Don Hall 12/23/24 Don Hall 12/23/24

I Believe… [The Reese’s Takeover]

...that, if taken through the lens of truck stops and gas stations throughout the Midwest, Reese’s has taken over the world.

Don Hall 12/17/24 Don Hall 12/17/24

ON SOLO TIME

There’s a weird and persistent cultural myth that being alone is inherently bad—like solitude is something that happens to you, not something you choose.

Don Hall 12/16/24 Don Hall 12/16/24

I Believe… [Follow the Money]

...that the most body positive corporations on the planet are McDonald’s, Frito-Lay, and Kraft.

Don Hall 12/9/24 Don Hall 12/9/24

I Believe… [Love Actually?]

...that my favorite part of Love Actually (which, mind you, is like declaring my favorite part of a Sizzler sald bar) is the story about the aging rockstar who realizes he’d rather spend Christmas with his loyal friend than party with Elton John.

Don Hall 12/4/24 Don Hall 12/4/24

On Gratitude

But gratitude isn’t just about the big, existential stuff. It’s also in the details—the smell of gasoline on a cold morning, the sting of whiskey after a long day, the way the world looks at 4:00am when you’re too wired to sleep.

Don Hall 12/2/24 Don Hall 12/2/24

I Believe… [The Paradox of Wisdom]

...that good judgement comes from experience and experience comes from poor judgement.

Don Hall 11/28/24 Don Hall 11/28/24

From the Archives: Unpacking Branson: A Thanksgiving Improbability

For Thanksgiving in 2012, I was single and Mom decided that I should come out to my step-sister's place in Branson, Missouri for a good old-fashioned country Thanksgiving. The carrot was family. The stick was Missouri.

Don Hall 11/25/24 Don Hall 11/25/24

I Believe… [Intensity vs Depth]

...that intense and deep aren’t the same thing even if you’ve convinced yourself they are. Intense is momentary and fleeting; deep is the result of time and energy.

Don Hall 11/18/24 Don Hall 11/18/24

I Believe… [Banquet Platters]

...that few things are more appealing than leftover banquet platters.

Don Hall 11/11/24 Don Hall 11/11/24

I Believe… [Wrecking Ball]

...that, when coming in and making sweeping changes in an organization, it’s best to Miley Cyrus that shit and wrecking ball the place.

Don Hall 11/4/24 Don Hall 11/4/24

I Believe… [Too Much Absence]

...that some absence makes the heart grow fonder; too much absence makes the heart forget.

Don Hall 10/29/24 Don Hall 10/29/24

The Why Behind the What

Therapy has its place, sure, but it shouldn’t replace the old-fashioned methods of dealing with life. Sometimes, a stiff upper lip, a little perspective, and a strong drink are all you really need.

Don Hall 10/28/24 Don Hall 10/28/24

I Believe… [In Live Music]

...that music, like sex, sports, and theater, is best enjoyed live.

Don Hall 10/21/24 Don Hall 10/21/24

I Believe… [Spiteful Electioneering]

...that among the worst rationales for voting, the vote for spite is right up at the top.

Don Hall 10/7/24 Don Hall 10/7/24

I Believe… [Downshifting]

...that learning to downshift is more difficult than it seems but is a skill well worth mastering.

Don Hall 9/30/24 Don Hall 9/30/24

I Believe… [Expanding Empathy]

...that the people you encounter whose very existence challenges your worldview are an opportunity to expand rather than contract your empathy and common understanding.

Don Hall 9/23/24 Don Hall 9/23/24

I Believe… [Anticipation]

...that anticipating something wonderful is often more fun than the wonderful thing. If the two match up, that’s the juice, gang.

Don Hall 9/18/24 Don Hall 9/18/24

DIVORCE: A Survivor's Guide: Part Three

Yes. You are now divorced. Stew on the reality for a moment.

Don Hall 9/16/24 Don Hall 9/16/24

I Believe… [Puppy Casserole?]

...that if anyone in the country is guilty of eating dogs and cats they all live in the Appalachians.

Don Hall 9/9/24 Don Hall 9/9/24

I Believe… [The Tease of Autumn]

...that, after a summer broiling in a giant outdoor venue for hours a day, the tease of jacket weather is as sexy as the collarbone revealed with an off-the-shoulder dress.