Missing Richard Simmons

Missing Richard Simmons is the first podcast I've listened to in its entirety. From start to finish. Anticipating each new episode that was released. Sadly, it stops at six episodes, which was heartbreaking to me, but I've finally come to terms with it.

I "sweated to the oldies" with Richard Simmons growing up. We had several of his VHS tapes in our home that my mom and I would workout to regularly. His videos were my absolute favorite because his energy, even through a VHS tape, was completely infectious. His smile, his life, his words, his moves - everything about him oozed personality and motivation.

I hadn't realized he had stepped out of the spotlight and hasn't been seen for almost three years until I heard about this podcast. Dan Taberski, the creator and narrator of the podcast, used to be good friends with Richard before he vanished. The loss of losing Richard in such a sudden and unexpected way made Dan yearn to find out what happened to him. His primary question was, "Why would someone who is so positive, so impactful, so 'larger than life,' and who has so many strong relationships with so many, just disappear without saying good bye?"

Richard's reach was beyond anything I would have imagined or have ever heard of. This man is special. In every sense of the word. By the end, I could completely understand why so many people are heartbroken over his disappearance and absence from their lives. Heck, I felt like something was missing from my life without him in it!

It is a truly touching and inspiring podcast overall, with a hint of melancholy throughout. It is available for free through the Apple Podcasts app and at the link I provided earlier in the post. Happy listening!