Podcast
Contemplating Life with Chris Young
Hosted by Chris Young · EN
"Contemplating Life" is a podcast by author, assistive technology developer, and disability advocate Chris Young. Each week we will explore a variety of topics including disability, religion, politics, entertainment, and whatever else I can think of.
Please support this podcast on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/contemplatinglife
30episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Contemplating Life – Episode 119 – “The Search Begins”
3w ago00:24:42Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I chronicle a yearlong search for a suitable skilled nursing facility.This is part five of my continuing series recounting my efforts to maintain my benefits and live in a safe, comfortable environment. Links of InterestWellbrooke of Avon: https://trilogyhs.com/senior-living/in/indianapolis/wellbrooke-of-avon/Yes Symphonic live DVD: https://www.amazon.com/Symphonic-Live-Blu-ray-Yes/dp/B0052WBI0W/ref=tmm_blu_swatch_0ELP concert DVD: https://www.amazon.com/Emerson-Lake-Palmer-Anniversary-Reunion/dp/B0052Y0FJ0/ref=sr_1_6My episode 13 “The Ascending View”: https://contemplating-life.com/?p=74Arduino microcontrollers: https://www.arduino.cc/Adafruit Industries hobby electronics: https://www.adafruit.com/ATMakers: https://atmakers.org/Engineering Ella video from ATMakers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNFvhjCJYb4Old National Center: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_National_CentreComedian Josh Johnson on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoshJohnsonComedyFantastic Four: First Steps (2025): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10676052/FT Tiny Trainer RC airplane bundle: https://store.flitetest.com/ft-tiny-trainer-complete-starter-bundle/Clearvista Lake Health Campus: https://trilogyhs.com/senior-living/in/indianapolis/clearvista-lake-health-campus/Arlington Place: https://trilogyhs.com/senior-living/in/indianapolis/arlington-place-health-campus/Alpha Home: https://www.alphahomeawc.com/Episode 22 “The Reunion”: https://contemplating-life.com/?p=149Hurricane Helene: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_HeleneB Cubed Press: https://bcubedpress.wordpress.com/“Alternative Liberties” (2025 anthology): https://www.amazon.com/Alternative-Liberties-Alternatives-Bob-Brown-ebook/dp/B0DT176GYK/FEMA 50% rule: https://www.sc-pa.com/appraisal-info/damage-reporting/understanding-the-fema-50-rule/Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association: https://sfwa.org/For more episodes: https://contemplating-life.com/Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/contemplatinglifeWhere to listen to this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/contemplatinglifeYouTube playlist of this and all other episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFFRYfZfNjHL8bFCmGDOBvEiRbzUiiHpq
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Contemplating Life – Episode 118 – “It's Just a Building”
4w ago00:10:53Tap to summarizeIn this special episode, I present an essay about my feelings about leaving the home I’ve lived in since I was three years old. Normally, a podcast like this would include lots of nostalgic photos of my home and neighborhood. Unfortunately, I don’t have time or energy to create the kind of video masterpiece I would normally create for such an episode. This time, it’s just me talking. Here is my nostalgic essay “It’s Just a Building.”Links of InterestEagledale neighborhood, Indianapolis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eagledale,_IndianapolisFor more episodes: https://contemplating-life.com/Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/contemplatinglifeWhere to listen to this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/contemplatinglifeYouTube playlist of this and all other episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFFRYfZfNjHL8bFCmGDOBvEiRbzUiiHpq
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Contemplating Life – Episode 117 – “Record Breaking Difficult Decisions”
4w ago00:35:54Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I fast-forward through events after my dad died in February 2019 up until July 2025, after I made the decision to actively pursue placement in a skilled nursing facility. It includes a video of a speech I gave at my 70th birthday.This is part four of my continuing series recounting my efforts to maintain my benefits and live in a safe, comfortable environment. Links of InterestEpisode 66 “I Was Nearly Murdered” https://contemplating-life.com/?p=331Wellbrooke of Avon: https://trilogyhs.com/senior-living/in/indianapolis/wellbrooke-of-avon/Father Paul Landwerlen obituary: https://www.archindy.org/criterion/local/2025/06-13/landwerlen.htmlEpisode 12 in which I discuss my fear of death: https://contemplating-life.com/?p=69Episode 14 in which I discuss how I got past my fears: https://contemplating-life.com/?p=76Street view of mile marker 20.1 on I-465 where we had a flat tire: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KdU9GtU4UMkSnGaQ8Hoosier Helpers from IDOT: https://www.in.gov/indot/current-programs/hoosier-helpers/Wellbrooke of Avon: https://trilogyhs.com/senior-living/in/indianapolis/wellbrooke-of-avon/Greenwood Healthcare Center: https://communicarehealth.com/location/greenwood-healthcare-center/Private Room at Wellbrooke: https://share.icloud.com/photos/010P48zzQC-vwzoSBLcuL-OuwVideo from my 60th birthday party: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhJT0-3KFcMVideo from my 70th birthday party: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2EIBq4vxr8Episode 78 about my friend Buz: https://contemplating-life.com/?p=424Episode 45 about my friend Mike Gregory: https://contemplating-life.com/?p=256World record donation for SMA treatment: https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/663805-largest-donation-for-a-patients-medical-treatmentMost expensive drugs: https://www.drugs.com/article/top-10-most-expensive-drugs.htmlEvrysdi (Risdiplam) the SMA drug I take. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RisdiplamZolgensma and Itvisma gene therapies for people with SMA: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onasemnogene_abeparvovecFor more episodes: https://contemplating-life.com/Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/contemplatinglifeWhere to listen to this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/contemplatinglifeYouTube playlist of this and all other episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFFRYfZfNjHL8bFCmGDOBvEiRbzUiiHpq
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Contemplating Life – Episode 116 – “Good Source Material”
May 1100:55:25Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I cover the events surrounding my dad’s funeral. The episode includes the audio of the eulogy I gave. I highly recommend you watch the YouTube version, as it includes a slideshow of photos of my dad to accompany the eulogy.This is part three of my continuing series recounting my efforts to maintain my benefits and live in a safe, comfortable environment. Links of InterestStevens MortuaryCalgary Catholic CemeteryObituary for my Dad. Includes the slideshow shown at the mortuaryStandalone audio with slideshow of my dad’s eulogy: Prayer of St. FrancisSheet Metal Workers Local 20Sheet Metal Workers Credit UnionTarpenning-Lafollette Co., where dad worked: Google Street view of cathedral doorsFleming and AssociatesMatthew 25:31-46 (NABRE)Matthew 7:20 (NABRE)Soldiers’ and Sailors’ MonumentUltimate Remote ControlFor more episodesSupport us on PatreonWhere to listen to this podcastYouTube playlist of this and all other episodes:
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Contemplating Life – Episode 115 – “The Life and Death of Kenny Young”
May 101:01:28Tap to summarizeIn this next chapter in my ongoing series recounting my efforts to live in a safe, comfortable environment, it is finally time to talk about my dad’s death. To put it in context, we take a deep dive into his life and go down some side routes, talking about my family in general. These times were also complicated because my sister Carol was battling throat cancer. This is a very long episode, but there is no good place to split it in the middle. The YouTube version has many photos, videos, and illustrations. So, you might want to watch this one rather than just listen.Links of InterestIndiana School for the Deaf Delirium tremens a.k.a. “The DTs”Arsenal Technical High SchoolMission Impossible (1966 TV series) Peter LupusSydenham's chorea a.k.a. Saint Vitus' dance: Old Indianapolis City HallDefense Finance and Accounting Service: Emmett J. Bean Finance CenterFort Benjamin HarrisonGallaudet UniversitySheet Metal Workers Union: Indiana Bell TelephoneHPV-positive oropharyngeal cancerMy video about the NFL “Crucial Catch” ceremony 10/21/2018: Central Indiana Council on Aging (CICOAGreenwood Healthcare Center: For more episodesSupport us on PatreonWhere to listen to this podcastYouTube playlist of this and all other episodes:
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Contemplating Life – Episode 114 – “It’s Hard to Find Good Help”
Apr 2000:19:26Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I continue my series by recounting my efforts to maintain my Medicare and Medicaid benefits and live in a safe, comfortable environment.Links of InterestSpecial Needs Trust: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_needs_trustEmployer Identification Number (EIN): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Employer_Identification_NumberCentral Indiana Council on Aging (CICOA): https://cicoa.org/2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_FIFA_World_CupSurname “Adewale” 218th most common in Nigeria: https://forebears.io/surnames/adewaleLarue Carter Mental Hospital: https://indyencyclopedia.org/larue-carter-hospital/For more episodes: https://contemplating-life.com/Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/contemplatinglifeWhere to listen to this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/contemplatinglifeYouTube playlist of this and all other episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFFRYfZfNjHL8bFCmGDOBvEiRbzUiiHpq
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Contemplating Life – Episode 113 – “Benefits Battles and Dueling Diagnoses”
Apr 1300:29:43Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I am beginning a series that could possibly be the last of this podcast. It might not be. But it’s a series I need to get finished in case this is the last.Unless I pull off a minor logistical miracle sometime in the foreseeable future, I will be leaving the house that I have lived in since I was a few weeks shy of my fourth birthday. I will be moving into a skilled nursing facility where I hope to live out my days in comfort.This series will chronicle my battles to receive the benefits I need to live a safe and fulfilling life. It will lead up to my current situation, which has led me to conclude that it’s time to move on to a different setting. I have no idea how long this series will take. It’s a long story.Links of InterestSpinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spinal_muscular_atrophyDuchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duchenne_muscular_dystrophyIndiana Department of Vocational Rehabilitation: https://www.in.gov/fssa/ddars/brs/vocational-rehabilitation-employment/Indiana Aged and Disabled Waiver: https://www.in.gov/medicaid/members/home-and-community-based-services/aged-and-disabled-waiver/Indiana Development Disability Waivers: https://www.in.gov/medicaid/members/home-and-community-based-services/family-supports-waiver/Developmental Disability Defined: https://www.in.gov/gcpd/developmental-disability/An older document defining DD: https://www.in.gov/fssa/ddars/files/Eligibility_and_ICF_ID_DD_LOC_Determination_signed.pdfMensa International: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mensa_InternationalTypes of trusts: https://blogs.iu.edu/sharedsolutions/2023/08/21/planning-for-the-future-special-needs-and-miller-trusts-explained/Newspaper article about Special Needs Integrity agency: https://www.indystar.com/story/news/2015/11/16/nonprofit-accused-taking-millions/75886746/Interview with Greg Fehribach: https://www.ibj.com/videos/interview-issue-2015-greg-fehribachFor more episodes: https://contemplating-life.com/Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/contemplatinglifeWhere to listen to this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/contemplatinglifeYouTube playlist of this and all other episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFFRYfZfNjHL8bFCmGDOBvEiRbzUiiHpq
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Contemplating Life – Episode 112 – “Oscar 2025: What Dreams May Come.”
Apr 700:22:27Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we review the last four films in this year’s survey of the Oscar-nominated Best Pictures. We will recap all of the winners versus my picks.Links of Interest“What Dreams May Come” (Act III, Scene I) “Hamlet”: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/What_Dreams_May_Come“Train Dreams” (2025 film): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Train_Dreams_(film)“Marty Supreme” (2025 film): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marty_Supreme“F1” (2025 film): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F1_(film)“Winning” (1969 film): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winning_(film)“Hamnet” (2025 film): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamnet_(film)“Hamlet” (play c1600 William Shakespeare): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HamletMovie awards for 2025 releases98th Academy Awards: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/98th_Academy_Awards82nd Golden Globe Awards: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/82nd_Golden_Globes32nd SAG Actor.Awards: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/32nd_Actor_AwardsFor more episodes: https://contemplating-life.com/Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/contemplatinglifeWhere to listen to this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/contemplatinglifeYouTube playlist of this and all other episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFFRYfZfNjHL8bFCmGDOBvEiRbzUiiHpq
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Contemplating Life – Episode 111 – “Oscar 2025: What the Hell Was That?”
Mar 2300:25:45Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we continue our look at Oscar-nominated films. In this episode, I explore four films so bizarre that they left me asking, “What the hell was that?”Links of InterestSNL sketch from 1979 “What the hell is that?” on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DU_Gd623HJo“The Secret Agent” (2025): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Secret_Agent_(2025_film)“One Battle After Another” (2025): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Battle_After_Another“Nuremberg” (2025): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuremberg_(2025_film)“If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” (2025): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/If_I_Had_Legs_I%27d_Kick_You“Bugonia” (2025): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bugonia_(film)“Poor Things” (2023): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poor_Things_(film)Episode 80a, which discusses “On the Line”: https://contemplating-life.com/?p=437“On the Line” (2022): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/On_the_Line_(2022_film)Movie awards for 2025 releases98th Academy Awards: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/98th_Academy_Awards82nd Golden Globe Awards: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/82nd_Golden_Globes32nd SAG Actor: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/32nd_Actor_AwardsFor more episodes: https://contemplating-life.com/Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/contemplatinglifeWhere to listen to this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/contemplatinglifeYouTube playlist of this and all other episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFFRYfZfNjHL8bFCmGDOBvEiRbzUiiHpq
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Contemplating Life – Episode 110 – “The Cost of Revenge”
Mar 2000:28:33Tap to summarizeContemplating Life – Episode 110 – “The Cost of Revenge”In this episode, I recount a harrowing experience with a health scare last week and an incident that angered me so much that I indulged the darkest parts of my personality to plot a revenge that I never intended to deliver, but simply crafted to give me peace of mind. What that plot told me about myself was quite revealing. Trigger Warning: This episode contains misogynistic and offensive language.Links of InterestDavid Gerrold: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_GerroldSt. Francis Hospital, Indianapolis: https://directory.franciscanhealth.org/location/franciscan-health-indianapolisFlorence Nightingale: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florence_NightingaleLycanthrope: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Werewolf#:~:text=)%2C%20or%20occasionally-,lycanthrope,-%5Bb%5DEpisode 22 “The Reunion” an award-winning article I wrote in 1987: https://contemplating-life.com/?p=149Matthew 25:34-36 (NASRE): https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/25?34The Golden Rule: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_RuleLuke 6:31 (NASRE): https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/6?31 “Planet of the Apes” (1968): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planet_of_the_Apes_(1968_film)Clip from “Planet of the Apes”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cdmqn9JIuzcReport about racist tweet reposted by Trump: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jImPTGrwF4YRosary: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RosaryGeorge Carlin “Confession”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEyJ0XZoKSUEpisode 104 “Prophets Aren’t About Prophecy”: https://contemplating-life.com/?p=580For more episodes: https://contemplating-life.com/Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/contemplatinglifeWhere to listen to this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/contemplatinglifeYouTube playlist of this and all other episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFFRYfZfNjHL8bFCmGDOBvEiRbzUiiHpq
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