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
27episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Contemplating Life – Episode 116 – “Good Source Material”
2w ago00:55:25Tap 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”
4w ago01:01:28Tap 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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Contemplating Life – Episode 109 – “Oscar 2025: There’s No Business Like Showbusiness”
Mar 300:20:13Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we continue our look at Oscar-nominated films. We will discuss three nominated films and a bonus film about men who have devoted their lives to show business. As they age, they look back at the sacrifices they had to make to fulfill their dreams.Links of Interest“Song Sung Blue” (2025): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Song_Sung_Blue_(2025_film)“Song Sung Blue” (2008 documentary) Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Song_Sung_Blue_(2008_film)“Song Sung Blue” (2008 documentary), entire film free on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDukMQIz1Sc“Blue Moon” (2025): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Moon_(2025_film)Lorenz Hart: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorenz_HartRichard Rogers: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Rodgers“Boyhood” (2014): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boyhood_(2014_film)“Oklahoma!” (1943 Broadway musical): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma!“A Connecticut Yankee” (1943 Broadway musical): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Connecticut_Yankee_(musical)“Sentimental Value” (2025): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sentimental_Value“Jay Kelly” (2025): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jay_KellyMovie 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 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 108 – “Oscar 2025: Something Wicked This Way Comes”
Mar 200:22:29Tap to summarizeIt’s time for my annual review of the 10 Best Picture Oscar-nominated films. In this episode, we review three nominated horror films: Frankenstein, Weapons, and Sinners. I’m not going to be able to finish all of these reviews by the March 15 Oscar ceremony, but even if I can’t get them recorded, I will write the scripts and post them on the podcast website and on Patreon. Post comments and tell me what you thought of these films.Links of Interest“Hamnet” (2025): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamnet_(film)“Wicked: For Good” (2025): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wicked:_For_Good“Frankenstein” (2025): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frankenstein_(2025_film)“Frankenstein” (1818) novel by Mary Shelley: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FrankensteinList of films featuring Frankenstein’s monster on Wikipedia: “Frankenstein: The True Story” (1973 made-for-TV movie) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frankenstein:_The_True_Story“Frankenstein” (1992 made-for-TV movie): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frankenstein_(1992_film)Stereotypical character Igor on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igor_(character)“Weapons” (2025): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weapons_(2025_film)“The Thing” (1982): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Thing_(1982_film)“Sinners” (2025): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Thing_(1982_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 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 107 – “The Greatest Story Ever Told… Again and Again”
Feb 2300:47:47Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I combine my exploration of religion and entertainment as I discuss recurring religious themes in literature, movies, and television. I also explore ways in which authors can portray people of faith in a positive light. This material is based on a lecture I gave in my writing seminar under our mentor, award-winning science fiction author David Gerrold.Links of Interest for this episode“The Red Badge of Courage” (1894 novel) by Stephen Crane: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Red_Badge_of_Courage“The Citadel” (1937 novel) by A.J. Cronin: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Citadel_(novel)“South Pacific” (1949 Broadway musical) by Rodgers and Hammerstein: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Pacific_(musical)“Tales of the South Pacific” (1947 book) by James A. Michener: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tales_of_the_South_Pacific“Cyrano de Bergerac” (1897 play) by Edmond Rostand: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyrano_de_Bergerac_(play)“The Phantom of the Opera” (1910 novel) by Gaston Leroux: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Phantom_of_the_Opera_(novel)“Love Never Dies” (2010 musical) by Andrew Lloyd Webber: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Love_Never_Dies_(musical)“The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” (1950 children’s novel) by C.S. Lewis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lion,_the_Witch_and_the_Wardrobe“The Greatest Story Ever Told” (1965 film) by George Stevens: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Greatest_Story_Ever_Told“The Outsiders” (1967 young adult novel) by S.E. Hinton: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Outsiders_(novel)“The Outsiders” (1983 film) directed by Francis Ford Coppola: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Outsiders_(film)“Star Wars Episode I – The Phantom Menace” (1999 film) by George Lucas: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars:_Episode_I_%E2%80%93_The_Phantom_Menace“Blade Runner” (1982 film) by Ridley Scott: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blade_Runner“Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan” (1992 film) by Nicholas Myers: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Trek_II:_The_Wrath_of_Khan“Star Trek: The Search for Spock” (1984 film) by Leonard Nimoy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Trek_III:_The_Search_for_Spock“Short Circuit” (1986) by John Badham: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Short_Circuit_(1986_film)The New Testament: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Testament“Stranger Things” (2016-2025 TV series): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stranger_ThingsThe Apostles’ Creed: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostles%27_Creed#:~:text=descended%20into%20hell%2C%20rose%20again%20from%20the%20dead%20on%20the%20third%20day%2CJohnnycake death scene from “The Outsiders” (1986): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZmMklpMKlwEnneagram Personality Typology: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enneagram_of_PersonalityResurrection scene from “Short Circuit” (1986 film): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xPu59_MHQ0Disciples on the road to Emmaus Luke 24:13-35 (NABRE): https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/24?13“Greater love…” John 15:13 (NABRE): https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/15?13Mr. Spock’s death scene from “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHAOWLhrxhQAdditional links available on our website at https://contemplating-life.com/?p=596For 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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