The Road Less Traveled

I will never say that bad things have to happen for us to appreciate the good, nor will I say that things happen for a reason, in the sense that there is a bigger picture or grand design. A terrible thing happened because I made the worst decision of my life, and someone lost their's because of it. Now, after working hard and trying to be the best person I can be, not just for myself but for my family, my friends, and my community, I am engaged and about to buy a house. All the good I could ever do in the world will never erase what I've done, and to be fair, that's not why I'm doing everything because I know I can never make amends. It does make me have nothing but gratitude, appreciation, and respect for what I do have. As always, thank you for listening. -db

Thought I'd look up a few prison facts and relate them to my own personal experience in prison. I've always been torn on the idea that incarceration is such a big business and money maker in America. Like all businesses, there's no incentive to reducing/stopping crime, since you're eliminating your product at that point. I should do a follow up and see where these companies are spending there money and if any of it is going towards reform rather than recidivism. As always, thank you for listening and being respectful. - db

There is a thing to be said of about timing... and that it's everything. It's funny how things are and aren't working out, but I'd that is timing, too. I've unfortunately been having more prison related dreams, and the last one was quite telling about my disappointment in not getting the job I had applied for and had been given an acceptance letter for. I tried not to get my hopes up and start cashing checks I hadn't earned yet, planning for a future that wasn't here, but the mind does wander and my imagination is quite strong. Oh well. I'm not one to give up. I guess that's why I'm still on the road less traveled. As always, thank you for listening and being respectful. -db

Unfortunately, not good news on this episode. It's not confirmed that I didn't get hired for my felony, but it is basically exactly that. I understand that every denial is okay because of what I did; I have perspective and have been immensely humbled by the hurt that I have caused. Still, doesn't make the pill any easier to swallow. -db

Wow. I don't know when I went over two thousand listens, but thank you for everyone that has given this podcast a chance. I was away for a few weeks because depression is a bitch and comes in many forms. It doesn't have to be surface level, and there are many times when you won't even recognize it because everything is going well in your life. Life has been especially good for me lately, which is why it is difficult to say that I've been feeling sad. On this hundredth episode, I attempt to dissect the root of that, and why I pushed this episode off for so long. Thank you for listening and being respectful. Take care. -db
 
-Denis Baldwin

Apologies upfront for the poor sound quality. I think a lot of it was my allergies and how my whole head feels like it's underwater right now, but there may have been a loose connection as well. I finally settled in to the new place after the move so I'll hopefully feel better soon and will look into my sound issues. It's perfectly understandable, but it doesn't have the usual gusto that I give. Thank you for bearing with me and listening. - db

On this week's episode I reminisce a bit since I'm currently in the middle of moving (again!). It seems I've moved around quite a lot in my life, yet each time has presented new opportunities and new beginnings in my life. I'm openly looking forward to this next one even if it might have some challenges with it. As I've been packing boxes, I've been going through old photos, notes and story ideas I wrote in prison, and taking stock of where I am currently. I forgot to mention it in the episode, but I ended up throwing away the binder that had all my parole and house arrest information in it like supervision fees, restitution, work logs, etc. I've been off parole for years now, but I always felt that I needed that folder for some reason, like a weight I just couldn't get rid of. Well, it's gone, and I feel great about it. As always, thank you for listening and being respectful. - db

On this weeks episode I spiral down the rabbit hole and talk about ethics. I try to talk in mostly broad terms, but I do cite a few examples that have stood out to me recently and got me on this line of thinking. Join me as I lose my sanity, stay with me after you've lost yours. Cheers! As always, thank you for listening and being respectful. -db