Podcast appearances and mentions of John Henry

273. Wise Living: Why to Get Outside and Travel and Read Aloud with Amber O'Neal Johnston   “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17 NIV   *Transcription Below*   Amber O'Neal Johnston is an author, speaker, and Charlotte Mason homeschooling mom who blends life-giving books and a culturally rich environment for her four children and others seeking to do the same. She recommends we offer children opportunities to see themselves and others reflected in their lessons, especially throughout their books, and she's known for sharing literary “mirrors and windows” on HeritageMom.com and @heritagemomblog. Amber is also the author of Soul School: Taking Kids on a Joy-Filled Journey Through the Heart of Black American Culture and A Place to Belong, a guide for families of all backgrounds on raising kids to celebrate their heritage, community, and the world.   www.HeritageMom.com www.SoulSchoolBook.com www.APlaceToBelongBook.com www.instagram.com/heritagemomblog www.facebook.com/heritagemomblog   Thank You to Our Sponsor:  Sam Leman Eureka   Questions that We Discussed: Looking back, what would you say has helped to shape your children's character the most? What have you learned about the importance of getting our kids (and ourselves) out into nature? How do you actually make time to be a content creator and to also homeschool and travel and host?   Other Related Episodes from The Savvy Sauce: 53 Practical Life Tips with Blogger, Rach Kincaid 57 Implementing Bite-Size Habits That Will Change Your Life with Author, Blogger, Podcaster, and Speaker, Kat Lee 82 Traveling with Your Family with Katie Mueller 84 Ordering Your Priorities with Kat Lee 103 Making Family Memories with Jessica Smartt 200 Planting Seeds of Faith in Our Children with Courtney DeFeo 204 Charlotte Mason Inspired Mini-Series: A Delectable Education with Emily Kiser 207 Cultivating Character in Our Children with Cynthia Yanof 212 School Series: Benefits of Homeschooling with Jodi Mockabee 253 Low Tech Parenting with Erin Loechner   Connect with The Savvy Sauce Our Website, Instagram or Facebook    Please help us out by sharing this episode with a friend, leaving a 5-star rating and review, and subscribing to this podcast!   Gospel Scripture: (all NIV) Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”   Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”   Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”    Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”    Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”    Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”    John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”   Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”    Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”   Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”   Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.”   Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”   Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“   Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“   Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”   *Transcription*   Music: (0:00 – 0:09)   Laura Dugger: (0:11 - 2:01) Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, where we have practical chats for intentional living. I'm your host, Laura Dugger, and I'm so glad you're here.   The principles of honesty and integrity that Sam Leman founded his business on continue today over 55 years later at Sam Leman Chevrolet Inc. in Eureka. Owned and operated by the Burchie family, Sam Leman's in Eureka appreciates the support they've received from their customers all over central Illinois and beyond. Visit them today at LehmanGM.com.   Amber O'Neal Johnston is my fascinating guest for today. She's an author and speaker and coach and she's just chosen to live a very wise life as a wife and mother, and I think you're going to enjoy gleaning practical tips such as the benefits of getting our children out in nature regardless of their age. She has teens and makes this super practical for things that they would enjoy too, and she shares these incredible benefits of what happens when we simply step outdoors. She's also going to share approachable ways to introduce our family to great art and other cultures, and she gives us a fabulous book list, so, make sure you stay tuned through the end of the episode so that you can see some of the top books that she recommends. Finally, if you don't have a copy of her own latest release entitled Soul School, I highly recommend you purchase that today. Here's our chat.   Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, Amber.   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (2:02 - 2:04) Thank you so much. I'm so happy to be here.   Laura Dugger: (2:04 - 2:14) Well, I'd love for you just to start us off and introduce us to your family, and will you just share a glimpse of your values and lifestyle?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (2:15 - 3:48) Absolutely. So, I live outside of Atlanta, Georgia with my husband Scott and our four children. We are just entering birthday season, but shortly they will be 16, 14, 12, and 10. The girls are the two oldest. The boys are the two youngest, and they've been homeschooled from the beginning, so, we're a homeschooling family. I'm originally from Illinois. My husband's originally from Ohio, but we met here in Atlanta at the High Museum of Art, which is really special. We are art loving, you know, fine arts loving, liberal arts loving family, and so, the idea that we met at the museum, I will just cherish that forever. I came to, before homeschooling, I was a stay-at-home mom, and prior to having children, I have an MBA, and I worked in corporate America in like marketing and advertising, and Scott comes from a similar background with the MBA, and he was doing work in that area too, so, we had that as a connection point, but I have always stayed home with the kids, and you know, our values are rooted in our Christian faith, and we're an African-American family, and so, we have values and cultural aspects that enter our home through that avenue as well. We are world travelers, so, we enjoy that as part of who we are, and I'm an author and a speaker, and I'm just a very happy homeschooler.   Laura Dugger: (3:48 - 4:12) I love that, and it sounds like such a rich and abundant life, and there's two little connections that I have to go back to. My husband and I had a date at that same museum. I love that you met your husband there. Oh wow, that's wild! And so, we met when we were in Atlanta, but live in Illinois now, so, which part of Illinois were you originally from?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (4:12 - 4:33) I'm from Elgin, Illinois. It's out past O'Hare Airport, and I was born and raised there. My parents were both public school principals there. My dad was principal of Elgin High, and there's actually an elementary school, Ron O'Neal Elementary School in Elgin, named after my father, so, that is where I'm from.   Laura Dugger: (4:33 - 4:46) Wow, okay, so, then even with that piece, your father being a principal, and then you said you've homeschooled since the beginning. Did you always anticipate you would homeschool, or what was your journey into that?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (4:47 - 7:15) Oh my gosh, never, and it's both of my parents were principals, so, that's wild. My grandfather was an elected school board official. My sister was an elected school board official, so, public school is just, you know, in my blood from the very beginning, and that's what I assumed I would do for my kids at first. Once Scott and I got married, and we had discussed it, we decided that I would stay home when they were little, and when they were old enough to go to school, I would go back to work, and my salary would pay for private Christian school tuition, and as the years, you know, months really came to fruition for my oldest, my husband started backpedaling, and he started talking this crazy talk about homeschooling. I'm like, that's a switcheroo for you. What are you talking about? I was like, that's weird. I don't want to do that. I don't feel called to do that. That does not seem like a comfortable space for me. I don't want my kids to endure that, and ultimately, I lacked confidence in that. I couldn't even articulate it. It felt scary, terrifying. Why would I take something so weighty into my own hands, and Scott was very persistent, and I can't even explain why he was so persistent about it, but I think to me, I feel like it was planted in him by the Lord, and he felt that this was the way he wanted to lead his family, and he did it so graciously because I was very resistant. He asked, would you please try it for one year, and if you are unhappy, you don't think it's right. I'll never ask you about it again, and that gave me a softer place to land where I felt like it wasn't signing up for a long-term commitment because I knew I was going to hate it, and I said, sure. I will do that, and oh, my gosh. It was the most amazing year, and I laugh now because my daughter was four, so, she's like four and turned five during that year, and so, she was so young, and people were like, well, what were you really doing, but I took it so seriously. I was doing all things, and I joined a homeschool support group, and I was reading about it, and I realized on Friday, I'm a stay-at-home mom, and on Monday, I took on this identity of a homeschooling mom, and it's just been a beautiful journey for us. I'm so thankful that the Lord led Scott in that way. He knew what was right, not just for our children, but for me, too, when I had no vision for it, and so, I'm just, you know, very grateful.   Laura Dugger: (7:16 - 7:30) I love that story. That's such an encouragement, and, okay, your oldest is turning 16, so, when you look back, what would you say has helped shape your children's character the most?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (7:32 - 9:29) Well, I think the time that we've all had to spend together, like intense amounts of time, so, not just quality time or quantity time, but both, and I think that there's nothing else I could have done that could replace that, so, I think that's one of the things. I think my own acceptance of the divine nature of me being their mother and those being my children, and really that leading me to embrace my mother's intuition, which is something that I was hesitant for at first because there are so many experts, and surely they know so much more than me, and that's not to say that that's not important. I read so widely. I'm always reading expert ideas and views, but what I realized is that those things can help me as tools. They can mentor me, but they can't master me because the master has already appointed me as the perfect mom for these children, and nobody knows them, the little tiny details of them that nobody knows more than me, and so, when I leaned into that and I'm like, yeah, this says this online, this book said that, this thing says that, I can take what I can from those, but ultimately I feel the spirit telling me and leading me in this way with these children, and when I really leaned into that, I have a right to do that. I am their mother. That revolutionized things, and I think that's what's helped shape my children's character the most is my willingness to lean into how I'm led to lead them, and so, that's been a motherhood journey for me, and I hope that it's a legacy that I leave with my children.   Laura Dugger: (9:31 - 9:53) And do you have any specific stories that come to mind that were examples of that mother's intuition, something that really I think it is such a gift from the Lord and that the Holy Spirit speaks to us in some unique way as mothers to be in tune with our kids, so, is there a time that it really benefited them when you exercised your mother's intuition?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (9:53 - 12:42) Well, there was one time with my third, my son, my oldest son, his name is Beckett, and he was in the high chair eating while I was braiding my daughter's hair, and I heard him start making like these really weird noises, and I looked over and it was like he was choking and gagging, and I run over, and but he seemed fine, but then he would do it again, and he started sweating, and you know today I really would say, you should call 9-1-1, but I didn't, I threw all the kids in the car, and I rushed to the ER, and when we got there he wasn't choking anymore, he wasn't sweating, they did his vitals and everything, and they said, well mom, whatever happened passed, he's fine, and you guys can go home, and I was like, no, he's not fine, I'm looking at him, he's not my little boy, his vitals are checking out, but he's not looking at me the way he normally looks at me, he's not interacting with me, the little funny things that I can make him smile all the time, he's not responding to them, and so, like, I know you have your tests, but like my, I'm telling you something's wrong with my little boy, so, they have a doctor, he comes in to tell me everything's fine, and he's sending me home, and so, I was like, well I'm not leaving, I'll just spend the night in the ER then with all my kids, because I know something's wrong, and the doctor, who's this older man, he turns to me, he looks me in my eyes, and he says, you know, in all my years of medical training, there's something that they never told us, but something I've learned throughout my career, never doubt a mother's intuition, and he said, we'll take him and run more tests, and they took Beckett back to run more tests, and they came back and said, you were right, he has swallowed a coin, and it's like just teetering on the precipice, and so, at times it was blocking his airway, and at times it was shifted a little bit, and we have to go in immediately and get it, and that could have choked him, if you had just gone home and put him down to bed, and so, in that story, I took away two things, one, that I am his mother, and I don't care what the test says, or what the data says, or what the news, or a book, at the end of the day, I knew that something was wrong with my boy, the other thing is the graciousness of that doctor, to see my humanity and my personhood beyond just the insurance payment, or protocol, or whatever, it let me know that like there's something powerful about letting other people know that you see them, and that you are connected to them, as another part of God's creation, like he respected me on that level, so.   Laura Dugger: (12:43 - 13:35) That is incredible, I'm so grateful that that story has a happy ending, and that you were assertive to say that, I think sometimes as women, probably especially as Christian women, we can think, oh I want to be nice, or not push back on somebody, but I love that you were assertive, it was what was in your child's best interest, and like you highlighted, that doctor's humility is admirable, but Amber, you mentioned too that you're a writer, and you contribute a lot to things like the Wild and Free bundles, and I was always struck by the way that you would be out in nature, and there's so much to learn, so, if you had to boil it down, what wisdom would you have to share from what you've learned about the importance of getting our kids and ourselves outdoors into nature?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (13:36 - 16:49) Yeah, that's so funny, I love that you asked me that, because I like to tell people I was raised in the air conditioning, and so, there is no one who began motherhood further away from nature and being outdoors than me, like, and I can look back at those early days of like, I knew you could take your kids to the playground, and I did do that, but like what else would you do outside, you know, and people would be like, oh we went hiking on this trail, and I was like, where did you get on it, like where do you find a trailhead, like I mean this is back, like this is where I was coming from, and I was just like, and then what would we do, like we just walk, and do we talk about trees, I don't know any trees, I know Christmas trees are evergreens, you know, so, it was just like coming from this very like foundational place where I didn't know anything, but I believed, right, I believed, I somehow inherently believed when I read that being outdoors was important for children, so, I'm reading Charlotte Mason's work, and she's talking about nature study, I'm reading Last Child in the Woods by Louvre, and I'm hearing about this, he calls it a nature deficit disorder, and I'm reading all of these different kind of people who really respected childhood, and personhood, and really wanted the best for children, I'm reading a Christian perspective of the joy in connecting with God's creation, first and foremost, but also this idea of encouraging natural and authentic physical activity, running, climbing, balancing, exploring, developing coordination, and confidence, and the mental health components, you know, reducing stress, and improving mood, and not just for the kids, but my friend from A Thousand Hours Outside, she talks about how the first time she like took her kids out for the whole day, it was for her, because she was going crazy with these all these little kids, and the house, and the bags, and the diaper bag, and the snacks, and she didn't know what else to do, so, she just went outside, and how healing that was, and therapeutic that was for all of them, the idea of curiosity, of fueling curiosity, and creativity, I've never seen my kids come up with the most, I mean, they come up with imaginative things in our house, but outside, the, oh my goodness, the things they come up with, the things they create, and make, and the storytelling that comes out of that, and I think the family bonds, our experiences, it's another way of memory making, I mean, we make memories when we go see plays, and musicals, and travel as well, so, it's not the only way, but it's a strong way of that shared outdoor adventures, so, like a couple weeks ago, we were all whitewater rafting, it's funny, like a lot of funny things happen when you're out there doing crazy stuff, and so, we have a lot of laughter, and we have a lot of inside jokes that come from our time together, so, I think that all of those, it's not just one thing, it's one of those rare things where there are all the pros, and there really are no cons, and so, I intentionally embrace that for my family, even though it's everything that I didn't have growing up.   Laura Dugger: (16:50 - 17:41) Wow, that is so interesting, I love how books have really inspired you to make changes that have benefited your entire family, and I'm thinking back years ago when I was in grad school, studying marriage and family therapy, there was this book that we read, Letters to a Young Therapist, I believe the author is Mary Pipher, and she said something that I found to be very true in my life, she said, from childhood when we all look back, our memories typically boil down to three categories, one is family dinners around the table, the second is traveling with our family, and the third is anytime we were outdoors, and so, I'm wondering that legacy that you're giving your kids, they're going to have an abundance of memories in all three of those buckets.   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (17:42 - 18:29) Yeah, I love that, and I had never read that, it's making me want to go and read her work, but I can't agree more, I mean that's what I've seen anecdotally, at least in my family, and it's definitely been the case for us, I can totally see that, the other thing I love about outdoors too is it's free, you know, so, there have, we've had times of plenty and times of not quite enough financially throughout our journey, due to layoffs, and you know, recessions, and all these different things, but that has been one thing that the travel hasn't always been as consistent as we wanted, but the nature, the time outside has always been accessible, even during COVID, that was accessible to us, so, I love it for that too, but yeah, that's really cool.   Laura Dugger: (18:29 - 18:41) Absolutely, okay, so, you started with, you were getting some inspiration from different books and speakers, but then when did you actually implement this? Do you remember how old your kids were?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (18:42 - 20:11) Right away, so, my oldest was like four, five years old, and we started going outside, now again, we had always been going to the park, so, they had been spending a lot of time outside, but I will say like that's like a very, you know, man-made structures, and you know, I can't think of it, like very cultivated space, so, we weren't spending time in uncultivated space until around there, so, maybe a four-year-old, two-year-old, and infant, and I know they started growing up in that way, and I had kids in an ergo on the back, and I remember hiking with a kid in an ergo on the front, and then snapped another one on the back, and you know, these are memories I have of being outdoors thoroughly by the time the boys were coming along, and I remember the story where we were at a creek, and I looked up for a moment, and just sheer panic that my little boy was gone, he wasn't in my eyesight anymore, and the girls were playing there, and I'm like, you know, and I look, and look, and look, and there's nothing, and no one, and all I can think you sees in the water, and I wasn't paying attention, and my heart's racing, and I'm like, girls, where's your brother? And my daughter says, mommy, he's sleeping on your back. And I'm like, oh my gosh, I just think, like, I was so tired during those years, and I just remember, I would just think, let's just go outside, and some days that's just the most I could come up with, but yeah, I was freaking out, and the little boy was sleeping on my back.   Laura Dugger: (20:12 - 21:50) And now a brief message from our sponsor.   Sam Leman Chevrolet in Eureka has been owned and operated by the Burchie family for over 25 years. A lot has changed in the car business since Sam and Stephen's grandfather, Sam Leman, opened his first Chevrolet dealership over 55 years ago.   If you visit their dealership today though, you'll find that not everything has changed. They still operate their dealership like their grandfather did, with honesty and integrity. Sam and Stephen understand that you have many different choices in where you buy or service your vehicle. This is why they do everything they can to make the car buying process as easy and hassle-free as possible. They are thankful for the many lasting friendships that began with a simple welcome to Sam Leman's. Their customers keep coming back because they experience something different.   I've known Sam and Stephen and their wives my entire life, and I can vouch for their character and integrity, which makes it easy to highly recommend you check them out today. Your car buying process doesn't have to be something you dread, so, come see for yourself at Sam Leman Chevrolet in Eureka. Sam and Stephen would love to see you, and they appreciate your business. Learn more at their website, LehmanEureka.com, or visit them on Facebook by searching for Sam Leman Eureka. You can also call them at 309-467-2351. Thanks for your sponsorship.   I'm wondering too, so, when you began, what did you start with? What did you do outside?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (21:51 - 24:13) So, we started with walking, and I also was very verbal about my, what I felt were my inadequacies with friends, and that's why, you know, I can't overemphasize the, I haven't brought that up yet, but the idea of community. You don't need a hundred friends, just a few people who either are doing the same thing as you, have done it, or know you personally so well. But I had a friend who was like this outdoor enthusiast, and I always admired her for that, and she'd be like, oh, I went to the hydrangeas, they're coming out today, and they're gonna bloom for four days, and you know, like, and she would be like, oh, do you want some wild blueberries? And I'd be looking at her with side eye, like, girl, I only eat blueberries from Publix, because how do I know that you know what you're doing? You know, those could be poisonous berries you identified wrong. So, we had this kind of ongoing thing, I just asked her, I was like, hey, could we go outside with you guys sometimes? And she was like, of course. So, our first hike was with her and her kids, and she showed me how to go outside and do nothing. Like, we didn't do anything, we just walked. And the kids let us, you know, they would stop and ponder things and ask questions, which she knew the answers to, but wouldn't answer. So, she was like, well, what do you think? Or that's something cool we can investigate, or whatever. So, I realized, wow, here's this expert naturalist who's not even using her expertise. I don't have any expertise, so I could do the same thing. Well, what do you think about that? So, the kids let us, we stopped when they stopped, we kept going when they kept going. We had plenty of water and snacks, which she had told me, which was important. And that was my first thing. It was a hike. And after that, I only went back to that place by myself with my kids without her, because that was the only trail I knew. I knew where to park and where to go, and I felt confident. And then lo and behold, I run into Charlotte Mason's work, where she talks about returning to the same place throughout the year, and having your kids compare what's happening their season to season. And so, different rationale for why I was doing that. But then I was like, look, there's beauty, even in the simplicity of me not knowing what else to do. So, that's kind of how we got into it. And then I started having more experience and going out and being more adventurous further away from home with my kids.   Laura Dugger: (24:14 - 24:24) Okay, so, then what other ways has it evolved? You mentioned whitewater rafting. So, you've got teens now. What does your time outdoors look like in this phase?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (24:25 - 26:02) So, lots of camping. So, you know, Memorial Day weekend, you know, we were camping in yurts with friends. This past weekend, we camped, we had a big Juneteenth celebration, and then we went camping for Juneteenth weekend. And so, I would say that kayaking, paddle boards, we have paddle boards, we take out fishing, I hate fishing personally, don't like it at all. But two of my kids enjoy fishing. So, I'm there for that. I'll just bring a book or whatever, because it's quite boring to me, but they love it. So, we moved. I mean, how much of a commitment is that we moved to a different house, when we were able to have our whole property is forest floor. So, it's completely shaded and intertwined with trees and plants and a kind of wild scape. And across the road is a lake where the boys can fish and I can call their names for lunch and they can hear me now. I have to yell it loud. It's kind of country. Other people probably like what is going on? I'm like, you know, but they can hear me right there. And so, the creek and just really everything. A lot, a lot of hiking, I will say we live near a mountain and we're in Georgia. So, the North Georgia mountains are not far from us. We have Appalachia or Appalachia, as my friend said, I mispronounce it. And yeah, there's nothing that isn't my one of my first dates with Scott was whitewater rafting. So, we've always kind of embraced that.   Laura Dugger: (26:03 - 26:37) Oh, that's a special way to tie in a married couple memory with your kids and get to pass that along. And water and mountains, those things are, they never get old. But I've heard others even say like, you don't have to take stuff other than water and snacks, like you mentioned, to go outside. But I like the practical tips that sometimes people take art supplies, and they can nature journal or a book to read aloud. Do you have any other practical tips like that, that you would encourage if somebody wanted to get started with this lifestyle?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (26:38 - 28:47) Yeah, I would say, um, we, okay, the best thing I can say is to just try it like I think that oftentimes I know my I'm like this, you want to try to be an expert at something before you actually put it into practice. And the point is, like, we're looking at someone's work or something that they're doing after years that they've been in practice. And then we're expecting to do that from the very beginning. And until we get there, we don't want to do it. So, for example, nature study, nature journaling, I always admired nature journaling. But when you look at people's nature journals that they people who are willing to share, there's usually a reason they're willing to share theirs because it looks beautiful. And mine didn't also look beautiful. But I was still willing to give it a try. And I love that. And I love my kids, what they've worked on. And I cherish all of our early beginning sketches. And quite honestly, I'm still not great. But I think having tools like watercolor pens and water pens where we can do watercolor on the go. And we've done many pictures out by the side of the creek on picnic blankets, especially like my older children while younger people are like, What do I do with these little ones like water, you know, like they love that splashing, making sandcastles and things while I'm painting or doing things watercolors with the with the older ones. And were they museum worthy? No. But there was a lot of enjoyment involved in a skill-based learning. So, I think asking questions and inquiry, using pictures, sure and painting, but also keeping track of things the the date that our cherry blossoms bloom, and our white cherry blossom blooms before the pink one every year and keeping track of that or paying trying to map all of the vegetation in our yard like we are, you know, know which trees what they're called where they come from that takes time. And those are things we've done. It's not like we're only just sitting there barefoot grounding ourselves and forest bathing. You know, we're out there learning as well. And I think that, you know, both are beautiful ways to enter into that.   Laura Dugger: (28:48 - 29:34) I love it. There's so many benefits. And you even mention grounding that helps so much going barefoot with inflammation and different body systems that are reset even by getting out and getting early morning light and the serotonin that's produced that turns into melatonin at night. So, we're happier in the day and sleepier at night, resetting systems in our eyes and like healing our body in different ways to an even how much better outdoor air is for us than indoor air. The benefits just go on and on. So, would you have any to add that either your family has experienced personally, or you've learned about just benefits of getting outdoors?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (29:34 - 31:29) Yeah, I think that one, even, you know, all the things you said, yes, and also the mental clarity. And that's why I don't like being time outdoors, being tied to a negative consequence for academic related behavior. So, the house across the road from ours, you know, I could say ironically, or just be like, God chose to gift us. It's a homeschooling family. They moved in a couple years ago, and they have some kids are some of our kids are similar ages. And our boys are just outside all the time together hours and hours and hours every single day. And I see the difference on days where the weather doesn't permit it or where one family or the other, you know, isn't available. There's a difference in terms of clarity and the work that's happening at the lesson table as well. And this came up, you know, my nephew, you know, they're not homeschooled, and his parents took him on a trip, which caused him to miss a day of school. And he missed an assignment that day, he didn't turn it in. And so, the school then when he got back to school punished him by keeping him indoors for recess. And I was helping, you know, my family craft a note that talks about two things. One, they punished a child for a decision the parents made. And that is grossly unfair, they should be talking to the parents about not missing school, if that's the important thing. And the second thing is, you took away the very thing that allows these children to have what they need to sit quietly and take in, you know, that that's not, that's not how you that's not an appropriate consequence. So, anyway, I feel that the mental clarity beyond the things I would have named the same things you already said, it would be the only other thing that I would bring in and why time outside actually helps us to achieve deeper and broader and more expansive learning when we are inside.   Laura Dugger: (31:29 - 31:54) That's good. And I love how you keep mentioning the piece of community that that's the best way to do this. So, regardless of somebody homeschools, or they don't, how can all of us actually prioritize this? And what's a good, healthy goal for getting started, even as specific as how much time outdoors, how many outdoors or how many days a week should we be outdoors?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (31:55 - 33:01) Yeah, that's, it's so different for every family, I think that you should go just past the point of comfort, you know, for most of us. So, if the point of comfort for you is like 30 minutes a week, then you would start out like aim for an hour a week, you know, 20 minutes, three days, if you're already outside for, you know, 10 hours, a couple hours each day, you know, I would say, maybe shake it up with what you're doing and see what would it be like to go on a really long outdoor excursion on a Saturday, or to take a day off or something like that. So, I don't want to say an exact number, because we're all entering in at a different place. For me, if someone had told me to spend eight hours outside with my kids, when I was first starting, and I'm used to going to playground for 20 minutes, that would have been overwhelming. And I would have been like; there's no way I'm ever gonna do it. So, I think like, just taking it, like, where do I feel most comfortable? And how can I push myself just past that point would be a great place to start and kind of a nice place to always stay? Like, what's the next thing that we can do to lean further into this?   Laura Dugger: (33:02 - 33:15) That's really good, very wise counsel. And Amber, you've mentioned that your family loves to travel. So, will you share any adventures that you've had as a family with world schooling?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (33:16 - 36:20) So, our goal, and it's just a fun thing, you know, I don't know if we'll totally do it, but I think we will, is to have children. So, for us, world schooling is where we're not on vacation, but we're actually deeply immersed in a learning stance in another country, another part of the world. And we're trying to do that on every continent, except Antarctica, before my oldest graduates. So, we have two continents left, we are going to be going to Asia in the fall. So, we'll be taking that one off of our list and for that particular feat. And then her senior year, we'll do Australia and hop over to New Zealand. That's the plan, if it's God's will for us to do that, that's what we would like to do, and that will complete our journey. And then we'll keep traveling, but that was just kind of a fun thing to help lead us, because there are so many places in the world to go, like how do you know? And so, that kind of helped us know, well, let's do this continent, let's do that continent. So, we took our first trip, we spent three months in South America, most of it spent in Bolivia. And I can tell you exactly the kids' ages, because my youngest turned two in Bolivia. So, they were two, four, six, and then one turned eight there. And so, that was, you know, diapers, I had a baby in diapers, a little one in diapers and still nursing when we went on our first trip. And I've never regretted that. People have said, why would you take kids so young? You know, they're not going to remember. And I think a couple thoughts. One, you'd be surprised, they do remember. They may not remember this artifact in some museum, but that's not what we spend most of our time doing. But they remember the people. And we've kept in touch with a lot of the people that we've met in these different countries. And we've even had visitors in our home, staying in our basement apartment that we met abroad. So, they do remember. They remember how things feel and taste more than they remember exactly, like historical markers and things like that. Also, I kind of compare it to like breastfeeding and nursing, like my kids, except for one little boy who held on way too long, but they don't remember that. But I believed that it was something good for them that was forming. It was helping to form who they were, not so much who they were personality wise, but their bodies as they were growing. And so, sometimes we do things that are foundational to our children's development, even if they don't have a conscious and direct memory of that thing. And that's how I see world travel. So, we've been to Europe, and we were in Greece when COVID hit. We were in the middle of a big trip there. So, we had the whole struggle to get back to the United States. We've been to West Africa, most spent in Ghana, England, France. We're going to Ethiopia this year. So, yeah, that's kind of, that's our thing.   Laura Dugger: (36:20 - 37:04) Wow. And those memories are incredible. Even let's say your children forget some of this, or if they're too young to remember all of it, you remember this and you get to share those stories with them and pass that along. I can't even imagine all of the learning that takes place from being immersed in those other cultures. But you also mentioned welcoming people into your basement apartment. So, you sound hospitable as a family. What does that actually look like? And I'm kind of going to throw two questions at you. What does that actually look like? And then both for world schooling and hospitality, what are tips for ways we can replicate that as well?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (37:06 - 39:52) So, one thing that's important to me to always share about world schooling, I have a whole chapter about our world schooling adventures in my first book, but one important thing that I call out there is Eli Gerzen. He's the guy who came up with the word world schooling. And he says, you know, we don't even need a passport to do it. That world schooling is really learning from the world around you. It could be your local library. It could be the internet. It could be your neighbors. And so, while I use this more global term of world schooling, because that's just what we call it in our family, the truth of the matter is it's a way of seeing the world and seeing all the opportunity to make connections right where you're sitting. And people are like, oh, you guys have so much money. I can't do that. First of all, we don't have so much money. Like, for instance, we have one car, right? So, there are sacrifices that we make that other people may choose to spend their money in a different way. So, we definitely don't have a ton of money. But more importantly, I'm thinking, yeah, you're saying that you don't have money, but how much have you explored your county? Like, what do you know about the history of your county? And have you been to your local historical society? And have you really, you know, got in? Have you been to an old the oldest cemetery within driving distance of your home? Have you gotten a tour of it to hear the stories of who's there? Like, you can have that same inquiry and curiosity without ever leaving. So, I'll say that first. And in terms of the hospitality part, it's like an it's an intention, right? You have to like, decide that you're going to do that, because it's so much easier not to have people at first view, like, oh, my house is not clean, and blah, blah, blah. And people don't just stop by the way they used to stop by, like my grandparents' house, it was so fun staying there in the summer, because people just folks just came in and out all day, just they come calling is what they call it, they come calling. And even when we read Jane Austin, people leaving the call guard, you know, when they came to visit, and you weren't there, like, there was this idea that you didn't have to have an appointment. And now you do, you have to let someone know before you're coming. So, it's a choice to be vulnerable, if you want to be hospitable in that way that people will see your, you know, dirty bones of your house. And you know that you're not always presenting this, like really sanitized version of your family and your family life. And so, I think that's intentional decision to say it's more important to us to be with other people and let them in than it is for us to always sanitize everything before they get here. And I don't mean sanitizes and clean the house that too, but I mean sanitizes and everyone's behaving the way that I want them to behave in front of people and all of that as well.   Laura Dugger: (39:53 - 41:05) When was the first time you listened to an episode of The Savvy Sauce? How did you hear about our podcast? Did a friend share it with you? Will you be willing to be that friend now and text five other friends or post on your socials anything about The Savvy Sauce that you love? If you share your favorite episodes, that is how we continue to expand our reach and get the good news of Jesus Christ in more ears across the world. So, we need your help.   Another way to help us grow is to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts. Each of these suggestions will cost you less than a minute, but it will be a great benefit to us. Thank you so much for being willing to be generous with your time and share. We appreciate you.   Well, and I think it is a biblical command for all of us and it does bless the person or the people that we are hosting, but there are also rewards for us in the process. So, if you even just could think of one reward of a way that this hospitality has blessed your family, what would you say?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (41:07 - 41:55) Well, I would say John chapter five, it says, you know, this verse we've all heard, "I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit apart from me, you can do nothing." So, you know, when we talk about hospitality, we spend a lot of time talking about what my family is doing for other people. But also, that means that my family is constantly in contact with other believers and other people who are helping us with our faith to helping us to remain connected to Jesus. And without that connection, we know that there's nothing that we can do, nothing of any spiritual significance. So, while I'm inviting those people into our lives, it also ensures that my family is not alone in what we're trying to do in our faith. So, like, that's one of a very easy benefit, I can say right off the top.   Laura Dugger: (41:56 - 42:18) Then that one is truly invaluable for our children to get to witness the way other people live out their faith, and it impacts each of us. But I'm also curious, how do you manage your time so that you can be a content creator, and you can homeschool and travel and cultivate these relationships?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (42:20 - 46:08) So, first, let me say that it's not always easy. And there are seasons where I feel like I'm doing a really good job with that. And there are seasons where I feel like I'm not doing a good job. I always prioritize my family first. And so, during the seasons where I feel like I'm not doing a good job, it's very public. People can see I did not post on Instagram for a month, or I'm not speaking as much. They're finding it harder to find opportunities to hear me speak, or I have a long lull before books are published. Those are times where I've turned inward towards my family, where I felt like I didn't have the bandwidth for everything. And so, that's something I have to deal with on a constant basis, because I know that my business or my ministry is not as rich and robust as it could be. I have ideas for days. I have ideas and the ability to bring them to fruition. But I'm not willing to sacrifice the time that it takes to do those things in this season. Because even though I don't have little kids, I definitely have more time than I did when I had little kids. It's not even just time; it's more mind clarity as well. But I don't have as much time as people with little kids would think, because I want to be fully present, even for my teens. When they want to talk to me, I want to be talkable too. I want to be available to them. And we're going to places. We're doing things. They're busy. I'm busy. And I'm trying to prepare them for young adulthood. And that's just as time-consuming as trying to prepare my young children for the next stage of their development. So, I guess it's so messy. Oh my gosh, it's messy. It's chaotic. It's a little bit crazy. But in the center of it all, I really appreciate the opportunities I do have to do the things that help refuel, help me refuel. So, I'm a writer. So, writing isn't just about creating a book. It's that I get to create a book, but really it's about the process and how cathartic it is for me to sit in silence and wonder about things and be able to write them out. And oh, lo and behold, there's a publisher who is interested in publishing those things. But the real work for me is in the process of writing. Then when I come home from a coffee shop or I emerge from my room, I come back more enthusiastic about what it is we're working on and what we're doing. The other thing that I would share is that I don't do all of that stuff by myself. So, things that people don't, just like I say, I have one car and we travel the world, people are like, oh, okay, this is not what I thought. My husband does all the laundry, every piece of laundry in this house that the teens do their own, but all the laundry that's done, he does and has done for over a decade. So, that's a thing I have to say, because you might be picturing that I'm doing all of those things. Or when I wrote one of my books, I was struggling and Scott was like, how can I help you? And he was like, what if we get help to come in with the kids like a nanny or something a few hours a week? I'm like, no, that's the last thing I want somebody to touch. So, he's like, well, what is it? So, we hired a chef, and she would prepare all of our dinners according to like what I, how I like my family to eat and lots of whole foods and good things. And she would drop them off at our house. It was very expensive, but I used part of the money from the advance from the publisher to pay for that so that I could write the book. So, I think those are things that a lot of times people don't talk about, but I have support in place. I'm not super woman any more than anyone else.   Laura Dugger: (46:08 - 46:49) Oh, I appreciate that real picture and those creative ideas because as mothers, we don't just make goals for ourselves. Like you said, we have these dreams and ideas that we could put into practice, but we consider our relationships as well and how it will impact everyone. So, I love hearing practically how that plays out for you and the trade-offs that you've chosen to make. And I know that you and I also share a passion for reading aloud. So, if we could get really practical for a moment, what are some of your most recommended read aloud for families from a variety of age groups?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (46:50 - 53:05) Well, I'm always ready for that question, but I have to say, it's almost asking me, which of my children are my favorite? It's so hard in so many ways, but for younger elementary, I picked three books that I think kind of help show how expansive I feel like I want my children's reading life to be. So, this book is called Indigo Dreaming, and it's a book about two girls, one's in North America and another one we can believe is off the coast of Africa. And they're both doing what they do in their own homes. And it's beautifully illustrated also, but they're both doing what they do in their own homes while wondering, is there another little girl in this world doing what I do, liking what I like? Well, indeed there is. And it's poetic and it has soft paintings. It's just stunning. And then another one is called The Magic Doll. It's a children's book inspired by African art. And in this book, the mother desperately wants to have a child, but she's dealing with infertility, and she turns to the use of an infertility doll. And what would I say about that? My family doesn't believe that, but it's a book that I read with my children because we were going to visit this culture. And I wanted to explain to them how we can respect something and learn about it even without adopting it. And that you can understand the yearning of a mother's heart to hold a child in her hand and the desperation that that could bring about. And I wanted them to know that we would see fertility dolls there and what they meant and things like that. And it's also beautifully illustrated, which is important to me. And then this one's just a fun book. It's called I Had a Favorite Dress, but as the dress starts getting too small, she cuts it and turns it into a skirt. And then it gets turned into this. And then the little, small piece gets turned into some socks. And then it's just a little scarf and snip, snip, sew, sew, pretty hair bow. And so, the same piece of fabric, this favorite dress she had, every time she can't use it in that way anymore, it gets moved and shifted. Into something else. And this book reminds me to just, you know, sometimes we share heavier topics with our children, even beautiful topics, but sometimes it's just joy. Like that's the whole purpose of the book is to smile and have fun. And I'll move more quickly for the older elementary books. I have this book called Schomburg. It's a nonfiction book about Arturo Schomburg and the man who built a library, which is now housed. His home library is now housed as part of the collection of the public library system in New York. And he collected books about all types of black and brown people. And it was considered one of the foremost library collections. So, as a book lover, I love that story. This one's called Heart and Soul. It's the story of America and African Americans with stunning illustrations by Kadir Nelson. So, I love visual art. I always say my family, we can't afford to buy the most exquisite art for our walls, but we have an exquisite art collection through our picture books that I've collected. And then the last one is for that group is John Henry by Julius Lester and Jerry Pinkney illustrations. So, those are two powerhouses of African American author and illustrator. Both have passed. And it is the tall tale of John Henry told in a way that you've never seen before. For older kids, like middle schoolers, I love this one Big Open Sky because it's about some black exodusters who are moving west. And it goes so well for families who love Little House on the Prairie. But, you know, Little House on the Prairie, in some ways, there's some instances that are a little disrespectful to Native Americans and black people. And this is like a redemptive story, not instead of but alongside of it to say that there were black people that were also moving westward and what was their journey. And it's written in verse, like, oh, my gosh, I can't even tell you enough about that. This book, The Angel Orphan, my friend Leah Bowden wrote this book, and it's the story of Charlotte Mason. So, in chapter book form. So, there's also a picture book that someone wrote, but this is a beautiful story about Charlotte Mason. And my family's all-time favorite on my kids read aloud is The Winged Feather Saga by Andrew Peterson. And that whole series, oh, my goodness, that cemented so much of our family lexicon, because it's filled with like made up words. And it I mean, we have jokes and talks and sayings for days coming out of that series. For our older teenagers, um, or even early elementary, early middle school and early teenage years, the Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry is just like a such a classic, Mildred D. Taylor that many of us read. But she also wrote a young adult version where Cassie is entering young adulthood. So, different age audiences, but same author. And a lot of people haven't heard of the other book All the Days Past, All the Days to Come. So, for high school, I love that. And then I threw a couple things in for mama. I'm an epic story of called Homegoing about two sisters and the different paths their lives take during a time I'm part of it is told in Africa and part of its told in the United States. And the last book I have is this memoir, A Black Mother's Garden. It's called Soil. And she uses her actual real garden at her home to kind of give us this idea of life. And it's, it's, you know, it's, it's hard to explain, but it's her it's part memoir, part gardening, like learning and talking about the plants, but also how all of that can turn into kind of like the soil of your life and the people being plants, and she really focuses on wildflowers. So, it's a stunningly, like poignant and beautiful memoir. So, those are my favorite, you know, and now if you ask me tomorrow, you're going to get a different stack.   Laura Dugger: (53:07 - 53:27) I love it. What a gift to get to see all of those you and I share some of those favorites, and you've introduced me to some new ones. So, I'm very grateful and hope everybody listening feels the same. But speaking of books, you've authored more than one. But will you tell us about your most recent release entitled Soul School?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (53:28 - 55:58) Yeah, so, Soul School is it's Soul School: Taking Kids on a Joy Filled Journey Through the Heart of Black American Culture. And I know it's so hard with those. But it is a book of books. So, people who have enjoyed Honey for a Child's Heart, or The Read-Aloud Family, those types of books, which I have adored, and I have all of them, and I've highlighted them or, or Give Your Child the World is another one, highlighted them and dog eared them and have used them to check out books for the library for my children for many, many years. And, and at the same time, I was always very, you know, on my heart that the books that I spend a lot of time reading with my children that I choose and I select are never really included in most of those books.   And there was the season, you know, I'm like, frustrated, you know, I'm mad. I'm like, why? Why are they putting these books in here? And then the more I thought about it, I was like, the most you can ask for a mother to do when she's sharing these books, when it's coming from that is what she read with her children. So, am I going to be mad at her that she didn't read what I think she should read? No, do I wish that it had been more expansive? Sure, I do. But how many of us wouldn't go back and do something differently if knowing what we know today or whatever. So, I wrote a companion like the I see not to replace those books. But this book is filled with African American and black diasporic children's literature starting from preschool all the way through high school.   The first part of the book, I talk about what I'm looking for specifically in books about black American culture, and why those things are important. So, the first few chapters, first five chapters are really teaching the teacher. And then the rest of the book, which makes up most of the book are really rich annotated book lists with descriptions why I chose the book discussion questions, project ideas, and something called second helpings. Like when you think of a big soul food dinner, you go through the line the first time and you fill your plate, but then you go back for second helpings of the things that taste the very best. So, if your child likes this book, then here are two second helpings that they also would probably enjoy. And you know, the book was years in the making, I read all 300 plus books in there from cover to cover. And that's kind of my contribution to raising our children.   Laura Dugger: (56:00 - 56:40) Wow, I mean, it is a stunning piece of work. And there's so much for your family, but also for all of us. So, I think of being one of your kids, what a treasure that their mom read 300 books and put this together. But for all of us, I love books on books. And like you said, we can use it to go to the library or then once we read those and find which other ones we love, we can add it to our home collection. So, thank you for that powerhouse of work. And Amber, there's still so much more that you could share with us. Where can we go after this conversation to connect with you or to learn more?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (56:42 - 56:56) Go to heritagemom.com. And there you'll find all of my books and years' worth of blog posts and book recommendations and other things. My Instagram is @heritagemomblog and the same at Facebook.   Laura Dugger: (56:56 - 57:12) Wonderful. Okay, we will add those links to the show notes for today's episode. And you may be familiar that we're called The Savvy Sauce because savvy is synonymous with practical knowledge. And so, as my final question for you today, Amber, what is your savvy sauce?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (57:12 - 57:50) Oh, this is such a great question. I love this part of your podcast. I would say that my savvy sauce is learning to be a really great listener. Like if there's nothing else, then that's listening to my husband and the things of his heart and listening to my children and my neighbors and my friends.   But also, people I don't know, people in other places. And also, people I disagree with and being willing to be quiet and listen and take what I can from what they're sharing as well. So, that is, I think my savvy sauce is being an introspective listener.   Laura Dugger: (57:50 – 58:13) That is well said. You are such an inspiring and creative soul. And I have thoroughly enjoyed this chat. And I know I've been hearing you speak on other podcasts and reading your work for years. So, this was such a treat to get to connect with you today. And I just want to say thank you for being my guest.   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (58:14 - 58:16) Thank you so much for having me.   Laura Dugger: (58:16 - 1:01:59) One more thing before you go. Have you heard the term gospel before?   It simply means good news. And I want to share the best news with you.   But it starts with the bad news.   Every single one of us were born sinners, but Christ desires to rescue us from our sin, which is something we cannot do for ourselves.   This means there is absolutely no chance we can make it to heaven on our own.   So, for you and for me, it means we deserve death, and we can never pay back the sacrifice we owe to be saved.   We need a Savior. But God loved us so much, he made a way for his only son to willingly die in our place as the perfect substitute.   This gives us hope of life forever in right relationship with him. That is good news. Jesus lived the perfect life we could never live and died in our place for our sin.   This was God's plan to make a way to reconcile with us so that God can look at us and see Jesus.   We can be covered and justified through the work Jesus finished if we choose to receive what He has done for us.   Romans 10:9 says, “That if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”   So, would you pray with me now?   Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus to take our place.   I pray someone today right now is touched and chooses to turn their life over to you. Will you clearly guide them and help them take their next step in faith to declare you as Lord of their life?   We trust you to work and change lives now for eternity. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. If you prayed that prayer, you are declaring him for me, so me for him.   You get the opportunity to live your life for him.   And at this podcast, we're called The Savvy Sauce for a reason.   We want to give you practical tools to implement the knowledge you have learned. So, you ready to get started?   First, tell someone. Say it out loud. Get a Bible.   The first day I made this decision, my parents took me to Barnes & Noble and let me choose my own Bible.   I selected the Quest NIV Bible, and I love it. You can start by reading the book of John. Also, get connected locally, which just means tell someone who's a part of a church in your community that you made a decision to follow Christ.   I'm assuming they will be thrilled to talk with you about further steps, such as going to church and getting connected to other believers to encourage you.   We want to celebrate with you too, so feel free to leave a comment for us here if you did make a decision to follow Christ.   We also have show notes including where you can read scripture that describes this process. And finally, be encouraged.   Luke 15:10 says, “In the same way I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”   The heavens are praising with you for your decision today.   And if you've already received this good news, I pray you have someone to share it with. You are loved and I look forward to meeting you here next time.

Hour one of DJ & PK for October 17, 2025: John Henry Daley and Carsen Ryan Riley Jensen, College Football Expert Trevor Reilly, Former Utah Defensive End

Quarterback Devon Dampier, defensive end John Henry Daley and wide receiver Ryan Davis speak with the media after the Utes dominant road win over West Virginia on September 27, 2025

John Henry Kirby was known as the Piney Woods King because of his timber empire.

Utah Head Coach Kyle Whittingham's Media Availability Sports Roulette John Henry Daley has 5 sacks in 3 games

Biographical Bytes from Bala #048 Today, I shine a spotlight on an all-but-forgotten Philadelphia politician John Henry Fow, known as “Foghorn” for his stentorian voice and “Ducky” for his quirky walk. Fow was a tough lawyer with an uncanny knack for finding what was unconstitutional. He wasn't afraid to challenge accepted knowledge, and debunked the story behind the famous “Washington Crosses the Delaware” painting and seriously challenged the Betsy Ross flag anecdote. Fow's love for practical jokes kept his colleagues constantly on their toes, while his razor-sharp tongue silenced many rivals in court. Despite his outsized personality and invaluable contributions, his name has faded from public memory. Join me as we rediscover John Henry Fow—Foghorn for the Talk, Ducky for the Walk—and celebrate his impact on Pennsylvania history.

Listen to the postgame press conference from Devon Dampier, NaQuari Rogers, and John Henry Daley after the Utes' big road win against Wyoming in Laramie on September 13, 2025.

The Voice of the Utes on Utah's 2-0 start, JHD breaking out, The true Big 12 title contenders so far + more

The Voice of the Utes on Utah's 2-0 start, JHD breaking out, The true Big 12 title contenders so far + more

The Voice of the Utes on Utah's 2-0 start, JHD breaking out, The true Big 12 title contenders so far + more

The Voice of the Utes on Utah's 2-0 start, JHD breaking out, The true Big 12 title contenders so far + more

Lewis Powell keeps pumping out defensive studs Sports Roulette

Hear from Defensive End John Henry Daley following a 63-9 win over Cal Poly!

Hear from Defensive End John Henry Daley following a 63-9 win over Cal Poly!

Can crops change the weather? We've done the myth busting, learn the truth. Plus, PRCA standings heat up - we talk Rodeo, share how a rancher raises Old Glory sky-high, and fishing records are about to be broken again! Join radio hosts Rebecca Wanner aka ‘BEC' and Jeff ‘Tigger' Erhardt (Tigger & BEC) with the latest in Outdoors & Western Lifestyle News! Season 5, Episode 253 Can Crops Affect the Weather? Chief Meteorologist Kenny Miller Explains When it comes to agriculture, we usually think about how weather affects crops — but what if the reverse is true? Can crops actually influence the weather? According to KX News Chief Meteorologist Kenny Miller, who has extensive experience in forecasting for agriculture and commodity trading, the answer is yes — in certain ways. “Large-scale crops can change local climate conditions through evapotranspiration,” says Miller. “That's the process where plants release moisture back into the atmosphere, which can lead to cooler temperatures and increased local humidity.” This matters not only for farmers, but also for agriculture professionals and commodity traders who rely on precise, short-term forecasts during critical planting and harvest windows. Kenny emphasizes that the impact is regional, not global — but in key ag zones, it can shape everything from yield timing to market behavior. PRCA Standings: Countdown to the 2025 Wrangler NFR As we approach the PRCA regular season deadline on September 30, 2025, the tension is building across the rodeo world. Cowboys and cowgirls across the country are laser-focused on making the Top 15 in their events to qualify for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) this December. Current PRCA Standings Here are the PRCA Rankings & Standings as of September 2, 2025. Stetson Wright, Beaver, Utah: All-Around Earnings: $391,000 plus. After the 8x World Champion sustained injuries at the 2023 NFR, sidelined during the 2024 rodeo season, he has made a runaway comeback for the coveted 2025 Wrangler NFR All-Around Champion. Events: #1 in Bull Riding, #9 in Saddle Bronc. Rocker Steiner, Weatherford, TX: World bareback riding leader with $243,000 plus with the closest contender being Bradlee Miller of Huntsville, TX and Jess Pope of Waverly, KS riding neck in neck with just a $1,000 year earnings in difference fighting for that 2nd place title. Ryder Wright, Beaver Utah: Saddle Bronc Earnings: $273,000 plus. Saddle Bronc this year is a tighter event. The top 12 in the world fighting for their seat in the winners circle have all earned well over $150,000… This includes well known names such as Damian Brennen in 2nd with Dawson Hay right behind, Brody Wells, and Zeke Thurston all over $200,000 in 2025 earnings. Following not far behind are Ryder Wright's brothers…  Statler Wright sitting in 6th, and Stetson Wright in 9th. And a shoutout to a friend of the show, Melstone, Montana cowboy Sage Newman, is right up there too sitting in 6th. Will Lummus, Byhalia, Missouri: Steer Wrestling leader with $161,000 in earnings. Tanner Tomlinson, Mineral Wells, Texas is the current world leader Team Roping Header with $153,000 plus, however it's a TIGHT race as a household favorite here Derrick Begay of Arizona is just $3,000 behind in earnings. Remember last year during the 2024 Wrangler NFR when Derrick Begay borrowed his well-known mule, John Henry, to saddle bronc favorite Zeke Thurston to ride in the first two Grand Entry parades! Levi Lord, Sturgis, South Dakota is the current world leader Team Roping Heeler with $155,000 plus. This 4x NFR qualifier is making sure the world knows there's more to Sturgis, South Dakota than just a HUGE motorcycle rally. Riley Webb, Denton, Texas is the current world leader Tie-Down Roping with $264,000 in earnings. Not a bad place to be after 2024 being his WNFR debut. Chasing him is 6x qualifier Shad Mayfield sitting with over $237,000. Cole Patterson, Pawnee, OK is currently leading world standings in Steer Roping with over $92,000. Kassie Mowry, Dublin, Texas is the world barrel racing leader at $202,000 plus in earnings. The top three looking to make this a race to watch just like in 2024 also include Texas stars Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi and Hailey Kinsel. But don't leave out the legend Lisa Lockhart as she's sitting 10th and this cowgirl knows the grind, and how to move mountains. That's just a quick snapshot of current standings as we look forward towards the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) this December. Dates for Wrangler Finals National Rodeo: December 4 - December 13, 2025 Location: Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada Reference: https://www.prorodeo.com/standings?eventType=AA&standingType=world&id=&circuitId=&year=2025 Outdoors & Western Lifestyle News 78-Year-Old Rancher Climbs 130-Foot Flagpole to Keep Old Glory Flying High When a storm took down the ropes on a 130-foot flagpole in Star Valley, Wyoming — most folks would've called it a job for the young and fearless. But not Darcel Hulse. At 78 years old, the rancher grabbed his gear, called a crane, and went straight up to fix it himself. That's because flying the American flag isn't just tradition on his Salt River Ranch — it's a statement. Hulse proudly flies a 1,500-square-foot flag from the highest point on his property, and when it needed replacing, he wasn't about to sit it out. Recently in a Cowboy State Daily interview, Darcel Hulce joked, 'I'm an old guy, but I'm not afraid of heights.” And judging by the 1.4 million views on his daughter's video of the flag-raising, the country loves him for it. The massive flag — 50 by 30 feet — has become a beloved landmark in Star Valley. Locals call it “our flag,” and when it was temporarily down, the phones lit up. Everyone wanted to know when Old Glory would be back. For Hulse, raising that flag is about more than patriotism. It's about values, family, and returning to his Western roots. And while he hopes that new rope holds strong for a while — you can bet that if it doesn't, he'll be right back up there making sure that star-spangled banner keeps waving high. Reference: https://cowboystatedaily.com/2025/08/31/78-year-old-rancher-scales-130-foot-flagpole-to-fly-massive-american-flag-over-star-valley/  Alaska Bans Invasive Berry Trees to Protect Native Forests and Wildlife A major move from Alaska officials this week — the state has officially banned two popular but destructive trees: the mayday tree and the chokecherry. These fast-growing ornamentals were once a garden favorite, but they've turned into a serious threat to Alaska's natural landscape. The ban — now statewide — blocks the import, transport, or sale of these trees, which have overrun native birch and spruce forests, especially around Anchorage and Fairbanks. They may look pretty, but they're wreaking havoc under the surface. Their berries? Toxic to moose. Their roots? So tough, new trees grow right out of the stumps. And now, they're even spreading a nasty fungal disease known as Black Knot. Not exactly the kind of greenery you want in your backyard. The good news? Officials are working hard to remove them and replace them with native trees, and this new ban is a big step forward. As Division of Agriculture Director Bryan Scoresby puts it: ‘With this quarantine, the flow of trees into Alaska will stop, making the goal of elimination more attainable.' So next time you're planting something new, remember — going native helps keep eco-systems wild, balanced, and beautiful. Check your state on plants that have landed on the Noxious or Invasive list by reaching out to your local extension agent. Reference: https://alaskabeacon.com/briefs/alaska-officials-impose-statewide-ban-on-invasive-berry-producing-trees/ Swordfish That ‘Looked Like a Dinosaur' Could Shatter Alabama Record An Alabama fishing trip turned legendary when Robert Fritze and his crew caught a massive 550.3-pound swordfish—over 100 pounds heavier than the current state record. The catch happened in the early morning hours of August 15, after the crew set out from Orange Beach Marina aboard the Trade Desk. Originally aiming for marlin, the six-man crew fished near deep-water oil rigs, dropping a squid bait setup hundreds of feet down overnight. Around 4 a.m., Robert noticed the reel clicking and jumped into the fighting chair for what became a four-and-a-half-hour battle. The swordfish fought hard and deep before finally surfacing—stunning the crew with its dinosaur-like appearance. Once landed, the fish was so big it filled the entire deck, forcing the crew to end their trip early. The swordfish measured 150 inches long with a 62-inch girth and is expected to break Alabama's current record of 448 pounds, pending official approval. Now my question is - Where does one find the wall space to hang a mount that big?! Reference:  https://www.outdoorlife.com/fishing/alabama-possible-record-swordfish/ OUTDOORS FIELD REPORTS & COMMENTS We want to hear from you! If you have any questions, comments, or stories to share about bighorn sheep, outdoor adventures, or wildlife conservation, don't hesitate to reach out. Call or text us at 305-900-BEND (305-900-2363), or send an email to BendRadioShow@gmail.com. Stay connected by following us on social media at Facebook/Instagram @thebendshow or by subscribing to The Bend Show on YouTube. Visit our website at TheBendShow.com for more exciting content and updates! https://thebendshow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/thebendshow WESTERN LIFESTYLE & THE OUTDOORS Jeff ‘Tigger' Erhardt & Rebecca ‘BEC' Wanner are passionate news broadcasters who represent the working ranch world, rodeo, and the Western way of life. They are also staunch advocates for the outdoors and wildlife conservation. As outdoorsmen themselves, Tigger and BEC provide valuable insight and education to hunters, adventurers, ranchers, and anyone interested in agriculture and conservation. With a shared love for the outdoors, Tigger & BEC are committed to bringing high-quality beef and wild game from the field to your table. They understand the importance of sharing meals with family, cooking the fruits of your labor, and making memories in the great outdoors. Through their work, they aim to educate and inspire those who appreciate God's Country and life on the land. United by a common mission, Tigger & BEC offer a glimpse into the life beyond the beaten path and down dirt roads. They're here to share knowledge, answer your questions, and join you in your own success story. Adventure awaits around the bend. With The Outdoors, the Western Heritage, Rural America, and Wildlife Conservation at the forefront, Tigger and BEC live this lifestyle every day. To learn more about Tigger & BEC's journey and their passion for the outdoors, visit TiggerandBEC.com. https://tiggerandbec.com/

Utah now has an offense to compliment it's defense Thoughts on Utah DE John Henry Dayley Use Cal Poly game to correct mistakes and get dialed in for season

Hour 1 Starting Lineup: Frank Dolce weighs in on freshman QB Bear Bachmeier What you may have missed Ute Preview Show Hour 1 Utah now has an offense to compliment it's defense Thoughts on Utah DE John Henry Dayley Use Cal Poly game to correct mistakes and get dialed in for season Hour 2 Utah has it's best chance to get to championship game in current format Coach Ron McBride being honored | The program the coach Mac built Final thoughts

Hour 1 Starting Lineup: John Henry Daley looks to be the next great defensive end at Utah Other defensive standouts | Smtih Snowden two-way usage What you may have missed Cougar Preview Show: Hour 1 What will Standord try to do against BYU | Stanford will get after BYU defensively Stanford color analyst John Platz more on BYU Vs Stanford Hour 2 BYU PxP Greg Wrubell Expectations for BYU's defense Vs. Stanford offense Final thoughts

Starting Lineup: John Henry Daley looks to be the next great defensive end at Utah Other defensive standouts | Smtih Snowden two-way usage What you may have missed

University of Utah defensive ends John Henry Daley & Logan Fano addressed the media following practice as the Utes prepare to take on Cal Poly.

(00:00) With the news of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce getting engaged, Adam 12 quizzes RJ and Holley on some other notable celebrity-athlete couples. (19:16) MORE reactions to the news of Swift/Kelce, including a reporter (31:56) Soooo, John Henry watches Felger & Mazz on his giant yacht? (PLEASE be aware timecodes may shift up to a few minutes due to inserted ads) CONNECT WITH TOUCHER & HARDY: linktr.ee/ToucherandHardy For the latest updates, visit the show page on 985thesportshub.com. Follow 98.5 The Sports Hub on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Watch the show every morning on YouTube, and subscribe to stay up-to-date with all the best moments from Boston’s home for sports!

(0:00) The final hour starts off with McCarthy's Musings! (16:10) McCarthy discusses an announcement from the PGA Tour earlier today and John Henry and Theo Epstein's involvement. (28:30) The show discusses the LLWS and McCarthy relives his glory days. (33:45) Final thoughts wrap up the show.

Things for the Red Sox can settle down on an off-day, but the joy of Roman Anthony signing his extension should be celebrated. Anthony got lifetime money and John Henry got to save some money with the deal the two sides agree to. Then, Mike Vrabel was wearing the wounds of war while ESPN just became a super network with their NFL acquisition in the 6:30m Headlines. And, with word going around that players are going to have to bring in their own smelling salts, the league just put themselves back into an awkward situation.

From 'Play Tessie' (subscribe here): Even though there was only one game between episodes, Gordo and Sammy got to recount to biggest headline of them all with Roman Anthony signing an extension. How happy should Red Sox fans be with the supposed future of the ballclub signing for an additional eight years of service? Also, this deal was signed well before Anthony hits the prime of his career which is something clearly John Henry and the front office learned. And, fans can stomach a loss after seven straight wins, but Dustin May didn't make the difference everyone was hoping in his Red Sox debut. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Everyone can be happy about roman Anthony being extended by the Red Sox, but reports of how the deal got done shows owner John Henry finding another way to take the cheap route.

(00:00) Zolak & Bertrand start the third hour taking more calls from the past hour discussing if the NFL should get rid of preseason football. (9:02) The guys discuss Craig Breslow and his responsibility in trade decisions; Carrabis says he is no longer for this job with the Red Sox. (16:44) We finish the hour discussing how much of an influence John Henry had in getting the Roman Anthony deal done. (24:50) We interview Revolution Head Coach Caleb Porter and discuss the importance of the team’s fanbase and their upcoming game. This episode of Zolak & Bertrand is brought to you in part by Profluent. https://go.happinessexperiment.com/begin-aff-o1-page2-107890-365938?am_id=podcast2025&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=michael

Great attendance at the Roman Anthony press conference. Wonder why. John Henry cigar? What does the Red Sox future look like? Are they set for the next few years? We prefer what the Rangers and Dodgers are doing, but this could be a good move for the Sox. The sky is the limit. We hope it works out. Did Breslow break dance on the Devers trade?

John Henry alerted Roman Anthony via email about the contract extension. We want to see the email. Locking up their core is the Sox strategy. Will it work? Emulating the Atlanta Braves. They won a World Series. 2018 World Series team was very home grown. How much of a comparison is there? If the Red Sox ask you to a commercial, say no! There is some kind of curse there. ALSO, On the Clock, what to expect from Patriots preseason game 1, and some betting tips.

John Henry alerted Roman Anthony via email about the contract extension. We want to see the email. Locking up their core is the Sox strategy. Will it work? Emulating the Atlanta Braves. They won a World Series. 2018 World Series team was very home grown. How much of a comparison is there? If the Red Sox ask you to a commercial, say no! There is some kind of curse there. ALSO, On the Clock, what to expect from Patriots preseason game 2, and some betting tips. Keefer Madness - Radioactive Wasps???

Listen for all the details of the Roman Anthony extension. Does the Roman Anthony contract extension prove the Red Sox are cheap? He will not become a free agent until he is in his 30s. This is one of those guys who you can see going really far in MLB. He came into the league exactly as advertised. For some that are celebrating this, are you trying to distract us from a terrible trade deadline? The guys break down the Red Sox front office decisions as a whole. We are still upset over the trade deadline, but the future is bright for Anthony and the Sox. There should be no outrage over this move. Great attendance at the Roman Anthony press conference. Wonder why. John Henry cigar? What does the Red Sox future look like? Are they set for the next few years? We prefer what the Rangers and Dodgers are doing, but this could be a good move for the Sox. The sky is the limit. We hope it works out. Did Breslow break dance on the Devers trade?

(00:00) The guys react to the pictures and conversations regarding Mazz being seen in a suite at the Red Sox game with John Henry. (18:04) It’s time for the segment everyone’s talking about—The Email Bit! Send an email to anyone on the show with the link below, and stay tuned as we dive into missed stories with The Stack! (PLEASE be aware timecodes may shift up to a few minutes due to inserted ads) CONNECT WITH TOUCHER & HARDY: linktr.ee/ToucherandHardy This episode of Toucher & Hardy is brought to you in part by Profluent and then have that linked to https://go.happinessexperiment.com/begin-aff-o2?am_id=podcast2025&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=michael

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Max Shippee, author of the book Moonshine: Path of the Raven. Max grew up in rural Maine and knows the woods well. His own journey took him to Hollywood, California by way of Oklahoma, Nevada, Texas, DC, and even Bali, Indonesia. For the last 20 years, he has been busy as an actor, a gym owner, a husband, and a father. Along the way, he's had some stories brewing in that silver-haired head of his. He thought he best write them down. You can find his spontaneous science-fiction installments on Reddit, and now, MOONSHINE: THE SERIES has begun with Book One: Path of the Raven.   In my book review, I stated Moonshine: Path of the Raven is a wonderful young adult fiction novel full of magical realism. I'm going to be honest - I rarely read werewolf books because I find them to be too fantastical for my liking. However, this novel kept me captivated from the beginning. I immediately fell in love with Sam, the young boy on the brink of manhood, and his protector, John. Plus, the extended cast of characters is just as enchanting!   Sam starts out life as a sharecropper in the early 1900s. His family still works on the plantation that used to hold them as slaves. Although poor, Sam believes his life is good. However, everything changes the day the young plantation daughter notices Sam working. Although his life was destined to change anyway as the next Jack for a coven in upstate New York, Sam soon finds himself without a family or a place to call home. Fortunately for Sam, he soon learns that he doesn't have to journey through life alone.   I love that many of the characters we meet are incarnations of legendary figures - King Author, John Henry, and more! This is a great read.   Subscribe to Online for Authors to learn about more great books! https://www.youtube.com/@onlineforauthors?sub_confirmation=1   Join the Novels N Latte Book Club community to discuss this and other books with like-minded readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3576519880426290   You can follow Author Max Shippee Website: www.readmoonshine.com IG: @readmoonshine FB: @readmoonshine TikTok: @readmoonshine Threads: @readmoonshine BlueSky: @readmoonshine   Purchase Moonshine: Path of the Raven on Amazon: Paperback: https://amzn.to/43TUuoL Ebook: https://amzn.to/3ZmnTGH   Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1   Want to be a guest on Online for Authors? Send Teri M Brown a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/onlineforauthors   #maxshippee #moonshine #pathoftheraven #YA #magicalrealism #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

(0:00) Felger, Mazz, and Murray begin the second hour discussing the possibility that the Red Sox are stealing signs following their weekend series sweep over the Astros. (11:34) Continued thoughts and calls on the Red Sox being accused of stealing signs from their opponents and on the Patriots training camp (22:10) Reaction to the Red Sox failing to trade for Joe Ryan before the trade deadline and whether Craig Breslow even tried to make a deal. (32:04) Conversation about Mazz spending time with John Henry in his luxury box during Friday’s Red Sox game.

(00:00) Beetle, McKone and Dondero start the second hour LIVE from Patriot’s training camp talking about Tony Massarotti being spotted in John Henry’s suite Friday night at Fenway Park. (9:40) The crew touches on WR Terry McLaurin requesting a trade from the Commanders; Albert Breer floats the idea of a potential trade involving Stefon Diggs to get McLaurin. (21:34) The guys discuss Will Campbell and him trending towards being a bust; We take caller reactions to the Patriots and Terry McLaurin. (32:55)The guys finish the hour discussing if Beetle is too nice to the local Boston sports teams. This episode of Zolak & Bertrand is brought to you in part by Profluent. https://go.happinessexperiment.com/begin-aff-o1-page2-107890-365938?am_id=podcast2025&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=michael

During the first hour of Ken and Curtis the guys discuss the MLB trade deadline. Curtis is still pissed off about the Red Sox ownership but does not think Breslow is as much to blame as Adam Jones thinks. John Henry is more to blame. Also, addressing the Nightengale report stating Breslow is hard to deal with.

(00:00) Joe kicks off the hour with talk of the photo of Tony Massarotti in John Henry's booth during Friday's game. (13:16) The hour rolls on with more talk of the Red Sox's underwhelming trade deadline. (28:31) Joe takes callers to wrap up the hour.

(00:00) Zolak and Bertrand start the second hour LIVE from Patriots training camp discussing if Craig Breslow will add to this team or not before the MLB trade deadline. (12:09) The guys discuss if the Red Sox ownership and front office are driven to win; Live observations from training camp today. (22:43) The guys touch more on the Red Sox and John Henry being an owner who wants a salary cap; How would you approve of each Boston sports owner right now? (34:02) We finish the hour taking caller reactions from the last hour. This episode of Zolak & Bertrand is brought to you in part by Profluent. https://go.happinessexperiment.com/begin-aff-o1-page2-107890-365938?am_id=podcast2025&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=michael

What are the motivations for the Red Sox at the trade deadline? Are they willing to get uncomfortable? Bradfo's EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW with John Henry. Can the team afford to trade an MLB outfielder at this point?

HR 4 - John Henry gave the green light for a big offseason trade and signing, but its been a while since he's been ok with a big trade at the deadline. Should fans trust that Henry will let Craig Breslow make a big move? Then, lots of basketball talk and producer Joe Braverman wants Sox fans to have lower expectations out of the All Star break in tonight's Arcand Fire. And, Stephen Colbert shares that "The Late Show" won't be renewed in Clickbait.

HR 1 - Baseball has been rocking and rolling with their All Star festivities that has brought popularity back to the MLB. From a local standpoint, will that be enough to convince John Henry and others that the Red Sox bare worth investing in? Then, the 6:30 Headlines feature the WNBA's showcase at Td Garden with Caitlin Clark and Bill Belichick takes a compliment from Robert Kraft and turns into another dig at the Patriots' owner. And, Drake Maye may have the highest chances for a big jump in year 2, but don't overlook the struggles early on in minicamp.

Maybe Betsy is still riding high from the last American Library Association conference she attended, but we're feeling like libraries deserve lots of lovely attention. And what better book to use to that purpose than this well-known collaboration between Patricia C. McKissack and Jerry Pinkney? Can you believe that we've never done a McKissack book before? Pinkney we've definitely done before (including Sam and the Tigers, John Henry, Little Red Riding Hood, and Mirandy and Brother Wind). We discuss how Kate spoils where "someplace special" is pretty early, segregated public benches, rando celebrities, and what it means to work "without permission or pay." For the full episode go to: https://afuse8production.slj.com/2025/07/14/fuse-8-n-kate-goin-someplace-special-by-patricia-mckissack-ill-jerry-pinkney/

Just when you thought we had hit you with enough heat for the week, we return with this exclusive interview with two of the best in the comic book world, Greg Anderson Elysee of Is'Nana The Were Spider fame, and David Brame the award winning artist extraorinaire with way too many credits to their name. Both of these legends have teamed up to create the new graphic novel series HAMMER. Hammer is a reinvention of the classic John Henry story as seen through the eyes of these revolutionary creators, but for more you gotta go ahead and press play.Plus, Tatiana and Benhameen break down everything else going on in the world of geekdom, including thoughts on Squid Games, Superman, The Last Of Us and whatever is going on with Xbox and Perfect Dark? Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/for-all-nerds-show--5649266/support.

60 in 60 Watchlist: John Henry Daley, Utah DE

(0:00) Felger, Mazz, and Murray begin the second hour with a conversation about the Red Sox press conference from last night. (13:28) Caller reactions about the Red Sox, Rafael Devers, and last night’s press conference. (19:43) The guys discuss the Red Sox ownership’s main motivation of moving on from Rafael Devers’ salary. (32:45) Comments on the Red Sox’s recent success and how it may continue despite the loss of Rafael Devers.

Today's word of the day is ‘fait accompli' as in Rafael Devers as in the Boston Red Sox as in the San Francisco Giants as in traded. How did we get here? Who is to blame for this falling out? Craig Breslow? John Henry? Red Sox fans are furious about this — they think it's Mookie Betts all over again. (16:00) The Florida Panthers are a win away from a repeat! Brad Marchand is playing like a man possessed! Sam Bennett keeps scoring! (23:00) What is going on with the NBA Finals? Everyone seems to be mad about something. There have been excellent games on the court, but the stories have been off the court. (36:00) Review: Holy Cow. (40:00) NPPOD. (42:45) We have two stories about the Dodgers right now. Shohei Ohtani is back to pitching. He'll be on the mound tonight. First time in almost 2 years he'll pitch in an MLB game. The other is about Clayton Kershaw. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's word of the day is ‘fait accompli' as in Rafael Devers as in the Boston Red Sox as in the San Francisco Giants as in traded. How did we get here? Who is to blame for this falling out? Craig Breslow? John Henry? Red Sox fans are furious about this — they think it's Mookie Betts all over again. (16:00) The Florida Panthers are a win away from a repeat! Brad Marchand is playing like a man possessed! Sam Bennett keeps scoring! (23:00) What is going on with the NBA Finals? Everyone seems to be mad about something. There have been excellent games on the court, but the stories have been off the court. (36:00) Review: Holy Cow. (40:00) NPPOD. (42:45) We have two stories about the Dodgers right now. Shohei Ohtani is back to pitching. He'll be on the mound tonight. First time in almost 2 years he'll pitch in an MLB game. The other is about Clayton Kershaw. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

(00:00) The guys take more calls regarding trading Rafael Devers and what it means for the future of the team. (16:44) Fred reveals that he read a book that was over 750 pages, as well as some more Devers talk. (32:28) Toucher, Wallach, and Ryan Johnston talk about why John Henry makes the decisions he makes and does not explain them to the fans. CONNECT WITH TOUCHER & HARDY: linktr.ee/ToucherandHardy For the latest updates, visit the show page on 985thesportshub.com. Follow 98.5 The Sports Hub on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Watch the show every morning on YouTube, and subscribe to stay up-to-date with all the best moments from Boston’s home for sports!

John Henry Spann is a Catholic husband and a father to five children, who he lives with on his farm in the southern Appalachians. He has worked in secondary education at all levels from football coach to principal. He is passionate about authentic, Catholic education, and is currently the Dean of Academics, at an orthodox Catholic K-12 hybrid school north of Atlanta, GA He frequently speaks at colleges and retreats, as well as education conferences on topics ranging from Catholic masculinity to maintaining identity and mission. He has appeared on various radio shows and podcasts covering a variety of topics related to the faith, apologetics, and the restoration of Western Civilization. John Henry's podcast: / @honest2god Book John Henry to speak at your event: johnhenryspannbooking@gmail.com