Why we recalled the last episode about suicide

And why I am falling in love with SF all over again

Sunday is officially my favorite day because I get to write to you - rain or shine!

Today is a quick update as we gear up for the last two episodes of Season 2 of The Gumpcast and prepare for the next phase.

I am happy to announce that I have committed myself to a Season 3 and that we already have the first 3 episodes recorded - in Video! More about that in a second…

As some of you might have noticed, we quickly had to recall Episode 21 about suicide and that was because my guest’s brother - who was the one who attempted suicide- had a few concerns about a) his identity being exposed before he was able to share this with the world (including his son) and b) about the language we used such as “killing himself” and “giving up” which is not how he saw it at all (in addition to a few factual things we got wrong).

As always, I try to honor my guests to the highest level, and this resulted in some very heartfelt conversations between all three of us which I believe is going to make this episode much better when we bring it back next week.

An important note for those of you who listened to it in the few hours it was live (especially those who know my guest) - we have decided to turn this into an anonymous episode to protect the identity of the brother. So please do your part in protecting his identity as well and just keep that knowledge to yourself moving forward.

We will bring it back live in its new format next week as well as Episode 22 around Redefining our relationship with Technology, both setting us up for a Grand 90 min Season II finale about Self Expression!

In other news, the response on the street for Palestine and the demonstrations calling for a ceasefire have warmed my heart this week and have reminded me of the soul of San Francisco that attracted me to this city in the first place.

I have also been exploring new art venues that opened up and we are close to closing. inon Season III’s venue which will include a live audience and live music every episode, so if you are in SF- stay tuned for this towards the end of the year.

We have a lot of gumption-filled announcements very soon!

Till then, I wish you a warm-hearted start to the last month of this fucking year! Hooray!

2024…please be gentle (although we all know it’s going to play rough).

Fear not though, the gumption will be here to help us all get through these tough times, together.

Much love and see you next Sunday,

Omar