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.
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."
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!
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.
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!
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.
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 ☺️
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.
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.
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 🕯️ ❤️
Thanks for the interview, Cat!
My pleasure man! It's a great book!
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.
Kim, I so appreciate it - thanks so much. Hope your holidays were good, too.
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."
Nicole, you’re so welcome—thanks for reading. I love that line too. There’s so much to like about his writing 😊
Agreed, I am in the midst of his latest - "Slip slidin'n away into 2025".
Loved this smart, entertaining interview, Cat. Can't wait to read your book, Randy!
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!
Mona, isn't that the truth?? I totally agree. The new book reads just the same way. Cheers for reading!
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.
Can recommend it, Nat - think you'd like it. (P.S. Someday this'll me be interviewing you about YOUR book.)
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!
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.
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 ☺️
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.
Thanks for the great interview! Happy New Year!
Victoria, you're so welcome! I appreciate the read.
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.
Portia, cosigning all of that. Thanks so much for reading - and back at you with the new year wishes! Totally appreciate it.
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 🕯️ ❤️
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.
So glad to hear that, and thanks so much for reading! Found it inspiring from my end, too.