I’ve seen countless photos and videos of the Lincoln Memorial, but seeing with my own eyes was magnificent. Many consider Lincoln to be the greatest president of all time, and it’s hard to argue otherwise. The details carved into every part of the memorial left me in awe. I felt like I was standing at the feet of greatness. It’s easy to see why Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. would stand at this very spot and deliver his “I Have a Dream” speech 100 years after Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. Four score and 7 years is equal to 87 years, and it’s exactly that number of steps from the top of the Lincoln Memorial to the nearby reflecting pool. Today I’ll reflect on those moments I spent standing at the feet of Lincoln.

We are joined by special guest Marianne this week as we discuss “The Last Sam Weiss,” the penultimate episode of both this three-episode arc and of the third season. We share what we love about this episode (especially the acting from various cast members as well as the great character development that we get with Walter) but also discuss our disappointment around the enigma that is the titular Sam Weiss not being fully explained, seeming to be a thread that was ultimately dismissed.

Rat Race. No, I’m not referring to the 2001 film starring Rowan Atkinson, John Cleese, and Cuba Gooding Jr. I’m referring to that trap many of us fall into. Wikipedia says a rat race is an endless, self-defeating, or pointless pursuit. The phrase equates humans to rats attempting to earn a reward such as cheese, in vain. Don’t get me wrong, this is not entirely bad. After all, our career is how we earn our income and our income is how we provide for our family. Providing for our family is honorable, right? Yes, of course it is. I think we all have a desire to create a better life for those we love that is better than the one we ourselves have experienced. 

The Bible is alive, it does speak to me. As I read it and go through my day, it shapes my thoughts and actions. It challenges me to grow in every part of my life, teaches me how to be a better husband, father, and worker. It teaches me about the character of God, morality, history, how to manage money, and so much more. It reveals my shortcomings and transforms my mind. 

Happy 2025, cortexifans! Join us this week as we discuss the first third of what is essentially a three-part finale! We share our thoughts on the episode and how we retroactively see the episode as mostly a setup.

This month we’re heading to the old west with Mr. Denton on Doomsday and Showdown with Rance McGrew. Both episodes share themes about facing consequences and getting a second chances. One of the episodes hit close to home for us and had some poignant moments, while the other’s comedic efforts landed more for one of us than the other.