14 Comments
User's avatar
Andrew McNair's avatar

In 2016, my wife (whole human being, etc.) and I got to see you perform a Vacationland show in Seattle. It was on 11/11/2016. I think it was the first show you were doing after the election. We were days from the birth of our first child. The 2016 election cast a pall over what should have been an exciting and joyous time in our lives. It was a rotten time.

But you came out on stage and you told us stories and you made us laugh and we could forget about impending doom for a few hours. My wife still talks about how much that evening meant to her (despite your ruling against her in two Swifts Justice). Thank you for being there then, and thank you for being here now. Thank you for generating your own light in this darkness of sun-hoarders. May we all keep shining for one another and for ourselves.

That said, what a time to be (re-)reading Moby-Dick: a story about American industrial capitalism featuring a larger-than-life tyrant with a wounded male ego, hellbent on exacting revenge, no matter the cost, and his ability to rally other men to join him in his destructive monomania. Much to be considered.

Expand full comment
Kevin Closs's avatar

Thank you for this Mr. Hodgman. <3

Expand full comment
Craig Langrall's avatar

Thank you sir. It means a lot to read this in these times. Keep taking care of yourself too.

Expand full comment
Memphisotan's avatar

Thank you. It's all so hard and heavy, but if we don't keep joy and connection, what is there even to fight for?

Expand full comment
Kara Brown's avatar

I was at the show in Burlington, and it was so needed on that night. Thank you and Jesse for being awesome and funny and profound, always.

Expand full comment
Jennifer McDaid's avatar

Thanks so much for your thoughtful words, Mr. Hodgman.

My daughter works for a nonpartisan organization that registers and educates young voters. It's been especially difficult for her, so I'll make sure and share.

Expand full comment
Cheli Dolores's avatar

It's always such an amazing surprise when you post a recording on Substack, but this one is especially wonderful. Thank you for the song, and I'm glad i got to hear you sing it.

Expand full comment
Andrew Boone's avatar

Thank you John for providing the opportunity not only to duke it out with Mark onstage, but especially to buy that Member’s Only jacket. It was a delightful experience at the Shea!

Expand full comment
Kara Brown's avatar

I was at the show in Burlington, and it was so needed on that night. Thank you and Jesse for being awesome and funny and profound, always.

Expand full comment
Lisa's avatar

What a lovely song. I've gone through all the emotions and have chosen to be optimistic. It's a good time to revisit Molly Lewis' Pantsuit Sasquatch as well.

On another note, I was introduced to Jasper Hill a few years ago. They are great! Good gifts for the holidays.

Expand full comment
Uncle Phil's avatar

Thank you John. As much as I miss assembling every month with our punch cards, these reports from the road have become much needed reads. Best of luck

Expand full comment
J.D.A's avatar

Imagine if when you hit Do not Disturb Nothing disturbing happened til you changed your phone back. Historically, people have thought the world was going to end quite a few times. It usually doesn’t

Expand full comment
J.D.A's avatar

I liked the song

Expand full comment
Alexis Allen's avatar

Long time listener, first time commenter. Your voice has been with me through thick and thin, in podcasts, audiobooks and this newsletter. It's been there when I was happy, sad, young, older, lawyering, mothering, wandering. I needed this song today. You sang beautifully. Thank you.

Expand full comment