Mickey is Dying
Stagione 1
di Mickey Weems & Donna Blanchard
Mickey shares the benefits of “Katnaps” and how a school counselor in his youth helped to change the course of his life. As he approaches the end of his journey here, Mickey is striving to do things right by his spiritual ancestors.
Mickey shares his experience with targeted radiation, and how he overcame an initial resistance to trying the therapy. Caring technicians soften the side effects of his contact with the machine overlords, with Mickey’s focus not necessarily on extending his life, as much as enhancing its quality.
Mickey dances through the weekend with the help of a staff, and the knowledge that dancing isn’t always going to be possible. Movement on the comic book front, an exploration of religions, and a change of faith.
Mickey shares the visit with his urologist when it was first suspected that something may be wrong, and the uncomfortable choices placed on the table. Treatment options, changes in cognition, and lucid dreams of loved ones passed complement the coffee talk.
“There’s little pain in dancing” and in walking through music memories. As Mickey readies for a night out, he shares selections from his ultimate playlist, favorite travel destinations, and more on his military background. The mind-body connection created throughout these experiences contribute to a sense of tribe and belonging.
Mickey feels compelled to share his medical records with the podcast team following an encounter with a possible diagnosis-doubter at the gym. A conversation on the need to live up to what the people he loves see in him, and a look at Mickey’s favored saints (with a fitting nod to the beloved Mother of Outcasts).
Body of a Greek god, stamina of a great-grandmother. Mickey shares how his workouts have had to evolve, and how he envisions his farewell–complete with rose water and support from his brothers in weightlifting.
The distinction between feeling tired and being weary is profoundly felt with the changes cancer brings. A cremation fundraising party gets creative with names, while walking along a lava flow leaves a burning impression in Mickey's memory.
When Irish Catholic Mickey climbs atop a pyramid beneath the crescent moon at Ramadan, he finds a transformative connection with the Muslim faith—and that “the path of God is beautiful.” Both belief and atheism are present, and welcome, near the end of this journey.
Mickey’s experiences in the circuit party scene inform a look at masculinity—minus the violence—that exists within the gay community and may inform issues facing humanity: bullying, misogyny, and more.