Pull up a chair by the fire with Aunt Cathie. We talk youth sports (heat acclimation, concussions, and baseline tests), small‑town family life, empty‑nest advice, finding love that lasts, and three simple ways to be happier. There’s laughter, real talk, and a couple sips of Esther’s Banana Rum Liqueur from Cussewago Creek Distillery along the way.

Support the show
🔥 Buy a Log (Ko‑fi): https://ko-fi.com/meanderin_mitch
🗞️ Substack (bonus episodes): https://campfireconvos.substack.com
🎧 Everything in one place (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/CampfireConvos
🤝 Patreon: https://patreon.com/meanderin_mitch
📩 Email: mailto:[email protected]
📝 Be a guest / sponsor us: https://forms.gle/U9aXSoKrJ2Rm2y4r9

Shoutouts & gear mentioned
• Cussewago Creek Distillery (Esther’s Banana Rum Liqueur): https://www.facebook.com/CussewagoCreekDistillery
• Solo Stove: https://solostove.com
• CLIQ Chair (Classic 2.0): https://cliqproducts.com
• Brew Bank – Ridgway, PA (Andy Shandy): local favorite mentioned in‑episode

What you’ll hear
– Family, legacy, and growing beyond “the baseball kid”
– Heat acclimation, concussion tests, and why some kids hide injuries
– How to keep your identity (and joy) when the nest is empty
– Finding the right partner (for teens and 30‑somethings)
– Three simple rules for more happiness

Thanks to Muskie and Sam for “buying a log” and keeping the fire going. Want your name on the show? Use the Ko‑fi link above!

Welcome back to another episode of Campfire Convos! This week, I’m sitting down with my Uncle Bruce for an episode packed with real talk about family, sports, parenting, education, and the importance of figuring life out as you go. We’re enjoying some Luna beer from Coal Run Craft & Sirianni Pizzeria, and sampling some killer spirits from Cussewago Creek Distillery, all while hanging around the Solo Stove Ranger and kicking back in some Cliq Chairs.

As always, if you want to support the show, check out the Buy Me a Log link below—your name gets shouted out and you help keep the fire burning! 🔥

🔥 Support the Podcast:
Buy Me a Log – Get your name shouted out and help keep the fire burning!
Meander More Outdoor Community (FB Group)

🎙️ Listen to Campfire Convos everywhere:

• Spotify

• Apple Podcasts

• Google Podcasts

• YouTube (Subscribe!)

🪑 Featured Gear:

• Cliq Chair 2.0 (Affiliate Link) ← update with your actual affiliate link

• Solo Stove Ranger (Affiliate Link)

• TrailKeg Mini

• Firewood on the Fire – Support the show!

🍻 Beer & Spirits:

• Coal Run Craft & Sirianni Pizzeria (Indiana, PA): Facebook Page

• Cussewago Creek Distillery (Ridgeway, PA): Facebook Page

Socials:

• Instagram @Meanderin_Mitch

• Facebook: Meander More Outdoor Community

• Patreon (Get behind the scenes!)

• Substack

THANK YOU to everyone who has supported the show, bought a log, or just listened! If you got value from this episode, share it with a friend who’d appreciate a real campfire conversation. See you next time!

Chapters

00:00:00 Intro, Sponsors, and Setting the Scene

00:01:19 Growing Up Outdoors: Fishing, Hunting, and Family Stories

00:08:02 Cigar Talk, Beer, and Why Camping Matters

00:09:03 How I Got Into Camping & The Meander More Story

00:16:39 Offense, “Victim” Culture, and Buy Me a Log Shoutouts

00:18:48 Education System: “Soft Society,” Participation Trophies & Teaching Today

00:28:34 Police Stories, Safety, and Real-World Perspectives

00:46:57 Family, Raising Kids, and What Actually Matters

01:05:49 Uncle Bruce’s Biggest Accomplishments & Challenges

01:14:27 How I Became Meanderin’ Mitch & Navigating Life’s Challenges

01:17:38 Outro, Bourbon, and Final Thoughts

Welcome back to Campfire Convos! This is Part Two of our deep-dive conversation with my high school best friend Bryce. We get real about friendship, regrets (or lack of them), supporting each other through life’s ups and downs, and what it actually takes to be a good friend.

We’re still sweating it out around the Solo Stove (shoutout to Taylor, John, and Noel for the firewood!), sipping on Andy Shandygaff from Brew Bank in Ridgeway, PA, sitting in our favorite Cliq Chairs, and ending with a classic whiskey toast.

Want to support the show?
🔥 Buy us a log on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/meanderin_mitch
🤝 Join the Patreon for early access, bonus content & more: https://patreon.com/meanderin_mitch
🎧 Listen to the podcast everywhere via Linktree: https://linktr.ee/CampfireConvos

Podcast Applications / Sponsorship / Questions:
📬 Email: [email protected]
📋 Apply to be a guest: https://forms.gle/U9aXSoKrJ2Rm2y4r9

Follow Meanderin’ Mitch & Campfire Convos:
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meanderin_mitch/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meanderin_mitch
• Lemon8: https://www.lemon8-app.com/meanderin_mitch
• Media Business IG: https://www.instagram.com/highfrequency_media/
• Podcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@campfireconvos

Gear from the Episode:
• Cliq Chair (discount code MEANDERIN_MITCH for 10% off): https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-101445030-13868159
• Solo Stove: [Add your affiliate link if you have one!]

In this episode:
– Friendship that goes way deeper than “just checking in”
– Honest talk about regrets, support, and showing up
– Why real friends matter as we get older
– What to do when friendships get one-sided
– Building a support system and being “that” friend
– Real life advice for keeping connections strong
– The real Campfire Toast to end the night

👉 Bonus episodes and deeper conversations are now on Substack! If you want to hear our vulnerable takes on mental health and life, check it out there.

Drop your favorite memory with your best friend in the comments!
Thank you for being here, and as always—Meander More.

00:00 – Campfire Kickoff & Beers
04:30 – Friendship, Regrets & Getting Real
13:09 – Showing Up, Support, & Honest Conversations
22:55 – Boundaries, Energy & One-Sided Friendships
30:17 – Pursuing Passions & Taking Risks
36:00 – Advice on Friendship & Self-Reflection
48:33 – Whiskey Toast, Reflections & Outro

Chapters

Welcome back to Campfire Convos! In this special two-part episode, I sit down with my high school best friend, Bryce, for an unfiltered night around the fire. We talk small-town adventures, the magic of western PA, wild family stories, local beers, and the power of friendship after 15+ years.

We’re posted up around the Solo Stove, chilling in some Cliq Chairs (Classic 2.0), sipping on Andy Shandygaff from Brew Bank in Ridgeway, PA, and toasting with Elijah Craig Small Batch at the end. It’s a real “summer night with your oldest buddy” vibe, and you don’t want to miss it!

Want to support the show?
🔥 Buy us a log on Ko-fi
🤝 Join the Patreon for early access & more
🎧 Listen everywhere & get all podcast links

Want to be on the podcast or sponsor an episode?
📧 Email: [email protected]
📝 Apply here

Follow Meanderin’ Mitch & Campfire Convos:
• Instagram (Camping/Adventuring)
• TikTok (Camping)
• Lemon8
• Media Creation IG
• Podcast TikTok

Gear we’re using:
• Cliq Chair (use code MEANDERIN_MITCH for 10% off!)

This episode:
– Small-town living & secret local gems
– Wildest growing up stories (airsoft, sledding, pranks, & more)
– High school sports memories and “almost getting in trouble”
– Friendships that last the test of time
– Celebrating PA local businesses & beer
– Life in your 30s: finding time, adulting, and staying connected

Drop your favorite memory with your high school friends in the comments!
Thanks for hanging out around the fire. Come back for Part 2—where we dive even deeper into life, lessons, and brotherhood.

Chapters

00:00 – Campfire Kickoff & Best Friend Reunion
06:13 – Small Towns, Local Businesses & Western PA Life
11:54 – Summer, Camping, and Surviving the Heat
18:10 – Stories from Childhood, Siblings, & Mischief
28:53 – High School Football, Pranks & Sports Memories
38:00 – Why PA Hits Different & What We’ve Learned
45:23 – Toast & Outro (Part 2 Coming Soon!)

Welcome back to Campfire Convos! This episode is extra special: I’m joined by my dad for an evening around the fire. We talk about father-son adventures, life lessons learned the hard way, and the moments that stick with us through the years.

We’re posted up around the Muska Smokeless Fire Pit, sitting on some Adirondack chairs, sippin' whiskey, and diving into stories from childhood to adulthood.

Want to support the show?
🔥 Buy us a log on Ko-fi
🤝 Join the Patreon for early access and more
🎧 Listen to the podcast everywhere via Linktree

Want to inquire about being on the show?
📧 Email us here: [email protected]
📝 Apply to be a guest (Google Form)

Follow Meanderin’ Mitch & Campfire Convos:
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Lemon8
• Media Business IG
• Podcast TikTok

In this episode:
– Father-son stories you’ll want to hear
– Lessons passed down (and a few learned the hard way)
– The value of getting outdoors and making memories
– Why it’s never too late to try something new
– Reflections, gratitude, and a campfire toast

Drop your favorite memory with your dad in the comments!
Thanks for joining us around the fire. Until next time—Meander More.

Chapters:
00:00 – Campfire Kickoff & Introductions
05:42 – Early Adventures & Family Memories
17:10 – Hard Lessons & Outdoor Mishaps
29:31 – Growing Up, Adulting & Fatherly Advice
41:15 – Why Getting Outside Matters
48:33 – Reflections, Gratitude & Final Toast

Welcome back to Campfire Convos! This episode is extra special—Carla joins the campfire for her birthday, and we’re diving deep into what it means to find balance, chase dreams, and trust the journey (even when it looks nothing like what you imagined).

We’re posted up around the Ozark Trails Smokeless Fire Pit, sitting on Cliq Chairs: https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-101445030-13868159 (use code MEANDERIN_MITCH for 10% off), sipping S’morgasm whiskey, and trying our very first beer sponsor: the Brew Bank from Ridgway, PA! Show them some love if you can.

Want to support the show?
🔥 Buy us a log on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/meanderin_mitch
🤝 Join the Patreon for early access and more: https://patreon.com/meanderin_mitch
🎧 Listen to the podcast everywhere via Linktree: https://linktr.ee/CampfireConvos

Follow Meanderin’ Mitch & Campfire Convos:
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meanderin_mitch/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meanderin_mitch
• Lemon8: https://www.lemon8-app.com/meanderin_mitch
• Media Business IG: https://www.instagram.com/highfrequency_media/
• Podcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@campfireconvos

In this episode:
– Carla gets real about turning 35 and embracing where she is (and isn’t)
– We dig into societal pressures, personal growth, and finding your own version of balance
– Honest talk on dreams, roots, and why we need both
– Our advice to our 16-year-old selves
– A whole lot of gratitude, reflection, and a birthday toast

If you enjoyed the episode, drop a Happy Birthday, Carla in the comments!
Thanks for hanging out with us around the fire. Until next time—Meander More.

Chapters
00:00 – Birthday Kickoff, Sponsors & Cheers
03:02 – Conflicting Emotions & Turning 35
12:04 – Roots, Wings & What Society Expects
26:55 – Balance, Dreaming & Growing Up
44:08 – Advice to Our Younger Selves
51:16 – Reflection, Gratitude & Toast

🔥 Welcome to Season 2 of Campfire Convos! 🔥We’re back and kicking things off with my college roommate Casey—real talk, wild stories, and honest conversation around the campfire. From hilarious college memories and deep dives into anxiety and mental health, to music, adulting, breakups, and why every friendship deserves a toast…this episode has it all. We’re not holding back—this is real, raw, and full of good vibes (plus plenty of whiskey and cigars). Whether you’re into stories, self-growth, or just want to laugh with us, you’re in the right place!

Hit Subscribe for more unfiltered convos, new guests, and a season packed with real moments.

Drop a comment with your favorite college story, and let us know what topics you want next!

Campfire Convos is about life, connection, and keeping it 100% real. Want to support the show?

🔥 Buy us a log - https://ko-fi.com/meanderin_mitch 🥃

Got a favorite whiskey or cigar brand? Drop it in the comments!

👕 Campfire Convos & Meander More glassware coming soon!

Sitting around a Solo Stove | Kicking back on Cliq Chairs 2.0 | Sipping Labatt Blue & Buffalo Trace | Good stories, good people, good times.

If you plan on buying anything in this video, use these links to support the channel!

Solo Stove

Cliq Chair

Chapters:

00:00 – Reunion & Campfire Kickoff

06:00 – Food, Drinks & College Stories

18:00 – Anxiety, Adulting, & Mental Health

30:00 – Friendship, Growth & Real Talk

48:00 – College, Baseball, & Life Lessons

54:00 – Gratitude, Bro Time, & Final Toast

In the final episode of season one we go over all the thing we like, dislike, were surprised about, and what things may look like going forward! We add a few quick stories and some honest thoughts about how things may change.In the final episode of Campfire Convos Season 1, I take a moment to look back on the highlights, challenges, and surprises that came from starting this podcast in a simple, unscripted, fireside format. From memorable chats about mindset and faith, to the incredible outpouring of support, it’s been quite a journey. I also share why I chose to stop at Episode 11, what you can expect in the next season, and how you can help shape future conversations.

I appreciate everyone who’s watched, listened, and shared feedback this season.

Like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated for Season 2 – set to premiere on May 21, 2025 at 7 PM (EST)!

Chapters:

00:00:00 – 00:01:18 | Introduction & Season Finale Setup

00:01:18 – 00:02:29 | What I Enjoyed About Season One

00:02:29 – 00:05:21 | Challenges & Future Changes

00:05:21 – 00:07:31 | Surprising Level of Support

00:07:31 – 00:10:59 | Evolving from Gear Reviews to Stories

00:10:59 – 00:14:12 | Memorable Conversations & Recurring Themes

00:14:12 – 00:20:55 | Unscripted Format & Authenticity

00:20:55 – 00:33:05 | Why End at Episode 11?

00:33:05 – 00:39:20 | New Schedule & Season Two Plans

00:39:20 – 00:41:33 | Final Toast & Sign-Off

To celebrate the 10th episode of Campfire Convos, Meanderin’ Mitch takes a solo seat around the fire—literally. Kicked back in the Cliq Chair and posted up next to the Solo Stove Ranger, he dives into stories and reflections sparked by five thoughtful questions. From skunk-filled childhood memories to must-have gear and a life-changing camping trip, this episode is all about connection, community, and finding peace in the great outdoors.

Just you, Mitch, and the crackle of the fire.

In this episode of Campfire Convos, I sit down with Stan—who traveled all the way from Texas—to chat about everything from last-minute flight drama to cruising across the country in a 1985 Volkswagen Vanagon. We share our takes on plane vs. car safety, the thrill (and dangers) of motorcycles, and how faith and a strong church community can help us navigate life’s toughest moments. Grab some coffee (hot or cold!), cozy up by the fire, and join us for a laid-back conversation on finding purpose, embracing new friendships, and remembering that everything happens for a reason.Highlights• Stan’s near-miss at the airport• Epic 1,100-mile van road trip after minimal test drives• Why motorcycles can be both exhilarating and risky• How faith and community support kept us grounded in hard times• Closing thoughts on living with purpose and an optimistic toastIf you enjoyed this episode, like, comment, and subscribe to Campfire Convos for more outdoor chats, real-life stories, and honest reflections!Chapters with Time Codes00:00:00 – Intro & Sponsor Shout-OutStan arrives from Texas; hoping for local coffee sponsorships.00:00:24 – Cold Coffee & Building the FireWhy our coffee’s already cold and the struggle of getting the solo stove going.00:01:00 – Stan’s Rush Through TSAHow he had only seven minutes to board his flight on time.00:02:14 – Planes vs. Cars: Safety & ControlDiscussing statistics on crashes, comfort levels, and fear of flying.00:04:09 – Epic Road Trip in an ‘85 VolkswagenStan’s 1,100-mile journey each way in a newly restored Vanagon.00:07:16 – Going Solo or Group TravelBalancing fun, speed, and scenic routes whether traveling alone or with friends.00:08:01 – Motorcycle Thrills & DangersHypothetical top speeds, self-control, and the harsh realities of riding on two wheels.00:11:19 – Big Bend National Park & Creative CommunityStan’s plans to meet fellow creatives and collaborate in a national park setting.00:13:17 – Church, Faith & Finding SupportWhy surrounding yourself with a community can strengthen spiritual growth.00:15:48 – Struggling with Faith & Returning to GodReflecting on rebellious phases, stepping away, and rediscovering a sense of purpose.00:18:07 – Everything Happens for a ReasonLinking faith to life’s big lessons, breakups, and career shifts.00:36:35 – The Final Toast & Sign-OffRaising cold coffee cups, final reflections, and bracing against the chill.Thanks for watching Campfire Convos! If this chat resonated with you, please remember to like, comment, and subscribe to stay tuned for more fireside talks and adventures.