Life's Learning Curve

When your 11, life still seems strange, adult behaviors are sometimes confusing and we are lucky to survive it all. In this episode, Paul is curious about his father's semi annual poker night in the far back basement of his house. However, THIS TIME Paul is allowed to come sit and observe his father's poker night and the players. One of these players was Paul's current teacher. But the evening turned quite dark as another player's behavior and quirky responses turned into a nightmare that haunted Paul for many years afterward. Listen to this life altering episode about testing the water of attempting to be a good man. When you're just a kid of eleven, life's a real puzzler. Grown-up actions can be a head scratcher, and making it through unscathed? Well, that's a triumph in itself. Join me in this tale, where we're dodging confusion and trying to find our footing.In this chapter of life, young Paul's got a burning question – What's the deal with his old man's twice-a-year poker night down in the deep, dark basement? But hold on, this time, something's different. This time, Paul's getting an invite to the grown-up gathering. He's gonna be a fly on the wall, watching his dad and the gang play their hands.Turns out, one of the players is none other than Paul's current teacher. The lines between school and life at home start to blur, and it's a curious sight for young Paul. But oh boy, buckle up, 'cause this story takes a turn. The night that should've been just a peek into his dad's world transforms into a shiver-inducing nightmare, one that sticks with Paul like a stubborn shadow.You'll want to lean in close as I spin this tale of how an ordinary evening can twist and tangle, leaving scars that linger long after the lights go out. This is a journey that'll make you think about the kind of man you want to become – the paths you'll tread, the waters you'll test. Support the show

In first grade, Paul's life is forever changed by a series of events. He is placed in a reading group, where he encounters a first-year teacher and is forced to sit next to Jimmy, a misfit who has trouble controlling his behavior. A mentor is brought in to help the class, and from that moment on, Paul's perspectives and attitudes are transformed. The story suggests that we can all improve ourselves by surrounding ourselves with the right people. But exactly, just WHO was the mystery mentor?Support the show

Can you keep the feeling of vacation after it's over??   Paul's friend Sam figured out how to do it.  This episode finds Paul sharing a story about his friend Sam's epic adventure in tropical Key West. Sam, on a mission to find the perfect cigar for his buddy Paul, embarks on a journey that takes him deep into the heart of the island's cigar culture.Along the way, he encounters a cast of colorful characters, from local store owners to feisty street performers who have had eccentric adventures of their own. But it's not all fun and games for Sam – he takes his quest seriously, determinedto find the ultimate smoke for his pal.As Sam delves deeper into Key West's cigar scene, he discovers a hidden gem – avintage cigar shop that only builds a masterful premium cigar once a year onthe summer solstice. With the help of the shop's eccentric owner named Butch,Sam finally finds the perfect cigar, and more importantly, a way to keep thespirit of his vacation alive long after he's returned home.Join us for this funny, quirky and heartwarming tale of friendship, adventure, andthe search for the perfect smoke. Whether you're a seasoned cigar aficionado orjust love a good story, you won't want to miss this episode.Support the show

Join us for a heartwarming episode of Life's Learning Curve. Prepare to be inspired as Paul reflects on his father's own struggles with hyperactivity and the loss of his father's father at a young age. Through it all, Paul's dad found strength in other positive male role models and became the confident, laugh-loving father that Paul adored. Also, Paul shares the story of how his father saved him from the winter blues by taking him sledding at night. That's not all, folks! Don't miss this ode to a truly wonderful family and the memories that they created together. Grab a tissue and tune in!Support the show

As we reminisced about our carefree childhoods coming to a close, a nostalgic longing for innocence washed over us. The memories of a 1968 vacation to California evoked feelings of adventure, wonder, and warmth - from the magical Disneyland experience to the sun-kissed days spent exploring. But, amidst the decade of peace, color, and unrest in the west coast, a sense of unease lingered in the air due to the ongoing Vietnam War and the protests that accompanied it, creating an unusual imbalance that juxtaposed the feeling of all is well. An eleven year old Paul & his family visit the fantasy of California in 1968.Support the show

New to the central American country of Costa Rica, Paul sat in a Chinese restaurant mulling over the foreign menu. Suddenly there it was…. A cold raw fish cocktail and a warm beer. Now, at that time in his life, Paul knew that he just DID NOT CARE for fish at all. He had tried it back in the good ol' USA, and quite honestly, it triggered that gag reflex; that embarrassing response from a child, He could not let that be HIS response.. However, Paul knew that might happen. The pressure was on. As all eyes gazed, Paul went for it. He took a heaping forkful of fish cocktail and felt the liquidy fish chunks slid into his mouth, and he  forced them past his taste buds straight down his throat. Bleaaa! Life is about taking chances, trying new things, having fun, making mistakes and learning from it. Life is about eating raw Costa Rican fish cocktail!   Muy sabroso Very tasty!    This is an episode about life's adventures and its challenges for the uninitiated.Más pescado para ti More fish for you!Support the show

This episode tells the story of what happened one night, to Paul when he chose to relax a bit and sit  by the moonlit sea on the tropical island of St. Maarten. While stargazing just off the Caribbean coast, Paul spots a large glowing object off the far sandbar and deep in the water. As the light reveals itself, he discovers a James Bond-like scuba guy. Emerging from the waters, he soon is surrounded by nigh time boozy bar patrons. The scuba man reveals nothing about the slight of hand con he about to initiate. Support the show

What do mile markers and tollbooths have in common? If I told you the answer to this question was… ‘They are a contributing reoccurring part of YOU and your life's journey' Mile markers and tollbooths, etc. might alter your perspective on a few things. On this episode, The Story of Last Flight Out is featured. It cannot be measured how many people have been impacted by this one page read, but I would wager a guess…Thousands of people.     Key West entrepreneur, author and Vietnam veteran Clay Greager is featured in a thought filled philosophical ride through not only Key West, but a journey through life itself.   Stories about how WE, became US.Support the show

Did you ever have a teacher whose passion and excitement for learning drove you AND your peers to excel? In this episode Paul is in 8th Grade, and his new band teacher is young, fun, talented, interesting, fair and engaging with all of his students. Quelling immature student behavior, Mr. Roush nurtured the band class to exceed expectations. Paul and his classmates slowly begin to understand that a single person can find, and then pull the BEST YOU out of you. At that point in his hife, learning became a passion. Until it happened...Support the show

This episode follows Paul's Uncle Russ. As a child in the 1930s, Uncle Russ acquired a passion for the wild west of the 1880s. Adventure on the  western frontier drew in kids, through comic books and B movie westerns at the cinema. Enter stories of the far southwest USA, Billy the Kid, the city of Mesilla and The Eagles (the band) album “Desperado.” The real push came from a post war quest for adventure and fantasy in America's last frontier at that time… The Wild West.Support the show

This episode sets us in Savannah Georgia with Paul's ol' college buddy, Dentist Tye Hagan. Let's face it, as engaged and motivated as we all once were to begin our careers back in the day, most of us held tight to our innocence of youth and doing the right thing. Newbie dentist Dr. Tye did just that, and in the process of setting his new practice in Savannah, he became entangled in a drug running operation out of his own office. Don't miss the slow wrinkled southern charm of Sally-Jo in this episode! Will Tye find his way out of this messy tangled web?  Co starring:The FBI, The DEA, and the Savannah Police Department.  Support the show

Regional speak, or regional dialects are sometimes my favorite part of Paul's business day. When he gets a client on the phone, he may ask him how everything is going (insert their state name). Paul often gets a 3 to 5 sentence primer in their regional language, metaphors or slang. PAUL: “Hey Henry. How is Mississippi treating you these days?”  HENRY: “Mah day's all cattywampus cuz of the fecundating kudzu growing across my office window. If the thermo-bulb keeps going up, we'll have another tongue wagger on our hands.”        -Sometimes life offers us perks in plain conversation. By the way, the best regional linguistic artists often turn out to be the head honcho; the person at the top. The CEO.Support the show

“You can always be better! You have to learn something every day, and if you don't, …There's no place to go.”  This organic inspiration is innate for our guest Bob Tonge. A man with a career in broadcasting, video production, and writing and performing music. Bob Tonge's drive to build clients' confidence and trust, has taken him into a one of a kind adventure in life -Here is a story of a  unique journey.  Paul gets a once in a lifetime sit down with communicator Bob Tonge.  “You got to keep prodding & learning & making adjustments in life. Keep moving forward!” -Bob Tonge  Support the show

Growing up. Change. Being a father. This episode retells stories of my father and me as we negotiate the waters of DAD-DOM. My now grown children Heidi & Riley are featured, but as their younger selves.  Stories include:  Griff, Heidi's dramatic and embarrassing boyfriend. Also,  a story of my 7 year old son and me spending Sundays dumpster diving for materials for his tree house (pirate ship), and how that experience help bond a father and son.  There's a story of how I mishandled a crisis when I was 17 years old and a camp counselor for 11 year olds We complete this episode with the story of a boy and his father coming apart and what it took to put them back together again. You never know just how funny and effective little moments of our lives, can become major life long connections of love. Support the show

While living a mundane existence in the suburbs. Thor Vance aspires to be a hot jazz guitarist . However, Thor is known as a triple-L loser. Although bullied and mocked as a child, he DID HAVE healthy and realistic future dreams. In this episode, procrastinator Thor seeks his dream, but arrives a bit too late and must realize his delay has damaged his destiny.  But not everything in life is unrepairable. A broken man living a broken life, Thor is given a loser nickname that follows him throughout his life. This humorous nonfiction episode ranks among the most existential of the Life's Learning Curve episodes.Support the show

The Adventure! Undertaking danger and unknown risks, Paul leaves the USA to participate in an internship in Costa Rica, This episode brings 1979-style adventures for Paul. Struggling with a language barrier, he and his college roommate Reed vacation for one week at a non existent un-named beach town during spring break. Paul synthesizes with native villagers, and learns their daily routine of work, play, how they handle obsessive heat, and a daily symphony of gasoline generators which all seemed to be running at the same time. Add to that a dictatorial mayor, Mayor James, whose beach house sways with the blowing breeze, Paul and Reed begin an adventure in a Central American town with no name. Support the show

Paul revisits the beginning of Summer with a look back at the people and events that made Summer go great! Phil, Sue, his mom & dad and RUDY! The swim instructor with a permanent tan! In the end, Paul learns a couple thing: He learns how to swim AND He learns that nothing TOO GREAT in life lasts forever. Support the show

Paul's guest is a  stand up comic,  a graphic artist, a puppeteer, a photographer, a voice artist, and a TV producer/performer, Paul welcomes TV's John DiDonna. Life stories range from humorist innovator Ernie Kovacs to Chico Marx to a manic bus driver. John's life is a shared comedic tone poem, His show called TWITS ran in the late 1980s and included some of these elements: Crazy Kenny, Mr. Friendly, Manny Moe and Jack, impersonations of Charles Bronson and Clint Eastwood and MORE! This show is a celebration of a man who dedicates his life to making others laugh.Support the show (https://lifeslearningcurve.org)

Guest Dave Wormington has a super-talent. Since birth, Dave has inspired others to excel and do their best. Taking a step further, Dave provided an unexpected volume of encouragement, or as Paul calls it, tubthumping. Stories of bands, writing music, nuns, 70s hair for guys and the bass guitar fill this episode. Many people inspire and encourage, but Paul believes Dave's uncanny ability to extend his passion for helping others that makers the difference in this unique man. Guest David Wormington brings stories, humor, irony and depth to this episode.Support the show (https://lifeslearningcurve.org)

This episode takes Paul back to camp within two different time frames. Enthusiastic and engaged Rusty and Hilda June directed the field campus and helped create the magic of outdoor education when Paul's class spent a week there as  a twelve year old. At age 20 Paul returned as a part of his teacher training. But the second time, things were quite less magical and of- putting. Something had happened to Rusty and Hilda June that upset the balance of the camp. A blizzard, an offensive set of singer-songwriter originals, Tommy's intestinal fortitude and a game of Duck Duck Goose gone bad, These variables ALL contribute to this episode about life's changes and adjustments.Support the show (https://lifeslearningcurve.org)

From the moment 16 year old Paul entered high school that spring day, usually an invisible student, he had some celebrity, but did not know why. Someone named Joey Malone was looking for Paul. Joey had spread the word that he wanted payback, and that Paul had done something really bad to him. Joey meant to get even with Paul, and he wanted to fight! Until the punch hits its target, Paul's mouth, Paul STILL had no idea why Joey or anyone else was angry with him. Miscommunication, ego and plain ol' lies would begat suspensions in school and a record with the police.  This episode contains stitches (twice) as well as an unexpected car break in.  Just when you think you have got everything understood in your life, something leaps out of the shadows and punches you in the mouth.    Episode 60      Season 4Support the show (https://lifeslearningcurve.org)

At age 18, it was the first summer Paul took a summer job that was different from the others. This job quickly became awkward, demoralizing, nightmarish and yet, somehow funny to him. It was as if Paul was participating in a Hitchcock film with a guy named Anthony. Paul's sense of humor and lack of life's experiences collide as he is trapped in a fight or flight situation.  Getting a summer job was necessary for Paul. But what was NOT necessary …Working with a man with an intent to harm. This nonfiction episode is a nod to the suspense filled episodes of classic radio of the 1940s and 1950s. Support the show (https://lifeslearningcurve.org)

WHAT A RIDE?!?!? How did you choose your career? Did you choose it? Did it choose you, or was it fate?  As we enter Season Four of Life's Learning Curve Paul finally shares one of the MOST embarrassing stories of his life: Just HOW he chose his career field.  Paul also explains where that career took him and how adding new technology to education probably saved him. In this episode mentors, losers, winners, motivators, Inspirers, great students and a national award or two are episode content.  Support the show (https://lifeslearningcurve.org)

Ed not only delivered children from school to their homes daily on good ol' bus 39, he also delivered kindness, patience and friendship.  People just like Ed came into Paul's live on occasion. For a brief time, Ed was a living legend to Paul, but do legends truly live on forever? Do you know anyone exceptional like Ed? Everyone deserves some deserved appreciation; a smile & a kind word back to them. It may make their day. Proactive small steps of regard can turn someone's life around. Let them know you appreciate them. After all, tomorrow is not promised.Support the show (https://lifeslearningcurve.org)

It wasn't the soft breeze and tropical sunny warmth that hooked Paul on St. Martin, it was the adventure. That is, until that adventure went off the rails. Break ins, theft, corruption, and organized crime, and bunco schemes all existed in the dank underbelly of the tropical island. Hangers on from the last hurricane rebuild had stayed on the island and now hid out and pretended to be locals. NOT GOOD. ADVICE: When you go on holiday to the Caribbean, exist on the surface of the beautiful island, and DO NOT stray too far from your resort where crime and huge BUNCO schemes abound. Sometimes vacation adventures can lead you astray.Support the show (https://lifeslearningcurve.org)

Life threw Bob a curve ball, misleading him at a young age. You can't control the curve balls life throws at you. so you have to learn how to change or adapt, sometimes quickly so that life's curve balls don't take you too far down the wrong path. Bob always knew the man he would like to be, so throughout his life he found role models and mentors for himself, but NONE OF THEM had immediate impact of a colossal world event. A man never gets so old that he forgets what it was like being a young boy. This episode finds Bob maneuvering baseball's literal curve ball, AND the curve balls life hurls at us.Support the show (https://lifeslearningcurve.org)

Paul retells about a time a whipped cream bomb exploded in a nearby park, but the concussion was nothing next to Captain Video, a bright, yet self-centered man still wrestling with a basic childhood trait… Sharing.  This Life's Learning Curve episode spans almost 26 years to explain two sides of the coin. Rules, duty and respect meet a self-centered arrogant man called Captain Video. Support the show (https://lifeslearningcurve.org)

If you go where you've never been, you MAY just find yourself. The desert can be blazing hot, the desert can be freezing cold -A challenge to the human spirit. The human spirit needs to be challenged and to recreate. On this remote episode, Paul talks with a couple of brothers in the Mesilla Valley area of New Mexico. It's good for our souls to work with our hands. Their innovative talent for maintaining and modifying minibikes takes the brothers on an adventure in the deserts of the southwest. Bring your helmet, googles and your sense of adventure. Say hello to Drake and Tristen.Support the show (https://lifeslearningcurve.org)

This episode presents Paul's life adventures peddling a two-wheeler.  -Just recently, riding his bike put Paul in a satisfied state of mind. Mentally Paul felt 18 years old again.  Soon Paul began to assume he looked that way as well. Feeling healthy and upbeat, Paul I stopped to let traffic pass. As he did, he glanced up and saw himself in the reflection of a local bakery. “Who is That???!?!?!? Oh, no! That's an old guy. That's …ME.  What happened?”      Time happened.   “I thought growing older would take longer?!?”          Therefore Paul can say this: Life is just like riding a bike, you never forget how to do it, but just don't expect yr mental image to match your true to life physical image!  -Paul reveals his life's adventures some great people and unforgettable journeys from the seat of his bicycle. Do not regret growing older. It's a privilege denied to many.    -Just like riding a bike eh?Support the show (https://lifeslearningcurve.org)

We are so busy being busy that along the way we sometimes might loose ourselves in the process. What do a lineman, a weather event, and a power outage have in common? Episode 51 finds Paul deeply imbedded in a learning curve involving a weather event, a lineman, and finally connecting with neighbors all because of an unexpected microburst over his small mid-midwestern town. This episode centers around the storm and the damage, but look deeper and it's easy to discover an episode of genuine intent. This is all about people, a community and finding ourselves reconnecting as humans to one another. Support the show (https://lifeslearningcurve.org)

Celebrating episode number 50, Paul reminisces about times he was overcome with devastating creative / writer's block. This allows Paul to look back on some favorite clips from the past three seasons. He tells of the shows process of inception for each episode and shares what works for him.   -The quote, ”You own everything that happened to you. Tell your stories. If people wanted you to write warmly about them, they should have behaved better.” AND Terry Pratchett's quote: “There's no such thing as writer's block. That was invented by people in California who couldn't write.”  Let's love life again as we take a look at where Life's Learning Curve all started. Support the show (https://lifeslearningcurve.org)

It was all of ninety-five years ago, when the world was the street where Gramma Ruth lived, and a young man named Harold sailed on a ship at sea carrying a picture of my Gramma Ruth. Ruth had that carefree mind of her own, and a very particular delicate look in her eye, which made one misunderstood blink, look like a wink, and with that another generation of Wilkinsons came to be. Throughout two world wars, three children, six grandchildren Gramma Ruth was the foundation. She was thoughtful, conversational, full of stories, love and guidance for multiple generations. Life's Learning Curve is proud to share just what was learned through example from Gramma Ruth. This episode realizes that grandparents do not begin their lives when their grandchildren are born, they just enter a new era of happiness and find more of life's joys. (thx to Elvis Costello for the inspiration)Support the show (https://lifeslearningcurve.org)

“Change is never easy for me. You fight to hold on. And you fight to let go.”  This episode is Paul's very recent self-indulgent take on a wedding that came off with love, happiness & fun. Paul marries off his first child Heidi and faces all the joy and emotion of the day. During the wedding Paul's subconscious kept reminding him, Change is okay. Life can be lucky AND often we get good things in return, such as this wedding, equipped with a post dinner rainbow. Here is a time Paul gets back what he had given. If you have ever had a child get married you can relate.  Support the show (https://lifeslearningcurve.org)

After this encounter, Paul never skied again. There was a time when at the age of 19, Paul and his ski buddies rode a bus and headed out to Montana to Big Sky country. Their purpose: Skiing the fresh white powder, or COLD SMOKE packed ski trails. This episode finally reveals the embarrassing way Paul finally learned coordinate himself to ski. Bar talent competitions, great friends and even a worthless gang of ski bullies combine to make this episode 'in your face' real.  Find out just why Paul's downhill skiing ended so abruptly. This is episode 47 in season 3.Support the show (https://lifeslearningcurve.org)

This episode unfolds like a classic cinema movie. Have you ever been with someone so inspiring that their enthusiasm rubbed off on you? In today’s episode this happens to Paul during a very delicate part of his life. Escaping a failing documentary and personal threats left Paul in shreds. He needs an escape. It was the summer of 2013 and Paul attends a film festival in the Florida Keys: The Humphrey Bogart Film Festival. Desperate for a Bogart style adventure, Paul cynically squinted his eyes and set his sights on Key Largo and an event that renewed his state of mind for years & years to come.   • Being inspired by others who care. Support the show (https://lifeslearningcurve.org)

What took place on Waterman Road made Paul's live change. “Horses WILL step on your feet. You will work harder than you’ve ever worked before. You will rise at 4AM. You will be given real responsibilities that effect this business.” At age 10, Paul is relocated to a farm for a week. Even with all the rules and regs, he embraces the farm run by his Uncle Art, Aunt Virginia and his cousin Tommy. Paul embraces this new and diverse environment, until the horse show…Oh… The dreaded horse show. Stay tuned…Support the show (https://lifeslearningcurve.org)

Ever been overwhelmed when trying to fall asleep? When this happened to Paul, he felt the old neighborhood was calling out to him. It wanted to be remembered. This type of personification seems odd, but truly happened. From some wonderful positive neighbors, to one possibly from Area 51, this episode centers around those neighbors with whom Paul and his family were blessed AAAAAAND cursed. The gruff ex-marine who was tattooed head to toe and worked on cars, the retired one who called the police on Paul six times. The one that told Paul’s mom he was ‘too oafish’ to walk in her yard. Add Tilley, the Bangs, the Johnsons and Walt and you have Paul’s environment growing up. Don’t miss the go cart story .  Paul gets INVITED BACK HOME to have a talk with his awkward, eccentric and quirky past.Support the show (https://lifeslearningcurve.org)

“What you’ve done is so bad I can’t even talk about it! I have 30 negative letters in my drawer about you! I am so angry at you!”   Imagine your supervisor exclaiming this to you, pushing at you, poking at you, or threatening you!   This happened to several of the best and most effective teachers at a small local school. Why? Paul shares an episode about a new administrator who bullied, lied and eventually seemed to lessen the confidence and effectiveness of his best teachers. Enter lawyers, unions and superintendents to help make sense of this administrators’ true intents. When you are physically and verbally falsely accused of something negative over and over, it can leave you speechless. This episode is not Paul’s story, but one retold to him a few years back. Retelling it as if it happened to him, Paul shares our conclusion of the two part episode’ “Left Me Speechless’ (conclusion).Support the show (https://lifeslearningcurve.org)

 Ever been so passively aggressed that you become JUST PLAIN SPEECHLESS?  There no words for some of life’s situations. In part one of this episode, Paul retells stories of being led down a path of stupidity where he learns exactly how NOT to treat other people. From a dull school leader conducting a disconnected interview -which was decided by what Chicago ball team Paul favored, to community leaders that made an effort to con and grift Paul, and an interview for a professional position where the interviewer was narcoleptic and fell asleep, It’s all in this episode. Stories which helped Paul decide who he should and shouldn’t become. Power from leadership doesn’t always corrupt, it just exposes who the leaders are.Support the show (https://lifeslearningcurve.org)

Ever played an instrument? Where did that instrument take you? On this episode, Paul retells stories of where playing drums has taken him. Not every band worked out well. Managing talent, overbearing personalities and inflated egos were new to him. Add to that an angry orchestra teacher, a somewhat fuzzy-headed seller of drum set number 2, and a crying lead singer, and you've got episode 41. Dedicated to a life spent loving music. -Sketchy Drum Stories: Some of them tragic, some of them magic!Support the show (https://lifeslearningcurve.org)

It doesn’t matter what you’ve done, there’s always forgiveness. Guest Mary MacDowell, shares her fictional book based on real life memories of a young woman, Mary Wagner, who was forced to confront the sins of her past, the reckless behavior that almost killed her. And then there was Betsey, the young disabled child who refused to let her go – even after death. Energetic author Mary McDowell shares her process of writing and recalls her whirlwind life from 1967 – 1980. She acknowledges life’s amazing mentors and connects her chapters to some great music to comfort the soul. You don’t want to miss this episode of Life’s Learning Curve. Takeaway… Texas = flat as a tuna can. find Ms. MacDowell's book: https://www.amazon.com/Heavens-Betsey-Mary-MacDowell/dp/1796682306/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=heaven+to+betsey+mary+macdowell&qid=1612565476&sr=8-1Support the show (https://lifeslearningcurve.org)

Sometimes it’s NOT the journey that makes an adventure, it’s the people you meet along the way that might re-ignite your life’s passions. Paul retells experiential stories of the gruff and angry unsheltered homeless, stories of the dry wit and comedy of FBI Feds, to stories of an arrogant and self-absorbed west coaster. In 2000, Paul migrates from analog editing to digital editing by taking classes from coast to coast. These classes DID help him migrate to a digital world, but as time has passed, he recalls the diverse, funny, scary and creative people he met along the way that shaped that summer of the year 2000. -Hey, have you ever been locked out of your hotel room all night in the dank, heavy, humid summer heat and been a meal for mosquitoes and no-see-ums??? Paul has! Life’s Learning Curve begins SEASON THREE!Support the show (https://lifeslearningcurve.org)

Alternate title: BURNS MALTS…. Paul remembers being told: ‘It’s a nice day outside. Why don’t you go out & enjoy it?” He heard this phrase throughout his years as a child from local pharmacist Milt Burns. Burns Drugstore made the world’s BEST MALTS and people of all ages flocked there to taste the thick, ice creamy goodness in a tin. Milt Burns seemed to not fully understand or appreciate the money-making power of his soda fountain within his own pharmacy. Also luring people inside were sundries, prescriptions filled, hot roasted peanuts, 10 cent candy bars and comic books, Yet Milt shuffled kids out of the store before they bought anything at all. Was it that Milt hated the soda fountain, kids, or something else? The answer is finally revealed in today’s episode. Also: Keep an eye out for a padlocked park named old Maroon Field as well… A kite flier’s paradise! SO, WHY WERE PAUL & HIS FRIENDS CONSTANTLY BEING SENT OUTSIDE OF THE LOCAL DRUGSTORE? Here at LLC podcast we like to take a look back on our lives and discover how we became the best version of ourselvesSupport the show (https://lifeslearningcurve.org)

In studio 502, join our guest Heidi Hardt and Paul as they weed thru some of the best parts, of arguably, one of the worst tramatic years in US history. From quarantining while working at home, to making creative uses of free time and blogging, Heidi maintains a strong sense of humor as she shares some highs and lows. In our podcast's two year run so far, our purpose has been to use storytelling to help us find and pin down the best us we could be. Today’s episode Found Value: 2020, is different. The past 10 months have left many of postponed, locked down, quarantined and id’ as non-essential or essential workers in our careers. That right there is a psychological evaluation in the making. Will she find value in this mess???Support the show (https://lifeslearningcurve.org)

On this episode: Steve, Paul’s college friend, shares the accomplishment he and his family felt when taking a whitewater rafting excursion overnight in West Virginia. After Steve retells a few rafting adventure stories, Paul and Steve realize that the elements of the rafting trip might easily synthesize into a motivational video from the perspective of living your best life ever. Plans begin for Paul & Steve to return to West Virginia and shoot a video at the same place Steve had his unique experience. However, communication became hinky and, the motivational video remote began to appear unstable. Paul reflects on why MENTORS and like-kind people are essential for diversity and career advancement. Mentors can actually make your life ‘jump’ and move up to another staion in life. Did Paul actually use his mentors for advice? Once again THANKS to my current mentor Clay Greager!Support the show (https://lifeslearningcurve.org)

Same time each year it happens: Paul goes in search of his “other me.” The one from decades earlier that dreams, writes, produces, makes effective use of time, creative projects and self-evaluates. -Many years ago, Paul set a course for himself, his destiny and life goals, but something got in the way…Life. Day to day life happens to all of us and usually steers us off of our desired course. Unwilling to let go of his dreams from decades ago, this podcast shares Paul’s stories about the importance of stopping, stepping aside, stepping away and having that self-renewing chat with yourself. Find your other me. season 2 episode 35Support the show (https://lifeslearningcurve.org)

When introduced to ‘drifting,’ -car drifting- in his late teens, Tristen realizes a passion for the sport. On this episode, Tristen, now 21, heads down life’s roads discovering personal & financial responsibilities. Learning never ceases. In Tristen’s world of diverse vehicles, he shares his ongoing dreams, passions & goals & a few great stories. Life’s Learning Curve heads to the southwest in New Mexico to interview & swap stories with guest Tristen Malakowsky. Webcast on you tube...Malakowsky Motorsports:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzSCT8LdgmRBsnNVtOxKHzwLife's Learning Curve -Visual podcast of this show:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxERrtkzCoYerlSrG1DutTA Support the show (https://lifeslearningcurve.org)

Our Guest, Erik Iverson shares stories from his upcoming book titled “If Only I’d Taken Roswell.” NEWS & SPORTS broadcaster Erik shares a few of his television & radio broadcasting experiences in the mid Midwest markets. From a sour station manager to positive qualified mentors, Erik shares his experiences. Note: A creepy & diverse assignment editor asks Erik to spend a few nights in her eerie & mysterious house. Although he feels grateful for a positive career in broadcasting, maybe Erik Iverson’s broadcasting career may have gone in another direction if ONLY he had taken the Roswell, NM job. Support the show (https://lifeslearningcurve.org)

When Paul is asked to shoot a commercial for a local retired millionaire named Hal, things never gelled at all. Easily triggered, Hal is braggy, manipulative, dismissive & constantly dissatisfied with Paul. Teased by a chance to shoot video from a helicopter, Paul begins to understand he is being lured & intimidated by a man with control & bad debt issues. -True story as always. “You can’t write this stuff.” -Ken NordonSupport the show (https://lifeslearningcurve.org)

Why did Paul create THIS podcast -Life's Learning Curve? A combination of things: A former student named Sean, Paul's daughter Heidi, some fast food and a car's satellite radio service all synthesized into LLC. It was as if Paul had been rehearsing it for 35 years! Find out why. LISTEN to this one!'WHISKEY DOCS' podcast appears on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & almost everywhere podcasts are heard. Thx to Dr. Trace McClintock!Support the show (https://lifeslearningcurve.org)

Freshman year at a downstate university. Paul’s friends told him how lucky he was to be going away and NOT having to go to a local community college. But something happened, things didn’t turn out like he thought they would. It was 1976, and the mid midwest was headed for its most hot and humid fall ever. Life threw Paul several unexpected life-changing learning curves which almost took him out for good. -So Life’s Learning Curve packs up their hotplates & mini fridges & travels downstate for freshman year. It’s those unexpected things in life, where you learn to sink or swim. Making changes & adjustments in life are the components of a person's true character. Support the show (https://lifeslearningcurve.org)