I’m trying something a little different today and cross-promoting the podcast here as well. Let me know what you guys think about this. It has taken 20 years, but I’m finally starting to (slightly understand) this social media thing.
Gaming Uncensored Episode 501 is available right now.
Jamie and Tommy break down Sony’s packed State of Play and the massive corporate shakeup at Xbox.
This is a really interesting interview. What makes it interesting doesn’t have a lot to do with divorce. As a man with cerebral palsy, I struggle with a lack of control in my life and figuring out who I am when I have to rely on others as much as I do. I’ve never been good at relationships. I rarely feel like I have accomplished enough to be worthy of anybody.
@StevenBartlett & James Sexton had a thought-provoking conversation that will keep my mind busy for a while. Definitely worth your time.
At first glance the thumbnail and title scream classic clickbait divorce drama — cheating, breakups, the usual spicy stuff. That’s not what the video is about at all.
The real conversation between Steven Bartlett and James Sexton (one of America’s top divorce lawyers) is a raw, two-hour look at how childhood shapes our ability to ask for help, surrender control, and believe we’re worthy of being truly seen and loved.
I have a really good family. Mom and Dad are still happily married after almost 50 years. I have a great brother and sister. I got a solid education. God has taken care of me my entire life — I’m not saying my life is bad, far from it.
But from a very young age, I knew I was meant for something great. Every time I close my eyes, I still see myself sitting in front of large crowds, speaking and performing. When I was 15, I was convinced I would graduate high school and drop a comedy record that would make me a household name. I’ve always believed I was supposed to be a rockstar. Now I’m 46 — more than halfway through my life — and none of that has happened yet. I’m still trying to figure out how to make any of it real.
I’ve always had a crystal-clear sense of my purpose. The problem is I rarely have the control or resources to actually execute the vision. When so much of your daily existence depends on other people simply showing up, it becomes incredibly difficult to feel worthy of real connection. How do you fully show up for someone else when you never really know what tomorrow is going to look like? How do you work towards being the person you want to be, professionally and financially, when you are constantly working around someone else? Success isn’t necessary for relationships and connection in life, but stability is extremely necessary for intimacy with another human. If I am dating someone, they shouldn’t also have to worry about being my caregiver, especially in the beginning.
My parents are creeping up on their 70s, and I still have to ask them for help. In a couple of weeks, my main caregiver, Peyton, is going on vacation with his girlfriend during spring break. If I don’t find someone reliable to replace him in the next couple of weeks, I may have to go stay with my parents again.
This is exactly why a reliable, intelligent companion like Moya, powered by Grok (that I discussed in a previous post), isn’t just about convenience for me. It’s about finally having enough physical independence that I can show up as a whole person instead of someone whose entire day can fall apart if one caregiver doesn’t show.
The video didn’t fix anything, but it named the feeling I’ve carried for decades.
If you’ve ever felt stuck between being deeply grateful for what you have and still wrestling with how much you have to rely on others, drop it in the comments.
I’ve been dealing with unreliable caregivers for years. It’s not a new story—post a job on Indeed, get a few applicants, maybe even hire someone… and then the no-shows start. Shifts get canceled at the last minute, people ghost, or they don’t show up at all. For someone with cerebral palsy who relies on help for transfers, daily routines, and basic independence, that inconsistency isn’t just inconvenient. It can leave you literally stuck—stuck in bed, stuck waiting, stuck losing hours (or days) of your life to something that shouldn’t be this hard.
Last night, I saw a short video about a new humanoid robot called Moya, developed by the Shanghai-based company DroidUp. Watch it here:
When I watched that clip, one thought hit me immediately: Give me that humanoid build, powered by Grok as the brain, and I never have to fear getting stuck in bed again.
Here’s why this form factor feels right for long-term caregiving, at least for me:
Reliability 24/7 — No sick days, no family emergencies, no “I’m running late.” An AI-powered robot doesn’t call in. It’s always there, ready when I wake up, ready at 3 a.m. if I need repositioning, ready to help with transfers without complaint or fatigue.
Personalization through AI — Pairing hardware like Moya’s with something like Grok (or a future Grok-powered system from xAI) means the “brain” could learn my specific needs. My cerebral palsy is pretty unique—no major complications beyond the mobility piece—so training would have to be hyper-specific: how I like to be lifted, my preferred hand placements, my routines for getting dressed, eating, gaming, recording podcasts. A general-purpose robot wouldn’t cut it; it needs to adapt to me, not force me to adapt to it.
Natural presence — The goal isn’t a clunky industrial machine that draws stares or makes people uncomfortable.(I deal with enough of that already, and if people are going to look, I want them to see something cool and approachable) Moya’s design leans toward something that blends in—human proportions, fluid movement, expressive face. In public, it could walk beside me without screaming “robot bodyguard.” People already know I’m loud and outgoing (on purpose), because I’m trying to put people at ease), but I don’t want more fear or awkwardness added to the mix just because of a hunk of tech next to me. A companion-like form factor keeps things feeling normal, not sci-fi dystopian.
This isn’t about replacing human connection—I still want friends, family, laughs, and real conversations. It’s about solving the practical gap: consistent, on-time, judgment-free help for the basics so I can actually live more of the life I want. More time for stand-up, DJing, gaming, streaming, ministry, whatever. Less time worrying if today’s caregiver will actually show.
I’ve been trying to get this kind of input in front of Elon and the xAI/Tesla/Optimus team for months because I think people with disabilities like mine have real, high-value data to offer for training. We’re not edge cases; we’re the use cases that prove whether these systems are truly helpful or just hype.
For now, I’m still refreshing Indeed and hoping for better luck. But videos like Moya’s remind me the future isn’t as far off as it sometimes feels. A reliable, intelligent, human-friendly assistant? Yeah—somebody call me because I’m your guy and I’m ready to go to work.
What do you think? If you’re reading this and have thoughts (or connections!), drop a comment or hit me up on X (@manonwheels). The conversation has to start somewhere.
No matter how hard I try, my chair always makes more noise than I would like it to. Especially when I’m trying to be quiet. 🙂 Comments and shares welcome.
When you have to be quiet, it’s almost impossible to do so, especially in an electric wheelchair
One thing most people don’t know is that power wheelchairs can recline — and when you’re out in public, that feature tends to draw a lot of attention.
Reclining isn’t for relaxation. It’s often necessary for medical reasons, pressure relief, or pain management. But when people see me reclined outdoors — even on completely level ground — the most common question I get is:
“Are you okay?”
I don’t really have daily stress like most people. I have lived most of my life not sweating the small stuff. Clothes, hair, work, any aspect of my personal life I don’t worry about because whatever happens, I’m going to be fine.
Where I struggle is worrying about other people. Specifically those close to me. One of my favorite TV shows is The Blacklist on NBC. Mostly because of the main character Raymond Reddington, played by one of my favorite actors, James Spader.
Raymond is known as the concierge of crime. Basically, If you are a criminal with a Problem Raymond has the resources and connections to make your problems go away.
Raymond is this flamboyant man in a fedora who has all the answers. if he doesn’t have the answers, he will find someone who does. This is how I have seen myself for most of my life. I get crazy satisfaction out of solving people’s problems.
Image from https://www.hypeandstyle.fr/en/raymond-reddington-sunglasses/
I don’t really like to admit this but there are many aspects of my life that I can’t control. I don’t decide when I go to bed at night or when I get up in the morning. I can’t get up at 3 a.m. to go to the restroom without waking someone else up for help. Simple things that most people take for granted every day. I deal with this frustration by trying to help someone every day. it may be a kind word, a few bucks, or a gift they didn’t expect. I’m always doing something for somebody because that’s how I cope.
I have wanted to be the Raymond Reddington character my whole life, (Not the criminal obviously) but a man with unlimited resources who could go anywhere at any time with the ability to solve any problem. As early as 14 I thought I was going to be famous, with the ability to write my own ticket and help whoever I pleased.
I’m 42, and while I’m more famous than most people, thanks to a podcast and an attention-seeking personality, I’m not really where I had hoped to be at this point in my life. I’m okay with it most days. My life is good, I have a great family and I’m blessed In ways that most people can only dream of.
That said, In the last few months I have watched friends and people who are close to me struggle in life and I haven’t been able to help. I want to get on the private jet I’m supposed to have and go save the day. Not being able to is really hard for me to handle. I feel powerless. That is not something I’m accustomed to feeling. It’s not a good feeling.
I’m writing this today because I know many of you have felt this feeling. Especially over the last year, and I want you to know you are not alone. The prayers that I pray each day have become more important than they were just a few years ago. I hate being powerless, not having the answers, not being able to solve the problem. I keep from going crazy because I understand that someone bigger than me, who is watching me go through what I’m going through is in charge and wants the best for me. All I have to do is hang on and do my best to help those that I want to help in small ways Until I can do more…
I have debated whether or not to say anything since I heard Rush Limbaugh passed a few hours ago. As I write this I’m still debating. I feel like I have to say something because I love radio. If I’m real honest, Rush was probably the first radio voice I ever heard. The reason for that was because he was on while my grandfather, uncle, father, were out doing whatever they were doing, he was on in the truck and I was there. I’m not interested in debating politics today, because it’s not really about that. Whatever your politics are, a giant in radio has passed and that’s a big deal.
I haven’t left my house in 4 weeks. I haven’t even put on a pair of jeans in 4 weeks. Having Cerebral Palsy means I’m at higher risk of getting sick, but to be honest, staying in is not about staying well for me. I don’t fear sickness. I’m trying to do everything I can to stop the spread so we can all get back to normal faster. The “comfy pants” are getting a workout. I’ve been hearing from a lot of folks online who are struggling with cabin fever and the challenges of finding interesting or useful things to do.
I hear people saying things like
“I’ve already watched everything on Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime.”
“The dog has been walked so many times she runs away when I get out the leash.”
“My jigsaw puzzle library has been exhausted.”
I have to be honest this is not something that I struggle with. Since all this started I have filled a 12-hour plus day with no problems. Maybe my experience can help you!
The key for me has been having actual work to do. Anyone that knows me knows I’m always working. I have a podcast that has been on the air for 15 years and still going called Gaming Uncensored. We talk about video games but we do everything we can to make it entertaining and accessible for everybody. You can find it right here. http://gaminguncensored.com/
If you have read this blog for any length of time, you know that Evie and I do lots of different projects together. The main thing we are working on right now is a 3D World that you can visit on your computer using only your web browser. Evie (have I mentioned that she’s multi-talented genius?) built the world and has a hand in everything you will see there We call it 3DWebWorldz and you can find it here. https://3dwebworldz.com/ We have an amazing team working hard on amazing things for you to explore and enjoy.
We have a space for you.
We have live streaming video music concerts every Friday night at 6PM pacific time to keep you entertained. You can join your friends, virtually, and have a night out without worrying about Covid at all! You’ll find a full schedule of upcoming music events at https://livemusic3d.com/
Had a great crowd at the Twin Peaks 30th anniversary concert arranged and performed by Liz Aday on 04-08
We also have an extremely active writers group that is made up of some very talented authors. They use the platforms to brainstorm with other writers, and they have great books that they would love for you to read. You can find out more about them at https://fictionfountain.com/ It’s a really fun place to explore and meet people, which is something we all need during these crazy times. Just recently the writers held a book expo where they each read from their books and took questions from the audience during Author Q&A as you can see
A great crowd heard some great stories. No social distance needed in 3DWebWorldz
The event was a huge success. Readings were done in voice and it gave the authors a chance to promote and sell their books to people from all over without leaving home.
One of the writers is, of course, Evie. She has multiple fantastic novels that will keep your brain engaged and take you on an adventure. (I should know, I’ve read them all). You can find out more and purchase them here. https://yvonnedebandi.com/
This has become the longest post I’ve ever written on this blog. The point is not to say look at all the cool stuff we’re doing to keep you from being bored, you should support us. I would love it if you did :-)) The point is to put forward the idea that if you are struggling during this time of quarantine, there are things to do and great people to meet. If you are a performer, we can help you connect with an audience!
Writers and Teachers will want to take a look a the Smart Action Software tools we’ve rolled out to help you advance your skills and manage your projects. They are available with a special free preview offer right now.
The “silver lining” about being stuck in your house is that you have time to explore new hobbies and learn about yourself. Find something new that you really enjoy and work on it every day. For me it’s writing, podcasting, promoting online live music and fantastic new 3D meeting spaces. It can be something totally different for you. During this time you actually have time to explore and figure out what you really enjoy.
This is a tough and scary time for many of us, and I’m not making light of anything. I just wanted you all to know that I’m here and want to help in every way that I can. Stay safe and healthy and don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m just an email away.
As always thanks Evie for giving me a place to write when something comes to mind. Her genius is what drives me to keep working every day. Until next time.
I’m supposed to speak to a small group of city workers in a town near me tomorrow night. I’m not nervous about who will be there. I’m not nervous about the size of the crowd, I’ve spoken too much larger groups. I’m afraid that I simply won’t be funny.
I saw a TV show several years ago featuring a bunch of very famous comedians, Jerry Seinfeld and Jay Leno among them. This show was after the completion of the Seinfeld TV series & whoever was in charge asked Jerry a very simple question.” Why are you still working on new stand up? You have all the money in the world, and more coming in each day. Why not enjoy your life?” His answer was ” I wake up every day wondering if I’m still funny.” He went on to say what if I don’t have it anymore?
Each of these successful comedians echoed the exact same sentiments. They were all terrified of waking up one day and not being funny anymore. My mom was watching the same television show in a different room. When it was over she came to my room and was almost pale. When I asked her what was wrong, she said: “you sound just like them”.
A couple of weeks ago I got sick and lost my voice for about a week. This happened while I was in Dallas with major plans to record several hours of audio content for my podcast Gaming Uncensored with my buddy Tommy. Turns out one of those days I was not able to do anything but whisper. We didn’t create the content that we intended to create and while I enjoyed hanging out with him, one of the major purposes of the trip was taken from me.
During this week of Silence. I started to wonder who I would be if I couldn’t speak? You are thinking “that’s dumb, it was only a momentary sickness.” While that is true logically, the question still remains who would I be? Honestly, I don’t know the answer. Speaking has always been a gift, a joy that was given to me. I’m very grateful this week that I’m going to get to use my gift.
Everyone has gifts, don’t take them for granted. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. You can lose what you’ve been given in a blink. I still wonder if I’ll be funny tomorrow but I’m going to use my voice with everything I have. Find a way to use your gifts. You’ll be glad you did. As always Thank you to Evie for expressing all my words in a single picture. It is a true gift.
I am super excited to announce that my book is finally available. It’s Called From a seated perspective. Is available RIGHT HERE. This has been a long time coming. Some of you have literally been waiting YEARS and I think the wait will have been worth it. After you buy a copy: do me a favor and please write a review. I want to get the word out to as many people as possible.
Click the picture to go to Amazon
As with almost everything I do on the Internet these days, This book wouldn’t have gotten done without the help of Evie. She did more than you guys will ever know to make it easier for me to write and did some amazing art that makes me smile every time I see it. I am a published author largely because of her. I’m not always the easiest guy to work with, so her perseverance means more to me then I have words to express.
I also want to thank my buddy Tommy, who did the final edit. He quite literally tore the book apart. We’ve been friends for more than a decade, and he is always around to back me up. It is very much appreciated. Thank you, sir.
I truly hope you guys enjoy the book. If it sells well I might be convinced to do another one. So what are you waiting for? GO GET IT
