Brian Leli: A Story and a Song

December 1, 2021

It’s been a very long time since I’ve talked with my friend, Brian Leli.

I say friend, but it’s an odd term… because it really has been some time since the two of us talked. I have a poorly read and monitored email account, and his newsletter too often goes unread in my Inbox.

But despite the many years since our last meeting, Brian is still someone I hold in high regard. He is still someone I think of, fondly, someone I consider a quality human being. He’s someone you should sink a beer with, if you ever get the chance.

I learned that Brian has a new podcast that he started, called A Story and a Song. One part memory, one part music, the podcast centers on a particular song… and concludes with its performance.

Brian has always been an incredible storyteller, and one of those rare individuals who is gifted at relaying stories through both photographs and words.

In 2014, I was living in Bogota, Colombia in a neighborhood called La Soledad. The name means “loneliness” or “solitude.” And it was a fitting place for me to live. Loneliness is something I’ve felt much of of my life. And while I feel it sometimes when I’m alone. I feel it much more often when I’m with people.

I’ve long admired Brian’s words, and the way in which he observes the world. But hearing his voice, along with his words, was a surprise – and seemed to lessen the distance between now and when we last spoke.

You should check out A Story and a Song, and have a listen. And also subscribe to Think List, to see more of Brian’s words.