two bobbys

This isn’t a typical post, but then again I’m not sure I even have a typical post these days.

I’ve mentioned this before, but I listen to a good number of podcasts. It might be too many, but when I can’t keep up with them I stop listening, so it’s probably just the right amount.

Two podcasts I listened to recently both featured “Bobbys” and both were notable in part because of the Bobs themselves and in part because of the way the Bobs were featured.

It does feel a bit strange writing “the Bobs” as if it’s some kind of euphemism, but it’s growing on me.

In one corner (no, the Bobs aren’t fighting, but we’ve got to separate them somehow), we’ve got Robert Krulwich, one of the two main hosts from Radiolab.

It turns out he’s retiring and they made a tribute episode in honor of him. It’s the end of an era for that podcast and it was a wonderful way to wrap things up.

They did something like a “best of” show in the style of The Oscars, except it was based on Robert’s own made up awards, appropriately titled The Bobbys.

What I found especially touching about this look back on Robert’s contributions and career in radio and storytelling was the personal touch he brought. Be it his laugh, his improvised word-tripping, or his way of asking questions—he brought a special kind of magic to the mix.

Taking a look at that one man’s legacy encouraged me to examine my own approach to creative efforts. Robert felt there was much he didn’t understand or know about and that led him to explore unusual topics and present them in easily relatable ways.

Personally, I don’t feel particularly smart or knowledgable but I think that’s helped me to look at things in simpler, more practical ways and explain them to other people in the same manner.

Also, I love how Robert maked fun a priority in his work, even when it wasn’t the natural way of doing things for other people around him, and I think that’s something I all too often forget to do.

In the other corner, we have Bob Goff (who, really, is a hard person to put in a corner). He was recently interviewed on Fun Therapy.

There’s a lot I could say about the man. I’ve considered writing a whole post about him, and maybe some day I shall.

That he’s a one of a kind is an understatement. He’s one of those wonders of human existence, an outlier of whom you know there will never be another quite like him. And I mean that as a high compliment.

The interview itself isn’t too extraordinary, though it does bring out some of the unique challenges Bob faces and how he addresses them. I’ve heard him speak in person and I don’t think there’s ever a time where he isn’t his usual surprising and engaging self.

When I’d seen him, he was laughing about possibly going blind and that his retreat home (more of a ministry place) had burned down. This time, he sounded to be in good health (though recognizing that age was catching up to him) and the interview took place in his newly built retreat center, The Oaks.

I have a heap of respect for Bob Goff and the singular way he looks at life. I have learned much from him and also know that I neither could nor need to try to be just like him.

So what is this post about anyhow? Well, it’s about appreciating two people who have made a big (and positive) difference in the world—two Bobs who really knew how to have a good laugh, even when matters were grim. I’ll admit, I like that in a person; it’s especially good fuel for creativity.

Whether or not you listen to these episodes, I do hope you’ll take time to recognize and appreciate the extraordinary people in your life who have made a positive difference, whether or not they answer to the name Bobby.