Video Index

All of these videos are on my YouTube channel. But I've included them here for some additional information and background that isn't included in the video. Some of these videos are heavier on wandering and some may be heavier on pondering. But I hope everyone can find something that they'd enjoy. 

Do you have an adventure you think I should explore? A place for me to wander or a topic for me to ponder? Drop me an email and let me know!

Mom Knew Rule 11. Do You? - October 20, 2024

Today we cover Rule 11 and I reminisce a little about my Mom. Rule 11 is “Get the full story before you start talking.” We’ll be hiking at a little set of trails in Newark Valley, NY. I also mention one of my mentors in this episode, Virg Meredith, who passed away February of this year. He is missed.

Exploring the Outer Banks with Friends - October 9, 2024

Episode 39 takes us to the Outer Banks of North Carolina with 23 other people for a week. We spent time with exploring the Nags Head Woods Preserve, and Jockey's Ridge State Park; fishing, beach time, and drone flying. Some people I met for the first time, while others have been friends for four decades. 

Our hearts go out to those affected by hurricanes Hellene and Martin. Please keep them in your hearts and prayers and support relief efforts as you can.

The Susquehanna River Surprises - September 24, 2024

I had two fun surprises from my last paddle on the Susquehanna River. The first was with a bird that wasn't the water fowl I expected to find. And the second was finally meeting a naturalist who is a fantastic photographer, Steven Brigode. You can find his work at:


Conjecture or Face? Rule 10 Explained - September 22, 2024

Rule 10 is one of those rules where we'll be tempted to say, "So-and-so really needs this rule." But it's one where we need to practice it ourselves before we start accusing others of breaking it. Rule 10 is "Know the difference between conjecture and fact." Though, it could be phrased, "Articulate whether what you're saying is conjecture or fact." 

*Spoiler* We'll explore a fun location in this video, Hiawatha Island near Owego, New York. So we'll start off on the kayak to get there.

Gecko Day 2024 - September 17, 2024

Gecko Day is the first Tuesday after September 11th each year. The groundhog is not the only predictor of weather. The Gecko tells us if we'll have a long summer. That is, if the Gecko sees his shadow, then we get six more weeks of summer.

Introducint Felix the Fisher - September 13, 2024

A few past videos mentioned my fondness of Fishers, which some call Fisher Cats, and that it was based on my seeing a Fisher in woods by my house. This video is a highlight reel of Felix, the Fisher, from various trail cam info from over the years. It could be that this isn't all the same Fisher, and some people may criticize me for anthropomorphism by giving this animal a name and hinting about human like traits. But watching Felix and wondering about Felix's life is fun for me. And I hope you enjoy as well!

Short: Olive the Chipmunk - September 10, 2024

You might recall the Instagram post from a few days ago where I thought I had seen a heavy bird only to find a Chipmunk. Meet Olive.

Fallen Trees, A Game of Dominoes - August 27, 2024

I share a glimpse at some random volunteer trail work at the IBM Glen with some trees that reminded me of a game of dominoes or perhaps Jenga. While processing it all, I saw some life lessons about taking the time to understand where the pressure points are and to leverage teamwork (Gary and Gary).


Reunion on the Trail - August 21, 2024

Kevin, a longtime friend, was in the area and contacted me, asking if I wanted to hike. Of course I did! Join us as we find a little mystery cover a few miles and reminisce. We hadn't seen each other for at least 6 years. Both of us had retired since we last hung out. The hike, and the video, were spontaneous, but we hope you enjoy. If you have a friend that you haven't hung out with lately, send them a text or give them a call!

Mystery Unboxing - August 15, 2024

It seems a lot of YouTubers do unboxing videos, where you unbox and set up something you bought. I didn’t think I’d get to cross that off my YouTube bucket list, but I came up with this idea. But to keep some suspense, I won’t tell you what it is I am unboxing other than one hint - it’s a skull. 


IBM Glen August 9, 2024 - August 9, 2024

I checked on some culverts that needed clearing at the Glen and while I was there, checked out the waterfall and stone arch bridge. This was about 12:30 so more rain after this. Be safe everyone. This was from the remnants of tropical storm Debby.

Rogers Environmental Education Center Scenes - July 28, 2024

Some video of my recent trip to Rogers including some snapping turtles and an American Chestnut.

Productivity - A Means to an End - July 22, 2024

After some earlier videos, you had questions about do we need to be productive all the time? Or what does it mean to be productive? In this video, I’ll give my perspective on those questions as I wander in a charming nature area.

Playing Peekaboo with Fishers - July 11, 2024

A delightful day at Wolfe Park where I avoided a yellow jacket nest and then ended up playing peekaboo with a group of fishers.  I didn't have a good camera with me and took me a little time to get cell phone out to capture my new friends. There were four in total, though two were pretty much out of sight by the time I had the cell phone out.


Happy at Logan Hill - June 5, 2024


A delightful day.

Discovering Volunteering and Fun - June 2, 2024


Ever wondered how a simple act of kindness can change someone's day—and your own? In this video, I reflect on how volunteering has affected me in retirement. I’ll also share five questions you should ask to help find a group that is a great fit for you. And if you are unsure where to look for a place to volunteer, we have a few suggestions for that. 

Springtime Swimmers: Tadpole Edition - May 28, 2024


I stumbled on this little drainage area that acted as a vernal pond and was full of tadpoles. This was at the SUNY Broome Nature Area in Binghamton NY. 

Rule # 9 - Communicating Risk - May 17, 2024


In this video, we look at Rule #9 which is “When communicating risk, know the difference between acceptable, unavoidable, and compounding risk.” We’ll be hiking at another nature run by an education institution. 

Reassured in Pocahontas State Park - April 27, 2024


The first video from outside New York takes us to Pocahontas State Park, outside of Richmond, Virginia. After doing a survey trip to VCU for the VM Workshop group where I volunteer, I had free time and decided to do some hiking. Alltrails gave me a suggestion for a hike and off I went, with no real agenda or idea in mind. But pretty cool that a concept and reminder would be revealed before the day ended.

Happy Earth Day 2024 - April 22, 2024


The other week I got to explore a few of my favorite places: Brick Pond and Chenango Valley State Park. And Glen and I made a new friend!

A Tale of Two Squirrels - April 16, 2024


During the April 8th, the day of the solar eclipse, I caught two very different squirrels. One quiet and shy, and the other very active and vocal. Both of these were on the South Spring Pool Trail in Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. 

Once in a Lifetime - April 12, 2024


Join Bill & Glen as they go to experience the Total Solar Eclipse at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge in Montezuma, New York. Along the way they’ll see a variety of animals and plants. Bill will also be reminded of the how many ‘once in a life time events’ there are. And Glen will be concerned about snacks and a siege.

Retired 2 Years: Biggest Enemy - March 28, 2024


It’s almost two years since I retired and it’s going well. I’m staying connected with people, keeping busy with volunteer work, and keeping active. However, there is still the temptation at times to just ‘kill time’. I’ll talk a little about that temptation and encourage us to fight it.


Rule #8 - A Tool for Contentious Meetings - February 22, 2024


Rule 8 is about confrontational meetings and where to sit. There is a little more to this rule than one might think. And it is representative of a mindset when we get involved in conflict.  I first heard of this rule from IBM colleague Bill Cosnett.

IBM's 100th? - February 14, 2024


On February 14, 1924, the Computing-Tabulating-Recording-Company registered to do business as the International Business Machines Corporation and a major step was taken in the vision of Thomas J. Watson Sr. for IBM. Today we remember that anniversary from Endicott, NY.

Behind the Scenes after One Year - February 12, 2024


Wander & Ponder has been producing YouTube videos for a year now. And in this video, we’ll take a look behind the scenes and answer some common questions we get. Thank you all for making the first year great!

Rule #7 Pick Up the Phone - January 28, 2024


Rule 7 is “If you don’t make progress with email, then pick up the phone.” Generalized, we’re talking about when there are communication problems, consider taking steps to remove hinderances to communicating with others. 

The IBM Glen Speaks - January 3, 2024


The Northeast US got a lot of rain starting the evening of December 17, 2023. After that ran, we explored the IBM Glen to see how fast Grays Creek was flowing and the waterfall. Come along and take a look. 

Champion of the Wind - December 28, 2023


This short is a segment from the 2023 Christmas Special. It started on the morning after a December snow and I thought I'd get some drone shots of the trees decorated in white. The wind was brisk on the ground 15mph with some gusts. Once in the air, I'd get some high wind alerts and I started to think about landing. Then my mind was made up to return to earth when I saw I had drawn the attention of a Bald Eagle. 

Episode 21: 2023 Christmas Special - December 17, 2023

As 2023 comes to a close, I thought it fitting to have a little fun and reflect back on this year and the start of Wander & Ponder. Some of you asked for bloopers and we got them, and hopefully some other fun and special segments. So please join Glen and I as we get silly and serious and sillier.

Episode 20: Rule #6 - Always Carry a Pen - December 10, 2023

If you’re a prepper, survivalist, or into bushcraft, you’ll often see videos or lists that cover EDC – Every Day Carry. Rule #6 speaks to an item of that nature. The pen. Don’t leave home without it. 

Episode 19: Act Your Age! - December 3, 2023

While not directly connected to retirement, I’m finding this issue has come up even more in retirement. We’re told, “At your age you should not do xyz”. Why, just because I’ve gone around the sun a specific number of times? We’ll discuss the need to listen to our bodies when determining what we can and cannot do.

📚 Related Links:

Short: Hawk at the IBM Glen - November 21, 2023

The IBM Glen in the Town of Union, NY is a great place to wander and ponder. Back in August, I spent the better part of an afternoon following and watching this hawk. I believe he/she was just passing through the area, but I'm thankful I got a chance to see it.

Episode 18: Rule #5 - Know the Factors - November 18, 2023

Rule 4 was "It Depends". In this video, we'll look at Rule 5 "Know the factors on which 'It Depends'" because experts need to know that. “It Depends” isn’t just a phrase to throw out when you don’t want to give an answer.

Short: Forest Mystery - November 16, 2023

If you wander around Nathaniel Cole Park, you'll find an interesting mystery. 



Episode 17: Rule #4 - It Depends - November 12, 2023

Rule 4 is a phrase I used a lot as an IBMer and became a catch phrase. "It Depends" is the rule that reminds us that things are often more complex or complicated than others think. And in those cases, we want to take care in giving answers or making choices. 

Episode 16: No Talk Tuesday Volume 1 - November 7, 2023

Trying something different. I won’t be talking in this video, hence the name No Talk Tuesday. Many of you have asked about the song I normally use in the intro and outro, so you’ll get to hear all of it today along with some video footage that didn’t make it in other videos. The song is “Today Could be the Day” by Trella. Includes footage from Susquehanna River near Owego, Hiawatha Island Preserve, and Oakley Corners State Forest.  Enjoy! Let me know in the comments what you think of this.

Short: Winter is Coming - November 2, 2023

Geese signaling winter is coming at Brick Pond in Owego, NY.

Episode 15: Rule #3 - No Whining - October 19, 2023

Back with another rule, the no whining rule. We’ll talk about how whining and venting differ. And what the opposite of whining is. I’ll also share a movie quote that I often tie to this rule.

Episode 14: Taming Time - October 15, 2023

We have varying views of time in respect to our lives, and perhaps even more so in retirement. A lot of people have made a lot of money telling us they have the secret to managing time. But do they? In this episode, I explore a concept often missed in retirement planning and how looking at time differently might help us reframe life in general. We’ll also talk a bit about the book “4000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals” by Oliver Burkeman.

Episode 13: Rule #2 - We're All Still Friends - September 21, 2023

Today we cover Rule Number 2 – We’re all still friends when it’s over. Some people seem to think there is a loophole for this rule. Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, and Bob Evans teach me differently. 


Presentation: IBM Endicott WW2 Memorial Monument - September 11, 2023

This video is a departure from the normal ones. It is a recording of a presentation I did at the Endicott History & Heritage Center on September 11, 2023. The meeting was sponsored by the Old Village of Union Historical Society. Someone requested that I record it.

This is a follow on to my Memorial Day 2023 video on the IBM Endicott WW2 Memorial Monument. In this presentation, I go into much more detail on the memoroial and the men it honors. You'll also find several corrections as I was able to research more dates.

Short: Gecko Day 2023 - September 12, 2023

Happy Gecko Day You All! Gecko Day is the first Tuesday after the 11th of September. If the Gecko sees his shadow, we'll have 6 more weeks of summer weather.

Book Review: George F. Johnson and His Industrial Democracy - August 25, 2023

A short video book review of "George F. Johnson and His Industrial Democracy" by William Inglis. This 1935 book is a refreshing read and great insight into George F. Johnson and the Endicott-Johnson (Shoe) Corporation. 

Episode 12: Rule #1 - Nobody Gets Hurt - August 19, 2023

Over the decades, I’ve collected a set of rules to help guide my life. They started as a couple simple rules for meetings at work, but expanded over time. In this video, we’ll cover Rule Number 1 – Nobody Gets hurt. I don’t consider these at the level of Laws, but just some handy things to remember that hopefully makes life better for everyone.

Short: Don't Bug Me - August 5, 2023

Out hiking on a hot, windless day and I thought it would be a good opportunity to test new Deer Fly Strips. 

Episode 11: The MVP of Retirement Planning - July 30, 2023

There are a lot of key people on your team when planning for retirement or when making long-term decisions in general. In this video (Episode 11), we’ll look at how the MVP of that team and your BFF in this is actually YOU from the future, or what some people call your “Future Self”. We’ll discuss some concepts around connecting with your future self and how to keep to goals establish to improve tomorrow. 

Episode 10: An Adventure and a Role Model - July 14, 2023

The month of June went fast, and I was a little over extended. We'll catch up in this episode, make a stop at Bowman Lake State Park and Berry Hill Fire Tower with my brother John, and honor a role model of mine Buck Price.

Episode 9: An Unexpected Lesson in Tenacity - June 15, 2023

This episode has me hanging out on the deck and sharing some pondering I did back in April when something caught my eye. You’ll meet a few of my backyard friends and in particular, one tenacious squirrel named Joey, who reminds us that persistence and conquering fears can bring rewards. Watching Joey generated more questions than answers, but that’s not a bad thing.

Episode 8: IBM Endicott World War II Memorial - May 29, 2023

This video takes us to Highland Park in Endwell, New York, to visit the IBM Memorial to the fifty-seven employees who were killed in World War 2. I’ll share the story behind the monument, the dedication ceremony, and most importantly, the fifty-seven heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Additional information on each of them can be found on the Wander & Ponder website. The memorial was originally dedicated on August 16, 1947.

A special thanks to Joe Titti and everyone at the Endicott History & Heritage Center for their contributions.

Episode 7: Chuck Pettus, A Man of Kindness - May 7, 2023

This episode, we wander out to Pettus Hill Preserve in Windsor, NY where while we hike, I’ll share about Charles Pettus, a fascinating man and a role model. I’ll tell you about his many talents and interests, and his impact on others. The Pettus Hill Preserve is managed by the Waterman Conservation Education Center. 

Thanks to everyone that shared a story with me about Chuck. Bringing all of them together made his life sound like a 4-part harmony of sorts. I only included aspects in the video, but I appreciate everything that was shared. Feel free to add more in comments below.

I will let you know you’ll need to use some imagination as I don’t actually show a picture of Chuck in the video as I didn’t have one that I was assured of the rights to share. However, if you’re curious, here is Chuck's obituary.

Short: The Luckiest Man in the World - April 22, 2023

This book by Jake Larson, a WW II Veteran, gets five Doogles on my recommendation scale. It's a relatively quick read about a humber, and amazing man, and he would add a lucky man.

More in-depth review.

Episode 6: On the Hunt for Hepatica - April 19, 2023

Episode 6 finds me in search of the hepatica wildflower, also known as liverwort or liverleaf. I’m guided by my friend, and former co-worker, Wes Ernsberger at Oakley Corners State Forest. Hepatica is a spring wildflower that blooms for a short time in early spring. You’ll sometimes hear it referred to as liverwort or liverleaf. It’s an early spring wildflower.

Short: Deleted Scene Episode 5 - The Book Club - April 13, 2023

This is a deleted scene from Episode 5, that I decided I should share to honor my Mom's love.

Episode 5: Reading - Fundamental to What? - April 6, 2023

Reading is fundamental is a truth and it is a great literacy program. In this episode Bill ponders the question, “Fundamental to what?” as he wanders in Chenango Valley State Park discussing his reading habits, the value of reading, and why he reads. Learn how reading improves health, physically and mentally. Bill will also share two of his favorite books from 2022.

📚 Related Links:

Episode 4:  The Decision - March 21, 2023

My decision to retire was not an easy one and it was refined over time. I’d repeatedly ask myself the following four questions:


We’ll talk about each of those questions and my overall process in deciding to retire. I will not dwell on the financial aspects or strategies, but they will be discussed at a high-level.

The factors for why I wanted to retire go beyond this summary. There were many more things that nudged me towards wanting to retire, and some are personal. So, for the sake of time, I limited the discussion here.

📚 Related Links:

W&P Page on Oakley Corners

Short: Happy St. Patrick's Day 2023

Glen O'Doogle and Bill want to wish everyone celebrating St. Patrick's Day a safe and happy day. Watch for green snow when you're out there hiking! (Glen will go back to Glen Doogle tomorrow.)

Episode 3:  Onondaga Lake Bald Eagles - March 10, 2023

This episode  takes me to Syracuse, New York near the Destiny Mall. On the shore of Onondaga Lake is a great place to see bald eagles in the winter. I visited them on March 3, 2023.  Join me as I share some of the Bald Eagles I saw as well as some lessons I learned about detachment and focus. And in this case, I’m not just talking about camera focus.

Related Links:

Short: Some Days You Gotta Laugh - March 2, 2023

This short video looks at a day where an unexpected problem would have me scratch my head, but later laugh about it. It was while I was cross country skiing at the IBM Glen. They say software eventually works, and hardware eventual fails. Well, this would be the day my 35-year old equipment would finally fail.

Episode 2:  Lessons From First Year in Retirement (Part 2 of 2) - February 25, 2023

In this second, and final, part of the series, I finish sharing some of the lessons I learned in the past year, my first year of retirement. If you haven’t watched part 1, please do that now. We continue talking about changes in balance, health, and even wardrobe.

Related links:

Episode 2:  Lessons From First Year in Retirement (Part 1 of 2) - February 25, 2023

In this first part of a two-part series, I share some of the lessons I’ve learned in the past year, my first year of retirement. I start with a bit of a bunny-trail discussion work-life balance. But I’ll also talk about some guidelines that have helped me. This video filmed at Greenwood Park, Lisle NY. Watch this video and see how balanced, or unbalanced, I am.

Related links:

Episode 1:  Who Am I? - February 13, 2023

This video shares the origin story for the Wander & Ponder with Bill & Friends, where Bill explains the challenge of retirement and finding a new Identity. Filmed at the IBM Glen.

Organizations where I volunteer that were mentioned in the video: