’m am not a novice but I am stepping my woodworking game up. I need to buy a planner for sho but have no idea where to begin with this big ass log. Where should I send you pictures of said log and my current equipment?
I’m on my phone and keep hitting the wrong buttons.
I was thrilled that you’re doing donkey thoughts and just wanted to let you know I’m a fan . My best to you and Meagan. My lovely bride i lives in a house in SF that she inherited. I would love to pick your brain on how to make it the showpiece it’s capable and deserves being (1929).
After listening to your passion for responsible food and agriculture last night, have you ever read “Animal, Vegetable, Miracle” by Barbara Kingsolver?
Our environment would be in a much healthier state and there would be way less suffering if more people would educate themselves about the horrors of modern US agriculture. I so appreciate not only your passion for it, but also for bringing it to attention!
I love the books of Barbara Kingsolver, I've read only three so far, including Animal, Vegetable, Miracle...besides trying to entertain my audience I also hope to awaken them (and me) to the need to comprehend where our food comes from, and who it is that produces it, and how. If we can get right with our farmers, a lot of social ills will fall into line. Thank you for citing Ms. Kingsolver, and I'll goose the works of Robin Wall Kimmerer as well, especially Braiding Sweetgrass.
I’m intrigued after reading abt. Braiding Sweetgrass and Robin Wall Kimmerer. I just ordered it and cannot wait to start. Thank you for the recommendation.
My spouse and I decided early and often that we would not be bringing any more biological life into this world by scrambling our DNA. I’m often struck by how often I hear people say “but what will you leave behind?”
We will leave behind years spent in love, surrounded by our friends and family, memories strewn across each state we’ve created homes in with our pets and belongings. We will have enjoyed incredible food, art, experiences, sex, adventures and pleasures that exist after we are gone because everyone that has walked this earth has made marks unknown to themselves. But most importantly I have realized that having a child does not accelerate our growth. You and your child will grow together at the same rate, and although I have seen myself grow quite a bit in my (40ish) years I still feel like I have more work to do on me first.
AND just because you did not create a life it doesn’t mean you didn’t give to the next generation- whether it being loving younger family members, or mentoring, or creating art and information that will out last you. My daughter has many “faerie god parents” as we call them, who provide affection or sage advice (she’s now 20) as needed. I was professionally mentored in my younger years by an amazing leader in my field whom had no kids- she still was paying it into the future.
I'm 64. My wife is 38. We chose not to have kids for many reasons, the main one... We wanted freedom. We like to go places, do things, have extra money. We didn't want the responsibility of being parents
Mostly, we must realize, we all don't make great parents.
Look at how bad some parents are. I didn't want to be one of them as bad parents run in my family.
Hi Nick,
My wife and I are a bit older than you and Meagan and also decided we didn’t want the responsibility of raising our own children. One thing you neglected to mention is the awesomeness of the children your friends did decide to bring into this world. Most of our friends children are adults at this point with whom you can enjoy a beer or fine single malt. When they were younger you could borrow them when you needed to see a “kid’s” movie and didn’t want to be the only childless couple in the theater. We had a go to child of a good friend we still refer to as our rental son and we now include him in our circle of friends.
I truly do appreciate individuals who know themselves well enough to know that raising children is not for them. I think it shows such a strong sense of understanding.
Nick, I’m a recent subscriber, but a long-time fan.
When the world gets a bit too much, I usually spend an evening with Jack and Ron – Jack on ice, and Ron on YouTube. I find that an hour of Jack and Ron lightens the burden enough for me to sleep, and this strategy has been my go-to for years.
But recently, this has stopped working. And then it occurred to me that while Ron’s singlemindedness is part of why he helps me relax, it’s really your voice and elocution that do most of the heavy lifting – that and the 80-proof bourbon-pretending-to-be-whiskey I pair with them. And this is why I found your podcast, and why I hope you’ll continue making these videos until the end of time.
Right now, my kids are getting ready for bed, and my wife is reading something that’s making her smile. The evening outside is cool, and not too grey or wet. And somewhere in the distance there’s a neighbor inspiring me with the smell from his outdoor grill. Jack is on ice, and I’m writing to the voice of Ron. Things should feel idyllic, but I just can’t shake this heavy feeling.
With the war not too far from here (I live in Amsterdam, the Netherlands – but I’m not from here, nor from anywhere in particular) and Russian media apparently talking about a third world war, and how nice it would be to wipe out three of the countries that surround me, all of Jack, Ron, and Donkey Thoughts combined aren’t taking the edge off this evening.
So I wonder Nick, what do you do when the weight of the world gets too much? Any advice on how to drop some of it? A better whiskey perhaps?
And I hope after the world doesn’t end (and when travel no longer feels dangerous) you’ll resume your Europe tour, because seeing one of your shows is on my bucket list. As is buying you a drink to thank you for your oeuvre; it has brough me so much comfort over the years.
Karl, of Amsterdam, and several other places.
I believe everything said about parents...but when your old and getting going in the morning takes 20 minutes, and good cup of coffee...one of the few things that will bring joy, occupy your time (now that your retired) are the kids and grand kids...otherwise its just golf and tv.
Points well stated Mr Offerman and just one more reason to dislike Ferrell and his funny man antics. You did however overlook one benefit of having children as we age into those needy senior citizen types. Those without kids will have no one to rudely tolerate them, or to spend countless minutes with on holidays (the major ones) and birthdays. When all you anti-kidders longingly watch your fellow nursing home parents enjoy the warmth, love and near genuine compassion of drive-by visits by unwilling family members several times a year, you shall know the err of your ways.
Some people can't stand themselves without even realizing it and it shows. I never had a functioning family dynamic and have never experienced going to visit anyone in a nursing home when I was young. Multigenerational trauma is very real and I'm breaking it by not spawning. I've spent the majority of my life in solitude, but 8 years ago I found The One, and it's so amazing that we are so perfect together. I'm totally ok being alone though. I had tons of time to amuse myself and waste time in the past. When it comes down to it, don't need anyone, and in the future if I can't take care of myself and my quality of life is gone, I will look into euthanasia. I was already miserable the first 29 years of life, why drag it out til I'm back in diapers? Hard pass.
Sounds like woke brainwash.
😂 all of this!😂
I meant construction btw. 35 years building and hauling etc. You get it. I’m a shitty editor
Always enjoying your calm and serene voice as you give the best piece of advice to every question. I have a question of my own.
"Show me who your friends are, I'll show you who you are." But what if your partner is friends with everyone? Can she be trusted? Should I be worried?
Hmmm although I am old... ancient actually, my poochy tummy has had some folks ask me when my baby is due..... my baby has (cough) made me a grandmother. Look at my wrinkles around my eyes, neck, upper arms... and gasp, ankles...... people; no one my age should be pregnant. Guess I need to wear a tummy band....
Need some help. Just cut a 4 ft log off a walnut tree at my in law’s farm for my my wife. I’m am not a novice but I am stepping my woodworking game up. I need to buy a planner for sho but have no idea where to begin with this big ass log. Where should I send you pictures of said log and my current equipment?
Sorry Nick,
I’m on my phone and keep hitting the wrong buttons.
I was thrilled that you’re doing donkey thoughts and just wanted to let you know I’m a fan . My best to you and Meagan. My lovely bride i lives in a house in SF that she inherited. I would love to pick your brain on how to make it the showpiece it’s capable and deserves being (1929).
Just telling you about it gives me a semi. Lol
I’ll let you the date.
Love,
Klutch
After listening to your passion for responsible food and agriculture last night, have you ever read “Animal, Vegetable, Miracle” by Barbara Kingsolver?
Our environment would be in a much healthier state and there would be way less suffering if more people would educate themselves about the horrors of modern US agriculture. I so appreciate not only your passion for it, but also for bringing it to attention!
I love the books of Barbara Kingsolver, I've read only three so far, including Animal, Vegetable, Miracle...besides trying to entertain my audience I also hope to awaken them (and me) to the need to comprehend where our food comes from, and who it is that produces it, and how. If we can get right with our farmers, a lot of social ills will fall into line. Thank you for citing Ms. Kingsolver, and I'll goose the works of Robin Wall Kimmerer as well, especially Braiding Sweetgrass.
I’m intrigued after reading abt. Braiding Sweetgrass and Robin Wall Kimmerer. I just ordered it and cannot wait to start. Thank you for the recommendation.
Entertaining and awakening!! Thank you!
My spouse and I decided early and often that we would not be bringing any more biological life into this world by scrambling our DNA. I’m often struck by how often I hear people say “but what will you leave behind?”
We will leave behind years spent in love, surrounded by our friends and family, memories strewn across each state we’ve created homes in with our pets and belongings. We will have enjoyed incredible food, art, experiences, sex, adventures and pleasures that exist after we are gone because everyone that has walked this earth has made marks unknown to themselves. But most importantly I have realized that having a child does not accelerate our growth. You and your child will grow together at the same rate, and although I have seen myself grow quite a bit in my (40ish) years I still feel like I have more work to do on me first.
AND just because you did not create a life it doesn’t mean you didn’t give to the next generation- whether it being loving younger family members, or mentoring, or creating art and information that will out last you. My daughter has many “faerie god parents” as we call them, who provide affection or sage advice (she’s now 20) as needed. I was professionally mentored in my younger years by an amazing leader in my field whom had no kids- she still was paying it into the future.
I'm 64. My wife is 38. We chose not to have kids for many reasons, the main one... We wanted freedom. We like to go places, do things, have extra money. We didn't want the responsibility of being parents
Mostly, we must realize, we all don't make great parents.
Look at how bad some parents are. I didn't want to be one of them as bad parents run in my family.
You say "race cult" like its a bad thing.
Oh.
Every time I hear the word “bacon,” I think of you.