Episode #1: A Superhero Without a Leotard (featuring Joe Tanasse)
Show notes:
Donning neither a magician’s cape nor a superhero leotard, other than his signature Pringles potato chips costume every Halloween, he wields superpowers of a different sort. He has magic hands and a supersized heart. His hands are small, sixty grit rough, Lennie strong, and campfire warm. Holding his hands feels like home, enveloping, reassuring, safe, and always the same. He offers bear hugs freely with three light slaps of both hands. He smacks out a crisp “high five” leaving a satisfying sting on your palm and a smile in your heart.
Welcome to our very first podcast. We’re delighted you’re here, and you’re in for a treat! In today’s episode I’ll share a little about myself, orient you to this podcast, and I’ll introduce you to our first guest, a living superhero, and one of many who inspires “A Hat Tip For Hands.” Also, I’d like to thank my wife, Tiffany, for suggesting a podcast class. I never knew I wanted to do a podcast! I’d also like to thank Kelsey Murphy, of “Podcast with Soul, for all of her love and guidance in helping to bring this podcast to launch, and I’d like to thank George, my son, for his cello and photography talents, and my daughters Olivia and Frances for their ideas, practice sessions, and encouragement.
I’m Dr. John Tanasse. I’m a practicing chiropractor of 20 years in Olympia WA. I love my work, the outdoors, writing, good design, everything family and friends, and laughing, mostly at myself.
In practice, I enjoy connecting one on one with patients, nurturing relationships, building trust, providing comfort, reassurance, and a safe positive space for healing.
Stories are the margherita pizza of my day. I am touched by the tales of people helping people, as workers, families, neighbors, friends, and strangers. Ultimately, everyone, everywhere lends a hand. It’s what humans do. It moves me to shine a light on this part of the human spirit.
“A Hat Tip For Hands” is a podcast about and in appreciation for people caring for people, their communities, and the planet, whether a health provider, a garbage collector, or a passerby. We explore goodwill, general human kindness, ingenuity, compassion, creativity, and problem solving. This includes anyone known or unknown, with a story big or small, reaching out making a difference. And that includes you! Really!
My first guest expresses the essence of this podcast. This superhero is my younger brother Joe. Joe T as he’s known around town, has Down’s syndrome. Joe expresses his superpowers in all sorts of ways. Joe is Fred Rogers friendly, and Queer Eye kind. Joe defines unconditional. He displays mastery at exchanging love for hate. He’s patient like Mother Bear, and compassionate like Mother Teresa. He’s also a great helper.
I love to hold his healing hands.
I’m going to introduce Joe and want you to know that he can be a little challenging to understand at times, but when listening closely, his sweet spirit comes through loud and clear.
Joe T is my brother of two years younger. I have learned mountains from Joe. He has modeled unconditional, compassion, kindness, having a light heart, forgiveness, optimism, and love. He has been experiencing some signs of dementia, especially over the period of Covid that adds additional challenge to the times. I am grateful to have Joe in my life. He’s a terrific guy!
