Folgen
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Relative excerpts from the podcast:
Chris:Welcome back to Coffee on the Couch. I'm your host, Chris, and today we're diving into the rich tapestry of history and storytelling with none other than Robert W. Spencer.
Robert is an accomplished author with a knack for capturing the essence of small-town Maine in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His work isnāt just about historical fictionāitās about the relationships, struggles, and triumphs that define us. From his meticulously researched Lizzie Millett series to his poetic explorations of lifeās quieter moments, Robertās voice is as authentic as the landscapes he paints with his words.
So grab your favorite brew, settle in, and join me for a conversation as warm and dynamic as the mill ponds he calls home.
So, welcome, Robert.
Robert:Thank you. Thanks, Chris. I appreciate the opportunity to be here.
Chris:Yeah, definitely. Glad we could get this going and have you on.
Itās interesting how we got connectedāyour publicist, Melissa Garrity.
Robert:Right.
Chris:Yeah.
Robert:Melissa is very active. Sheās very creative when it comes to websites and promoting her authors. She has a number of authors sheās working with right now in the Bangor area. Iām down here in southern Maine, but Iāve found it very valuable to work with her.
Chris:Yeah, sheās got a real high energy about her. You can even pick up on it through email.
Robert:Thatās right, thatās right, thatās good._________________Chris:So, your writing captures the intricate details of life in rural Maine between 1860 and 1910. What inspired you to focus on this particular era, and how do you go about recreating such an authentic sense of time and place?
Robert:I think that periodā1860 to 1910āwas a time of significant growth here in southern Maine. Right after the Civil War, Maine started to modernize. Before 1860, before the war, it was largely an agricultural economy. People didnāt travel much; they were self-sufficient, living on farms with large families.
For example, here in Waterford, we have three villages. The people in South Waterford rarely, if ever, went to Waterford because they simply didnāt need to.
After the Civil War, that started to change. People began to travel more, leaving their communities to work in millsāsmall mills that were being set up all over. To me, that marked the beginning of modern Maine.
Chris:And how did you go about recreating that world so vividly?
Robert:I live in a village here in Waterfordāespecially South Waterford and Waterford Cityāboth of which were very active during that time period. Many of my mentors here, some of whom are no longer with us, really opened my eyes to what life was like back then. Their stories and experiences gave me a deep appreciation for the way people lived, worked, and built their communities.
Chris:Yeah, thatās fascinating. Villages back then were almost like their own little cities, right? You knew the people in your village, and you were deeply connected to them.
Robert:Thatās exactly right.
Chris:Correct me if Iām wrong, but back in the 1860s, villages probably had their own blacksmiths, general stores, and craftsmen, right?
Robert:Oh, absolutely. In this village alone, there were nine mill buildingsānine mills along a small stream that runs right through town. Actually, my house is the last existing mill building from that era. Back in the late 1800s, this was a very active place. People worked right here; they didnāt have to leave town to make a living.
There were stores, many of them run out of peopleās homes, as well as blacksmith shops. These communities were entirely self-sufficient.
Chris:Yeah, a little different now.
Robert:Just a tad bit.______________
Roberts Links:
robertwbooks.com/Instagram: Robert W. SpencerFacebook: Robert W. Spencer
My Personal links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lafreniere
Email: [email protected]
Calendly: https://calendly.com/cl71088
Alignable: coffee-on-the-couch-podcast Apple Podcasts: coffee-on-the-couchs-podcastSpotify: Coffee on the Couch
Affiliate links:
Fight Coffee: Affecting true change one cup at a time!
fightcoffee.org/ Should you decide to purchase any coffee, Use my affiliate code
Ā» COC Ā« Input it into the special instructions box.Also worth mentioning is that any purchase of $40 and over qualifies for free shipping.Additionally, everyone who uses the discount code Ā» WELCOME Ā« will get 10% off their first order.
All-Natural & American Made
For too long, jerky has been cut with weird fillers, strange chemicals, and swag ingredients. RF products are high in protein, low in sugar, and made with clean, simple ingredients... without ever compromising on taste or texture.
https://www.righteousfelon.com/
Craft Jerky - AMERICAN SOURCED PROTEIN
Righteous Felon: Farm Fresh Jerky company.
American family farms. Protein that is pasture-raised and free of both antibiotics and growth hormones. Enabling fresh, flavorful, and consistent quality that other jerky brands cannot match ā and a win-win-win-win for RF, the farmer, the customer, and the environment."
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Relative excerpts from the podcast:Chris:Welcome back to Coffee on the Couch, where the coffee is always dark and the conversations are always enlightening.
Today, weāre diving into the imaginative world of storytelling with someone who knows a thing or two about crafting epic adventures. J.D. Mankowski, the brilliant mind behind the Tales from Elderland series, joins us for a deep dive into his journey as an author and his much-anticipated third installment, The Stone King.
Grab your favorite cup, settle in, and get ready for an inspiring conversation with one of the most engaging voices in fantasy fiction.
Chris:So welcome, J.D.
J.D.:Hello, Chris.
J.D:How are you today?
Chris:Doing well, doing well. I got my coffee here, so all is right in the world.
J.D:Same as well. I obviously, with no video footage, you wouldnāt be able to see, but itās the Bangor Authors Award for Writing that I received last year in conjunction to a short story written and published in Rivers of Ink: Literary Reflections on the Penobscot. For those who are Maine listeners, itās definitely worth a gander. I donāt get any money for it; itās just a wonderful book full of Maine authors. So thatās one of my prize mug possessionsāitās both trophy and drinking ware.
Chris.:Yeah.
Chris:Iāve got a different cup than I usually have when Iām recording, but thatās because my other ones are packed away. So this one says, Man of God, 1 Timothy 6:11.
J.D.:Okay, fantastic.
Chris:Usually, the coffee cup that I have that Iām drinking while Iām recording says, Mandate: Minding Your Own Business.
J.D.:Thatās a good one.
Chris:Yep.______________________ Chris:So, J.D., letās talk about The Stone King. What inspired this third installment, and how does it tie together the journey youāve taken readers on throughout the Tales from Elderlands series?
J.D.:Yeah, I think the best place to start is by establishing the series as a whole. The Tales from Elderlands series is a coming-of-age fantasy series, akin to something like Percy Jackson or The Chronicles of Narnia. Not that I would ever claim my books hold a light to such fantastic installments of fantasy.
That being said, Tales from Elderlands begins with The Silver Scepter, which follows the story of young Deirdre Hart and James, who venture off into a world of fantasy and misadventure. Poor Deirdre, who is always trying to do the right thing and is very prim and proper, accidentally runs away from home, accidentally steals a chocolate cake, and accidentally finds herself with a hoard full of treasure. And, well, without spoiling too much, a lot of it is Jamesās fault.
That story then spins out into book two, The Skyrunner's Captain, where we jump 10 years ahead. In that book, we re-meet Deirdre as an adult, and we start to see how the things she did as a kid have shaped her journey and the challenges she faces now.
The Stone King, on the other hand, follows James 10 years after the events of The Silver Scepter. So, in some crafty ways, you could read book one, then book three, and then book twoāor you could go in the more traditional order of book one, book two, and then book three.
J.D.'s links:
https://www.jdmankowski.store/Instagram: J.D. MankowskiGoodreads - J.D. Mankowski
My Personal links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lafreniere
Email: [email protected]
Calendly: https://calendly.com/cl71088
Alignable: coffee-on-the-couch-podcast Apple Podcasts: coffee-on-the-couchs-podcastSpotify: Coffee on the Couch
Affiliate links:
Fight Coffee: Affecting true change one cup at a time!
fightcoffee.org/ Should you decide to purchase any coffee, Use my affiliate code
Ā» COC Ā« Input it into the special instructions box.Also worth mentioning is that any purchase of $40 and over qualifies for free shipping.Additionally, everyone who uses the discount code Ā» WELCOME Ā« will get 10% off their first order.
All-Natural & American Made
For too long, jerky has been cut with weird fillers, strange chemicals, and swag ingredients. RF products are high in protein, low in sugar, and made with clean, simple ingredients... without ever compromising on taste or texture.
https://www.righteousfelon.com/
Craft Jerky - AMERICAN SOURCED PROTEIN
Righteous Felon: Farm Fresh Jerky company.
American family farms. Protein that is pasture-raised and free of both antibiotics and growth hormones. Enabling fresh, flavorful, and consistent quality that other jerky brands cannot match ā and a win-win-win-win for RF, the farmer, the customer, and the environment."
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Fehlende Folgen?
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Relative excerpts from the podcast:Chris:Welcome, everyone, to another episode of Coffee on the Couch. Iām your host, Chris, and today weāre diving into the fascinating world of Magic Mountain Goat Coffee with none other than Andre Jackson himself.
Andre is the driving force behind this mission-driven coffee company thatās shaking up the industry by blending incredible flavors, sustainable practices, and a deep commitment to the community. Todayās conversation promises to be both inspiring and enlightening as we get a peek into the vision, values, and journey that brought Magic Mountain Goat Coffee to life.
So grab a mug, settle in, and letās get started. Welcome, Andre!
Andre:Thank you. Iām glad to be here.
Chris:Yeah, good to have you here! So, hey, youāre welcome.
Andre, I believe we got connected on Alignable, and we were talking about that a little bit before we started recording. If I remember right, we had a few issues trying to schedule this, right? First, I had an issue, then you were out of the country...
Andre:Right, right.
Chris:So Iām glad we were able to get it going.
Andre:Yeah, for sure. Itās been about a month and a half, but we got it togetherāweāre here now.
Chris:Yep, yep. Thatās good stuff.
You know, itās funnyāthis might sound a little blasphemous, but the coffee Iām drinking right now is actually from a company called Fight Coffee. I donāt know if youāve ever heard of them?
Andre:No, Iāve never heard of them.
Chris:Oh, okay. Yeah, Iāve worked with them a little bit. But Iām really interested to hear about your process with Magic Mountain Goat Coffee as we get into the interview. At some point, Iām sure weāll be talking about the unique and interesting methods you have for your coffee beans and all that.āāāāāāāāāā-Chris:So this is kind of a follow-up question to what you were just talking about. For both my sake and the viewersā sake, what do you usually value your cinnamon coffee at? What can one expect in terms of size and price?
Andre:Basically, I want to give you the most bang for your buck. I donāt want you to feel cheated. I want you to get every bit of coffee you can for your money because you work hard every day, and youāre already taxed on everything. I donāt want to overcharge.
Some people tell me Iām crazy. They say I could be selling it for $35 a bag. But I donāt want to be that person who takes your money. I want to give you a good quality product with quantity.
So what I do is this: I offer you 500 grams of coffeeāthatās about 17.5 ounces. It gives you 50 cups of coffee for $21.95. When you break it down, thatās roughly 47 cents a cup of coffee. And each cup uses 10 grams.
Chris:Yeah, thatās really good.
Andre:Right? So 10 grams per cup means 500 grams gives you about 50 cups.
Chris:For sure. Thatās great value.
Andre:And thereās something to be said about the benefits alone. I also offer regular coffee that I roast to your preference.
Chris:Nice!
Andre:If you want white coffeeānow, a lot of people donāt know what that is. Some people call it blonde, but itās not the kind of blonde you think of when you add creamer. This is pure white coffee. It actually tastes more like tea and has a nutty aroma.
I also roast light, medium, and dark coffee. Whatever you prefer, I roast it fresh for you.
Chris:Thatās impressive.
Andre:Thanks! I do everythingāroasting, importing, even going directly to the farm to source the beans.
Chris:Thatās amazing.
Andre:Yeah, and the farm I work with is really unique. Itās sacred land, actuallyāindigenous land protected by the government. My farmer owns it, but there are strict rules: no killing animals, no cutting down trees, and no chemicals on the ground.
When youāre drinking my coffee, you wonāt feel that jittery sensation that makes you want to stop drinking coffee. Youāll get exactly what you need.
The lighter the roast, the more caffeine it contains, so itās perfect for keeping you awake and alert.
Chris:Thatās really good stuff.
Andre:Good stuff indeed.
Chris:All right._____
MMCG's Links:
https://magicmountaingoatcoffee.com/https://www.facebook.com/magicmountaingoatcoffeehttps://www.instagram.com/magicmountaingoatcoffee1/
My Personal links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lafreniere
Email: [email protected]
Calendly: https://calendly.com/cl71088
Alignable: coffee-on-the-couch-podcast Apple Podcasts: coffee-on-the-couchs-podcastSpotify: Coffee on the Couch
Affiliate links:
Fight Coffee: Affecting true change one cup at a time!
fightcoffee.org/ Should you decide to purchase any coffee, Use my affiliate code
Ā» COC Ā« Input it into the special instructions box.Also worth mentioning is that any purchase of $40 and over qualifies for free shipping.Additionally, everyone who uses the discount code Ā» WELCOME Ā« will get 10% off their first order.
All-Natural & American Made
For too long, jerky has been cut with weird fillers, strange chemicals, and swag ingredients. RF products are high in protein, low in sugar, and made with clean, simple ingredients... without ever compromising on taste or texture.
https://www.righteousfelon.com/
Craft Jerky - AMERICAN SOURCED PROTEIN
Righteous Felon: Farm Fresh Jerky company.
American family farms. Protein that is pasture-raised and free of both antibiotics and growth hormones. Enabling fresh, flavorful, and consistent quality that other jerky brands cannot match ā and a win-win-win-win for RF, the farmer, the customer, and the environment."
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Relative excerpts from the podcast:Chris:Welcome back, everyone! Iām your host, Chris, and todayās guest is a dynamic force behind the scenes in the world of combat sports. Heās not just stepping into the cage himselfāheās shaping the future of the sport as a coach and fight manager.
With a growing presence in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships, heās crafting winning strategies and fostering mental resilience to help fighters reach their full potential. Get ready for a deep dive into his journey, his coaching philosophy, and his vision for the future. Letās welcome Brandyn Gold.
Chris:Welcome, Brandyn.
Brandyn:Hey, how you doing?
Chris:Not too bad! So, a quick note on how we got connectedāit was through Alignable. I forget exactly what I was searching for, but...
Chris:Yeah, I think it was through Anthony from Fight Coffee.
Brandyn:Thatās right! I saw his profile, and I drink his coffee too. I love it.
chris:Same here. Iām actually an affiliate with Fight Coffee. Anthony and I talk here and there.
Chris:Yeah, once I saw that connection, I thought, āIf Anthony trusts him, then I trust him.ā So, I reached out, and now here we are.
Brandyn:Exactly. And Iām glad we made it happen.āāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāChris:Brandyn, your entry into MMA is fresh, and youāre already making wavesānot just as a fighter, but as a coach and manager. What initially sparked your passion for martial arts, and how did that lead you to step into the world of MMA?
Brandyn:So, I mean, I started really young. I began wrestling when I was about eight years old. You know, itās a story similar to a lot of peopleāsāI was a smaller kid, had a bit of a lisp, and got picked on. I was also a big pro wrestling fan, so my parents put me into the wrestling program at my elementary school.
And I just liked it. It was something I enjoyed and was naturally good at. Even as a kid, I felt like I understood it on a different level. So, I stuck with it all the way through school.
But once school ended, there werenāt really any wrestling programs availableāat least not back then. This was about 15 years ago now. So, I found a local gym that was doing MMA.
I trained there for a while and even had a couple of local unsanctioned fights. I did okay, but I took a lossāand I didnāt take that loss well. I ended up taking some time off.
Then, when I moved to Florida, I started working a lotā¦Ā»Listen to the podcast for the rest of brandyns StoryĀ«_________________________________________________
Brandynās Links:Instagram: @breakingbgold
Facebook: Brandyn GoldTwitter/X: /topdawgptStorm Athlete Management Agency My Personal links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lafreniere
Email: [email protected]
Calendly: https://calendly.com/cl71088
Alignable: coffee-on-the-couch-podcast Apple Podcasts: coffee-on-the-couchs-podcastSpotify: Coffee on the Couch
Affiliate links:
Fight Coffee: Affecting true change one cup at a time!
fightcoffee.org/ Should you decide to purchase any coffee, Use my affiliate code
Ā» COC Ā« Input it into the special instructions box.Also worth mentioning is that any purchase of $40 and over qualifies for free shipping.Additionally, everyone who uses the discount code Ā» WELCOME Ā« will get 10% off their first order.
All-Natural & American Made
For too long, jerky has been cut with weird fillers, strange chemicals, and swag ingredients. RF products are high in protein, low in sugar, and made with clean, simple ingredients... without ever compromising on taste or texture.
https://www.righteousfelon.com/
Craft Jerky - AMERICAN SOURCED PROTEIN
Righteous Felon: Farm Fresh Jerky company.
American family farms. Protein that is pasture-raised and free of both antibiotics and growth hormones. Enabling fresh, flavorful, and consistent quality that other jerky brands cannot match ā and a win-win-win-win for RF, the farmer, the customer, and the environment."
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Relative excerpts from the podcast: Chris:
Get ready for another unforgettable episode of Coffee on the Couch with your host, Chris. Todayās guest has spent a lifetime capturing the pulse of the world through her journalistic lens. Now, sheās channeling that experience into a forthcoming book that promises to be as captivating as her career. You wonāt want to miss a second of this deep dive into stories, life lessons, and the art of storytelling. So grab your cup and settle in, because this oneās special.
Coffee on the Couch will be starting in five, four, three, two, oneāand weāre live!
Welcome back, everyone, to another episode of Coffee on the Couch. Iām your host, Chris, and today we have an incredible guest joining us who has spent her life weaving stories from across the globe. From local reporting in Maine to her adventurous travels abroad, sheās seen it all, and sheās shared those insights with the world.
Today, weāre going to dig into her journey as a journalist, the experiences that have shaped her work, and the incredible stories sheās uncovered along the way. So grab your coffee, get comfortable, and letās dive into an extraordinary conversation. Welcome, Julia!
Julia:Thank you. Iām just happy to be here.
Chris:Yeah, no, itās good to get it going.
So, a quick little about usālike, we got connected on LinkedIn. What was it, maybe about a month or so ago?
Julia:Somewhere around there, yeah.
____________
Julia:This is what I am meant to do, and I justāI never looked back. I cannot believe how lucky I was to walk into it. Itās pretty much all Iāve done my entire working life, and to me, itās the best job in the world.
Chris:Yeah, I agree. Thereās real merit to journalism. And, you know, it might be a bit taboo to say, but honest journalism, right?
Julia:Well, I was actually going to say, when I went into it, I had no formal trainingāno journalistic education or experience. I had an excellent editor, though. Shout out to Lee Albert. She instilled in me something crucial early on: the incredible, intoxicating power that comes with being a journalist.
Because you have access. You get a front-row seat to things. Thereās this saying that journalists write the first draft of history, which is amazing. But with that comes an enormous responsibility to not abuse that power. You need to be honest. You have a responsibility to keep people informed and tell great stories. But you canāt let that power take over. The process has to remain important.
Julia:The story has to be important, but the journalist should never become more important than the story.
Chris:Exactly. The moment it becomes "The Julia Show" is the moment things get missedālittle details that make the story donāt make it into the story.
Julia:Right, right.
Julia:And youāre wasting valuable space talking about yourself. People donāt need that. If youāre covering somethingāwhether itās a hard news story about a fire or political shenanigans, or even a fun feature storyātheyāre not there to read about me. Theyāre there for what the headline promises.
Chris:Absolutely. I once heard that one of the most important factors in writing a story is to take yourself out of it.
Julia:Definitely.
Julia's Links:https://intelligentrelations.com/journalist/julia-bayly/https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-baylyhttps://hellohomestead.com/author/jbayly/
My Personal links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lafreniere
Email: [email protected]
Calendly: https://calendly.com/cl71088
Alignable: coffee-on-the-couch-podcast Apple Podcasts: coffee-on-the-couchs-podcastSpotify: Coffee on the Couch
Affiliate links:
Fight Coffee: Affecting true change one cup at a time!
fightcoffee.org/ Should you decide to purchase any coffee, Use my affiliate code
Ā» COC Ā« Input it into the special instructions box.Also worth mentioning is that any purchase of $40 and over qualifies for free shipping.Additionally, everyone who uses the discount code Ā» WELCOME Ā« will get 10% off their first order.
All-Natural & American Made
For too long, jerky has been cut with weird fillers, strange chemicals, and swag ingredients. RF products are high in protein, low in sugar, and made with clean, simple ingredients... without ever compromising on taste or texture.
https://www.righteousfelon.com/
Craft Jerky - AMERICAN SOURCED PROTEIN
Righteous Felon: Farm Fresh Jerky company.
American family farms. Protein that is pasture-raised and free of both antibiotics and growth hormones. Enabling fresh, flavorful, and consistent quality that other jerky brands cannot match ā and a win-win-win-win for RF, the farmer, the customer, and the environment."
-
Relative excerpts from the podcast:
Host:Welcome back to Coffee on the Couch, where we dig deep into the stories, the legends, and the grit behind the faces you think you know. But todayātoday is different. I've got a guest who doesnāt just step into the ring; he owns it. Heās the man they call Big Country, a force of nature whoās never met a challenge he couldnāt take down.
Ladies and gentlemen, buckle up because Jason Maverick is in the building. And I promise you, this is going to be one wild ride.
Jason, welcome to the couch, my man. How you doing?
Jason Maverick:Not too bad, not too bad. Iāve got my coffee here, so weāre good to go.
Host:Got your coffee, I see.
Jason Maverick:Oh yeah.
Host:Wait a second, is that a race car on your mug?
Jason Maverick:Yeah, Iāve been a massive Jimmie Johnson fan since about 2005 or 2006āwhenever I was old enough to decide who my favorite driver was.
Host:Oh, cool. Thatās a solid pick!
Jason Maverick:Yeah, Iāve been all in ever since.
Host:Nice, man. Thatās awesome. My mug? Oh, nothing fancy. Itās just one my kids got me for Fatherās Day a year or two ago. I do have another one, thoughāitās my favorite. It says, āMandate: Minding Your Own Business.ā
Jason Maverick:[Laughs] Thatās perfect.
Host:So we got connected at a wrestling show.
Jason Maverick:
Yeah, thatās right.
I canāt pinpoint exactly which one it was because Iāve been doing a lot of events lately.Host:
It was the Bell to Bell promotion in Calais.
Jason Maverick:
Oh, okay! Yeah, I remember now. That was the first time we ran a show in Calais, wasnāt it?
Host:Yep, thatās right.Jason Maverick:Was that a Wes Ruffin show?
Jason Maverick:
Yeah, it was. That wouldāve been February when you guys were up here.Jason Maverick:Februaryāyeah, that tracks.
Host:You actually came back up to Calais a month or two later as well.
Jason Maverick:Oh, wait! Were you the guy who came up to me and had me put my information into your phone?
Host:[Laughs] Yep, that was me.
Host:Thatās how I got your number! Jason Maverick:For a while, I was curious how you got it. I thought maybe you pulled it from my professional page or something.
Host:Nope, just had you put it in.
Jason Maverick:[Laughs] Thatās awesome. Old-school networking at its finest!
-------------------------
Host:Jason Maverick, youāve carved out a reputation as one of the toughest and most relentless forces in the ring. What drives you to push beyond your limits every time you step into battle? Is it something deep inside, or is it just how you were born?
Jason Maverick:Itās kind of been something thatās deep inside of me. Iāve always had this aggression held deep within, and when Jason Maverick was born, thatās when I was able to bring out all that aggression and turn it into the Big Country ass-kicker you see in the ring today.
Host:Nice, nice. So itās kind of, you know, the persona of aggression, right?
Jason Maverick:Yeah.
Host:Nice. Yeah, because I noticed that itās very high-energy when youāre in the ring. Itās a good thing. That makes sense.
Now, that covers a lot of the character. But this is kind of off the cuffāhow was it when you were coming up with the persona? Obviously, aggression is a big part of it, but were there other facets to the character?
Jason Maverick:When I first started, Iād been trained on the basics. I knew the moves, but I wasnāt really trained on psychology. When I started at the Limitless Wrestling Dojo, they began teaching me psychology and how to really build a character.
Thatās when it all started coming together. A lot of Big Countryās attitude and aggressionāyou can actually see some similarities to Rip Wheeler from Yellowstone. Rip, played by Cole Hauser, has that raw energy and confidence. Heās got this saying: āIf you want to fight anybody, you fight me.ā
Host:Thatās awesome. So Rip Wheeler was kind of an inspiration behind the persona?
Jason Maverick:Yeah, absolutely. His attitude and no-nonsense style really spoke to me, and I wanted to bring that energy into Big Country.
Host:Man, thatās a killer foundation. Rip Wheeler meets Jason Maverickāthatās a dangerous combo!
Jason's links:
Facebook: Jason MaverickTwitter: Jason MaverickYouTube - Jason Maverick
My Personal links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lafreniere
Email: [email protected]
Calendly: https://calendly.com/cl71088
Alignable: coffee-on-the-couch-podcast Apple Podcasts: coffee-on-the-couchs-podcastSpotify: Coffee on the Couch
Affiliate links:
Fight Coffee: Affecting true change one cup at a time!
fightcoffee.org/ Should you decide to purchase any coffee, Use my affiliate code
Ā» COC Ā« Input it into the special instructions box.Also worth mentioning is that any purchase of $40 and over qualifies for free shipping.Additionally, everyone who uses the discount code Ā» WELCOME Ā« will get 10% off their first order.
All-Natural & American Made
For too long, jerky has been cut with weird fillers, strange chemicals, and swag ingredients. RF products are high in protein, low in sugar, and made with clean, simple ingredients... without ever compromising on taste or texture.
https://www.righteousfelon.com/
Craft Jerky - AMERICAN SOURCED PROTEIN
Righteous Felon: Farm Fresh Jerky company.
American family farms. Protein that is pasture-raised and free of both antibiotics and growth hormones. Enabling fresh, flavorful, and consistent quality that other jerky brands cannot match ā and a win-win-win-win for RF, the farmer, the customer, and the environment."
-
Relative Excerpts from the Podcast:
Chris:Welcome, everyone, to another exciting episode of Coffee on the Couch. Iām your host, Chris, and today, we have a truly dynamic guest joining us. Heās a man whoās not only mastered the art of entrepreneurship but has also made waves in the literary world. The author of The Eggshell Effect, Joel Holc has inspired countless individuals to take charge of their lives through resilience and personal growth.
His book isnāt about walking on eggshells; itās about breaking those shells we build to protect ourselves from the world. Beyond writing, Joelās entrepreneurial spirit has driven him to pave his own path and thrive in various business ventures. So, get ready to dive deep into his insights, stories, and that unique blend of creativity and business acumen that truly sets him apart. This is going to be a fascinating conversation. So, grab your coffee, sit back, and enjoy. Welcome, Joel.
Joel Holc:Hey, Chris. Thank you very much for having me here. Iām so happy. Iām looking forward to the next few minutes that weāll be together. Love to be here.
Chris:Yeah, yeah, for sure. Now, we were talking about how we got connected, which is through a mutual friend of ours, Anthony McCowan. Now, I understand you guys have an interesting project youāre working on. Would you like to talk about that a little bit?
Joel Holc:For sure, absolutely. Anthony is a great, great guy. We met a while back, and when I actually met with him on...----------------------------
Joel Holc:Through this collaboration with businesses, weāre creating the ability to raise money without anyone needing to write a check. We call it a "$0 donation." This program allows us to essentially create funding from thin air by partnering with for-profit businesses and helping them support nonprofit organizations.
If youāve had the privilege to meet Anthony, you know what he stands for: stopping human trafficking. While he might not be able to completely stop it, Iām confident he can make a significant difference in that space. Anyone who connects with his network, his coffee program, or our fundraising efforts can help make an impact in peopleās lives.
Human trafficking is a horrific reality, and weāre living in one of the worst times in history for modern slavery. Most human trafficking involves sex trafficking, and itās an issue thatās incredibly close to Anthonyās heart. When he shared his mission with me, I immediately volunteered our company to help him raise money. This is our commitmentāto do our part in helping end human trafficking.
While we may not be able to be on the ground, we can certainly provide the funds for those who are directly fighting this battle, working alongside multiple nonprofit organizations to make a difference.---------------------------------
Joel Holc:So, yeah, my book is really where my passion lies. I believe this is why God brought me into this world. I'm a multi-business owner and involved in a lot of things, but truly, my calling and my deepest passion is the work I do through my book. I help people heal themselves. Iām an energy awareness coach, and this work is what drives me.
Iām incredibly proud and thankful for the team that helped me put this book together. It wasnāt a solo effort; I had a large team supporting me throughout this journey. Itās been an amazing experience, and I couldnāt be more grateful.
So, yes, letās dive into it.
Chris:For the audience, the name of your book is The Eggshell Effect, correct?
Joel Holc:Correct. The Eggshell Effect: My Journey from Fear.--------------------------
Joel's Links:Amazon - The eggshell effect - BookWebsite - The eggshell effectLinkedIn - Joel Holcx/twitter - Joel Holc
My Personal links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lafreniere
Email: [email protected]
Calendly: https://calendly.com/cl71088
Alignable: coffee-on-the-couch-podcast Apple Podcasts: coffee-on-the-couchs-podcastSpotify: Coffee on the Couch
Affiliate links:
Fight Coffee: Affecting true change one cup at a time!
fightcoffee.org/ Should you decide to purchase any coffee, Use my affiliate code
Ā» COC Ā« Input it into the special instructions box.Also worth mentioning is that any purchase of $40 and over qualifies for free shipping.Additionally, everyone who uses the discount code Ā» WELCOME Ā« will get 10% off their first order.
All-Natural & American Made
For too long, jerky has been cut with weird fillers, strange chemicals, and swag ingredients. RF products are high in protein, low in sugar, and made with clean, simple ingredients... without ever compromising on taste or texture.
https://www.righteousfelon.com/
Craft Jerky - AMERICAN SOURCED PROTEIN
Righteous Felon: Farm Fresh Jerky company.
American family farms. Protein that is pasture-raised and free of both antibiotics and growth hormones. Enabling fresh, flavorful, and consistent quality that other jerky brands cannot match ā and a win-win-win-win for RF, the farmer, the customer, and the environment."
-
Relative excerpts from the podcast:Chris:Welcome back to Coffee on the Couch. Iām Chris, your host, and today we've got an exciting guest returning for round two, Jeremiah Bones. For those of you who tuned in last time, youāll remember Jeremiah as an absolute powerhouse, both in the music studio and in his relentless work with his nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting enlisted service members and veterans. Our first interview was a slam dunkāengaging, insightful, and Iāll admit, a blast from start to finish.
Jeremiah is back to talk about his latest single, Just Like Us, and weāll be digging into some real talk on the music, the message, and the mission behind his work. So grab your coffee, settle in, and get ready for an impactful conversation with one of the most genuine voices out there. So welcome, Jeremiah, back to the show.
Jeremiah Bones:[Microphone was off] That whole time, thank you so much for that introduction, man. Thank you so much for having me back. Youāre welcome; I really appreciate it. Super kind words, dudeāI really donāt know what to say to that other than thank you, thatās all I can say. Iām excited to be here, and thanks so much for having me. Iām looking forward to getting into the down and dirty with the new jams.
Chris:Yeah, Iām excited to dig in too. I mean, it was definitely an enjoyable experience last time, even though I was sick with a head cold, but weāre rocking and rolling. Iāve got my coffee and Iām good to go.
Jeremiah Bones:Thatās awesome.
Chris:All right, Jeremiah, first question. Just Like Us hits on a powerful theme. What was the pivotal moment that sparked the creation of this song? What emotions did you want to convey to both civilian and military listeners?
Jeremiah Bones:Well, thatās a great question. I wrote that song with a structure similar to another song Iād written, and I was playing around with the chord progression in a different way. I thought, āWow, I really like this, and I want to see what I could do harmony-wise differently than in some of these other songs.ā That song is one I like to call a ālightning bolt song.ā As soon as I came up with the chorus and wrote it, I ended up writing the rest of the song in about an hourājust in and out, done.āāāāāāāāāāāāāāāChris:But for many people, creating music could be a form of therapy. For you, as both a musician and a veteran advocate, what part of the creative process in Just Like Us felt more cathartic or transformative?
Jeremiah Bones:Well, I thinkā¦ let meā¦ So all my music to me is cathartic. All of it. I donātāuh, I hate filler words, and I hate like, you know what I mean? The beauty, I think, for me is that Iāve been writing songs for 15 years, and I have so many songs. And Iāve never known like, whereās this going to go? or whatās that going toā and like, this is the first time Iāve ever been like, well, that doesnāt matter. Letās just put it out there. Right? Like it doesnāt matter what the song is, what itās about, or where it comes from. Letās just get it out. It captures a moment in time. It captures an idea.
Really pushing into that, every song, because of that mentality, is like, hey, letās get the song done. Because once itās done, we can release it. Once we release it, you know, just like Tom Brady styleāwhatās your favorite song? My favorite song is always going to be the next one. And I love music because once itās done, itās done. You get to release new music and more stuff, and maybe not everyoneās going to jive with all this or what, but like, itās done.
With that mentality, literally all of my music is cathartic, and all of itās therapeutic. I used to not beā¦ Believe it or not, it took me a long time to be able to write happy songs. I was in this zone where I was only writing really sad and dark stuff, and people would be like, Are you okay? Like, Nah, I think so.
It wasnāt until I did a lot of therapeutic work on myself that I was able to put a lot of my own demons to rest and write from those happy places. Just Like Us was a song that came from a cathartically happy moment. I love spending quality time, I love going on random off-road adventures with my wife, I love sleeping in and not worrying about anything or anybody else, right? Those are the beautiful moments you live for. So thatās definitely cathartic, definitely therapeutic.
I think, across the board, music is therapeutic. Weāve had that conversation several times, and Iāll probably say that until Iām blue in the face. I wouldnāt be doing any of this if it wasnāt a form of self-care for me. And so, Iāll stop that answer there because I could get into more things. But I reallyā¦ I loveāIām addicted toāhow therapeutic music is.
Jeremiahs Links: Tiktok: @Jeremiah bones officialYouTube: Jeremiah Bones Facebook: JeremiahbonesofficialInstagram:Jeremiah bones Facebook Non-profit page: The minus 22 foundationMy Personal links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lafreniere
Email: [email protected]
Calendly: https://calendly.com/cl71088
Alignable: coffee-on-the-couch-podcast Apple Podcasts: coffee-on-the-couchs-podcastSpotify: Coffee on the Couch
Affiliate links:
Fight Coffee: Affecting true change one cup at a time!
fightcoffee.org/ Should you decide to purchase any coffee, Use my affiliate code
Ā» COC Ā« Input it into the special instructions box.Also worth mentioning is that any purchase of $40 and over qualifies for free shipping.Additionally, everyone who uses the discount code Ā» WELCOME Ā« will get 10% off their first order.
All-Natural & American Made
For too long, jerky has been cut with weird fillers, strange chemicals, and swag ingredients. RF products are high in protein, low in sugar, and made with clean, simple ingredients... without ever compromising on taste or texture.
https://www.righteousfelon.com/
Craft Jerky - AMERICAN SOURCED PROTEIN
Righteous Felon: Farm Fresh Jerky company.
American family farms. Protein that is pasture-raised and free of both antibiotics and growth hormones. Enabling fresh, flavorful, and consistent quality that other jerky brands cannot match ā and a win-win-win-win for RF, the farmer, the customer, and the environment."
-
Relative excerpts from the podcast:
Chris:Welcome to Coffee on the Couch. I'm thrilled to introduce our guest today, the talented author, Mike J. Kizman. That's how you say it, right, Kizman?
Mike J. Kizman:Yes, sir.
Chris:Okay. Mike has just published his first book, Afternoon Rebecca, a remarkable exploration of the Christian dating world in modern-day America. This book is more than just a narrative. It's a thoughtful commentary on relationships, faith, and the challenges young adults face today. Hats off to you, Mike, for bringing such a high-quality work into the world.
So grab your cup of coffee and get ready for an inspiring conversation that dives into the heart of love and authenticity. So welcome, Mike.
Mike J. Kizman:All right. Good to be here. Good to be here.
Chris:Thank you. It's good to have you. So we got connected, like we were saying before we were recording, we got connected by a mutual contact, Kaylee Keys, her book. And we had corresponded back and forth a few times, and we just happened to get this going. So thatās pretty cool.
Mike J. Kizman:Yes, it was great to meet you.___________________Chris:So first question, what's the inspiration behind this story? Afternoon Rebecca blends romance with personal growth and community dynamics. Can you share the inspiration behind the story and how you developed the characters of Jeff and Rebecca?
Mike J. Kizman:Yeah, it's kind of... long twisted story, if you don't mind, I'll try to be as succinct as possible. But back in 1991, I was working, I was a dishwasher at a restaurant here in town that was similar, based similarly to the one we find in Afternoon Rebecca. And I had an idea back then to write a story. I was going to call it Fine Dining. And it was a kind of a similar concept where a couple is out on a date and then some of the stories of some of the workers who work there.
And I tried to write that. And I was very young, like 21. I just wasn't able to do that. So I, you know, put it on the back burner, you know. I always wanted to be a writer.
To Be continued......
Mike's links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mike.kizmanhttps://litpick.com/author/mike-kizman
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0DHF2NPWR
My Personal links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lafreniere
Email: [email protected]
Calendly: https://calendly.com/cl71088
Alignable: https://www.alignable.com/baileyville-me/coffee-on-the-couch-podcast Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/coffee-on-the-couchs-podcastSpotify: Coffee on the couch Podcast
Affiliate links:
Fight Coffee: Affecting true change one cup at a time!
fightcoffee.org/ Should you decide to purchase any coffee, Use my affiliate code
Ā» COC Ā« Input it into the special instructions box.Also worth mentioning is that any purchase of $40 and over qualifies for free shipping.Additionally, everyone who uses the discount code Ā» WELCOME Ā« will get 10% off their first order.
All-Natural & American Made
For too long, jerky has been cut with weird fillers, strange chemicals, and swag ingredients. RF products are high in protein, low in sugar, and made with clean, simple ingredients... without ever compromising on taste or texture.
https://www.righteousfelon.com/
Craft Jerky - AMERICAN SOURCED PROTEIN
Righteous Felon: Farm Fresh Jerky company.
American family farms. Protein that is pasture-raised and free of both antibiotics and growth hormones. Enabling fresh, flavorful, and consistent quality that other jerky brands cannot match ā and a win-win-win-win for RF, the farmer, the customer, and the environment."
-
Relative Excerpts from the podcast:
Chris:Hello and welcome to another episode of Coffee on the Couch. Today, we have the privilege of hosting a truly inspiring guest. Sheās an author, a seasoned traveler, professional photographer, and a breast cancer survivor. Her journey has taken her from the bustling streets of Japan to the serene landscapes of England, from the peaks of the Himalayas to the heart of Burma. Her experiences, both joyful and challenging, have shaped her into the person she is today. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming the incredible, resilient, and talented Kathryn Danylko .
Chris:Welcome.
Kathryn DanylkoThank you. Itās a delight to be here.
Chris:Yeah, and itās a kind of funny story aside, just ourāyou know, after all the trouble we had getting it going, weāre finally, weāre finally doing it, so.
Kathryn Danylko But we learned a bit, right?
Chris:Right.
Chris:So, Kathryn, your book Whispers in the Windstone is a deeply personal account of your journey...
____________
Chris:Can you share what inspired you to turn your private journal entries into a published book and what you hope readers will take away from your story?
Kathryn Danylko:Well, Chris, I never really wanted to turn my journal into a book, but the day that I was diagnosed with cancer, a friend of mine said to journal through my cancer. And I wasn't even going to journal through the cancer. And a few days later, another friend said, you should journal through your cancer. It will help other people. So I recognized that it was God speaking through these people.
And then in the end, after a year of going through the cancer, the surgery, the chemo, and all the emotional ups and downs, I ran into a friend in the grocery store. And she said you should write a book about your experience. And I was like, Oh, Lord, really? Do I really have to do this? But all along the way, I just had signs that that was what I was supposed to do.
If I had a choice, I would have written about other topics, I think.
Chris:Right, right. And, you know, that's a curious quandary, too, because, you know, we think of, like, God things, and I think, like, our plans are not his plans and all that. And it's like, we can get, we could probably get over-spiritual on it, or likeā¦ But it's interesting because that's how we hear God the most, right?________________
Kathryn's links:Amazon: Whispers-Windstorm-Journal-Blessed-Assurance
Instagram: kathrynDanylko
FaceBook: Kathryn Danylko
Kathryn's website: https://ventureswithgod.com/book/publishersweekly.com
My Personal links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lafreniere
Email: [email protected]
Calendly: https://calendly.com/cl71088
Alignable: https://www.alignable.com/baileyville-me/coffee-on-the-couch-podcast Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/coffee-on-the-couchs-podcastSpotify: Coffee on the couch podcast
Affiliate links:
Fight Coffee: Affecting true change one cup at a time!
fightcoffee.org/ Should you decide to purchase any coffee, Use my affiliate code
Ā» COC Ā« Input it into the special instructions box.Also worth mentioning is that any purchase of $40 and over qualifies for free shipping.Additionally, everyone who uses the discount code Ā» WELCOME Ā« will get 10% off their first order.
All-Natural & American Made
For too long, jerky has been cut with weird fillers, strange chemicals, and swag ingredients. RF products are high in protein, low in sugar, and made with clean, simple ingredients... without ever compromising on taste or texture.
https://www.righteousfelon.com/
Craft Jerky - AMERICAN SOURCED PROTEIN
Righteous Felon: Farm Fresh Jerky company.
American family farms. Protein that is pasture-raised and free of both antibiotics and growth hormones. Enabling fresh, flavorful, and consistent quality that other jerky brands cannot match ā and a win-win-win-win for RF, the farmer, the customer, and the environment."
-
Relative excerpts from the podcast:
Chris:Hello, everyone, and welcome to another episode of Coffee on the Couch. Today, we're thrilled to have a special guest who truly represents the spirit of Maine and its vibrant food scene, Jason Nappi. I hope I'm saying that right. Formerly known for his work as a meteorologist at News Center Maine, he has now transitioned to become a beloved local foodie and blogger.
His popular blog, Cloudy with a Chance of Pizza, dives into the best eateries and culinary delights the region has to offer, with a passion for uncovering hidden food gems and connecting with the community. Jason brings a unique blend of expertise and enthusiasm to the table, and it's an absolute pleasure to have him here today to share his culinary adventures and insights into the Maine food scene.
Please join me in welcoming Jason Nappi to the show. Welcome, Jason.
Jason Nappi:Thanks, Chris._________________
Jason Nappi:Yeah, and truth be told when my family first moved to Maine, Chris, about 30 years ago, I was convinced there were no good places to eat around here.
Chris:Mm-hmm.
Jason Nappi:...And I tell them, yeah, I thought the same thing until I started getting out in the community and visiting these places and finding out there's actually amazing food and amazing pizza in Maine.
Chris:Yeah, for sure. I haven't had the reach that you've had with exploring, but there's one company I had on my podcast, Shofar Farms. They have a brick oven in their littleālike the little transport truck that they cook out of, like the food truck, and they'll make it all fresh right there.
Jason Nappi:Yeah, I drove five hours to Shofar Farms for a pizza. Itās the farthest Iāve driven. I drove to Calais for their pizza.
Jason's links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonnappiwxTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jasonnappiweatherYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonNappiWeatherRumble: https://rumble.com/user/jasonnappiwxJason Nappi Merchandise: https://jason-nappi.printify.me/productsJason's website
My Personal links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lafreniere
Email: [email protected]
Calendly: https://calendly.com/cl71088
Alignable: https://www.alignable.com/baileyville-me/coffee-on-the-couch-podcast Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/coffee-on-the-couchs-podcastSpotify: Coffee on the couch Podcast
Affiliate links:
Fight Coffee: Affecting true change one cup at a time!
fightcoffee.org/ Should you decide to purchase any coffee, Use my affiliate code
Ā» COC Ā« Input it into the special instructions box.Also worth mentioning is that any purchase of $40 and over qualifies for free shipping.Additionally, everyone who uses the discount code Ā» WELCOME Ā« will get 10% off their first order.
All-Natural & American Made
For too long, jerky has been cut with weird fillers, strange chemicals, and swag ingredients. RF products are high in protein, low in sugar, and made with clean, simple ingredients... without ever compromising on taste or texture.
https://www.righteousfelon.com/
Craft Jerky - AMERICAN SOURCED PROTEIN
Righteous Felon: Farm Fresh Jerky company.
American family farms. Protein that is pasture-raised and free of both antibiotics and growth hormones. Enabling fresh, flavorful, and consistent quality that other jerky brands cannot match ā and a win-win-win-win for RF, the farmer, the customer, and the environment."
-
Relative excerpts from the podcast:
Chris (Host):Hello, everyone, and welcome to another episode of Coffee on the Couch, where we bring you in-depth conversations with influential leaders and changemakers. Today, we have the distinct pleasure of hosting Mayor Sam Squalia. Am I saying that right?
Mayor Sam Squalia (Guest):Squalia, like a storm squall.
Chris (Host):Oh, okay, okay. Of Fitchburg, Massachusetts. Mayor Squalia, now in her first full year in office, has made significant strides in revitalizing this historic New England city. From infrastructure improvements and economic development to community engagement and sustainability, she's tackling the critical issues head-on. Grab your coffee, settle in, and join us as we dive into the heart of Fitchburg's transformation with the inspiring Mayor Sam Squalia. So, welcome.
Mayor Sam Squalia (Guest):Thank you. Thank you, Chris.
Chris (Host):You're welcome, welcome. So, you know, we got connected because I reached out to you and asked you to be on the podcast, and we had to reschedule once or twice due to issues, mostly on my part, I believe, but...
Mayor Sam Squalia (Guest):But here we are, so.
Mayor Sam Squalia (Guest):
Yep, put it in the calendar and all of a sudden, it'll be that day
Chris (Host): Yep, yep.________________
Chris:Infrastructure improvements. Your campaign highlighted a commitment to improving Fitchburg's infrastructure, particularly its roadways. What have been the biggest challenges in executing the pavement management program? And how are you addressing these challenges to ensure long-term improvements in the city's infrastructure?
Mayor Sam Squalia:The biggest challenge by far has been getting the contracts approved through engineers and put up to bid. Now, coming into this as mayor, you know, one thing Iālooking back, if I could change time, then I would have, you know, really pushed on the bids that we have going and the contracts that we have ready to put out. Because I didnāt realize that all of last year and maybe even two years prior, we didnāt have any road paving bids out for contractors. We were going to the state for the state bid list, which is kind of like an emergency thing because we didnāt have a bid. We didnāt have a contract out.
Mayor Sam Squalia:And coming into this in the beginning of the year was like, okay, this is what we need. We need a contract for this. We need a contract for this. We need a contract for this. And itās like, okay, weāre going to do it. But here it is in June, and we have very few contracts out. And so Iāve just recently realized that our engineering department doesnāt have the capacity to actually get these contracts done and put out to bid.
Mayor Sam Squalia:So I have nowāyou know, now I have my procurement team. One of our deputy procurement directors actually has experience working in DPWs, so she is taking multiple days and working directly, embedding in the DPW to get these pavement preservation contractsāroad paving contracts. Weāre combining some road paving contracts with some other larger-scale road improvement contracts that weāve been meaning to get out for multiple years. We have a pavement management program contract, so those have been a top priority for me.
Mayor Sam Squalia:Thatās one challenge that, you know, coming into this, if I knew right away that this was a challenge, then I would have found all the solutions quicker. But weāre working right now with the procurement department and the DPW engineering to get those contracts out. And then weāll start with just a pavement preservation contractāa pavement paving project. And then weāre going to be implementing the pavement management program thatās going to incorporate all these pavement preservation and paving projects that weāre doing this year, likely for the fall or next year.
Chris:Oh, well, thatās good. Yeah, because Iāve lived in Maine since 2021, but I grew up in that area. I actually grew up in my hometown of Winchendon, and, you know, a few towns over from Fitchburg. But we were often in Fitchburg, and yeah, the roads areāwell, you know, itās New England. Youāve got the freeze-thaw cycle, and that really messes with the roads.
Mayor Sam Squalia:We have 220 miles of road, and we have a lot of ledge, a lot of hills. But also, weāve been attacking the road problem the wrong way for many, many decades.
_____________________
Mayor Squailia's links
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samsquailia
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-squailia-6a85b911/
Twitter: https://x.com/samsquailia
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sam.squailia
My Personal links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lafreniere
Email: [email protected]
Calendly: https://calendly.com/cl71088
Alignable: https://www.alignable.com/baileyville-me/coffee-on-the-couch-podcast Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/coffee-on-the-couchs-podcastSpotify: Coffee on the couch podcast
Affiliate links:
Fight Coffee: Affecting true change one cup at a time!
fightcoffee.org/ Should you decide to purchase any coffee, Use my affiliate code
Ā» COC Ā« Input it into the special instructions box.Also worth mentioning is that any purchase of $40 and over qualifies for free shipping.Additionally, everyone who uses the discount code Ā» WELCOME Ā« will get 10% off their first order.
All-Natural & American Made
For too long, jerky has been cut with weird fillers, strange chemicals, and swag ingredients. RF products are high in protein, low in sugar, and made with clean, simple ingredients... without ever compromising on taste or texture.
https://www.righteousfelon.com/
Craft Jerky - AMERICAN SOURCED PROTEIN
Righteous Felon: Farm Fresh Jerky company.
American family farms. Protein that is pasture-raised and free of both antibiotics and growth hormones. Enabling fresh, flavorful, and consistent quality that other jerky brands cannot match ā and a win-win-win-win for RF, the farmer, the customer, and the environment."
-
Relative excerpts from the interview:
Chris (Host):Welcome to Coffee on the Couch, the podcast where we brew fresh conversations with the most inspiring minds from all walks of life. I'm your host, and today we're going to embark on a journey into the world of art and education. We're diving into the colors, the strokes, the landscapes, and the classrooms of a man who has painted not just canvases, but also the minds of countless students. A man whose love for art is as deep as the roots of the trees he paints. A man who, through his teachings, has sketched a roadmap for many to follow their artistic dreams. Ladies and gentlemen, grab your coffee mugs as we sit down with the one and only, my beloved art school teacher, the retired educator, and the master artist himself, Mr. Mark Lore. So, let's dive in. Welcome, Mr. Lore!
Mark (Guest):Hi, Chris. How are you?
Chris (Host):Doing great, doing great.
Mark (Guest):Oh, well, that was quite a production. Very poetic.
Chris (Host):Well, you're welcome!
Mark (Guest):It was good!
Chris (Host):So... if it wasn't already clear from the introduction, I thought we'd start with how we know each other. You, for many years, were an art school teacher through the grades as I was going through school.
Mark (Guest):Right, right.
Mark (Guest):Isn't it something how we got back in touch with each other? All those memories of being a teacher at the Murdock and Winchendon public school system...
Mark (Guest):Yeah. I taught all the grades. I was... so many years at the elementary level, K through four or five. Then I got switched up to the middle school, did high school for a year or two, and ended my career as a middle school teacher. So yeah, we crossed paths a number of different times as student and teacher.___________________
Chris (Host):Jumping right into the questions. First question: Your work is deeply connected to the landscapes of New England. Can you share a specific moment or place in Massachusetts that has profoundly influenced your art?
Mark (Guest):Well, let's see... moment or place? I would have to say it's when I moved to Boston. You know, I did two years at Mount Wachusett College, got my associate degree in painting there. And we would go outside quite a bit and do plein air work, which is, you know, painting outdoors. But it's actually when I went to Boston. I went to the Mass College of Art.
Chris (Host):Oh, yeah?
Mark (Guest):Yeah, and it used to be on Longwood Ave, the old building there. So you could walk between Mass Art, the Fens, and the Museum of Fine Arts. I would stop in the Fenway, which is a beautiful park area in the Fens, over by the Gardner Museum, places like that. And I would sit there for hours and sketch. It was nice. It was safe back then, you know? You could walk through the park, relax. That was a great place. And thatās what helped start me with wanting to paint natural scenes of nature.
Chris (Host):Wow, that sounds amazing.
Mark (Guest):Of course, itās also particular artists, too. When I went to college, I was following particular artists. Itās funnyā the artists I would follow were abstract expressionists. I mean, because that was the thing of the day. That was the top-of-mind influence for most students at the timeā the abstract expressionists from the ā40s, ā50s, and early ā60s. Alan Frankenthaler, John Marin, people like that were abstracting nature and looking at color, shape, their composition, their application, how they would apply the paint. Because that was big back then, trying to be as different as possible.
Mark's Links:Website:
Website: https://mark-lore.pixels.com/
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markalore
My Personal links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lafreniere
Email: [email protected]
Calendly: https://calendly.com/cl71088
Alignable: https://www.alignable.com/baileyville-me/coffee-on-the-couch-podcast Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/coffee-on-the-couchs-podcastSpotify: Coffee on the couch podcast
Affiliate links:
Fight Coffee: Affecting true change one cup at a time!
fightcoffee.org/ Should you decide to purchase any coffee, Use my affiliate code
Ā» COC Ā« Input it into the special instructions box.Also worth mentioning is that any purchase of $40 and over qualifies for free shipping.Additionally, everyone who uses the discount code Ā» WELCOME Ā« will get 10% off their first order.
All-Natural & American Made
For too long, jerky has been cut with weird fillers, strange chemicals, and swag ingredients. RF products are high in protein, low in sugar, and made with clean, simple ingredients... without ever compromising on taste or texture.
https://www.righteousfelon.com/
Craft Jerky - AMERICAN SOURCED PROTEIN
Righteous Felon: Farm Fresh Jerky company.
American family farms. Protein that is pasture-raised and free of both antibiotics and growth hormones. Enabling fresh, flavorful, and consistent quality that other jerky brands cannot match ā and a win-win-win-win for RF, the farmer, the customer, and the environment."
-
Relative excerpts from the podcast:
The Host: ChrisWelcome to another heartfelt episode of Coffee on the Couch. I'm your host, Chris, and today we have a very special guest joining us, Mark Sowersby. That's how you say it, right?
The Guest: MarkThat's perfect.
ChrisOkay. Markās journey from enduring childhood trauma to becoming a beacon of forgiveness exemplifies the power of resilience and grace. His life mission to embrace forgiveness was catalyzed by pivotal moments that reshaped his perspective. In his book, Forgiving the Nightmare, Mark delves into the transformative impact of Godās grace in illuminating his approach to healing and aiding others on their own journeys.
Throughout his ministry, Mark identifies trail markers that guided his healing process, imparting invaluable wisdom to those seeking solace and restoration. As a pastor and author, Markās insights offer profound advice on navigating the complex and personal process of forgiveness, encouraging individuals to embrace healing and move forward from the past. So, welcome, Mark!
MarkThank you for having me, Chris. Itās great to be with you, and I hope we're enjoying some good coffee today.
ChrisYeah, oh, for sure. Iāve got my coffee in one of my favorite mugs. I donāt know if you can see it.
MarkOh, there it is. That's a great-looking mug.
ChrisMandate: Minding your own business.
MarkBoy, that's some good wisdom right there!
ChrisThat is some good wisdom.________________
The Host: ChrisSo Mark, your journey from enduring childhood trauma to becoming a beacon of forgiveness is truly inspiring. Could you share a pivotal moment that led you to embrace forgiveness as your life's mission?
A chunk of this had to be left out of the written excerpt due to the explicit nature involved
The Guest: MarkAnd that was just the life I lived. It was the oxygen I breathed, the atmosphere that surrounded me from ages seven to fourteen.
At fourteen, the abuse ended for two reasons. First, I got big enough to fight my abuser off. Second, I found a loved one who believed in me and stood up for me with their power and might. There's always a blessing. Thereās always hope. Itās always good when someone believes you.
So, to be called a beacon of hopeāwell, Iām thankful for that. But the journey was a long one. It had its ups and downs, lefts and rights. There were good days and bad days, moments of doubt, and moments of victory. But here I sit today, able to say that I can forgive those who trespassed against me.
Where did that journey begin? It began with faith. At fifteen, I was invited to attend a church and be part of a youth group. It was the '80s, so we all had mulletsāthat was the rule, okay? (Laughs) I'm just kidding. But there, I met Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.
Now, I wasnāt someone who came from generations of church-goers.
Mark's links:Marks Website:
https://forgivingthenightmare.com/
Youtube: www.youtube.com/@forgivingthenightmare4355
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-sowersby-660aa1236/
Teaser: https://www.forgivingthenightmarefilm.com/
My Personal links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lafreniere
Email: [email protected]
Calendly: https://calendly.com/cl71088
Alignable: https://www.alignable.com/baileyville-me/coffee-on-the-couch-podcast Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/coffee-on-the-couchs-podcastSpotify: Coffee on the Couch show
Affiliate links:
Fight Coffee: Affecting true change one cup at a time!
fightcoffee.org/ Should you decide to purchase any coffee, Use my affiliate code
Ā» COC Ā« Input it into the special instructions box.Also worth mentioning is that any purchase of $40 and over qualifies for free shipping.Additionally, everyone who uses the discount code Ā» WELCOME Ā« will get 10% off their first order.
All-Natural & American Made
For too long, jerky has been cut with weird fillers, strange chemicals, and swag ingredients. RF products are high in protein, low in sugar, and made with clean, simple ingredients... without ever compromising on taste or texture.
https://www.righteousfelon.com/
Craft Jerky - AMERICAN SOURCED PROTEIN
Righteous Felon: Farm Fresh Jerky company.
American family farms. Protein that is pasture-raised and free of both antibiotics and growth hormones. Enabling fresh, flavorful, and consistent quality that other jerky brands cannot match ā and a win-win-win-win for RF, the farmer, the customer, and the environment."
-
Excerpts from Podcast interview:
Chris (Host):Welcome to another episode of Coffee on the Couch. I'm your host, Chris, and Iām thrilled to have you join us today. We have a special treatādiving into the world of donuts with Joe Astrella, owner of Rocco's Donut Company. Joeās journey from the corporate world to running a successful donut shop is a testament to the power of family, creativity, and entrepreneurship. So, grab your coffee, settle in, and letās get started. Welcome, Joe!
Joe Astrella (Guest):Hey, great to be here, Chris.
Chris:Great to have you! Letās jump right in. Your father, Rocco Astrella, owned one of the first 11 Dunkin' Donuts in the 1950s. How has his legacy influenced your approach to running Roccoās Donut Company?
Joe:Well, I was the youngest of three kids, and I was born when my father was around 45, so I came late to the game. My siblings got to experience more of his journeyāhis Dunkin' Donuts store in Saugus, Massachusettsābut I wasnāt born yet when it all happened. His influence was still strong though. After high school, I didnāt want to go to college right away, so my dad, who had just retired, suggested I work at his old shop to see if I liked it. I tried it for four or five months and hated it. I told him, āIām going to college, Dad. Thanks for the push!ā So, I went on to get my bachelorās in business administration.
Chris:So, you stepped into the corporate world after that?
Joe:Yeah, I thought thatās where you went to make real money. I came from a blue-collar family, and I was the first to get a college degree. But honestly, I wasnāt fully prepared for what that world would be like. I thought Iād go in, flash my degree, and dominate, but it wasnāt that simple. I worked for a few big companies, but I always felt unfulfilled. I wasnāt earning what I thought I could, and even though I got married young and had kids early, I was still unhappy. The pressure of needing a paycheck and benefits kept me stuck for a long time.
Chris:Sounds like you were in a bit of a rut?
Joe:Exactly. I settled into it for yearsālong commutes, layoffs, trying new start-ups. It was tough, and deep down, I knew I wasnāt doing what I truly wanted to do.
____________
Chris (Host):And stay tuned because later in the interview, weāll also be talking to Joeās son, Dominic.
Joe Astrella (Guest):It was actually my daughter who was with us at the beginning, but left to pursue her nursing career after graduating. She came to me and said, āDad, Iāve been to these doughnut shops in other areas, and there's nothing like that around here. Youāve got to check them outāthese places are crazy.ā So, I took a look and was amazed at how they took a regular doughnut and souped it up with all these crazy flavors and toppings.
Thatās when it hit meāmy dad did donuts, and when he worked for the company (which I wonāt name), they were the best. They were the leaders in the donut industry back then, but times have changed, and donuts are no longer their focus. So, I wanted to bring back that same quality my dad had, but with a modern twistāsomething people today would be excited about. Thatās when I started pulling in a few of my kids to use their creativity.
Rocco's Donuts links:
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roccodoughnutco
Instagram: roccodoughnutco
Tik Tok: Rocco's Doughnuts
Website - https://roccosdonuts.square.site/>Other interviews and write-ups
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Relative summed up excerpts from the podcast:In this episode of Coffee on the Couch, Chris reconnects with his longtime friend and talented musician, Patrick Cortis. Patrick recently released his debut single, Forever Home, blending his love for music, theater, and his devotion to worship. Chris and Patrick reminisce about their shared history, going back over a decade to when Patrick first joined a local youth program, not yet a Christian and navigating his teenage years. Now, Patrickās musical journey has taken flight, and heās here to share how his faith and creativity continue to shape his artistry. Grab your coffee and join the conversation!_________________In this episode, we dive into Patrick Cortis' musical journey, where he shares the inspiration behind his debut single, Forever Home (Live), and his latest release, Regardless (Live). Drawing from his time in ministry, Patrick reflects on how his love for songwriting, once set aside due to growing responsibilities, was reignited during a powerful 2023 ministry trip to Kansas City. There, amidst constant worship and prayer, he found the peace and love that now fuels his music. Tune in as Patrick discusses how his faith and creativity intertwine to shape his heartfelt melodies.Patrickās links:FaceBookInstagramYouTubeSpotifyMy Personal links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lafreniere
Email: [email protected]
Calendly: https://calendly.com/cl71088
Alignable: https://www.alignable.com/baileyville-me/coffee-on-the-couch-podcast Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/coffee-on-the-couchs-podcastSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/CoffeeontheCouch
Affiliate links:
Fight Coffee: Affecting true change one cup at a time!
fightcoffee.org/ Should you decide to purchase any coffee, Use my affiliate code
Ā» COC Ā« Input it into the special instructions box.Also worth mentioning is that any purchase of $40 and over qualifies for free shipping.Additionally, everyone who uses the discount code Ā» WELCOME Ā« will get 10% off their first order.
All-Natural & American Made
For too long, jerky has been cut with weird fillers, strange chemicals, and swag ingredients. RF products are high in protein, low in sugar, and made with clean, simple ingredients... without ever compromising on taste or texture.
https://www.righteousfelon.com/
Craft Jerky - AMERICAN SOURCED PROTEIN
Righteous Felon: Farm Fresh Jerky company.
American family farms. Protein that is pasture-raised and free of both antibiotics and growth hormones. Enabling fresh, flavorful, and consistent quality that other jerky brands cannot match ā and a win-win-win-win for RF, the farmer, the customer, and the environment."
-
relative excerpts from podcast:Chris (The Host):Welcome to another captivating episode of Coffee on the Couch, where we dive deep into faith, storytelling, and the creative journey. I'm thrilled to have Kaily Keyes with us today, a talented author behind Forgiveness That Rewards and Love That Counts, as well as other books.
In this episode, we'll explore the fascinating intersection of faith and narrative in Kaily Keyes' writing journey. Join us as we uncover the inspiration behind her characters, the influence of homesteading on her settings, and much more.
So, welcome, Kaily.
Kaily (The Guest):Thank you.__________Chris (The Host):In Forgiveness That Rewards, you explore the theme of forgiveness in a deeply personal way. How did your own experiences with faith guide the development of Katharina Klint's character?
Kaily (The Guest):Well, when I first started writing, I didnāt really know how to develop characters or anything. So I related Katharinaās character to my own in a lot of waysāhow I would respond to different things. But I was also able to enhance some of her traits, just by adding a little magic to it.
Chris (The Host):Nice. So you can say thereās a little bit of you in the book?
Kaily (The Guest):Yeah, thereās probably a little of me in there, yeah.
Chris (The Host):Well, thatās neat. I was actually talking to someone not too long ago, a publisher, and we were discussing his book. He said, āYouāve navigated the bipolar world for a bit and apparently successfully. You ought to write your own book.ā I told him, "Well, itās funny you mention that because Iāve actually toyed with the idea of writing a bookāmore like an autobiography." And he said, "Oh, well, that works too. Writing from your own experience is powerful."
How has the homesteading lifestyle influenced the settings and characters in your books, particularly in Love That Counts?
Kaily (The Guest):I think because I have experience on a homestead and a farm, and I grew up here, it naturally influenced my writing. My charactersālike the familyāare set on a homestead. Itās mainly because thatās what I grew up knowing, and I like writing about things Iām familiar with.
Kailyās links:FacebookInstagramAmazon authors profile pageMy Personal links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lafreniere
Email: [email protected]
Calendly: https://calendly.com/cl71088
Alignable: https://www.alignable.com/baileyville-me/coffee-on-the-couch-podcast
Affiliate links:
Fight Coffee: Affecting true change one cup at a time!
fightcoffee.org/ Should you decide to purchase any coffee, Use my affiliate code
Ā» COC Ā« Input it into the special instructions box.Also worth mentioning is that any purchase of $40 and over qualifies for free shipping.Additionally, everyone who uses the discount code Ā» WELCOME Ā« will get 10% off their first order.
All-Natural & American Made
For too long, jerky has been cut with weird fillers, strange chemicals, and swag ingredients. RF products are high in protein, low in sugar, and made with clean, simple ingredients... without ever compromising on taste or texture.
https://www.righteousfelon.com/
Craft Jerky - AMERICAN SOURCED PROTEIN
Righteous Felon: Farm Fresh Jerky company.
American family farms. Protein that is pasture-raised and free of both antibiotics and growth hormones. Enabling fresh, flavorful, and consistent quality that other jerky brands cannot match ā and a win-win-win-win for RF, the farmer, the customer, and the environment."
-
Fight Coffee Discount code: B2G1 < Buy two Get 1 free > and if youāre in a good mood you can include my affiliate code in the special instructions box, that code is āCOCāBe a part of the change for a brighter tomorrow for someoneās daughter, or son, or sister, or brother, ETC !!!Relative excerpts from the interview:
Chris (Host): Welcome back to Coffee on the Couch. We're thrilled to continue our delightful conversation with the talented author and publisher, Patrick Day. If you missed part one, we explored Patrick's inspiring journey through topics like faith, substance relapse, and navigating challenging phases. Today, we're picking up where we left off, diving deeper into Patrick's profound insights on depression and hope. So grab your favorite mug, settle into your cozy spot, and let's rejoin Patrick for more engaging and uplifting moments on the Coffee on the Couch podcast. So, welcome back, Patrick!
Patrick Day (Guest): Thank you. Good to be here.
Chris (Host): Yeah, yeah, it's good. Itās been a little bit, but we're knocking out part two. Letās jump right into the questions. Your book, The Bible Revealed in 10 Stories, condenses the vastness of biblical narratives into key stories. Which biblical character or event resonates with you the most, and why? How has it impacted your faith or worldview?
Patrick Day (Guest): Well, first of all, Chris, let me share how this book came about. I've been a chaplain in a jail and have led many people to Christ. After they become saved, maintaining their faith requires spending a lot of time in the Bible. What I found, though, is that many people are biblically illiterate. In fact, even many people sitting in the churches we go to are biblically illiterate. This realization is what led me to write this book. I wrote it with oversight from a pastor to ensure it was theologically sound.
Hereās the thing about the Bible: it was written over a period of 2,000 years by 40 different authors in three different languagesāGreek, Hebrew, and Aramaicāacross three different continents. The Bible consists of 66 books, nearly 2,000 chapters, and close to a million words. How do you make sense of all of it? That's the challenge many people face. Most of the people I deal with knew of Adam and had heard of King David, but when I would mention Abraham, they had no clue who he was.
Chris (Host): Wow, and these were people in the church?
Patrick Day (Guest): No, these were people in the jail.
Chris (Host): Oh, okay. I was going to say, weād have a problem if those were the people in the church.
Patrick Day (Guest): Exactly. And when I mentioned Moses, some would say, "Well, I know a guy named Moses Malone who played in the NBA." But thatās not the Moses weāre talking about. So, that's why I wrote this book. As I wrote it, I discovered some interesting things. Everything in the Bible really starts with Genesis 3:15, which is the critical verse that promises a Messiah. The rest of the Bible is about the coming of that MessiahāJesus. He came, and in Revelation, He will come again.
These 10 stories and characters in the book all revolve around JesusāHis coming, His presence, and the spreading of His word. The first character, of course, is Adam, and his story is about the fall of mankind. After Adam is kicked out of the Garden of Eden, things get really bad because that's when evil entered the world. It got so bad that God even regretted creating the world and wanted to destroy everyone. But that would have created a problem because, in Genesis 3:15, God promised a Messiah. He said that a woman from Eve's seed, which is Jesus, would come, and although Satan would bruise His heel, He would crush Satan's head. That prophecy was fulfilled on the cross.
So, as we explore these stories, it's evident that the Bible's overarching narrative is about Jesus and His redemptive work. Itās a reminder that Godās plan has been unfolding since the beginning, and thatās something that profoundly impacts my faith and worldview.āāāāāāāāā-Patrick Day:"Well, God has a way of choosing people to do things. He has a plan for you, Chris, and a plan for me. Heās had me do things like serving as a chaplain, and now Heās moving me into writing the book we talked about last time, Finding the Safest Place on Earth. Now, Iām also publishing books by Christians."
Host (Chris Lafreniere):"Right."
Patrick Day:"Yeah, thatās what Heās got me doing now. Iām currently working on a devotional by a military wife in Minot, North Dakota. Minot, North Dakota is an interesting place."
Patrick Day:"It is. Itās up in northern North Dakota. Itās a fairly desolate area. If thereās anyone from Minot listening, they might not like what I say next, but Minotās not the end of the world, though you can see it from there."
Host (Chris Lafreniere):"Okay."
Patrick Day:"Yeah. Itās pretty rural and desolate."Patrick Day:"You wouldnāt have a destination wedding in Minot, North Dakota."
Chris - Host"Yeah, exactly."
Host (Chris Lafreniere):"Wow. Thatās good to know."
Patrick Day:"Yeah, you probably wouldnāt go there at all, unless you had to."
Host (Chris Lafreniere):"Yeah, thatās interesting. Itās funny how some places are like that. You hear about them, but not many people go there."
Patrick Day:"Right, thereās no reason to go there unless you live there."
Host (Chris Lafreniere):"Yeah, someone asked me when I moved up to Maine, 'Why would you want to go up to Maine? Arenāt they all just lumberjacks up there?' And I was like, 'No, itās not bad up here. Itās kind of rural, but you get used to it.'"
Host (Chris Lafreniere):"Maineās tagline is 'Vacationland' on the license plate, so it canāt be all bad. But itās funnyāmost people from Massachusetts only go as far as Old Orchard Beach and then turn around."
Patrick day:"Yeah, exactly. Beyond that, itās like, 'Why would you go there unless you live there?'Chris - Host: Right.Patrick Day: That part of the country I havenāt been to, but Iāve talked to my wife about going up to New England."
Host (Chris Lafreniere):"Yeah, it is really serene. I grew up in New England, up here in Maine. If youāre okay with cold weather and snow, then youāll be just fine."
Host (Chris Lafreniere):"Where I live, the biggest store is the Walmart Supercenter. Weāve got a bunch of mom-and-pop places, but itās pretty rural. I often joke that itās like an Andy Griffith town."
Host (Chris Lafreniere):"Interesting."
Host (Chris Lafreniere):"Yeah. But, back to the questions. Question B from 6B: In storytelling, we find universal truth. Which of the 10 stories surprised you with its relevance to contemporary life? And can you share an example of how that ancient wisdom applies today?"Patrick Day:"Well...I spent a lot of time in Genesis because I came to the realization that if you donāt understand Genesis, you donāt understand the Bible. Three of the characters of the 10 are in Genesis: Adam, Noah, and Abraham. Abraham is key to understanding the Jewish people and why God chose them. I think it was Ezra Pound who said, 'How odd of God to choose the Jews.' But He did. The Jews became the chosen people."
Host (Chris Lafreniere):"Right."
Patrick Day:"But as Iāve come to understand Adam more, I see heās not just the guy who sinned or the one whose wife gave him the fruit to eat. We donāt even know if it was an apple; it was just fruit."
Host (Chris Lafreniere):"Right, yeah. Apple is just what it ended up being called."
Patrick Day:"Exactly. But as I study Adam, I realize how much weāre like him. Adamās sin was pride, and when you look at the world today, pride is everywhereāespecially in politicians. The more prideful they are, the worse they get. You also see it in preachers, especially evangelical ones, who get so caught up in pride that they think theyāre untouchable. Adam and Eve wanted to be their own gods. That was Satanās temptation."________________
Patrickās Links:[email protected]://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickdayauthor/pyramidpublishers.com/about-us.html
My personal links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lafreniere
Email: [email protected]
Calendly: https://calendly.com/cl71088
Alignable: https://www.alignable.com/baileyville-me/coffee-on-the-couch-podcast
Affiliate links:
Fight Coffee: Affecting true change one cup at a time!
fightcoffee.org/ Should you decide to purchase any coffee, Use my affiliate code
Ā» COC Ā« Input it into the special instructions box.Also worth mentioning is that any purchase of $40 and over qualifies for free shipping.Additionally, everyone who uses the discount code Ā» WELCOME Ā« will get 10% off their first order.And remember! Any purchase over $40 is Free shipping!
All-Natural & American Made
For too long, jerky has been cut with weird fillers, strange chemicals, and swag ingredients. RF products are high in protein, low in sugar, and made with clean, simple ingredients... without ever compromising on taste or texture.
https://www.righteousfelon.com/
Craft Jerky - AMERICAN SOURCED PROTEIN
Righteous Felon: Farm Fresh Jerky company.
American family farms. Protein that is pasture-raised and free of both antibiotics and growth hormones. Enabling fresh, flavorful, and consistent quality that other jerky brands cannot match ā and a win-win-win-win for RF, the farmer, the customer, and the environment."
-
Relative podcast Excerpts:Chris (Host): Welcome to another soul-stirring episode of Coffee on the Couch, where heartfelt conversations unfold over steaming cups of java. I'm your host, Chris, and today we have a special guest joining us, Johnny T. Johnny is a musician, evangelist, and the host and producer of Refuge Freedom Stories, a podcast that delves into the transformative power of God in people's lives. As we settle in for our virtual coffee chat, get ready to be inspired and uplifted by Johnny's own journey of faith and the captivating stories he shares on his podcast. So, welcome, Johnny!
Johnny T (Guest): Itās great to be here, Chris. Thanks for having me.
Chris: Itās great to have you here! I thought we'd start with a quick little intro about how we know each other. I believe we connected through Alignable, which is a great platform for connecting with people.
Johnny T: Absolutely. Itās a good networking platform to engage with people who share similar passions and businesses. It was great to meet you there.
Chris: Definitely! So, getting right into it, can you share with us the story behind the creation of Refuge Freedom Stories and what inspired you to start the podcast?
Johnny T: Absolutely. Back in 2020, my friend Reverend Alan Campbell, who has a ministry in Canada called Refuge Ministries Canada, reached out to me. His ministry is a first point of contact for those who have been in youth detention centers or prison. It helps them transition back into society, providing biblical grounding, teaching, and temporary places to stay to break the cycle between their old life and their new life.
In 2020, he called me up and mentioned a survey that said 77% of Canadians believe in miracles. We had seen many miracles in the ministry, and he thought we should do a radio program to share those stories. I agreed to help with the technical side since I was familiar with audio editing, but I didnāt think I had a radio voice.
Then another guy called him up, expressing interest in helping, and he ended up becoming our radio show host. Thatās how we started. About three months after launching, we were on stations across Canada. Around that time, my pastor, who had been listening to the show, asked if we had a podcast. It was a lightbulb moment for meāI realized we needed to start one. I knew nothing about podcasting at the time, but we jumped into it, and since 2020, itās been a learning journey. Now, weāre heard in around 78 countries with just over 150 episodes online across various platforms._________________Chris (Host): As a host, you've heard many powerful stories of faith and transformation. Can you share an instance that deeply moved you or changed your perspective?
Johnny T (Guest): Absolutely. We have over 150 episodes right now, which might seem small compared to other podcasts, but there are a few stories that really stand out to me. One was an interview with Bruce Wozniak, who hosts Catholic Sports Radio and Now Hear This Entertainment. Bruce was in a VP role at a multinational company and was on a boat tour in Brazil, traveling down the Amazon. While out on the deck, he realized he was surrounded by water, and in that moment, God ministered to him, telling him to step away from his corporate job because He had something else in store. That decision led to the creation of his two podcasts, which are now in the top 1.5% of all podcasts worldwide. This story encouraged me to believe that God has plans and purposes for usāwe just need to be obedient and listen for that clear direction, especially when we're facing challenges like job loss or financial issues.
Another story that really impacted me was from a guest named Amanda Blackwood. Sheās a survivor of human trafficking and shared that she was at a point where she was ready to end her life by jumping in front of a train because she saw no way out. As she sat at the train station, a young boy came up to her and spoke some words that changed everything for her. I won't give away what he said in case listeners want to check out the episode, but God used that little boy to show Amanda that He saw her situation and cared enough to send her a message through this five-year-old child. It stopped her from taking her own life, and now she's telling her story and helping others. This really spoke to me about how God can use even the smallest things or the smallest peopleāwe just need to have ears to hear.
_________________Jonnieās Links:Alignable: Refuge freedom storiesFacebook: Refuge freedom storiesApple Podcasts: Refuge Freedom StoriesMy Personal links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lafreniere
Email: [email protected]
Calendly: https://calendly.com/cl71088
Alignable: https://www.alignable.com/baileyville-me/coffee-on-the-couch-podcast
Affiliate links:
Fight Coffee: Affecting true change one cup at a time!
fightcoffee.org/ Should you decide to purchase any coffee, Use my affiliate code
Ā» COC Ā« Input it into the special instructions box.Also worth mentioning is that any purchase of $40 and over qualifies for free shipping.Additionally, everyone who uses the discount code Ā» WELCOME Ā« will get 10% off their first order.
All-Natural & American Made
For too long, jerky has been cut with weird fillers, strange chemicals, and swag ingredients. RF products are high in protein, low in sugar, and made with clean, simple ingredients... without ever compromising on taste or texture.
https://www.righteousfelon.com/
Craft Jerky - AMERICAN SOURCED PROTEIN
Righteous Felon: Farm Fresh Jerky company.
American family farms. Protein that is pasture-raised and free of both antibiotics and growth hormones. Enabling fresh, flavorful, and consistent quality that other jerky brands cannot match ā and a win-win-win-win for RF, the farmer, the customer, and the environment."
-
Excerpts from the interview with Pastor James:Chris (Host): Welcome, dear listeners, to another soul-nourishing episode of Coffee on the Couch. Grab your favorite mug, settle into your comfy spot, and get ready for a delightful conversation. I'm your host, Chris, and today we have the pleasure of diving into the enriching world of faith and community with our special guest, Pastor James Foley of New Life Church in Barre, Massachusetts. So pour yourself a fresh cup of coffee because we're about to embark on a journey of inspiration and insight. Welcome, Pastor James.
Pastor James (Guest): Yeah, thanks for having me, Chris. Iāve got my cup of coffee. Iām not on a couch, but Iām on the comfiest chair I could find in my office. Happy to be here.
Chris: There we go, good stuff. Iāve got my coffee too. Iād show you what it looks like, but we donāt have the video. The coffee says, "Mandate minding your own business."
Pastor James: Mineās a little more boring. Itās just in a Dunkinā cup.
Chris: Thatās okay. It holds the precious cargo, so thatās good.
Pastor James: Thatās it.
Chris: So, I thought weād get into a quick how we know each other. I think we met through your teaching at Mission E4 at the time, right?
Pastor James: Yeah, itās probably about, man, 8 to 10 years ago. The time gets away. But yeah, I was contacted through Mission E4, one of their members or former staff who attends my church. They asked if I wanted to teach a course. I taught a few over there for a couple of years, including The Life of Christ and The Life of the Apostle Paul and His Writings. Iām not sure which of those two courses you had or if it was another, but thatās where we crossed paths.
Chris: Yes, thatās right.
Pastor James: And I always said your last name wrong. Is it Lafreniere, or laffernay?
Chris: The first one was correct.
Chris: Great! Funny story, John Bushnell used to joke with me about that. He had all sorts of variations for my last name.
Pastor James: Iāve heard a few of those myself.
**Pastor James (Guest):** You know, in Massachusetts in 2024, some of this might be challenging to hear, but this is how I came to faith. Long story short, I was not raised in a Christian home. It was a moral home, a loving home. If you had asked us, we would have said we were good Catholics, but that didnāt really impact our lives. Looking back, I might have gone to a Catholic mass once every five years. It just wasnāt on my mind at all.
When I got back to my dorm, I kneeled by the couch and invited the Lord to take over my life. I had never seen an altar call or heard anything like that before, so it was quite an incredible moment looking back. From that point on, I never looked back. I chose to spend my weekends away from campus because it was an environment full of temptation. I wanted to serve the Lord as best I could and got involved with the church.
From the beginning, I felt a call to pastor, though interestingly, I had no idea what a pastor even was. I got to know several of the pastors on staff quite well, and they were instrumental in helping me navigate that call and figure out the next steps, which eventually led me to Bible school and beyond. That was the starting point for me, and thatās how it all began.Pastor James links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newlifebarreEmail: [email protected] Personal links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lafreniere
Email: [email protected]
Calendly: https://calendly.com/cl71088
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