Did it hurt?

When you read something so profound it left you reeling. A book that laid your soul bare. An article that prised open your brain. A quote distilling the human condition to its essence. An idea so poignant it simply MUST be shared with your bestie. You buy them the book. You email the article. You forward the meme.

You anticipate deep connection, gratitude, shared metamorphosis.

Instead you get… meh.

Yeah. That hurt.

Sometimes the meh person is yourself, a few days or months later.

The Fink Tank is back! And we’re here to see the world not as it is, but as we transiently foolishly are.

Col’s four year old daughter Darwin rode a pedal bike for the first time last week. If it weren’t for the Fink Tank, I would have missed it.

In our final episode for this year, we reflect on the surprising longevity of the project, and the multiple ways it has brought joy to our lives.

Since June 2023, we’ve dropped 114 episodes in 130 weeks. Apart from season breaks, we’ve only missed one Friday publishing deadline. For anyone who knows the Finks, that is ASTONISHING.

We love the conversations and connections the Fink Tank brings. To all you beautiful people who’ve joined in the fun, THANK YOU. You’re the reason Col and I keep playing in this magnificent sandpit.

See you next year!

If you’re a member of the Dead Parent Club, today’s Fink Tank is for you.

Our dad Tony died 27 years ago. On his anniversary yesterday we honoured him in Col’s shed.

I’m now about the same age as Dad was as I remember him. When I was younger all I could see were the differences. As I’ve aged, I’ve been quietly chuffed to grow into the similarities. I love seeing echos of his character in Col.

We’re all a reflection of our parents, for better or worse. Tony was a wonderful dad, so most similarities are for better. Apart from Col inheriting a filthy smoking habit for a decade. And my penchant for leaving things to the absolute last minute*.

If you’ve lost a parent, we’d love to hear from you.