Podcasts about komiku

Send us a textI'm closing out this 10-part Habit Series with one of the simplest and most transformative practices I've ever picked up: daily gratitude.In this episode, I share why spending just one or two minutes thanking God before your day begins can quietly reshape your mindset, soften pessimism, and strengthen your ability to persevere in the long haul. I'll walk you through how I practice daily gratitude, why I keep it intentionally simple, and how this habit has helped me stay grounded even in seasons marked by uncertainty, grief, and things I cannot control.We'll also zoom out and talk about why gratitude matters so much when you're nurturing a God shaped dream. Consistency, self-leadership, and perseverance are not just personality traits. They are muscles you build. Daily gratitude is one small habit that strengthens all three.If you've felt discouraged, stuck in negativity, or unsure how to keep going faithfully with the dream God has placed on your heart, this episode will help you reset your focus and start your day from a place of trust and truth.And before I wrap up, I'm also giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what's coming next for the Devoted Dreamers Podcast. I'll share how Season 14 is evolving, why I'm changing the format, and what you can expect as we head into a new season focused on taking meaningful action on your God-shaped dream.Get the Habit Tracker here: merrittonsa.com/habits

Send us a textWhen it comes to creativity and taking action on our dreams, there's a lot of talk about moving forward, but we don't spend nearly enough time looking back.That's why I'm adding this brand-new habit to the Devoted Dreamers Habit Series: Scheduled Reflection. It's a practice I didn't include when I first launched the series, but it's one I've come to see as essential for long-term faithfulness to a God-shaped dream.Here's why: Without a consistent reflection practice, we miss key opportunities for growth and learning. When was the last time you took a pause to reflect on something you tried? It could even be a new habit you attempted during this series. Did you keep it up all week? Was it a total flop? Did you find yourself making adjustments with each new attempt? When you skip the reflection, you also miss out on the potential mindset shift that comes as you consider what you might do differently next time. But when you build a new reflection practice, it helps you recognize what God is already doing in and through you.Want to make it easy? I share a simple three-question reflection framework you can use weekly, monthly, or anytime you feel stuck. If you want to pursue your dream with steadiness instead of burnout, this habit matters right now.Get the Habit Tracker here: merrittonsa.com/habits

Send us a textMost of us say we want to grow, but when it comes time to step out of our comfort zone, we hesitate. Not because we don't care, but because trying something we've never done before puts us face to face with uncertainty, insecurity, and the possibility of getting it wrong.In this eighth episode in my Habit Series, I'm inviting you to practice a simple but powerful habit: trying something new. Not restarting a habit you've tried before, but stepping into something unfamiliar on purpose. A new skill. A new experience. A new way of showing up.I talk about why this matters more than we realize, how trying something new strengthens courage and perseverance, and why your brain and your dream both benefit when you stop quitting before you've truly begun. I also share reflection questions to help you notice what's really holding you back, plus an invitation to try something new alongside other women through our monthly co-working calls.If you've felt stuck, bored, hesitant, or quietly restless, this episode might be the nudge you need to take one small, brave step today.Get the Habit Tracker here: merrittonsa.com/habits Save your seat at the next Co-Working call: merrittonsa.com/coworking

Send us a textIf you feel like your inbox is always demanding from you, you're not crazy. Email is one of those sneaky little drains that doesn't just steal time, it steals attention. And attention is necessary for stewarding a God-shaped dream.In today's Habit Series, I've invited my friend Christa Hutchins (host of Just One Simple Thing podcast) to share three simple ways to manage your email without turning it into a whole new project. Because when your inbox is a mess, it impacts everything else you're working on, including the next brave step on your dream.This is also for the woman who's building an audience and trying to grow an email list. I know it can feel scary to clean house and remove people who never open your messages. But this habit pays off in the future. It protects your focus, keeps your systems lighter, and helps you lead your dream with more clarity and less constant noise.If email has been stealing your time and energy, this is a habit worth building today.Get the Habit Tracker here: merrittonsa.com/habits  

Send us a textFor a long time, I believed I didn't have time to sleep more. My life was full, my evenings felt like the only quiet hours I had to myself, and going to bed earlier felt like giving something up I couldn't afford to lose. And yet, I was exhausted, foggy, short-tempered, and running on fumes most days.In this mini episode of the Habits Series, I'm talking about sleep hygiene and why better sleep isn't a luxury for later, but a foundational habit for women who are trying to do too much all at once. I share honestly about how poor sleep was quietly affecting my energy, my patience, my creativity, and my ability to show up well for the people I love and the dream God has placed on my heart.You'll hear the small, realistic changes I've made to improve my sleep without overhauling my life, and why sleeping more has actually helped me regain clarity, focus, and emotional margin instead of costing me time. If you feel stretched thin, constantly tired, and tempted to believe that rest will have to wait, this conversation may help you see sleep in a completely different light.Get the Habit Tracker here: merrittonsa.com/habits

Join me on a journey deep into the reaches of the Coal Patch, following the anthracite trail to...Shamokin! I didn't think I'd do a coal country episode when I started the podcast, but Shamokin kept coming up (mostly because listener Jay Zalewski kept telling me about things in Shamokin), and here we are. But don't worry; Jay was right, this is a town worth a visit.  I interviewed Eric Kuijpers, a Dutch native who's been in the US for many years, and now owns and runs the Covered Bridge Brewhaus. We'll talk about his love for Dutch and Belgian beers, his micro-scale distilling, and why his flagship beer is named Ho-Butt.  We make other stops: the other brewery in town, Lost Mine-D,  and have an ESB. You know I love a good hot dog, like they have at the Coney Island Lunch, opened in 1918! I filled my cooler at Fisher's Boston Pierogi, and picked up some meaty snacks at Masser's Farm Market and Irish Isle Provisions. I met up with Jay and had drinks at Oliver's Cigars and Spirits, and the Heritage Restaurant & Pub, then enjoyed some pizza and camaraderie at James' Pizza, an old-time corner bar and pizza joint.  I learned a lot about the Coal Country, and I'll share it with you. But you really should go yourself, and meet the friendly inhabitants. Good bunch! What else? Well, What I'm Drinking Today is another Tröegs beer, their Dark Lager, but I'm doing it for a cause (and because it's really good!). The Smack Dab In The Centre segment is about a winter jewel in the crown of Centre County, Black Moshannon State Park, where you can skate, ski, fish, and even go ice-boating; that's a wild ride! I don't talk about my new book, American Whiskey Master Class, for the first time in four months! Time we both took a break, eh?  Next episode? I don't know. Yet. I have one interview I can do, and I've got a couple I might do, and it's going to be one of those. The suspense is killin' me.   See you in two weeks! Until then? TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT THE PODCAST! Seen Through A Glass is sponsored by the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau. Come visit Centre County!   This episode uses these sounds under the following license: Creative Commons CC BY 4.0   https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Champ de tournesol" by Komiku at https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ arrow-impact-87260 Sound Effect found on Pixabay (https://pixabay.com) "Glow" by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.au  Music promoted by https: //www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ All sounds sourced by STAG Music Librarian Nora Bryson, with our thanks.

Send us a textWeekly planning doesn't have to be complicated or rigid to be purposeful. At its core, it's simply a protected block of time where you slow down, look ahead, and decide how you want to steward the week you've been given.In this mini episode of the Habits Series, I'm talking about the habit of weekly planning and why it matters, especially if you already have a full life along with a God-shaped dream that hasn't had much room to breathe. I share how weekly planning has helped me move out of reactive mode, notice patterns in my days, and make small adjustments that create more clarity and margin over time.You'll hear what weekly planning looks like in my life, how to choose a rhythm that actually works for your season, and why consistency matters more than doing it perfectly. If you're tired of feeling scattered and reactive, this episode will help you see how one protected block of time for weekly planning can bring clarity, calm, and momentum. Get the Habit Tracker here: merrittonsa.com/habitsGet my $19 training where I walk you through how I do my weekly planning, including the planning worksheet that helped me finally make this a priority in my life! Get the training here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/weeklyplanning

Send us a textDepending on your season of life (or the season in your hemisphere), getting outside to move your body every day can feel surprisingly hard. Maybe you're juggling work, caring for children or aging parents, and managing everyday household responsibilities with already limited energy. Who has time to go for a walk?In this mini episode of the Habits Series, I'm talking about why daily movement matters and how to approach it with grace, and consistency.I share honestly about why this habit has been challenging for me, especially in winter and midlife, and why movement still plays an important role in supporting our bodies, our focus, and our ability to persevere in a God-given dream. You'll hear about the connection between movement, morning sunlight, and overall well-being, along with simple, doable ways to make this habit easier to keep.If you've struggled to prioritize movement or you've assumed it has to look intense to count, this episode will help you rethink what's possible. I hope you'll come away encouraged to start small, stay consistent, and see daily movement as one more way to care for yourself as you continue dreaming with God.Get the Habit Tracker here: merrittonsa.com/habits

Send us a textWhat if the exhaustion you feel at the end of every week is an invitation to live differently?You've landed at the third mini episode in my Habits Series. In this one, I'm talking about Sabbath rest, not because we need another rule to follow but because of the inherent value of working from rest rather than for it. For years, I treated rest as a burden, something I gave in to after pushing myself too hard. But a simple biblical insight shared by a friend shifted everything for me and helped me see rest as preparation, not recovery. In this episode, I share that story, explore the heart behind Sabbath, and walk you through what intentional, restorative rest looks like in my own life.If you're feeling worn down, constantly on, or quietly wondering how long you can keep going like this, I want you to listen. This conversation may help you reconnect with God in a gentler way, care for your soul more honestly, and build rhythms that can sustain you for the road ahead of dreaming with God.Get the Habit Tracker at merrittonsa.com/habits

Send us a textIf you've ever wanted to spend more time reading the Bible but felt overwhelmed or struggled with consistency, this episode is for you. In this second mini episode of my Habits series, I share a simple, doable way to build a daily Bible reading habit, even in busy or demanding seasons of life.Learn why consistency matters more than length, how daily time in God's Word shapes our faith and identity, and a 15-minute practice that has helped me stay grounded in God's truth over the years (even with small children at home). You'll also hear practical ways to make this habit easier to remember, easier to return to, and easier to sustain.If you're longing for a deeper relationship with God and want a habit that will support your faith and your God-shaped dream as a Christian woman, now is the perfect time to begin.Get the Habit Tracker at merrittonsa.com/habits

Send us a textIf God has given you a dream about what to do with the second half of your life but you're not sure where to begin, give this episode a listen. I'm kicking off season 14 with my popular Habits series. In it I'll tell you why small, doable habits matter more than big goals when it comes to finding the courage and confidence to pursue a God-shaped dream.You'll hear why habits work even when they feel unrelated to your dream, how habits are different from New Year's resolutions, and how one simple habit I've practiced for years has shaped the way I show up to use my voice. I also explain why tracking your habits can be a powerful tool for staying motivated and faithful over time.This episode kicks off a short series of mini episodes focused on simple habits you can begin right now to nurture your faith, strengthen your mindset, and support the dream God has placed on your heart.

Send us a textIf you've ever needed permission to slow down and start again, this episode is for you.After a five-month pause, the Devoted Dreamers Podcast is back. In this season opener, I share why I stepped away from podcasting, what burnout taught me about identity and rest, and how God met me in a quieter season. I also share what's changing in Season 14 and what you can expect as the show returns with a renewed focus on simple habits, faithful steps, and pursuing God-shaped dreams without burning out.In case we haven't met yet, I'm your host, Merritt Onsa, a mentor for Christian women in midlife who want to turn their big ideas into purposeful work. I come alongside women like you to help you discern what God might be inviting you into and take faithful next steps without pretending to have it all figured out.If you love Jesus, know you've been given specific gifts and experiences for a reason, and you're tired of circling the dream instead of walking it out with God, you're in the right place.Welcome to the Devoted Dreamers Podcast!

Holidays are over! Back to normal!  Well, kind of. I'll admit, I was kind of tired after the holidays: eating, drinking, staying up late. traveling, playing games (had a LOT of fun playing The Chameleon, a gift from our friends the Gallups, thanks for that!), and all that holiday stuff. So there's really only one story this time, plus some cooking, and a nice lunch out.  The interview is a good one, with Herman Mihalich of Mountain Laurel Spirits, the Bristol, PA distillery you may know better as Dad's Hat. Herman told me about how he got into this, about how his family ran a bar in their house, and about why Dad's Hat only makes rye whiskey. (They actually make the occasional small amount of apple brandy, but that's pretty Pennsylvania too.)  After the interview, I tell you how I make two holiday favorites: hot-smoked salmon and Lew's Smoked Nuts, which are oh-so-popular with my friends. They can't keep their hands off my nuts! I'll also tell you about the great Pennsylvania Dutch lunch I had with my Aunt Alice before Christmas: chicken and waffles, and fried eggplant.  What I'm Drinking Today is a annual favorite that I just picked up at the brewery a couple days ago, Tröegs Nugget Nectar, that resolutely hoppy 'imperial amber ale.'  The Smack Dab In The Centre segment is about where to find the best non-alcoholic drinks for Dry January (remember, bars and brewers and distillers and such need your support this month, too). Next episode will be...something. Yeah, we're back in that scenario. Fear not, I'll deliver...and I got some new equipment for another project. Might have something to report there.  See you in two weeks! Until then? TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT THE PODCAST! Seen Through A Glass is sponsored by the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau. Come visit Centre County!   This episode uses these sounds under the following license: Creative Commons CC BY 4.0   https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Champ de tournesol" by Komiku at https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ arrow-impact-87260 Sound Effect found on Pixabay (https://pixabay.com) "Glow" by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.au  Music promoted by https: //www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ All sounds sourced by STAG Music Librarian Nora Bryson, with our thanks.

Oh, hey. Hi.  Have a good Christmas? Me too. Got up early, stayed up late, right?  So I'm here with a whole bunch of coffee drinks to get going this morning!   I didn't know what to do for a relaxed post-Christmas episode, and then I remembered this interview with John Mleziva of State Line Distillery. They make a great coffee liqueur, and we talked about that. I knew we'd be just sitting around drinking coffee on that morning after Christmas, so I made that into an episode.  Then I told you more about the press trip to Mexico I took back in 2011 to see how Kahlua is made, with all the feels, and all the delicioso, and the extra-special cocktail we learned how to make. And the donkey herb moonshine we had. Yeah, not a typo.  Was that Kahlua cocktail What I'm Drinking Today? Oh, honey... I drank two cups of coffee (after my usual two mugs earlier) while I was taping the show, a La Colombe Triple Latte, and four different coffee liqueurs. My heart rate is a bit elevated right now.  The Smack Dab In The Centre segment: yeah, more coffee; the three great coffee roasters in Centre County.   And then a handful of other things, like the nice gift I got from the Pittsburgh Whiskey Friends, and one last holiday book plug, and a possible new New Year's Eve tradition, and a little bit of classical music appreciation.  Next episode is an interview with Dad's Hat distiller Herman Mihalich! See you next year, in 13 days! Happy New Year! Until then? TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT THE PODCAST!   Seen Through A Glass is sponsored by the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau. Come visit Centre County!   This episode uses these sounds under the following license: Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Champ de tournesol" by Komiku at https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ arrow-impact-87260 Sound Effect found on Pixabay (https://pixabay.com) "Auld Lang Syne" (traditional), performed by Alexander Nakarada | https://www.serpentsoundstudios.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com All sounds sourced by STAG Music Librarian Nora Bryson, with our thanks.

It's the SECOND Smack-Dab Center of the Holidays episode for 2025!   This episode features an interview with Shila Ulrich, the CEO of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. We talk about the best food and drink all year, but I wanted to helping the people who are focused on simply finding enough to live on. We can help them, and Shila has some advice on how, and why, and who they are. Like me, after you hear this interview, you'll be ready to help. Don't deny the impulse!  Then you get what you wanted. Since the first episode, listeners have asked me: when is Cathy coming back on the show? Well, we've got her, talking about one of her favorite things: Christmas cookies. That's right, two cookie interviews in a row! We're throwing our family Christmas caroling party this weekend, a tradition that's over 20 years old, and I wanted to tell you that story, a story that has its beginnings back in the mid-1970s, at a fantastic party I got to invited to in the Philly suburbs, and ends up with a bottle of bubbly and Blade Runner.   Remember: there's a growing list of central Pennsylvania small shopping suggestions for you at the new website! That's SeenThroughAGlass.com, the same place where you can get signed copies of my books in time for Christmas gifting!  What I'm Drinking Today got a little carried away, as it does this time of year. There are four drinks that I'll tell you about; two big Belgians, a simple but delicious bourbon cocktail, and a real surprise.  The Smack Dab In The Centre segment tells you...well, it tells you where to shop for my favorite Christmas presents: books! I'll tell you about my last book event for the year, right here in the smack-dab center on Friday the 19th, with barleywine.  Next episode is coming on Boxing Day, the day after Christmas! We don't know what it's going to be, but Dave and I have some ideas. Hope you've got the day off and you can come with us. See you in two weeks...and a day! Merry Christmas! Until then? TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT THE PODCAST! Seen Through A Glass is sponsored by the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau. Come visit Centre County!   This episode uses these sounds under the following license: Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Champ de tournesol" by Komiku at https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ "record_scratch_short.wav" by Halleck (https://freesound.org/people/Halleck/sounds/29938/ )  Music Box (Carol Of The Bells) by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ "God Rest Ye Merry Ukuleles," by matthewmikecolemusic  https://www.mikecolemusic.net/ Music promoted by www.pixabay.com arrow-impact-87260 Sound Effect found on Pixabay (https://pixabay.com) "Glow" by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.au  Music promoted by https: //www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ All sounds sourced by STAG Music Librarian Nora Bryson, with our thanks.

Hear about several examples of—plus a fun encounter with—AI based scams! Avoid being taken advantage of and tremble at the future of AI! Mourn and celebrate the passing of KJ's much-venerated 1964 International Travel-all! Listen to several leftover chunks of last episode's What We Did on Our Summer Vacation! Enjoy some Snappers and even more! It's all here, so don't even hesitate; just dive right in and enjoy! Links: Shed Dogs; buy a pizza vending machine!; buy a French fries vending machine!; the Smarter Every Day video on US manufacturing; the Seven Pillars of Wisdom book; the remarkable Juliane Koepcke; International Travelall; Toyota Tacoma; the BS Remover; the pig butchering scam; emergency scams aided by AI (possible paywall); LLM note taker; Tesla ghosts; Nelson's HMS Victory; the Mary Rose; the White Hart Hotel in St. Albans.Theme music is Escaping like Indiana Jones by Komiku, with permission.

Featured on Botolphia: The Translation Room - by Jennifer Bisset All Is Full of Love - by Dorian Blackwood Reaction Shot - by Todd Sullivan Our Audio License AntipodeanSF Radio Show by Ion Newcombe is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Featured Music Mandarin Orange by Jangwa is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. When you see that you were subject of experiment by Komiku is licensed under a CC0 1.0 Universal License. Magnet by Mystery Mammal is licensed under a Attribution License. Intro & Outro Music Celestial Navigation by Blue Dot Sessions is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial License

It's the FIRST Smack-Dab Center of the Holidays episode, a town profile of Mifflinburg!  The holiday episode is about...Mifflinburg? Yes! For a couple reasons, but the biggest one is the Mifflinburg Christkindl Market, the annual recreation of an authentic German Christmas market on Market Street. Crafts and goods (many handmade, many unique), indulgent foods and drinks for the young and adult, music, entertainment, and Hilby the Skinny German Juggle Boy (click on that link for a New York Times profile of Hilby) all in one place, a wonderful festival.  We've also got a wonderful interview with Nikki Keister-Hornig, the proprietor of Gable House Bakery, where we wander surprisingly far afield (Hong Kong, Italy) but then bring things back home with Nikki's insights on cookies: it's hard to bake just three, so baking is so often a communal activity. She'll also tell you her secrets on how to bake great pastries with supermarket ingredients, and the best thing she's ever made at Gable House (BOURBON was involved!).  I'll also tell you about a trip I took to Asheville, NC for the release of Sierra Nevada Celly Drippins, a brewery-only beer made from the "drippins" from the huge hop sacks they use to dry-hop Sierra Nevada Celebration. There's a short interview with Sierra Nevada's Brian Grossman (chief brewer at North Carolina, and son of founder Ken Grossman) about how Celly Drippins is made, and a report on my first visit to Buc-ee's, the famously gargantuan Texas-based "convenience store" chain. Hey, remember the scalloped oysters I told you about last episode? I made them for Thanksgiving, and had the leftovers for breakfast on Friday!  Remember: today is Small Business Saturday, and there's a growing list of central Pennsylvania small shopping suggestions for you at the new website! That's SeenThroughAGlass.com! Once again, huge thanks to my daughter Nora Bryson for building the site, with a merch store, a blog, Corgi pix, and more to come.  What I'm Drinking Today is hyperlocal. Boal City Brewing Cream Ale is a delightfully delicate but flavorful way to savor a beer that won't fill you up; perfect with your big holiday meals.  The Smack Dab In The Centre segment is getting into the cold: where to find the best cup of hot chocolate in State College! I have notes about three American Whiskey Master Class signing events in central PA in December, including one next Sunday that's a fundraiser for one of our favorite local non-profits, the Penns Valley Conservation Association! You can get tickets for that one right here. Remember, a signed copy is a great holiday gift for your whiskey-loving friends that you can now buy at the new website! Next episode is another holiday episode, back on the regular Thursday schedule. Get ready! See you in two weeks...er, ten days! Until then? TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT THE PODCAST! Seen Through A Glass is sponsored by the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau. Come visit Centre County!   This episode uses these sounds under the following license: Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Champ de tournesol" by Komiku at https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ "record_scratch_short.wav" by Halleck (https://freesound.org/people/Halleck/sounds/29938/ )  Music Box (Carol Of The Bells) by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ arrow-impact-87260 Sound Effect found on Pixabay (https://pixabay.com) "Glow" by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.au  Music promoted by https: //www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ All sounds sourced by STAG Music Librarian Nora Bryson, with our thanks.

Faithful listeners may recall RJ preparing to head for Spain to represent his country in table soccer and PJ preparing to go to France for an epic cycling trip. Non-listeners (are there any?) will likely have heard about these exciting exploits at the grocery or the gym, going about their daily business. In either case, here in episode 205 we share our experiences and impressions along with our achievements as we report on What We Did On Our Summer Vacations. We're hoping new friends made at these events will hear about themselves at the same time you do!Links: Shed Dogs; Lisbon; azulejo; Port wine; Porto; Barcelona; Old Barcino (Roman ruins in Barcelona); Antoni Gaudí; Sagrada Familia; the Temple Augustus columns; the Facebook page for the ITSF World Cup of Foosball 2025 in Zaragoza, Spain; Todd Loffredo; the three key aging inflection points.Theme music is Escaping like Indiana Jones by Komiku, with permission.

Thanksgiving is coming, so here's a food show, and a family Thanksgiving side recipe, and "shop local" holiday advice!  "Wild Food"? That's right, this is the FORAGING episode! I interviewed two foragers, both friends of mine here in Penns Valley: forester Andrea Ferich and my friend and pinochle partner, John Dubosky. They'll tell you about how to find and harvest wild mushrooms, we talk a little about paw paws, and Andrea talks about ginseng and some cool stuff she's doing with hickory nuts, and I finally get to talk to someone about teaberry! I'll tell you about our family fave Thanksgiving side dish, scalloped oysters, and the supply crisis that almost ended it. The next episode is dropping Saturday after Thanksgiving, which is Small Business Saturday, so I've got a bunch of central Pennsylvania small shopping suggestions for you. And...there will be a bunch more in the show notes on the new website! That's SeenThroughAGlass.com! Huge thanks to my daughter Nora Bryson for building the site, with a merch store, a blog, Corgi pix, and more to come. Finally, STAG has a home!  What I'm Drinking Today is a winter classic from way back, Samuel Smith Winter Welcome, a beautifully malty mouthful that soothes my weary soul at this time of year.  The Smack Dab In The Centre segment is about grooving to live music at some great drinking spots (you know, multitasking). I'll tell you about two American Whiskey Master Class signing events in central PA in December, and remember, a signed copy is a great holiday gift for your whiskey-loving friends that you can now buy at the new website! Next episode will be a Mifflinburg profile that's also our first holiday episode. Get ready! See you in two weeks (and two days)! Until then? TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT THE PODCAST! Seen Through A Glass is sponsored by the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau. Come visit Centre County!   This episode uses these sounds under the following license: Creative Commons CC BY 4.0   https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Champ de tournesol" by Komiku at https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ arrow-impact-87260 Sound Effect found on Pixabay (https://pixabay.com) "Glow" by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.au  Music promoted by https: //www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ All sounds sourced by STAG Music Librarian Nora Bryson, with our thanks.

In this new episode of Waypoint, the Renegades are on the move! Chase down a silent assassin! Try your best to save a civilian life! Receive a strange message from beyond! Music by Kevin MacLeod, Phat Frog Studios, Komiku and Pursky

A bonus episode this week as we're pleased to bring you Seen Through a Glass, a podcast produced and hosted by Lew Bryson. Here's what he has to say about this episode: THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN! I asked you who you wanted me to interview, and you said "Give us The Pizza Boy, Al Kominski!" Well, I cannot defy or deny the people, so I went down to Al's of Hampden in Enola on the West Shore and got the interview...and then hung around and visited some more breweries: Ever Grain, Mellow Mink, Sworn, Hemauer, and Liquid Noise.I got in a visit to Sugar Run Brewing in Duncansville as well, and I'll tell you about opening night at the newest bar in Millheim: our home bar, First Draft, is finally complete, and spreading joy among our friends. And if you're interested...check out the @stagpodcast Instagram page to see a picture of our new Corgi puppy, Samwise!Next episode? Back in April, I did an Earth Day presentation at Ploughman Farm Cider's Gettysburg taproom on the agricultural aspects of rye whiskey, along with a cider guy talking about the same thing. We'll hear that, plus I'll tell you what it was like at the PA Cider Fest. See you in two weeks!Until then?TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT THE PODCAST!Seen Through A Glass is sponsored by the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau. Come visit Centre County! This episode uses these sounds under the following license:Creative Commons CC BY 4.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"Champ de tournesol" by Komiku at https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/arrow-impact-87260 Sound Effect found on Pixabay (https://pixabay.com)"Glow" by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.auMusic promoted by https: //www.chosic.com/free-music/all/All sounds sourced by STAG Music Librarian Nora Bryson, with our thanks.

Finally! A Lancaster County episode, about "America's Coolest Small Town," "Pennsylvania's Best Small Town To Retire In," a place with "a downtown dripping with charm": Lititz, Pennsylvania.  I grew up not far away, and I'm pretty familiar with Lititz. For instance, Josh Kauffman, the brewer I interviewed at Rooster Street Butcher? I already knew him, and his parents, and his grandparents...even his great-grand-dad. We'll dig into the history of this town, deeply linked to the same Moravian church that shaped Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. It's that kind of episode, but don't worry; you'll feel like part of the family when we're done.  We make other stops too, like the world-class beer bar, the Bulls Head Public House, the insanely varied and wonderful coffee at Whiff Roasters, America's oldest pretzel maker, Julius Sturgis, and the chocolate cake that makes me nostalgic at the Brickerville House.  What else? Well, What I'm Drinking Today is a throwback to the very first episode: once again, I'm having Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale. Love that stuff. The Smack Dab In The Centre segment is about the upcoming Christmas celebrations in Bellefonte (and you better get your train tickets pretty soon!). I maybe mention my new book, American Whiskey Master Class, a few times, too, but come on, it's a great gift for your whiskey-loving friends! Next episode will be the first of this year's string of holiday episodes, a combination Thanksgiving and foraging episode, complete with interviews with a forester who forages mushrooms, walnuts, hickory nuts, and paw paws; and a friend who forages for the joy of it. See you in two weeks! Until then? TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT THE PODCAST! Seen Through A Glass is sponsored by the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau. Come visit Centre County!   This episode uses these sounds under the following license: Creative Commons CC BY 4.0   https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Champ de tournesol" by Komiku at https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ arrow-impact-87260 Sound Effect found on Pixabay (https://pixabay.com) "Glow" by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.au  Music promoted by https: //www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ All sounds sourced by STAG Music Librarian Nora Bryson, with our thanks.

Here in Episode 204 we once again find AI, and its increasing use as a substitute for human interaction, entering our chat. We feel the need to assure you: we are real, even if cover art isn't. If you talk to us, it's an actual interaction with organic beings. This episode sees said beings discussing KJ's goings-on with career and family, another round of Snappers, the amusing nature of artists' conceptual renderings of proposed architectural drawings and the aforementioned AI conversation. Plus, RJ reviews Wicked: Part I in anticipation of Part II. It's all refreshingly and reassuringly human. Any odd inflections or awkward speech rhythms are clearly the result of human software problems, believe us.Links: Shed Dogs; programmers' views on vibe coding; large language models (LLMs, such as ChatGPT); commode; Pope Leo; Beyond Mulder & Scully, in which KJ is featured; a discussion about risks of staying near the kitchen & other areas on a cruise; West Side Story; Wicked: Part I.Theme music is Escaping like Indiana Jones by Komiku, with permission.

THE WOLFE IS LOOSE!! Erik Wolfe, that is. I sat down with Stoll & Wolfe distillery co-owner/founder/distiller Erik Wolfe a couple weeks ago when we did an American Whiskey Master Class event there. I wanted to get his thoughts on a number of things, and as usual, I had a whole page of questions to ask.  That's not what happened. I asked my opening question, and Erik took off like a rabbit. We covered -- excuse me, he covered a lot of territory, and honestly, I found it all fascinating, so I just let the recorder roll. It's a bit longer than we usually go, but I'm pretty sure you'll enjoy it. I did take the book to Baltimore shortly after that, and had an event at Sisu, a new little bar with a big personality, run by friends of mine...and maybe yours, because they've become well-known in State College and Philadelphia. I also got a great dinner in Little Italy, at Benny's, advertising "The Best Balls On The Block," and it was no hollow boast.  What I'm Drinking Today is a Stoll & Wolfe whiskey, very limited release, one barrel only of a rye whiskey made with Rosen rye and malted Rosen rye. The result was intriguing, and wonderful. The Smack Dab In The Centre segment is about pizza again; three great spots in Centre County! (More pizza because holy cow! That Original Italian Pizza episode went crazy! You loved the OIP Story!) Next episode? I have an interview with an old friend, a young old friend, who's brewing in Lititz, Pennsylvania, and I take the opportunity to profile that wonderful little town, our first Lancaster County profile. I also deliver some big news about the Seen Through A Glass holiday schedule that I think you're going to like. A lot. Be sure to listen all the way to the end, especially this time!  See you in two weeks! Until then? TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT THE PODCAST! Seen Through A Glass is sponsored by the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau. Come visit Centre County! This episode uses these sounds under the following license: Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Champ de tournesol" by Komiku at https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ arrow-impact-87260 Sound Effect found on Pixabay (https://pixabay.com) "Glow" by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.au Music promoted by https: //www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ All sounds sourced by STAG Music Librarian Nora Bryson, with our thanks.

THE MYSTERY IS SOLVED!! It's something that's bothered me for years: who owns the Original Italian Pizza shops?! They're all over central PA, dozens of them, all pretty similar, but all a little bit different. Thanks to a tip from Shy Bear's Jason Ufema, I got to interview John Pannizzo, the son of the man who started it all.  We get the whole story...and that's all I'm going to say. This is a good one, you should listen to it.  There's more about pizza, just because, and then some more about pizza. You won't suffer, I promise.  What I'm Drinking Today is a favorite wine, Tenuta di Ulisse Amaranta Montepulciano D'Abruzzo. It's great for Fall foods! The Smack Dab In The Centre segment is about the new Happy Valley Gravel Adventure Guide, a handy guide to riding the bike trails of Centre County! Next episode? I have a far-ranging interview with one of the most thoughtful distillers I know. We talk about heirloom grains, yeast, cornstalk rum, and Moravian pacifism. I'll also tell you about two places I visited in Baltimore while on my book tour.   See you in two weeks! Until then? TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT THE PODCAST! Seen Through A Glass is sponsored by the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau. Come visit Centre County! This episode uses these sounds under the following license: Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Champ de tournesol" by Komiku at https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ arrow-impact-87260 Sound Effect found on Pixabay (https://pixabay.com) "Glow" by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.au Music promoted by https: //www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ All sounds sourced by STAG Music Librarian Nora Bryson, with our thanks.

Here's an outtake from another episode of Love YA Like Crazy, in which we make fun of a marketing email for around seven and a half minutes. This episode's theme song is 'Surfing' by Komiku, which I found through WFMU's Free Music Archive.

Fall has arrived again, in spite of our doubts, and despite this fully anachronistic episode. Gather ‘round the fire while we amuse ourselves talking about potential Pope names, get a full report on goings-on in KJ's star-studded life, discuss the strange voting experiences in this year's federal election, and yeet us some Snappers. We touch on some serious matters, too, so let's see if we can get Friendly to call Rusty and Jerome to join us around the fire. Buddy will be pleased!Factoids of the month: (1) Payne Street was where KJ, PJ, and RJ lived from c. 1979 into the early 80's. The house was close to the corner of Payne & Suffering. (2) Vatican City is 100% Catholic! One can only wonder if the Swiss Guard frog-marches non-believers out of the sovereign state. (3) Of countries with population over one million, Portugal is #1 at 80.2% Catholic. Source.Links: Shed Dogs; regnal names, that is to say pope names; the Apostles were all Jews; Dial the Gate; When Calls the Heart; West Side Story; Sandy Winsby's extensive body of works; West Side Story; the Lapu-Lapu Day attack; this year's federal election; John Hancock's signature.Theme music is Escaping like Indiana Jones by Komiku, by permission.

Wherein we return to Lewistown and Shy Bear for another interview with podcast inspiration Jason Ufema to get the straight skinny on what's going on with their Hershey satellite operation.  Shy Bear Brewing owner Jason Ufema was only the fourth person I interviewed for the show, and the quality of that interview is a painful memory, so we decided to have a do-over. Seriously, there was stuff we missed, and it was a chance to talk to a pretty wired-in guy about how things are going in the brewpub business.  Speaking of Lewistown, Goose Day is coming up! It's officially September 29th, but since that's a Monday, they've streeeeeetched it out to include the weekend, so things start flying on Friday the 26th. There's a drone spectacle, craft vendors, music, goose and blackberry-themed drinks (yes, goose drinks!), and of course, lots of goose dinners, goose pizza, goose tacos, and so on. It's great fun! What I'm Drinking Today is a first: fresh draft beer from my home tap, this year's Troegs Oktoberfest. The Smack Dab In The Centre segment is TWO side-by-side upcoming Fall festivals, the Millheim Oktoberfest on September 27th, and the Aaronsburg Dutch Fall Fest on October 4th and 5th (plus I slipped in a plug for the Mifflinburg Oktoberfest that same weekend).   Next episode? It's a big one! You've probably seen an Original Italian Pizza shop in central PA, they're all over. The OIPs are ubiquitous, but varied: the signage and menus are similar, but not exact, and then there's about ten shops up in Syracuse. Are they franchises? Single owner? Or is it just a common name? Well, I've got the story, direct from the son of the guy who started it all, with some inside scoop on the whole thing. You gotta listen to this one! See you in two weeks! Until then? TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT THE PODCAST! Seen Through A Glass is sponsored by the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau. Come visit Centre County! This episode uses these sounds under the following license: Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Champ de tournesol" by Komiku at https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ arrow-impact-87260 Sound Effect found on Pixabay (https://pixabay.com) "Oktoberfest Polka Party" is AI-generated, and I apologize for that. I gotta find another clip for Oktoberfest. It's available at StockTune https://stocktune.com/free-music/oktoberfest-polka-party-4061-18253 "News Intro" by Kalvin C The Media Guy from pixabay.com/music "Glow" by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.au Music promoted by https: //www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ All sounds sourced by STAG Music Librarian Nora Bryson, with our thanks.

In the time we've been making this podcast, we've tried hard to create a picture of three genial older men who anyone would like to chat with. Regardless of the success of that effort, in this episode we hint at a sadder aspect of those who lurk in the Shed. Yes, we have fun listener mail, we hear about the Vancouver Rise along, and we give our impressions of central vacuums. We laugh at a cute dog story. We even have a light brush with poetry. The troubling part comes with a topic we toss around lightly but which can surely only beg this scary question: Why do these guys know so much about anti-snoring devices? Alright, gotta go, time to catch some Zs, you know, saw some logs…Links: Shed Dogs; the Vancouver Rise; Vancouver's upcoming new hockey team; taxes withheld at source; anti-snoring devices; vibe coding; recurring dreams; built-in vacuum cleaners; BC's fast food bags policy; the class action suit against TD Bank regarding their coin counting machines.Theme music is Escaping like Indiana Jones by Komiku, with permission.

After three years, we finally have an episode on Pennsylvania wines. I discovered Traminette, a delicious white wine grape, and it was time to press on! Pennsylvania has over 400 wineries! So it's definitely time to talk about them. I responded to this by talking about one grape: Traminette. I talked to George Hazard, co-founder of Juniata Valley Winery, where they only grow Traminette. We talked about growing grapes, making wine, and the versatility of this hybrid grape.   I also interviewed by friend Dave Dreese, who you've met before (Dave's an occasional companion on my research runs around the state). Dave's an expert on something I wanted to talk about: dirt roads. They're an overlooked wonder in the Keystone State, there are thousands of miles of them, and they will take you places you couldn't get to otherwise. Well, you know; without hiking, I guess. Fun segment! The Smack Dab In The Centre segment is about the Punkin Chunkin Fall Festival in Howard on October 18th! Gourds fly across the lake! Trebuchets, air cannons, catapults! Food trucks, craft vendors, pumpkin pie eating contest! FREE PARKING AND ADMISSION!  Next episode? Beats me. Got a couple ideas and some phone numbers. We'll figure something out.     See you in two weeks! Until then? TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT THE PODCAST! Seen Through A Glass is sponsored by the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau. Come visit Centre County! This episode uses these sounds under the following license: Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Champ de tournesol" by Komiku at https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ arrow-impact-87260 Sound Effect found on Pixabay (https://pixabay.com) "Glow" by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.au Music promoted by https: //www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ All sounds sourced by STAG Music Librarian Nora Bryson, with our thanks.

Send us a textEp 350 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/350Ever considered launching a ministry or publishing a Bible study from your personal story?Julie Fowler knows what it's like to step out with a dream that feels bigger than you. After walking through years of infertility and loss, her pain turned into purpose as she built the ministry she needed in that season. Now, 25 years later, she's published her curriculum as men's and women's Bible studies for people who are walking through a similar trial.Julie and I talk in this episode about the challenges and joys of saying yes to God's invitation and the spiritual growth that happens when you pursue a God-shaped dream with open hands.Here's what you'll learn:

When your central PA town is too small to get the attention of Wegmans, or Giant, or Weis, it's time for a local hero: the independent grocer! Rural Pennsylvanians need to eat too, and we like variety just as much as city-dwellers. Luckily, just like with craft brewers, and small butchers, independent grocers can often deliver stuff that bigger supermarkets can't. Local stuff that's too small to work with the big guys, the delicious favorites that the big guys don't understand (pepper slaw? Pickled quail eggs? Ham salad!!), and fresh-as-this-morning local produce! I interviewed two local grocers: Russ Burkholder, of Burkholder's Country Market right here in Millheim, and Lindsay Hutchinson, who runs People's Provisions, in Elliotsburg. Burkholder's has made local a mission, and Russ has some great insights on how an independent stays afloat. Lindsay has a very special idea at People's Provisions, about fostering community with food in central Perry County. You'll want to visit both places -- and your local grocer -- when you're done listening.  I cooked with some provisions I got at Burkholders, mixed with vegetables from a friend's garden, and I'll tell you about that; lots of hot peppers and corn and cheese!  What else? The Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest collaboration beer is What I'm Drinking Today, and the Smack Dab In The Centre segment is about finding the blazingly fresh locally-grown food that's bursting out of Centre County fields right now. I'm also going to be taping new episodes of What's Brewing PA with Glen Macnow next month, and I give you a heads up on what's coming there.  Next episode? After almost three years, I finally have an episode about Pennsylvania wineries! I got a bottle of Traminette, and it intrigued me, and I just kept digging till I came up with a story.    See you in two weeks! Until then? TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT THE PODCAST! Seen Through A Glass is sponsored by the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau. Come visit Centre County! This episode uses these sounds under the following license: Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Champ de tournesol" by Komiku at https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ arrow-impact-87260 Sound Effect found on Pixabay (https://pixabay.com) "Glow" by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.au Music promoted by https: //www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ All sounds sourced by STAG Music Librarian Nora Bryson, with our thanks.

Send us a textEp 349 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/349Have you ever had a quiet nudge from God but felt unsure about where it might lead?That's where Julie Fowler found herself 25 years ago. In the middle of grief and loss, with more questions than answers, she said a simple yes to starting something she needed: a community of support and a space to hold the heartache of infertility, miscarriage, and infant loss.What began as a few women gathering at church has grown into a long-standing ministry that now supports couples across the country through biblical encouragement, small group resources, and compassionate leadership.In this conversation, Julie and I talk about how God can use what feels like the most tender, painful part of our story and turn it into a source of hope and healing for others.This episode will remind you:✨ How God can transform your struggles into meaningful ministry 

Send us a textEp 348 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/348Has your dream been sitting on the shelf all summer? As the school year approaches and routines shift, it's the perfect time to reconnect with the God-shaped dream on your heart. But after months of being in “mom mode” (or simply navigating a busy season), picking that dream back up can feel overwhelming. Where do you even begin?This episode will help you focus on five intentional steps you can take to reset your dream in the transition from summer to fall. You'll consider new rhythms for reconnecting with God, getting clear on your “why,” identifying who your dream is meant to serve, surrounding yourself with the right people, and taking those brave first steps forward.Here's what you'll walk away with: 

You've got to do what I finally did this episode, and get off the highways that bypass the town of Duncannon, sitting just downstream of the confluence of the Juniata and the Susquehanna. Why? As a local bartender told me, "I call it FunCannon!" This episode came together in about a day and a half, thanks to Michael Lindgren at Lindgren Craft Brewery in Duncannon. I've been drinking their beer at Pisano's Winery here in Millheim, and when circumstances put me on the road to Duncannon, I thought I'd see if he could give us an interview.  He did, and my traveling companion Dave Dreese and I went there, and to the Doyle Hotel across the way, and an Appalachian Trail hostel called Kind Of Outdoorsy, and the iconic Red Rabbit Drive In, and then on up the river to Williams French Fries in Millersburg. That put us on the far side of the Susquehanna, 20 miles either way from a bridge to our side of the river. No worries: we got a ride on the only remaining paddlewheel ferry in the US, the Millersburg Ferry. Come along, it's like riding with Hank and Tom and Becky on the river.   What else? Well, What I'm Drinking Today was a delicious dram of Michter's 10 Year Old Rye, the 2025 release, and it is exceptional. The Smack Dab In The Centre segment is about the upcoming Another World Music Festival, three days of 30 bands on two stages, right here in beautiful Penns Valley, the smack-dab center itself! Of course there's more American Whiskey Master Class news as we get closer to the September 23 launch date! Events in Washington, PA and Baltimore, and if you just can't wait, you can pre-order it here!  Next episode will be about the great local grocery stores in central PA, everything from four aisle markets to ten-store chains with full-service butcher shops and fresh seafood. They aren't Whole Foods or Wegmans, but they're not 7-11s either, and they're out here where central PA actually lives. Let's go shopping! See you in two weeks! Until then? TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT THE PODCAST! Seen Through A Glass is sponsored by the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau. Come visit Centre County!   This episode uses these sounds under the following license: Creative Commons CC BY 4.0   https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Champ de tournesol" by Komiku at https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ arrow-impact-87260 Sound Effect found on Pixabay (https://pixabay.com) Shallow River Sound Effect by freesound community from pixabay.com "Glow" by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.au  Music promoted by https: //www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ All sounds sourced by STAG Music Librarian Nora Bryson, with our thanks.

Send us a textEp 347 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/347What if the pressure to “do it right” is actually keeping you from doing it at all?Samantha Wells returns to the podcast, in part two, with the real story behind writing her first Bible study and the internal battle she faced along the way. From perfectionism and doubt to a two-year wrestle with the “big idea,” Samantha opens up about what it really took to move her God-shaped dream from concept to completion.Together, we explore how God worked through her insecurities and pride, the small faithful steps she took even when clarity was absent, and the peace that came from releasing the outcome to the Lord. Her honesty will resonate if you've ever felt stuck, unsure, or paralyzed by procrastination, even when you deeply believe in the work you've been called to do.Here's what you'll learn: 

Wheels of Time: A Retrospective on Automotive Innovation is a series highlighting the significant developments in both the automotive industry and motorsports, showcasing the rapid advancements in technology, the establishment of notable and iconic brands, and the constant changes in competitive racing as a popular sport. With each lap that the Wheels of Time completes, is another transformative period that laid the groundwork for future innovations in both vehicle manufacturing and racing.  And up next, the Top-50 most significant developments in the Automotive Industry and Motorsports for the year: 1924 ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== The Motoring Podcast Network : Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - motoringpodcast.net More Information: https://www.motoringpodcast.net/ Become a VIP at: https://www.patreon.com/gtmotorsports Online Magazine: https://www.gtmotorsports.org/ This episode is sponsored in part by THE SOCIETY OF AUTOMOTIVE HISTORIANS (SAH); The SAH encourages research into any aspect of automotive history, and actively supports the compilation and preservation of papers, organizational records, print ephemera, and images to safe-guard, broaden, and deepen the understanding of motorized, wheeled land transportation through the modern age and into the future. For further information on the SAH visit www.autohistory.org Voice over by Revel Arroway and music by Komiku, "A Good Bass for Gambling"

Send us a textEp 346 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/346What if the very thing that makes your dream feel different is the reason God gave it to you?Samantha Wells is a writer, speaker, and Bible teacher with a deep love for Scripture and a heart for drawing women into comprehending God's restorative work in the world. In this episode, she shares how she stepped out in faith to write a Bible study on the book of Nehemiah, not as a leadership guide or wall-building blueprint, but as a tender invitation to see God's goodness in the rubble.IF YOU'VE EVER WONDERED WHETHER YOUR UNIQUE APPROACH COULD MAKE A KINGDOM DIFFERENCE, THIS EPISODE IS FOR YOU.In this honest and faith-filled conversation, Samantha shares how God stirred a dream in her heart to teach and encourage women through the lesser-known parts of His Word and how she walked in obedience even when the path didn't look like anyone else's.Her story will encourage you if you've ever felt like your ideas were too different or questioned whether your dream really matters. May it also help you trust God with your unique gifts and deepest desires.Here's what you'll learn: 

You all know about the Battle of Gettysburg, so we're not talking about that.  Instead, I'm jumping right into the town before the battle (a little bit of history, some of it is still around today), and the town today, which is a huge tourist attraction that tends to be a little less touristy than most huge tourist attractions, because of the solemn nature of the history.  But when we've toured the battlefield...we're looking to get our drink on, and Seen Through A Glass has you covered.  I interview Yianni Barakos, the founder, owner, and distiller at Mason Dixon Distillery. Yianni built his first still when he was 11. That's right, eleven years old. It's an interesting story. We talk about how that happened, how he survived that (and almost didn't survive a car crash), why he opened a distillery, how he wangled a permit to grow grain on the Gettysburg battlefield, and why he bottles most of his whiskey as single barrels. We also talk about Tsipouro, a clear spirit, "like Greek grappa," he said.  Then Dave Dreese and I take a grueling excellent tour of Gettysburg's drinking spots, missing a few out of a desire to stay healthy: the Garryowen Irish Pub, Gettysburg Moonshine Company, the Dobbin House, Bantam Coffee Roasters, Appalachian Brewing Co., Reid's Orchard and Winery, Michaux Brewing, Fourscore Beer Co., and Spirits of Gettysburg. Yes, all in an afternoon. Don't try this at home, we are professionals.  We announce the winners of our DelGrosso Foods contest, with a winner for a selection of 12 jars of their Original and La Famiglia DelGrosso sauces, and another winner of two day passes to the DelGrosso Amusement Park and Laguna Splash Water Park! Thank you to everyone who participated! I went out looking for good farm fresh food, and found two dozen "seconds" peaches that just needed a loving home. I cut them up and made two quarts of peach shrub, then used the pulp to make a delicious peach-blueberry pie. That's getting the most out of your fruit! What I'm Drinking Today was A.Bowman rye whiskey, a softer, sweeter version of Old Overholt. The Smack-Dab in the Centre sponsorship moment is all about the 151st annual Centre County Grange Fair, coming in August! Next episode? I'm being a little cagey about it, because I'm not 100% sure it's going to pan out, but...it's very local, and very central PA at the same time. The interview is already done, and let's just say I was a little surprised at how forthcoming my interviewee was. Very informative!   See you in two weeks! Until then? TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT THE PODCAST! Seen Through A Glass is sponsored by the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau. Come visit Centre County!   This episode uses these sounds under the following license: Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Champ de tournesol" by Komiku at https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ "Swallowtail Jig" by Grumpynora at https://pixabay.com/users/grumpynora-14374548/ US Army Old Guard Fife & Drum Corps "The Caissons Go Rolling Along" arrow-impact-87260 Sound Effect found on Pixabay (https://pixabay.com) "Glow" by Scott Buckley | https://www.scottbuckley.com.au Music promoted by https: //www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ All sounds sourced by STAG Music Librarian Nora Bryson, with our thanks.

Send us a textEp 345 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/345Have you ever lost your confidence just as you were about to take a big risk?It's not your imagination. That wave of self-doubt, discouragement, or distraction is more than a bad day—it's creative resistance. Understanding where it comes from (and how to respond) could be the difference between quitting and persevering.This episode explores the spiritual reality of creative resistance—what it looks like, why it shows up, and how to prepare your heart for the battle that often follows a calling. You'll hear personal experiences, biblical encouragement, and three powerful strategies for staying grounded when the enemy shows up loud.Here's what you'll learn: 

Send us a textEp 344 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/344What if the people who love you aren't cheerleaders for your dream?When God gives you a big dream, you want to talk about it! But what if you shared your heart with someone close to you only to be met with confusion, criticism, or silence? It's deeply discouraging when your people don't get it. But is their response a reflection of your qualifications or the validity of your dream, or is there something else at work here?Today I'm unpacking three possible reasons why your close friends and family might not affirm your dream and what to do when their response threatens to shake your confidence. Whether their reaction is about fear, practicality, or your difficulty putting words to your ideas, there is a way forward.Here's what you'll learn: 

What's the Biggest Thing In Tipton?  America's oldest family-owned pasta sauce maker, DelGrosso Foods! The DelGrosso family has been making pasta sauce in Tipton for over 75 years, and running their amusement park even longer. Joe and Michael DelGrosso tell me the stories behind this; the love story, the beer garden story, the innovation story, and through it all, their family story. Maybe the most amazing story is how this 78 year old sauce company doubled their sales in the past two years. It's a real success story! Hear about hot pepperoni, hot sauce, and how DelGrosso's new sauce has catapulted into second place nationally in only a few years of sales. You'll also hear stories about this clan grew up together, then spread out, but still comes together to keep the business running. It's very much a central PA story, about small towns, small companies, and family strength, with a dash of railroads and luck.  Once again, a long interview; the longest we've run yet, so not a lot of time for other stuff, but we do have a contest for you! DelGrosso Foods donated two prizes: a selection of 12 jars of their Original and La Famiglia DelGrosso sauces, and two day passes to the DelGrosso Amusement Park and Laguna Splash Water Park! Easy directions for how to enter are in the episode, listen and win! And just because, I still shoehorned in Tipton and Tyrone stuff: Austin's Texas Hot Dogs in Tipton, and then Tyrone stuff: The Brew Coffee and Tap serving great coffee and craft beer and wines, the small but mighty -- mighty delicious! -- Sugar Mill Bakery, and a great little deli, Mac's Market and The Gridiron, with full service meats and the signature Tyrone hoagies topped with a cool drift of thin-sliced onions.  It's a long episode, but it's worth it! What I'm Drinking Today was the latest Michter's 10 Year Old Bourbon release, a leaner Michter's than usual. The Smack-Dab in the Centre sponsorship moment covers the upcoming Hoppy Valley Brewers Fest, coming next weekend, July 19th!  Next episode? It's a Gettysburg episode, which required a marathon pub crawl with my buddy Dave Dreese. Plus the winners of our big DelGrosso Giveaway!   See you in two weeks! Until then? TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT THE PODCAST! Seen Through A Glass is sponsored by the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau. Come visit Centre County!   This episode uses these sounds under the following license: Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Champ de tournesol" by Komiku at https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ “Un petit tour de manège” by jean-paul-v  from pixabay.com/music arrow-impact-87260 Sound Effect found on Pixabay (https://pixabay.com) "Glow" by Scott Buckley | https://www.scottbuckley.com.au Music promoted by https: //www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ All sounds sourced by STAG Music Librarian Nora Bryson, with our thanks.

Send us a textEp 343 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/343What if the dream God gave you is already growing—just in a direction you didn't expect?In part 2 of my conversation with Andrea Olson, we explore how God often uses our past experiences, natural wiring, and even disappointments to shape something new in our calling. Andrea shares how a quiet season of listening uncovered a shift in her work, revealing a new mission to equip faith-driven entrepreneurs—something He had been preparing her for all along.In this episode, you'll learn: 

Send us a textEp 342 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/342What if your dream doesn't unfold the way you expected?If you've ever faced a detour or disappointment in your pursuit of a passion project, this conversation will speak straight to your heart.This week, I'm joined by worship leader, songwriter, and accidental entrepreneur Andrea Olson, founder of Overflow Worship. Andrea opens up about the evolution of her God-shaped dream—from music ministry to equipping worship teams to coaching faith-driven entrepreneurs—and how she's learned to take faithful, surrendered steps even when things didn't go as planned.In this episode, you'll learn:

One interview, two absolutely iconic central PA bars: Zeno's, and Chumley's. I got an interview with Ellen Braun, who is the general manager of Zeno's, the bar that brought great beer to State College; and also the general manager of Chumley's, the bar that has quietly (and sometimes not so quietly) provided a safe haven for gay folks from Penn State and the region around State College since the early 80's. We also talked with two of her lieutenants, Justin and Sofie.  I already got the history of Zeno's from long-time manager Dave Staab way back in Episode 4, but things have changed a lot since then, so we needed an update. Chumley's, well, I've wanted to do a 'gay bars of central PA' episode for a long time, and the story is as fascinating and varied as I'd hoped, especially when you throw in the excellent cocktail program.  This is a great interview. I enjoyed doing it, I enjoyed listening to it when I edited it, and I hope you enjoy it too.  (One small correction; Ellen contacted me to note that she misspoke when she said Chumley's new owners had purchased the building. They did not, they only purchased the business.) It is also a long interview, and I didn't have a lot of room for much else, though I did squeeze in how we made a great blueberry cobbler out of our fresh Kiwanis Club blueberries. What I'm Drinking Today was two bourbons, the latest Larceny Barrel Proof release and the new Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond 7 Year Old, both Heaven Hill whiskeys with the same wheated bourbon mash bill; I taste and compare them. The Smack-Dab in the Centre sponsorship moment is about the upcoming Route 45 Getaways event which will be right in front of my house. Really!  Next episode? I've got everything ready for a Gettysburg episode, which required a marathon pub crawl with my buddy Dave Dreese. But I'm also getting an interview with...well, with a major central PA food company, and there will be giveaways, folks, prizes for you! So maybe we'll do that one next week, because who doesn't like prizes?   See you in two weeks! Until then? TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT THE PODCAST! Seen Through A Glass is sponsored by the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau. Come visit Centre County!   This episode uses these sounds under the following license: Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Champ de tournesol" by Komiku at https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ "By the Lake" by Musinova at https://pixabay.com/users/musinova-47643763/ arrow-impact-87260 Sound Effect found on Pixabay (https://pixabay.com) "Glow" by Scott Buckley | https://www.scottbuckley.com.au Music promoted by https: //www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ All sounds sourced by STAG Music Librarian Nora Bryson, with our thanks.

Ep 341 | show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/341 What part of your dream could you test before you build it? If you've ever wondered whether your dream will really work, I have a case study for you today. I'm pulling back the curtain on the creation of my Dreamers Unleashed course to show you how I used beta testing to clarify my offer, gather feedback, and build something that genuinely serves Christian women who are battling imposter syndrome. This conversation is part honest reflection, part practical roadmap—especially if you're sitting on an idea and waiting to feel “ready” before you start. Here's what you'll learn:

Ep 340 | Show notes are here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/340  Could your self-doubt actually be a spiritual battle in disguise? Taking a step toward your big dream puts a bullseye on your back that the enemy cannot ignore. That's why it is so important to equip yourself with the truth of God's Word and put in place an action plan that will help you fight back when imposter syndrome returns. Because it's not just a mindset hurdle; it's a spiritual battle the enemy loves to use to keep Christian women stuck on the sidelines. In this episode, you'll learn:

Ep 339 | Show notes are here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/339 Have you ever had an idea but you shut it down before it even had a chance? Maybe you think to yourself, “Someone else is already doing this,” or “What if no one's interested?” or “Maybe later, when I'm more experienced.” That hesitation? That voice of doubt? It might be imposter syndrome. In this episode, we take a deeper look at the subtle ways imposter syndrome keeps you stuck. It's not always loud or obvious. Often, it masquerades as fear, hesitation, or “just being realistic.” But if left unchecked, it will silence your God-given calling before you even begin. You'll learn:

Why imposter syndrome is sneakier than you think Ep 338 | Show notes are here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/338 Do you feel like you'll never measure up? If you have a God-shaped dream, maybe you're familiar with the quiet voice in your head whispering, “Who am I to do this?” That's imposter syndrome. And it's likely been hanging around longer than you've known. In this episode, you'll learn: