Blog Archives

Available: Staying Glued Together Enough to Say “Hineni” — A Reflection Inspired by Jacob

Available under pressure Jacob Carmell

I’ve been sitting with the word available lately—not in the calendar sense, but in the deeper, more revealing way we either show up to life… or don’t.

Available shares a root with avail—to make use of,

Read more ›



How I Won a Tennis Tournament by Doing Less, Not More

challenges winning tennis doubles

I recently won my first doubles tennis tournament in a few years. This was the most satisfying because we won four matches on three surfaces, with one of the battles being quite challenging, requiring a come-from-behind victory.

Gary Carmell won his first Doubles title April 2026

It took longer than I expected—and probably longer than I wanted—but in retrospect,

Read more ›



Beyond the Baseline

Gary & Heather Carmell BNP Paribas Open 2026

Heather and I had the great pleasure of seeing some incredible tennis at Indian Wells We saw 12 matches, including the best match of all, Djokovic versus Draper, which had what the announcers categorized as one of the best points they have ever seen It was an epic 26 shot rally with incredible,

Read more ›



Be Free in Your Head: What Roger Federer Taught Me During the Australian Open

Be Free Roger Federer

While watching the Australian Open, a commercial featuring Roger Federer flashed across the screen. In it, he said something that stopped me mid‑scroll:

“Be free in your head, be free in your shots, go for it.
The brave will be rewarded here.”

It was classic Federer — elegant,

Read more ›



Bob Weir and Reflections on Mortality

Bob Weir Mortality
Living Well, Dying Well: Lessons from Bob Weir and the Numbers We Leave Behind

When Bob Weir passed away at 78, I found myself doing something that has become a ritual whenever someone central to my life leaves us: I looked at the numbers.

Read more ›



A Tribute to Bob Weir: A Life That Bent American Culture Toward Wonder

R.I.P. Bob Weir

I wasn’t in the most elevated of moods when I learned Bob Weir had passed away. I had just come off the tennis court after losing a mixed doubles tournament match — one of those aggravating defeats where the mind lingers on a few points you should have put away and how,

Read more ›



A Flourishing-Centered Purpose

Flourishing

I ended last week’s blog stating that I would focus on discussing purpose from a personal standpoint. Over the last few months, I have been interacting with Copilot about this topic and other personal and philosophical queries. One of the key concepts that has emerged from those interactions is how central human flourishing is to how I live my life.

Read more ›



National Day of Caring: Service as Soul Care

National Day of Caring October 23, 2025

Last week, I had the privilege of participating in our National Day of Caring alongside a wonderful group of Newport Beach associates at a local Orange County food bank. Together, we filled 400 boxes of food—well over 1,200 pounds—destined for needy families.

Read more ›



Who Are You?

The Who

There were a few impactful events that happened last week. It was the holiest day of the year for Jews, which is Yom Kippur. It’s a day we’re supposed to atone for our sins, fast, and attend services. It’s always a powerful experience to be in community,

Read more ›



Brothers in Arms

Oasis Noel and Liam

I had the great fortune to see Oasis at the Rose Bowl with Heather. What an incredible show and communal experience. 

Oasis Hollywood Bowl September 2025

Source: https://x.com/TaylorMod/status/1965516938727358469

From the moment I saw Liam Gallagher’s following post on X in August 2024 I could not wait to see one of the reunion shows.

Read more ›



Categories

Free Insights