How we can we understand and learn from the disruption to our lives caused by the coronavirus pandemic?
Recent Posts
The not-so-immaculate conception of Basil Fawlty
BASIL! When was Basil Fawlty created? We can pinpoint the exact date of the not-so-immaculate conception of Basil Fawlty via Michael Palin’s The Python Years: Diaries 1968-1979.
Simple life
Life can sometimes be as simple or as hellishly complex as we make it. Celebrating some simple and profoundly true wisdom on life from comedian and podcaster Joey Diaz.
Transformation
The coronavirus pandemic is transforming our world. It also has the potential to be the greatest learning experience of our lives.
Heroes just for one day?
We could be heroes. Just for one day? The coronavirus pandemic raises questions about how we treat those we call heroes at the frontline of the crisis.
Ready to imagine another world
What do you want the post-pandemic world to look like? This post is inspired by wise words and thoughts from Arundhati Roy, Naval Ravikant and Scott Adams.
Everyone is
There is no right way and no wrong way for us to respond to this situation. Everyone is lost in this maze. But there is a path through.
Nothing manmade remains long
Nothing has felt stranger than these times. But social isolation also brings things into sharper focus. It reminds us of all we have now, the luxury of life and the beauty of love.
Time suddenly alters completely
The coronavirus-driven halting of everyday live has given us all so much time. But there is so much worry and dread to fill that time. How are you coping?
Make me unselfish
It is only natural to feel overwhelmed by the novel coronavirus pandemic. But we are not powerless. Small acts of altruism and of mutual aid can snowball into real, positive change.
My ridiculous life
Gentle reader: How improbable is your life? How ridiculous does it seem that the pieces fell into place exactly as they did, to give you exactly the life you have?
Leap
What’s the biggest leap into the unknown that you have ever taken? Is there a leap in life that you would like to take?
Farewell, Lord Sabre (Andrew Weatherall RIP)
Andrew Weatherall’s death was a truly jolting moment, the saddest of losses. This post is my personal tribute to this musical maverick, this genius gentleman raconteur. I am also honoured to host Tim Scott’s tribute to Lord Sabre.
Be kind to all
Be kind to all. Thoughts on kindness, featuring some wonderful guest words from Rebecca L Coates on why kindness can require both effort and strength… but is so worth it.
David Crosby: Fighting darkness, shedding light
Freak Flag Flying – David Crosby’s epic podcast conversation with Steve Silberman – is a beautiful gift to humanity, generously sharing warmth, wisdom and wonderful music.
What’s your action? (Robert Downey Jr wisdom)
Three pieces of wisdom from Robert Downey Jr’s January 2020 appearance on the Joe Rogan podcast.
My top 5 podcasts of 2019
My pick of the podcasts that have meant the most to me in 2019, featuring: Scott Adams; Naval Ravikant; Richard Herring; Samira Ahmed; Brian Koppelman; Joe Rogan; Michael Rapaport; Rich Roll; Jocko Willink; Kate Carrau; and Adam Buxton.
A year in the life of Emma Dixon: No fear but only love
I am honoured to host a guest post from Emma Dixon – human rights barrister, end of life doula in training, and a wonderful human being. Emma has written some wonderful words about her experiences in 2019 and the lessons that she has taken from them.
#FiveQuidFoodBank
The #FiveQuidFoodBank campaign encourages people to donate £5 to their local food bank, or directly to the Trussell Trust. Russ Jones – who originated #FiveQuidFoodBank in 2017 – explains how #FiveQuidFoodBank came to be, and why it’s just as necessary today.
My top 5 podcasts of 2019 (so far!) Part III
My third pick of the podcasts that have meant the most to me in 2019 (so far!), featuring: Laurie Ruettimann; Rich Roll; Jeff Gordinier; Richard Herring; Tony Slattery; Joey Diaz; Andrew Schulz; RuPaul; Michelle Visage; Nile Rodgers; Leonard Maltin; Jessie Maltin; and Fred Willard.
So pure
What was the last thing that moved you to tears? What gives you the strength to carry on? Inspired by Idles, this post celebrates the sustaining power of love, friendship and heartfelt honesty.
Ruthless clarity
Our “post-truth, post-shame” world needs the comedian’s ruthless clarity and respect for the audience. This post is inspired by wise words from Nitin Sawhney, Whitney Cummings, Matt Stoller and Sean Jones QC.
Left in the dust?
Change never stops. Change is a challenge. Change always gives you a choice. This is as true as ever in today’s “post-shame, post-truth” world.
Kirsten Shiel interview: A little smattering of doodles
An interview with Kirsten Shiel – a phenomenal Dublin-based artist, art director and illustrator.
Walk out a different person
When was the moment your life changed? If you open your senses to them, moments of synchronicity can usher in profound change, or simply render the present moment magical.
Éilis McDonough interview: Drawing with an adventurous spirit
An interview with Éilis McDonough – a fantastic artist operating out of lovely Portland, Oregon.
Olivia Kemp interview: Building worlds and imaginary places
I am delighted to host an interview with Olivia Kemp – an artist who creates mesmerising, intricate worlds in pen and ink.
They’d fight the sun for each other
Things fall apart. The next generation is organising itself to put them back together again, for the good of one another and for the good of all.
The voice of a friend: Bryan Wempen’s Sober Is Better
I am honoured to share here my foreword to Bryan Wempen’s excellent new book Sober Is Better: My Note to Self.
The Skeleton Collection: My debut postcard set!
I am delighted to announce the launch of my debut Skeleton postcard collection: A set of three pictures of Mr Skeleton living his best #SkeleLife, available to buy right now!
Bryan Wempen interview: Sober is Better
An interview with Bryan Wempen, whose new book Sober Is Better: My Note to Self talks movingly – and with great warmth and humour – of his life, his experiences of addiction, and his journey of recovery and discovery.
Nicola Budd (Howell Illustration) interview: Art inspired by nature and sustainable living
Nicola Budd is the excellent artist behind Howell Illustration, which “is all about pen and ink art, inspired by nature and slow, simple, sustainable living.” I am honoured to host this interview with Nicola about her art and her commitment to sustainability.
Creativity (So Fresh, So Clean)
How do you sustain creativity? How do you keep it fresh? This post is inspired by wise words on creativity from Andre 3000, Rick Rubin and Chris Difford.
Mr Skeleton’s lockdown tips
This selection of #Sketchulence collects the good Mr Skeleton’s four pieces of advice for getting through the coronavirus pandemic lockdown.
All the life that lay ahead of us
Flea’s Acid for the Children beautifully evokes the endless possibility, discovery and danger of childhood, with a particular poignancy in these times of coronavirus lockdown.
