Podcasts about komiku

RJ is heading to the World Foosball Championships in Spain this summer! It's true, and you'll hear about it here. You'll also hear: a valuable PSA on what to do if you're involved in a hit and run; really fun listener mail, our thoughts about our mentally taxing Episode 193, and for no real reason a good long talk about about how we use our vacuum cleaners, and how much they have sucked.Links: Shed Dogs; lunar new year; Year of the Snake; Saskatchewan time; Emilia Perez; Helen Jarvis; Magic Mind (not brought to you by); the Foosball World Cup; Episode 193; shirt label location; Little Red Warrior; Elon Musk cheats.Theme music is Escaping like Indiana Jones by Komiku, with permission.

I went way out in the Pennsylvania Wilds, up in elk country (not Elk County), to interview a couple who make salad dressings and ship them across the country.   Village Eatinghouse dressings...or are they sauces? Marinades? Whatever they are, they're delicious and versatile, and they're made here in Centre County, so I went out and found Clay and Melanie Phillips in Pine Glen, PA. We talked, we tasted, we had a few laughs. You'll like it.  Those dressings made me think of all the ways I do little hacks and additions when I'm cooking, so I talked about that, including another central PA favorite, Gazebo Room Salad Dressing. I give you a couple short recipes for shortcut family favorites, including one with a surprising secret ingredient.  We have another small contest! I'm asking you to fill in a list of Pennsylvania foods at the end of the episode, and suggest what Pennsylvania food you'd like to hear about in a future episode. I'll draw a random winner from respondents to get a five-pack of STAG stickers! There's an absolute bonus on What I'm Drinking Today: three different Dad's Hat rye whiskey tasting, including an as-yet-unreleased Danko rye whiskey.  Next episode, if I can get a second short interview, will be about trout fishing in central PA. I've interviewed two fishing guides, I went to a couple opening day parties -- why didn't anyone tell me about opening day parties?! -- and I learned about fishing.  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.

Ep 335 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/335 Before we dive in, I'd love your input on how the Devoted Dreamers Podcast can better serve YOU. Whether you're a longtime listener or this is your first episode, I want to hear what's resonating, what you need more of, and what's not working for you. Share your thoughts here: merrittonsa.com/input.   When was the last time you truly rested? In a world that glorifies hustle—even in Christian circles—rest often feels like a luxury we can't afford. But what if stepping away is exactly what your soul (and your dream) needs? In this episode, guest Eryn Lynum returns to talk about what Sabbath rest has meant for her family, her dream, and her spiritual life. She shares insights from her latest book, The Nature of Rest, to remind us that choosing rest isn't laziness—it's obedience. This is an invitation to stop striving and start trusting the God who never sleeps. In this episode, you'll learn:

Ep 334 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/334 What if your dream isn't a straight line but a winding path that God is faithfully unfolding? That's the story we're exploring today with my returning guest Eryn Lynum. I interviewed Eryn in 2017, (eight years ago!) about her first book, 936 Pennies; it was her very first podcast guest appearance ever! What neither of us could have predicted then was how that tiny step of obedience would lead to something much bigger. Now Eryn is a Bible teacher, certified master naturalist, and host of the wildly successful Nat Theo Podcast, where she helps families and children discover God's truth through His creation. In this episode, we trace her journey—from saying yes to an unfamiliar opportunity, to watching God bring her dream to life in the most unexpected way. In this episode, you'll learn:

No, there isn't a salmon run on the Susquehanna, but you CAN get really fresh (frozen) salmon in central PA!  A couple episodes back, we talked about the five pound box of frozen haddock. This time, I talked to the people who actually catch sockeye salmon (and rockfish, and cod, and the big king salmon) up in Alaska, fillet and freeze them, and bring them back to us, wild-caught, and next best to fresh. I interviewed Captain Steve Kurian of Bloomsburg's Wild For Salmon and also talked to two other area fishermen, Captain Dan Brigham of Capt'n Dan's Wild Caught Alaskan Salmon, and Ron Rovansek of Bellefonte's Kodiak Rush. Bring your weather gear, this interview is like being out on the boat! What else? With a story like this, I had to cook some salmon! And I did, on my new soapstone insert for my Kamado Joe grill. It worked like a charm, and I cooked Wild For Salmon sockeye portions and fresh asparagus on it, and baked two local potatoes on the grill. Great meal!  'That's great,' I hear you say, 'But what about the drinks!' I sampled Elk Creek Cafe's new Valley Vista Cream Ale, and I also got in a plug for my friend John Holl's podcast This Week in Rauchbier, the world's most important podcast about smoked beer. Listen to it, I beseech you! Next episode? Got a lot of choices for a change -- got four interviews in the can, doing another one tomorrow night! -- but I think we're going to go with a food producer who's way back in the Pennsylvania Wilds. You've probably seen their stuff. See you again 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.

Ep 333 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/333 What if money doesn't have to be a barrier to starting your dream? If you've been holding back on your God-shaped dream because of financial concerns, this episode is packed with creative strategies to help you move forward—even on a tight budget. This is the final conversation in my financial series from Season 10. It is such a practical conversation full of wisdom about launching a dream without overspending. My guest Jenn Jett Barrett is the founder of Camp Well and The Well Summit. She first shared her dreamer story way back in Episode 16, and in this episode, she offers practical insights on how to take the next step toward your dream without financial fear. In this episode, you'll learn:

Ep 332 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/332 What if getting clear on your purpose is easier than you think? Have you ever wondered, What am I good at? or How can my unique strengths help me pursue meaningful work? If those questions have crossed your mind, this episode is for you. Last week, we met Jill Felix, a certified Core Clarity facilitator and passionate coach who helps believers understand how God has gifted them. In part 2 of my conversation with Jill, she offers practical insights and encouragement to help you uncover your unique strengths and start living on purpose as a Christian woman. Her story is full of wisdom about embracing your God-given gifts while trusting Him through the process of pursuing a dream. But before we dive in, I'd love your input on how the Devoted Dreamers Podcast can better serve YOU. Whether you're a longtime listener or this is your first episode, I want to hear what's resonating, what you need more of, and how I can walk alongside you in your dream journey. Share your thoughts here: merrittonsa.com/input. In this episode, you'll learn:

Yes, it's about Danville. No, it's not because I had to go to Geisinger!  I've been going to Danville for years, almost always for the same reason: to go to Old Forge Brewing. And that's what I did this time, to interview owners Damien and Maria Malfara. I also went to the two coffee roasters in town, Java Momma and Bason Coffee Roasting, then to Rock God Brewing (been meaning to do that for a while now), and I'll tell you about the Shade Mountain Winery tasting room, and the J. Manley Robbins rail trail.  I had one of Old Forge's T-Rail Pale Ales for the What I'm Drinking Today segment, and it was a beauty. The HVAB sponsorship spot was about three great fine dining spots in Centre County.  I'll also tell you about the...pastrami? Montreal smoked meat? Well, the smoked corned beef I made for our St. Patrick's Day family dinner, and then the fun traditional music session we took part in at Elk Creek Cafe on the actual St. Patrick's Day.  The next episode will probably be an interview with Wild For Salmon's Steve Kurian, all about fishing in Alaska, and bringing the salmon back to Pennsylvania for us to find at our local independent grocery store or restaurant. It's an excellent interview, one of the best I've done, I think. But I've got two others to choose from, so I'm not sure which one you'll get.  I'm trying to do better with the Instagram feed; bear with me. Thinking about video, too. We'll see!   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/ "Glow" by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.au Music promoted by https: //www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

Ep 331 | Show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/331 How do you hold onto a dream when life events interrupt your plans? Maybe you're in a season where your dreams feel out of reach because of unexpected challenges—grief, loss, or simply the weight of life's responsibilities. Is God still working, even in the waiting? Jill Felix knows what it's like to navigate deep loss while still holding onto a God-shaped dream. In this conversation, she shares how personal grief, stepping away from work, and finding rest in God ultimately helped shape her journey as a CoreClarity coach for believers who want to know what to do with their results from the Clifton StrengthsFinder Assessment. From understanding her own talents to launching Radiate Life Coaching, Jill's story is a powerful reminder that God's timing is perfect, even when life feels uncertain. In this episode, you'll learn:

Ep 330 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/330 Are you living out the purpose God intended for you?  Maybe you've spent years searching for clarity, trying to find your unique purpose as a Christian, and it seems like the answers are just out of reach. What if the key was there all along, hidden in plain sight? Purpose can feel elusive—especially if you're multi-passionate and have difficulty choosing just one thing to pursue. However, I've learned some key lessons in the search for purpose that I wish I had understood earlier in life. I'm sharing them with you today to shorten the window of time it takes for uncovering your purpose.  This episode is a reminder that purpose isn't something we manufacture—it's a gift from God. No matter your age or stage, His plans have been woven into your story from the start. Your role is to look for the clues that reveal what He's had for you all along. In this episode you'll learn:

Just when we thought we had exhausted our language and usage outrage, we stumble upon a new wave of pronunciation changes that has crept up and caught us napping in our rocking chairs. So that's the big news, but we also have Snappers, more from the world of Artificial Intelligence, some food reports from nearby eateries we've visited, another car oil change PSA, an introduction to Lifting Straps (which given our demographic I initially thought might be just sock garters, but thankfully not), and discussion with KJ about his recent very successful turn as Kris Kringle in the Arts Club Theatre production of “Miracle on 34th Street”. There is other stuff too, but that last sentence has worn us right out, so just go ahead and have a listen and let us know what you thought, how you're doing, and what you'd love to hear about from us.Links: Shed Dogs; Bobby Fingers; Yum! Gourmet Donuts; To Live For bakery; Innocent Ice Cream, Variable Valve Timing; use of botox to relieve migraines; review of Miracle on 34th Street; Kagi search engine.Theme music is Escaping like Indiana Jones by Komiku, with permission.

Happy Bottled in Bond Day! Yes, it's another whiskey episode, for a variety of reasons, and there's a chunk of beer as well, so it's kind of a boilermaker episode, if you will.  I got hold of Al Laws, the founder and owner of the Laws Whiskey House in Denver. I told you about visiting there back in October of 2023 (in Episode 25+), but I didn't get to meet Al. Last week, their publicist reached out to me about March 3rd being Bottled in Bond Day, the anniversary of the signing of the federal Bottled in Bond Act of 1897. I love bonded whiskey, so I decided to do an episode on it and share that love.  Al and I talk about using Colorado-grown grain to make a very grain-focused whiskey, more about high-altitude whiskey making, what wheat brings to whiskey, and yes, we did talk about bottled in bond whiskey.   Then I had a rare opportunity to sample five Baltic Porters side-by-side with two brewers (both of whom have appeared on Seen Through A Glass before). I'll tell you how that happened, and you can listen in as we discuss the similarities and differences.  What Was I Drinking Today? Bottle in Bond whiskey, of course: New Riff Balboa Rye, and what a beauty it was. The Happy Valley Adventure Board spot was about the upcoming Maple Festival at Shaver's Creek Environmental Center on March 22-23.  Next episode: again, not 100% sure. I've got some feelers out, but... anyone want to do an interview? Cheers!   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/ "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 329 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/329 Does the Bible have something to say about your purpose?  You bet it does! You were uniquely created by God. He knew you before you were born. He put you on the earth in a specific time and place. And He's given you good gifts that He intends for you to use for His glory.  But if all of that is true, why is it so difficult to figure out your purpose? I'll be responding to questions about purpose throughout the month of March, including what purpose is, who gives it to us, and why it matters. In this episode you'll learn: 

Find show notes for episode 328 here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/328 Can God turn your difficult story into a meaningful ministry? Maybe you sense God nudging you toward something meaningful, but you're unsure of the practical steps to get there. Perhaps you see a need but feel overwhelmed by what you don't know. If that's you, you're in the right place! In this second half of my conversation with Kirsten D Samuel, she shares practical steps for building a dream from the ground up. You'll learn: How to embrace the uncomfortable beginnings of a God-shaped dream The power of sharing your dream with a trusted friend, and  The profound impact of obedience to God's calling. This conversation is about the nitty-gritty of bringing a dream to life. It's about taking that first scary step, learning as you go, and trusting God with the outcome. It's about moving from “I could never” to “Here's how it happened.” Whether you're ready to take action on your dream or just beginning to explore the possibilities, Kirsten's journey shows us that with God's guidance, the path forward becomes clear as we take one step at a time and let go of our control along the way. ✨✨✨✨✨ NEXT STEPS: Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Let's Chat Join the Facebook Community Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android   MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST: Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson. Theme music by Reaktor Productions. Ad music by Komiku.

We were so focused on our material in this episode that we were apparently taken by surprise that we are marking seven years of, ummm, Shed stuff. This episode is largely listener mail, which we always enjoy, in which we had to revisit old, old wounds from high school days, discuss health and medical care as people our age do, and marvel at the concept of digital dentures (which sounds a lot more fun and exciting than it actually is). So we've all penciled in entries on our paper calendars to remember to make a way bigger deal of it when we record our epic 200th episode. But until that shows up, feel free to enjoy this one!Links: Shed Dogs; digital dentures; Scrap Arts Music; rotator cuff; Tripadvisor; Rick Steves; Dakotas Fanning and Johnson; dogs selling perfume; brain fog; Wynyard, Sask; washing machine sensors; getting the stink out of exercise gear; types of heat pumps per the BC government; natural gas.Theme music is Escaping like Indiana Jones by Komiku, with permission.

Back to Michigan for Part II of Whiskey Business! I have a great interview for you with Bill Welter, the owner of Journeyman Distillery in Three Oaks, Michigan. I got this interview the same day (in the same room) as the one from episode 46 with Marty Duffy. Bill's got some stories about starting out craft distilling in the early years, and we talk about Three Oaks, a beautiful little spot just two miles from Lake Michigan.  Then I get a teensy bit political, but not in the way you're maybe thinking. It involves gospel music, beer, and home-baked cookies; how bad can that be? I've also got some news about my new book, coming out this fall, and I taste a 19 year old wheat whiskey.  Next episode: not 100% sure. Okay, I have no idea at all. I've got two weeks; anyone want to do an interview? Cheers!   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/ "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 327 | Show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/327 Are you hiding a story that God might want you to share? Kirsten D Samuel understands the weight of carrying a painful story alone. When God first prompted her to share her personal testimony about her husband's pornography addiction and their resulting marriage crisis, her answer was a firm “no.” She was comfortable mentoring young moms and staying in the background—until God had different plans. This is part 1 of my conversation with Kirsten, and in it she vulnerably shares how God transformed her “no” into a powerful “yes” that resulted in a ministry that now brings hope and healing after marriage betrayal to hundreds of women who are her clients. Listen in and you'll learn how she: ❤️‍

Find show notes for episode 326 here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/326 Do you see yourself how God sees you? Not sure how to answer that? Start here: How do you respond when offered a compliment? Do you receive the kind words and say, “Thank you,” or do you feel uncomfortable, brush it off, diminish it, or change the subject? If it's any of the latter options, you are not the only one! And we're going to help you get past it here today. This episode is about learning to see yourself as God sees you, in the fullness of His love, delight, and care. (It's not really about compliments, but how we respond to praise can be a symptom that our view of self is broken.)  We must break free from the lies that distort our sense of worth (see episode #325) and learn how to root our identity in Christ. Because big dreams built on the shaky ground of lies or confusion regarding our value and worth will soon crumble.  By the end of this episode, you'll have tools to begin embracing your identity as God's beloved and reject the temptation of finding your value and worth in performance, perfection, or the approval of others.  Come on back every week this month as we explore the theme of knowing your value and worth as a woman of God.  Press play and let's get started!   ✨✨✨✨✨ NEXT STEPS:  Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Let's Chat Join the Facebook Community Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android   MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST: Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson. Theme music by Reaktor Productions. Ad music by Komiku.

Salty Dogs, you say? Yes, as in salt water taffy and sailing the seas in the late 1700s. Those are just a couple of landfalls this episode makes as we hear about RJ's trip to Portland, Astoria, and points in between, eat the saltwater taffy he brings us (don't worry, we were mostly careful about the misophonia), wonder how bathtubs in hotels and motels are somehow not slippery yet don't feel like sandpaper, and by a route we no longer recall get to talking about DNRs and a few of the many questions there are on that topic. You may be able to help us out on that one—it's an important topic and we are not really up to speed. Give us a hand. Have a few laughs. Maybe even learn something, who knows? Let's go!Links: Shed Dogs; Astoria; article on the magic shop in Astoria featuring the dude RJ and Sue spoke to there; John Jacob Astor; John Jacob Astor IV (the one that died on the Titanic); the Lewis and Clark Expedition; Cannon Beach; The Geology of the North Oregon Coast; Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area; Salt Water Taffy; the Interstate Bridge; an amazing video of the the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in a 35 mph wind; recycling plastic in BC; a typical Rivian repair; The Lexus LS400 and the Birth of the Japanese Luxury Brands; why paramedics need to ask about DNRs; fascinating HMS Victory video (even for someone like RJ who normally isn't drawn to this kind of stuff); Master & Commander.Theme music is Escaping like Indiana Jones by Komiku, with permission.

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, so here we are with a candymaker interview!  Have you ever driven past the small Purity Candy building on Rt. 15, between Lewisburg and Williamsport? I have, but I finally stopped, and learned that the candy is terrific. I got an interview with owner/candymaker John Burfeindt. He spills the beans on Purity's history, tells us about Arlene, the woman who worked at Purity for over 70 years, and talks about making black walnut brittle by hand. Literally by hand, with heavy rubber gloves on, because that stuff's hot!  Then we talk about a central PA staple, the five pound box of frozen haddock. Fry it, bake it, it's meant 'seafood' to generations of locals. I bought my first block and cooked a mighty pot of fish chowder for my in-laws, and I'll tell you about that (and about the Burns Day feast we had, drinking Scotch and reciting poetry; Cathy did a bold rendition of To A Louse.) What else? I had a beer from Lewisburg's Jackass Brewing that may have changed my mind about the place, and we take a trip on the Central PA Tasting Trail.  Next episode? Hell, I don't know. Got a lot of irons in the fire. 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.

Find show notes for episode 325 here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/325 Have you ever believed something about yourself that wasn't true? In this week's episode of The Devoted Dreamers Podcast, we're diving into the lies that hold us back from fully embracing our God-given value and worth. These false beliefs—whether about our abilities, identity, or purpose—can keep us stuck in fear and self-doubt. But when we uncover them and replace them with God's truth, we can step forward with confidence into the dreams He's placed on our hearts. In this episode, you'll learn: How to recognize the subtle lies that distort your perception of yourself and God A simple three-step process to track, trace, and test your thoughts against biblical truth Why rooting your identity in Christ sets you free to pursue your dreams with confidence Tune in now to start breaking free from the lies and stepping fully into God's purpose for you! Come back every Wednesday this month as we explore the theme of your inherent value and worth in Christ.  Press play and let's get started!   ✨✨✨✨✨ NEXT STEPS: Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Let's Chat Join the Facebook Community Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android   MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST: Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson. Theme music by Reaktor Productions. Ad music by Komiku.

Find show notes for episode 324 here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/324 Welcome to Season 13 of The Devoted Dreamers Podcast! This year marks a shift we return to weekly episodes—each centered around a monthly theme to help you tackle the biggest barriers to pursuing your God-shaped dream. Expect a mix of shorter solo episodes and insightful guest interviews that provide inspiration and actionable advice. In this episode, I share the results of the 2024 listener survey, including who's listening to the show, what life looks like for you outside of the dream, your heartfelt desires for your dream, and more. What to expect in the new season: Real-life Inspiration: Relatable stories from real dreamers overcoming real challenges with faith-driven perseverance. Their tales will inspire you to take action in your own journey. Actionable Advice: Every episode is packed with practical steps to help you prioritize what matters most, manage your time effectively, and move closer to your dreams, all within a manageable 20–30-minute format. Faith and Dream Integration: This podcast isn't only about dreams; it's about the embodied experience of integrating our faith, dreams, family life, personal growth, and creativity into a cohesive whole. Join me every week in February as we explore the theme of breaking free from lies about your worth so you can see yourself the way God sees you. Press play and let's get started!   ✨✨✨✨✨ NEXT STEPS: Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Ask a Question Join the Facebook Community Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android   MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST: Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson. Theme music by Reaktor Productions. Ad music by Komiku.

Our latest episode presents the listener with a bit of a puzzle: who are those two people that comment and expand upon most of the segments? You'll figure it out, but if not, it hopefully will become clear by the time we get to a key segment later on. If it still isn't clear, well that's because what RJ said we'd do didn't exactly match with what he finally did while up there in the control booth. He hopes the punishment issued by our podcast overlords isn't too severe.We also get a look at KJ's glamorous acting life—riding horses, doing auditions, and attending gala events, among other things. The word “champagne” never comes up but you just know it's being splashed around in there somewhere. We get so excited that we propose turning audition taping into a whole industry of its own. We also get really fun listener mail, and then discuss an AI-generated discussion of your humble yet fantastic Shed Dogs (see above). It's a fascinating look into the evolution of AI applications, even if it has a certain “once you hear it, you can't unhear it” quality. But you be the judge, and let us know what you think! Links: Shed Dogs; the elections we discuss are: BC Provincial, US Federal, Canadian Federal; When Calls the Heart; patriarch; Attendance; Hunting Matthew Nichols; self-taping auditions (though this author was unaware of the amazing opportunity to hire extras for self-tapes); Allegiance; TV revenue trend; Rust Valley Restorers on Netflix; Slow Horses; YouTube Premium; short-form videos (TikTok, reels, Facebook Shorts, etc.); NotebookLM.Theme music is Escaping like Indiana Jones by Komiku, with permission.

It's "cheesesteak," not "cheese steak," and certainly not "Philly cheese steak"!  I got an interview with Pat Romano of the We Are Inn restaurant and motel in Philipsburg. Pat's got opinions about cheesesteaks, and Philly roast pork sandwiches, and management, and...Pat's got opinions. He's also going to be opening a new, much bigger place in State College in April. Probably April.  I talked to Pat because he's from Philadelphia (Norristown, originally), and makes a good cheesesteak. I've seen an increasing amount of talk about cheesesteaks on social media, so I thought Seen Through A Glass should get in on the act. That's right, you're going to get my opinions too! I'll also tell you about a cheesesteak I got off a guy working an outdoor grill during a snowstorm in downtown State College; good times, good cheesesteak! What else? I tasted a rare single barrel corn whiskey from Liberty Pole Spirits, and I'll tell you where to find a place to cozy up to a fireplace with good food and drink.  Next episode? I have some ideas about a Valentine's Day episode, we'll see if that pans 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.

Our latest episode includes a fount of ideas and information that range from interesting and entertaining (like attending a house concert) to borderline apocalyptic (like newly introduced, widely available, simple to use, and highly sophisticated image management software that allows realistic fakes). We try to keep our heads on straight by also discussing what we are watching and enjoying, as well as providing a taste of the nefarious powers of big banks in Canada. All in all it's 40 minutes that should leave you with things light and things heavy to think about.Links: Shed Dogs; Undertow Shows (house concerts); All My Friends are Funeral Singers, by Califone; Google's scary new Reimagine feature; Gemini AI; how Canadian banks create money; The Double; Creating Christ; Krishnamurti documentary; A Trip to Infinity; One Day; plastic surgery in Korea; K-drama clowns; Emily in Paris.Theme music is Escaping like Indiana Jones by Komiku, with permission.

Hey, I'm back! And I brought whiskey! I know, I know, I've been away a long time. Three months? Really? That long? Well...a lot happened, and I'll tell you about it, but briefly: had to drop everything to deal with wrapping up writing my next book, and then I lost my voice. Yeah, imagine that.  But I am back, with some stuff on how and why I write whiskey books, including an interview with my old friend Marty Duffy, who is the North American representative for the Glencairn Glass, the official whiskey tasting glass of Seen Through A Glass. I'll also tell you about a massive pan of choucroute garni I made for our wine club dinner back in October.   Next episode: not 100% sure. Hoping to do an interview that leads into an episode about the West Branch town of Jersey Shore. Fingers crossed. Cheers!   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/ "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.

Happy New Year! As we hurtle toward our 200th episode, the Shed Dogs wish you all a very happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year! Here in Episode 191, we are once again enjoying letters from faithful listeners, thrashing our way towards understanding obscure words and phrases in Snappers, and getting the latest on how the PNE was feeling last September. Spoiler alert: it was feeling pretty good again. We also manage to fit in a surprisingly complicated approach to bifocals from RJ, and a short exposé on several of Ticketmaster's super-seedy business practices. Just like we hope the New Year will be, this episode is familiar and comfortable but still new and informative, so put on a comfy sweater and settle in!Links: Shed Dogs; Foster Grant bifocals; Frank Sinatra sings Fly Me to the Moon; we could not care less, seriously we couldn't, irregardless!; Wikipedia's excellent list of social generations includes references to other countries; Gene at Home Depot; The Antisocial Network; oblast; John and Jane Doe; haskap berries; Official Stick Reviews; Christopher Hitchens on free speech; the PNE; Ginsu knives live on; Veg-O-Matic (it slices! it dices!); Playland; this year's Super Dogs (YouTube); news report on Daryl Hall's aborted PNE show, with footage; the US DOJ's lawsuit against Ticketmaster.Theme music is Escaping like Indiana Jones by Komiku, by permission.

Happy Holidays to you and everyone you care about, from us to you! We hope the new year is way better than we expected or hoped. Episode 190 sees us pursuing our normal interests: wasting another golden yet ridiculous money maker idea from PJ, enduring his pontifications about the state of the world, hearing actual valuable advice and concert reviews from RJ, and diving into Listener Mail. But then… what to our wondering ears should appear but KJ responding to Leigh's remarks about something we said about religion several episodes back. All of a sudden we have a casual yet plausible conversation around whether history indicates that the apostle Paul, writer of letters and founding architect of modern Christianity, was in fact a Roman plant! What…!? So anyway, get ready for that and let us know what you think, we are curious!Links: Shed Dogs; Preparing for the Trump apocalypse; the Lambo SUV; concert review of Robert Plant & Alison Krauss; dealing with paper in the laundry; the Vancouver Catfé; the JWs weigh in on Jesus's appearance; the Holy Ghost; Paul the Apostle; Masterclass on violin vs. fiddle; the Book of Mormon; party lines; a Reddit thread on shocking kids; Dr. Geoff Lindsey on pronunciation; an article on businesses not accepting cash in Canada.Theme music is Escaping like Indiana Jones by Komiku, by permission.

Find show notes for episode 323 here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/323 Are you ready to stop procrastinating so you can finally take action on a dream?  Get my top 3 dos and don'ts from eight years of podcasting and building a business from scratch. Here's what I wish I'd known at the beginning to help you get there faster and easier than I did. If you're a Christian woman with a dream to write a book, build a ministry, or start a business, you'll gain some simple actions you can take today to support you on your journey. You'll learn:

This time capsule episode vaults us back to the heady days of the Olympics, particularly the one-time magic of Olympic break dancing. We have a little look at how to watch sports events like that these days, throw in bits and pieces about free will, dealing with special dietary requests, and then find out a lot about “House, MD” (eg., is that even the title? Many of us don't know). You'll be relieved to know we're not pitching our special diet plan that promises success at the geriatric Olympics. Not yet, anyway.Links: Shed Dogs; keto diet; the keto pancakes RJ cooked (excellent!); 5 tips for talking to your auto mechanic; Inside the Mind of a Dog; Does biology trump free will?; House, M.D.; a Canadian wins the gold in break dancing; 4 Best Sports Streaming Sites In Canada; Fox Sports host on happiness.Theme music is Escaping like Indiana Jones by Komiku, by permission.

✨ Dream Believers ~ a virtual community for Christian women with big dreams. Join the waitlist for exclusive, early access in 2025: https://www.merrittonsa.com/dreamco ✨ Find the show notes for episode 322 here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/322 Is fear holding you back?  Meet Amy Lively, an accidental author whose journey from nervous neighbor to community catalyst will inspire you. Despite not identifying as a traditional writer, Amy has published two books and created numerous resources for faith-based community building.  In this episode, Amy shares her vulnerable story of overcoming fears, trusting God, and launching neighborhood Bible studies. Learn how she transformed daily scripture readings into actionable faith practices, and discover practical tips for turning your own spiritual nudges into meaningful action.  Amy's story proves that with faith, the first step doesn't have to be perfect—it just has to be taken. In this episode you'll learn from Amy about:

✨ Listener Survey ~ Give Your Feedback Here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/feedback ✨ Find the show notes for this episode here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/321 What are you longing for as we enter into the Advent season?   There is always a laundry list of things to do as the holidays enter full-swing, whether it's shopping, decorating, cooking, baking, Christmas cards, or other activities that keep you on the go every year in the month prior to Christmas. And yet Advent invites us to experience this season in a very different way than the hustle and bustle of our modern culture. Tune in as singer-songwriter Caroline Cobb introduces her brand-new Advent devotional—Advent for Exiles: 25 Devotions to Awaken Gospel Hope in Every Longing Heart—and encourages us toward the quiet moments that invite our longing for the coming Savior.   In this episode you'll learn from Caroline about:

In this new episode of Waypoint, the Riverside Three start realizing that there's something badly wrong in their strange living home. Smash in your windows and climb through the wreckage! Refuse to accept that your reality isn't real! Receive a standing ovation. Music by Pursky, HoliznaCC0, Komiku and John Batmann Sound effects by Aarrnnoo

On a sunny afternoon in the Shed, your Dogs enjoy great listener mail, albeit with several sidebars. Part of the outcome of that great mail is us taking our first and best shot at offering travel accommodation advice. We are now dying to hear whether it worked. We remember the 1980 cinema classic “Popeye”, and then to remind ourselves that people are decent, we share a great lost and found story. Generally, we recall that it's pretty great being around and doing whatever it is we each do, which is a recollection there can never be too much of.Links: Shed Dogs; Northern Cafe and Grill; disability parking; Yum! Donuts (Instagram); TripAdvisor; how to negotiate for better Internet and TV providers; Shed Dogs on FaceBook; Garmin.Theme music by Voodoo Jazz or is Escaping like Indiana Jones by Komiku, by permission.[Fill in Episode Number below. Copy the episode duration from Forecast and past it into Episode Duration below. Leave Explicit Content checked so we can not worry about swearing or discussing recreational substances]

After a young drummer commits the crime of “creativity without a license,” her bandmate discovers a way to protect her and all other unlicensed artists.  Genre: Science Fiction   Excerpt: “Tell me, as the band's leader, what is the future of Discordance now? Will you find a new drummer? Will you disband and follow individual careers? The fans are dying to know.” Kavita seen herself in interviews dozens of times before, and she'd felt many different emotions at seeing herself. Mortification, dissatisfaction, pride, amusement. This time she felt only anxiety. But it wasn't the anxiety of what had already happened. It was the rising anxiety of anticipation.   What's the Writing Prompt that inspired the story?If you could be in any band (past or present), what band would it be?  What would be your role? Source: 500 Creative Prompts. Copyright © 2019 Piccadilly (USA) Inc.   MY FIRST BOOK IS OUT!Ever wonder how I've gotten all these hundreds of stories written?  I have a method. And I talk all about it in my book called Fictioneer's Field Guide: A Game Plan for Writing Short Stories. It's now available as an eBook, paperback, and hardcover. The book title takes you straight to the book on Amazon. Or you can visit my Store page: STORYFEATHER STORE  (Hint: The Store page has a sign-up form for my email newsletter, where you can get tales of my fictioneering mischief and writing tips from me for free. Sounds sweet to me.)   CREDITSStory: “The Drummer for Discordance” Copyright © 2020 by Nila L. Patel Narration, Episode Art, Editing, and Production:  Nila L. Patel Music: “Trip-Hop Lounge Abstract Background” by Digital Emotions (Intro/Outro)   Music by ROZKOL “To the Water's Edge”   Music by KOMIKU “Dreaming of you”   Music by ANDREW SITKOV (MuzStation Game Music)* “Abstract Vision #3” “Abstract Vision #6” “A&C Percussion Loop #11” “Abstract Vision #5” “Abstract Vision #2” “A&C Percussion Loop #3” “A&C Percussion Loop #14”   *These tracks were part of a music and sound effects bundles I purchased from Humble Bundle and sourced from GameDev Market.   Music by Andrew Sitkov is licensed from GameDev Market Music by ROZKOL is licensed under CC BY 4.0 Music by Komiku is licensed under CC0 1.0 Universal License Sound effects from AudioJungle and GameDevMarket Vocal effects made in Audacity Changes made to the musical tracks?  Just cropping of some to align with my narration.   Find more music by Digital_Emotions at audiojungle.net Find more music by Andrew Sitkov at gamedevmarket.net Find more music by Komiku and ROZKOL at freemusicarchive.org and bandcamp.com Find more stories by Nila at storyfeather.com   Episode Art Description: Digital drawing. A girl sitting behind a full drum set, facing forward. The girl's eyes are closed and her body is tilted to the left, both bent arms raised and holding drumsticks above cymbals. The sticks glow with sparkles. The girl's long dark hair is whipping to the right. The tops of the three drums in front of her emit glowing threads of light. The drum at bottom bears a symbol. Translucent text at the bottom of the frame reads “The Drummer for Discordance.” Watermark of “Storyfeather” along edge of cymbol near top right. The rectangular image is made square with a framing border that shows of a color-shifted larger version of the image's edges.

Find the show notes here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/320 ✨ Dream Believers ~ a virtual community for Christian women with big dreams. Join the waitlist for exclusive early-bird access. Sign up here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/dreamco   ✨ Could God use the pain of your past to grow a dream in your heart? Kim Tschirret grew up in what appeared to be a normal home, but the hidden truth of her father's alcoholism and abuse was a source of deep pain and secrecy. The only safe place she knew as a child was in her horse's stable. By God's mercy, grace, and eventual healing of her childhood trauma, the story doesn't end there. In fact, it continues to be told in the healing of more than 2,000 children over the past 15 years who have benefited from her nonprofit ministry called Hope Reins. Tune in as Kim shares insights on the power of equine therapy for healing childhood trauma and how God planted a dream in her heart for hurting kids to find hope and healing through a relationship with rescued horses. If you've been looking for examples of how God might use your story for a bigger purpose, don't miss this conversation! It is sure to ignite your faith and give you courage as we talk about:

Find the show notes here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/319

Find show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/318

The Stone Fence Episode? Yeah, I'm up against it with this book project. I didn't get the "here's what it's like writing a book" episode done, but then I remembered that I had a recording of the rye whiskey and cider talk I took part in back in April down at Ploughman Cider in Gettysburg (Thanks, Ben!), so I'm finally uploading that. I did it with Dan Pucci, author of American Cider: a modern guide to a historic beverage. We talked about rye, cider, apples, agriculture, history...it was a wide-ranging presentation. It's two hours long, so maybe you want to go to the end first, because... There's a reminder about two Oktoberfest celebrations in central PA this weekend, Friday October 4th and Saturday the 5th for the Mifflinburg Oktoberfest, and the 5th is Bonshire Brew Works' Pigtoberfest! And on the 5th and 6th, it's the Dutch Fall Fest in Aaronsburg, right next door to good old Millheim: music, food, fun (no beer, but Elk Creek's less than a mile away). Finally, I sampled the Booker's Bourbon "Beam House Batch" 2024-02, and found it to be one of the better bottlings of Booker's I've had recently.  The next episode will probably include interviews from a visit to Journeyman Distillery in southwest Michigan; I'm going out there to help judge their barrel-aged beer festival. Meanwhile, the two-year mark for the podcast is coming up in November...and we are only 43 downloads away from 20,000! Milestone!! (And check the Instagram feed for pictures of the Corgi puppies!)   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/ "Glow" by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.au Arrow sound effect from https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/ All sounds (except AI-generated ones!) sourced by STAG Music Librarian Nora Bryson, with our thanks.

Find the show notes here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/317

Brookville? Where the hell is that? As I confess, until about five years ago, I'd never heard of Brookville. But back in July, I got a crash course in it, and it was pretty cool! There's Blackbird Distillery just on the edge of town, where they make their shine from scratch, and I got an interview with co-owner Jennifer Black, and sampled some spirits. But there's more! I had lunch at the Moon Palace Chinese restaurant, and I'll tell you why that's worth noting; I got takeout at Devil's Barbecue, and a great box of candy at The Dan Smith Candy Company. I also went to the Greenberg Cadillac Museum, the "world's largest Cadillac collection." It was impressive, and a tribute to both these cars and the loyalty they inspire.  I've also got a rundown on the Oktoberfest celebrations in central PA, starting tomorrow, September 21st, through October 10th, so get on it! Finally, I sampled a new "high wheat" bourbon from Bardstown Bourbon Company, and found it innovative and delicious.  I am truly unsure when the next episode will be, but I'm thinking about doing an episode on what it's like writing a whiskey book. I mean, I'm in the middle of that right now, so... Meanwhile, the two-year mark for the podcast is coming up in November!  (And check the Instagram feed for pictures of the Corgi puppies!)   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/ "Oktoberfest Polka Party" is AI-generated, and I apologize for that; it was short notice. It's available at StockTune https://stocktune.com/free-music/oktoberfest-polka-party-4061-18253 "Glow" by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.au Arrow sound effect from https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/ All sounds (except AI-generated ones!) sourced by STAG Music Librarian Nora Bryson, with our thanks.

Find the show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/316

Clarion has only 4,000 breweries, but it has three breweries. Definitely STAG-worthy.  Okay, if I'm going to be precise, the third brewery, Lost In The Wilds, is in Shippenville, but that's all of five minutes from Clarion River Brewing and Mechanistic Brewing in 'downtown' Clarion, so I'm going with it. I interviewed the three brewer-owners, all in one beautiful day in July. We talk about the natural beauty of Clarion County and the Cook Forest State Park, too.  I've got a segment on Pennsylvania Dutch funeral food, too. My mother, Ruth "Sue" Bryson, died in August, which is why this episode is over a month late. We had a proper church funeral lunch after the service, and I'll tell you what we had, and how I cooked the calico beans, and grilled some Ramblin' Poppy sausages for the family get-together we had afterwards.  We had a keg of Tröegs Oktoberfest to drink, so the last of that is What I'm Drinking Today, along with a Von Trapp Oktoberfest; a funeral episode needs two drinks.  I am truly unsure when the next episode will be. I'm on deadline for a book manuscript, and everything's out the window. Hang in there, we'll get back to normal in October! (And check the Instagram feed for pictures of the Corgi puppies!)   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/ "spring-forest-141216" by PianoArmor at https://pixabay.com/users/pianoamor-28628048/ "Glow" by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.au Arrow sound effect from https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/ All sounds sourced by STAG Music Librarian Nora Bryson, with our thanks.

Find show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/315

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In Part 1 of our series on water in the Central Valley of California we visited a town called East Orosi, which has been fighting for clean water for over 20 years. This week we turn our attention to their sewage system, which is also falling apart. Why has it been so difficult for East Orosi to get clean drinking water and fix its sewage problems?  To answer that question we take a look at the entities that run things like sewage and water in unincorporated towns all across California. They're called Community Utility Districts. Community Utility Districts are often one of the only forms of self governance in unincorporated towns. But they're staffed by volunteers, they're underfunded, and they're trying to share a vital resource, water, which is also slowly disappearing in the San Joaquin Valley.  We talk about the problems with Community Utility Districts and ways to save them.  Learn more about the story and find the transcript on radioproject.org. Making Contact digs into the story beneath the story—contextualizing the narratives that shape our culture. Featuring narrative storytelling and thought-provoking interviews. We cover the most urgent issues of our time and the people on the ground building a more just world. EPISODE FEATURES: This episode features Berta Diaz Ochoa- community member of East Orosi; Janaki Anagha- Director of Advocacy, Community Water Center; Kayla Vander Schuur- Community Development Specialist, Self Help Enterprises; Carlos Sanchez- board member of the East Orosi Community Utilities District; Maricela Mares-Alatorre- Community Solutions Advocate, Community Water Center. MAKING CONTACT: This episode is hosted by Salima Hamirani. It is produced by Anita Johnson, Lucy Kang, Salima Hamirani, and Amy Gastelum. Our executive director is Jina Chung.  MUSIC: This episode includes “Blue” by  Komiku; Ocean Tapping by PC III; Friends and Apples by Alpha Hydrae; Gouttes by Hicham Chahidi; Week Twenty-five by Ben von Wildenhaus; No Light Without Darkness by Ketsa; and Thunderstorm by The Custodian of Records. Learn More: Community Water Center: https://www.communitywatercenter.org/ Self Help Enterprises: https://www.selfhelpenterprises.org/

Find show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/311

Find show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/310

Find the show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/309 This episode is brought to you by the Dream Believers virtual community. Get on the waitlist to be notified when the doors are open to new members: https://merrittonsa.com/dreamco What story have you been living in? At 17 years old, Cassandra Smith was living in silence, withdrawn from others, and facing a severe mental health crisis. Never did she imagine that years later she would give keynotes and TEDx talks, write books, lead mentorship programs, and create more than 200 downloadable resources to rally around the power of living your story to the fullest. Cassandra is passionate about mental health wellness, believing people are not defined by what has happened to them in their life but rather where they want to go. Her core message comes from asking the question: “What would your life look like if you were to take back the pen to the story of your life?” The encouragement she brings comes from her personal story of moving out of darkness and into the light of believing God's truth and stepping into a big dream He had given her. Listen in and discover how you can learn to trust the Lord despite fear and how that's just the beginning of changing the narrative of your life's story. In this episode she shares: