Gratitude

Thank you and Happy Holidays!

We flew past 200 subscribers this month!

In lieu of a traditional “chapter” post this week (because it’s the holidays, and because a nasty cold just made its way through our house) here’s a quick update on this Substack and a message of gratitude.

What am I thankful for as 2025 comes to a close? My wife, my son, my family, and my friends, of course. But more than that, I feel a tremendous sense of contentment from handling these complicated issues for the past 23 chapters. It’s been illuminating to see what lessons resurface again and again through comments and interviews, and what topics remain to be discussed so we can map out all the ways our friends might need help.

While I feel more equipped than ever to handle emergencies as they pop up around me, thanks to the research I’ve done for these posts, I still sometimes find myself stumbling as I try to reach out to a friend that’s hurting, at a loss for words, desperate for answers. I originally feared these bouts of uncertainty, scared they would erode my credibility as your guide. But now I realize those moments of doubt just make me hungrier to learn from all of your experiences, and share that knowledge with as many people as I can.

This Substack has made me a better writer, father, husband, and person. Thank you, each and every one of you, for supporting me in that growth.

And fresh from our discussion about grief last week, my friend CL wrote a very personal story of losing a close friend and dealing with the complicated feelings that follow. His desire to reconnect with friends at our age definitely resonates with, and inspires, me. Give it a read and send some love his way when you’ve got the time.

Here’s some stuff to look forward to as November comes to a close.

• Chapter 24, “Partners,” an exploration of helping your closest friend.

• An eye-opening interview with Dr. Seema Calip (my psychiatrist) about the benefits of prescription medicine and the pitfalls of recommending them to others.

• Our November livestream, celebrating 5 months and over 200 subscribers.

Stay tuned, and stay jolly, friends. Thank you for your support!

Brandon