One More Thing Before You Go

What happens when a lifelong storyteller refuses to stay in one lane?In this episode, Michael sits down with Richard Sparks — acclaimed British comedy writer, opera collaborator, and fantasy novelist — to explore a career defined by reinvention, imagination, and the courage to follow creativity wherever it leads.Richard has written for some of the most iconic comedy voices in the UK, crafted librettos for opera, and now builds entire worlds through fantasy fiction. His journey is a masterclass in artistic evolution, resilience, and the joy of creating without boundaries.Together, they explore:The early days of British comedyHow opera shaped his storytellingWhy he shifted into fantasy writingWhat it means to reinvent yourself creativelyThe craft behind humor, world‑building, and characterThe lessons learned from a lifetime in the artsThis is a warm, witty, and deeply inspiring conversation with a man who has lived multiple creative lives — and is still writing new chapters.Find us on Apple, Spotify or your favorite listening platform; visit us on our YouTube channel Find everything "One More Thing" here: https://taplink.cc/beforeyougopodcastWant to be a guest on One More Thing Before You Go? Send Michael Herst a message on PodMatch, here: PODMATCH Proud member of the Podmatch Network of Top Rated- PodcastsThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

With Father's Day just around the corner, we're reaching back into our library to bring you one of the most moving conversations we've had at this table — and one that has stayed with us long after the microphones turned off.At 72 years old, Marine combat veteran Rand R. Timmerman did something most people half his age will never attempt. He hiked the entire 2,100-mile Appalachian Trail. But this wasn't just an adventure — it was a mission of love.Rand's brother Ron, a 71-year-old Army veteran, was drowning in grief after losing his wife. Rand himself was in recovery from alcoholism. What began as a physical challenge became a spiritual passage — one that transformed both brothers in ways neither of them anticipated.In this deeply moving conversation, Rand shares the humor, danger, heartbreak, and healing that unfolded mile after mile. From critters and storms to moments of grace and unexpected human kindness, this is a story about resilience, brotherhood, and the extraordinary power of nature — and love — to restore the soul.As we head into Father's Day weekend, we couldn't think of a more fitting story to share. It's about showing up. About choosing someone else's healing alongside your own. About what it means to be a brother, a veteran, and a human being walking forward — one step at a time. Pull up a chair. This one is worth every mile.Originally aired April 8, 2026🎧 Find us on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite listening platform. Watch the full conversation on our YouTube channel. Find everything One More Thing Before You Go here: https://taplink.cc/beforeyougopodcastWant to be a guest on One More Thing Before You Go? Send Michael Herst a message on PodMatch, here: PODMATCH Proud member of the Podmatch Network of Top Rated- PodcastsThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy