REBOOT IN PROGRESS!
Zenecist Chronicles
A Podcast
Stories From An OG* In Search of Tomorrow
A Music, Life, & Travelog Featuring Exceptional Gen-Z Seekers
Hosted & Produced by Tom Lanen
Spiritual Adventurer, Musical Opportunist, Aspiring Zenecist & Actively-Aging Old Guy*
New Season 4 Episodes Coming Soon!
A Note From Tom on August 20, 2025
I know, I know, I know. I’m late with Season 4 of Zenecist Chronicles.
Here’s the thing. I’ve always been a self-starter; my dad, a successful sales engineer drilled that into me. And I’ve shot a lot of footage that could well be used to create a new episode.
But at the moment, fully clear of my divorce (after 42 years), I’ve been focusing all my energy on creating a new life strategy (what I’m going to do) and tactics (how I’m going to do it). And since I answer only to myself my priorities are always changing. And not always to what I should be doing as much as what I feel like doing. It’s the singular best thing about this part of my life.
You see, I’ve become increasingly proficient in the art of retirement. While it’s been kind of a weird act lineup, it’s been a pretty wonderful season at the Xfinity Center—16 shows so far this summer. And music aside, it’s astounded me how I’ve been welcomed night in and night out by my amazing friends on the usher, security, and food & beverage service staffs all of whom have been my family throughout this big life transition. Their nightly affection for this crazy 73-year old rocker has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I am grateful. Made some cool concert-going friends too!
So I’m getting there. But first I must figure what’s next. To this end, I’m flying into North Carolina soon to scope out a haven for the winter months.
Having been in the advertising agency business all my life, I’ve also lost patience with my less-than-great production skills. So there’s some big learning ahead, especially with the new AI capabilities of my production software.
I also need to hire someone to help me with social media. I’ve done it since the day it started (I was in the first 400,000 on LinkedIn), but I’ve lost my perspective as I evolve my life to being a creator from the marketer I’ve been for over 50 years.
And lastly, I’m creating a line of Zenecist® hats and apparel, and will soon be marketing them here on a limited test basis.
So stay tuned. As always, feel free to contact me with your ideas and thoughts. And from the bottom of my heart, thanks for being there for me, and for being part of this!
Cheers! T-
PS: If you’re interested in being interviewed on Zenecist Chronicles, please send me a simple headshot (a selfie is great) and your name, phone and email and I’ll be in touch! I’m looking for enthusiastic people from all generations who are excited, and perhaps even a little terrified, to be on their unique life path with all its challenges. We’re here simply to welcome and encourage.
AN IDEA THAT CAME OUT OF 95 CONCERTS IN 3 YEARS.
The summer of 2022 was first year I had my lawn seat season pass at the Xfinity Center, a 20,000 seat outdoor concert venue in Mansfield, MA, I went to 34 shows that season, each one giving me the sense of a week’s vacation. I was 70.
As great as the music was, the real joy I’ve had in my 3, now 4 seasons (6 shows so far in 2025) has been the eclectic mix of young show-goers and staff pals, most often from Gen Z, who engaged me not as an old guy but as a friend.
Very importantly, they came from a place of love. And they gave me the first hints of the meaning of a word I coined, Zenecist™.
A being whom, in the moment, is light.
They shared many chill sensibilities, and were intensely curious and passionate seekers. And they all had what David Bryne and the Talking Heads once called “a face with a view,” to me the epitome of beauty. Rarely model beautiful, but always interesting and with a clear and caring presence—and sparkling eyes that confirmed someone is home.
ZENECIST Chronicles are my stories as an older adult and former ad agency owner and creative director, sailor, and family man. I’ve been fortunate and have my successes building a home, a family, and a business. But I’ve also taken some brutally steep falls.
Here’s the thing: show me a group of 12 people and I’ll show you 12 people, each of whom has something very fucked up in their lives. My recent (2025) divorce after 42 years of marriage is case in point.
Nobody escapes these pitfalls: rich, poor, young or old. But it’s how you get back up that’s the measure of your character.
My simple mission is one of encouragement. My goal is simple too: to live an active and independent life as long as I can. And maybe find a new partner-in-crime with whom to share it and to be free.
Zenecist Chronicles has no advice, just stories and ideas I’ve discovered that’ve helped me and others find a path to happiness and self-respect in this confusing and divisive world.
It’s about friends, good company, and great music. And mindful strategies to help us find our way.
You see, happiness is a choice. But it requires you to pay attention. And when it comes, to accept it.
Maybe you can find some ideas and happiness here. Because at any moment, anyone can be a Zenecist.
The Youngest Zenecist Yet!
Recently I returned to my Airstream, home from a concert to find a little bag saying “Open Me” on my doorstep, written in crayon in a child’s writing.
To my absolute delight, in it was a note of welcome along with a beautifully decorated clam shell with pink flamingos. I did some research and found out pink flamingos have been embraced by the Airstream community, reflecting a shared appreciation of retro design, a carefree, adventurous spirit, and camaraderie.
The next day I walked to another Airstream in the park and sure enough, it was 8-year old Hudson who had penetrated this wonderful act of kindness, surely making her one of this years’ “Zenecist 100 Points of Light.” I gave her one of my pins and the joy and light in her eyes was simply beautiful.
I can tell you, my heart soared with this sweet kindness. It’s ultimately all about feeling welcome!
Watch & Listen to ZENECIST CHRONICLES
NOTE: All 2024 & 2025 episodes have been archived and will be available on the ZENECIST Channel on YouTube (link above) To Subscribers ONLY
You’re A Zenecist.
If you come from a place of love, kindness, and understanding, you’re a Zenecist. And yeah, enthusiasm matters too—it’s infectious! At any given moment anyone has it in them. And being one brings a chance at happiness.
The idea is simply to encourage each other as we proceed on our life paths. Just imagine a world where everyone extends a simple kindness to another, even just once a day, but every day. A smile. A nod of recognition. A wave. A simple acknowledgment. A kind word.
It never takes much. But it’s local. it’s where we are.
Were this to happen, we might not feel so alone on this planet. Or in this country. Even within our families. The beauty is kindness is a two-way-street. You get what you give.
The Zenecist movement of kindness. Welcome.