Back Home, Again

A (Brady) Birthday Update from Kyle!

I’m back!

I know, I know. It’s been a minute, and I really appreciate you sticking around. This year kind of evaporated in this blur of airports and sound stages and moments that rewired something in me, and now here I am: home, with my feet on the ground, excited to tell you all about it.

I’ve spent the last few months in Belfast working at Studio Ulster - helping them get their new virtual production stages (and crew!) up and running. Belfast is such a unique city that is full of history. It felt familiar in some ways. The people reminded me of those from my hometown - straightforward, funny, and hardworking. The type of folks who can make an agreement based on a handshake and your word.

It was a pleasure working alongside so many talented people; and it was weird to leave them after being in Belfast for so long. The silver lining of leaving was knowing I have real friends there now. I already look forward to returning for a visit.

While I was in Belfast, I kept moving – which I am sure is not a surprise to those who know me. I was in London for a bit to get my fill of the latest West End shows. I also stopped by Edinburgh for a long weekend to experience the incredible Fringe Festival. And the rest of the time, I found myself traveling all over Ireland and Northern Ireland with friends – visiting iconic coastlines, historic pubs, and seeing more sheep than I ever realized was possible.

The Bridge of Sighs - County Donegal, Ireland

On my way home from my 6-month stint in Northern Ireland, I stopped for vacation in China and Japan. During my time in Asia, I saw and did so many wonderful things – but a special moment worth mentioning is that I finally visited the last of the twelve Disney parks worldwide I hadn’t seen yet. (If you are wondering how I would rank the 12 worldwide Disney parks, stay tuned – I’ll have a whole Substack just dedicated to that coming soon!)

Needless to say, I’ve been busy - and I’ve seen a lot. I’ve tried to stay present for all of it, which is why this Substack has been quiet for a while. But now I’m home. I always love being traveling and exploring new places. But this time? I really missed home.

Today felt right to come back to this. Why? For starters, it’s my birthday, and I did something pretty cool to mark it. I went to the house from The Brady Bunch. Yes, the actual one! The exterior you already know from the show. The interior was fully renovated by The Property Brothers (and the cast of A Brady Bunch) in A Very Brady Renovation, which aired on HGTV in 2019. I walked up famous staircase! I saw Cindy’s Kitty Carriol doll. I even saw Alice’s bedroom - complete with a picture of Sam on the nightstand and her bowling shirt for the Meat Packers! The details all around the house were so impressive to see.

When I first walked into the house, the living room looked so familiar - like a memory I never actually had but somehow recognize. I felt like every single item in that house had something to say – from the light fixtures, to the throw pillows, and even the iconic vase that gets knocked over when they play ball in the house!

I guess it felt fitting to share my visit to this iconic home while I am settling back into my own. So, here’s to being back. I feel re-energized, and I have stories from all over that I can’t wait to share. And yes, I also have a bunch more adventures already planned for the months ahead ahead. I hope you’ll continue along for the ride!