Trying to Make Sense of the Iran Crisis

Disney World with Kids: What Actually Worked (And What I’d Do Differently)

Planning a trip to Walt Disney World with kids? After a full week at Disney, I’m breaking down what actually worked, what didn’t, and what I’d 100% do again. In this Fun Friday episode of Just a Guy in a Truck, I share real-world tips from traveling with young kids and family—including how to survive the parks without burning out. We talk about: Why renting a stroller is a game-changer Using mobility scooters for older family members Whether Lightning Lane is worth the cost How to pace your days without ruining the trip And the unexpected highlight of the trip: Discovery Cove If you’re heading to Disney—or just want to hear what it’s really like—this episode will help you plan smarter and enjoy it more.

Overwhelmed, Burned Out, and Watching the World Burn (How Do You Stay Sane?)

Feeling overwhelmed at work, burned out, and struggling to keep up with everything happening in the world? You’re not alone. In this episode of Just a Guy in a Truck, I open up about juggling multiple jobs after downsizing, trying to stay informed without destroying my mental health, and the emotional weight of watching global conflict unfold. But in the middle of all that chaos, a trip to Walt Disney World reminded me of something important: We’re still human. No matter how divided things feel online or in politics, most people still care about the same things—family, connection, and making memories. This episode is about: * Burnout and doing “more with less” at work * The mental toll of staying plugged into the news * Feeling powerless in a chaotic world * Why real life feels different from what we see online * How to find balance, perspective, and a little hope Sometimes the answer isn’t tuning out completely—but learning how to stay grounded while everything feels like it’s falling apart.

Trying to Make Sense of the Iran Crisis

After nearly a month away, I’m back — and honestly, I still don’t know how to make sense of what’s happening. With tensions escalating between the U.S. and Iran, and rhetoric from Donald Trump growing more intense, this episode is less about answers… and more about processing. I talk through: Why I stepped away from the podcast The breakdown of diplomacy after the Iran Nuclear Deal The fear and uncertainty around rapid escalation Feeling powerless trying to understand decisions that don’t seem to make sense And the human cost — the everyday people caught in the middle This isn’t a polished take. It’s raw, frustrated, and honest. Because sometimes you can’t neatly explain what’s happening — you can only react to it and try to process it in real time. Just a guy in a truck trying to understand a moment that feels bigger than all of us.

Fun Friday: Selling Sunset, Gold Rush & Alone Season 11

It’s Fun Friday — and instead of politics, we’re talking TV. When the world feels overwhelming, sometimes you just need a little escapism. Here’s what’s been filling my limited free time lately: Selling Sunset — luxury real estate, over-the-top drama, and homes so big the primary bedroom is larger than my entire house. Gold Rush — massive machines, Yukon mining, environmental tension, and watching Parker Schnabel build a gold empire. Alone (Season 11 on Netflix) — survival, starvation, mental toughness, and the question: could I actually last out there? (Spoiler: probably not.) From billionaire real estate to strip mining to bushcraft survival, it’s an odd mix — but it’s been a good mental reset. Sometimes it’s okay to step away from current events and just enjoy some “bad” TV, massive machinery, or watching people try to outlast winter in the wilderness. Just a guy in a truck finding small ways to recharge.

Are the Kids All Right? Phones, Anxiety & The Anxious Generation

Are young people actually less independent than previous generations — or are we just becoming the “back in my day” crowd? After hearing the author of The Anxious Generation on The Daily Show, I can’t stop thinking about what I’m seeing in real life. Today I talk about: Countries like Australia banning social media for kids under 16 Schools limiting phone access The growing research linking smartphones to teen anxiety And real-world examples from my work as a wildlife biologist When a young professional turns down a fully paid field job because he’s afraid to live without constant connection… what does that say? When most summer interns quit because they can’t handle being out of cell service… what does that mean for resilience, risk-taking, and independence? This isn’t about dunking on Gen Z. It’s about asking whether constant connectivity is quietly rewiring childhood — and what we can do about it. Just a guy in a truck wondering if we’re raising an anxious generation — and how we help them reclaim confidence.