In Part Two of Ted’s Notebook, we explore two very different stories connected by perseverance, sacrifice, and the determination to keep going.

First, we remember pitcher Tommy John—not only for the revolutionary surgery that bears his name, but for the courage and hard work required to rebuild his career afterward. His comeback changed baseball and opened the door for countless athletes who might otherwise have lost their careers.

Then we head to sea, comparing the hardships endured by sailors across the centuries—from the dangerous voyages of Magellan and Captain Cook, through the brutal conditions faced aboard ships and aircraft carriers during World War II, to the sailors serving aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln today.

The ships, technology, food, and medical care have changed dramatically, but long separations, isolation, uncertainty, exhaustion, and emotional strain remain very real. These stories remind us that endurance takes many forms—and those who keep going often pay a price the rest of us never fully see.

Today we bring you part 1 of Ted’s Notebook.

In today’s Part 1, Ted puts on his history-teacher hat to explore the remarkable life of David Thompson. One of North America’s greatest mapmakers and explorers, Thompson traveled tens of thousands of miles, surveyed an enormous portion of the continent, and helped reveal the rivers, mountains, and travel routes of the Northwest—often under conditions difficult for us to imagine today.

In Part 2, which will air in a couple days, we'll meet an athlete whose career appeared to be over—until an extraordinary second chance changed not only his future, but the future of countless others. Then we’ll head out to sea, considering the hardships faced by sailors across the centuries, from the age of exploration to the enormous floating cities of the modern Navy.

Together, all three are stories of distance, uncertainty, endurance, and courage. They remind us that we rarely see the entire journey when we first set out—and that sometimes the greatest discoveries, victories, and lessons emerge only after the road becomes difficult.

So, open the Notebook. Let’s see where this two part podcast journey takes us.

A productive North Idaho garden has entered its most dangerous season: zucchini season.

What begins as an innocent plant soon spreads across the garden, hiding vegetables that grow from baby size to baseball bats overnight.

This lighthearted Morning Brew explores the annual zucchini invasion, neighbors attempting to give away surplus, and the remarkable variety of dishes appearing on the table—from Martian cookies and zucchini lasagna to Ted’s favorite, zucchini pancakes.

Beneath the humor is a reminder that growth often happens quietly, good work eventually produces a harvest, and abundance is meant to be preserved, appreciated, and shared with others.

For the past two weeks, wildfire smoke has hidden the mountains and turned Almost Paradise into a gray, eye-watering haze.

Winds from the south carry smoke from devastating Spokane-area fires and enormous Oregon blazes; winds from the north bring smoke from the Upper Smith Fire and Canada. When the wind stops, the smoke simply stays put.

Add summer heat, closed windows, and dry conditions, and North Idaho feels less than heavenly. Yet behind the smoke, mountains remain.

This Morning Brew reflects on firefighters, displaced families, gratitude for clean air, and faith that blue skies will return once again soon.

But first we dip into our mail to see what kind of feedback we have on this Friday!

When Chloe traveled to the Dominican Republic through the International Language Program, she went to teach English to children—but she returned home having learned a great deal herself.

In this conversation, Chloe shares the joys, challenges, surprises, and memories of living and serving there. She offers a look at what it took to step beyond the familiar, connect with her students, adjust to a different culture, and discover strengths she may not have known she possessed.

Chloe also shares practical advice and insights for other young people who may be considering a similar adventure.

Her first trip required her to cover her own expenses, but she made such a strong impression that she has been invited to return—with her expenses paid and a stipend included.

It is a warm and encouraging story about courage, growth, service, and the remarkable things that can happen when we say yes to an opportunity.

Fair week provides the perfect setting for a tale involving horses, an ATV, a manure spreader, and one very important lever.

While cleaning River’s extended paddock, Ted forgets to disengage the spreader before loading it again. By the time his helper spots the problem, an entire load has been chopped and redistributed across the freshly cleaned ground—and River’s favorite resting place.

What begins as a smelly mistake becomes a humorous lesson about setbacks, repeated work, and perseverance.

Sometimes faithfulness means picking up the rake, correcting our mistakes, and beginning again—while remembering to check the lever next time around.

A late-night engine roar and a heavy thump become evidence of a deer killed outside Ted’s home—and possibly an orphaned fawn.

What follows is a restrained but pointed Morning Brew about speeding, responsibility, and respect for wildlife. Ted considers unavoidable (and avoidable) accidents, reckless choices, drivers who leave others to handle the consequences, and the risks faced by everyone sharing North Idaho’s roads.

With humor, frustration, a memorable scoop shovel, and a touch of Scripture, he asks drivers to slow down, pay attention, report collisions, and remember that authority over creation carries a duty to exercise compassion and good judgment daily.

What do you do when life suddenly turns upside down? Where do you turn when you're overwhelmed, uncertain, or simply don't know what to do next?

In this heartfelt conversation, I sit down with Lacey, Director and Advocate of Boundary County Victim Services, to discuss the many ways her organization comes alongside individuals and families during some of life's most difficult moments.

We talk about the services they provide, why so many people hesitate to ask for help, and why reaching out is often the first step toward healing.

You'll also discover the heart behind the organization. Lacey's compassion and dedication shine throughout our conversation, reminding us that there are people in our own community who quietly devote themselves to helping others every single day.

Whether you or someone you know could use a helping hand—or whether you're looking for a meaningful way to serve others—I think you'll come away encouraged by this conversation.

Because here in Boundary County, hope often begins with one simple step: asking for help.

Ted shares a meeting with some friends at a local coffee shop.

There was lots of friendly banter about chores, projects, and honey-do-lists. Terry bragged how he has none of these obligations. Ted explains why this is the case.

And a donut that mysteriously disappeared!

And one of the guys revealed how he and his granddaughter were kicked out of the pool. That got everyone's attention!

An upcoming kayak trip was discussed and concerns were raised about the successful return of one particular person.

And a controversy emerged about what is and isn't a truck.

No world problems were solved. No major issues were even discussed. And while there was no Iron Sharpening Iron, relationships were deepened through this typical hour at the coffee shop.

One unexpected phone call interrupted Ted's morning coffee with the guys and launched him into a household mystery that would soon become known as "The Case of the Exploding Ink Pen."

Armed with only a damaged four-color Bic pen and a silent point toward the laundry room, he slowly pieced together the evidence surrounding a washing machine, a favorite notebook, and a dryer covered in colorful ink.

Fortunately, the damage wasn't nearly as bad as first feared, but the story turned into a humorous reminder that even our everyday mishaps can become some of life's best memories—especially if they leave us with a good story to tell.