Building a Better Dave

By: Dave Jackson
  • Summary

  • The personal diary of Dave Jackson. Each short episode attempts to make you laugh, cry, think, groan, educate, or entertain. Sometimes, you get to play therapist as Dave attempts to share life's lessons from Father Time.
    2023 School of Podcasting
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Episodes
  • Someone Stop This Train
    Feb 8 2025

    This was recorded during my last few minutes of being 59. Life is dragging me kicking and screaming into my 60s. I'm not happy about it.

    Don't you get it? I'm 23 honest. I've been 23 my whole life?

    Have I made my last trip to Dairy Queen? It turns out everything I eat is poison. That's something you know but don't care, and it turns out you should've cared a little more than you did.

    John Mayer has a great song called "Stop this Train" that has a line John

    Had a talk with my old man
    Said, "Help me understand"
    He said, "Turn 68"
    "You renegotiate"

    I was able to renew my drivers license for 8 years which means aside from a sticker (which I can get through the mail) I will be 68 the next time I renew my liscene.

    WHen you go to the MBV you go in and get a number, and wait for your name to be called. I kind of feel like a 'This is not a drill" situation, and I'm waiting for my number to be called. UNlike the BMV, I'm hoping for a very long line.

    You can buy me a coffee for my birthday using this link.

    John Mayer - Stop This Train

    No I'm not colorblind
    I know the world is black and white
    Try to keep an open mind but
    I just can't sleep on this tonight
    Stop this train
    I wanna get off
    And go home again
    I can't take the speed
    It's movin' in
    I know I can't
    But honestly
    Won't someone stop this train?
    Don't know how else to say it
    Don't wanna see my parents go
    One generation's length away
    From fighting life out on my own So scared of getting older
    I'm only good at being young
    So I play the numbers game
    To find a way to say that Life has just begun
    Had a talk with my old man
    Said, "Help me understand"
    He said, "Turn 68"
    "You renegotiate"
    "Don't stop this train"
    "Don't for a minute change"
    "The place you're in"
    "And don't think I couldn't"
    "Ever understand"
    "I tried my hand"
    "John, honestly"
    "We'll never stop this train." Once in a while
    When its good
    It'll feel like it should
    And they're all still around And you're still safe and sound
    And you don't miss a thing
    Till you cry when you're drivin' away in the dark
    Singing Stop this train
    I wanna get off
    And go home again
    I can't take the speed
    It's movin in
    I know I can't
    'Cause now I see
    I'll never stop this train
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    13 mins
  • I'm not a Car Guy
    Jan 10 2025

    Episode Summary

    In this episode, Dave reflects on his recent struggles with his car in frigid Ohio weather and how it reminded him of the "old days" of dealing with unreliable vehicles. From the quirks of old, hand-me-down cars to the challenges of modern, fuel-injected engines, Dave humorously recounts the learning curves of car maintenance. The episode dives into the importance of adaptability, whether in fixing a car, keeping up with evolving technology, or navigating life’s unexpected hurdles.

    If you like this show, you can buy me a coffee.

    Main Takeaways

    1. Winter Woes & Car Troubles:

      • Dave shares his frustrations about his car refusing to start in Ohio’s brutal winter weather.
      • Memories of growing up with unreliable cars and the "DIY" fixes of the past (like using Bondo or ether) highlight how technology has changed car maintenance.
    2. Lessons in Adaptability:

      • From cars to technology, Dave emphasizes the importance of staying adaptable and keeping up with advancements.
      • He parallels learning to fix cars and his ongoing efforts to master artificial intelligence and SEO.
    3. Keeping Emergency Funds & Friends Handy:

      • Dave reminds listeners of the value of having an emergency fund and reliable friends who can lend their expertise when needed.
      • His Ford mechanic friend saves the day with a simple car-starting trick.
    4. Balancing Technology & Life:

      • Dave acknowledges how fast-paced technology evolves and highlights the importance of continuous learning to avoid falling behind.
      • He reflects on losing weight, staying updated with AI, and preparing for a milestone birthday.
    5. Humor & Nostalgia:

      • Dave’s stories about his past cars (like the “Slova” and Fred Flintstone-style Datsun) bring laughter and nostalgia.
      • The absurd quirks of old vehicles, like passenger doors flying open mid-drive, make for entertaining storytelling.

    Notable Quotes

    • “If you don’t keep learning, you don’t just stop—you go backwards.”
    • “I could pop the hood, look at it, and say, ‘Yep, there it is. That’s the engine.’”
    • “Every car I bought, the very first day, I swapped out the stereo for ear-bleeding madness.”

    Resources Mentioned

    • Dave Ramsey’s Emergency Fund Advice: A reminder to always be prepared for unexpected expenses. Check out his book.
    • Artificial Intelligence & SEO: Dave's exploration of how these tools are shaping the future of technology and online presence.

    Listener Call to Action

    • Stay tuned for the next episode, where Dave dives into how his upcoming milestone birthday is messing with his head.

    Visit Us: BetterDave.com
    Subscribe: www.betterdave.com/follow

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    16 mins
  • The Gift of Covid
    Dec 20 2024
    • A Christmas Conundrum:

      What do you do when the much-anticipated family gathering is jeopardized by an unexpected bout of COVID-19? Dave recounts his experience, offering a candid and touching perspective on the true meaning of the season.

    • Reminiscing with Friends:

      From cherished childhood memories to the pains and aches of getting older, Dave and his best friend embark on a nostalgic journey, bringing laughs and poignant moments.

    • The Gift of Adaptation:

      Learn how Dave turned a disappointing holiday season into a moment of gratitude and reflection, even dubbing COVID-19 as an unexpected Christmas gift.

    • Chicken Noodle Soup for the Soul:

      A simple can of soup leads Dave down memory lane, teaching us all the power of sensory experiences and the warmth of family traditions.

    • Adventures in Everyday Life:

      From rolling into a gas station with an empty tank to making peace with life's unpredictable nature, Dave's tales offer inspiration and a fresh perspective on life's little adventures.

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    16 mins

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