Stephen,

Just to get it out of the way, it was hard for me to write Stephen rather than Werner Brandes, as Sneakers was the first role of yours I clearly recall viewing.

I have been listening to your podcast since the first episode, being a listener of the /Filmcast.  Each and every installment has been a joy to hear, but recently it has become a help as well.  Let me explain;

On Sunday, January 10th, I received a phone call informing me that my best friend of 16 years had passed away, suddenly the week prior, at age 33, only three years older than myself.  He died on a Tuesday, alone in his apartment, and lay there undiscovered for 4 days.  At the funeral I sang for him, I helped carry his casket, and tried to control the heart-wrenching sadness not only of losing my friend, but of knowing he was all alone when it happened, for so long.  This pain still weighs upon my shoulders every day.  At home, in school, and at work.  When I am working I listen to a variety of podcasts to occupy my mind.  I keep myself distracted with the /Filmcast, classic Dragnet radio shows, movie, sci-fi, and pop culture podcasts.  But I have found that when a new episode of The Tobolowsky Files plays on my iPod, I listen closer.  Your stories have allowed me to, however briefly, take a walk with you through your own life, and step out of mine.  It was while listening to you that I was able, for the first time since the funeral, to lose myself and my heartache for a short while.  It was a tremendous relief, to let go of the weight for a moment and simply….listen to a story.

You craft your tales with an astonishing grace and fantastic wit.  But please know that when you are telling these stories to entertain so many listeners, you are helping some of them at the same time.  Speaking for myself, I will never forget it.  Thank you.