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.

People warned us about going to the United States. With alarming news at saturation point, we had doubts ourselves. Here’s what happened:

Everything was fine.

In Florida, people warned us about going to New Orleans.

New Orleans was amazing. We went to a Halloween street party in the suburbs, and it was pure delight. But the people there warned us about going to downtown New Orleans.

Downtown New Orleans is fantastic. We took the kids for a sunset walk on Bourbon Street, and they loved it.

The news paints a distorted picture of the world, where danger and catastrophe lurk at every corner.

The world is mostly great. But that doesn’t make the news, because reality is boring. Yes we’re privileged, and there’s a lot of real suffering in the world. The news machine knows we feel guilty about our comparative ease, and exploits our empathy.

You already know that just being “aware” of the world’s atrocities doesn’t help. What actually helps is money.

So, Col Fink and I wonder, should you stop watching the news?