A long phone call with a friend is like doing a podcast that nobody will ever hear, and it's a beautiful, ephemeral thing! (If a tree falls in the woods, and Joe Rogan isn't there to ask it questions about chemtrails, did it actually happen?) It was a hectic year, but I helped organize a fundraiser for a near and dear non-profit with my wife, and we ended up booking several of my favorite local bands which was the most wholesome twofer I could have hoped for. I ended up filling in on bass for a friend's band at that show too - we hadn't really connected much since high school 15+ years ago, so it really came full circle in a beautiful way. What were some of the standout live shows you saw this year? Hoping to catch one of your Beverly shows next month!
This was such a beautiful event to have organized/participated in!
I really enjoyed Jes Tom's solo show and seeing Gary Gulman run the set that would become his special. I also loved watching a bunch of the folks who I got to work with on the road!
Hi, just another newbie here, and because I have a substack problem, I really can’t remember how I got here (but definitely not Self). Anyhow, just commenting to say how much I enjoy your writing, voice, and point of view. As others have said, the pep talks have been really nice during a rather crap year.
Followed your substack early in the year not because of Self (though “What if oatmeal were made of gummy worms?” is 100% correct) but from WWDTM and the Bugle. Your standup special was one of my favs from this year! The pep talks you write are lifting my spirits during a relatively tough time. Thank you.
Love the return of the friend phone call (I have like...4 people i will talk to on the phone and every time it’s a treat). Happy holidays to you and yours , thanks for being a bright light in a frequently dim year!
A long phone call with a friend is like doing a podcast that nobody will ever hear, and it's a beautiful, ephemeral thing! (If a tree falls in the woods, and Joe Rogan isn't there to ask it questions about chemtrails, did it actually happen?) It was a hectic year, but I helped organize a fundraiser for a near and dear non-profit with my wife, and we ended up booking several of my favorite local bands which was the most wholesome twofer I could have hoped for. I ended up filling in on bass for a friend's band at that show too - we hadn't really connected much since high school 15+ years ago, so it really came full circle in a beautiful way. What were some of the standout live shows you saw this year? Hoping to catch one of your Beverly shows next month!
This was such a beautiful event to have organized/participated in!
I really enjoyed Jes Tom's solo show and seeing Gary Gulman run the set that would become his special. I also loved watching a bunch of the folks who I got to work with on the road!
Hope you make it to a show in Beverly!
You definitely look cool and intense there!
Phew! Thank you!
Found my way here by way of All Fantasy Everything, and what a delight it has been. Thank you for your service 🫡
Aww I love those guys! Thanks for following the trail over here!
dear josh,
i love you!
this is beautiful.
i'm happy to know you!
and “This is your grad school!” is wonderful!
thank you for sharing it all!
love
myq
I love you and am happy to know you too!!!
Please come to Vegas or convince WWDTM to do a live show here! We have a beautiful hall! I promise we aren’t all casinos and strip clubs.
I will try!!! It's been a while since I've been to Vegas!
Hi, just another newbie here, and because I have a substack problem, I really can’t remember how I got here (but definitely not Self). Anyhow, just commenting to say how much I enjoy your writing, voice, and point of view. As others have said, the pep talks have been really nice during a rather crap year.
Thanks so much for the kind words, and welcome to the newsletter!
Followed your substack early in the year not because of Self (though “What if oatmeal were made of gummy worms?” is 100% correct) but from WWDTM and the Bugle. Your standup special was one of my favs from this year! The pep talks you write are lifting my spirits during a relatively tough time. Thank you.
Thank you so much! This is really kind of you to say, and I'm so glad the newsletter strikes a chord!
Love the return of the friend phone call (I have like...4 people i will talk to on the phone and every time it’s a treat). Happy holidays to you and yours , thanks for being a bright light in a frequently dim year!
Same! I'm trying to expand my phone call roster a little bit! Thank you for the kind words, and I feel likewise about you and your work!
Best Yearly Wrap Up! Hi! I'm one of the SELF people and only here because of your Acai description/hate :)
Thank you! And welcome! Hahaha!
I hope your 2024 is as joyous, if not more mirthful, than your 2023 was, good buddy. I love your newsletter and I love you.
Thank you, Micah! I love you and hope you have a wonderful 2024, and I hope we cross paths in the real world soon!
Wonderful wrap-up! Happy New Year!
Thank you! Happy new year!
You definitely somehow look both cool and intense in that photo.
Sorry but I rarely read Substacks but I’m so glad I read this one! Thoroughly enjoyed the recap. 🎄🍕
Thanks so much for checking this one out!
Happy holidays and merry Christmas to all and especially you Josh! Thanks for bringing so much good natured cheer into our lives!
Thanks so much, and happy new year!!
Hearted for the title alone (and happy holidays!)
Hahaha thank you! Happy holidays!