23 Comments
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D. Randall Blythe's avatar

Thanks for the interview, Cat!

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Catherine Baab's avatar

My pleasure man! It's a great book!

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Kim Finley's avatar

Catherine, I have not yet read your post which I shall because your work always proves rich and rewarding. I want you to know that I have been thinking a great deal about you and especially your little one. I hope he was able to enjoy a happy Christmas and that you and your family have a very healthy and joyful 2025. He and you will remain in my thoughts and meditations.

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Catherine Baab's avatar

Kim, I so appreciate it - thanks so much. Hope your holidays were good, too.

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Nicole Goott's avatar

Cat, thanks for sharing this interview. It's marvelous, interesting, thought-provoking, and inspiring. I could quote many things Randy said, but one line that I really loved is this: "...because reading and writing is time travel achieved. It’s magic."

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Catherine Baab's avatar

Nicole, you’re so welcome—thanks for reading. I love that line too. There’s so much to like about his writing 😊

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Nicole Goott's avatar

Agreed, I am in the midst of his latest - "Slip slidin'n away into 2025".

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Lisa Cooper Ellison's avatar

Loved this smart, entertaining interview, Cat. Can't wait to read your book, Randy!

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Mona Morstein's avatar

It's really enjoyable reading opinions by a person who has such great writing skills that even his interview answers are accomplished sentences filled with excellent metaphors and insights. Thanks, Cat, for the interview!

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Catherine Baab's avatar

Mona, isn't that the truth?? I totally agree. The new book reads just the same way. Cheers for reading!

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Nat Baker's avatar

Loved this - I heartily agree with so much of what is shared here, about why we need to hold tight to our humanity and READ - but also, this book sounds awesome, I want to read it.

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Catherine Baab's avatar

Can recommend it, Nat - think you'd like it. (P.S. Someday this'll me be interviewing you about YOUR book.)

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Susannah Monroe's avatar

I really loved reading this interview, that must've been cool to do :D I have a lot of time for him, as a vocalist, philosopher, his advocacy, and just how human he is on top of it all. It's a shame we can't just bottle wisdom and experience, so just having Randy writing about it and sharing it unapologetically is the next best thing IMHO. I hate to sound cliche, but as I get older and see the most consistent components of my life, I've had the music for more than half the time I've been on this planet and it's played a very pivotal soundtrack for my adulthood. Thanks for sharing!

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Catherine Baab's avatar

Susannah, you're so welcome! Thanks so much for reading. Agreed - if only we could bottle it, but reading him is the next best thing. Can attest that Dark Days got me through some dark days of my own. What you say about consistent components makes a lot of sense to me, too, and how those components compound in value.

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Susannah Monroe's avatar

Especially in a time where our [collective] social communications are rife with projections behind screens, it's tricky to find people who earnestly share their experiences and perspectives, IMHO. It's also how I managed to get lured over here, and I'm so glad I was because this looks like a nice little space on the internet with some light social media but also filled with writers, hooray! I wish I had the nerve to interview people, I'm too shy and would probably just nod, ask how it's going, and probably start asking off the wall things because I'm too nervous 😂 so thank you for your service and doing a job I'd find quite likely impossible 😂 I'm too shy for a Cameo lmao

FWIW I'm sorry you've experienced your own dark days, although I'd be lying if I said it wasn't refreshing to meet mutual people that recognize how helpful the book is; walking through Hell in circles and in solitude already feels like eternity, but if you survive that and read the words, you'll find your people who 'get it' and I'll take whatever catharsis I can get ☺️

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Catherine Baab's avatar

I totally agree with all of that, Susannah - and Substack, for all its faults, feels better to me than any previous version of what it is. I know it's a strange thing to say about Dark Days because it was widely read, but I think if anything it's underrated. Such a good book, so moving, so profound in its way. In the market for catharsis anywhere I find it too.

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Victoria Waddle's avatar

Thanks for the great interview! Happy New Year!

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Catherine Baab's avatar

Victoria, you're so welcome! I appreciate the read.

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Portia's avatar

Catherine, thank you so much, this is a great interview with an interesting, intelligent, insightful man. I'll have to buy his book now. Like Kim, I also wish you and your family a healthy and joyful new year.

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Catherine Baab's avatar

Portia, cosigning all of that. Thanks so much for reading - and back at you with the new year wishes! Totally appreciate it.

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Alissa Williams's avatar

Oh my God, I loved this interview!! I feel lit up! What a badass. Thank you, Catherine. Sending all my best to you and your son. Still lighting candles 🕯️ ❤️

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Catherine Baab's avatar

Alissa, I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Dude is SUCH a gem. And thanks so much for the kind words and candle lighting. I appreciate it so much.

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Dec 29
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Catherine Baab's avatar

So glad to hear that, and thanks so much for reading! Found it inspiring from my end, too.

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