Podcasts about komiku

There's a lot more in Hershey than Chocolate! Hershey is a company town, named for Milton S. Hershey, the chocolate man who built a candy empire, and a thriving town that's one of the top tourist attractions in Pennsylvania...with a 4th grade education. It's an amazing story, but after I've told you that history, and the history of the big HersheyPark amusement park, we're going to leave chocolate behind, and talk about something I'm much more comfortable with: booze and food.  So there's an interview with Coty Edwards, the master distiller at Hidden Still Spirits. They're making some really good bourbon, and bottling genuine tequila, too.  There's also a short interview with Matt Gundrum, director of brewing operations at the resurrected Iron Hill Brewing right there in Hershey (and Philly, and Lancaster, and Wilmington, and Huntingdon Valley). It's a very happy story.  I visited some fun places in the area, like The Filling Station, and Gary's Bar, Pronio's Market and the Hershey Fresh Market (and little Pikku Piru!), Parkside Hotel, and Tröegs Independent Brewing.  The next day I made a shortcut batch of stuffed peppers with Cathy's idea assistance, and I'll tell you how that worked; pantry cooking! There's a progress report on the new book (with a new working title: Whiskey: An Illustrated Primer), and a little bit of personal excitement about going to a friend's Juneteenth celebration.  What I'm Drinking Today is a Heaven Hill Deatsville Edition 13 Year Old Bourbon, aged in a type of warehouse you may never have seen before. Did it affect the flavor? I think it might have...or maybe..."oh hell, that don't work at all."  Next episode will be about...something. Yup. Again.   See you in two weeks! Until then? TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT THE PODCAST!   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.

Send us Fan Mail~ Have you ever felt like you were in a holding pattern with your dream?If you're wondering what to do with a season of waiting, this episode is for you. I'm so glad you're here.This is Part 2 of my conversation with Heather Holleman, author, speaker, and Penn State instructor who has spent decades helping women fall in love with God's Word. This half of the conversation might be the most practically encouraging thing I've shared in a long time.We pick up right where we left off in the previous episode (#363), and Heather gets honest about what to do when you're in a slow season, when your dream feels buried, and when you're not sure what the next step even is.Here's some of what we cover:The five file folder strategy Heather used during a season of preparation and how it became the foundation for everything God has built in her lifeWhat changes when you put worship before the dreamThe question Heather says every dreamer needs to askWhat I love about Heather is that she never lets the dream become bigger than the dream maker. She reminds us that we are chosen by God for His purposes and that the work He has prepared for us will come as we abide in Him, not as we hustle our way toward it.If you are a midlife Christian woman who wants to pursue a dream God has placed on your heart but you're tired of striving, this conversation is going to feel like a deep breath.Heather also pointed us to Ephesians, especially chapters 1 and 2, as a foundation for understanding who we are in Christ before we go chasing any dream. I'd love for you to read it alongside this episode.If you missed part 1, go back and listen to Episode 363. Then come back here and let Heather finish what she started. And if you're looking for a community of women who take both faith and dreams seriously, come find us at Dream Believers. It is one of my favorite places on the internet, and I'd love to have you there.

Send us Fan Mail~ This week marks 10 years of the Devoted Dreamers podcast, and I am celebrating by sharing one of my favorite conversations from the archives. Author, speaker, and college instructor, Heather Holleman, PhD, loves helping women fall in love with the Bible and with Jesus. She believes God's Word is so powerful that it creates life where there is none, and she has built her entire calling around helping women take God at His Word. If you are a midlife Christian woman trying to figure out where God is calling you, Heather is the kind of woman you want to sit with.In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Heather and I talk about:What it feels like to sense God's anointing on your work and why following that feeling matters more than having a planHow Heather discovered her true calling by paying attention to where God was already moving, not by forcing a directionHow Scripture became her daily anchor and the specific verses that carry her through fear, pride, and uncertaintyThis episode originally aired in 2018, and eight years later, this conversation still stops me in my tracks.One of the things I keep coming back to is this: sometimes we get so focused on whether the dream will happen that we stop focusing on the person of Christ. She returns to that truth again and again, and every time she does, she brings a specific verse with her. It's so rich and full of gospel truth. So, if you find yourself in a season of wondering whether God is even doing anything with what he placed on your heart, this episode is for you.I also want to say, if you are already pursuing a God-shaped dream and you want to build community around that, I would love for you to join us in Dream Believers, my online community for women who are taking faithful steps toward what God has put on their hearts. You can find us at merrittonsa.com/dreambelievers.Part 2 with Heather drops next week. Do not miss it.Sign up for Dream Believers. Just $49/month or $490 for the year (get 2 months free!) NEXT STEPS:Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a CallLeave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunesSubscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on AndroidJoin the Dream Believers communityMORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST:Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson. Theme music by Reaktor Productions. Ad music by Komiku.

Destination: The Port of Hollidaysburg! Landlocked Hollidaysburg sits just south of Altoona. The only waterway is the Beaverdam Branch of the Juniata River, maybe 30 feet wide at this point...a port? 190 years ago...yes! Hollidaysburg was a big canal town at the heart of the Pennsylvania Canal system, where everything from the east came to go west, and vice versa. Hollidaysburg was where the canal boats were broken into sections to be hauled over the Allegheny Mountains on cable-powered rail cars, in an audacious engineering feat called the Allegheny Portage Railroad. You know we're going to do that history, because I love it, but we're also going to sit down for an interview with Matt Krueger, the owner, brewer, and "Chief Hydroceramic Engineer" at Sugar Run Brewing in nearby Duncansville. I've known Matt for about 20 years, but I didn't know he brewed beer; turns out he's pretty damned good at it! Hear the stories, about birds and beers, and Pickles the Class A Motorhome.  Then Dirt Road Dave and I hit the bars in Hollidaysburg: Marzoni's Brick Oven & Brewery, Boro Coffee (it's a coffee bar, okay?), Mayfield and The Pipe Room, and Shan Nicole's Irish Pub. Good times, and I'll tell you all about it. I've also got a tease about a possible event this Fall; more on that, probably in August, because right now I'm up to my armpits in book writing and my son's wedding. Busy busy busy! What I'm Drinking Today is kind of a big deal. It's the first review anywhere of Found North Batch 012, a new blend from a company that's been exploring new frontiers in Canadian whisky. I'm pleased that they asked me to take first crack at it. Spoiler alert: wow. The Smack Dab In The Centre segment celebrates the opening of ice cream stand season. Let's go get a delicious cone! Next episode will be about...something. Yup. Again.   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 Fan MailDoes the fear of getting it wrong keep you from moving forward on your dream project?This is one of the most common concerns I hear from Christian women who are looking for the courage to trust God with something that matters deeply. This episode is for you if you've ever wondered whether you're hearing Him right, whether the timing is off, or whether a mistake means it was never supposed to happen at all.In this final episode of a four-part series, I'm wrapping up my conversations with co-host Kari Eliza, the voice behind the Instagram account @Held.Right.Here. She is a passionate leader at the intersection of attachment science, nervous system, and Christian faith, and in this conversation, she gets honest about her own seven-year journey of resisting her calling before finally saying yes.Here's what we talk about in this episode:Why God's timing is often more creative than the plan you had in mindHow going public with your dream will stretch your nervous system and why that's not a reason to stopWhat to do when someone disagrees with or pushes back on what you feel called to shareKari Eliza shares something I think you'll hold onto: following your calling is a gift, not a performance. When you're not trying to get it right for an audience, you can relax into it. God covers the mistakes. He uses the whole messy journey, including the detours, the slow seasons, and the criticism.If you missed the first three parts of this series, go back and listen to episodes 359 through 361. Then, come back, and let this one settle in.If you are done waiting for the perfect plan before you move forward on your dream, I want you to know you don't have to figure it out alone. Dream Believers is my virtual community for Christian women who are ready to make real progress on what God has placed on their hearts. Come find us at merrittonsa.com/dreambelievers.You were never meant to pursue your dream alone. 

This episode covers a number of movies, including some behind-the-scenes on how the most famous scene of The Matrix was accomplished. In addition there's exciting news about accessing a thermal source that could have a profound positive impact on energy consumption and climate change: a new way to access geothermal power. There are warm moments about our children's doings, and we hear about a very inflammatory way to inflate a tire. But…well, really, the majority of the episode is about movies we've been watching and enjoying. Have a listen and let us know what you think!Links: Shed Dogs; the hiker who completed the Continental Divide and Great Divide Trails in five months; do what you love, or love what you do?; the current version of the tire repair and compressor kit RJ mentioned; one crazy way to reseat a wheelbarrow tire on its rim; the making of bullet time; a new drilling method that may have a profound impact on energy consumption and climate change; the Site C dam Wikipedia page is out-of-date, and the usual news outlets failed to write in substance about its completion, so you'll need to review the undoubtedly biased Site C project page to get a feel for how it went; Lone Wolf & Cub films; letterboxd; Master and Commander.Theme music is Escaping like Indiana Jones by Komiku, with permission.

Send us Fan MailKnowing God's love and actually feeling loved by Him can seem like two completely different things.That gap is exactly what this episode is about. My co-host Kari Eliza of Held Right Here has spent years at the intersection of attachment science, nervous system health, and Christian faith. And what she taught me about experiencing God's love didn't just change how I pray. It shifted how I move through my whole day.In this episode, Kari Eliza walks us through a simple daily practice, one that started not as a spiritual exercise at all but as a way to calm her nervous system. What grew out of it was something she describes as the most transformative thing she has ever done.Three things you will take away from this conversation:Why knowing God loves you and feeling His love are two different things and what creates that gapHow a practice rooted in secure attachment can help you move from performance and striving into genuine rest with GodPractical ways to begin, even if sitting quietly with God feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar at firstWe talk about why Zephaniah 3:17 hits differently when you have experienced what God's delight in you actually feels like. She also highly recommends the book Anatomy of the Soul (affl.) by Dr. Curt Thompson, if you want to go deeper.This is the kind of midlife Christian women spiritual growth conversation that does not come with a five-step formula. It comes with an invitation to slow down and let God love on you.If you are pursuing a God-shaped dream, the intimacy you build with the Lord in this practice is not separate from your calling. It is the foundation of it.If you want to keep growing in community, come find us at Dream Believers, my online space for Christian women who are done waiting on the sidelines and ready to make real progress together. Come find us at merrittonsa.com/dreambelievers.

Some Central Pennsylvania Moonshining History for you! Prince Farrington was the man to know in central Pennsylvania during Prohibition. With a network of 30-odd stills in ghost towns, stone donuts, and The Florida Fruit Farm, this North Carolina transplant and his perpetually angry wife Martha ran a business that kept whiskey in the glasses of people in Philly, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and reportedly as far away as Toronto.  But Repeal didn't stop him. He kept on moonshining until the FBI caught him in a Florida fish camp, where he was making a batch of orange brandy! A rare solo episode of Seen Through A Glass, just me and the mike and a glassful of unorthodox history. Enjoy! What I'm Drinking Today is a new release from Michter's, a first-ever barrel-strength release of their US*1 Sour Mash Kentucky Whiskey, and it is a doozy.  The Smack Dab In The Centre segment is, appropriately, about Centre County's two distilleries, Big Spring Spirits and Barrel 21.  Next episode will be about...something. Something good!  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 Fan Mail~ You're reading your Bible and praying throughout the day and yet God still doesn't feel close. You don't have a discipline problem, so it's got to be something else. In this episode, I'm back in conversation with Kari Eliza, the voice behind Held Right Here, where she helps parents raise children in faith in a way that feels safe and connected rather than pressured and performative. What Kari understands about how human beings are wired is changing the way I see my own relationship with God, and I think it will do the same for you.We're talking this time about what it looks like to pursue a God-given dream when your body is tense, your mind is running, and God feels far away. And more importantly, what to do about it.Here's some of what we cover:Why creativity, obedience, and joy with God are not things you produce, they are things that happen when you feel safe with himHow your body signals disconnection from God before your mind catches upWhy God is not disappointed in your humanness and how knowing that changes everythingThis is episode 360, part two in the series with Kari. If you haven't listened to episode 359 yet, start there first, then come back here.One thing Kari said that I keep coming back to: the calling itself is a gift to you, not just to the people it will eventually serve.If you're ready to pursue your dream rooted in God's Word, aligned with the way you're wired, and supported by women who get it, come find your people in the Dream Believers community.

Send us Fan Mail~ Does your relationship with God feel like something you're trying to achieve?If you have ever wondered why doing more and working harder doesn't result in the deeper relationship you desire with God, there's actually a really good explanation for why this happens and a way through.In this episode, I sit down with Kari Eliza, the voice behind the Instagram account Held Right Here, where she helps parents share God with their children in ways that feel connected and deeply relational. Kari is an American living in Norway with her Norwegian husband and two kids, and she brings one of the most honest and tender perspectives on faith I have encountered in a long time.What started for Kari in wanting to support her highly sensitive daughter became a healing journey of her own, and it changed everything about how she experiences God.This conversation is for you if you have always believed the right things but still feel like you are working hard to earn God's love and approval.Here is a glimpse into our conversation:Why growing up in a Christian home can still produce a performance posture with God, even when your parents genuinely loved JesusHow striving shows up in our bodies, not just our behavior, and why renewing your mind alone may not be enoughWhat it actually feels like when your nervous system begins to exhale in God's presence, and why that changes everythingKari's story didn't have a quick fix. It was a two-year journey of slow, steady transformation. And it is one of the most hopeful things I have heard.If you are tired of your relationship with God feeling like something you have to manage, this episode is a good place to start.If you are pursuing a God-shaped dream and doing it mostly alone, I want you to know there is a place for you. Dream Believers is my online community for Christian women who are ready to stop waiting on their dreams and want to start moving instead. Come find your people:

Part II of  The Big Valley: Reedsville, and Revival Kitchen! Reedsville sits at the northern, downstream end of the Kish Valley, where the Kishocoquillas Creek runs down through the Mann Narrows to the Juniata. There in Reedsville, tiny Reedsville, is Revival Kitchen, a surprisingly good restaurant that draws customers from as far away as Wilmington, Philadelphia, and New York...to Reedsville?  Yes! Which is why I had to interview Chef Quintin Wicks and find out what was going on here! Then I walked around Reedsville for coffee, a women's boutique, ice cream, and some other stuff in this surprising little downtown.  What I'm Drinking Today is the local soda, Reedsville Creamery's joint venture with our friends at Shy Bear Brewing, a Birch Beer, and my, is it ever good! The Smack Dab In The Centre segment is about chef's table experiences in the Happy Valley, where you can get right into the kitchen! Next episode will, I think, be about Clinton County's Prince of Prohibition, Prince Farrington, a name from the past that still resonates today.  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.

As time the avenger marches relentlessly on, it is not uncommon to think about what is remembered when we are gone. Just as Shelley wrote about forgotten Ozymandius, your Dogs contemplate the Holy Roman Empire and the Erfurt Latrine Disaster. How are the mighty fallen, and into what? It's a lesson in humility, and once we've heard it we're able to move much more contentedly into more familiar terrain, with Listener Mail and KJ Reports, as well as hearing about RJ's newfound love for the Vancouver Rise pro soccer team. Come on along and have your perspective adjusted and your fancy tickled.Links: Shed Dogs; Henry VI (Holy Roman Emperor); The Holy Roman Empire; The Erfurt Latrine Disaster; Burning Mom; East Van Panto; the truck as featured at Old Parked Cars Vancouver; Marcia Earhart; The Pitch (about the origins of the Northern Super League); The Vancouver Rise FC; the Lexus LS400.Theme music is Escaping like Indiana Jones by Komiku, with permission.

Send us Fan Mail~ What's the right timing for your dream?There's a question I hear all the time, especially from women who already have a full life:Is this the right time to pursue my dream?Maybe you've asked it too. You're already juggling a lot. You have people you're caring for. And yet, somewhere in the middle of all of it, there's this quiet idea, this pull you can't quite shake.But instead of moving forward, you keep circling the same thought. Maybe later. Maybe when things calm down. Maybe when I have more time.In this episode, I want to gently challenge those thoughts. Because sometimes what looks like a timing issue is actually something deeper. Fear. Overcommitment. Or uncertainty about what God is asking of you right now.IF YOU'VE EVER WONDERED IF IT'S THE RIGHT TIME TO PURSUE YOUR GOD-SHAPED DREAM, THIS EPISODE IS FOR YOU.I walk through three common mistakes we make when we think about timing and how those thoughts can quietly keep you stuck longer than you realize.You'll also learn how to begin discerning your next step with God, without waiting for a perfectly clear path.In this episode I talk about:Why “I can always do this later” might not be as safe as it sounds How being busy can mask a deeper question about obedience Questions to help you discern if fear or calling is driving your hesitation There's nothing wrong with wanting to be wise about your time. Scripture reminds us to number our days and live with intention. But wisdom doesn't mean waiting forever. Sometimes it means asking a better question.Not “Is this the right time?” but “God, what are You inviting me to say yes to right now?”If you're craving space to process that question with other women who are walking a similar road, I'd love to invite you into Dream Believers. It's a place where you can get out of your head, hear from the Lord, and take your next step alongside women who understand what it feels like to hold both faith and a dream at the same time.Join us here: merrittonsa.com/dreambelieversYou don't have to figure this out alone.And you don't have to wait for someday to begin.Sign up for Dream Believers. Just $49/month or $490 for the year (get 2 months free!) NEXT STEPS:Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a CallLeave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunesSubscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on AndroidJoin the Dream Believers communityMORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST:Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson. Theme music by Reaktor Productions. Ad music by Komiku.

Send us Fan Mail~ You have been thinking about this dream for a while now. Maybe a long while. And somewhere in the back of your mind, there is a quiet but persistent question: what is it going to take to finally feel ready?This episode is for you if you have been waiting on confidence to come before you begin. Because the hard truth is that the waiting might be the very thing keeping you from the activity that would grow it.In this episode, I dig into three mistakes women make when it comes to confidence, and any one of them can quietly stall a dream for months or years.Believing there is a shortcut that will make starting feel easierThinking confidence comes from getting things right the first timeLooking to yourself as the source of itThat last one is the shift that changes everything. Because your confidence was never meant to come from you. It was meant to be secured in God, in who He is, and in what He has already placed inside you.I close the episode with two specific Scripture passages I want you to sit with: Romans 8:11, 14-17 and Acts 2:1-4. These are the foundation everything else in this episode is built on.If you are ready to figure out what your next step actually looks like, I would love to have you join me for my April 23rd workshop, The Next Best Step for Pursuing a God-shaped Dream. Register at merrittonsa.com/workshop.NEXT STEPS:Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a CallLeave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunesSubscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on AndroidJoin the Dream Believers communityMORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST:Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson. Theme music by Reaktor Productions. Ad music by Komiku.

Another episode I've been wanting to do: The Big Valley, the Kish Valley! The Big Valley is about 45 minutes southeast of State College, an hour from Harrisburg. It's an idyllic rural paradise of farms, markets, restaurants, and small food producers. And the engine that keeps it running is Kish Bank, a local family-owned bank that's been in the Valley for over 100 years.  Kish Bank is named for the Kishocoquillas Creek, which runs down the Big Valley (and is the reason it's also known as The Kish Valley). The vital nature of the bank is why I decided to interview Greg Hayes, the CEO of Kish Bank, and the great-grandson of the founder.  Then I toured around the Valley: donuts, Amish stores, butcher shop, winery, and all the friendly people you'll find here. It's a wonderful place, and you should visit soon.  But there's not a lot to drink there! What I'm Drinking Today is the Proof & Wood Tumblin' Dice Rye finished in Jamaican rum casks, a fantastic experiment.  The Smack Dab In The Centre segment is all about farm experiences in Happy Valley; it seemed appropriate! Next episode will be Part II of  The Big Valley, a profile of Reedsville, and an interview with chef Quintin Wicks of Revival Kitchen, an incredibly well-regarded farm-to-table restaurant in this tiny town that draws people from as far away as Pittsburgh and Baltimore.  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 Fan Mail~ Has self-doubt ever talked you out of something God was calling you toward?It's more common than you think. And it might be the very thing keeping you from the dream God placed on your heart.In this episode, I'm talking about something I see in almost every woman I coach: the tendency to downplay our abilities and wait until we feel ready before we take a single step forward. The problem is, that moment of feeling ready rarely comes on its own.Here are three things I want you to walk away knowing today:You do not have to have it all figured out before you start.You do not have to feel confident before you begin.You do not have to be perfectly competent to take the next step.I also dig into one of my favorite stories in Scripture: Moses at the burning bush. Moses witnessed miracles, heard directly from God, and still said, "Please send someone else." If that is not relatable, I don't know what is. His story reminds us that self-doubt in the face of a calling is nothing new, and that God's presence is what makes the calling possible, not your readiness.Your dream has nothing to do with trying to be perfect. God gave it to you in love and grace, and He does not expect you to fulfill it a certain way. Your job is simply to be faithful and take the next step.If you are ready to work through this and figure out what your next step actually looks like, I would love to have you join me for my workshop, The Next Best Step for Pursuing a God-shaped Dream. Register at merrittonsa.com/workshop.**This episode was originally released on 1/19/2022. NEXT STEPS:Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a CallLeave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunesSubscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on AndroidJoin the Dream Believers communityMORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST:Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson. Theme music by Reaktor Productions. Ad music by Komiku.

Send us Fan Mail~ Are you a Christian woman trying to figure out the next right step for a dream? You feel like God has called you to something more in midlife, but what should you do about it? I've spent the last 10 years talking to women about their dreams. What I've learned is that most of us are not stuck because we lack talent or even faith. We're stuck because the dream feels bigger than us, and we don't know how to move forward or who to process it with.A God-shaped dream is a specific calling that uses your gifts, your faith, and even the hard things you've walked through. It serves others. And it carries kingdom value in a broken world that desperately needs hope and healing.Because of that, you are not meant to carry the dream alone. No, we were meant to do this together! You, marching forward, faithfully carrying your dream, walking alongside other women who are carrying theirs. This is important kingdom work, and this is why I'm hosting a workshop just for you on April 23rd, 2026. Join me for The Best Next Step for Pursuing a God-Shaped Dream. Whether you're just beginning, shifting gears, or somewhere in the messy middle, this is your space.In this episode, I cover:What makes a dream "God-shaped" and why that distinction mattersWhy feeling overwhelmed or uncertain doesn't mean you're off trackHow to move forward without waiting for a perfect planCome to the workshop and determine the next best step for your dream. There's no homework, no pressure, and no perfect starting point required. Just you, your dream, and a room full of women who get it.RSVP at merrittonsa.com/workshop and come ready to breathe, think, and take your next step.God made you for a purpose, and He can be trusted with the dream He gave you.NEXT STEPS:Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a CallLeave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunesSubscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on AndroidJoin the Dream Believers communityMORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST:Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson. Theme music by Reaktor Productions. Ad music by Komiku.

A freewheeling Episode 211 sees your Shed Dogs amazed by a homemade electric powered wheelbarrow, amused by viewing events ranging from professional soccer to videos about clearing blocked drains to series and movies we're watching, and pondering career changes. KJ continues in his role as theatre insider and lets us know it's really not too late for us to work in the industry, and provides a really fun anecdote about how awards shows can go wrong. There are Snappers, an ask for info from listeners about a great credit card service we heard about, some PSA info in buying your next laptop, and more. Your head doesn't have to be empty for us to fill it up but it might help.Links: Shed Dogs; Drain Cleaning Australia; Sora; Casey Neistat on Sora (before the service was shut down); The Jessies; Intimacy Coordinators; the Vancouver Rise.Theme music is Escaping like Indiana Jones by Komiku, with permission.

This episode is not about central PA...but it does have an excellent interview at a pioneering craft distillery that makes one of my favorite American Single Malt whiskies, and some great beer content, so stick around! Back in October, while I was doing my Midwest tour in support of my new book (American Whiskey Master Class, get your signed copy here!), I visited Cedar Ridge Distillery outside of Iowa City, and interviewed distillery president Jamie Siefert and marketing director Megan Patz. We talked about the history of the place, why they distill their bourbon as wash, in pot stills (and use a mash filter to get there), and about that American single malt of theirs, The Quintessential (which is half of What I'm Drinking Today).  Then we swing up into the cab of a satellite-guided John Deere combine at Whiskey Acres distillery, and talk to farmer-distiller Jamie Walter about heirloom and new strains of corn.   I'll take you to a spirits competition I judged in Richmond last month, the First Landing Cup, then head up the Shenandoah Valley to visit Mt. Defiance Distillery & Cidery to get some tasting (and some comeuppance), pick up some cheese at George's Mill Farm, and visit an estate brewery where they grow their own grain and brew some exquisite lagers, Wheatland Spring Farm & Brewery. I wind that trip up with a stop at Cushwa Brewing and Rad Pies in Williamsport, MD for lunch: IPA and The Rickeroni! What I'm Drinking Today is a STAG first: I had a boilermaker! I started with a snort of Cedar Ridge The Quintessential single malt, chased by a Wheatland Spring Depart triticale lager. Wham BAM drinking! The Smack Dab In The Centre segment takes you way out on the western edge of Happy Valley territory, to Philipsburg!   Next episode will be about The Big Valley, Kish Valley, the beautiful oasis of the Plain People in central PA. I've got two interviews lined up, and one of them's another unconventional one. Strap in.    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 Fan MailWhat if the thing standing between you and your dream is simply that you have never said it out loud?In this episode, my friend and co-host Erin Straza and I get honest about what it actually takes to go after something that feels bigger than you. We talk about renewing your mind, knowing who God says you are, and why speaking the dream matters more than having a perfect plan to follow.Before we close out the conversation with Erin, she shares a story about her husband Mike, a 56-year-old competitive runner whose coach challenged him to name a time goal he had been too afraid to voice. That moment was a game-changer and sheds light on how we think about a God-shaped dream.In this conversation, we're talking about:The daily choice to set your mind on life and light instead of fear and doubtWhy knowing you are a beloved daughter of God is the foundationHow saying the dream out loud is an act of faith rather than prideYou do not have to say it publicly or post it online, but you do need to say it to someone you trust. That is exactly why I built Dream Believers, a community where women pursue God-shaped dreams together, are honest about the highs and lows, and remind each other who we are in Him. Learn more and join today: https://www.merrittonsa.com/dreambelievers.The dream God placed in you was never meant to stay hidden. Sometimes we think we need to see the whole path before we can take the next step, but that's simply not true. Your job is to be faithful to what is right in front of you today.NEXT STEPS:Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a CallLeave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunesSubscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on AndroidJoin the Dream Believers communityMORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST:Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson. Theme music by Reaktor Productions. Ad music by Komiku.

Send us Fan MailHave you been holding back, waiting for the perfect plan or just the right timing to go after a dream? In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend Erin Straza for an honest conversation about what it actually looks like to start something when you don't feel qualified, confident, or certain it's going to work.We talk about the real cost of perfectionism and why it will knock you out every time if you let it.In this episode we dig into:Why the momentum you're looking for comes from starting, not from waiting until you feel readyHow a simple outline, even just two to four things written down, can break the grip of feeling stuckWhy treating your early attempts as practice, not performance, changes everythingOne of the things Erin said that I keep coming back to is that we champion a child's first steps because we're on the outside looking in and we know it's bound to happen. We need that same encouragement too.If you're in a season where you feel stuck and you're longing for women who will walk with you toward your dream, I want you to know that's exactly why I built Dream Believers. It's a community of women who love Jesus, ask good questions, and show up for each other through the messy, faithful middle. Learn more at merrittonsa.com/dreambelieversAnd remember, the goal was never to be perfect. The goal is to be faithful to what God has given you right now.NEXT STEPS:Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a CallLeave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunesSubscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on AndroidJoin the Dream Believers communityMORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST:Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson. Theme music by Reaktor Productions. Ad music by Komiku.

My grandfather bought a nail file in Kane, PA almost 100 years ago. I still have it...but I'd never been to Kane. Turns out I really should have! Kane, "the star in the forest," is another small central PA town that punches above its weight. There's the iconic Texas Hot Lunch (I interviewed owner Mike Bechakas, and had two of his very, very good Texas Hots), two distilleries, two wineries, a drive-in theater, a great coffee shop, a famously good butcher shop, a wonderful restaurant and a cut-above pizza place...and that's just the usual STAG stuff, there's the whole Allegheny National Forest right there!  You know I'm kind of obsessed with the whole Texas Hot/Coney Island hot dog thing. Well, to prepare for my interview with Mike, I dove deep into the internet, and found a guy who's even more obsessed...and he's gone way down that rabbit hole and come back with some great history. Check it out here! There's still mystery to it, but this answers a lot of questions.   There was so much, I did something I've never done before: I interviewed the town's mayor. Brandy Schimp is in her 9th year as mayor of Kane -- she was the Pennsylvania Mayor of the Year in 2024! -- and she did indeed have her finger on the pulse. She actually dragged in a colleague to the interview, so you get a twofer: Kate Kennedy, who's the director of the Kane Area Development Center. They're both Kane natives, and they were very fun to talk to.  I went out to the Kinzua Bridge State Park and saw the cast-down remains of the mighty railroad trestle, and the skywalk they've made of what's left. Very cool, and even though the skywalk is under renovation right now (it's going to be open for leaf-peeping in the fall), the view and the visitor center is worth a visit.   Back home, I've got a plug for Riversongs, the annual fundraiser for environmental education here in beautiful downtown Millheim. Since it is Millheim, there's live music from two bands, a raffle, and plenty of good beer. Come on out on March 29th!   What I'm Drinking Today is the incredibly crisp and refreshing Allagash House Beer, which my old friend and new book collaborator Em Sauter brought me when she visited last week to work on our new book project. The Smack Dab In The Centre segment is about the wonderfulness of hanging out by a firepit, because it's that time again! I note three Centre County spots where you can do that.  Next episode will be...something. Look, I have something really good lined up for four weeks from now, but I'm still looking for something for the next episode. I'm working on it.   So...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 a textHave you ever felt stuck between a dream God has given you and the fear of taking the wrong step? If yes, this conversation is for you.This month I'm joined by my friend and non-profit communications consultant Erin Straza, and together we get refreshingly honest about something so many of us quietly wrestle with: procrastination. Not the lazy kind, the kind that comes from caring deeply about getting it right.We talk about why hesitation is often just protection in disguise, and how perfectionism can keep your dream simmering on the back burner indefinitely. If you struggle with procrastination too, here's what I want you to hear: that stalling isn't a character flaw. It's a sign of how much this dream matters to you.IN THIS EPISODE, WE EXPLORE:Why trusting God and acting on that trust can feel like two very different thingsHow dreaming about the future can quietly replace doing the work of todayWhat your personal wiring has to do with choosing your next right stepWhy imperfect progress beats perfect stillness — every single timeI also share something I believe wholeheartedly: everything we do is just practice. The missteps, the detours, the seasons that felt "wasted" — they're all shaping you for exactly where God is calling you next.If you've been waiting for permission to move forward without having it all figured out, consider this your moment.And if you're craving community with women who get it — women who are pursuing God-sized dreams and cheering each other on — I'd love to have you inside Dream Believers, my virtual community built just for you. 

Your Three Dogs (our proposed name for a new wholesome TV series) were hanging around in the Shed the other month and got talking about work KJ is taking on, a litany of various dramatic and sporting amusements we've been watching, our health, and goings-on in the neighbourhood. RJ's neighbourhood specifically, as he reveals that he has become a Block Watch Captain. PJ is disappointed to learn that the position does not come with an intimidating uniform, nor with training that involves jumping out of helicopters, but still…he's a Captain! This achievement is all the more remarkable as we also learn about a long-ago run-in with seemingly innocuous freon, which is not quite the lamb we all thought it is. Episode 210 has more, of course, there's always more, but we're hoping this note is inviting enough for you to join us in The Shed! Links: Shed Dogs; Bruce the drain cleaner; pneumonia; freon; Livraria Lello; The Great Gatsby; The Queen's Gambit; The Diplomat; No Country For Old Men; Fargo (TV Series); Extraordinary Attorney Woo; Max Scherzer; Northern Super League; YouTube; PJ's favourite tank restoration channel; this company cleans up after collisions; Burnaby Block Watch.Theme music is Escaping like Indiana Jones by Komiku, with permission.

Send a textThe dream has been there for a while now. You can feel it.But every time you consider the next leap of faith, something stops you. Maybe it sounds like: "I'm not ready yet." Or "What if I'm wrong about this?" Or the most persistent one: "I don't want to waste the precious time I have left."If that's where you are right now, this episode is for you.To open Season 14, I sit down with my longtime friend, writer, and nonprofit communications consultant Erin Straza.Together, we unpack the belief so many women carry: that confidence must come before courage.Spoiler: That's not how it works.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL DISCOVER:✦ Why "I don't feel ready" is rarely about readiness. ✦ What to do when you're not sure this is the right dream. ✦ A different way to interpret the nerves. This is the episode to send to the woman in your life who has a dream she keeps putting off. And if that woman is you, it's time.

In 2026, how do you introduce a man who has next to no online presence?  Sam Komlenic (pronounced "kom-LEN-ick") is not unknown. He's arguably the foremost historian of Pennsylvania rye whiskey, and has been quoted a number of times in major publications as such. He's been the copy editor of Whisky Advocate magazine for years, well-known at the magazine's WhiskyFest Chicago event. He's been on the board of West Overton Village, where his antique whiskey bottle collection is displayed in the Sam Komlenic Gallery. He worked as a fundraiser for WPSU, public broadcasting in State College, PA for 19 years, making friends all over north central Pennsylvania. God knows I've mentioned him many times, in articles, books (Sam has been my first reader on every book since New York Breweries until American Whiskey Master Class, and we missed that one only because I got pressed for time).  He's got plenty to say, and he will in this interview. But this episode will represent one of Sam's largest online exposures. He has no social media accounts; he has no blog, podcast, or Substack. Google his name for images, and you may find a dozen pictures of Sam, at least two of which I've uploaded to the Net. But people want to hear what Sam has to say, particularly about rye whiskey, so I decided to give him a forum. Sam's also one of my best friends, and it was a pleasure doing this.  I'll tell you about how the Day of Delicious Darkness went, about a place where the rivers run north, and about a new book I just contracted to write! Surprise! What I'm Drinking Today is a whiskey I shared with Sam, Iron City Distilling Bessemer Rye. It's their first release, and it's a doozy, one of the best young ryes I've had. I look forward to more releases from Matt Strickland and the crew at ICD.  The Smack Dab In The Centre segment is about the Happy Valley PA Geotour, a geocaching journey set up by our sponsor, the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau.   Next episode is about Kane, PA, a "Star in the Forest," and I am headed up there tomorrow to see some woods, and the Kinzua Bridge, and the Texas Hot Lunch, and a place that makes booze out of sunflowers! 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.

How about a nice hot bowl of stew? Stew means a lot to me, and I'll bet most of you like a good bowl of beef stew, or chili, or goulash. Or maybe some ratatouille? How about some good Belgian waterzooi, or a Polish bigos, or a plate of Thai curry?  A bowl of grits and étouffée at the Elk Creek Café set this episode off, which is why I interviewed Elk Creek chef Jon Forshey about what stew is, and some tips on making better stew, and an added bonus, his memories of his grandmother, "the patron saint of Poverty Hollow." That's where Jon learned to cook, and we'll talk about that, too. I'll tell you about my own stew journey, how learning to make a good stew really taught me how to cook, and fired me up to learn more. One of the things I learned about was bay leaves, and I'll use my first podcast sidebar to tell you about them. Bay leaves are more interesting and versatile than I realized, used in cooking from Baltimore to Baton Rouge, Germany, Delhi, Manila, and back to the Bay Area! Then I'll walk you through making my own birthday dinner, a nice pot of Carbonnade Flamande, a Belgian beef stew made with onions and beer, and about the State College pub crawl Cathy and I did while it was simmering at home.  What I'm Drinking Today is one of the beers I used in the Carbonnade, Ommegang Abbey Dubbel, a rich, spicy old friend from back in the early days of craft beer.  The Smack Dab In The Centre segment is about the new 2026 Happy Valley Inspiration Guide, tons of great things to do in Centre County.   Next episode might be about Kane, PA, if I can get the interview scheduled in time; the person I'm interviewing has a very busy schedule, but they're the right person for the job. If not, there are other STAG 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/ "Snare Roll" FX by freesound_community on Pixabay (https://pixabay.com/users/freesound_community-46691455/) 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.

If you're the kind of person who wonders things like how creators and money people get together to make the financial sausage for TV shows, or maybe the kind who likes to listen to seminal and random music, or, you know, hear about word meanings and origins, or perhaps you're just the kind of listener who enjoys a chat, this is the place and we are the people for you! Episode 209 covers those bases and more, so click on the link and pull up a chair in our world.Links: Shed Dogs; MIPCOM CANNES; the role of a television producer; Lene Lovich; Chubby Checker; The Twist; Fats Domino; Gino Vanelli, and his album Storm at Sunup and hit Wild Horses; The Grocer's Wife.Theme music is Escaping like Indiana Jones by Komiku, by permission.

We return to a place we haven't seen since Episode 1, back when I had no idea what I was doing, in order to do Northumberland and Sunbury the right way.  Northumberland and Sunbury are getting the full treatment they deserve, over three years after I first stumbled through them. History, geography, and of course, a look at some of the more interesting and fun spots in both towns, including Pineknotter Brewing, a pinball bar, and the Squeeze-In, a narrow hot dog joint that's been serving up dogs five seats at a time since 1945 [correction to the podcast, BTW: the Squeeze-In is not 12 feet wide, it's only eight feet wide!].  I interviewed Curt and Thad Benner, 4th generation Sunbury natives and brothers, who opened Eclipse Craft Brewing 7 years ago. Curt makes great beer, Thad makes great pizza, and they also have teaberry vodka. Can't beat it!  What I'm Drinking Today is a 16 year old Tomintoul single malt, and it was wonderfully relaxing. The Smack Dab In The Centre segment is a reminder to grab yourself a new Central PA Tasting Trail passport, and start getting your ticket punched for tasty drinks and great discounts.  Your Uncle Lew also has a little 'love connection' advice about Valentine's Day. No, really, I do!  Next episode should be a chat with Elk Creek chef Jon Forshey about making stews, and there's a lot more to it than I realized.   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 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  

Some topics are so deep, so wide, and so fundamental to who we are as a species that broaching them invites chaos. But if your Dogs won't talk about it, who will, we ask you? Here in Episode 208, we take on such a topic: the fine art of soccer diving: archer's bows, delayed collapses, endless rolling, astonishing recoveries, and why the refs never seem to catch on. We also get to hear from theatre insider KJ about Burning Mom's triumphant run and about a rediscovered stash of 1975 London cassette letters to home. We also have PJ's reminiscences about a Honda CR500 dirt bike that still raises heart rates, and from RJ a full tour of the new foosball‑friendly Mench Café. There's yet another million dollar idea awaiting an enterprising listener, some Listener Mail, a great PSA on sun damage to skin, and even more… Dive right in with us!Links: Shed Dogs; diving; The Falling Soldier; Burning Mom; West Side Story; Honda CR500; a Saab two-stroke sports car; the Mench Café; basal cell carcinoma.Theme music is Escaping like Indiana Jones by Komiku, by permission. Diving photo by Alasdair Middleton - https://www.flickr.com/photos/alza06/3392306237/

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 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!

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.

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.

Maybe it was talking about Canada's National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, or possibly giggling about potential Pope names. Maybe it was going back to the halcyon days of KJ's time on Stargate or his trip to see his Texan cousins as they visited Vancouver Island. Maybe it was the warm flush of joy that getting Listener Mail always brings. We don't really know just what it was, but KJ's revelation that his (t)rusty 1964 International TravelAll has finally, after 47 years in his service, crossed the toll-free bridge to the Great Garage in the Sky brought back a lot of memories and feelings that the Shed isn't often witness to. Mostly pretty great memories and feelings, I'll add. Share them with us. We know of at least one faithful listener who had a similar road trip with a very faithful Toyota. Listen in and think about cars, or even Dogs.Links: Shed Dogs; anachronism; how to make corn fritters; Canada's National Day for Truth and Reconciliation; Both Sides Now by Joni Mitchell; KJ's appearance on Dial the Gate; Dr. Warner at work; the Double Decker Hamburger Hut on Vancouver Island; the 1964 International Travelall; KJ's truck spotted by a blogger; disaster preparation kits; digitizing LPs.Theme music is Escaping like Indiana Jones by Komiku, by permission.

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.

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.

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.

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.