I'm still here, but a lot has changed over the past few months. Not a lot of substance in this episode, but a quick status update. Wondering what that is? Here's your show. Website viewers: Click here to listen to this week's episode! Podcast listeners: Click here for a link to the show notes page! Everyone: Call 701-645-ERIC (701-645-3742) and comment!

In this episode, I reflect on the time since our last show in March 2025, which marked our 20th anniversary and was episode 343—making this one 344. I confirmed it! A lot has changed since then. My dad entered home hospice in February and passed away in May at age 90. It wasn't a tragedy, but it was a major life transition for our world. As an only child I didn't have to negotiate with siblings, but I did have to handle everything myself. Thankfully, my wife was incredibly supportive throughout.

Much of my summer and fall was consumed with managing the estate, dealing with decades of antiques, and addressing deferred maintenance on the house. Meanwhile, Chloe started her freshman year, and I've been teaching a couple sections of a "Welcome to College" class.

Before Dad passed, I learned that "the voice of the Ericast" in our intro and outro of the Ericast died in April. He had breathing issues, called 911, and didn't regain consciousness. It's strange hearing his voice now, but I'm keeping him in the show as a tribute to his love of radio.

On a lighter note, I posted on Facebook this week about finding my vintage 1970s light-up pumpkin in Dad's storage closet, which is the same one I had seen in an antique store years ago. It's surreal seeing childhood items in antique shops; it really makes me feel the passage of time. I'm not feeling old, but I'm aware that I have more years behind me than ahead.

There's joy in seeing the next generation grow. Candela, now 22, gave a presentation at Minnnebar (a Minnesota "BarCamp") in May, just before Dad passed. Her talk on "followership" was insightful and well-received. She used Star Trek as a metaphor and explored how being a great follower can be just as valuable as leadership. I was proud not just as her dad, but because it was genuinely a good presentation.

I mentioned last time that I was working on a machine learning class for my AI master's program. I still haven't taken it. I planned to this fall, but the professor sent out prep materials that reminded me I need to brush up on Python (fine) and linear algebra (not fine). As someone homeschooled by humanities-focused parents, that's more than a bit daunting.

The Ericast is still the "weekly podcast that comes out once a month, a couple times a year." I'd like to change that. But for now, I want to leave you with this: if you appreciate someone, tell them. Send a message, write a letter, just let them know.

I almost forgot to mention fireworks! Chloe and I went to two PGI (Pyrotechnics Guild International) shows in Iowa. After the first night, I had what I think was my first migraine—visual effects but no pain. Turns out sleep deprivation, dehydration, and staring at explosions can do that.

So, that's where I'm at—grateful for the past few months, but wondering "now what?"