Annual Review 2023

I published an audio review of 2023… behind the scenes of the pod… statistics, reflection, etc.

Check it out… but it is wholly unrelated to what is written below.

But this written review is of a completely different tone…

I felt quite forced to do this…

I laboured my way to a cafe on a Saturday to see if I could focus a few thousands words that would review my 2023.

It’s snowing, dark (despite it being 2 o’clock in the afternoon) and needless to say, cold.

Sweden once again is the subject I am drawn to whenever I get around to anything that likens reflection.

Where you live is likely the second biggest choice you will ever make. The first is who you commit to as a life partner, but work, hobbies friends, interests, these move with you and evolve over time.

However, where you are imposes very real restrictions and opportunities on your life.

Sweden is a closed society. They’ll say different. And it’s all true. They are as free, smiling, liberal, smart, interesting, funny, good musicians, creative, great designers, aesthetic, industrious and as prosperous as they say they are. But they are as well, the most closed society I’ve ever intimately known.

I am not sure one can ever ‘become a Swede’. I know a few fellas born and raised in Sweden, mates from my gym (the only melting pot left I’ve experienced in this country), they are Iraqi, Iranian, Uzbeki, American and presumably a few other unmentionable countries as well. And what’s crazy is they all…. to the man, feel excluded from Sweden.

Swedes have very strict (and boring) cultural rules that dictate norms. Strict and never communicated. The Swedes know them because of a painful trial and error over a lifetime, but for the rest of us, well, we are never told.

But why is this relevant?

Because, where you live is the second most important decision you will ever make. And so when I sit down to review the year that was. Where I live is the dominant theme of reflection. And I feel an overwhelming urge for change.

But what about the opportunities?

In the truest form of serendipity, I stumbled across the job opportunity of a lifetime. A chance series of events led me a sit down with Quartr’s co-founder, and then a second stroke of luck found me in their employment.

I won equity in this company. They’ll 100x. I am sure of it. Opportunities like this are typically reserved for those ‘in the know’. And having just reminded you my lamentations of Swedish society, you can see just how ‘out of the know’ I am.

Yet, and such is the nature of serendipity… it strikes hottest when at it’s most unlikely.

It’s a Yin and Yang thing. Without Sweden I wouldn’t have Quartr, but also without Sweden, I’d be having a better time. We cannot take back what’s happened. We can only inform ourselves to the best of our ability the trade offs at play.

I’m not mopey. I love Sweden. I love it here. I choose to be here. I am making the most of what it offers. And also, If nothing else, living here just gives me an enormous appreciation for just how good Australia is.

Reply to this with your argument for why your country is a better place to live than Australia. Because right now, I’m not sure one can be made.

But this is suppose to be reviewing the year…

I just published an audio review. You should check that out. I speak about the podcast’s statistics, highlights, etc. It’s a bit of a peaking behind the curtain of the operation.

I started the year in Italy and now conclude it in Stockholm. Podcast growth, guests, books, absurdism and Quartr are the significant events and themes of 23’. I turned 29 and feel more like I on the right path than ever before.

That’s a wrap! You’re an absolute legend for having tuned in this year. And I want to reward your faith. This podcast and everything associated with it is on the come-up. You’re in early. Write to me, I am loving the correspondence. Media is changing, who knows just how big, disruptive or unrecognisable this will all become. It’s gonna be interesting.

Here’s to ‘24 🍻