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Visiting Bucks County Pennsylvania
Ted Lasso With Jeremy Egner
Ted Lasso was a brilliant show that came into the world at the time that we all needed it. It launched in 2020 during the height of the pandemic. Everyone was trapped at home feeling helpless, having anxiety and in need of some cheering up. Welcome Ted Lasso.
This show was the unlikely success story during a wild time. I loved it from day one and still rewatch the series from time to time when I need some happiness in my life (which is often due to the current status of the world).
Journalist and author Jeremy Egner got behind the scenes to share the stories with us about how the show was created, how everyone came together and some of the great stories from the cast that we didn't get a chance to see. He puts it all in his new book 'Believe: The Untold Story Behind Ted Lasso, the Show That Kicked Its Way Into Our Hearts.'
I loved this conversation. If you were a Ted Lasso fan, this is a book you need to read.
Visiting Dutchess County New York
Let’s go back up to New York. I feel like the state of New York really is like 6 or 7 states combined. There are so many unique areas throughout the state. In this conversation I’m taking a trip up the Hudson River to beautiful Dutchess County.
You might not be familiar with Dutchess County by name, but you know it’s role in the history of this country. Have you ever heard of a guy by the name of Franklin D Roosevelt? Or maybe the Vanderbilts? Well they all had homes and businesses in Dutchess County.
This was the area where all of the robber barrons had their summer homes away from the hustle and bustle of New York City. So you can imagine the beauty and nature that fills Dutchess County. Now, these families don’t hold the same kind of power over the world that they did a hundred years ago, but their homes still stand and are incredible historical sites. The FDR Presidential Library and Museum is in Dutchess County, as is the site where Eleanor Roosevelt ran a furniture business.
And history is just one reason to make a visit there. I caught up with Melaine Rottkamp. She’s the president and CEO of Dutchess Tourism Inc, and she is a fountain of knowledge about her county. If she can’t sell you on making a visit, I don’t think anyone can. Please enjoy my conversation with Melaine Rottkamp.
You might not be familiar with Dutchess County by name, but you know it’s role in the history of this country. Have you ever heard of a guy by the name of Franklin D Roosevelt? Or maybe the Vanderbilts? Well they all had homes and businesses in Dutchess County.
This was the area where all of the robber barrons had their summer homes away from the hustle and bustle of New York City. So you can imagine the beauty and nature that fills Dutchess County. Now, these families don’t hold the same kind of power over the world that they did a hundred years ago, but their homes still stand and are incredible historical sites. The FDR Presidential Library and Museum is in Dutchess County, as is the site where Eleanor Roosevelt ran a furniture business.
And history is just one reason to make a visit there. I caught up with Melaine Rottkamp. She’s the president and CEO of Dutchess Tourism Inc, and she is a fountain of knowledge about her county. If she can’t sell you on making a visit, I don’t think anyone can. Please enjoy my conversation with Melaine Rottkamp.
First Time Caller with B.K. Borison
I had such a fun time with this week's guest, author B.K. Borison. I came across her latest novel, First Time Caller, kinda by accident. It was sitting in my radio station and caught my eye. I tell the full story in the podcast so I won't share all the details here. But I found out that Borison is from Baltimore, where I live, and the book is about a radio dj, which is my full time job. I just had to check it out and talk to her.
Thankfully, B.K. Borison is up for a good time and we had a great chat. Romance novels aren't usually in my wheelhouse, but I really enjoyed this one. Maybe it's because it pays respect to one of my all time favorite movies. Maybe it's because it takes place in my city. Or maybe it's just because it's a heartwarming story, which is something I need in this crazy world right now.
I hope you check out her new book, and that you enjoy this week's podcast.
99% Perspiration with Adam Chandler
We've all heard all the stories about work. We've been told since we were kids that if we work hard that we'll see success, and if we don't, it's because we did something wrong. Or, that we're not working hard enough. We've heard tales from older generations about how they came to this country with nothing but the clothes on their back and turned that into millions.
What if I told you that stories is all they are. It's the tales that have been passed down for centuries that have developed this hard working impression, but none of it is true.
Sure, there are people who have worked hard and found success. But even many of them, whether they admit it or not, had some help along the way.
Adam Chandler joins me this week to discuss his new book '99% Perspiration: A New Working History Of The American Way Of Life.' Chandler goes all the way back to the days of Columbus and the Pilgrims to show how this fallacy of hard work has been a lie right from the beginning.
We really dive into it and I had a lot of fun. I wish I had more time to talk with Adam because this was great. Arguably one of my favorite episodes of this show.
Visiting Montgomery County Maryland
I’ve had a few different conversations on this podcast with different areas in Maryland. It’s the state where I live and work, so it makes sense. I have my own personal biases about what places are the best to visit in this state, and what locations would make great vacation spots. For me, most of those places are near the beach or somewhere out in the lesser populated areas. Today’s conversation opened my eyes to an area that I used to live in and how many great opportunities it has.
When I first moved to Maryland, I was living near Washington DC in a city called Rockville. It’s located in Montgomery County. To me, Montgomery was kind of a suburb of DC. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed my time there. But I guess I didn’t look at it as a place I’d vacation. And maybe vacation isn’t the right word. Just because you’re visiting a place doesn’t mean it has to be for vacation. Day trips are amazing. Even just a little drive down for dinner counts as tourism. That’s what I had to wrap my head around for this conversation.
I spoke with Kelly Groff, the president and CEO of Visit Montgomery. She helped me understand the beauty and options available in Montgomery County. From a wide array of inspiring restaurants and food, to a great craft brewery scene, historical landmarks and outdoor fun, Montgomery County Maryland has it all. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Kelly Groff.
When I first moved to Maryland, I was living near Washington DC in a city called Rockville. It’s located in Montgomery County. To me, Montgomery was kind of a suburb of DC. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed my time there. But I guess I didn’t look at it as a place I’d vacation. And maybe vacation isn’t the right word. Just because you’re visiting a place doesn’t mean it has to be for vacation. Day trips are amazing. Even just a little drive down for dinner counts as tourism. That’s what I had to wrap my head around for this conversation.
I spoke with Kelly Groff, the president and CEO of Visit Montgomery. She helped me understand the beauty and options available in Montgomery County. From a wide array of inspiring restaurants and food, to a great craft brewery scene, historical landmarks and outdoor fun, Montgomery County Maryland has it all. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Kelly Groff.
Neil Shubin Takes Us To The Ends Of The Earth
In my first episode back in quite some time, I figured I'd take you on a journey to the literal ends of the earth. Today I'm speaking with scientist, educator and author Neil Shubin. He's spent much of his life doing research in the Arctic and Antarctica. These are some of the last remaining untouched areas in this world. In his latest book, titled 'Ends of the Earth: Journeys to the Polar Regions In Search Of Life, The Cosmos, and Our Future', Shubin discusses a place that he saw his footprints still intact after 6 years.
His descriptions of his time in Antarctica sound almost like fiction, but they are in fact real. I was blown away by so much in this book and it was a true pleasure to speak with Neil. I hope you enjoy our conversation.
For more from Neil Shubin's book - Ends Of The Earth
Adult Education Is Back!!!
Hey everyone! I know it's been a while (almost 10 months) but I'm back. I did some soul searching and research into the show and realized it's time to dive back into some fun and interesting conversations. It's time for new topics and brand new episodes! They'll start launching the first week of February!
Visiting Massachusetts
If you’ve been listening to this show, you probably know that I live in Baltimore. I’ve lived here for the last 17 years. But my first 18 years were spent in Southern New Hampshire, right on the border of Massachusetts. I would always tell people that Boston was my city, and I still might say that when the Red Sox are doing well.
And while I feel like I have a pretty good understanding of Massachusetts and all it has to offer, there’s so much in that state that I’ve not had a chance to experience. People get an impression that Mass is all about Boston, The Cape or witches. Those certainly are big pieces of the puzzle, but they’re just pieces.
The history you can find in Massachusetts alone is magical. This country was started right on those streets, and so much of it has been preserved so we can still enjoy it. The sports are great, and no I’m not just talking about their pro teams. Major, and even global, sporting events are held there on an annual basis. Then there’s the landscape of the state as a whole. They have everything from beach to city to small towns in the mountains. My favorite thing about all of that is how close everything is.
Joining me today is Kate Fox. She’s the executive director at the Massachusetts office of travel and tourism. We’re going to have a good chat about my sort of home state and really dive into all the many reasons you need to make a trip up to New England.
And while I feel like I have a pretty good understanding of Massachusetts and all it has to offer, there’s so much in that state that I’ve not had a chance to experience. People get an impression that Mass is all about Boston, The Cape or witches. Those certainly are big pieces of the puzzle, but they’re just pieces.
The history you can find in Massachusetts alone is magical. This country was started right on those streets, and so much of it has been preserved so we can still enjoy it. The sports are great, and no I’m not just talking about their pro teams. Major, and even global, sporting events are held there on an annual basis. Then there’s the landscape of the state as a whole. They have everything from beach to city to small towns in the mountains. My favorite thing about all of that is how close everything is.
Joining me today is Kate Fox. She’s the executive director at the Massachusetts office of travel and tourism. We’re going to have a good chat about my sort of home state and really dive into all the many reasons you need to make a trip up to New England.
Visiting The World With Vacations By Rail
Let’s kick off the new year with some inspiration to get out of your house and hit the railways. I love taking the train. I live in what’s known as the Northeast Corridor. Essentially it’s the area between Washington DC and Boston. The whole route is connected by rail and people often use them to get around. Prices can be cheaper and I find the train to be so much more convenient than flying. I almost always take an Amtrak or regional rail when I go to New York City because I’m not about fighting traffic to get into the Big Apple.
While I’m used to using the train, most Americans miss out on it. We always hear about how Americans under utilize trains. But there are rails going throughout the entire country. This is where Vacations By Rail comes into play.
Vacations By Rail plans these special trips that take you through some of the most beautiful spots in the United States. I’m talking the National Parks, Colorado, Southwest, Alaska and so many more. And these trips are specially designed to make sure that you get a full experience of the location you’re visiting. Some of them even provide unique opportunities that only come around every so often, like trips to see the Northern Lights.
Vacations By Rail isn’t limited to the United States. They have incredible tours that go all around Europe as well as other countries. Seriously, these people have put together some remarkable packages. I’m excited to discuss some of those with Liz Owens, she’s the senior vice president and general manager for Vacations By Rail. I promise you after this conversation you’ll be on their website looking for a trip.
While I’m used to using the train, most Americans miss out on it. We always hear about how Americans under utilize trains. But there are rails going throughout the entire country. This is where Vacations By Rail comes into play.
Vacations By Rail plans these special trips that take you through some of the most beautiful spots in the United States. I’m talking the National Parks, Colorado, Southwest, Alaska and so many more. And these trips are specially designed to make sure that you get a full experience of the location you’re visiting. Some of them even provide unique opportunities that only come around every so often, like trips to see the Northern Lights.
Vacations By Rail isn’t limited to the United States. They have incredible tours that go all around Europe as well as other countries. Seriously, these people have put together some remarkable packages. I’m excited to discuss some of those with Liz Owens, she’s the senior vice president and general manager for Vacations By Rail. I promise you after this conversation you’ll be on their website looking for a trip.