Life's Learning Curve
Storytelling: How we became us! We take a look backward & find ourselves negotiating our LIFE EXPERIENCES, discovering life's various tones -comedy, drama, and nostalgia. Our podcast offers imagery of a documentary recreation, but for audio. Life happens in a heartbeat. Let's learn, thrive and love from our experiences while we're here. Cheers!
Technicolor Teenager 1972
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It's 1972. Polyester clung. Adidas squeaked. And one 14-year-old kid believed that walking thirty miles might fix his whole personality.
This isnât just a story about a charity hike. Itâs about awkward adolescence, Kool-Aid commercial dreams, abandoned comedy writers, and discovering the kind of strength that doesnât bragâit just limps quietly and keeps going.
Full of 70s nostalgia, bittersweet laughs, and one brutally earned life lesson, this episode walks the line between who we want to be⌠and who we become when no one shows up but us.
Because of Mr. Benson: A Teacher's Farewell
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Todayâs episode isnât about a celebrity. Itâs not about a bestselling author or a viral filmmaker. Itâs about a guy who forgets where he parked, wears mismatched socks, and once left his coffee on the roof of his car. But behind the clumsy charm? He holds something powerful: the ability to tell a story that stays with you.
From childhood, Mr. Benson didnât just write storiesâhe saw them. And he taught others to see them too. He...
Childhood County
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In this episode of Lifeâs Learning Curve, we journey back to Childhood Countyâa place where laughter was law, imagination ruled, and every cloud sparked a new story. But what happens when the games start to feel smaller and the bridge to Adulthood looms ahead? Join us as we reflect on the magic we left behind, the courage it took to cross that bridge, and the pieces of Childhood we can still carry with us today. Childhood County, where we know that while we all must grow up, the wonder does...
Ghosts We Carry With Us
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A faked death, stolen insurance money, and a stormy night on a battered houseboatâthis case had it all. But the strangest part? The voice guiding Paul wasnât just his intuition⌠it was his late mentor. Was it Paulâs instincts, his sanity slipping, or something more? Buckle up for a mystery where the truth is as murky as the waters of Key West. "The Ghosts We Carry With Us"âstreaming now!
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The Paper Keyboard
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Ah, to be 18 again. Fresh out of high school, rocking flannel like it was your full-time job, and thinking you were the backbone of the next big thing in rock and blues. My band? Red Rock. Until one day, the unthinkable happenedâmy drummer dreams came crashing down with a single, detached phone call: âYouâre not in the band anymore.â Ouch. Rejection, angst, and the unmistakable sting of an unwashed flannelâwelcome to my late â70s coming-of-age story. From losing my first band, to joining the most bizarre group of misfits you can imagine...
A Life of Shenanigans
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Are mischief and pranks the secret spice of life? Sometimes, yes! In this episode, Paul dives into the art shenanigans, sharing hilariously innocent (but oh-so-effective) childhood pranks, adventures and creative play. Think Jim Halpert-level hijinks with a nostalgic twist. Tune in for laughs, lessons, and a reminder that a little mischief can go a long way!"
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The Hurricane and the Secrets
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In this high-stakes podcast episode, the sweltering August heat of Key Largo is nothing compared to the chaos unleashed by a looming Category 4 hurricaneâand an even fiercer storm of grudges and past betrayals. Paul, a local boat repairman, finds himself navigating not just the devastation of the natural disaster but the emotional wreckage left behind by Jimmy Seaton, whose brother, Tom, has returned for revenge. As the hurricane bears down on the sleepy town, tensions boil over, leading to a climactic showdown. With the storm raging outside, the three men are forced to...
The Hurricane and The Secret
In this high-stakes podcast episode, the sweltering August heat of Key Largo is nothing compared to the chaos unleashed by a looming Category 4 hurricaneâand an even fiercer storm of grudges and past betrayals. Paul, a local boat repairman, finds himself navigating not just the devastation of the natural disaster, but the emotional wreckage left behind by Jimmy Seaton, whose brother, Tom, has returned for revenge. As the hurricane bears down on the sleepy town, tensions boil over, leading to a climactic showdown. With the storm raging outside, the three men are forced to confront their demons, find forgiveness, an...
Boogie Man
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In this gripping episode of Lifeâs Learning Curve, join us as we delve into a spine-chilling chapter from my childhoodâan unforgettable encounter with the supernatural that left an indelible mark on my young mind. Picture this: an idyllic summer at a secluded cottage in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, where innocent days filled with sunshine and laughter gave way to eerie nights. It was here, amidst the whispering pines and flickering campfire, that I first heard the sinister tales of the Boogie Man, shared by the mischievous Mundoni twins. Their vivid stories of a sh...
Life's Navigational Beacons
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Join Paul and Sharly as they recount their unexpected encounter with Brandon, a man whose presence altered the course of their holiday in Key West. Set against the backdrop of swaying palms and vibrant streets, their journey begins innocently enough with a quest for relaxation and adventure. But as they traverse the sun-soaked alleyways, they stumble upon Brandon, a middle-aged man navigating the streets in an ill-equipped wheelchair, his life forever changed by a recent stroke.
Against the vibrant backdrop of Key West's cultural tapestry, Paul and Sharly are drawn into B...
Beyond the Comb Over
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In this episode of unexpected connections, transformative moments, and the power of perseverance in the face of adversity, Paul recalls his teenage years in 1972, marked by the untimely death of his band director and his pursuit of drumming dreams. Enter Mr. McCabe, an enigmatic drum teacher with a manicured comb over and an abrasive demeanor. Their initial encounter is rocky, with Mr. McCabe's blunt and dismissive attitude leaving Paul feeling intimidated and uncertain.
Despite Mr. McCabe's tough exterior, Paul perseveres, determined to prove himself and push through dynamic of banter and...
Coal Bootleggers: The Art of Being Clay
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Step into a time machine and journey back to 1948, where a gripping tale unfolds in Coal Township, PA. Meet eight-year-old Clay, whose story is a riveting testament to resilience and determination. As he and his family embark on a new chapter, you'll witness Clay's initiation into the world of coal bootlegging, the hardships of fitting into rustic row houses, and the challenges of navigating a life without modern comforts.Â
Amidst this backdrop, discover the transformative power of education as Clay finally gets a chance to attend school. With the guidance of a...
The Art of Being Clay -The Early Years
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Meet seven-year-old Clay Greager, whose unwavering determination to pursue his dreams leads him to brave the confines of a family coal mine in 1948. But that's just the beginning of his remarkable journey.
Join us as we unravel the poignant stories shared by author Clay Greager himself, recounting moments where the line between ambition and adversity blurred. Experience the heart-stopping encounter with mortality, from the blinding sun that alters destiny to the serene swing under a willow tree turning into a haunting reminder of life's fragility.
In this episode, Paul d...
Criminals, Outcasts and Artists
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In this episode of Life's Learning Curve "Criminals, Outcasts, and Artists," we follow the adventurous journey of Paul, who is called upon by his old friend Duke to rescue the failing Huckleberry Sunshine business in California, left in ruins by the C0-Vid crisis. Despite numerous setbacks and communication mishaps, Paul arrives ready to shoot commercials and create a podcast centered around the business. However, his world is turned upside down when he meets the new owner, the carefree Australian surfer Denbigh, who operates by his own rules. What unfolds is a whirlwind...
Flimflam Poker Night
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When your 11, life still seems strange, adult behaviors are sometimes confusing and we are lucky to survive it all. In this episode, Paul is curious about his fatherâs semi annual poker night in the far back basement of his house. However, THIS TIME Paul is allowed to come sit and observe his fatherâs poker night and the players. One of these players was Paulâs current teacher. But the evening turned quite dark as another playerâs behavior and quirky responses turned into a nightmare that haunted Paul for many yea...
The Ripple Effect -First Grade
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In first grade, Paul's life is forever changed by a series of events. He is placed in a reading group, where he encounters a first-year teacher and is forced to sit next to Jimmy, a misfit who has trouble controlling his behavior. A mentor is brought in to help the class, and from that moment on, Paul's perspectives and attitudes are transformed. The story suggests that we can all improve ourselves by surrounding ourselves with the right people. But exactly, just WHO was the mystery...
The Great Key West Summer Solstice Cigar Hunt
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Can you keep the feeling of vacation after itâs over??  Paulâs friend Sam figured out how to do it. This episode finds Paul sharing a story about his friend Sam's epic adventure in tropical Key West. Sam, on a mission to find the perfect cigar for his buddy Paul, embarks on a journey that takes him deep into the heart of the island's cigar culture.
Along the way, he encounters a cast of colorful characters, from local store owners to feisty street performers who have had eccent...
The Letter Left in the Desk Drawer
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Join us for a heartwarming episode of Life's Learning Curve. Prepare to be inspired as Paul reflects on his father's own struggles with hyperactivity and the loss of his fatherâs father at a young age. Through it all, Paul's dad found strength in other positive male role models and became the confident, laugh-loving father that Paul adored. Also, Paul shares the story of how his father saved him from the winter blues by taking him sledding at night. That's not all, folks! Don't miss this ode to a truly wo...
1968: An 11 Year Old in California
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As we reminisced about our carefree childhoods coming to a close, a nostalgic longing for innocence washed over us. The memories of a 1968 vacation to California evoked feelings of adventure, wonder, and warmth - from the magical Disneyland experience to the sun-kissed days spent exploring. But, amidst the decade of peace, color, and unrest in the west coast, a sense of unease lingered in the air due to the ongoing Vietnam War and the protests that accompanied it, creating an unusual imbalance that juxtaposed the feeling of all is well. An eleven year...
Life's Fish Cocktail Challenges
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New to the central American country of Costa Rica, Paul sat in a Chinese restaurant mulling over the foreign menu. Suddenly there it wasâŚ. A cold raw fish cocktail and a warm beer. Now, at that time in his life, Paul knew that he just DID NOT CARE for fish at all. He had tried it back in the good olâ USA, and quite honestly, it triggered that gag reflex; that embarrassing response from a child, He could not let that be HIS response.. However, Paul knew that might happen. The pres...
The St. Maarten ScubaGuy Incident
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This episode tells the story of what happened one night, to Paul when he chose to relax a bit and sit by the moonlit sea on the tropical island of St. Maarten. While stargazing just off the Caribbean coast, Paul spots a large glowing object off the far sandbar and deep in the water. As the light reveals itself, he discovers a James Bond-like scuba guy. Emerging from the waters, he soon is surrounded by nigh time boozy bar patrons. The scuba man reveals nothing about the slight o...
Trust There's Water in the Pool
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What do mile markers and tollbooths have in common? If I told you the answer to this question was⌠âThey are a contributing reoccurring part of YOU and your lifeâs journeyâ Mile markers and tollbooths, etc. might alter your perspective on a few things. On this episode, The Story of Last Flight Out is featured. It cannot be measured how many people have been impacted by this one page read, but I would wager a guessâŚThousands of people.   Key West entrepreneur, author and Vietnam veteran Clay Greager is featured in a...
Let's Be Copacetic!
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Did you ever have a teacher whose passion and excitement for learning drove you AND your peers to excel? In this episode Paul is in 8th Grade, and his new band teacher is young, fun, talented, interesting, fair and engaging with all of his students. Quelling immature student behavior, Mr. Roush nurtured the band class to exceed expectations. Paul and his classmates slowly begin to understand that a single person can find, and then pull the BEST YOU out of you. At that point in his hife, learning became...
Cigarette Cowboy
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This episode delves into the captivating story of Paul's Uncle Russ, who, as a young boy in the 1930s, became enamored with the rugged, untamed wilderness of the American West in the 1880s. Fueled by his love for the thrilling adventures depicted in comic books and B-movie westerns, Uncle Russ became entranced by the legendary stories of the far southwestern United States, including the infamous outlaw Billy the Kid and the historic town of Mesilla. His passion was further ignited by the Eagles' melancholic album "Desperado," which poetically evokes the spirit...
The Savannah Sling
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This episode sets us in Savannah Georgia with Paulâs olâ college buddy, Dentist Tye Hagan. Letâs face it, as engaged and motivated as we all once were to begin our careers back in the day, most of us held tight to our innocence of youth and doing the right thing. Newbie dentist Dr. Tye did just that, and in the process of setting his new practice in Savannah, he became entangled in a drug running operation out of his own office. Donât miss the slow wrinkled southern charm of Sally-Jo in this...
Folksy CEO Philosophers
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Regional speak, or regional dialects are sometimes my favorite part of Paulâs business day. When he gets a client on the phone, he may ask him how everything is going (insert their state name). Paul often gets a 3 to 5 sentence primer in their regional language, metaphors or slang. PAUL: âHey Henry. How is Mississippi treating you these days?â HENRY: âMah dayâs all cattywampus cuz of the fecundating kudzu growing across my office window. If the thermo-bulb keeps going up, weâll have another tongue wagger on our hands.â     -Sometimes life offers us perk...
A Respectful CLOSE-UP -Bob Tonge
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âYou can always be better! You have to learn something every day, and if you donât, âŚThereâs no place to go.â  This organic inspiration is innate for our guest Bob Tonge. A man with a career in broadcasting, video production, and writing and performing music. Bob Tongeâs drive to build clientsâ confidence and trust, has taken him into a one of a kind adventure in life -Here is a story of a  unique journey. Paul gets a once in a lifetime sit down with communicator Bob Tonge. Â
âYou got to k...
Greatest Blessings Call Me Dad
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In a world that's always shifting, where time molds us like clay, this episode of Lifeâs Learning Curve is a tapestry. That intricate dance between growing up, embracing change, and stepping into the shoes of fatherhood. Join Paul on a journey as he revisits the chapters of his life woven together with the threads of fatherly devotion.
In this nostalgic recollection, Paulâs father and he navigate the uncharted waters of DAD-DOM, two souls connected by blood and dreams. Yet, it's the echoes of Paulâs now-grown children, Heidi and Riley...
One Last Middle Class Try
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While living a mundane existence in the suburbs. Thor Vance aspires to be a hot jazz guitarist . However, Thor is known as a triple-L loser. Although bullied and mocked as a child, he DID HAVE healthy and realistic future dreams. In this episode, procrastinator Thor seeks his dream, but arrives a bit too late and must realize his delay has damaged his destiny. Â But not everything in life is unrepairable. A broken man living a broken life, Thor is given a loser nickname that follows him throughout his life.
A Town with No Name
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The Adventure! Undertaking danger and unknown risks, Paul leaves the USA to participate in an internship in Costa Rica, This episode brings 1979-style adventures for Paul. Struggling with a language barrier, he and his college roommate Reed vacation for one week at a non existent un-named beach town during spring break. Paul synthesizes with native villagers, and learns their daily routine of work, play, how they handle obsessive heat, and a daily symphony of gasoline generators which all seemed to be running at the same time. Add to that...
Summers at Apple Orchard
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Paul revisits the beginning of Summer with a look back at the people and events that made Summer go great! Phil, Sue, his mom & dad and RUDY! The swim instructor with a permanent tan! In the end, Paul learns a couple thing: He learns how to swim AND He learns that nothing TOO GREAT in life lasts forever.Â
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A Face For Radio -John DiDonna
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Paul's guest is a stand up comic, a graphic artist, a puppeteer, a photographer, a voice artist, and a TV producer/performer, Paul welcomes TVâs John DiDonna. Life stories range from humorist innovator Ernie Kovacs to Chico Marx to a manic bus driver. Johnâs life is a shared comedic tone poem, His show called TWITS ran in the late 1980s and included some of these elements: Crazy Kenny, Mr. Friendly, Manny Moe and Jack, impersonations of Charles Bronson and Clint Eastwood and MORE! This show is a cele...
Inspirers and Tubthumpers -David Wormington
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Guest Dave Wormington has a super-talent. Since birth, Dave has inspired others to excel and do their best. Taking a step further, Dave provided an unexpected volume of encouragement, or as Paul calls it, tubthumping. Stories of bands, writing music, nuns, 70s hair for guys and the bass guitar fill this episode. Many people inspire and encourage, but Paul believes Daveâs uncanny ability to extend his passion for helping others that makers the difference in this unique man. Guest David Wormington brings stories, humor, irony and depth to th...
Not Yet Out of the Woods
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This episode takes Paul back to camp within two different time frames. Enthusiastic and engaged Rusty and Hilda June directed the field campus and helped create the magic of outdoor education when Paulâs class spent a week there as a twelve year old. At age 20 Paul returned as a part of his teacher training. But the second time, things were quite less magical and of- putting. Something had happened to Rusty and Hilda June that upset the balance of the camp. A blizzard, an offensive set of sin...
Caught Red-Handed
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From the moment 16 year old Paul entered high school that spring day, usually an invisible student, he had some celebrity, but did not know why. Someone named Joey Malone was looking for Paul. Joey had spread the word that he wanted payback, and that Paul had done something really bad to him. Joey meant to get even with Paul, and he wanted to fight! Until the punch hits its target, Paulâs mouth, Paul STILL had no idea why Joey or anyone else wa...
Intent to Harm
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At age 18, it was the first summer Paul took a summer job that was different from the others. This job quickly became awkward, demoralizing, nightmarish and yet, somehow funny to him. It was as if Paul was participating in a Hitchcock film with a guy named Anthony. Paulâs sense of humor and lack of lifeâs experiences collide as he is trapped in a fight or flight situation. Getting a summer job was necessary for Paul. But what was NOT necessary âŚWorking with a man with an intent to harm
Shortest Line
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WHAT A RIDE?!?!? How did you choose your career? Did you choose it? Did it choose you, or was it fate? As we enter Season Four of Lifeâs Learning Curve Paul finally shares one of the MOST embarrassing stories of his life: Just HOW he chose his career field. Paul also explains where that career took him and how adding new technology to education probably saved him. In this episode mentors, losers, winners, motivators, Inspirers, great students and a national award or two are episode content. Â
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Good Ol' 39
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Ed not only delivered children from school to their homes daily on good olâ bus 39, he also delivered kindness, patience and friendship. People just like Ed came into Paulâs live on occasion. For a brief time, Ed was a living legend to Paul, but do legends truly live on forever? Do you know anyone exceptional like Ed? Everyone deserves some deserved appreciation; a smile & a kind word back to them. It may make their day. Proactive small steps of regard can turn someoneâs life around. Let them know yo...
Saint Martin BUNCO
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It wasnât the soft breeze and tropical sunny warmth that hooked Paul on St. Martin, it was the adventure. That is, until that adventure went off the rails. Break ins, theft, corruption, and organized crime, and bunco schemes all existed in the dank underbelly of the tropical island. Hangers on from the last hurricane rebuild had stayed on the island and now hid out and pretended to be locals. NOT GOOD. ADVICE: When you go on holiday to the Caribbean, exist on the surface of the be...
The Curve Ball
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Life threw Bob a curve ball, misleading him at a young age. You canât control the curve balls life throws at you. so you have to learn how to change or adapt, sometimes quickly so that lifeâs curve balls donât take you too far down the wrong path. Bob always knew the man he would like to be, so throughout his life he found role models and mentors for himself, but NONE OF THEM had immediate impact of a colossal world event. A man never gets so old that h...
