On The Fly

Imagination is a mirror and telescope, revealing who we are and where we might go. This summer, I traveled through centuries of imagination with companions: Marcus Aurelius, Jonathan Swift, Mark Twain, Robert Louis Stevenson, Jules Verne, Jack London, and Isaac Asimov.

The first time you see Tommy Emmanuel perform, it might seem like watching a magic trick. You're joking — where's the bass player and drummer – hiding backstage?

History isn't a museum—it's a river, and we're already swimming in it. Its waters carry timeless lessons, flowing through each generation, waiting to be rediscovered.

Imagine 80 days to explore the world without smartphones, jet planes, or money worries. An exciting thought, right? That's Jules Verne's fantasy adventure in Around the World in 80 Days, a journey I've pondered from my Vista, California, easy chair.

Much obliged this mornin' to all my friends who took the time to wish me a happy birthday!

One bad moment can ruin your day, but one habit can change your life. In this episode of On the Fly, discover how small, daily actions can rewire your mindset, replace negativity with possibility, and even lift the people around you.

"You're never a hero in your own home." This phrase reflects how those who know us best also see our quirks and flaws, but when that familiarity causes disconnection—when our deep thoughts are dismissed and efforts go unheard—it highlights the complex dynamics within close relationships.

When was the last time you were so drawn to a quest that you packed your bags and laced up your boots before the rooster crowed? For me, this summer has been exactly that, a journey where the world outside faded away and the one inside my head came alive. Let's explore Treasure Island.

This week’s Deep Dive features “A Pirate's Pondering: Turning 69 with a Classic.” Join me Friday, August 9th, for the release of the podcast episode.

Last week, we introduced “The Deep Dive” with our virtual reporters, Jim and Chloe, Gemini conversation podcast analysts. After research, they use this analysis to discuss the question: “If a story is to work, it must, on some level, achieve an illusion of escape, and also achieve a goal at the same time.”