Agent Palmer

Recently, my good friend Zapata, my partner Stefanie, and I all called off work on a Friday to geek out in perhaps the most time-consuming way possible: with all three extended editions of The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

It was something that Zapata and I had reminisced about, since we hadn’t done it in a long time, and as Stef had never seen the Extended Editions it was decided that it must happen.

The year 2021, much like 2020 before it, was a challenging stretch of time. Bad for some and good for others, but on the whole, challenging for most.

For me professionally, 2021 ended with some actual career opportunities. That’s something I’ve been waiting for years to take advantage of. It’s part-time, but it’s better than nothing. If I’ve gleaned anything from my recent stint of joblessness, it’s that I’ll probably always be looking or at least networking. I don’t want to ever get professionally complacent again.

This post was not my idea, but I can’t argue with the editor that suggested it. On episode 52 of The Palmer Files, I discussed celebrations and anniversaries with my editor and polar opposite when it comes to those things, as well as one of my best friends, Chris Hughes.

It was his suggestion that I write a post about blogging for 10 years. Since it’s hard to argue with someone who has a good idea, especially when they are more practiced at celebrating anniversaries, you go with them.

Finding Rhythm and Balance as an Amateur Musician

A long, long time ago… I can still remember how that music used to make me smile…

Well, actually, no.

A long, long time ago, I can still remember how I used to know how to play the drums. And I knew that if I had my chance, that I could make those people dance, and maybe they’d be happy for a while.

UNDISCLOSED LOCATION—Relatively obscure internet personality Jason Stershic, perhaps better known as Agent Palmer, recently celebrated two years of The Palmer Files podcast. Released every other Tuesday, Palmer has now self-produced 53 episodes on numerous topics with a variety of guests.

Highlights of The Palmer Files’ small but mighty roster of guests includes noted composer of Ralph Bakshi’s “Wizards” Andrew Belling; science fiction author and Skywalker Sound sound designer Essa Hansen; Jim Henson, George Lucas, and Dr. Seuss biographer Brian Jay Jones; “The Tolkien Professor” Dr. Corey Olsen; and space flight historian Amy Shira Teitel.