Restless Viking

2 weeks ago

I’ve never been much for the run-up to Christmas.

The parking lots.
The “festive” stress.
The inflatable snowmen that look like they’ve given up on their dreams with their face planted in the yard.
Every store blasts the same songs on repeat, songs that, if you listen closely, are basically threats:
“You better watch out…”

Every year, I think:
“We could probably skip straight to December 25th and save everyone a lot of trouble.”

But then Christmas Eve arrives…
and everything slows down.

Not because the to-do list is done... it isn’t.
Not because the house is quiet... it rarely is.
But because something shifts.

The noise fades.
The pressure lifts.
And suddenly it’s just you, a warm cup of something, the people you care about, and a world that, for one day, decides not to hurry.

Maybe that’s the thing Christmas does best:
It forces us to stop long enough to feel the weight of the year…
and the relief of being together in spite of it.

I don’t have to like the lead-up.
I don’t have to enjoy the chaos, the shopping, or the guilt-powered cookie exchanges.
I can be a little Grinchy ... I certainly am.

But Christmas eve and morning?
That’s different.
That’s the moment that reminds you what the noise was all for.

So here’s to the quiet hours, the warm lights, the soft laughter drifting through the house… and the reminder that even a Viking can melt a little on Christmas.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

(More stories like this on Restless Viking Radio ... January 6.) ... See MoreSee Less

Restless Viking

2 weeks ago

Recording today.

There’s something about a microphone that makes you tell the truth. But it's slower and with more coffee.

Working through Season 1. Turns out my handwriting hasn’t improved since the 4th grade.

Restless Viking Radio - Launches Jan 6. ... See MoreSee Less

Restless Viking

2 weeks ago

These two have a story.
A raw one. Occasionally unhinged.

The guy on the right once interrupted a date the woman on the left was on. Sat down. Started eating their appetizer like this was all perfectly reasonable behavior.

That’s about when a small realization began to form.

The rest of the story shows up in Season 1 of Restless Viking Radio. (Launches in 17 days - Jan 6).

Photo: circa 1989… give or take a bad haircut. ... See MoreSee Less

Restless Viking

3 weeks ago

It isn’t a travel podcast. It’s a wandering podcast. Launches - January 6, 2026. Bring coffee. . .

Correction on the pic below - the launch is Jan 6 of "2026", NOT 2025. (Thanks for letting us know Blaine!) ... See MoreSee Less