So this is the eighth episode of Back from the Abyss.

And I think this is kind of a milestone, at least a small milestone, because as Chris, my co-producer,

good friend, and sound guy told me recently, after doing some research, the average podcast

crashes and burns after seven episodes. But I would like to think that we are actually

just taking off right

now. I checked the other day we've been downloaded in 54 countries, 662 towns and cities all over the

world. But I think what's most exciting and powerful for me is that each of our storytellers has been

deeply and powerfully moved by telling their stories. And they were the

inspiration to start this podcast. And I know Chris and I have found incredible, just camaraderie,

power, friendship, and gratitude working with them. Another thing I think that this eighth episode

has spawned is the honest feedback of my

friends, family, and colleagues who are whispering in my ear or saying to my face, why is your

introduction so somber and depressing and bleak and grim and would you change it please and I think what they mean by that

I know what they mean by that is not the music people love the music it's it's it's well here's the

thing when I've recorded the first episode the first thing we recorded was the introduction I thought

okay this is a very solemn, serious moment.

So I need to use my very serious, like, theater introduction movie voice.

And so, yeah, I think back from the Abyss introduction now sounds a little spooky,

almost haunted house-esque.

And I hope none of you are turned off by it

that you hung in there for the rest of it.

But I promise you in the next episode,

...