Episode 40: One Year Later

One year after my world was turned upside down, I look back on the healing journey that inspired me to start this podcast and reflect on just how much life has changed over the past 12 months. I'm looking back on a healing journey that somehow feels like it flew by while also lasting a lifetime. I talk about how much I've changed, the headaches caused by my new laptop's audio issues, my mom finally having her long-overdue knee replacement surgery, and the end of my three-week phone nightmare (lesson learned!) Plus, I talk about the incredible rescue of 30 beluga whales finally getting a second chance after being stranded for nearly two years, and why Daughtry's music continues to hit all the right notes.

In this week's episode, I share an update on my second round of dental treatment that didn't go as smoothly as the first, the story of a driver who apparently thinks stop signs are optional and hit my car just two blocks from home, and why I seem to get stuffed up every time I sit down to record. I also talk about debating whether to start making TikTok videos to build my confidence, the frustrations of learning to tune a guitar, my unexpected thoughts on the Snapchat series Transformer, and a fascinating new study showing that our daily caffeine habit might be doing more than just keeping you awake.

This week, I celebrate the Fourth of July at a BBQ, deal with one headache after another—from a $300 phone repair to a confusing parking ticket—and share my experience at a Mets game where I somehow kept ending up on TV. I also give an update on my dental journey, talk about a guitar gadget that was a total dud, reflect on a quote from The Bear that really hit home, realize just how fast 21 years can fly by, and share my thoughts on Garth Brooks' upcoming tour and unique ticket pricing.

This week, I share a fun night out seeing Toy Story 5 and enjoying a great meal, reflect on the retirement concert of one of my favorite artists and the memories it brought back, and recap my annual medical appointments—including one unexpected mishap. I also talk about upcoming dental work and the confidence boost I'm hoping it brings, an inspiring act of kindness for a New York taxi driver, my hesitation to watch the The Bear series finale, and wrap things up by celebrating the wedding of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce.

This week, I talk about treating myself to a new laptop after finding a deal that was too good to pass up, and why a trip to the dentist actually left me feeling happy. I open up about almost sending my ex a bouquet of flowers and the internal battle that convinced me not to, finding comfort in words that were never spoken, and realizing it's time to start working on my social anxiety. Plus, an unexpected night out catching up with a friend, I'm searching for plans for the Fourth of July because I refuse to spend it at home, and I introduce the brand-new hotline number: 917-718-2MJP...Yes those are my initials!

This week is a celebration of champions and new beginnings! I talk about the Knicks' incredible championship run and parade, making it through a difficult anniversary weekend, and taking the show on the road to Collectors Boutique. Hear from BCW owner Anthony Cole about the company's future, Ruthie Jay on what's next for her, and World Champion Danja issuing a challenge to Darius Carter. Plus, a surprisingly lucky parking story to top it all off.

This week is a mix of sports, reflection, and random observations. I talk about getting through what would have been my anniversary weekend with the help of friends, wonder whether modern dating expectations are a little one-sided, share a strange encounter with an all-white bird outside my office window, and take on a new paint-by-number project of Citi Field. Plus, I react to an incredible medical breakthrough that could one day help people living with paralysis.

This week, a couple of unexpected dating app moments spark a surprising question: who is Michael J. Puddy now? After 33 weeks of working through heartbreak and healing behind the microphone, I reflect on what comes next when that chapter starts to close. I also talk about how the ending of Euphoria unexpectedly got me thinking about faith, the simple joy of ice cream birthday cake, a rare Knicks win while I was watching, my concerns about the upcoming He-Man movie, and a quick rant after a rude coworker sets me off.

This week, I talk about how much can change in just one week as I navigate old emotions while catching up with a friend, building LEGO sets, and reflecting on relationships. I also dive into the new LEGO Batman game, the strange accuracy (and inaccuracy) of tarot card readings, a rough stretch of acid reflux and sleepless nights, a random karaoke night in the city, the Keke Palmer and Sean Evans story, and the inspiring story of 108-year-old Susan Young Browne, who proves that staying active and positive never goes out of style.

This week I talk about grief, dreams that reopen old wounds, and the strange feeling of being pulled backward when you’re trying to move forward. I also get into finding comfort in Broadway soundtracks at work, internet toxicity over local news, a promising breakthrough in bowel cancer treatment, kids helping save bald eagle habitats, and the emotional end of Stephen Colbert’s run at the historic Ed Sullivan Theater.