The Mason Minute

Some are saying that we are experiencing more hatred right now than at any other time in the history of America. I haven't been here for nearly 250 years, but I sometimes wonder if it's true. It's challenging to compare how everyone truly felt during the civil rights era, World War II, or even the Civil War. With yesterday's killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, some say this proves the point. I just look at the calendar and think back 24 years. It was a time when Americans came together. One thing we all can agree on is that these are very depressing times... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68c31ac4e7a02').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68c31ac4e7a02.modal.secondline-modal-68c31ac4e7a02").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

For most of us, things like electricity, water, and gas are some of the most essential things in our lives. Over the last few decades, many of us have added high-speed Internet to that list. We've reached the point where the speed and stability of our connection are most important. With all the devices and all of the streaming we do, we need something dependable and very fast in our neighborhood. We've had a few options over the years. Some are good, some not so much. But for the last few years, there have been rumors that Google Fiber was coming to our neighborhood. And from what I saw yesterday, it looks like they're here... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68c31ac4ea82d').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68c31ac4ea82d.modal.secondline-modal-68c31ac4ea82d").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

It's hard to believe that Nashville has been a part of my life for so long. I made my first trip to Nashville about this time, 46 years ago. And I never thought I'd end up here full-time. But soon I'll be looking at 20 years here in the Music City. And while I'm not a lifer, I've seen a lot of change here in the city as it's grown. I spent some of my formative years in Virginia Beach, so I know a little bit about tourist destinations. And that's what I've seen Nashville become. As I drive to work every day, I'm worried about the people visiting our city as they try to step off the curb. It's often hazardous... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68c31ac4ec339').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68c31ac4ec339.modal.secondline-modal-68c31ac4ec339").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I don't travel as much as I used to. And these days, when I do travel, it's usually for family functions. So, fortunately, there's not a lot of dressing up. But I'm still challenged figuring out what to pack on a regular basis. I've always been envious of my friends who travel for a living, and I have no problem sticking a week's worth of clothing into an overnight bag. That's never been an option for me because of my size. And when the weather starts to turn and the clothes get heavier, my suitcases get larger. We are on the road over the weekend, and it looks like summer weather is fading away because I had to pack for two seasons, and that's not easy to do... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde36ea9b4').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde36ea9b4.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde36ea9b4").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

It's the first Sunday of the NFL season, and pretty much like I do every Sunday, I'll have one of my TVs on the NFL Red Zone. But it may be the last time I do it. ESPN has entered into a partnership with the NFL to claim a stake in the NFL Network and its associated properties. And while the ink on the paperwork isn't even dry, ESPN has already announced they're going to be running ads during the Red Zone. I understand advertising pays the bills, but when ESPN already has 35 different channels, can't they keep this one the way it is? The NFL doesn't think this is a big deal, but it will soon find out... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde36ed568').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde36ed568.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde36ed568").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

My wife and I've been together a long time; a little over 30 years at this point. We're coming up on our 28th anniversary. And at this point, there's not much she doesn't know about me or doesn't understand. I like to think it works both ways. Early on, she quickly learned that even though I'm fair-skinned, I often forget sunscreen when I'm in the sun for long periods of time. For years, she's been wanting me to get a floppy hat to wear when we're outdoors in the midday sun. It took a long time, but I'm finally breaking down and doing it. But I never realized how difficult it would be... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde36efc54').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde36efc54.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde36efc54").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

The college football season is just getting started. The NFL begins this weekend. Some say you can feel fall weather in the air. That's just wishful thinking, at least for now. I saw something online the other day that bothered me, and it had nothing to do with politics. It was ESPN predicting the matchups for this year‘s bowl games and 12-team playoff. It came out a day or two after the football season started. Are we this desperate to get people to pay attention to us? Did they write these things just to get us upset? I wish I knew the answer, but it's just silly. And sadly, people are already debating the subject... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde36f27f6').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde36f27f6.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde36f27f6").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

For many of us, times are tight. The cost of everything is going up, but our wages aren't going up at the same rate. Nobody knows how this all plays out, but it's not just affecting people. It's affecting businesses, too. Many of our favorite restaurants have been in the news lately. Naturally, Cracker Barrel comes to mind. But there's been a lot of talk about the success of Chili's over the last couple of years. Many restaurants are responding to our pleas and seeking ways to generate revenue while offering good value. Some restaurants are already making changes; expect many others to follow suit shortly... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde3701188').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde3701188.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde3701188").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

As you know, I spend much of my life online. All of us do. It's hard to believe I've been living online for over 20 years. And the more time that we spend online, the more advanced bad actors become. Because of that, we have to have secure passwords, pass phrases, or passkeys. But wait, there's more. You also need to have two-factor authentication set up for all of your logins, too. Plus, some websites or apps also require verification codes. Now, it's not enough to have just two steps; there has to be a third step. And experts tell us that's still not enough. And you'd better keep your phone handy... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde3702eed').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde3702eed.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde3702eed").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I sometimes think we're a country that's become obsessed with winning and losing. But more importantly, we sometimes get more joy when others lose. I notice this phenomenon frequently in sports and, of course, in politics. Over the weekend, it was the kickoff to the college football season. One team wins, one team loses. However, some fans are already calling for certain coaches to be fired after just one game. And it's all because their team lost. We take these things too personally when, in reality, we have no direct involvement. There have always been fanatics among sports fans, but recently, I feel that more people are becoming too obsessed... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde37058e3').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde37058e3.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde37058e3").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

Every now and then, I love a good conspiracy theory. And the ones I love are usually marketing-related. I've long been fascinated with the story of New Coke. Was it all a marketing ploy? Will likely never know. With all the discussion of Cracker Barrel the last few weeks, some are saying this was all a marketing ploy. They had been researching the interior remodel for a long time and were aware of the controversy. However, the sudden change in their new logo raises questions about whether they ever truly intended to alter it in the first place. I'm not sure what to believe, but I am very interested... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde370838c').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde370838c.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde370838c").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I'll be the first to admit, I probably watched too much television. I come from the generation that grew up on the boob tube, and of course, having a father who worked in the business for over 25 years, it was an essential part of our lives. Scrolling through the TV guide the other day, I thought of something. With all the cable channels we have, what if there were a rule that said you can only have one channel playing any specific show at a time? Now that we have streaming services, we can binge-watch anything we want, but how many times a day is Law and Order on multiple stations? Sadly, I know the answer... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde370b025').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde370b025.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde370b025").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I had to go out and get license plates for one of my cars yesterday. And every time I do it, it's a challenge. You can apply for your vehicle registration online or by mail. But it's often easier to do it in person. I went to one of the county clerk's satellite offices to obtain my license plate sticker for the upcoming year. And because it was the last weekday of the month, the parking lot was full and the lines were long. But once I parked, I was able to get in and out in just a matter of minutes. Most people don't understand the process. And I don't know why... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde370cfdb').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde370cfdb.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde370cfdb").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

Growing up, I excelled in my science classes in school, but I never truly enjoyed them. I could handle the memorization, but I never understood why some people are so concerned with some parts of science. The fascination that some have with dinosaurs and prehistoric times is something I don't understand. Some scientists are suggesting that Homo Sapiens and Neanderthals began interbreeding tens of thousands of years earlier than previously thought. That's fascinating, but does it really matter? While we may learn about what happened in our past, it doesn't necessarily change what's happening in the present... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde370ed21').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde370ed21.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde370ed21").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I hear this all the time, and even say it myself, but we're living in extraordinary times. Now I don't know if this is something that happens as you age, or if things really have gotten weird. And this isn't a rant about politics. It's about clarification. I've noticed a trend on social media recently. Companies, both big and small, are making announcements about internal issues that most people wouldn't know about if they weren't being shared with us. When a problem employee leaves a business, the company goes online to announce that they're no longer associated with the person. Doesn't that breed more curiosity? Perhaps I'm overreacting... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde3710384').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde3710384.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde3710384").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

Let's be honest, most of us spend too much time on the Internet and on social media. I know I do. Additionally, my job requires me to spend time on social media. So I'm on a variety of social platforms from sunup to sundown, and often late into the night. And yesterday I witnessed something I've never seen before. I was on Facebook when all of a sudden, everything on the page reset. It was as if someone had hit a big refresh button, and I wasn't even scrolling. I was actually reading something, and then, in a flash, it disappeared, and everything reset. It didn't take long to realize what big news made this happen... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde3711b53').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde3711b53.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde3711b53").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I don't do much grocery shopping these days. Years ago, I discovered that staying away from the supermarket helps me avoid buying unnecessary things. I don't know how much it's helped my waistline, but that's what I tell myself. My wife went to the store yesterday and let me know we were switching the cut of ground beef we buy. We always opt for the leanest ground beef, because it's just a bit healthier. But when she came home yesterday, she told me we need to make a change. That's because ground beef is now over $10 a pound. And while we can afford it, I'm thankful we don't have a lot of mouths to feed... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde3713283').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde3713283.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde3713283").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

School has begun in many parts of America. Some high schools went back as early as the first of August. And many colleges have also returned. Last week, numerous schools across the country received bomb threats. All were deemed false alarms. These have happened for decades. And more times than not, it's just somebody trying to cause trouble. One of our local schools had a bomb threat on Thursday, and after investigation, it was deemed a false report. But the interesting part is that many of these events, including the one here in Nashville, were called coordinated threats... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde3714890').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde3714890.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde3714890").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I've long been fascinated with new technology. While I understand the fear that some people feel when accepting something new, I wonder why we tend to embrace everything the way it's always been. Take reading, for example. For so long, we read things like newspapers and books. It didn't matter if those books were hard or soft-bound; they were familiar. It's the same thing with newspapers. But now, thanks to technology, we can do all those things with a tool like an e-reader or Kindle. I think I got my first Kindle over 15 years ago, and it still surprises me why some people still resist the convenience... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde3715f61').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde3715f61.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde3715f61").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I know that I've said this before, but I love brunch. It's the best of two worlds: breakfast and lunch. I've never understood why brunch is better than breakfast, but it's a whole different feeling, and it's just due to the time you eat. Decades ago, there were always one or two big downtown hotels that served a brunch buffet on the weekend. And it didn't just happen in major cities. Cities of all sizes always had one or two swanky hotels that were known for this extravagance. I haven't experienced one in years, but for those towns that still offer the experience, they may not for much longer...

It's been all over the Internet for a few days and even made the national news. Cracker Barrel has decided to change its decor as well as its logo. Gone is the old man sitting next to the barrel, and they even changed the shape of the logo, too. People are upset. But these changes have been coming for a long time. Cracker Barrel is struggling. Their clientele is getting older, and the folksy restaurant with the big old gift shop doesn't appeal to young people. They've spent the last few years trying to figure out what they need to change. While decor and a logo are a place to start, there's something else they need to do... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde37175d5').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde37175d5.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde37175d5").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I didn't learn this until the other day, but bananas are the most popular fruit worldwide. In America, they're neck and neck with apples. I like them, but I don't enjoy eating them by hand. I prefer them sliced on top of cereal, baked into bread, or paired with ice cream, lots of sauce, and whipped cream. They're one of the most affordable fruits. But growers tell us we should be preparing for a banana shortage. Climate change is partly to blame. They're only grown in certain parts of the world, and 80% of them come from just two regions in Latin America. We don't need to panic yet, but many are concerned... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde3718eb0').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde3718eb0.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde3718eb0").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I know I sometimes talk too much about my first-world problems. Yesterday, I was complaining about smelly dumpsters. Today, I'm talking about something that goes hand-in-hand with those dumpsters; that's cement mixers and dump trucks. I've complained about dump trucks before, about my frustration with their signs telling you to stay back 200 feet. Due to the constant construction, there are a lot of cement trucks in Nashville. And this isn't just a Nashville problem. It happens no matter where there's construction. Cement mixers don't move quickly and often have trouble staying in their lane... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde371a875').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde371a875.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde371a875").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

Nashville is a town that's always under construction. Not only are we building more houses, condos, and apartments, we're also building more restaurants, hotels, and high-rises. And with all this construction comes a constant rumble of dump trucks and trucks carrying dumpsters. I drive to work using city streets, and I frequently find myself behind trucks carrying these dumpsters to the city dump. And while they usually have business materials in them, they still stink. The smell is awful.  I would think they wash them out, but it sure doesn't smell that way... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde371c49f').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde371c49f.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde371c49f").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I'm not exaggerating, but it seems the whole world is obsessed with pickles right now. Walking through the grocery store, I see more pickle-flavored products than ever before. Fast food restaurants like Sonic currently have limited-time-only burgers, tots, and drinks that are pickle-flavored. For me, pickles are something I throw on a burger or eat alongside a sandwich. But I don't feel the need to have everything pickle-flavored. Like many trends, this could come and go. But I get the sense that this one could last for a while. At this point, it's hard to say. But one thing's for sure, everybody's thinking about pickles these days... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde371e4b6').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde371e4b6.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde371e4b6").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

If you're like me, you check your email multiple times per day. In a perfect world, we'd only get messages that we want. But a lot of our mailbox is now filled with junk mail and marketing messages. I'm pretty selective about who I share my email address with. So I'm usually interested when one of these stores sends me an email. But I've noticed a recent trend. One of my favorite clothing stores will email me to tell me that something I looked at previously is now on sale. But when I click on it to buy, they don't have it in my size. They know my size, so you would think they'd get it right... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde371fa86').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde371fa86.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde371fa86").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

Through the years, I've had the good fortune to eat at some fantastic restaurants throughout America. And while they were great meals, some even memorable, most were just expensive. But there's one memory in life that stays with me, and that was eating dinner at one of those inexpensive steakhouses back in the day. And it wasn't because the steak was that good, it was that all you can eat salad bar, and those big fat yeast rolls. In my younger days, when I barely had enough money to get through the month, it was always exciting when I could go out for one of those big dinners. Looking back, they weren't that big, but the yeast rolls made it all worthwhile... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde372135d').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde372135d.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde372135d").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I'm an emotional person. I have always been good or bad. I wear my heart on my sleeve. And while there are times, I wish I didn't show any reaction, it's just not who I am. People who know me and love me say it's one of my better qualities. I'm sure others disagree. We live in a world where people don't ever want you to see their emotions, at least the real ones. But when it comes to pure emotion, there's nothing truer, more real, and more honest than the Little League World Series. You don't have to be a sports fan to appreciate what happens in front of our eyes... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde3722b58').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde3722b58.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde3722b58").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

We get a lot of severe weather in Nashville. Many experts say that it has to do with our climate and where we're situated amongst the states. And as climate change affects us all, these storms seem to be getting worse. We rarely get simple rain showers; we get severe ones filled with thunder and lightning. And many of them happen overnight. We had some severe weather the other night, and at about 2 o'clock in the morning, something, perhaps lightning, hit a nearby power pole. We lost power. And obviously, this wasn't a quick fix for the power company, because we were without electricity for eight hours... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde37240a7').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde37240a7.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde37240a7").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I truly marvel at all of the changes that have happened throughout my lifetime. I'm not just talking about a man going to the moon, I'm talking about technology. Advancements like our smartphones and the Internet have significantly impacted our lives. It's hard to imagine the time before the Internet. Kids today don't know what life was like before the Internet. A small part of the Internet is going away, specifically the one that once helped get us onto the Internet. AOL announced it's dropping dial-up modem service at the end of September. Most of us haven't used dial-up modems since the early 2000s. Getting on the World Wide Web in the 90s was a unique experience... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde372566e').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde372566e.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde372566e").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

Two businesses that consistently thrive, regardless of the economy, are convenience stores and fast food restaurants. But recently, both of those types of businesses are struggling. Experts say one reason is that people aren't drinking as much soda anymore. Both make a lot of money from their soda fountains. That's why you could always get free refills and jumbo sizes for low prices. But some stores and restaurants in the Midwest are trying to combat that, but it's a secret. They're pouring what's called heavy soda. And while you think most people would promote the fact they're doing this, it's often a well-kept secret... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde3726cae').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde3726cae.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde3726cae").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

Your parents taught you how to brush your teeth when you were roughly two or three years old. And you do it multiple times a day, day in and day out. But no matter how old you are, you're likely making some mistakes when it comes to how you brush. Most people spend less than a minute brushing their teeth, even though dentists recommend spending at least two minutes to do it correctly. Even though dentists tell us we need to floss, most people still don't do that. But did you know that there's a specific time of the morning that you should brush your teeth? You're probably doing that wrong, too... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-689a49412eef0').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-689a49412eef0.modal.secondline-modal-689a49412eef0").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I've been under the weather for about a week and a half, and haven't had much of an appetite. And for a guy like me, that's extremely rare. For a few days, nothing sounded good. I had to eat something, but the desire wasn't there. I didn't want chicken soup or even a grilled cheese sandwich. When my wife went to the grocery store, she brought home some Jell-O, hoping it would help. I couldn't tell you the last time I had it. Back in the 1960s and 70s, Jell-O was in every household. As kids, we'd have it for dessert, and at all family cookouts. Times have changed, and I think Jell-O has too... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-689a494132f08').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-689a494132f08.modal.secondline-modal-689a494132f08").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I've long been fascinated with cravings. Some people crave sweet, while others crave salty. Some have expensive tastes and only desire the finest foods like steak or caviar. Of course, I'm odd, and I crave things like corn dogs. I loved eating them when I was younger, and you used to be able to find them everywhere. There were shops in the mall, and many fast food joints; they were pretty easy to find. But these days, they're not very common. Outside of the frozen food section in the grocery store and Sonic, I don't know where to go... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-689a4941357fe').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-689a4941357fe.modal.secondline-modal-689a4941357fe").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

It's an understatement to say the pandemic changed our views on work. This battle isn't just baby boomers versus Gen Z. Today, everyone's opinions on the work-life balance have changed. Many companies struggle with the desire to get everybody to return to the office. More people than ever prefer to work remotely. And some are satisfied with a hybrid schedule. But when we're in the office, there's a whole new group of challenges we must face. A few months ago, we discussed a new type of employee, the quiet quitter. And now, experts have identified another workplace concern. It's called quiet cracking... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-689a494138012').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-689a494138012.modal.secondline-modal-689a494138012").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I know many people have struggled with the oppressive heat this summer, especially at night. Some nights I go to bed and it's still 80° outside. Well, I haven't had a problem dealing with the heat when trying to sleep; I've had a different issue. Some nights, I'm too tired to sleep. I know that doesn't make much sense, but I've experienced this more as I've gotten older. While your body wants to sleep, it can't find that comfort spot. And you just toss and turn until you finally give up. For some reason, I found that sleeping in my office chair sometimes cures that. I can fall asleep in my chair, but it's not comfortable... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-689a49413afac').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-689a49413afac.modal.secondline-modal-689a49413afac").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

August is always one of my favorite months for sports. No major sports are in the playoffs. College sports aren't back on the field. But the young ones are doing what they can to head to Pennsylvania for the Little League World Series. I try to watch as many Little League World Series games as possible during August. I love the passion and the honesty from these preteens. And while we're often reminded that there's no crying at baseball. We all know that that's not true when you're talking about young players. They know they're on TV. They do their best to hold back. But sometimes the pain is just too much... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-689a49413e112').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-689a49413e112.modal.secondline-modal-689a49413e112").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

We usually associate teenagers with the need to be fashionable, but as many parents learn going through the back-to-school season, that desire starts much earlier in life. Kids need to fit in. And sadly, a lot of that can revolve around the clothing you wear. For families with money, it's a lot easier situation to deal with. For those without it, it can have lifelong implications. Style, back in my day, wasn't all brand-focused. It was about fitting in. We all shopped at stores like Sears and Penny's. But as mall culture grew in the 80s, so did the need to fit in. Designer jeans and shoes were just the start... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-689a49414098c').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-689a49414098c.modal.secondline-modal-689a49414098c").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

No one likes to find themselves in uncomfortable situations. That's especially true the younger we are. As we age, we realize we sometimes have no choice. But according to Google CEO Sundar Pichai, we should do everything we can to encounter more uncomfortable situations. His advice to Gen Z is that by doing that, they'll become more successful in life. Now, I don't think he guarantees they'll become billionaires like him, but he believes that the more we place ourselves in those situations, the more comfortable we become, and the more adept we become with them. And that, in his eyes, leads to success... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-6890dcb31bcd1').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-6890dcb31bcd1.modal.secondline-modal-6890dcb31bcd1").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

It may sound like I'm nitpicking here, but bear with me. Recently, I've seen some ads for a new product, or at least I think it's new, called RYZE mushroom coffee. Actor Neil Patrick Harris has starred in a few of these commercials, and they just confuse me. How can something be coffee if it doesn't just use coffee beans? What's the process that makes it into this coffee? I'm honestly confused. They discuss the taste and how you feel when you drink it, but did coffee need to be replaced? Perhaps it's due to the cost. Or maybe it's the new tariffs driving this. I've looked for answers, and that leads to more questions... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-6890dcb31e8db').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-6890dcb31e8db.modal.secondline-modal-6890dcb31e8db").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

Many parents are wrapping up their back-to-school shopping, as the kids head back to the classroom over the next couple of weeks. For many kids, wearing the right shoes or clothing is essential. But it seems that one of this year's key status symbols for kids when they head back to school is their backpacks. I always focused on the function of the backpack rather than the brand. But I've never been focused on the latest trends. Back in my school days, the lunchbox you carried was a status symbol. Every year, new ones came out, sporting the latest TV stars or cartoon characters. Boy, have times changed... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-6890dcb320532').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-6890dcb320532.modal.secondline-modal-6890dcb320532").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I'm a very blessed person. I'm not saying that I've accomplished a lot, but I have done so much. Following my father around the country throughout his broadcast career, then into my 20+ year career, followed by my 10+ years in the music business, I've experienced a lot of things. And sometimes I've experienced so much I've forgotten about things, or don't remember exact details. My wife has been alongside me for roughly 30 years, and many of the things I did, she was a part of. She's always had a better memory of details. I always lean on her to remember things. Well, last night the shoe was on the other foot, I remembered something she didn't... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-6890dcb3222c7').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-6890dcb3222c7.modal.secondline-modal-6890dcb3222c7").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

Whenever I'm under the weather, my wife reminds me that there'd be no harm if I were to miss a day of the podcast. It's not like it's a job. I don't get paid to do this. And it's not like I'd be disappointing millions of people. I've had another encounter with a cold or the flu this week. This summer, it's hit me hard. And I don't know why. But yesterday, I almost took a day off from The Mason Minute for the first time in 14 years. That should give you an idea of how rough I feel. As you can see, I didn't take the day off. And I didn't power through it for you, I did it for me... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-6890dcb323c8e').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-6890dcb323c8e.modal.secondline-modal-6890dcb323c8e").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

When it comes to the workplace, there are two kinds of people: managers and people who report to them. Now technically, I'm oversimplifying things. And there's a significant shift going on in the workplace right now that you might not even notice. It happens gradually, but over the summer, Millennials have overtaken Generation X as the largest number of managers in the American workforce. And while the baby boomers held that title for a long time, by the end of the year, they will be overtaken by Gen Z. With this shift in the age of managers comes a vast change in management style. And it looks to be a significant change... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-6890dcb3256bc').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-6890dcb3256bc.modal.secondline-modal-6890dcb3256bc").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

If you've followed the podcast, even for just a short time, you know I can head down internet rabbit holes at the blink of an eye. I was scrolling through Facebook the other day and saw a survey that listed the 15 least attractive hobbies to women. I began investigating the origin of the survey. When doing that, I found another study: the 15 most attractive hobbies to women. I never knew women had so many thoughts on hobbies. When you look at the list, they make sense, both good and bad. But in the end, I couldn't find the source of either survey, and to me, that was even more fascinating... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-6890dcb32741c').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-6890dcb32741c.modal.secondline-modal-6890dcb32741c").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

It's hard to believe, but I've been out of school roughly 2/3 of my life. While I recall some aspects of both high school and college, many of the details are a blur. They occurred so long ago. Recently, I've seen numerous TV commercials for a program that can help you earn your high school diploma. And this isn't aimed at young people who dropped out in recent years. This program is targeted at everyday adults. And that got me wondering: Do many people in America not have their high school diploma? I understand why people opt not to attend college, but I was surprised by the findings I discovered through my research... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-6890dcb328e51').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-6890dcb328e51.modal.secondline-modal-6890dcb328e51").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I may be oversimplifying things here, but essentially, you can categorize the world into two types of people: runners and non-runners. I say this in jest, but I do believe there's some truth to the subject. All you have to do is take one look at me, and you can tell I'm not a runner. I've never liked running, not even when I was a young skinny thing. However, I know many people who love it. It's part of their lives, and when they don't get to do it, they feel something's missing. My wife's uncle is one of those people. But he hasn't been able to run due to a recent heart procedure. And he can't wait to get back to it... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-6890dcb32ab19').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-6890dcb32ab19.modal.secondline-modal-6890dcb32ab19").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

The other night, my nephew Ty and his high school football team enjoyed their annual preseason steak dinner. It's a yearly tradition to reward the players for working hard during the summer. For teenagers, what's better than steak, corn on the cob, mac and cheese, and dirt pudding? To teens, it doesn't matter what kind of steak they're eating. Connoisseurs say, when it comes to steak, the ribeye and T-bone are the most flavorful. I prefer a filet. It's the most tender, and naturally the most expensive. Ty's team enjoyed ribeyes. I think at their age, teenagers aren't going to argue about the kind of steak they're served... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-6890dcb32c47f').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-6890dcb32c47f.modal.secondline-modal-6890dcb32c47f").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

Through the years, many retail stores have offered perks for shoppers. Long ago, it was green stamps. Over the past couple of decades, many retailers have established loyalty programs that enable customers to earn points and receive special discounts. Often, these discounts were in addition to their normal sale prices. Some stores even offer price matching. With the advent of online shopping, many stores were forced to compete with low-cost online outlets like Amazon. For a long time, Target was one of those stores that matched prices. However, this week, they just announced that their price-matching plan is going away with very little notice... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-6890dcb32de91').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-6890dcb32de91.modal.secondline-modal-6890dcb32de91").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I'm sure I've talked about this before, but I'm not much of a coffee drinker. I'll drink it in social situations, but I don't start my day with a cup or two. I've always been more of a tea fan. Iced tea, hot tea - it doesn't matter; I love them all. But I cut back my tea drinking to drink more water. Recently, I went looking for an iced tea maker. I had one back in the day, but I don't know where it is. It could be in storage, or perhaps long gone. However, in every store I visited over the last week or two, I found no iced tea machines. It's rows of coffee makers: Keurigs, Nespresso, and even some Mr. Coffee models, but no iced tea makers are anywhere to be found... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-6890dcb32ef27').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-6890dcb32ef27.modal.secondline-modal-6890dcb32ef27").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

When I was a teenager, I used to earn extra money mowing lawns. And we didn't have a gas-powered mower. I had one of those old push mowers. But I didn't mind. A few extra bucks in my pocket gave me a little freedom. I don't get the sense that teens these days ever think about mowing lawns. It's now a business. I encounter more professional trucks rolling through neighborhoods, even on my daily commute to work. They all have big trailers, a couple of lawnmowers, and more string trimmers than they have at Home Depot. Is this happening only in Nashville, or is it widespread across America? No doubt, times have changed... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68814399eb4f5').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68814399eb4f5.modal.secondline-modal-68814399eb4f5").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });