Cookin' Up A Story w/ Aaron and Joe

In part two of our interview with Herb Hodde, we learn a few tricks of the trade, the pervasiveness of magic throughout history, where the word "abracadabra" originated, and get to listen to Martinez getting sawed in half. Does Herb put him back together? The only way to find out is to listen because it's a good one.

When Herb Hodde was in elementary school, he decided he wanted to become a magician. And eventually he did, though there were more than a few twists and turns along the way. In this episode, hear Herb share how he learned the craft, how his career wound around a few rabbit holes, and what it was like to try grits for the first time. Give it a listen, it's a good one.Amazon Wishlist

In the second installment of our latest with Yanni Constantin, we go down more than a few rabbit holes, often leaving one hole and instantly heading into another. From pillows and mattresses to AI and robots, we discuss myriad current events as well as diving into our opinions on the future of work, what it takes to make it, and why you should never give up. Give it a listen, it's a good one.

When Yanni Constantin headed out from Romania for Greece, there wasn't much of a plan. There also wasn't much of a guide to get he and his friends across various borders along the way. Yet, as we heard during his first appearance, they did make it. In this episode, Yanni goes deeper into the journey and the whole crew takes a similarly circuitous route through his travels, the cost of brisket, heavy metal festivals, and more. Give it a listen, it's a good one.

Tim Kizer doesn't refer himself as a philosopher, but he is a bit of one. In part two of our interview with Tim, hear him discuss his fondness for Catholic theologian Thomas Merton, why he always looks for the multiple dimensions present in everyone, and how all of us on earth are connected. Give it a listen, it's a good one. 

Tim Kizer isn't much for planning, but that hasn't stopped him from living a good life. From Pine Bluff, Arkansas to Kentucky to Fayetteville, things have tended to work out for him, so long as we're not talking duck clubs. Listen to Tim discuss his childhood, said lack of planning, tragedy, success, and why he doesn't want to be an angry old man in this episode. It's a good one. Link in comments. Amazon Wishlist

In part two of our latest, we get into questions y'all wanted answered. We dive into when and where we'd be if we could be anywhere, what excites us, our feelings on tater cakes, and more. Give it a listen, it's a good one. Volleybird Subscription BoxesVolleybird.shop for curated pickleball subscription boxes delivered every 8 weeks

You've all heard the tales about Joe's trip to Alaska and his plan to cook an entire moose. Now you can hear how it all went down, including a trip to a possible murder house, a dreadlocked woman, a salvaged rotisserie, and a mountain shaped like a vagina. Give it a listen, it's a good one. This one is brought to us by Value for Value and Hoosier Hat Works. Give them a follow on Facebook and give them some business the next time you need some custom gear for your dome. 

Well, the unthinkable has happened and we were unable to record a show this week. In our absence, go back to some of your favorites, send us some suggestions for topics and guests, and enjoy the short explanation about what happened. Listen to it. It's not a good one, but it is short.

Matt Stephens was in and out of prison, but it wasn't until he served 14 consecutive years that he got the message society was trying to tell him and got his act together. Now, he's working as a counselor and change agent hoping to prevent others from going down the path he did, and causing the destruction he caused along the way. In this episode, Matt and Brentt Tumey discuss their descent into depravity and their journeys toward redemption. Give it a listen. It's a good one.Amazon Wishlist

By the time he was 13 years old, Matt Stephens was already slinging dope. Fast cars, stacks of cash, women - he had it all. But soon, the police started coming around more and stacks of charges replaced the stacks of cash. By the time he was rehabilitated, Matt had spent 18 years of his life in prison, including 14 consecutive years in federal prison. Listen to him discuss how he ended up a felon and how he's now working to prevent others from following in his footsteps in this episode. It's a good one.Amazon Wishlist

From puncher to security agent overseeing inaugurations and the pope, Richard Nevels has always been on the move. Because of that, he didn't stop once he retired from the TSA and ended up in Northwest Arkansas, instead setting his sights on a different type of safety than that he oversaw when protecting all manner of citizen. In this installment, listen to him discuss divine innovation and how he's working to protect children from backyard accidents. It's a good one. 

Richard Nevels always knew he wanted to be a cowboy and when he finished high school, he did exactly that. While he was never one for the wild lifestyle, he was nonetheless a rock 'n' roller. He was also, and remains, a man of deep faith with an immense work ethic. That combination of traits led Richard on a wild ride through life. In part one, listen to him discuss just part of that life, with plenty of stories and jokes to keep you entertained. Give it a listen, it's a good one. Amazon Wishlist#richardnevels #rodeo #cowboy #bullriding #tsa #security #pope

In part two of our look back on the show from start to its current state, we get into a couple of loaves of homemade bread Justin's wife made, holistic medicine, taking care of yourself, and Wilson's future in television. Give it a listen. It's a good one. 

On May 3, 2022, Cookin' Up a Story launched. Initially, it was just Aaron and Joe, though the guests soon started arriving. Two of those guests, Redwords, who was interviewed in July of that year, and Martinez, who came on to help interview Gary P. Nunn in August, would become full time hosts of the show. Rich came along a few years later, also first as a guest. Today, we've given the listeners hundreds of hours of entertainment, with no plans to stop. In this episode, though, we look back at the evolution of the show and dig into some highlights, aided by listeners Justin Cavanaugh and Landon Rowe, as well as going down a few rabbit holes. Give it a listen, it's a good one. 

Wine is often associated with high culture whereas beer with low. Inmates in prisons only make one of the two, though, because the art of making beer is much more intense than that of wine. In part two of our discussion with Florian, we get into the nuts and bolts of brewing as well as discussing more of what made him love living in America. Give it a listen. It's a good one. 

When Florian Aufdenblatten signed up to be a foreign exchange student, he didn't expect to land in Gravette, Arkansas, but he did. Listen to our conversation with him as we discuss stereotypes, coming from Switzerland to Arkansas, and chase more than a few rabbits down some holes. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #switzerland #gravette #foreignexchange

On this episode, we get deep, discussing mortality, funeral arrangements, and being remembered. We also discuss some of the things we're currently watching on TV, though, so it's not all heavy. Give it a listen, it's a good one.

In this freeball episode, the crew goes without a guest to discuss turkeys, ticks, conductors, camp etiquette, and more. Give it a listen, it's a good one. Wicked WanderingsDelve into the enigmatic realms of the mysterious, unearth tales of haunting...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

In part two of our conversation with Brad and Duane, learn more about habitat improvement, turkey hunting, and a weird aspect of turkey hunting that Rich was unaware of. There are also hunting stories, rabbit holes, and dire wolves. Give it a listen, it's a good one.

When it comes to effective land management, there's nothing quite like the cleansing power of fire. On this episode, Brad Cordell of Lost 40 Habitat Improvement and Duane Wright with Collier & Associates join us to discuss how to best manage land, whether for hunting or for bringing in other types of flora and fauna. Give it a listen, it's a good one.Blue Collar Business PodcastReal stories. Raw strategies. Build your blue-collar business.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Jim and Kayla Totten lost their house, but they found the value of community in the rubble. They also have opinions about travel, hygiene, and body odor, as do the fellas. In this one, we cover fire, pheromones, and various other topics as we sit around the campfire. Give it a listen. It's a good one. GoFundMe for the TottensBlue Collar Business PodcastReal stories. Raw strategies. Build your blue-collar business.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Every 88 seconds, a house catches on fire, but it's not something that many of us regularly think about. For Jim and Kayla Totten, it's at presently at the center of their attention. In February, their house caught fire. While the family inside was able to escape, not all of their pets made it out. And now they're left with the rubble, trying to maintain family life while fighting regulations, insurance, and figuring out how to rebuild. Listen to them discuss what their ordeal was like and what it taught them in this episode. It's a good one.GoFundMe for the TottensBlue Collar Business PodcastReal stories. Raw strategies. Build your blue-collar business.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Pard Lowe has executed many trades over the course of his life, though monkey wrenches hold a special place in his heart. In this episode, listen to Pard give some pointers on how to score a deal as well as on how to negotiate. He also gets into how he ended up working with his son, the time said son took off to Silver Dollar City with his business cash, and his secret weapon against snakes. Give it a listen. It's a good one. Amazon WishlistBlue Collar Business PodcastReal stories. Raw strategies. Build your blue-collar business.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Pard Lowe was born in 1937, but the only way you'd know it by listening to him is the expansive history his stories cover. In this episode, listen to him and the crew discuss Pard's upbringing, his love of trading, and how he recently ended up getting into a fistfight. With lots of tales and wisdom, Pard reminds us why it's important to listen to our elders. So y'all give this one a listen. It's a good one.Amazon Wishlist

After retiring from baseball, Christian Colon experienced something new -- liberty. From the time he was a young boy, his life had been mapped out for him. Once he got to the pinnacle and was drafted into the MLB, he was on the road, doing his job. Afterward, though he had his wife and kids, he had to find something to occupy his time. More important, he had to figure out who he was. Listen to him discuss his successes and failures along the way to truly becoming a man, as well as why he personally finds importance in having a tribe in this episode. Give it a listen. It's a good one.

From the time he was a young man, Christian Colon's father was preparing him for his future career. He was going to play professional baseball. That dream ended up coming true, but it didn't happen without costs. In this one, listen to Christian discuss his upbringing in Puerto Rico, baseball, family, how he ended up in the major leagues, and how life unfolded as a result. Give it a listen. It's a good one. Amazon Wishlist

After multiple universities and some time in the lab, Logan Terry realized that the life of science was not what he wanted. Improbably, he ended up selling insurance, working to grow his business to help provide for his family. Just as things started to take off, though, he began to experience some mysterious health problems and a rapidly declining ability to function in the world. While the cause of his ailments initially vexed his doctors, they soon realized he had lung cancer. With his wife pregnant and a little one at home, Logan was forced to work not just for his business, but for himself as he fought his way toward healing. Listen to him tell his miraculous story in this episode. It's a good one, you don't want to miss it. Link in comments. 

Logan Terry has a powerful story to tell, but first, we need to meet the man and find a little bit about his life, his education, evolution, and how he ended up selling insurance. In this one, Logan and the boys sit around the fire and get to know one another, meandering from rabbit hole to rabbit hole on the way to part two, when things get powerful. Give it a listen. It's a good one. Amazon Wishlist

To an outside observer, it may sound like Chris Pendleton fell hard and landed flat on his ass. But what if, instead, he landed on his feet, ready to enjoy liberty? In this edition, Chris goes over the second half of his life, and how he went from making big bucks to making $14 an hour and facing a terminal illness. Is he happy, though? You may be surprised to hear what he has to say. Give it a listen. It's a good one. Chris's InstagramAmazon Wishlist

Christopher Pendleton had it all, a wife, kids, a house, a cabin, and a high-flying corporate gig pulling in a nice annual salary. Now, he lives in his vehicle and pulls in $14/hour. Listen to him discuss how he rose up in life and then gave it all away for a chance at happiness with the fellows in this episode. Give it a listen. It's a good one. Chris's InstagramAmazon Wishlist

Part 2 “WE” This segment delves into childbirth, friendship, and creating positive change, featuring Sammy Laney and her 501c organization, DEB PROJECT. The episode offers an in-depth look at foster programs and procedures. We are excited to present this inspiring story.

Meet Sammy, the ultimate champion of foster children and families! On this episode, the crew is chatting about friendships that change lives, but don't worry, we won't get too mushy. We'll be hopping around and rabbit holing... and Part 2? That's a whole different ball game.

Boring security work, drunken escapades, and a failed attempt at picking up an officer: these are the experiences that Mitch Grantham's time the Marines offered him. In this installment, listen to him continue his story of being an MSG and how he enjoyed it, but also how it left him with a small sense of yearning for what could have been when he was an enlisted man. Give it a listen. It's a good one. Amazon Wishlist

In the sixth grade, Mitch Grantham knew he wanted to be a Marine. When he was 17, his parents signed off, allowing him to enlist and hit training just after his 18th birthday, but with one caveat. Whereas Mitch wanted to be a sniper, his dad wanted him to be an engineer. His dad won, though Mitch's military career would take quite a few twists and turns along the way. In this episode, he details how he ended up in Sri Lanka, the Netherlands, and elsewhere, often being bored out of his mind. Give it a listen. It's a good one. Amazon Wishlist

After being filmed at the capitol on January 6, Nathan Hughes became the subject of online hunters, both official and unofficial. They combed the internet looking for clues about him, including where to find him. They succeeded, with the feds showing up at his business and taking him into custody. In this installment, he details what life was like during his trial, what Trump said to him when they met, and how he's moving past the events of that day now that he's been pardoned. Give it a listen. It's a good one. Amazon wishlist

Arkansas native Nathan Hughes never intended to gain notoriety, but on January 6, 2020, he did just that. Now a free man, listen to Nathan discuss his childhood, his love of liberty, and the positive side of being hit by a boat. From explosions to fast cars to fishing, Nathan has lived a storied life and in this episode, he gets into just a fraction of it with the tribe. Give it a listen. It's a good one. Amazon Wishlist

In this one, the crew continues their conversation with Curt Osier and Doug Tapp. They traverse around getting older, freedom, helping Phil from "Duck Dynasty" defend his homestead, and more. With stories of stupidity, wisdom, restraint, and explosions, this one visits rabbit holes inside of rabbit holes. Give it a listen. You don't want to miss it. 

On today's episode, inveterate storytellers Curtis Osier and Doug Tapp join the crew in the studio to discuss growing up in Newport, Arkansas, life as young men, college, and mysterious ceremonies in the woods. Hear tales of a rogue Burt Reynolds clone, the squirrelly grail, and sausage parties, the good kind, as Joe, Joe, and Rich, with an assist from Adam Laney, get Curt and Doug reminiscing on the exploits of their younger days. It's a good one. You don't want to miss it.  Amazon Wishlist

In this one, we continue our exploration of offerings available on Amazon, from the unique to the bizarre, from the useful to the useless. We discuss shower strategies and shower head preferences. We ask what it means to be an American. And we also get into the world of dicing vegetables. In other words, it's a conversation that perambulates around the fire pit. Give it a listen. It's a good one. 

The boys have set up an Amazon Wishlist to make giving a little value for value that much easier. Listen to Joe, Joe, and Rich go through the selections, from useful to bizarre, in a rollicking discussion about wet donuts, torsos, fur coats, and more. Give it a listen. It's a good one. 

What is a bucket of baby arms? How do you get education? Why are the trades a path forward? Get the answers to these questions, and more, in this episode. Give it a listen. It's a good one. 

For this episode, Adam Laney, Marshall Dill, and Dan Judd join Joe, Joe, Bill, and Rich in the studio to discuss a wide variety of unrelated topics. Listen to them delve into why the postal service sucks, what the shape of the earth is, ketchup flavored seasoning, and Martinez's' recent trip to Costa Rica, as well as meandering around numerous other rabbit holes. With Dr. Dray also in attendance, you'll want to give it a listen. It's a good one. 

Rustin Chrisco had many adventures as a paramedic, including his time serving a prince in Saudi Arabia. He reached a point in which he no longer wanted to dedicate himself to such arduous labor and embarked on a new path. When he did so, he was in the right place at the right time, becoming a real estate developer in a town that was on the cusp of exploding. Listen to him recount the latter part of his time as a paramedic and his jump into flipping houses in this episode. You don't want to miss it. It's a good one. 

Rustin Chrisco has done many things in his life, but one constant has been he's always worked. In part one of our talk with him, listen to Rustin discuss his childhood and early jobs and how those led him into becoming a paramedic. From rural Arkansas to Saudi Arabia, he's helped people in a variety of settings, though the most interesting one didn't come in service to a king or a prince, but to a woman who had been shot seven times with one bullet. Give it a listen. It's a good one. 

When Ashley embarked on her Only Fans career, she quickly found it to be a lucrative one. However, it is not a pursuit that comes without risks, from those who want to push her boundaries to those who want to find her in real life. Listen to her recount her rise from TikTok to Only Fans and how it's changed her life in this episode. It's a good one. 

By the time she hit 20, Ashley had experienced a lot of life. From divorced parents to living with extended family to foster parents to the Navy, she bounced along, never quite finding her place in the world. She always had a knack for sales and marketing, though, and found her way in that world. Then the pandemic hit and she found herself, like so many others, bored and alone at home. There, she started making TikTok videos and built a following. Her followers always had one request, though, and it was for an Only Fans link. When she found herself in need of a little extra money, she decided to take the plunge. Listen to her discuss her journey from sales to content creator with the boys in this latest episode. It's a good one. 

What happens when you lose your ability to drive? How do you get unstuck when you get stuck? Why did Wes Evans look like that in his driver's license photo? Get the answers to these questions and more in the latest episode. Give it a listen. It's a good one. Sights N Sounds with Allen KigerInterviewing music and racing royalty.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Wes Evans joins the crew to kick off Season 4, with a rousing discussion about the challenges faced by farmers, as well as how technology is changing the nature of farming. As the title suggests, Wes gets into a decision farmers often have to make -- fix a jury-rigged piece of equipment or keep farming. Give him a listen as he details what life is like for the small family farm. It's a good one. 

Thanks for listening and we will see you soon. As always, though, if you've got some time, treasure, or talent, let us know and we will help you get it our way. Happy New Year! 

2024 was a big year for Cookin' Up a Story, one in which lots of tall tales, great stories, and inspiring examples of overcoming obstacles gracing the listeners' ears. In this one, the crew takes a look back at the highs, lows, and in-betweens from the years. Give it a listen. It's a good one.