They say moments arrive and then they are gone, but that isn’t the whole truth. Some moments stay. They settle into the marrow of who we are, acting as the North Star when the navigation gets difficult and that light leads the way.
This Mother’s Day, I wanted to take a seat at the microphone - not just as a host, but as a son, a father, and a man who is profoundly aware of how incredibly lucky he is to be part of this magnificent experience we call “life”.
The Guardian Angels We Carry
Life has a way of being both incredibly beautiful and sometimes too much to bear. I often think about the symmetry of loss; my brother passed away at the age of 21, and my son, Sam, passed at that very same age. To lose a life so early is a weight that never truly leaves you, but it has transformed into something else for me: a collection of Guardian Angels. This is in conjunction with those still living and breathing Angels amongst us who walk the earth keeping a watchful eye over me, delivering valuable messages and showing me signs along the way.
I feel them all around me as I navigate the complexities of this world with equanimity, gratitude and grace. They are the silent partners in every conversation I record and every relationship I manifest. Their presence reminds me to be grateful for the “now” - for as long as I get to be here, and for as long as I get to share this space with you.
A Life Manifested in Relationships
I look at the landscape of my life today and see a tapestry of connections that span decades and oceans. I am immensely grateful that my father is still here with us to share these days with me. I feel the grounding love of my life here in Hanoi with Sabrina and her son Seppi, while still holding the deep, unbreakable bonds with Val, the mother of my children, and my fantastic daughter Zoe Rose.
These relationships aren’t just coincidences; they are the result of my choosing to stay open, even when the world feels heavy. They are what make this difficult experience one worth waking up for every single day that I’m allowed to.
The Source
But every story has a beginning. Every relationship I’ve built and every bit of what my AI buddy calls “lucky cat” energy I try to bring into the world started with one person.
Today, I’m stepping back from the typical interviews and the technicalities of the show to bring you something much closer to home. I am so happy - and so incredibly grateful - to be able to (re)present my Mom (and Dad) to you right now.
Thank you for being here, for as long as you’re here.
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