My dad is my hero. Always has been. Always will be.
Mike Filitti is the most sincere, upfront, and genuine man you could meet. I’ve always envied his ability to say exactly what’s on his mind, whether it’s an emotional eulogy or a rant about something that frustrates him.
We joke in the family that he needs to use the “filter” more when he’s frustrated, but when I really sit back and think about it, not having a filter is actually one of his best qualities. My dad wears his heart on his sleeve and you always know where you stand with him.
My mom and dad gave me the best childhood a guy could ask for. And I say that with no hyperbole. I always felt respected but also felt disciplined and they always had just the right amount of expectations for me.
As I’ve gotten older they went from being two parents who I deeply admired and respected to two friends who I admire and respect even more. Everything about their parenting, their relationship to how they handle life is a guidepost for me and my family to follow.
Since the beginning of Mindsoak my dad has been patiently waiting to come on the podcast to talk about life. I wanted him on from day one too but we waited a bit so my listeners would know me better as a host. I think it will be more rewarding now, after getting to know me, to listen to my conversation with my own dad.
We talk about his recent retirement, his transition from being a father to being a grandfather, the legacy we leave behind as parents and grandparents and his greatest achievement in life…which was having me. (Kidding Lisa!)
We go through some of the Mike Filitti Legendary Sayings, like “Common sense isn’t all that common” or “As worthless as a screen door on a submarine” and “What’s time to a hog”. (He should write a book about all of them.)
I had each of my kids each ask him one question from a grandchild perspective. My daughter asked, “If you could go back in time would you do anything differently?” and my son asked “What is something from your childhood that today’s kids would appreciate having?” (Pretty deep questions right? Maybe they have a future in hosting Mindsoak someday.)
We also talk about how important extracurricular activities were to our lives when my sister and I were growing up. We have many fond memories and still cherish our wonderful friendships we created during those years.
And then, even though my dad claims he is not a “deep thinker”, we get pretty philosophical about life, cherishing family members who came before us and we discuss what he would say to my grandparents if he could have one more conversation with them.
Thanks for the deep conversation dad! Love you!
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