Several years ago, a man had an idea for a podcast, one centered around telling stories. He convinced his co-worker Joe Wilson, whose stories inspired the idea, to start that podcast with him. And with that, Cookin' Up a Story was born. Aaron guided the show for over 100 episodes, serving as the producer, but then events forced him to step away. On today's episode, though, he rejoins the crew, this time as the guest, to discuss the value of friendship, stories, and building communities. Give it a listen. It's a good one. 

Part of sitting around the campfire is asking questions. That also means those questions need to be answered, and we're here to do just that in this episode. It also means there's a chance for those conversations to get a little deeper, for men to be able to share that being stoic sometimes requires getting some things off our chests. In this episode, we do just that and encourage you to do the same. Naturally, this also means that Joe is calling people to action with his latest initiative. Tune in to find out how you can help. 

Give it a listen, give it a like, give it a share, and give it a review. And don't forget to let us know what time, treasure, or talent you might have to offer Cookin' Up a Story. 

In this episode, we're answering another round of your questions. From discussions on cooking to crime to firearms and more, we dig into providing you some value in return for the value you provided by asking the questions. As always, though, feel free to hit us up if you have more value to provide. Value for value is integral to the show because it means we're beholden to no one but ourselves and the listeners, which means we can keep shooting straight with y'all with no one pulling our strings. Give it a listen, give it a like, give it a share, and give it a review. Link in comments. 

In this episode, Mike Elam continues his story of diving into the legend of Buford Pusser and why many of the legends around the man don't add up. There's also a discussion of socks, shopping, and shrinkage. Check it out. It's a good one. 

Buford Pusser, the sheriff the 1973 Movie "Walking Tall" was based on, inspired countless men to pursue careers in law enforcement. Known for being a no-nonsense man with an unbreakable moral code, legend has it that he cleaned up McNairy County, Tennessee, freeing it from the grips of criminal enterprises. What if the legends are false, though? Bentonville native Mike Elam long looked up to Buford, but when he started researching the man he so admired, he discovered that the truth didn't match up with the legend. Listen to him discuss his research and findings with the crew in an episode you don't want to miss. 

On this episode, we continue our conversation with Ralph Bartley on all things canine, K9, and friendship. Hear the story about his favorite rescue, why your mood affects your dogs' mood, and about how his buddy Adam came to his rescue during the darkest day of his life. 

For Ralph Bartley, growing up in Mulberry, Kansas wasn't quite like growing up in Mayberry, though he did end up becoming mayor and police chief of the small town. From there, he ended up in Northwest Arkansas where he became a detective with the Bentonville Police Department along with the help of his K9 partner, Kilo. Listen to Ralph tell his story and how he ended up working with one of the best dogs ever on this episode. You don't want to miss it. 

*The views expressed are those of Ralph Bartley and do not reflect those of his employer.*

Who are our dream guests? Where would we go if money were no object? What's really at Area 51? Would we rather fight fifty normal-sized ducks or one human-sized duck? Find out the answer to some of these questions, and more, on this edition. It's one you don't want to miss. 

You've got questions for the crew and we've got answer. Listen to the latest edition to hear us discuss the topics you the listeners asked about, plus meander down a few rabbit holes. And as always, when you get value from your listen, don't hesitate to reach out to find out how you can offer us a little value in return, from funds to brown water to guests. 

After getting out of prison, Brentt Tumey went to work, but that work wasn't his true calling. Instead, he discovered that his vocation enabled him to truly follow his passion and work to help kids overcome abuse to hopefully find some peace and have a shot at good lives. Initially working with CASA, he ended up founding his own organization, SCARS, to do everything he can to help kids avoid the fate of so many he encountered during his stints in the cell. 

Listen to Brentt discuss the horrors that occur today and what we the people can do to help prevent them, as well as what we can do to help those who suffer abuse heal.