Building a Better Dave
243 episodes - English - Latest episode: 17 days ago - ★★★★ - 11 ratingsA funny look at relationships, marriage, divorce, love, sex, life, dating advice, and the weird thoughts that pop into Dave's head when he is sleep deprived. Guaranteed to make you laugh, cry, think, or groan. Life is too important to be taken seriously
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Episodes
Problems Vs Annoyances
November 29, 2009 17:00 - 9 minutes - 6.55 MBToday I share a voicemail I got from a friend of mine Fred Castenada. He is a great guy, great entrepreneur, and has tons of experience. Fred is a Vietnam veteran. Now when I say Vietnam I don't mean the fun, wacky Vietnam you see in the movies with guys smoking cigs, and joking around in the jungle. Fred was and is the real deal. Fred was on the very front line, and live to tell when many of his friends did not. Thank you Fred for serving your country. This Thanksgiving maybe we were talk...
Just Plain Hungry
November 19, 2009 17:00 - 9 minutes - 6.3 MBToday I talk about a lovely trip to Chicago where we stop at a Burger King to get something to drink. When we go back to the to the car only to find our GPS missing. We noticed the homeless guy near my car, and like my GPS he was also gone. Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that all homeless people are thieves, and con artists. You should donate to those organizations that help the homeless.This way we know the money is being (hopefully) used for good.
Dave the Baptist
October 29, 2009 16:00 - 12 minutes - 8.88 MBSo where have I been? Well I got a job I hated, and now I have a job I love. Then the dog ate a whole box of Trix, and then a WHOLE chocolate cake, and then decided to throw up on the couch. It's been fun. The road to happily ever after has taken a new strange twist. I've had an urge to become a pastor for about 4 years (I occasionally fill in for the pastor), and to make a long story short, when the pastor asked to me to think about becoming an interim pastor I said "yes." This means I...
Can I Help You?
September 04, 2009 16:00 - 15 minutes - 11 MBToday I talk about the sport of having sex when you have children in the house. I also relive July 1972 when the Stones came to town. I wasn't allowed out because of the hippies. Most people talk about the oldest child having very strict parents, the youngest having it too easy (and getting spoiled) and of course the middle child getting lost in the shuffle. To me none of these apply. The child that has it worst is the child whose bedroom is next to Mom and Dad's. Maybe I'm weird, but...
A Relaxing Float Down the River
August 27, 2009 16:00 - 19 minutes - 13.5 MBToday we finish up with stories from my honeymoon. This time we relive the "relaxing" trip we had riding inner tubes down the little river in Pigeon Forge TN. We had a great time. We have the scars to prove it. We talk about scooter and his death defying dives, taking people out of the river, bees, deathly undertows, all for only $8 for the whole day.
Who Wants Pancakes?
July 14, 2009 16:00 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MBPancake House Diane (my wife) and I headed off for our honeymoon. Destination Pigeon Forge Tennessee. It was about a 9 hour drive and on the way we listened to the radio, and finally popped in an audio book about making your second marriage work. It helped pass the time, and kept us alert. We got to Tennessee and when we got to Pigeon Forge it looked like a hillbilly version of the Vegas strip. Instead of spectacular hotels, you had a pancake house, and a pancake house, and a pancake h...
Just What I Always Wanted
January 20, 2009 17:00 - 8 minutes - 8.24 MBToday I talk about a gift I got for Christmas. I’m going to be 45 in a few weeks, so I know I’m “Half way to dead.” However, what does it say if someone gets you the clapper? I mean the commercial shows some woman who sits up in bed and claps the light off. This woman looks, well, half way to dead. Now the interesting thing is, the clapper is a great GIFT. I mean IT ROCKS. The sad thing is I ended up using it just like the old woman on the commercial. I have it hooked up to the light right...
Sex, Drugs, and Christmas
December 31, 2008 17:00 - 12 minutes - 8.76 MBToday I come to you with the demented slant on Christmas music. This was caused by hearing the same 14 songs over and over. I mean I love Andy Williams, but not for four weeks straight. It turns out that while rock music is about Sex Drugs and Rock n Roll, Christmas music is the same. BONUS TOPIC: I also took my fiance's 15-year-old daughter driving for the first time in an abandoned Target parking lot. It was just as exciting as an amusement park ride. She did great, and it will be fun ...
She Said Yes
November 26, 2008 17:00 - 14 minutes - 13.7 MBToday I talk about me popping the question last week to "The Nurse" and she made me very happy by saying yes. Today I talk about the absolute guys view to engagement ring shopping. There is a strange aerobic dance that women do when they put on a ring. She loves choices. I mean she LOOOOOVVVES choices, and I love that she loves choices. I am a very lucky man. We will be tying the knot on June 20, 2008. Yes I got on one knee. It was nothing too fancy (I had fancier ideas, but if I didn't...
Flight of Ideas Friday
August 22, 2008 16:00 - 19 minutes - 13.6 MBThis show originates from www.betterdave.com Words are fun. I want to know who gets to decide when a word is officially a word. I was at a Cleveland Indians game and the other team had a guy named Chone Figgins. (his full name is Desmond DeChone Figgins ). Why do we name the first poo of a baby meconium If it's that special why don't we put it in a jar and sell it? Look at meconium fix this broken coffee cup! Look it's strong enough to pull this 18 wheel truck! Likewise why do we need...
When I Grow Up…
July 07, 2008 16:00 - 13 minutes - 9.04 MBNormally I don't talk about things that involve other people, but this weekend I attended a great event. I went to a family reunion with the Nurse. I had a phenomenal time. First thing first this family takes the time once a year to get together and catch up. How cool is that? In a day when many people don't get along with their families, this one takes time to come from all over the place to get together. The nurses Mom has an awesome laugh, and she never stopped. It was great. I...
He Was Here A Minute Ago
July 02, 2008 16:00 - 18 minutes - 17.2 MBI lost my cousin Shawn Steinmetz this week. He was 33, and has two very young daughters. It was a freak bike accident. He was here a few weeks ago for my niece's graduation party, and now he's gone. I don't have all the details, and in reality, it doesn't matter. Hug your kids. Call your parents. Love the one your with. Speaking of Love... On the way to Podcamp Ohio the Nurse (my girlfriend) and I drove to Columbus and listened to a book (something like saving your marriage before it e...
Kids Are Like Electric Football
June 08, 2008 16:00 - 19 minutes - 18.2 MBToday I introduce you to my new Great Nephew. He sure is little. It really drove home the point of how absolutely life-changing kids are. I can honestly say that at age 43 I'm glad I don't have this kind of responsibility that is soooo 24/7. I talk about how "The Countess" has made the "Show Choir." This scared me as if she had not made it, I would've been there for the meltdown, and I want the best for all of "The Nurses" kids (and I'm not sure I could take watching the meltdown from the ...
Cereal Killer
May 13, 2008 16:00 - 14 minutes - 13.1 MBToday's show has the F word it. You've been warned. This is one of the "weird" episodes where I just wonder why things go into my mind at certain times. I happened to notice that Apple Jacks has no mascot while most children's cereals have a mascot (Tony the Tiger, Lucky for Lucky Charms, The rabbit for Trix, Count Chocula, Frankenberry, Boo Berry, The Bee for Cheerios). It turns out there IS a mascot that was launched in 2005, but apparently, it never caught on. Does anyone remember...
Drive By Schooling
May 07, 2008 16:00 - 20 minutes - 18.6 MBToday I talk about one of my life’s most embarrassing moments. I made a huge mistake, and I thought about not talking about it on the show. However, the “teacher” in me took over and I thought “If someone can learn from my mistake, it’s worth it.” All signs point to me not passing a class this semester. While I’ve always had good grades, this semester I’m not going to be able to come in at the last minute and save the day. While most politicians don’t understand the concept of accepting yo...
It Ain’t Easy Being Green
April 28, 2008 16:00 - 17 minutes - 11.8 MBToday I tell the story of trying to help my niece as she is in labor. The bad news is Hospitals make me physically sick due to some psychological reason beyond my control. It is very strange as my new great nephew was born on the same day my Mother died 19 years ago (in the same hospital). It made for a day full of many emotions. I also speak about how I regret not asking my Mother to quit smoking more frequently. Quitting smoking is very hard to do. My ex-wife tried every method and ...
Hey It’s Your Birthday
April 22, 2008 16:00 - 3 minutes - 3.18 MBI’ve noticed that when you go to just about ANY restaurant these days, if its someone’s birthday they bring the whole kitchen crew out to sing their “Hey It’s Your Birthday” song. I’ve also noticed that after about the 27th time of hearing this song the performance needs some tweaking. I think this whole thing was started by a mexican food chain called Chi Chi’s (which went out of business after giving many people food poisoning). THANKS CHI CHI’S! It may be a bit before my next episode....
Rubber Band Man
April 09, 2008 16:00 - 16 minutes - 15 MBSo my girlfriend and I listened to the book "Men are from Mars, women are from Venusin the car ride to Dayton Ohio where I was talking to the Erma Bombeck Writers Workshop. I learned some new stuff as did my girlfriend. Men are like rubber bands. They have an intimacy cycle, where they get close, and then snap away. When they stretch as far as they can they will then snap back. If a woman tries to stop them from "stretching" it causes problems. Women are like waves. They go up and down...
Over the Top Cosmo
April 03, 2008 16:00 - 5 minutes - 5 MBToday I talk about being in a house that is 75% percent women most of the time (and how it makes toilet paper and endangered species). Also, this week's Cosmopolitan magazine has a headline that says, "Be a genius in bed." (or something like that). I mean sex has been around for a while. Don't you think we've got a pretty good grip on it (no pun intended). Is there really anything 100% new? So I talk about some of the things I expect to see if and when I read a Cosmopolitan magazine.
Relationship2.0
March 31, 2008 16:00 - 17 minutes - 16 MBSo my trust went left of center this weekend as I let some small circumstances get the best of me and get “in my head” making me act like someone I don't want to be. I'm not very proud of myself. In the end, my “suspicious” attitude showed “The Nurse” how much I TRULY cared, and that made her happy (not a recommended practice). In the end we put all the cards on the table, and came back with “Relationship 2.0” Its stronger, faster, and built to last. Guys if you find yourself suspicio...
DRAMA STEW
March 18, 2008 16:00 - 22 minutes - 20.4 MBToday we welcome a new listener - and then piss them off. Wonderful. This podcast is kind of "my diary." But not really the truth. You only get MY side of the story so you know there is another two-thirds of the story. So my last podcast where I got to be a "Dad" for a day. It was a joke. It was a strange moment, and a great memory as the "Countess" won her talent show. Well, double agent 0017 somehow accidentally played that episode for THE BIOLOGICAL FATHER. NICE. I understand her loya...
Dad For a Day
March 04, 2008 17:00 - 18 minutes - 17.2 MBToday I talk about how “The Countess” and I performed in a talent show. It was amazing, and I am so proud of her. It was great to make a memory with such a great kid. Then I thought about it. As much as we know parents can influence their kids. Does that mean as adults we influence our parents? I mean who can drive you more nuts than your kids (or your parents). So as much as parent should take advantage of every minute they can spend with their children, are we doing the same thing w...
Congratulations it’s a Boy!
February 18, 2008 17:00 - 20 minutes - 13.8 MBI went to a Casting Crowns show last night. It was amazing. I had never heard of them (I went to see the opening band), and they just blew me away. Check out their latest CD from iTunes and AMAZON.COM I've always thought about sponsoring a kid. In the end, I never did. Well, its time. Sure its not in the budget, but just like having an actual kid, are you ever financially ready for a kid? We get some feedback from some folks about quitting vs making wise decisions. I also talk abou...
I'M NOT QUITTING!
February 07, 2008 17:00 - 15 minutes - 10.8 MBI'm trying to learn new things as I try to "better" Dave. The one thing I think I stink at is quitting. I've been thinking about quitting things. You can only take so much right? I was watching the movie "Rocky Balboa" (not horrible). There was a great scene in the movie. In the movie, Rocky is talking to his son and says, "It ain't about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. It's about how much you can take and keep moving forward. That's ho...
I Don’t Undertstand Women
January 24, 2008 17:00 - 18 minutes - 12.7 MBOK, it's official. I don't understand women. Today I return to one of my favorite topics which is how men and women are so different. Here are some topics: Nails: I don't know a guy who picks a woman based on their nails, but women love to do their nails and comment on other women's nails. Listening: Guys are used to fixing things that are wrong. We are used to taking action. For a guy to listen to 2 minutes of complaints and then do NOTHING and by doing NOTHING something is FIXED. I do...
Koochie Don’t Fail Me Now
January 01, 2008 17:00 - 11 minutes - 8.26 MBBefore we even set foot in Fat Fish Blue in Downtown Cleveland, I knew what to expect. You see a large female soul singer (who happened to be African-American) was going to be on stage. I told the nurse (my girlfriend), "This woman will follow the large soul singer formula and sing about grinding it to a nub. We weren't there 10-15 minutes and she starts a song about "Sleeping with one eye open because her man won't leave her alone." Your honor, I rest my case. I also made up a couple...
Top 10 Holiday Tips for 2008 from JESUS
December 28, 2007 17:00 - 8 minutes - 8.15 MBThis year it was interesting as the conductor at the High School said "Happy Holidays" and someone from the audience shouted out MERRY CHRISTMAS. The audience laughed. Today we have a very special guest who chimes in with some tips for NEXT year around the holidays (or really ANY day). 1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year...
Popo Reads the Christmas Story
December 24, 2007 17:00 - 9 minutes - 6.83 MBToday I tell the story of Christmas Eve. For a child this was known as “Hours of Torture” followed by some presents. The “finish line” of the waiting for presents was Grandpa (better known as POPO – “poe poe”) reading the Christmas story. So when my Grandparents left of to go live with relatives in Texas I had my Grandfather read the Christmas story into a cassette tape. I had lost this tape for years. I really thought I had lost it. So I have received a great present this year by having ...
The Christmas tree From Hell
December 23, 2007 17:00 - 5 minutes - 3.54 MBMy Grandfather was one of the first people to have an artificial tree. He had a unique way of decorating it. It sticks in my mind even though it was so many years ago.
Santa's Workshop
December 21, 2007 17:00 - 4 minutes - 3.25 MBToday is Day #9 in the Twelve DAVES of Christmas. Today I talk about how we turned the tables on our parents and had a Surprise for them when they woke up. This is a tradition that would take a horrible turn in the near future (tomorrows show). But it did teach me that it doesn't take much to stand out in a crowd.
10 Little Fingers and 10 Little Toes
December 20, 2007 17:00 - 5 minutes - 5.07 MBWelcome to another installment of "The 12 Dave's of Christmas" (#8 for those keeping Track) Today I'm going to do something I've NEVER done in any of my 100s of podcast episodes. I'm going to SING. It's a Christimas song about the true meaning of Chrstmas. It's me, a guitar, and a microphone (and a touch of reverb).
Merry Christmas, SMILE!
December 20, 2007 17:00 - 3 minutes - 2.55 MBYesterday I talkeds about Surprising your parents on Christmas. As I got older I took this to a new dimented level. I would talk pictures of my parents as they took their first steps out of their bedroom (yes that's really my Dad). Nothing like facing a flashbulb at 6 in the morning.
What I Always Wanted
December 19, 2007 17:00 - 4 minutes - 3.34 MBOK, We all have stories of odd gifts. However, looking back these many of my "unique" gifts came from family members who lived out of town and saw me once or twice a year. I could've won an Oscar for my performance "Best Faking of Appreciation" role. MUSICWhat Child is This from Jimmie Bratcher (www.jimmirbratcher.com ) from the Podsafe Music Network (music.podshow.com ) This podcast originates at www.betterdave.com
Archie the Giant Demonic Snowman
December 18, 2007 17:00 - 5 minutes - 3.99 MBWelcome to day #6 of the "12 Dave's of Christmas" When Santa's line got too long the genius staff of Chapel Hill Mall in Akron, Ohio decided to invent "Archie" this 3 stories tall snowman to talk to kids (who would then relay all information to Santa). Hmmm... back to the drawing board. Music from Jimmie Bratcher from the Podsafe Music Network at music.podshow.com This show originates from www.betterdave.com
Grandma’s Role Call
December 17, 2007 17:00 - 12 minutes - 8.27 MBhttp://www.betterdave.com/ is the home page of the Podcast. Welcome to another installment of "The 12 Dave's of Christmas" I talk about the spooky basement with the hand grenade, the shell, and the doorway to hell. A great place to play on Chrismas day. Music: "what child is this" by Jimmie Bratcher from the Podsafe Music Network (www.jimmiebratcher.com and music.podshow.com )
Decorating the Christmas Bush
December 16, 2007 17:00 - 6 minutes - 4.78 MBWhile my Grandmother was sharp as a tack into her 90's, the woman could not pick out a Christmas tree to save her life. One weekend every year my cousins and I would get together to "Decorate the Christmas Bush." It had old lights, old ornaments, and an old toy soldier that we found to be quite fun. Music "What Child is This" by Jimmie Bratcher from the Podsafe Music Network
SANTA WAS HERE
December 15, 2007 17:00 - 5 minutes - 3.75 MBWelcome to Building a Better Dave "12 Dave's of Christmas" where today I talk about the joy of waking my parents up when myself (and my brother and sister) had found out that Santa had come! Music "What Child is this" from www.jimmirbratcher.com and the Podsafe Music Network.
No Bass Solos in Christmas Music
December 14, 2007 17:00 - 10 minutes - 6.97 MBToday I talk about the excitement when Dad would bring home a new LP of Christmas music. For me, I love warm, cozy music. The albums would have different artist but eventually, someone would bust out the horn section and blast my head off. Happy Vegas Christmas - no thanks My favorite Christmas album of all time is Harry Belafonte "To Wish you a Merry Christmas." It's so good it was remastered and released as "Harry Belafonte Christmas" with some additional songs. My Merry Christmas from...
Grandpa’s Toboggan Shoot
December 13, 2007 17:00 - 11 minutes - 8.18 MBWelcome to the “12 Daves of Christmas” where over the next 12 days I will be relating Christmas themes memories. Today I relive the tale of almost decapitating my cousing Kevin. Please note this picture is not my Grandpa’s Hill (his was steeper).
The Nurse Strikes Back
December 12, 2007 17:00 - 13 minutes - 9.28 MBIt's been a while. I had to prepare for and then take my final exams and my first semester at Akron University is in the books. FINALLY. Get ready for "12 Daves of Christmas" coming tomorrow! Dave tells about a fun trip to eat at Friendly's. Now we can't complain about children in this restaurant, but if you can't hear yourself think, it's time to take some action and THE NURSE STIKES BACK. MUSIC from the Podsafe Music Network (music.podshow.com ) Hello Operator www.hellooperatormusi...
OH HAPPY DAY!
November 20, 2007 17:00 - 22 minutes - 15.8 MBShow #55 from http://www.betterdave.com/ I've been saying "It's going to Get Better" for quite a while. "The Nurse" and I were coming to a crossroads if something didn't change, and we got some great news in regards to my college career (and how long it will last).
THE FLEETWOOD MAC
November 15, 2007 17:00 - 17 minutes - 16.5 MBNOT ENTIRELY WORK SAFE I'm amazed at the generation gap when it comes to college kids. I guess I was weird as I grew up listening to everything. I listen to Benny Goodman, Glen Miller, Harry Belafonte, The Beatles, etc. Today's kids don't know who Fleetwood Mac is. Oh, I'm sorry I mean "The Fleetwood Mac." I HATE THE DOORS (I believe this is part II on this subject). I couldn't do enough drugs for this to be good. New Podcast "The Logical Weight Loss" podcast at www.logicalloss.com ...
There ARE Consequences
November 01, 2007 16:00 - 22 minutes - 21.1 MBThe dumbing of America, Teen Pregnancy is now invading my life. I share my thoughts on the subject and what is possibly some of the reasons. Parents still bitter from a divorce want to prove they are the "cooler" parent and in the process throw their child under the bus. Children know that their parents feel bad about the divorce and play on this guilt to get everything they want. I am entitled to this because you screwed up my life by divorcing my other parent. We end up with a society ...
Anybody Want to Get Mellow?
October 22, 2007 16:00 - 20 minutes - 18.6 MBNOT WORK SAFE For some people, it was the Beatles on Ed Sullivan. While I grew up watching Glen Campbell, and Tom Jones on TV. I had my Bachman Turner Overdrive albums, but I walked into my brother's room one day and he had put on Wang Dang Sweet Poontang from the Album
Feeling Homeless
October 19, 2007 16:00 - 16 minutes - 15.5 MBMissing the days of comforters and hot chocolate. The joys of living out of a suitcase are slowly eroding my attitude. We take for granted that "Ahhhhh..." feeling of walking into our homes. Until you don't have one (or at least one that is truly yours, where you can put some roots down...) I really hesitated putting out this (and a few other) episodes as they've all been kind of "downers" so I put this out for anyone else who might not be feeling as "Up" as they would like to say "Hey you...
Rope a Dope
October 08, 2007 16:00 - 19 minutes - 13.4 MBYou will not believe this episode as I take on the subject of Menopause and all the joys that it brings... We also have some listener feedback from Wayne, Rich Palmer (who really liked the episode "Only in America") and Brian Mundy (who really liked "The Truth about Teenage Boys"). Thanks for the comments guys. Keep em coming at 888-563-3228 Check out Muhammad Ali's Auto Biography The Soul of a Butterfly: Reflections on Life's Journey P.S. I also know its October and Not August (I need...
Only in America
September 13, 2007 16:00 - 2 minutes - 1.88 MBI heard about this and I thought, "This is a joke." However, it is real. Then when I read about it at www.dietfacts.com I was blown away. I mean if you feed this to your kids is it breakfast, a snack, or child abuse? Only in America.
Squeeze This...
September 07, 2007 16:00 - 18 minutes - 17.3 MBOK, I just saw a Charmin commercial and we now have Soft and Strong toilet paper. STOP THE MADNESS. have you been down the frozen pizza aisle lately? I lost my organizer. Read that again. The role of the lost and found. Music from the Podsafe music network at http://music.podshow.com www.astepbehind.com "Back in Action" Doing some shopping? Check out www.supportthisshow.com
Where is Mrs Fresh?
August 27, 2007 16:00 - 15 minutes - 14.5 MBDave talks about going to his new school that is 4 times as expensive. See www.betterdave.com/support And we listen to an episode of Dr. Phil. Kind of... Kids get good grades so you can get a scholarship. Parents start saving for college now. I'm unemployed and yet somehow still make too much money. I love our country. Music from the IODA Promo Net http://promonet.iodalliance.com from "Jonesen For Money" by Deacon Jones (Kent Blues) Buy at iTunes Music Store Stream from Rhapsody More O...
Table For Two Please
August 20, 2007 16:00 - 7 minutes - 5.43 MBLook if your kid can't read the menu - LEAVE THEM HOME. That's what Babysitters and grandparents are for! I'm tired of dodging forks during my dinner. Besides your actions are increasing the divorce rate. Would it be too much to ask that you do NOT set your children on fire until you get home? Is life over at 50? If you didn't have sex when you were dating the first 10 years of marriage are bearable, so you have something to do. If you're already discovered each other, then this crying...