021 What Cats Taught Me About Politics

Podcast
Written By Andy Fletcher

Three months since the last episode of theMangoTimes podcast? It was time for Fletch to jump back behind his microphone for another edition of the podcast.

What happens when you realize you may have been wrong? What does it look like to open your mind and heart to the other side and see the world from their perspective?

On this episode, of theMangoTimes podcast, Fletch discusses with the listener how he made the journey from one party to another. What was it that changed his mind and how did he begin to see there was more than one way to see and enjoy the world. Hold onto your leash and enjoy an episode listening to Fletch admit he was wrong.

Quietly making noise,
Fletch

SHOW NOTES:
Rasta the Chocolate Lab - check out the mascot of theMangoTimes
Music used in this episode:
Top Cat Theme Song
Stray Cat Strut

More Episodes From Fletch
035 Growing Up In WW2
035 Growing Up In WW2

In this special D-Day episode of theMangoTimes Podcast, Fletch sits down with his 94-year-old father to talk about life during World War II. From hearing the news of D-Day to the realities of rationing, duty, and sacrifice, it’s a moving conversation filled with memory, humility, and one very wise pipe-smoking Pop.

034 Why You Need More Nonsense In Your Life
034 Why You Need More Nonsense In Your Life

In this episode of theMangoTimes Podcast, Fletch sits down with Corey Strauss, founder of The Magic Box Players and one of the Central Valley’s most creative minds in theater and costume design. Together, they explore the value of play, the freedom found in silliness, and why embracing a little nonsense might be exactly what we all need right now. From childhood imagination to mobile puppet theaters and grown-up goofiness, this conversation is a joyful reminder that laughter isn’t just fun—it’s vital.

033 What If The Worst Never Happens?
033 What If The Worst Never Happens?

In Episode 33, Fletch discusses that most of the fears that hold us back aren’t rooted in reality—they’re rooted in what might happen.
In this solo episode, I’m diving into that idea: how we live under the weight of possible outcomes, imagined disasters, and worst-case scenarios that rarely materialize.
But what if we stopped letting fear of the possible steal the joy of the actual?
Let’s talk about it.

032 The Best Advice My Dad Ever Gave Me
032 The Best Advice My Dad Ever Gave Me

In Episode 32, Fletch moves out of the smoke shop and onto the back porch with his dad to ask a few more questions in an episode subtitled: Words To Live By.  It’s a theme that’s more than just old sayings or clichés; it’s about what’s really stuck with him over the years. From the advice he took (and didn’t take) to the moments that shaped him, this episode is full of that real-life wisdom you can only get from someone who’s been around the block a few times.

031 Make Your Own Kind Of Music
031 Make Your Own Kind Of Music

In Episode 31, Fletch continues a thread that’s been running through recent conversations with his dad (In the Smoke Shop with Pop) and his wife Kendra (Stop Dreaming and Start Doing). This time, he sits down with his 18-year-old son Christian—musician, YouTuber, and future University of the Pacific student—to talk about what it means to make your own kind of music in life.

030 In The Smokeshop With Pop, 2: Work and Family
030 In The Smokeshop With Pop, 2: Work and Family

In Episode 30, Pop settles back into his smokeshop chair and answers listener-submitted questions with his trademark blend of humor and honesty. He reflects on his long career, the life choices that shaped him, and even opens up about a few regrets.

029 Stop Dreaming. Start Doing.
029 Stop Dreaming. Start Doing.

In Episode 29, join Fletch as he discusses transforming dreams into actions with his wife, Kendra, who shares her journey and tips for overcoming fears and obstacles. Let's get inspired to make dreams happen!

028 In The Smokeshop With Pop: Meet Pop
028 In The Smokeshop With Pop: Meet Pop

In Episode 28, Fletch starts a new series on theMangoTimes podcast by sitting down in his dad’s smoke shop for a quick discussion. In this introductory episode, you get to meet the 94yr old guy and find out who he is.

027 Do What You Love And Do It Often
027 Do What You Love And Do It Often

Back in the studio, Fletch kicks off theMT Podcast for 2025 with a return to The Fletchifesto and a discussion of remembering to do what you love and do it often.

026 Life is Good
026 Life is Good

On this episode of theMangoTimes podcast, grab your favorite cup of coffee and join Fletch and a few special guests as they dive a little deeper into his Fletchifesto and look at why he believes Life is Good. I promise it won’t be annoying.

Andy Fletcher

Andy "Fletch" Fletcher has been married to Kendra for more than 30 years. He is a proud father to 5 sons, 3 daughters, but has added a few more kids by marriage and now a few grandchildren who call him Pops.
During the day he can be found fixing people's teeth, but the rest of the time you can find him smoking a pipe, enjoying a cup of coffee, riding a motorcycle or hanging out with his loyal black lab, Champ.
Enjoy everything you see on theMangoTimes from this Jesus-loving, wife-smooching, dog-walking, pipe-smoking, mountain-hiking positive guy as he quietly makes some noise.

http://www.themangotimes.com
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