In Episode 44 of Downright Mindful, Paul asks me a big question: "What topics should every high school student be able to discuss?"

My answer takes us through the story of America—from the Revolutionary War to COVID-19, touching on:

• The Civil War and its lasting impact
  

• World War I & World War II
  

• Vietnam and the culture shifts of the era
  

• The Civil Rights Movement
  

• 9/11 and the war on terror
  

• How religion and technology have shaped our nation
  

We didn’t finish the conversation—so this is Part 1 of a continuing discussion.

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In Episode 43 of Downright Mindful, Paul kicks things off by sharing highlights from his recent father-son road trip, golfing their way across Canada.

From there, we dive into a Joe Rogan episode featuring James Talarico that sparks a bigger question: Can we still talk to each other when we disagree?

We explore what it means to have real dialogue in a divided world, navigate differing stances with curiosity instead of outrage, and even take on some of the hardest topics—like abortion—with honesty and respect.

This episode blends lighthearted storytelling, thoughtful reflection, and an open invitation to listen first and speak second.

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In Episode 42 of Downright Mindful, I sit down with Derrick Frazier—former Tennessee State Trooper, Sheriff's Deputy, and now Criminal Justice teacher at Hardin County High School. We met at Hermitage Park after a long day of training with the Tennessee Highway Patrol at the Department of Safety Training Center in Donelson, TN.

Derrick shares his journey through law enforcement, his passion for drone photography, and how that evolved into his successful outdoor adventure YouTube channel, Trinity Trail Riders. We talk off-roading, side-by-sides, camping, video editing, and education—all in 34 minutes of real conversation.

📍 Shot on location at Hermitage Park...Donalson, TN

📷CheckoutDerrick’s

adventures:YouTube.com/@TrinityTrailRiders

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In Episode 41 of Downright Mindful, Matt and Paul go from basketball courts to real-world burdens.

We kick things off with a snake draft of our all-time NBA starting five, followed by our picks for MLB’s greatest 9 and NFL all-time squads. It's fun, opinionated, and personal.

But then, Paul turns the conversation toward mental wellness and trauma, introducing the TIPP method (Temperature, Intense exercise, Paced breathing, and Paired muscle relaxation), and asking Matt about the weight of police work, training, and the emotional toll.

The episode ends with a simple but profound question—one that challenges us to look at difficult situations from a different angle, inspired by Malcolm Gladwell’s Revisionist History.

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

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In Episode 40 of Downright Mindful, Matt and Paul are back in the studio and catching up.

From Paul’s family reunion and Lucy the dog’s run-in with dark chocolate, to the story of Jackie Mitchell striking out Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, to moments in American history that happened on July 13th, we cover a lot.

Along the way, we wander into conversations about culture, current events, and why it’s worth pausing to talk about the world we’re living in, even when it’s messy.

It’s one of those episodes where we’re just living life, thinking out loud, and inviting you to do the same.

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In Episode 39 of Downright Mindful, Matt flies solo while Paul is out of town, taking time for a mid-year reflection on where we’ve been, where we’re going, and the unseen ways grief, faith, and memory shape the path forward.

Matt shares a deeply personal story tied to the hymn It Is Well with My Soul, weaving in the loss of his niece, Addison, and the journey of his family through grief, anger, and the slow return to hope. It’s a reminder that some songs aren’t just sung—they live in your bones, carrying you when life feels too heavy to walk on your own.

This episode invites you to pause, reflect on the past six months, and consider how you can carry that vision into the months ahead, even in the middle of sorrow and uncertainty.

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. 📺 Watch and subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@downrightmindful

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In Episode 38 of Downright Mindful, we sit down with Ben Berry, owner of Berry Engineers in Cleveland, TN, inside the historic Fillauer House—now home to his business and a fitting place for a conversation about what makes a community thrive.

Ben grew up here, and as an engineer and business owner, he’s spent years watching how people and places shape each other—from how we build our neighborhoods to the traffic patterns that reveal how we live. What starts as a conversation about Cleveland’s past and present grows into a discussion on human behavior, community health, and why where you live matters more than you think.

Ben brings a practical, thoughtful perspective that will leave you seeing your hometown—and your own habits—a little differently.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

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In Episode 37 of Downright Mindful, we sit down with Braden Davis—an online entrepreneur, former high school athlete, and digital marketing powerhouse. At just 23 years old, Braden has built multiple faceless social media accounts totaling over 1.2 million followers, grown a career in dropshipping and affiliate marketing, and cultivated a mindset of wisdom, faith, and humility.

We explore how he started, what drives him, and how anxiety and first impressions have shaped his personal growth. Paul asks what it means to build community when you’re behind the screen, and Matt digs into how Braden balances bold risk-taking with a grounded foundation in faith.

If you’re interested in online business, building an audience, or walking by faith, this is one you don’t want to miss.

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Episode 36...In this episode, we sit down with Adam Ferguson, principal of Oak Grove Elementary School—and former frontman of more than one Christian rock band.

The conversation begins with stories from Adam’s youth: life on stage, music with a mission, and the tug of purpose that eventually led him into the classroom. We follow his path from student to teacher to school leader, stopping along the way for moments of reflection, wisdom, and a few laughs.

Adam opens up about leadership, identity, and how to balance calling with community. This one is full of heart—and just might surprise you.

🎙️ Recorded in Cleveland, TN 📍

Now streaming on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts

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Episode 35...In this episode, we sit down on the campus of Lee University with Dr. Bill Estes…a respected educator, community leader, and member of the Cleveland City Council. From stories about his personal life to reflections on local government, education reform, and the future of our city, Dr. Estes brings both wisdom and warmth to the table.

Paul and Matt ask about the lessons he’s learned through decades in education, how he views leadership in the public square, and what it means to shape a city from the inside out. Whether you're a student, a teacher, or someone who just wants to understand your community better—this one’s for you.

🎙️ Recorded in the heart of Cleveland, TN 📍 Now streaming on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts

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