Podcast appearances and mentions of jason mathis

The Minnesota State Fair is more than a 12-day event - it is a full-on lifestyle choice for 12 days, and Alex Lodner knows exactly how to make the most of it. Sunday's with Stephanie this week will feature my full State Fair Guide with picks, tops and tricks for making the most of the next 12 days at the Minnesota State Fair.Upgrade my subscription now so I don't miss the State Fair Guide.My goal with this newsletter is to help you discover new recipes and share things I am obsessed with. I also like to create short essays about what I am thinking about from time to time. It's like the miscellaneous drawer in my kitchen: a little bit of everything, some dribs and drabs—recipes, essays, helpful ideas, occasional interviews, restaurant suggestions, and more.What will I get as a free subscriber?As a free subscriber, you'll receive a newsletter in your inbox every week on Wednesday with a free recipe. You will be the first to know about any new classes or live cooking events I'm teaching, podcast episodes I'm releasing, etc.What else would I get if I paid to subscribe?Great question! First and foremost, you'll get my gratitude (I appreciate your support!!). I am a freelance creator, which means I work for everyone but no one full-time, so I pay all my own healthcare, buy my own groceries for recipes and shows, and fund my own podcast.You will also get the Sunday Subscriber email in your inbox each week. You will have access to the entire archive of posts, plus exclusive content like extra recipes only for Subscribers (there are 65 currently like this Corn Shrmp and Basil Risotto perfect for Summer), and access to Stephanie's Dish chat. .This chat lets you join the conversation, comment on posts, and engage with other people and me in the Sunday Subscriber community. I also link all my Taste Buds Episodes, Podcasts and appearance clips on the Jason Show so if you are into what I do - its all here posted each week. Subscribing is $8/month or $60/year.Whether you are a first-time visitor trying not to waste a single bite or a seasoned fairgoer looking to level up your annual plan, this episode will help you experience the fair like an insider. Perfect for anyone counting down to the fair, food lovers chasing the best bites, and Minnesota locals who want to make the most of every precious day on the grounds. Alex reveals the must-try new foods on her list, the classics she returns to every year, and the hidden gems that still make the fair feel magical even after decades of visits. You'll discover:* Why Tuesday and Wednesday are the smartest fair days for shorter lines* How to approach the new foods list before the most popular items get swarmed* The off-the-beaten-path favorites Alex never skips* Where to find the cleanest bathrooms, quietest rest spots, and easiest shortcuts* Which fair traditions are still worth your time, from the parade to the llama spectacle to the church dining hallsOriginal Episode TranscriptStephanie Hansen (00:00.724)Hello everybody and welcome to Dishing with Stephanie's Dish, the podcast where we talk to cool people in the food space. And today I'm talking to my friend Alex Lodner. And Alex is someone that I feel like I owe a public thank you to. She would fill in on my radio show a lot in the times when I started going to the cabin quite a bit more and started the garden.And I have become friends with Alex over the years. And Alex is also someone that whenever we think of the Minnesota State Fair, she is someone that comes to mind. She's a fair aficionado. She really has done a lot to help with the fair foundation. And I just am loving to geek out with a fellow friend that loves the Minnesota State Fair. Thanks to coming on the program, Alex.Alex Lodner (00:37.55)Okay, I'll take that.Anytime, of course. My favorite subject. You knew that. You knew that when you got me.Stephanie Hansen (00:53.756)I did. I did. So let's talk a little bit about your love of the fair and how it all started.Alex Lodner (01:01.5)yeah, so you know, the fair is kind of a crazy thing, right? It's this insane time for twelve days. I always say that I suspend my entire personality during those twelve days because I don't like crowds, I don't like fried foods, barn animals, you know, all those things are not something that I normally r seek out. And it just those twelve days are just magic. You just lean in and if you do it right, I think it's a it's aan amazing experience. I hear a lot from people who are who go once a year with their, you know, family of five and they they can't understand why I go an average of eight times. And I always tell them it's a completely different experience. When you go multiple times, you're not trying to fit everything into one day. You find your secret rest spots. You find your favorite foods that are maybe a little bit off the beaten path. We always had our sec secret little spaces where we put our blanket down and let the toddler run around andSo it's a very different experience when you go multiple times.Stephanie Hansen (02:02.629)Yeah, I think so too. There was a couple of years where Steph, my radio partner on Weekly Dish and I recorded a podcast and we would meet out there every day and record the podcast. We got a lot of cool behind-the-scenes stories, and just the pace feels different. The fair is like it's like a mini city that happens for 12 days in our state. The rest of the state, believe it or not, sort of comes to a silent pause.It has its own police force, it has mm people that sleep out there for weeks. It really is just like this weird microcosm of something that only happens once a year in our state, and it's actually pretty joyful.Alex Lodner (02:48.458)Exactly. And I used to live a mile away. And so when when my daughter was little, there would be a little parade of strollers of us going back and forth from the fair. We'd go back to the house for a nap. We go back to the fair. And so it really again, when you're right there, it's a very different experience. And the only thing I would say is do not try to go to the Target Roseville during the twelve days of the fair. It empties out, there's no produce.But other than that, it's just it was always so fun to live in that neighborhood. You're you're just in the thick of it. It's it's really it's quite a high.Stephanie Hansen (03:24.741)Yeah, yeah. When we think about the fare, one thing that people talk about a lot and I feel like I just want to address up front is expense, particularly in a year where people aren't feeling flush with cash. it is an expense. It is an expense to go with your family of four or five. Tickets are, I think, $20 unless you've bought them in advance.Alex Lodner (03:47.392)At the door, yeah. Mm-hmm.Stephanie Hansen (03:49.002)And you know, food is gonna be expensive because we've seen food costs go up 33% in the last two years. There is a large minimum wage in our state. So yeah, it isn't necessarily a value proposition. There are good values to be had and there are deals to be had. The blue ribbon book is probably the best thing to do.Alex Lodner (04:12.226)Fantastic deal. Mm-hmm.Stephanie Hansen (04:14.811)you get like a lot of discounts. There's two for ones and just going on the right days. Like if you're going on senior day or kids' day. So without not I don't want to lay belabor the costs of the fair because I don't it ruins the experience, but it is a thing.Alex Lodner (04:29.88)But it's a thing. It's a definite it's a definite factor. Yeah, for sure. For sure. Yeah. And again, I say we used to go every day. I understand that that's not an easy task for most. It's because we live so close. There's the cost of parking, there's a cost of just driving there from Elk River or wherever you're coming from. I have talked to the marketing department off and on in the years about doing a a punch card or a a passport of some sort, but it's just never really gone through.Stephanie Hansen (04:58.801)Yeah, it's a great idea. Cause I think it feels like since COVID, the fair has become even more wild because people couldn't go for the COVID times. And so now it's like people realize what a treasure it is and they don't want to miss it. When you plan your state fair, and are you planning yours already for this year?Alex Lodner (05:24.59)Did you really just ask me that? I'm offended. I'm offended. Yes, I'm planning the state fair this year. Well, so here's a side note. I've actually, other than covering the fair for I don't know, almost 20 years, I've also worked off and on for some vendors there. And this year I'm working for a vendor there. It'll she'll go unnamed, but I'm working for a vendor there. A friend of mine owns a a new vendor. So I'm going to be there.Stephanie Hansen (05:25.937)I'm just asking.Yeah.Alex Lodner (05:55.519)Seven shifts, I think. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I I will, I will. Yes.Stephanie Hansen (05:57.519)gosh, I can't wait. Okay, you'll have to tell me off air because I'll make sure to pop by and see you. I over the years, so once we stopped doing the podcast I started doing the garden. And unfortunately for me, garden season in Ely is the end of August and the first week of September. So I basically front-load all my fair experiences. I'll be out there Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. And then I'll leave Monday evening and head up to Ely. And then that's sort of the end of my fair time and I start harvesting everything.But I do love kind of having it in that condensed window too, because I get all the early excitement.Alex Lodner (06:37.614)You do. And yeah, you go during the busy days, don't you? Tuesday and Wednesday are the quietest days. And one of my tips is always to go on a Tuesday and Wednesday, regardless of what deals you get. You're just gonna have the shorter lines. It's just not as stressful. But yeah, I I would I do all the things. I go throughout the whole thing. I don't go on weekends. That's kind of I believe I have weekend shifts, but I'll go work and get out.We do not go as patrons during the weekend. That's we leave that for people who can't go during the week.Stephanie Hansen (07:13.404)Yes, I think in the restaurant business we would call that the amateurs. I know, because it doesn't sound very nice and sound sort of elite. Yep. Okay, so day one, you're heading to the state fair, day one, and you're there for not reporting, not work, you're just there for fun. What are like some of your top things to do?Alex Lodner (07:18.528)I was gonna say we call it amateur hour, but I was not going to say that but you did. We always call it nope, that's amateur hour. Yeah, yeah.That you like to do on day one.Yeah. Such a good question. Last year was my first year as a regular folk going to the state fair on day one. And actually Smart and I talked about that. Like this is just so weird. She she did do her her report, but it's just very strange to not have the new list and to not make sure you get everything in. I think on day one, I still do try andgo for the new things that I have circled. So you know, the official foods and the non-official foods, if people know that there are some new foods that didn't make the official cut, but they're just as exciting, sometimes even better. And I do make sure that I hit those. And the reason that I do that is because once all of our colleagues have reviewed everything, it blows up. And so an example of that is the Amish donuts, Peach's Amish donuts.We when was that? Twenty twenty-three, I believe was their first year. And all of us rated at number one. So we go as a group. So I go with I went for MSP with Steph, March and you know, Minmo goes and strip goes. And we all including Jason Mathis and we all rated at our number one or in their top three. Well then now you know the lines are an hour long. And so I'm not saying we're so powerful, but if you can if you candecide what you want to try out of the official and new foods and hit those on day one before the reporters get there and before we release our reviews. That's your only chance of really getting away from those long lines. We went up to the pizza, to the pickle pizza. We were there when the first year we were there, we walked right up to the to the counter and day two history. Mm-hmm.Stephanie Hansen (09:31.165)Yeah. Now it's hard. I went, well, I have 14 new fair foods lined up for Jason to try on day one. And then day two, I have 14 beverage things, non-alcoholic and alcoholic things. And we try to really load them up for the first two days so that, you know, he is part of that queue of of influencers, as it were, of people thatAnd I have to say I've done a really good job of anticipating, not only because I have to think about like what he's gonna like, but which ones are gonna hit.Alex Lodner (10:03.427)Which ones will hit?And you do you only use the official foods? Official new foods? Yeah.Stephanie Hansen (10:09.896)I do, I do. And I know that there are a lot of great foods that come out that are on the new but not official food list. Cause each vendor has new items that they're introducing every year and not all of them make them to the new list. but I try to, I mean, we only have X amount of time, so I try to just load them up with as much as I can. Are thereAlex Lodner (10:30.105)Fourteen is a lot. Uhhuh.Stephanie Hansen (10:31.708)Yeah, I think so. I mean of the I think there were thirty-six new, so we're getting at least a third of them in one day. are there things on the new list that will you're excited to try?Alex Lodner (10:35.905)Yes. I actually have it written down because there's so many of them. So I like the I tend to no I notice when I look at all the new foods that I liked best over the years that I go for the more refreshing things. So I won't necessarily I rarely go for the heartier, heavier things, although we'll talk about that in a second. But the mango sticky rice refresher at Chan's Eatery. Do you know where Chanse Eatery is? It's it's in the north end, and not to be confused, there'sAlex Lodner (11:13.561)Chan's chicken and a stick in the South. Different, different vendor. So they have that. I think it's like gonna be a drink, but it almost looks like tapioca pudding situation, but with sticky rice. Really excited about that. the the it's on days two. Yes, so you're looking at as a drink. Yeah. The strawberry sundae tart with Ube at Sarah's tipsies. Sarah's tipsies pies is one of my I always have foods that I repeat.Alex Lodner (11:43.192)I try not to repeat foods ‘cause there's so many, but I have a handful that I repeat and that's always her pies. Usually I do her lemon lemon blueberry. But I'm gonna try the strawberry tart with ube. Ube is, you know, that's the hot thing. It's been for a while.Stephanie Hansen (11:58.739)It's very ubiquitous in TikTok land. It's the purple sweet potato ingredient.Alex Lodner (12:04.191)Ube or Pondan, which is the green. and then the the banana butterscotch barn razor at Farmers Union. Farmers Union can do no wrong in my eyes. Every they just hit out of the park every time. So really excited about trying that. And it's strange because these are all sweet things, which is not normally my thing, but Greater Tater, which is is it a new vendor this year? Or it might have been last year.They're sort of blowing up on on the socials as well. And they're over by the animal barns and I'm curious to try them too. We tr no, we tried it two years ago. It was there's the really big tater tots and they were d yeah, and they were delicious. Not really my thing normally, butStephanie Hansen (12:45.054)The square ones. And that booth, too, they have a child that has special needs. And yeah. Yeah, he's great. And they do a good job of employing kids with special needs. So outside of the fact that the taters are good, really good, you know, you have this whole heartwarming story piece that I always like.Yeah, he's very popular on socials right now. He's adorable. I pretty much just want to meet him, let's be real. But I'll buy a potato too.And then another mention I want to say that I'm probably most excited about is the caramel apple iced tea from Loon Lake. Loon Lake has such good drinks and again, huge line. Always a huge line. You guys, it goes so fast. Give it a chance. Get in the back of that line. It will surprise you how fast it goes. They're very efficient. They have two sides. So the caramel apple one sounds intriguing. And as I'm saying all these, none of these are things that I would be attracted to during the year, but.Stephanie Hansen (13:52.764)Yeah, I have them on my list too. the caramel infused cold foam kinda sounded good.Alex Lodner (14:19.043)Yeah. I mean any any place would have me at foam. Be a chance eatery. I love my foam. A chance eatery. Yes, yes, cheers. a chance eatery. They also have an iced coffee that I'm going to try that either has the Ube or the Pantan foam. So just just make sure that I'm staying hip with the 19-year-old crowd. I'm gonna try those as well. Right?Stephanie Hansen (13:52.764)You do you and you do love coffee.Pandon foam. Huh. I had Pandon for the first time with my friends Heather Jans, the curry diva, who made me a Sri Lankan curry with it in there. And yeah.Alex Lodner (14:19.043)Yeah, I know they'reReally? I only think of it as a sweet ingredient. Ooh.Stephanie Hansen (14:27.055)No, she uses it in almost everything savory.Alex Lodner (14:30.667)Speaking of people who can do no wrong, my goodness. Yeah. Mm-hmm. yeah, so that's that's sort of on the on the official foods and then the not official, I'm really so a must-stop for me is the dairy goodness building, which is not to be confused with the dairy barn. AndStephanie Hansen (14:33.49)Yeah, she's an amazing person andStephanie Hansen (14:50.334)Help me understand where dear goodness is.Alex Lodner (14:53.145)Dairy goodness is in the dairy building. So the dairy building is right across from the haunted house. The dairy barn is where the cows live and it's way down over by the an barn animals. And soStephanie Hansen (14:58.684)Got it. Okay.Stephanie Hansen (15:04.392)And dairy goodness is where the butterheads are carved and you get the milkshakes.Alex Lodner (15:07.481)Correct. And you have that long winding line and you get milkshakes and my favorite is actually always get the Sundays. I always get the strawberry rhubarb sundae. This year their Sunday is called Moose Soda Apple Pie Sunday. If it does not have cinnamon in it, I will be trying it. So Nope. It's the only it's the only food item I don't I'm not allergic. I just strongly dislike it.Stephanie Hansen (15:22.195)Yum.Stephanie Hansen (15:26.076)Yeah, are you not a cinnamon person? Yeah, my producer is allergic to it.Yeah. that must make a a pumpkin spice latte not your favorite thing.Alex Lodner (15:42.788)Well, fall is hard on me. S listen, I no sweets for me in the fall because they like to put that cinnamon garnish on everything and sometimes I'll just order innocently order cappuccino and there'll be cinnamon on it. And s no, dude. I know it's October, but no.Stephanie Hansen (15:57.511)Outside Yeah, outside of the new foods, are there some classics that you go back for year after year?Alex Lodner (16:01.711)Yeah, always. I always, always have the corn. The corn roast. I've researched, you know, Brad's stuff to death. I know where those farms are. That is just the best there is. And if you're skipping on that, it's it's just it's a must-have. Must have. They cook it for an hour. It caramelizes, so it's so sweet. the key lime pie on a stick is a little known stand. Do you know where that is? It's underneath the beginning of the Skyride by the food building. It's sort of tucked in under there. And it's a key lime pie on a stick dipped in dark chocolate. Divine. I think it's yeah. And I don't know that if they raise their prices this year, but year after year it's been five dollars. I don't know what they're doing this year. But that's delicious. it's kind of one of those foods my daughter grew up on. So when she was a toddler, there'd be chocolate everywhere. And and now we still get that.Stephanie Hansen (16:43.336)Okay, I'm gonna try that.Alex Lodner (17:01.133)And then for me the grain belt blue beer over at now it's the Pratna Prize is sponsoring that pavilion. And so that's at the West End. And they started out with the blue beer, which is a blueberry beer, and then they top it with a foam again with the foam theme, and they top it with blue foam. Well, now they've they have Sangria beer that they can tap it with. They can tap it with all sorts of foam so you can mix the flavors. I go classic, blue beer, blue foam. AndStephanie Hansen (17:30.132)They have that raspberry beer flavored ice cream.Alex Lodner (17:34.327)The ice cream. They so this year it's it's double flavored and I cannot remember what the flavor of it. Peach, peach and raspberry. That was a surprising hit. We all dreaded getting that, I'll be honest. For the first year, it w we just were not sure what it was delicious. Yeah.Stephanie Hansen (17:38.76)Peach.Stephanie Hansen (17:50.442)I thought so too. And I think peach and you can either have peach, raspberry, or a swirl. I think that's gonna be a home run.Alex Lodner (17:57.092)I think so too. It was it didn't taste like beer. And again, speaking of suspending my personality for twelve days, I don't think you've ever seen me have a beer other when I'm forced to when I'm reviewing. And I just love that one. It's again very refreshing.Stephanie Hansen (18:09.608)I think I did do the we did the specialty beverages one year together and all the beers and you just were not having any of it. And I was like, Alex, this one is good.Alex Lodner (18:18.735)Well I was like I tastes like the last thirty, but sure. I've ran out of words. I no longer know how to describe this the taste of this beer. Combining all the beverages and all the official foods was just that was brutal.Stephanie Hansen (18:34.44)Yeah, it was a big day for everybody. Okay, let's talk about some non-fair things. Like one of the things that I really encourage people to do is to go to the llama parade.It is just such a weird, kitschy, funny, fun, joyful experience to see people leading around their llamas in costume. They're in costume. It's just this cute, fun, weird Americana thing that I love so much. Do you have other like activities that you do at the fair that kind of check this box?Alex Lodner (18:50.937)We always watch the parade. So at two o'clock there's always a parade through the fairgrounds. We sit in front of the Bailey House, which it's is that big, beautiful yellow country house at the south end. We always sit right in front of it in the same spot every year. I bring a blanket. We have a blanket that I only save for the fair. It's very lightweight. We just always, always watch that the bands are especially a treat. And if you sit in that area or in front of the admin building, you're actually sitting by the sp by the announcer.So the marching bands really tear it up in front of the announcer because that's where the judges are. So that's a little tip of that's where you if you really want to see them display their full talents, sit in front of the admin building in the South End and they'll really pull it out for ya. what else?I'm trying to think to just some other in I meanStephanie Hansen (20:05.064)Well, yeah, and like seed art or crop art has really blown up in the last couple of years. I really enjoy it and I have seen some of the entries on threads that like preview, they're just they blow your mind, they're so amazing. so that's something, but also like don't overlook like just going and going through like the vegetable buildings and seeing like the big pumpkins and the beautiful tomatoes. They're just like these weird little moments of joy of just seeing some of the cool stuff that people make.Alex Lodner (20:31.241)Mm-hmm. The giant pumpkins. Mm-hmm.Stephanie Hansen (20:44.594)When I go into the four H building where they do their performances, the kids have plays. That's really fun.Alex Lodner (20:49.687)Right. Yes. And it's a really nice place to rest. It they have nice bathrooms there. They have nice stadium seating and yeah, you're supporting these kids who've planned on this all year. It's in the robotics competitions are in the education building. That's what we always go through the education building. I would say we go through every building, but probably my favorite is International Bazaar. And admittedlyStephanie Hansen (20:44.594)Yeah. What do you like there?Alex Lodner (21:15.831)I just weave. I do all the weaves. I get I'm not wearing it right now, but I get a bracelet from a specific place that's Kitty Corner from Holy Land. I get one every year from there. And I just I've seen it all a thousand times and somehow I just I just still love it. my my daughter used to get the little stuffed animals that that have the little beads in them. So she's got a collection of it's a snake and a dragon and yeah, we justIt's just you know, it becomes really nostalgic after you go for a while. this is maybe food related, but I'd really wanna encourage people to visit one of the dining halls or the Midway Men's Club. It is food, but you know, we used to have ninety some church halls at the state fair from the in started in the eighteen hundreds, of course, that's all there was, but now there's only two left. There's Salem and Hamlin and Hamlin. And Hamlin has been thereStephanie Hansen (22:08.702)Salem and Hamlin. Mm-hmm.Alex Lodner (22:14.091)is since eighteen fifty two or eight fifteen eight or something like that. And so, you know, go sit in there for a minute. It's so lovely to see all the volunteers that work there. Get an un at coffee at Salem, get whatever at Hamlet. It's all good. And just take that moment and sit down at Hamlet. They have the little the red and white picnic tablecloths and you share a table with people and they will often you turn to them and they will tell you how they've you know it's aStephanie Hansen (22:23.092)Get an egg coffee.Alex Lodner (22:42.915)Great grandfather, grandfather, daughter kids, and they will tell you, I've been coming here since I was eight. And so it's just a really take that moment in that you're at the fair, you're experiencing something, whether it's a cup of coffee or whether it's a a llama, you're experiencing it with people who have memories about it. So chatting with with strangers at those community tables is just a favorite of mine. And Midway Men's Club is they've been volunteering.for years those are all volunteers. I don't know how much their burgers are, but they were three twenty five in previous years. Yeah. I mean, I I think maybe. Yeah. And we call them pocket burgers because they wrap them up so nicely that when when we get burgers, we would get one and then or two and get one put in our pocket. And so we theStephanie Hansen (23:16.522)They're always the cheapest. It doesn't they maybe will have to raise their prices, but I I think they were maybe five bucks, but still the cheapest at the fair.Alex Lodner (23:38.274)Apparently it's the coldest beer at the fair. Again, not a beer drink over here, but that's what they claim. And everything is the least expensive there. And again, you're doing some good. They give all their money to the r to activities in Ramsey County, a lot of kids centered activities. They're all volunteers. So just take a minute and not go for the fancy, the colorful, you know, the hot new thing. But remember those classics because we're gonna lose them. So and I just I just really think they deserve a moment.Stephanie Hansen (23:42.268)And the least expensive. Yeah, that's where Stephanie and I always go first thing after the radio show on Saturday morning. We start at the Midway Men's Club. Yep, we have a beer, we have a burger, we thank them for their service and for being there. And theAlex Lodner (24:10.691)The men's club? Yep.Yeah. Yeah. They're the nicest. They're just the absolute nicest people. They have those fun little bar stools you can sit on. It's yeah. I really just I just really think it's important. If we we all love the state fair and we all talk about it, but then we also complain about it and we have to remember, you know, to give our put our money where to some of those classics as well.Stephanie Hansen (24:37.692)Yeah, I also want to call out Peg's Diner or the Peg. it is a full service restaurant experience and same family has been running it. They have a great egg sandwich. So if you want to start your breakfast.Alex Lodner (24:41.207)Yes. I it's on my list. It's on my list to mention. Yep.Mm-hmm. The only one.Alex Lodner (24:52.685)That I was gonna I have I have that on my list. And this year they're gonna have the dill pickle chicken tender sandwich on an English muffin. Hello. Right? Yep. I wanna say it's I I no, it's not official. It's new but not official. It's the Mr. Peg dill pickle chicken tender sandwich, an English muffin with toppings. And they're also very reasonably priced. The peg is very reasonably priced. They have the outdoor seating.Stephanie Hansen (25:01.738)Okay, you had me there. I did not know about this.Alex Lodner (25:21.247)And it's just it's again, it's one of those times where when I go there, just like when I go to the dining halls, I wanna sit for a minute. I'm not in and out. I wanna take it all in. It's a great place to sit and people watch for a minute.Yeah, taking your time.Stephanie Hansen (25:34.143)Where do you like to shop? You mentioned the bazaar. Do you because I really like shopping in the West End. Yeah, there's a lot of Minnesota makers there that I'm excited about. IAlex Lodner (25:37.185)I don't shop at the fair.Alex Lodner (25:41.635)Do you? You're a bigger shopper than I am. I'm not a very good shopper. I'm a pretty impatient shopper. I look at it and I like you, I go to the I Like You store. And I usually Sarah's stuff is amazing. I have several of her t shirts. I have her hat. I don't know if we're supposed to swear on this show, but it says that okay, it's a sh s**t s**t show on the on the hat. And I like getting the attention from that. People cover their children's eyes. ButStephanie Hansen (25:56.819)Yeah, that's a great one. They have good t shirts.Alex Lodner (26:15.725)So I like that. I do get something from her most years, but I put my money on food. I'll just be honest about that. Yeah.Stephanie Hansen (26:22.514)Yeah. Before we wrap it up, Alex, I wanna know where your secret bathroom is. Cause I feel like everybody has a secret bathroom. Maybe it's one that's not as well traveled as the others.Alex Lodner (26:33.839)Yes.Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. So there are good bathrooms in every quadrant. So I don't know if people know this, but the fair is divided into quadrant. They call it quadrant on the inside. And you'll notice that the benches, the benches that you can buy and name after someone, those are all different colors. Those are your quadrants. So yeah, so in front of, for example, in front of ballpark, it's they're all yellow.Stephanie Hansen (20:44.594)Okay, I did not know that. Good tip.Alex Lodner (27:06.699)And so if people the the bench that that we purchased is for our friend Hanzi, who you know, who passed away in twenty seventeen, and he his bench is in front of ballpark. So you sort of dedicate it to someone and put it in front of their favorite place. I digress. Those are quadrants and every quadrant has a good bathroom. You just have to sort of know where. The best ones, honestly, they're not so hidden, but the very end of West End.has the big so anytime you see a red brick building bathroom, they will also have water stations at the at either end of it. So bring your refillable water bottle. That's where you can refill water as well as other places. As well as other places throughout the fair, but you just always look for the red brick building. Those are somehow always clean. Always. In the grandstand, there are tucked away bathrooms that almost I don't think I've ever seen a line there.Stephanie Hansen (27:45.844)That's a good tip.Alex Lodner (28:03.863)And they're also spotless. There's one on either end of the grandstand. They're inside, so you sort of have to know where you're going.Stephanie Hansen (28:10.078)And they're kinda smaller, but they are nice.Alex Lodner (28:13.463)Yeah, they're they're not tiny. They're there's one that's bigger than the other. But yeah, they're they're always spotless. The cleaning crew do there just does a great job. over over in the north end I would say is your most challenging because that's where the food building is. I'm sorry, the south end. That's where the food building is. And so that gets to be a little bit busier traction there. But yeah.I'm loath to give up my secret spot, but I'm going to for you friends of the pod. And it is behind the giant slide. There is a bank of bathrooms back there that are clean, nice. They're right behind our Fox 9 booth, and a lot of TV station people know to go to those bathrooms. So those are good ones if you're looking.Alex Lodner (28:45.153)Okay.Alex Lodner (29:02.703)Well you you r you ruined you ruin it now. But that's one of my shortcuts. So one of the advantages of having of going so many times is people like going with me, not because I'm such great company, but because I lead them through people, you know, that it's gets so congested in front of the grandstand and there's different places where it pinches and I know all the hidden shortcuts and I will not be giving them away. But that's one of them. Right by those bathrooms. That's one of those shortcuts. Yeah.Stephanie Hansen (29:27.664)It is. There's another shortcut under the glider. Kind of by the i it's a back shortcut where youAlex Lodner (29:39.287)Are you gonna tell my shortcut? Do not wait, stop talking. Which short don't. Don't. That's my shortcut. No.Stephanie Hansen (29:45.34)I'm just gonna say it's a shortcut that takes you from the Colossian up to the north.Alex Lodner (29:52.716)I don't think Yes, Steph. We should have talked about this ahead of time. And they you know what? One year they put one year they put a fence up there and I saw the fence when I was heading towards it and I thought they were gonna cut us off, but they didn't. There's still an opening there.Stephanie Hansen (29:55.111)It I won't I'm just I'm just gonna say a AlexStephanie Hansen (30:09.938)Yeah, it's just smaller. It it's a handy one because the my talk one seven booth is up in that area and it's a handy quick to get up there. All right, well Alex, please.Alex Lodner (30:19.383)Yeah. And the best entrance, can we say the best entrance? The best entrance with no lines is right behind the the my talk. Harder to get to because there's no parking by it. But if you're willing to walk a little bit, there's never a line at that entrance. It's a secret little vendor entrance.Stephanie Hansen (30:34.282)Okay, I didn't know about that one.Alex Lodner (30:36.784)it's right behind your booth. Mm-hmm.Stephanie Hansen (30:38.142)Yeah, okay. So a secret entrance there. I always we always end up coming in where the where you come in where you rent the scooters and that area because we get dropped off. Yeah.Alex Lodner (30:49.335)At the north end. Yeah. Yeah, that's it's kind of a hike from there. But if you didn't want to walk through the crowds, if it was really crowded, especially for you guys on a Saturday morning, you don't go into the fair. You walk around on the outside of the fair and it will lay lead you to that secret. I'm j but we're just gonna have people wondering aimlessly now because of what I've just said. Ignore what I just said. Don't do that. People hundreds of people lost.Stephanie Hansen (31:06.954)Okay. Do you haveStephanie Hansen (31:12.17)No, do it, do it. Do you have yeah, I was gonna ask you one more question and I just totally can't do you have a park and ride location that you think is good?Alex Lodner (31:27.073)No, I have a little bit of a beef with Park and Ride, honestly. I know it's a great program. I know they're doing their best, but I believe this year they took away the suburban ones. Don't quote me on that, but I did not see them on the list. So the West suburbs used to only have one right by Ridgedale, and there were be lines across the highway. So it's across the highway from Trader Joe's. There would literally be lines across the highway. AndStephanie Hansen (31:51.604)Mm-hmm.Alex Lodner (31:54.466)So it they're just we're not enough in the suburbs. So you're I think what they're trying to get us to do, again, I'm not an official representative, but I think what they're trying to get you to do is to drive closer to the fair and then use a park and ride closer to the fair. So those buses aren't on the highway for a half an hour, which makes sense. So you want to drive into Roseville. my favorite is a new life presbyterian.Stephanie Hansen (32:02.281)Sure.Stephanie Hansen (32:19.242)Okay.Alex Lodner (32:20.001)There's it g it's getting more and more popular, but that's always a really good one. The people it's volunteers from that church. It's where Millie went to nursery school. And so that's our soft spot in our hearts.Stephanie Hansen (32:29.183)Okay. Okay, well I'll send people there then. On behalf of you and Millie. Alex said to come here.Alex Lodner (32:35.585)No, don't Great. Sorry, peeps for you know, I mean, you have a lot of listeners to this show. I'm not used to to having such an amplifier.Stephanie Hansen (32:45.542)You're funny. okay, so just on a personal note, since I have you here before we wrap up, what's next for you? I miss your writing.Alex Lodner (32:55.865)Thank you. I don't Steph, I don't know. I don't know. I've I've been in conversations with a few people. If you had asked me this a year ago, I would have said, absolutely not. I am retired. I'm living my best life. I'm gonna sort of pull a Steph Hanson this winter and be gone most of the winter. But I I miss it. Never thought never thought I'd say that. What's that?Stephanie Hansen (33:14.548)Mm-hmm.Well, and you can do remote work. Yeah. I it's when you can retire and choose your own life, it doesn't mean that you might not choose your old life. It just means that maybe yeah, may well, because I think people think you have to like do something completely different, but you gravitated to what you wanted to do for a reason. AndAlex Lodner (33:26.467)Mm-hmm.Alex Lodner (33:31.79)listen to you. Deep thoughts with Stephanie. It's true.Alex Lodner (33:43.887)True.Stephanie Hansen (33:45.066)what you get the flexibility and the privilege to do is to make it in the image of what you would like. Cause you have the flexibility to say no.Alex Lodner (33:55.074)Right. And I'll I'll say this to be clear. When I say retired, I retired from a very part-time job. So I've always had that privilege. I've been extremely fortunate to have created exactly the career I wanted and to be able to do exactly what I wanted. So and to work with you know, I'm really, really mean this, the best people, right? You and I know that. We worked with the best people of theStephanie Hansen (34:06.025)Yeah.Alex Lodner (34:21.993)Our our community is tiny in the Twin Cities. There's maybe 10 of us that do this. And I love every single one of these people that I've worked with. And so going back to that doesn't is not gonna be a you know, it's it's because it's something that I enjoyed all along. I did not leave it because I wasn't enjoying it anymore. I'd left it because of, as you know, some life changes. So things are settling down andStephanie Hansen (34:42.462)Yeah.Alex Lodner (34:49.899)We'll see. We'll see. You and I will talk. W we'll go have a non a non beer. I'll have coffee, you'll have a beer and we'll figure it out.Stephanie Hansen (34:52.326)Yeah, please keep me in the loop. Yeah. Maybe we'll see each other at the fair this year.Alex Lodner (35:01.283)Possibly I don't work on Saturday, but I might just pop in just to wave at you. I love doing that. I love harassing people from the bleachers.Stephanie Hansen (35:04.894)Okay.Yes, we will be live at Weekly Dish. I will be at Fox, yeah, 9 a.m. Saturday, 9 to 11 at Weekly Dish up in the North End, the first. And then I'll be at Fox Thursday and Friday. We have two-hour shows. The first hour is our national show. Our second hour is our local show. It'll be 10 to noon. And then at noon to th 12:30, I'll be doing a book signing at Fox.Alex Lodner (35:11.534)Nine AMAlex Lodner (35:16.291)The first Saturday. There's two Saturdays. So you're there the first Saturday, right? Yeah. Mm-hmm.Alex Lodner (35:25.763)What what time?Stephanie Hansen (35:37.412)on both days. And then Saturday I'll do a book signing after Weekly Dish ends at 11 for a half hour. And then Monday I'll be back and I'll be on Fox in the 10 o'clock hour. And then in the 11 o'clock hour I'm co-hosting with Jason for that day. And then I'll do a book signing after that. So yeah, lots of fun activities planned.Alex Lodner (35:37.485)Goodness.fun.Okay. All right. I'll have you text me that because I am not gonna remember anything you just said. But I'll have you text me my s thank you, and I will pop in. I I know the secret door.Stephanie Hansen (36:03.795)I will text you. Okay. Thanks, Alex. Yeah, and I forgot to tell you this when we started. Give yourself about 20 seconds before you log off just to make sure that the podcast catches up with our voices. Yeah, exactly. Okay. All right. See you.Alex Lodner (36:18.97)So I'm not just out. Peace out. All right. Talk to you, Love.Stephanie Hansen's @StephaniesDish Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stephaniehansen.substack.com/subscribe

Getting paid to think about the magic of St. Pete is one of Jason's favorite parts of his job. As the CEO of the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership, Jason Mathis spends his days on thoughtful growth and urban redevelopment, listening to all areas of the leadership community, in order to be a catalyst for positive change. The reality is St. Pete is growing exponentially and the Downtown Partnership plays a pivotal role in that growth. In this episode, Jason discusses the future development of Downtown St. Pete, how the city can maintain its authentic roots while scaling for growth, how today's actions of reinvesting into the community will impact the future, demystifying the business development district, and investments in key areas like green space and arts to help further St. Pete's national persona.   WATCH NEXT: SERVING TAMPA FOR GENERATIONS: INSIDE DONATELLO'S WITH GINO TIOZZO https://youtu.be/BgJ2tDKtLoA?si=fkwO7O1DuFBX8QGo SUBSCRIBE: https://youtube.com/@themoneymarketpodcast?si=FmEkdfmwb3KeQ2C1   Follow The "Money" Market Podcast here: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6e7E0DaJZQkuw339G7nGI4?si=27d047641a1d4b17 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-money-market-podcast/id1733948143 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moneymarketpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneymarketpodcast Website: https://moneymarketpodcast.com   The Bank of Tampa | Member FDIC

Ever wonder what the best in The Alliance are doing to stay ahead? Get ready for this week·s Activity Call with special guest host Jason Mathis, who·s bringing a few of his new recruits to share the secrets to winning with The Alliance. They're ready to unpack the power of the Alliance System, the C.A.S.E. Method, and more. Learn how to keep your head on a swivel for those great recruits who are ready to go all-in, and discover why being the example matters. If you·re serious about growing your business and creating an unstoppable team, you need to be on this call!

Are you interested in becoming one of the fastest-growing organizations in the Alliance? Jason Mathis from the USA and Olga Mathis from Colombia have teamed up to achieve this remarkable growth in their business. With Jason's expertise in sales and Olga's proficiency in recruiting, they're excited to share their strategies and show you how you can achieve similar success. Tune in and learn how to build and grow with the Mathis Financial team!

Dr. Mathis, a general dermatologist and assistant professor at the University of Utah, shares how he successfully matched into Dermatology, while also applying to family medicine. He discusses how he was able to match without doing any away rotations. Finally, he discusses what he looks for in a resident's application as he reviews it. We hope you enjoy! Connect with Dr. Jason Mathis Email: jason.mathis@hsc.utah.edu --- DIGA: @⁠⁠⁠derminterest⁠⁠⁠ --- For questions, comments, or future episode suggestions, please reach out to us via email at ⁠⁠⁠derminterestpod@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ --- Music: District Four by Kevin MacLeod Link: ⁠⁠⁠https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3662-district-four⁠⁠⁠ License: ⁠⁠⁠https://filmmusic.io/standard-license --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/derminterest/message

On this episode of The Wednesday Call podcast, your guest host Jason Mathis is joined by Jeff bright to talk about the 4 personality traits of recruiting with three special guests. Learn the art and science behind successful recruiting. www.AndyAlbright.com @AndySAlbright https://arc.naaleads.com/ @NAALeadsTheWay @NationalAgentsAlliance #N247RU #DoTheDo #TheAlliance

On this episode of The Alliance Activity Call, your guest host Mike Hartlieb talks about how to get new people started fast and effectively. Hartlieb is joined by Terry Edwards and Jason Mathis to cover this important topic. www.AndyAlbright.com @AndySAlbright https://arc.naaleads.com/ @NAALeadsTheWay @NationalAgentsAlliance #N247RU #DoTheDo #TheAlliance

Tonight on We Are Paradox Media's "Late Night in The Rockies" Weekend Host TessaTNT is joined by Weekday Host Jason Mathis. This evening we will be celebrating his birthday, discussing his favorite topics and more. Call in to wish him a Happy Birthday at 970-335-9596!

Tonight on We Are Paradox Media's "Late Night in the Rockies" Weekend Host TessaTNT is joined by Jason Mathis, Kevin McDougal and Robert White. This evening we will be discussing the world around us as well as everything under the paranormal umbrella.

This week we have Michael Gunter and Jason Mathis. The guys who opened The Battlegrounds Games & Comics and really brought a new element of culture to Dalton. Need a realtor? Contact us! https://jmichaelwilliams.kw.com/contact Follow us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/mikewilliamsrealtor Instagram @sellingnorthgeorgia

San Francisco Legend San Quinn talks merging with Messy Marv, getting cheated by JT The Bigga Figga, relationship with Mac Dre and putting Kansas City Rapper Rich THE FACTOR on as well as being in the Guinness book of world records.

Tonight on We Are Paradox Medias "Late Night in the Rockies" Weekend Host TessaTNT will be doing a 3 demensional show. TessaTNT will be playing the original airing of "War of the Worlds" followed by Story Time with TessaTNT with the finishing up of "Hollywood Urban Legends: The Truth Behind All Those Delightfully Persistent Myths of Film, Television and Music" By Richard Roeper and finishing the show with Jason Mathis with his real life experiences with Tales of The Homeless.

Crowds for rodeos all over the country have been unbelievable since the pandemic started winding down. Today, we talk to one of the best announcers in the biz..my pal Jason Mathis. Enjoy! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/darren-minor5/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/darren-minor5/support

Teens and acne. It's a universal issue! Today we discuss what we learned from dermatologist, Dr. Jason Mathis, as well as our own research on everything related to skin care.  How to keep skin clean Gentle cleansers Benzoyl Peroxide Salicylic Acid How and why to moisturize Repairs the skin barrier Helps skin avoid premature aging Suggested moisturizers How and why to protect skin from the sun Why to protect How to help convince your teen to protect What to do for specific problems Retinoids Prescribed medications (Accutane, etc.) Hormonal Acne Things not to do Don't pick Don't use magnified mirrors Don't have unrealistic expectations   Resources: Jason Mathis, MD, University of Utah Health, https://healthcare.utah.edu/fad/mddetail.php?physicianID=u0415270&name=jason-g-mathis How to Treat Acne with Benzoyl Peroxide, https://www.healthline.com/health/benzoyl-peroxide-for-acne What is Cystic Acne https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/cystic-acne#TOC_TITLE_HDR_1 Salicylic Acid vs. Benzoyl Peroxide: Which Is Better for Acne? https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/salicylic-acid-vs-benzoyl-peroxide Teens and Acne Treatment https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/Pages/Teens-and-Acne.aspx Tips for Getting Kids and Teens to Wear Sunscreen https://www.dermadoctor.com/blog/tips-for-getting-kids-teens-to-wear-sunscreen/ Hormonal Acne, https://www.self.com/story/hormonal-acne  

MinuteMan Ministries first program featuring special guest and author, Bryan Melvin. Hosted by Jason Mathis. Bryan Melvin, author of “A Land Unknown: Hell’s Dominion Special First guest for our VERY FIRST program on We Are Paradox Media.Christian Author & Speaker B.W. Melvin shares his compelling testimony which verifies the existence of heaven and hell. He has been featured on the TV show, Stories of the Supernatural, Genesis Productions and has spoken in churches and gatherings across the country. Join us tonight for another kind of "supernatural" program. If you thought ghosts, goblins, and cryptids were scary, you won't want to miss tonight's program. In the first hour we'll talk with Bryan Melvin about his supernatural experiences and what led him to change his mind about the existence of God and just who Jesus IS. Second and third hour we'll talk about what supernatural forces are at work right now around the planet. Check out Bryan on his Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf9GQ5J7hC0gh6fReSAL4tgYou can also find him at https://www.afterhoursministries.com/

In this very special episode, we discuss the effects of COVID-19 on beekeepers and how it connects with our food system. We are joined by Jason Mathis from Florida Farm Bureau, and Tony Hogg who is a beekeeper and the chair of the Apiary Advisory committee for the Florida Farm Bureau.

The text was so simple, but the meaning behind the two words carried more weight than most would ever imagine. It was a hot day in July of 2015 in Burlington, N.C. during The Alliance’s “Leadership Conference” that is now known as “Family Reunion.” Terry Edwards had finally convinced his wife, Tia to attend a big event after asking her to attend for months. She finally agreed, but she was far from sold on being in the life insurance business. That thinking changed as Tia sat in the women’s seminar on the first day of the event, listening to the women of The Alliance share their inspirational and emotional stories. Tia, holding the couple’s newborn daughter, Taylor in her lap, was moved to tears as she heard Hollie Davies share her personal story. Any prior doubts she had were now gone. Terry was in another meeting space at the men’s seminar when the text showed up on his phone. “We’re home,” the text from Tia read. “It took me being at that event and seeing and hearing these women share their heart and stories to know that we were right where we needed to be, and I knew we were with the right people too,” Tia said. That’s the good news. To fully understand the journey of Terry and Tia Edwards, you have to go back and learn about the struggle to even find The Alliance and wind up as Agency Managers in 2019. The couple met in middle school, started dating in high school in January of 1994 (Terry was a junior and Tia was a freshman), went to Elizabeth City State University together and got married in 2001. The couple always talked about what they wanted their life to be like together even in high school. Nice house, yard full of kids, good jobs and all the “American Dream” stuff most people desire. They both got good jobs, but moved around North Carolina every couple years as Terry continued being promoted in different parts of the state. Eventually, the couple started a cleaning business as their “side hustle.” It was going so well they worked seven days a week and had to order staff to help keep up with the work. In 2009, Terry discovered network marketing and his mind started thinking bigger in terms of what income level is possible. They earned around $2,000 monthly in network marketing, but the way it changed the couple’s thinking was far more important. Full-time jobs, a janitorial business and network marketing … that’s a lot for any young couple. Something was missing, however. They wanted children, but doctor’s couldn’t explain why it wasn’t happening. Thinking it wasn’t going to happen, the Edwardses focused on adoption. Instead of adopting one child, the couple ended up adopting three children – at the same time! Immediately, Isaiah (2), Anaya (3) and Elijah (4) were adopted in 2010 on Father’s Day weekend. “That increased my drive,” Terry said. “I was focused on providing a future and a legacy for my children to follow.” Fast forward to February of 2015 and life was even sweeter. Terry just accepted his dream job as the CEO of a credit union in Atlanta, Ga. Even better, Tia was four months pregnant with Taylor at the same time. The couple packed up and moved from their house in Kernersville, N.C., sold their janitorial business and leased a home in Georgia. They hadn’t even sold their home in N.C. When Terry went to start his new job, the job offer was rescinded. With no job, a growing family to provide for and bills rolling in; Terry didn’t know how he was going to cover the bills with only his network marketing deal bringing money in. “We had double bills and what was coming in was not going to cover everything,” Terry said. “I got on the computer and searched craigslist.” Jason Mathis had posted a simple ad that read, “too many leads, not enough agents.” Edwards spoke to Mathis, got licensed and started running business quickly. Following The Alliance system, he banked $8,000 in the first 30 days. “I didn’t have anything to lose so why wouldn’t I give it a shot?” Terry said. “Tia was still skeptical then, but it was working.” Tia still was skeptical. She wasn’t sure if it was because she was pregnant or what, but she couldn’t understand why Terry was always on his phone … all day long it seemed. “I had never seen a deal where you could make that much money so fast,” Tia said. After being asked repeatedly by Mathis to go see The Alliance corporate headquarters and meet president and CEO Andy Albright, Edwards finally drove to Burlington, N.C. If he was “all in” before, his belief level reached new heights during his visit. Terry watched Brant Swindle shoot a training video, attended The Wednesday Call and met with Andy Albright in his office after the show. That conversation forever changed Terry’s outlook on success. “What captivated me was that Andy was so plain spoken,” Terry recalls. “What he said was just common-sense stuff. I couldn’t believe you could act normal, be hugely successful and make millions like he has done. I had never seen anybody like Andy.” Terry asked Albright why he continued working so hard when he clearly didn’t have to. Why keep doing it? “Andy said, ‘you are right, my grandkids are taken care of. The problem is you can’t say the same thing,’” Terry remembers. “I instantly fell in love with Andy because I was looking for a place where I could belong, where I wasn’t looked upon as a dollar bill, and my dreams and my aspirations were No. 1. We just clicked. Jane Albright met Tia and we started really building a friendship. We found out we had more in common than we do separate.” After starting with The Alliance in April of 2015, the family moved back to their Kernersville, N.C.-house because they hadn’t even had time to sell it, after Terry’s “Dream Job” fell through. Terry and Tia won a Foresters cruise to the Bahamas and a trip to Banff, Canada in their first year with The Alliance. They got to know other agents even better on those trips. Almost five years later, it’s hard to belief how many things have happened to and for Terry and Tia since joining The Alliance. “It amazes me,” Terry says with a laugh. “It hasn’t lost its luster. I never want to get to a place where I think I got it. I know I still have to work on me and there’s another level to reach. There’s more to learn and I can be a better leader, so we can attract better people. We are not content or satisfied with good. We are shooting for great. We are not where we want to be, but we are not where we used to be either.” 2019 was a tremendous year of growth for Terry and Tia. They were able to realize their dream of opening a satellite office in Kernersville, a 1,700-square-foot space with offices for agents and a meeting space for 100 people when they host HotSpot meetings each Tuesday night. Looking to 2020, Terry and Tia have set even bigger goals. They want to reach Vice President before the year ends. They want to attract better leaders and lead from the front. They want to help other people find their 'why,' then show them how to make it happen. “It’s about knowing what it is that you want and then figuring out how to get it,” Terry said. “Being fanatical is about not stopping until you get what you want. Max out your capacity. Once you get one goal accomplished, there’s the next goal. Be better today than you were yesterday; but be better tomorrow than you were today. What do you want? What can you go through to get it? That’s fanatical.” Who knows what would have happened if Tia wasn’t in the audience to hear Hollie Davies speak at the women’s seminar holding Taylor back in 2015. There’s a good chance, life would look different Terry, Tia, Elijah (14), Anaya (13), Isaiah (11) and Taylor (4), but the good news is we will never know. Tia was there, and her commitment level went through the roof. A simple text she lovingly sent to her husband changed their lives forever. It helped change The Alliance for the better too. “We are at home,” Tia says. “This is the right place with the right people. 2020 is about going all in and being a better person than you were yesterday.”  

Introducing Families with ways to help secure their Financial Future.

Welcome back to Innovation in the 'Burg, a podcast all about science and innovation in St. Petersburg. This week, Alison Barlow, executive director of the St. Pete Innovation District, hosts the brains behind Pure Molecular: John Paul and Bob Ulrich. Joining as community member is Jason Mathis of the St. Pete Downtown Partnership. Paul and Ulrich first co-founded Pure Molecular with technology to identify fraudulent fish (particularly grouper) in the marketplace. Now, the application of that technology has expanded to red tide detection, and biomedical applications. They talk building and scaling a business based in scientific research, and share where they're going next. Mathis talks priorities as CEO of the Downtown Partnership, communicating the Innovation District's story and how marine science and its applications uniquely position St. Pete as a future city.

We had a BLAST hanging with some of our MOST favorite people at our MOST favorite store - The Battlegrounds Games and Comics. They invited us to celebrate their 5th year Anniversary and we HAD to share the experience with all of you, so enjoy! Shout-out to Jason Mathis, Michael Gunter, Terry Smith, and Cody Harris for hanging with us, being on the podcast, and for discussing ALL kinds of nerdy goodness. All of this, a few tangents, and MUCH more on your favorite, EPIC podcast! Thank you for all of your support and be sure to tune in for something EPIC! The Battlegrounds Games and Comics 2708 Airport Rd, Dalton, Georgia 30721 (706) 259-9704 www.thebattlegroundsgames.com facebook.com/TheBattlegroundsGaming twitter.com/TheBGgaming instagram @battlegroundsgames YouTube: Battlegrounds Games and Comics Epic Briefs Podcast info: @epic-briefs-podcast iTunes: Epic Briefs Podcast Instagram.com/epicbriefspodcast Facebook.com/epicbriefspodcast Twitter @epicbriefspdcst YouTube: Epic Briefs Podcast Email: epicbriefspodcast@gmail.com

Dub Floyd, Claudius Moore, Chris Evans & Jamie Peters FACE OFF AT THE BATTLEGROUNDS!!!! Well, maybe it was more of a podmash at THE BEST comic and games store around - The Battlegrounds Games and Comics in Dalton, GA!This is what we've been building up to - an alliance of humongous proportions. Hip-Hop Marvels teams up with Epic Briefs Podcast and we come together to form like Voltron to bring you an amazing episode that covers everything from hip-hop news to movie reviews. Not forgetting, some Spider-Man: Homecoming news, a quick Dragon Con 2016 review including Brett Dalton/Grant Ward from Agents of Shield's panel and what 90s hip hop jams are his favorite.Also, we had the privilege of sitting down and choppin' it up with co-owner of Battlegrounds Games and Comics, Jason Mathis, who shares a bit of insight and history about the store with us. We commemorate Batman Day with a few AWESOME Batman fans for an exciting impression contest. And there's a special announcement about our new co-host that will be hoppin' in the passenger seat of the Hip-Hop Marvels Mobile as DJ Dub Floyd's fearless sidekick!All of this and A LOT more in store, so be sure to tune in because "WE GOT IT LOCKED FROM THE BLOCK TO THE COMIC SHOP!"FEATURED JOINT: Thaahum @Thaahum DJ Big Serg @BigSergwww.thaahum.comLuke Cage Promo Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3pqmoLUZEMGRAPHICS:Miami Kaoswww.miamikaosart.comTwitter/IG: @REALMIAMIKAOS1Eric Santiagowww.Egogfx.comTwitter/IG: @EgoGraphics/@ego.graphicsMUSIC:Kreatev @kreatevTwitter/IG: @kreatevHip-Hop Marvels info:@hip-hop-marvelsiTunes: Hip Hop Instagram.com/HipHopMarvelsFacebook.com/HipHopMarvelsTwitter @hiphopmarvels Email: hiphopmarvels@gmail.comEpic Briefs Podcast info:@epic-briefs-podcast iTunes: Epic Briefs Podcast Instagram.com/epicbriefspodcastFacebook.com/epicbriefspodcast Twitter @epicbriefspdcstEmail: epicbriefspodcast@gmailLISTEN/SUBSCRIBE: iTunes, Google Play, Souncloud, Stitcher & Podcast AddictHave a question, comment or suggestion? Email us: hiphopmarvels@gmail.comThe Battlegrounds Games & Comics The Tri-State Region's #1 Source for Video Games, Comic Books, Toys and Magic: The Gathering!!!!2708 Airport Rd, Dalton, Georgia 30721(706) 259-9704 www.thebattlegroundsgames.com

The Hip Hop Marvels/Epic Briefs Podcast Mashup continues in this episode! Dub Floyd, Claudius Moore, Chris Evans & Jamie Peters FACE OFF AT THE BATTLEGROUNDS!!!! Well, maybe it was more of a podmash at THE BEST comic and games store around - The Battlegrounds Games and Comics in Dalton, GA! This is what we've been building up to - an alliance of humongous proportions. Hip-Hop Marvels teams up with Epic Briefs Podcast and we come together to form like Voltron to bring you an amazing episode that covers everything from hip-hop news to movie reviews. Not forgetting, some Spider-Man: Homecoming news, a quick Dragon Con 2016 review including Brett Dalton/Grant Ward from Agents of Shield's panel and what 90s hip hop jams are his favorite. Also, we had the privilege of sitting down and choppin' it up with co-owner of Battlegrounds Games and Comics, Jason Mathis, who shares a bit of insight and history about the store with us. We commemorate Batman Day with a few AWESOME Batman fans for an exciting impression contest. And there's a special announcement about our new co-host that will be hoppin' in the passenger seat of the Hip-Hop Marvels Mobile as DJ Dub Floyd's fearless sidekick! All of this and A LOT more in store, so be sure to TUNE IN FOR SOMETHING EPIC because "WE GOT IT LOCKED FROM THE BLOCK TO THE COMIC SHOP!" GRAPHICS: Miami Kaos www.miamikaosart.com Twitter/IG: @REALMIAMIKAOS1 Eric Santiago www.Egogfx.com Twitter/IG: @EgoGraphics/@ego.graphics MUSIC: Kreatev @kreatev Twitter/IG: @kreatev Hip-Hop Marvels info: @hip-hop-marvels iTunes: Hip Hop Instagram.com/HipHopMarvels Facebook.com/HipHopMarvels Twitter @hiphopmarvels Email: hiphopmarvels@gmail.com Epic Briefs Podcast info: @epic-briefs-podcast iTunes: Epic Briefs Podcast Instagram.com/epicbriefspodcast Facebook.com/epicbriefspodcast Twitter @epicbriefspdcst Email: epicbriefspodcast@gmail LISTEN/SUBSCRIBE: iTunes, Google Play, Souncloud, Stitcher & Podcast Addict Have a question, comment or suggestion? Email us: hiphopmarvels@gmail.com The Battlegrounds Games & Comics The Tri-State Region's #1 Source for Video Games, Comic Books, Toys and Magic: The Gathering!!!! 2708 Airport Rd, Dalton, Georgia 30721 (706) 259-9704 www.thebattlegroundsgames.com ‪

Dub Floyd, Claudius Moore, Chris Evans & Jamie Peters FACE OFF AT THE BATTLEGROUNDS!!!! Well, maybe it was more of a podmash at THE BEST comic and games store around - The Battlegrounds Games and Comics in Dalton, GA!This is what we've been building up to - an alliance of humongous proportions. Hip-Hop Marvels teams up with Epic Briefs Podcast and we come together to form like Voltron to bring you an amazing episode that covers everything from hip-hop news to movie reviews. Not forgetting, some Spider-Man: Homecoming news, a quick Dragon Con 2016 review including Brett Dalton/Grant Ward from Agents of Shield's panel and what 90s hip hop jams are his favorite. Also, we had the privilege of sitting down and choppin' it up with co-owner of Battlegrounds Games and Comics, Jason Mathis, who shares a bit of insight and history about the store with us. We commemorate Batman Day with a few AWESOME Batman fans for an exciting impression contest. And there's a special announcement about our new co-host that will be hoppin' in the passenger seat of the Hip-Hop Marvels Mobile as DJ Dub Floyd's fearless sidekick!All of this and A LOT more in store, so be sure to tune in because "WE GOT IT LOCKED FROM THE BLOCK TO THE COMIC SHOP!"GRAPHICS: Miami Kaoswww.miamikaosart.comTwitter/IG: @REALMIAMIKAOS1Eric Santiagowww.Egogfx.comTwitter/IG: @EgoGraphics/@ego.graphicsMUSIC: Kreatev https://soundcloud.com/kreatevTwitter/IG: @kreatevHip-Hop Marvels info:Soundcloud.com/hip-hop-marvelsiTunes: Hip Hop Instagram.com/HipHopMarvelsFacebook.com/HipHopMarvelsTwitter @hiphopmarvels Email: hiphopmarvels@gmail.com Epic Briefs Podcast info:Soundcloud.com/epic-briefs-podcast iTunes: Epic Briefs Podcast Instagram.com/epicbriefspodcastFacebook.com/epicbriefspodcast Twitter @epicbriefspdcstEmail: epicbriefspodcast@gmailLISTEN/SUBSCRIBE: iTunes, Google Play, Souncloud, Stitcher & Podcast AddictHave a question, comment or suggestion? Email us: hiphopmarvels@gmail.comThe Battlegrounds Games & Comics The Tri-State Region's #1 Source for Video Games, Comic Books, Toys and Magic: The Gathering!!!!2708 Airport Rd, Dalton, Georgia 30721(706) 259-9704 www.thebattlegroundsgames.com‪

Back at it for episode 66 and we brought a friend! Dub Floyd, Claudius Moore, Chris Evans & Jamie Peters FACE OFF AT THE BATTLEGROUNDS!!!! Well, maybe it was more of a podmash at THE BEST comic and games store around - The Battlegrounds Games and Comics in Dalton, GA! This is what we've been building up to - an alliance of humongous proportions. Hip-Hop Marvels teams up with Epic Briefs Podcast and we come together to form like Voltron to bring you an amazing episode that covers everything from hip-hop news to movie reviews. Not forgetting, some Spider-Man: Homecoming news, a quick Dragon Con 2016 review including Brett Dalton/Grant Ward from Agents of Shield's panel and what 90s hip hop jams are his favorite. Also, we had the privilege of sitting down and choppin' it up with co-owner of Battlegrounds Games and Comics, Jason Mathis, who shares a bit of insight and history about the store with us. We commemorate Batman Day with a few AWESOME Batman fans for an exciting impression contest. And there's a special announcement about our new co-host that will be hoppin' in the passenger seat of the Hip-Hop Marvels Mobile as DJ Dub Floyd's fearless sidekick! All of this and A LOT more in store, so be sure to TUNE IN FOR SOMETHING EPIC because "WE GOT IT LOCKED FROM THE BLOCK TO THE COMIC SHOP!" GRAPHICS: Miami Kaos www.miamikaosart.com Twitter/IG: @REALMIAMIKAOS1 Eric Santiago www.Egogfx.com Twitter/IG: @EgoGraphics/@ego.graphics MUSIC: Kreatev @kreatev Twitter/IG: @kreatev Hip-Hop Marvels info: @hip-hop-marvels iTunes: Hip Hop Instagram.com/HipHopMarvels Facebook.com/HipHopMarvels Twitter @hiphopmarvels Email: hiphopmarvels@gmail.com Epic Briefs Podcast info: @epic-briefs-podcast iTunes: Epic Briefs Podcast Instagram.com/epicbriefspodcast Facebook.com/epicbriefspodcast Twitter @epicbriefspdcst Email: epicbriefspodcast@gmail LISTEN/SUBSCRIBE: iTunes, Google Play, Souncloud, Stitcher & Podcast Addict Have a question, comment or suggestion? Email us: hiphopmarvels@gmail.com The Battlegrounds Games & Comics The Tri-State Region's #1 Source for Video Games, Comic Books, Toys and Magic: The Gathering!!!! 2708 Airport Rd, Dalton, Georgia 30721 (706) 259-9704 www.thebattlegroundsgames.com ‪

How do we deal with immigration as a state? How do we create a welcoming environment for immigrants and attract the top talent? Why is The Utah Compact so important? Jason Mathis, executive director Downtown Alliance, discusses immigration, The Utah Compact and particularly the overall Utah approach.