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Visiting Baltimore County, MD
It Can't Rain All The Time: A Discussion About 'The Crow' With Alisha Mughal
Do you ever talk about your favorite things through top 5 lists? Like, you have your top 5 tv shows, or top 5 songs, etc. No? Just me? Cool.
When I look back at my favorite movies and soundtracks, you'll find The Crow in the top 5 of both categories. The film still makes me feel emotions I didn't think possible. It's such a heavy film to me even 31 years after its release. Maybe watching it brings back grief from the loss of Brandon Lee. Or maybe The Crow is packed with emotional content and themes. To this day I still tear up at one particular moment in the film (which we discuss in the podcast). What's wrong with me?
In the latest installment of the Pop Classics series, Alisha Mughal has taken on the task of taking us on a deep dive of the classic film. Her book 'It Can't Rain All The Time' is available now and I think any movie fan will enjoy it.
In this episode we discuss the history and folklore about The Crow, how you can find similarities with the John Wick universe, how incredible Brandon Lee truly was and so much more.
Visiting Lutsen Mountains and Snowriver Mountain Resort
If you’ve been a listener of this program than you may have heard me mention before that I grew up in New England. I spent the first 18ish years of my life in New Hampshire. When I got to high school, snowboarding became a huge part of my life and personality. It was what my friends and I loved to do all winter long. I was happiest when I was on a mountain.
My favorite thing to do was get to the top of the highest peak at any ski resort and just look around at the world. These are images that, even though I saw them nearly 30 years ago, I still have burned into my memory. I think snowboarding was what really made me fall in love with nature and the outdoors.
When you live in New England you have pretty easy access to some world class ski resorts. And of course everyone always hears about Colorado and Tahoe. Basically it was always New England or the Rocky Mountains. When you talk about the Midwest, it was always about corn fields and how flat it is. Ski resorts weren’t exactly top of mind. Let’s change that story today.
We’re taking a look primarily at two wonderful resorts in Wisconsin and Michigan. They are part of the Midwest Family Ski Resorts properties. They actually have three, but we’re only going to focus on two. Lutsen Mountains and Snowriver Mountain Resort. With me to open my eyes about skiing and snowboarding in the midwest are Greg Fisher, the chief marketing officer, and Charlotte Skinner, she’s the chief financial officer and chief operating officer.
My favorite thing to do was get to the top of the highest peak at any ski resort and just look around at the world. These are images that, even though I saw them nearly 30 years ago, I still have burned into my memory. I think snowboarding was what really made me fall in love with nature and the outdoors.
When you live in New England you have pretty easy access to some world class ski resorts. And of course everyone always hears about Colorado and Tahoe. Basically it was always New England or the Rocky Mountains. When you talk about the Midwest, it was always about corn fields and how flat it is. Ski resorts weren’t exactly top of mind. Let’s change that story today.
We’re taking a look primarily at two wonderful resorts in Wisconsin and Michigan. They are part of the Midwest Family Ski Resorts properties. They actually have three, but we’re only going to focus on two. Lutsen Mountains and Snowriver Mountain Resort. With me to open my eyes about skiing and snowboarding in the midwest are Greg Fisher, the chief marketing officer, and Charlotte Skinner, she’s the chief financial officer and chief operating officer.
How The Y2K Era Changed The World With Colette Shade
In the same way that we use B.C. and A.D. to describe time and eras, I think we should have a new way to describe pre-2000 and post-2000. The world started to shift in ways that were never imaginable when we entered into the 21st century. We never got our flying cars and hoverboards (well, REAL hoverboards). Instead we got social media, fake news and consumerism at insane levels.
I want to continue my pop culture run this week with a conversation with author Colette Shade. She's written a really interesting book called 'Y2K: How the 2000's Became Everything (Essays On The Future That Never Was).' As someone who was 18 as the clock turned to January 1, 2000, it was fun to take a trip down memory lane. I read this through the lens of 'if I knew then what I know now' and some of the things really blew my mind.
I hope you enjoy our conversation and I highly suggest her book.
Visiting Wilmington, DE
About 10 years ago I decided that I wanted to run a half marathon in every state. I had run a race in Nashville and then done another in San Diego. During my run in Southern California I had this epiphany that running a half marathon was a great way to see a city and the areas around it. Over the next few years I visited a variety of states from Idaho, Pennsylvania and Wyoming. They all had a different beauty and charm. But one of them really stood out, and that was my weekend in Wilmington Delaware.
Yeah, I was surprised too. No shade on Wilmington, or Delaware, but it was always a city that I had driven through to go north or south up the 95 corridor. I’ve driven through Wilmington countless times and never had the thought to stop. But when I was running through the streets and trails I realized how incredible Wilmington is.
In this podcast we’ve discussed the history that a traveller can find all along the north east coast or mid-atlantic region. Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley are no different. There’s an incredible amount of history there as well as some over the top and ostentatious estates that date back to the 1800’s. And I say ostentatious with love. These estates are remarkable and stunning.
Today I’m speaking with Jennifer Boes. She’s the executive director for the Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau. There are so many great options for ways to explore and discover the Wilmington area. I hope you enjoy our conversation.
Yeah, I was surprised too. No shade on Wilmington, or Delaware, but it was always a city that I had driven through to go north or south up the 95 corridor. I’ve driven through Wilmington countless times and never had the thought to stop. But when I was running through the streets and trails I realized how incredible Wilmington is.
In this podcast we’ve discussed the history that a traveller can find all along the north east coast or mid-atlantic region. Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley are no different. There’s an incredible amount of history there as well as some over the top and ostentatious estates that date back to the 1800’s. And I say ostentatious with love. These estates are remarkable and stunning.
Today I’m speaking with Jennifer Boes. She’s the executive director for the Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau. There are so many great options for ways to explore and discover the Wilmington area. I hope you enjoy our conversation.
Visiting The Omni Homestead Resort and Spa
One of the things I’ve really loved about doing this podcast is discovering the hidden gems. Sometimes it’s a particular attraction in a city I’m already familiar with, like a museum or something. And sometimes it’s a beautiful, and historic resort, that’s tucked away in the mountains of Virginia.
On this week’s episode we are heading to let’s say north central Virginia into the Allegheny Mountains to discuss the Omni Homestead Resort. The Homestead has been getting visitors long before it was ever a thing. The hot springs in that part of Virginia have been an attraction for locals for probably thousands of years. The waters were believed to have special powers. But it was in 1766 when someone finally put a building on it.
The Homestead has gone through a lot of changes over the last couple centuries, but that hasn’t taken away from its charm. The spa is second to none and it’s family friendly atmosphere has brought generations of visitors back for visits over and over again. There’s an elegance to it that I feel like you only see in movies. But you could see it in person at the Homestead. It was a real pleasure to learn more about this legendary destination.
With me today is Lynn Swann. She’s the director of marketing and communications for the Omni Homestead Resort and Spa. I hope you enjoy our conversation.
On this week’s episode we are heading to let’s say north central Virginia into the Allegheny Mountains to discuss the Omni Homestead Resort. The Homestead has been getting visitors long before it was ever a thing. The hot springs in that part of Virginia have been an attraction for locals for probably thousands of years. The waters were believed to have special powers. But it was in 1766 when someone finally put a building on it.
The Homestead has gone through a lot of changes over the last couple centuries, but that hasn’t taken away from its charm. The spa is second to none and it’s family friendly atmosphere has brought generations of visitors back for visits over and over again. There’s an elegance to it that I feel like you only see in movies. But you could see it in person at the Homestead. It was a real pleasure to learn more about this legendary destination.
With me today is Lynn Swann. She’s the director of marketing and communications for the Omni Homestead Resort and Spa. I hope you enjoy our conversation.
Visiting Richmond, VA
I spent a great weekend in Richmond, Virginia. It was the summer of 2019. My wife and I went down for a wedding and ended up having a blast. And we had some random incidents that made the trip one that we will never forget. I tell the story in my conversation today. I’m laughing about it right now just thinking about it.
Richmond is one of those cities that I think gets overlooked. It’s a couple hours south of Washington DC and right on interstate 95. For a lot of folks on the east coast, Richmond is a city they drive through as they’re going down to Florida, or one of the Carolina beaches. But I’m here to let you know that it’s a region that you need spend some time in.
We can start with the history of the region. Major events in the creation of this country took place in, and around Richmond. It’s got a vibrant city experience in Richmond, tons of parks and outdoor spaces all around, a world class theme park in Kings Dominion, and an adorable pygmy hippo. That’s right, Poppy the Pygmy Hippo that took over the world earlier this year lives at the Metro Richmond Zoo.
So, let’s make our way to Richmond. This week I’m speaking with Tom Loftus. He’s the vice president of marketing for Richmond Region Tourism.
Richmond is one of those cities that I think gets overlooked. It’s a couple hours south of Washington DC and right on interstate 95. For a lot of folks on the east coast, Richmond is a city they drive through as they’re going down to Florida, or one of the Carolina beaches. But I’m here to let you know that it’s a region that you need spend some time in.
We can start with the history of the region. Major events in the creation of this country took place in, and around Richmond. It’s got a vibrant city experience in Richmond, tons of parks and outdoor spaces all around, a world class theme park in Kings Dominion, and an adorable pygmy hippo. That’s right, Poppy the Pygmy Hippo that took over the world earlier this year lives at the Metro Richmond Zoo.
So, let’s make our way to Richmond. This week I’m speaking with Tom Loftus. He’s the vice president of marketing for Richmond Region Tourism.
Visiting Hagerstown and Washington County, MD
Sports can unite a community. When a local team is doing well, people are excited. They’re happy and they want to invest in that team. But can a sports venue change a community? Hagerstown, Maryland may be the blueprint for other communities around the country.
In this week’s episode we’re heading to Western Maryland to discuss Hagerstown and Washington County.
One thing you’ll hear us talk about is the brand new, state of the art, minor league ballpark that opened about a year ago in Hagerstown. The community has hinged some rebuilding and revitalization hopes around this stadium, and it seems to be working. People are coming back to Hagerstown. They’re hanging around, investing in local business and in a lot of cases, even moving there. Hagerstown, and Washington County, is seeing a boom in new residents.
This podcast isn’t all about the growth of communities. We’re about giving you a reason to go visit a city or area. And we will give you plenty of reasons why you’re going to want to visit Washington County. From their national parks, to the ballpark and perfect small town feel, they have plenty for you to see.
With me this week is Dan Spedden. He’s the president of the Hagerstown and Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau. I hope you enjoy our conversation.
In this week’s episode we’re heading to Western Maryland to discuss Hagerstown and Washington County.
One thing you’ll hear us talk about is the brand new, state of the art, minor league ballpark that opened about a year ago in Hagerstown. The community has hinged some rebuilding and revitalization hopes around this stadium, and it seems to be working. People are coming back to Hagerstown. They’re hanging around, investing in local business and in a lot of cases, even moving there. Hagerstown, and Washington County, is seeing a boom in new residents.
This podcast isn’t all about the growth of communities. We’re about giving you a reason to go visit a city or area. And we will give you plenty of reasons why you’re going to want to visit Washington County. From their national parks, to the ballpark and perfect small town feel, they have plenty for you to see.
With me this week is Dan Spedden. He’s the president of the Hagerstown and Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau. I hope you enjoy our conversation.
Veronica Litt On The Cultural, And Lasting, Impact Of Clueless
I'm still not comfortable with referencing things from my youth as 'nostalgia.' But here we are. I'm taking us on a trip down memory lane to a magical time called 'The 90's.'
With me today is educator, and author, Veronica Litt. She's penned a new book about the classic pop culture gem Clueless. The book is called, 'Ugh! As If?' Can you even think of a better title?
Despite on its face looking like a teen rom-com set in wealthy Los Angeles in the mid-90's, Clueless has stood the test of time because it is much deeper than most people think. And I'm not just talking about it's roots being based on the Jane Austen classic 'Emma.'
I hope you enjoy this conversation, and I hope you check out the book when it comes out on June 3rd, 2025.
Finding New Passion In Music With Ray Harkins
I've been trying for a long time to find an excuse to have this guest back on the show. I'm excited to welcome back singer and podcaster Ray Harkins. He's the host of the '100 Words Or Less' podcast and he's the frontman of the new hardcore band Bloodguilt.
Bloodguilt kind of popped up out of nowhere. I just started seeing Ray posting about it on social media one day and I was shocked. But the music is great. It has a sense of urgency and it feels like it needs to be heard.
In this conversation, Ray and I discuss how Bloodguilt came together, what it's like to grow up in the hardcore scene, and how important the recommendations your friends make on social media are.