When a blizzard hits Manhattan, Stephen Bauman would rather stay warm in his office—but love sends him out anyway, on a mission to brave the holiday chaos of Macy’s for a gift his wife has been quietly hoping for. What follows is a darkly funny descent into the seasonal circus: a “subway ride from hell,” slush-soaked streets, near-collisions with cabs, and a packed department store where the stress rises fast and patience runs out.
Right as Stephen feels himself tipping toward a public meltdown, an unexpected stranger steps in—calm, tender, and strangely prophetic—offering a simple reminder that cuts through the commercial frenzy: none of this is the reason for the season. In this short reflective episode, Stephen explores how a small moment of kindness can feel like an angel in disguise—and how remembering what’s real can change everything, even in the middle of the madness.
To stay connected, visit stephenbauman.com for links to follow, subscribe, and more about Steve’s work, including Gaining Clarity. Subscribe on Substack for early episodes and extra reflections, and find the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen.
