Bikodds

Where did the moniker bikodds come from?

I am a big Peter Gabriel fan.  I saw him for the first time at Poplar Creek near Chicago in 1986.  He ended the show with the song, "Biko".

The drums started the song.  He gave an explanation about the atrocities of apartheid in South Africa and how Steven Biko died as a prisoner of the regime that was trying to stop his rhetoric.  I didn't know anything about this, but it got me thinking about social justice issues.  He challenged us to keep his memory alive.  To stand up for atrocities in the world.  To rebel against the status quo when the status quo is going down the wrong path.

The song ended with just the drummer and the entire crowd singing the chant long after the other musicians left the stage.  I was forever inspired at this moment.

The song was written in 1980 as the final song on his third solo album.

The movie, "Cry Freedom" came out in 1987 which told the story of Steven Biko and featured the Peter Gabriel song and Denzel Washington as the leading role.  Here is a link to the video of the song.

https://youtu.be/luVpsM3YAgw

My initials are BK and some of my friends would call me biko as a nickname. Then I became a dentist - hence the "dds".   When email became a thing, my email address became bikodds@gmail.com.

I still get chills when I hear this song.

"You can blow out a candle, but you can't blow out a fire,
Once the flames begin to catch, the wind will blow it higher" PG, 1980

Peter Gabriel used his status as a songwriter and performer to stand for a cause that was important to him,  He used his platform to create positive change in the world - to light a match.  I try to follow his lead and do the same.

"PG Plays Live"

Welcome to my new blog

I am starting a new blog.  "My life is an adventure"

I have been blessed with so many gifts thus far in my life and I wish to document them.  I describe some of them on social media but I feel I need a different forum to get deeper.

I got sober from a drug and alcohol addiction October 21, 1998.  Once I found recovery, I became inspired to live every day to the fullest extent.  I do something for my recovery every single day.  I value it as a fragile gift which without it, I am nothing, I have nothing and am going nowhere.

I am a father to four kids, husband to Gina.  Yes...We are pretty busy!

I am a dentist.  I am passionate about my profession.  I try to give my patients the best care possible.
I also have been recognized as a leader by my colleagues, patients and the community.  I served as President of the Colorado Dental Association in 2014-2015 and was part of a leadership team that did some amazing things for the profession and the citizens of the State of Colorado.

I am finishing my term as Chairperson of the inaugural Colorado Dental Association Foundation Board in which we have helped to make an impact on the issue of access to care here in Colorado.  I am also a consultant to the American Dental Association in the area of dental benefits.  I am helping patients get the best benefits that they deserve and pay for.

I am past president of the Colorado Prosthodontic Society - the oldest continuous dental study club in the country. 

I am a speaker to various audiences across the country, sharing my experience with those willing to listen.   I write articles, participate in podcasts, etc., documenting my perspectives on dentistry, leadership, life issues and wellbeing topics including addiction and recovery.

I am an athlete.  I just turned 50.  I am out to prove that age is not a number.  I am in the best shape of my life.  A lot of my adventures are athletic.  I have done endurance events all over the country -  marathons, triathlons, snowshoe races, skiing, cycling and mountain biking events, etc.

I am doing the Ironman World Championships in Kona, HI October 13, 2018.  This will be the biggest athletic challenge I have ever done.  I am raising money to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  My Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG) is to raise at least $100,000 to help with patient care, and research.  Here is a link to my fundraising page if you wish to contribute.   I plan to document a lot of my Ironman journey on this sight.

https://pages.teamintraining.org/rm/ironworl18/bkessler

I am an advocate.  I speak up for what is right.  It may be on this blog, on social media, to politicians, to organizers.  I try to get to the right venue for the maximum impact.

I am a catalyst.  I hope to inspire my readers to live their best life as well.  I lost my mom last year to cancer and other several other chronic illnesses.  I lost many friends to addiction.  I have lost friends to unforeseen illnesses and circumstances.  Every day is a gift that we must cherish.  I try to make the most out of every 24 hours.  Thank you for Joining me on my adventure!

Brett
bikodds@gmail.com