Building a Better Dave

Building a Better Dave

A funny look at relationships, marriage, divorce, love, sex, life, dating advice, and the weird thoughts that pop into Dave's head when he is sleep deprived. Guaranteed to make you laugh, cry, think, or groan. Life is too important to be taken seriously

Episodes

April 10, 2025 16 mins

In this episode, Dave shares a candid account of his recent health updates, and it's a mix of challenges and victories. From starting the year with new exercise routines to discovering unexpected health issues, Dave opens up about how turning 60 has brought a wave of concern regarding blood sugar, blood pressure, and thyroid issues.

With a dash of humor, he recounts the quirks of ...

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Today I share some insights as I deal with the loss of a friend. Death sucks, but when you lose people who are YOUNGER then you, with no warning, it really sucks.

Today I talk about losing my friend Niel Guilarte who I worked with during the making of The Messengers: A Podcast Documentary

We got to room with each other at events, and we just clicked. We always made each other laugh. My favorite was when Niel would start laughing an...

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February 7, 2025 12 mins

This was recorded during my last few minutes of being 59. Life is dragging me kicking and screaming into my 60s. I'm not happy about it. 

Don't you get it? I'm 23 honest. I've been 23 my whole life? 

Have I made my last trip to Dairy Queen? It turns out everything I eat is poison. That's something you know but don't care, and it turns out you should've cared a little more than you did.

John Mayer has a great song called "Stop this ...

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January 10, 2025 15 mins

Episode Summary

In this episode, Dave reflects on his recent struggles with his car in frigid Ohio weather and how it reminded him of the "old days" of dealing with unreliable vehicles. From the quirks of old, hand-me-down cars to the challenges of modern, fuel-injected engines, Dave humorously recounts the learning curves of car maintenance. The episode dives into the importance of adaptability, whether in fixing a car, k...

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December 19, 2024 16 mins
  • A Christmas Conundrum:

    What do you do when the much-anticipated family gathering is jeopardized by an unexpected bout of COVID-19? Dave recounts his experience, offering a candid and touching perspective on the true meaning of the season.

  • Reminiscing with Friends:

    From cherished childhood memories to the pains and aches of getting older, Dave and his best friend embark on a nostalgic journey, bringing...

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October 22, 2024 12 mins

I filed for Bankrupcy in 2004. I know there is a difference between being poor and being BROKE. 

Today I share a strategy I've been doing for most of this year and it's saving me close to $50 a month and I don't have to do a thing.

A bundle of Disney+, Hulu, and Max is $30/month
Peacock $14/month
Paramount and Showtime $13/month.
Total: $57

(and yes, I know there are more). 

Rotate Your Streaming Services:

...
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    In the latest episode, I share my personal experience with podcasting, detailing how I ended up in podcasting post-divorce while living in my brother's basement.

    Despite successfully establishing myself over two decades and earning recognition, I still struggle with imposter syndrome. Reflecting on accolades like being called an influencer and my moves within the industry, I discuss the complicated feelings of self-worth and accept...

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    June 26, 2024 13 mins

    Welcome to another episode of Better Dave! Today, I'm diving into the fascinating world of personal finance and exploring how we can get our money working for us.

    I've spent over three decades with the same bank, but recently, I've rediscovered the benefits of modern financial tools like SoFi and Acorns. 

    As I monitor my income and outcome in Monarch, I h...

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    Today's story reminds us there's still hope in humanity. In this episode, our host, Dave Jackson, shares a personal mishap that turns into a surprising testament to the goodness of people. After a pleasant bike ride in Ohio, Dave discovers he’s lost his wallet, containing all his essential cards and cash. His frantic search proves futile, leading to setbacks as he navigates the day without his wallet.

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    On the latest episode of Better Dave, titled "Putting the FUN in Funeral," host Dave Jackson shares a heartwarming and humorous tribute to his favorite teacher and mentor, Jim Blackstock. This episode takes us on an emotional yet uplifting journey, emphasizing the profound impact a great teacher can have on our lives.

    Here are three key takeaways from this poignant episode:

    - **Integrating Humor in Educati...

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    Today I turn 59 and apparently, I have one goal: Don't Break a Hip. So I reflect a bit on my 20s, 30s, and 40s, as I have 365 more days in my 50's. According to AI, "From reminiscing about past relationships and experiences to contemplating the inevitability of aging and the challenges of staying healthy, Dave's musings offer a heartfelt and relatable perspective on navigating life's journey." So click Play already

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    November 8, 2023 8 mins

    Sometimes we forget what life was like, and in todays' episode I realize that I can get the answer to just about everything with a few clicks of a mouse. 

    Things we learned today. Which way to set your ceiling fan in the winter.

    Rhino Sex

    Elephant Sperm Collection

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    October 20, 2023 17 mins

    Yuri Bezmenov was a russian journlist who defected to the USA. He explained a strategy of the KGB. HE said this in 1984.

    It was called either ideological subversion, or active measures.

    What it basically means is to change the perception of reality of every American to such an extent that despite the abundance of information, no one is able to come to sensible conclusions in the interests of d...

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    Today we have a very relatable topic to delve into. We've all had those days where everything seems to go wrong, where every step forward feels like two steps back. Well, my friends, today we're talking about having a bad day.

     

    All I had to do was go to Walmart, buy some fruit and two cables, and get to the church by five for a special event. It just seemed like I couldn't catch a break all day.

    No matter how bad your day is, some...

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    August 4, 2023 11 mins

    Welcome back to another episode of "Building a Better Dave" with your host, Dave Jackson. In today's episode,  a mysterious bump near the armpit is getting bigger. Dave takes us on a journey of curiosity, self-discovery, and a deep desire to stay healthy. Join us as we explore the hilarious yet relatable moments of navigating waxing, dieting, financial frugality, and the pains and fears that come with aging. So grab your headphones...

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    July 18, 2023 11 mins

    So Meta/Facebook released a "new" app called Threads. I installed it to check it out, and well...

     

    It's Twitter. 

    No. Seriously, it is Twitter (with a different name)

    Why?

    Because of a difference of opinion, once again, America separates.

    Pinapple Pizza

    Sompe people love pineapple on your pizza, while people like me are more traditional (pepperoni and maybe some ...

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    June 28, 2023 10 mins

    I've started using a Continous Glucose Monitor (or as the cool kids call it a CGM) from Signos.

    It's pretty amazing and the thing I love about it is if I put in my food into the app before I eat it, it will warn me, "Hey, you better exercise for 20 minutes when you finish eating THAT." 

    So I do, and I watch my blood glucose stabilize. 

    Grapes are out. Like, never again. Which is a bummer, as I love grapes.

    FRONT OF MIND

    The one thi...

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    June 21, 2023 9 mins

    Dallas turned 45 (See picture here) and Patrick Duffy, Linda Gray, Charlene Tilton, Audrey Landers, Steve Kanaly, Joan Van Ark, Sheree Wilson and Cathy Podewell met up for a reunion. Victoria Principal didn't attend.

    . Here are three key takeaways:

    Dave has never seen anyone who looks better after getting work done on their face

    He advises women (and Men) to focus on healthy habits such as eating right and exercising if they're thi...

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    June 13, 2023 12 mins

    I looked up and I was subscribed to Peacock, Hulu, Netflix, Apple TV, Hbomax, the only one missing was paramount. I use YouTube TV to get "TV."

    As I was considering closing these, I was worried that I wouldn't be able to chime in on the conversation around the water cooler at work. Then I remembered it's not 1995. I haven't had anyone since Christmas talk about a TV show that I felt I was missing out (Yellowstone, and I wasn't but ...

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    May 30, 2023 9 mins

    I spoke about my now PSTD reaction to finding pile after pile after pile of plastic bags that my sister (who NEVER throws them away) had stored throughout my house in a previous episode

    After watching a report from ABC News called Trashed: The Secret Life of Plastic Recycling that there was an option that had never crossed my mind. 

    Isn't that the way so many things are? We convince ourselves of an outcome, or our potential and w...

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