Doug's Front Porch

In this episode I get to interview college friend and fellow educator, John Striffler. We discuss growing up on Staten Island, his love of theater, and his career in education. He tells us about his year abroad in Germany and how that international experience shaped his future. Recently, John took a job as an assistant principal at the Seoul Foreign School in Seoul, South Korea. We discuss that and what it is like to move your family halfway across the globe. 

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In this episode I get to interview my second cousin, Phil Wert. We discuss his years abroad in England, studying archeology, and the important role that local government plays in our lives. 

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In this bonus episode, I talk briefly about recently celebrating my 40th birthday and how COVID-19 played a part in how I thought about turning another year older. 

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In this episode I get to interview former student and now friend, Jessica VanGorder King. We discuss growing up as the middle child, why studying history is important, and her career in museum studies. 

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In this episode I get to interview my friend and fellow Pennsylvania Dutchman, Terry Berger. We discuss his career in the mental health field, his Moravian faith, his love of cooking on a wood fired stove, and his passion of preparing and passing on traditional Pennsylvania Dutch recipes. 

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In this episode I get to interview a dear friend from high school, Monica Stout. We talk about moving schools as a child, her many different jobs (none of which I really understand what she did or currently does), and her unorthodox wedding.

To learn more about the Department of Veterans Affairs check out: https://www.va.gov/

To learn more about the band Guster check out their website: https://www.guster.com/ 

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In this episode I sit down with three of my current high school seniors, Briana Bottorf, Olivia Hanna, and Lydia Wockenfuss. We discuss what the members of the Class of 2020 are going through both physically and emotionally. We discuss the loss of their senior ball, the loss of a traditional graduation ceremony, the power of friendships, and their future plans. Hopefully after listening to the episode, you will join me in knowing that this group of students will be just fine and will make a solid impact on our society in the future.  

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In mid-April of this year, I lost my grandmother, Alma Madenford. Due to the restrictions in place because of the COVID-19 pandemic, our family was not able to mourn like we are accustomed to doing. Because of that, I present this bonus episode. In it I deliver a eulogy for my grandmother. I was denied this opportunity due to the lack of a normal funeral ceremony so I am taking advantage of this platform to share with all of you just how great of a person she was and to celebrate her long life. 

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In this episode I get to interview friend and colleague, Lisa Harvey. Lisa is the Special Education coordinator for the school district in which I work. We discuss the role of Special Ed and also the challenges that all parties face. We also talk about her family's very personal battle with COVID-19. This conversation really has some moments where you can't believe what you are hearing. Enjoy the show! 

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In this episode I get to interview a life-long friend, Dustin Shirk. I've known Dustin since Kindergarten and we've been close ever since. We get to get talk about his relationship with his brother, his journey to becoming a music teacher, and his love of both jazz and  running. I felt there was no better person to get the inaugural interview. Enjoy the show!  

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