What I am reading:
As a member of my book club (which may be one of the longest-running in AA, spanning 40 years), I am currently engrossed in the captivating historical novel “The Leopard” by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa. Set in 1860s Sicily, it portrays the poignant downfall of a prince. I am utterly captivated not only by the superb quality of the writing but also by the intriguing parallels between the devolving culture in Sicily at that time and the present-day changes unfolding in the United States.
What I am writing:
I am now in the process of working on two books. One entitled “Izzie and the Bird” is about baseball, my grandfather Izzie, and Mark Frydrich, nicknamed the bird. The second book is “What Every Senior Man Needs to Know,” a comprehensive guide for body, spirit, and mind for senior men.
What I am listening to:
There are two podcasts that I rarely miss. The first one is “Fresh Air” with Terry Gross, which airs on NPR/WHYY in Philadelphia. I have been an avid listener of this fantastic podcast for over 40 years, tuning in almost every day at noon. Terry’s interviews with music stars are particularly remarkable. She has conversed with a diverse range of artists, from Leonard Bernstein to B.B. King to Lizzo.
Another podcast I thoroughly enjoy is “The Daily,” hosted by Michael Barbaro. This informative New York Times podcast skillfully covers the most significant topics of the day in a timely and engaging manner. It has rightfully gained immense popularity on the internet.
Furthermore, I am relishing the experience of sharing music with my sons through Spotify. We frequently text each other about new or old songs we are currently listening to, using this medium to stay connected. Currently, we are engaging in a lively debate over the best opening to a rock song. Personally, I advocate for Aretha Franklin’s rendition of “Bridge Over Troubled Water”
What fascinates me:
This week what truly fascinates me about our 16-month-old grandson, Bodie, is his sudden emergence as a talker. It’s astonishing to witness how quickly he is acquiring new words. All though most of it sounds like gibberish, every once in a while we can pick out a word. Our entire family is thoroughly delighted by this remarkable development.
What I am watching:
Over the past five years, my wife and I have been avid followers of “Succession.” Without fail, we have tuned in every week at 9 pm on HBO to catch almost every episode. As the final two episodes of the series approach this month, we are already filled with a sense of curiosity mixed with dread, knowing that our beloved series is coming to an end.
What I am currently most pleased about professionally:
As I reflect on 25 years of Leaders Connect, I am pleased to think about all the great speakers we have had in the past and are scheduled to have in the future. This Friday, May 19th, Chris Sing of Rehmann will be hosting an esteemed panel of women leaders to discuss How Women Lead. To sign up, register here.
For the past several years, these presentations have been captured on video by Roger Rayle and Bill Hall. I have archived all the videos on my YouTube channel, Dr. Rob Pasick’s Leaders Connect. Here are a few examples:
An Interview with Thomas Zurbuchen, NASA Associate Administrator
Cultivating Flourishing from Within-The Power of Positive Identity with Jane Dutton
Exhilarating Lessons from Unlikely Source with Robert Quinn
Linking your Performance to Strategy in a Continuously Changing World with Len Middleton
Reimagining Housing and Workspace with David Whitinger, Bill Milliken, and Peter Allen
The Future: Where Is Media Heading? With Liz Ross and Molly McFarland