This might sound odd, but keep talking to them like they can hear you. Tell them how you feel. I don't know why, but it helps a lot.

Slackware on floppies

I listened to Project Hail Mary on Audible. Then eventually it recommended The Expeditionary Force series of books narrated by R.C. Bray.

I am on book 8 now... Can't stop.

This from Amazon works for me: https://a.co/d/09FcGlfr SABRENT SATA to USB Cable - USB 3.0 to 2.5” SATA

I've used it with a few Samsung SSDs with Linux Mint, OSX , even works with Xbox.

VeraCrypt -- creating encrypted partitions/disks with easy manager. I am surprised I did not see anybody to mention it.

Never had it, but I do like dark lagers. If you were to attempt to compare it to more well known brands, what does it taste like?

Sony MDR-V6. I've had them for 15+ years, only had to change ear pads to velour ones after the first 5 years of use, after that 10+ years, no issues.

Saying "proof" is not enough here. Can you elaborate?