EPISODE 41: A Common Humanity

In this episode of "Strangers on a Bench," the host interviews a 65-year-old retired man about his life, daily routines, and perspectives. The conversation begins with his fondness for Fridays and delves into his writing habits, including his unique desk setup and the challenges of noisy neighbors. He recounts a past experience of being bullied, which inspired his unpublished novel, and shares memories from a transformative year-long trip to Fiji. The discussion covers his career in the health service, the impact of his colleagues, and his thoughts on compassion and human connection. He also discusses his current writing project, a dark comedy verse novel, and recites a portion of it from memory. The episode touches on his personal life, including his feelings about finding a partner and a potential romantic interest. He reflects on key moments in his life, such as learning to ride a bike and discovering D.H. Lawrence, and concludes by sharing his plans for the future, which include seeking an agent for his novel and watching Doctor Who.