Listening through all your shows, I just reached this one and had to write you. Half-way through the show I got the uneasy feeling that it was in memoriam. I convinced myself that I was wrong. And it turned out towards the end that that was exactly what it was. There's nothing left to say but that this must suck like hell. I'm so sorry.

Just catching up on past episodes. Was 60 seconds into 226 when I realized that there was something special about the previous one.

So went back to 225 and ... damn, damn, damn.

I wish sharing a loss would make it less, but I'm pretty sure it doesn't work that way.

Still, I'm thankful to you for sharing your wonderful, happy and goofy memories. There's now a meme of two sumos in Russia that will never die ...

You've done your friend very proud.

George,

being a couple of weeks behind, I just finished listening to ep. 225. I'm so sorry for your loss of such a friend and awesome person, who you portrayed so vividly in your stories.
I felt the podcast was somewhat reminiscent of Small Comfort in its having this out-of-nowhere ending, with the difference that everyone knows what the song is about while listening. Having enjoyed your memories with Andy while grocery shopping and preparing dinner, I just sat down to eat when you began to tell what I assumed would be the last fun story after Andy's e-mail. What a blow to the stomach to hear what came next.
Your podcast is thoughtful, inspiring, and just wonderful.
I have no idea what you must be going through still, but I hope you'll feel better.
Sebastian

Thank you for sharing your memories. So sorry for your loss.

George, I'm so sorry.

Hey George,

I was looking for new podcasts to listen to and I thought I recognized your name from you appearing on NSFW, so I thought I give this podcast a chance. This episode was the first I ever listened to, and I didn't know what to expect at all. I liked the rambling style of the podcast which I found rather unusual but really enjoyable. Your stories reminded me a lot of what I experienced as a kid with one of my best friends. Like so many people above, I was on the brink of tears when you ended the show. All the best to you and his family, keep Andy alive in your heart and mind.

You've got a new listener.

George,

Thank you for sharing with us. It is a terrible thing to lose your best friend (I know) but it is great that you have so many good memories of him, and it is wonderful that you can put those to words and bytes so many more people can get to know him. Thanks for including us in your life, good and bad.

George, I am so sorry that you've lost your friend. Thank you for sharing this deeply personal sorrow with us. Listening to your stories made me feel as if I knew you and Andy. Today(Aug 13)is my birthday. Hearing about Andy's life, and your relationship with him really reminded me how important it is to let people know how much impact they have on your life. With that in mind I have been writing notes to all my friends, some I haven't seen in a long time,telling them one thing that makes them special to me. Immortality lies only in the memories kept by the people we leave behind. In his small gesture, I hope to keep Andy and you and myself alive forever.

George, your podcasts, interviews and your music keep me thinking and encourage me to find ways to express my thoughts about the world and skepticism to others and help others think rationally and scientifically. You have made an impact in my life. Thank you.

Geo,

I'm a week behind and just listened to ep 225. I'm so sorry for your loss. It sounds like your friend was an amazing person and his light was snuffed out too soon. Thanks for sharing your adventures together. Hugs and deep sympathy to you and his family.

You made me cry :”(

Geo, your podcast effected me deeply. I'm truly sorry for your loss.

True friends are hard to find. To lose a brother is a loss unimaginable by those who haven't experienced it. I'd like to be able empathize with you, but seeing as I'm fortunate enough that this hasn't happened to me, only my sorrow and well wishes to his widow and family as well as you will have to suffice. I'm sure their pain is as unimaginable as yours to lose someone with such character.

Firstly, my condolences.

Secondly,
As everyone else has already said, thank you for taking something painful to you and turning it into something wonderful and inspiring. Come Dragon*Con I am meeting a couple of friends I have had half my life, but never met. I intend to make sure they know they are family to me when we do.

Be well, Geo

George, so sorry to hear about Andy, I of course didn't know him. I have lost a few friends throught the years. He sounds like a special person, just as you are.That was a great tribute to your friend. I hope you are well and Andy's wife and family are coping. That is all they can do. Be well. Evan Gofus

George,

My Condolences go out to you and andy's family. I feel that this is the most fitting tribute to Andy's Life and thank you for sharing it with us I sure that it was really hard for you do to. The emotions expressed about Andy where amazing and at the end a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye came and was saddened the world had truly lost an amazing person. best wishes hope you are feeling better and now Andy will be remembered by many more people. Brendan

Condolences Geo,

As skeptics, we all know that we live in the memories of loved ones after we're gone. By sharing Andy with the world, he will live on just that much longer.

George,
Thanks for taking your pain and your passion and turning them into something to which we all can relate. I've got some calls to make. Take care.

Ok, after a emotional recovery break, a great big kudos on the episode.

I don't know how close you were to the FPM family(I remember you being in the network for a brief period), but I have been listening to Slice of SciFi for years, and Wingin' It through all 3(or 4, if you count the original Slice voicemail segment, MAN I feel old) incarnations. It's been 5 years(wow, really, I still miss him...), but one play of First of May, Joe Murphy Mix usually brings me out of the doldrums. I didn't have the same attachment to Andy as I did Joe, but it took two play throughs to get the stability to write this comment, and it will require another when I'm done.

BIG kudos, and I can't imagine how hard it was to record this. I wouldn't have been able to.

Yeah, it's all been said above. George, you forged and earned this link out into the world over years, it's right that you channel deep art instead of entertainment when there is something fucking huge to say. Andy has a Speaker for the Dead. Peace be with you, Magus.

Hi Geo, Its strange how one can be so moved when listening to a tribute to someone who you didn't know by someone you know only in a one sided way but that's how I felt. I guess that is the power of humanity and empathy and (if I can bring a note of skepticism/athiesm into this), why it is so clear that our moral 'goodness' wells up from inside ourselves and is not imposed from without. The emotions and sympathy I felt were completely spontaneous. My condolences to you and keep up the good work on your podcast. I hope to meet you and shake your hand one day.

Geo,
There are over 40 comments here before mine, and I’m sure that there will be at least 40 more after, but I still feel compelled to write. It was an honor to be able to share in your memories of a man that from your description seemed better then most. I am so sorry for your loss and I would like to add my voice to the legion of fans that would like to thank you for sharing such a lovely tribute to an obviously good and important friend of yours.

Geo,
I cannot begin to fathom the emotions you're experienced the past week. Thanks for sharing. Love and support.

Geo, you've honoured him with your memories. I had a lump in my throat listening to that, what amazing emotion.
The pain will recede with time, but the memories will always be with you. He was very lucky to have a friend like you.

George

Thank-you. I can't imagine much that would be harder than composing this podcast or many more fitting tributes to a great friend.

Sorry I can't say more to express how much you moved me today.

I was thinking through the whole podcast "George makes mini celebs out of his friends. This guy is soon to have his own following." And then he hit us with the bit at the end. Really sad. A great podcast that no one wishes you made.

(first time commenter) I thought this was a fantastic episode while listening to it - a lot of great stories. I started getting an uneasy feeling towards the end, and when you started reading the police report, well, it paralleled everyone else's reactions.

Thanks for an incredibly touching tribute, and thanks for sharing the life of a dear friend with your listeners.

I can only hope I have a friend so fierce and true to do some kind of tribute like that when I am gone from this existence.

Thank you Geo, for sharing what his influence and guidance meant to you. And thank you for reminding us to appreciate the moments we have with our loved ones. I am so sorry not only for your loss, but the loss the entire world has felt today.

I felt like I knew where this episode was heading as I listened to it, and when you finally made the announcement, I was shaking my head, trying to deny what was happening. I can’t possibly imagine what you are feeling right now. I am crying right now, and I didn’t even know him.

What a beautiful & loving tribute to your friend. Afterimage is the song I've always thought of when I've lost friends, and your rendition was especially moving.

Damn, Geo I'm sorry for your loss. This is why you and this podcast are so great. All your feelings are open and honest and raw. You throw everything out there. Something most of us can't do.

Geo,

I was eating dinner tonight with this episode as my dinner companion. As always, your words brought your adventures to life, and I felt like a teenager again, doing the fun and stupid stuff that teenagers do.

I was deeply moved and shocked when I realized where your stories were leading. Thank you so much for sharing your tribute to Andy.

I wish I could reach through the internet and give you a hug.

I'm so sorry for your loss, George.
I can think of few better tributes to a friend than this show.

Dear George,
What a heartbreaking yet wonderful tribute to your friend Andy.By the end of the podcast I felt like I knew Andy too,and was devastated when it became clear that he was gone.I was crying right along with you,and I am so sorry George.I too lost my best friend at your age some 20 years ago,and only last year, again lost my best friend and wife of 28 years,so I understand pain deeply.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts,joy,and sorrow.I know it came from the heart,and I know that it was one of the hardest things that you have ever done.Take care my friend.

What a beautiful tribute to a friend.

Thank you, George. I am so sorry for your loss.

Dear George,
I'm so sorry for your loss. I am just finishing listening to this episode and it's absolutely horrible for you, his family and for everyone involved. I know words can't help, but everyone who listens to this podcast is behind you.
Thank you for sharing,
And I'm so sorry for your loss. (It's a beautiful song, too)

Damn. I'm very thankful you saw him at TAM. Terrible cliche but the concept of measuring life by "experiences not days" comes to mind.

I wish you the absolute best, Geo. This has moved me so much that I am at a loss for words, but I am glad you still took time out to tell us some of your most cherished memories.

Thank you for sharing your Andy stories with us - the episode was a moving tribute to your friend.

George -

I am sure your pain must be in a place far beyond where a stranger's words might touch it so I can only hope that the people who you have to hold you do so for a long, long time.

I'm so sorry about your loss. Thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute to your friend with us. It was deeply touching.

Peace be with you, Geo.

What an amazing eulogy. I am sure that I was one of many weeping by the end of the commute tonight.

I am so sorry for your loss.

I wish I could give you a big hug, George. I'm so sorry for your loss. It sounds like your friend Andy was a wonderful person, and I hope the memories of his life will bring some comfort to you and his family. Thank you for sharing that moving tribute with us.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

I've never been to the site before but I felt compelled to express my sympathies as soon as I heard the show.

Immense amounts of love to you and your family.

Thank you for sharing your memories of Andy with us. To you and his wife, family and friends, my condolences.

Be well.

That was a beautiful tribute Geo, thank you for sharing those wonderful memories, I must admit I never saw such an ending coming to that podcast. You had me in tears. Do sorry for your loss.

Wow...just wow. Like others said, when you read that last news story, it was like a physical blow to the gut. After hearing all of the fun times, the funny stories and the fact that you JUST saw Andy two weeks ago, that last story, your message that he was your brother and to tell those that are dear to you that you love them was just too much.

I NEVER EVER tear up at anything but that message and tribute song was enough to get the waterworks going.

I'm sorry to Michelle & you for your loss.

As many of us here understand, the way our loved ones live on is in the memories of those that are left behind.

To try to linearize your thoughts into a story for us to appreciate and draw some pathos from is to bring your friend back, if only for a moment into the realm of the living.

Thank you for sharing Andy's life with us.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Beautiful show, Geo.

Thank you for sharing that with us.

Much love to you and Andy's other friends and family.

In have no words.

Geo, thank you for sharing your memories of Andy with us. It was a wonderful and deeply moving tribute.

My thoughts are with you.

Oh my goodness, Geo, I'm so sorry to hear about Andy's death, but so glad you shared his life with us. He sounds like the big brother I never had, but wish I'd had.

George, You have moved so many people with your memories...we all share your pain. You helped me realize just how important some of my own friendship are, thanks.

George, I appreciate you sharing your memories of your friend/brother with us. Andy sounds like the best of people. I wish I could have met him. I am sorry for your (and the worlds) loss. Please send my condolences to his wife, family, and friends.
Thanks for letting us share in your pain, and allowing us to let you know we care.
John, Toronto, Canada

Geo, thankyou for this wonderful tribute to your dear friend. Thanks for sharing your memories.

This week I also suddenly lost a dear friend. He was shot and killed during an attempted robbery. Since listening to your show I've been able to rise a little out of the depression which I'd sunk into. Thanks to you I've been able to begin smiling when I think of him, remembering the good times we had, rather than sinking ever deeper.

Thanks Geo!

I'd like to echo Merlin's sentiments...

The show seemed to wander on as they do sometimes, the fade in and out to seemingly edit it down kind of shined sort of (what I thought to be) a humorous self aware light on your meandering. While listening, I thought to myself, these are awesome tales, I wonder why George hadn't shared them before.

As you closed the show however, even before you said it, I realized what happened and what you were doing. I got choked up and I felt my body turn cold. You weren't just reminiscing, you were also eulogizing.

Wow, I just...

I am a writer. I never had the pleasure of meeting either of you and I am having trouble finding the words to accurately express my thoughts.

I'm sure however, for me anyway, you were able to convey the thoughts and feelings you were trying to get across. I am so sorry to hear of your loss, you and his family are in my thoughts.

*sigh*

when u paused when you got to his name....

i cried....

who knew a pause could speak volumes...

my thoughts are with you and everyone he ever knew, talked to, or even just said hello in passing

goddammit i wished i lived in PA so i can go to your house and give u a frackking hug....

Thoughts are with you. Hugs from me & James.

Damn, George. That just...sucks so bad. That's an inadequate description, but what could be adequate? I tried writing something lengthy and deep and just gave up. Thanks for letting us get to know Andy, and letting us feel a bit of your shock and grief.

My own best friend was very much in mind as I listened to your stories. We stay in touch, but I had to call him...just to say what needed to be said.

I am sorry for your loss. I don't think a podcast has ever moved me as much as this one. Thank you Geo.

Geo, the podcast this week was amazing, beautiful, and heartbreakingly sad. Thanks for allowing me to love Andy as well. Your loss is shared with me now too...

I'm so sorry for your loss. That tribute was very moving. My heart goes out to you and all who loved Andy Weiner.

Geo, I am so sorry. A warm hug has been sent your way from Carinda, Australia. Thank you for allowing me to share your grief and memories in this small way.

Thank you for sharing your memories of your "brother."

You brought him to life for us, and now we all, in a little way, share your pain.

I'm sobbing right now... I can't write more.

Geo, I am very sorry for your loss. When I listened to the show, I thought you were introducing Andy to us, so that when we met him at TAM or Dragon Con, we'd know to be friendly with him, to greet him as the great man he was. When you ended the show, it was almost a physical blow. I am glad for your friendship, it sounded like you two had a great time. I am very sorry to get to know him only after his death, he seemed like an awesome person. Thank you, Geo, for sharing. It is a beautiful remembrance, and a tribute to Mr. Weiner's life.

Merlin

I'm lost for words, I'm so sorry for your loss. That was a lovely in memoriam to your friend.

Geo, I am so so sorry for your loss but it was wonderful to hear about all the fantastic memories you have about your great friend.
I was moved to tears, I know I won't be alone. Although he was your friend, so many more people got to share in his life and will feel his loss in the world.

So sorry for your loss, George. Andy sounded like a great person. I can only imagine this podcast was difficult, but it was wonderful of you to share those memories with us.

So sorry to hear about the loss of someone who was such an important person to you. The stories and memories you described in this podcast were so real and funny that I'm sure all your listeners were seriously moved by the ending of this show, I know I was. I am so sad to hear about this tragic news.

I cannot begin to even comprehend how you made it through recording that wonderful tribute to your friend. I didn't even know him, and I'm in tears.

Thank you for your loving and open expression of memories about your good friend, George. My condolences to you and all those who Andy touched throughout his short life.

In sharing your memories and writing your music you have extended Andy's existence. He is now gone, but his deeds and character can live on vicariously in remembrance and appreciation. You nailed it when you said "tell the people in your life that you love, that you love them" - we must while we still have the opportunity. Thanks again, George, my thoughts go out to you.

Geo, that was an incredible tribute. I'm so sorry to hear about your loss, but... I think now all your many listeners sort of feel like we knew him too, just a little. I've never met you, or Andy, but I'm crying right now because this was so moving. He couldn't have a more perfect eulogy from a friend.

Thank you for a great show!

An amazing podcast! I’m so sorry for your loss but envy your memories. Thanks for sharing them!