The Musers The Podcast - Episode 6: "Path Not Taken"
Release Date: July 30, 2025
Host/Authors: George Dunham, Craig “Junior” Miller, and Gordon Keith
Network: Cumulus Podcast Network
1. Introduction to the Episode
In Episode 6, titled "Path Not Taken," The Musers delve into the pivotal moments and decisions that have shaped their lives. Hosted by George Dunham, Craig “Junior” Miller, and Gordon Keith, the trio explores how seemingly small choices or unforeseen circumstances can lead to vastly different life trajectories. This reflective episode offers listeners an intimate look into the hosts' personal histories, the impact of relocations, experiences with bullying, and the interconnectedness of their professional paths.
2. Early Life and Relocation
The conversation begins with Gordon Keith reflecting on his upbringing in a small town in Central Texas and pondering how different his life might have been had his father not accepted a job in Dallas:
Gordon Keith [03:56]: "Shouldn't we all three start with where we were placed by our parents? Because I think that's what I always think about."
George Dunham contrasts his upbringing, sharing his move from Gulfport, Mississippi to Richardson, Texas during sixth grade:
George Dunham [07:53]: "I moved from a town in Mississippi... My dad drops the bomb on us that, hey, I feel I've been called to a church in Richardson, Texas."
3. Impact of Geography on Careers
Gordon discusses how staying in his hometown might have led him down a completely different path, possibly involving ranching:
Gordon Keith [05:14]: "I was an FFA... I may have stayed in FFA and my grandfather had a ranch."
Craig Miller shares his experience of multiple relocations during childhood, which accustomed him to moving frequently, but also shaped his adult decisions:
Craig Miller [14:55]: "I moved when I was 3 from San Antonio to Minneapolis... moved again at the age of 12, then moved again at 15."
George Dunham highlights how moving to a larger city like Dallas opened new opportunities but also brought challenges:
George Dunham [09:34]: "I thought everything good would continue if you put me in a new setting. And it didn't. I suffered a tremendous setback."
4. Personal Experiences with Bullying
The hosts open up about their encounters with bullying during their school years and its lasting psychological impact.
Gordon Keith recounts being mocked for his fashion choices in junior high:
George Dunham [11:38]: "This guy made fun of me... It was such a tremendous psychological injury."
He further explains how this experience transformed his approach to humor:
George Dunham [12:03]: "I became much more interested in comedy and being on the edge... it led to a career that was successful."
Craig Miller shares a personal story about being bullied in his new school in Dallas:
Craig Miller [16:28]: "Bob pulled my chair out from under me, and I fell on the floor. The whole cafeteria starts laughing."
Additionally, Gordon discusses the long-term effects of early bullying, including his decision to abandon playing the violin:
Gordon Keith [18:32]: "I kept [playing violin] up for 20 years before I started picking it up again... Somehow he made me ashamed to play violin."
5. Career Paths and Decisions
The discussion shifts to how various decisions, or lack thereof, have influenced their career trajectories.
Gordon Keith reflects on his near-miss opportunity with a prestigious radio station:
Gordon Keith [43:55]: "I took a job to rewire a house and forgot to pursue the radio opportunity. That contractor's daughter getting sick changed everything."
Craig Miller discusses a pivotal moment when he chose to stay in Dallas instead of moving to New York with his then-girlfriend:
Craig Miller [38:46]: "I decided, no. Everything for me is in Dallas right now... That was a big moment for me."
He further elaborates on how staying in Dallas led to his current successful career in broadcasting:
Craig Miller [40:31]: "I don't know what would have become of me. But the Ticket never would have happened if I had stayed in Oklahoma."
6. Reflections on Life's Unpredictability
The hosts ponder the "butterfly effect" of their life choices, emphasizing how minor decisions can lead to significant outcomes.
George Dunham [23:19]: "How many people, couples or partners at work, how often has that happened? Like a couple that walks by each other on a street."
They discuss the randomness of life events and the importance of appreciating their chosen paths despite lingering "what ifs."
George Dunham [53:25]: "Our experience of this life only happened the one way. So appreciate the way that it happened and respond to it the best you can."
7. Advice to Children and Future Generations
As fathers, the hosts reflect on advising their own children about making life decisions, recognizing the weight and potential consequences of their guidance.
Gordon Keith shares his approach to advising his son on job offers:
Gordon Keith [50:08]: "You got to do what's best for your family, whatever you feel in your heart."
Craig Miller emphasizes the importance of trusting one's own judgment while supporting his children:
Craig Miller [50:24]: "They're looking to you for advice and you do... What's your interest?"
George Dunham touches on the emotional aspect of seeing their children face similar life decisions:
George Dunham [19:17]: "Even those of us who didn't have childhood trauma all had the trauma of being a child."
8. Concluding Thoughts
In wrapping up the episode, the hosts express gratitude for the paths they've taken that led them to The Ticket and the podcast itself. They humorously imagine alternate realities where their careers and personal lives never intersected, underscoring the serendipitous nature of their collaboration.
Craig Miller [51:35]: "I'm glad we didn't take all those other paths and we stayed on the path that kept us together."
They acknowledge that while "what ifs" are intellectually stimulating and make for engaging podcast content, living in the present and appreciating their shared journey is ultimately more fulfilling.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- George Dunham [02:10]: "Paths not taken, turning points in our lives... little butterfly effect moments..."
- Gordon Keith [05:14]: "If we had stayed in this resort area... I may have heard you guys, I guess."
- Craig Miller [06:10]: "I refused to join the family for dinner for the first six months that we were living in Dallas."
- George Dunham [11:38]: "That guy made me... ashamed now when I look back over my life..."
- George Dunham [23:19]: "I'm not pure evil incarnate. Okay, that's good. I can work with that."
- Craig Miller [38:46]: "I was in agony making that decision."
This episode of The Musers offers a heartfelt exploration of how life's unpredictable paths shape who we become. Through personal anecdotes and candid discussions, George, Craig, and Gordon invite listeners to reflect on their own turning points and appreciate the intricate web of decisions that lead to their present lives.
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