Grounded in Granite

On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber sits down with New Hampshire hypnotist Paul Ramsay inside Brothers' Cortado coffee shop in Concord, N.H., to explore the captivating world of hypnotism.

Many may be surprised to learn that the National Guild of Hypnotists, which is the world's oldest and largest professional organization dedicated to the work of hypnotists, is headquartered in Merrimack, N.H.

During their conversation, Ramsay shares his unexpected journey into hypnotism. After graduating from the University of New Hampshire and spending three years as a high school English teacher, he found himself burned out and searching for a new path. He eventually pursued training and certification in hypnotism and has spent years performing live hypnotism shows, particularly for college students, across the country.

He discusses the common misconceptions surrounding hypnotism, often fueled by movies and television, and how he aims to debunk these myths during his performances, helping audiences understand that hypnotism can be a powerful tool for relaxation and stress relief.

For more information on Ramsay's work, visit https://paulramsay.com/

**Don't forget to subscribe to the Grounded in Granite YouTube channel so you don't miss the next conversation. You can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio and Amazon Music. Be sure to follow Grounded in Granite on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for behind-the-scenes photos and more.

EPISODE CHAPTERS:

00:00 -- Meet Hypnotist Paul Ramsay

01:50 -- How Ramsay Became a Hypnotist

07:18 -- Turning Hypnosis Into a Career

10:00 -- What Happens in a Hypnosis Show

15:22 -- When He Knows It’s Working and Not Fake

21:25 -- Favorite Routines and Creative Transformations

23:52 -- The Dessert Table Debacle — and a Safety Lesson

28:30 -- Clinical Hypnosis and Helping People

34:40 -- Fear, Skepticism, and Informed Consent

39:19 -- Building a Life as a Hypnotist

44:25 -- Closing Thoughts and Where to Find Ramsay

On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber travels to Lincoln, N.H., to explore Loon Mountain's Gondola Skyride during the foliage season with Steve Howell, the manager of lift maintenance who shares the fascinating history and upkeep of this iconic ride in the heart of the White Mountains.

Billed as the longest gondola ride in New Hampshire, the Gondola Skyride has been a staple since 1966 and has seen numerous changes and upgrades over the decades with plans in the works for larger cabins to carry more passengers in the future.

Howell recalls his journey at Loon, which began in 1992 as a lift operator, and explains how riding the gondola isn't just about getting from point A to point B; it's an experience shaped by the seasons and stunning views.

For more information on the Gondola Skyride, visit https://www.loonmtn.com/

EPISODE CHAPTERS:

0:00 — Introduction to Loon Mountain and Gondola Skyride

02:14 — From the Original Lift to Today’s Gondola

04:54 — Experience of Riding the Gondola

06:54 — Maintenance Challenges and Operations

08:52 — Weather Impact on Operations

13:45 — Future Plans for the Gondola with 10-Passenger Cabins

15:23 — Historical Significance of Gondolas in New Hampshire

19:27 — How the Original Summer Gondola Took Shape

20:55 — Inside the Gondola Barn

21:13 — Closing Thoughts

On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber travels to Stone Mountain Farm in Belmont, N.H., to sit down with Joe Rolfe, who isn't just the owner of this charming farm, but he's also the heart and soul behind its transformation into a thriving apple orchard.

Joe grew up on the farm, which his parents bought in 1963, but when they considered selling it for potential development as they got older, he and his wife, Cindy, made the bold decision to purchase the farm and plant an apple orchard despite knowing nothing about growing apples.

Thirteen years later, the orchard spans eight acres and uses a high-density farming method that's part of a vertical farming approach that's unlike traditional farming.

During their conversation inside the barn where he once played as a child, Joe shares his journey from a nostalgic family legacy to a flourishing apple orchard.

For more information on Stone Mountain Farm, visit https://www.stonemtnfarm.com/**Don't forget to subscribe to the Grounded in Granite YouTube channel so you don't miss the next conversation. You can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio and Amazon Music. Be sure to follow Grounded in Granite on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for behind-the-scenes photos and more.

EPISODE CHAPTERS:

00:00 — Introduction to Stone Mountain Farm

02:07 — Roots of the Farm and Orchard Planting

06:04 — Vertical Growing and Sunlight

07:16 — High-Density Yields and Efficiency

09:31 — The Rambo Apple Story

12:12 — From Pumpkin Patch to Farm Stand

14:54 — The Cost of Fire Blight

21:57 — Capital Costs and Reinvesting

24:09 — Pick-Your-Own vs. Wholesale

27:57 — Small-Team Harvesting Workflow

29:38 — Candy Crisp and the First Frost

On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber steps aboard the Gundalow -- a replica of an 1800s sailing river barge in Portsmouth, N.H. that's become a floating classroom and offers a one-of-a-kind passenger sailing experience that captures the essence of New Hampshire’s coastal heritage.

Andy Goodell, the Gundalow's operations manager, shares fascinating insights about this unique vessel that was historically used by farmers to transport goods.

Today, the river barge operated by the nonprofit Gundalow Company provides students with hands-on learning about maritime skills, navigation, and marine life and gives locals and tourists a chance to soak in the sights and sounds of the Piscataqua River.

For more information on the Gundalow, visit www.gundalow.org.

**Don't forget to subscribe to the Grounded in Granite YouTube channel so you don't miss the next conversation. You can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio and Amazon Music. Be sure to follow Grounded in Granite on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for behind-the-scenes photos and more.

EPISODE CHAPTERS:

00:00 — Introduction to the Gundalow Experience

01:52 — The History and Design of the Gundalow

02:24 — Educational Programs and Community Engagement

03:40 — Navigating the Piscataqua River

05:17 — Building the Piscataqua with Volunteers

07:27 — Historic Accuracy and Modern Safety

09:40 — The Sailing Season

10:22 — Bringing Inland Students to the Water

11:55 — Tourism and Unique Experiences

13:28 — Andy's Path to the Gundalow

15:36 — Challenges of Operating a Historical Vessel

17:52 — Weather Considerations and Safety Measures

19:26 — What to Expect on the River

21:31 — The Joy of Sharing Maritime Heritage

23:06 — Portsmouth's Maritime Heritage

24:11 — Getting Ready to Sail

25:57 — Conclusion and Future Events

On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber gets a look at the magic behind the world of giant pumpkin growing with Steve Geddes, who holds the New Hampshire record for the largest pumpkin ever grown at over 2,500 pounds and has previously held world records.

From his pumpkin patch in Boscawen, N.H., where two massive pumpkins have been growing this season, Geddes shares his journey into giant pumpkins, which isn't just about planting seeds and waiting. He emphasizes the importance of having seeds from the right genetic line.

To achieve impressive results, Geddes practices meticulous gardening techniques, but he shares how the art of giant pumpkin growing is really a blend of skill, patience, and a bit of luck.

**Don't forget to subscribe to the Grounded in Granite YouTube channel so you don't miss the next conversation. You can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio and Amazon Music. Be sure to follow Grounded in Granite on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for behind-the-scenes photos and more.

EPISODE CHAPTERS:

00:00 — Introduction to Giant Pumpkin Growing

02:07 — The Journey of a Giant Pumpkin Grower

05:13 — The Impact of Climate and Environment on Growth

08:50 — Secrets to Successful Pumpkin Cultivation

13:25 — Record-Breaking Pumpkins and Their Stories

17:26 — The Future of Giant Pumpkin Growing

20:33 — The Quest for the 3,000-Pound Pumpkin

21:49 — The Value of Pumpkin Seeds

26:50 — Protecting Pumpkins from Nature’s Elements

29:46 — Challenges of Growing Giant Pumpkins

32:28 — The Art of Lifting and Transporting Pumpkins

35:13 — The Thrill of Growing Giants

37:11 — Community and Support in Pumpkin Growing

On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber heads to Nashua, N.H., to explore the world of craft spirits inside Stephen StillZ LLC, the only still manufacturer in New Hampshire, where owner Stephen Zajac shares his journey into the art of distillation.

He launched the business in 2014, making stills of all sizes for homes and distilleries, but interest in hobby distilling soared during the COVID-19 pandemic, turning what began as a small operation into a booming business.

The business is now shipping stills around the world amid growing interest in craft distilling and the community around it.

**Don't forget to subscribe to the Grounded in Granite YouTube channel so you don't miss the next conversation. You can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio and Amazon Music. Be sure to follow Grounded in Granite on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X for behind-the-scenes photos and more.

EPISODE CHAPTERS:

00:00 — Introduction to Stills Production

01:25 — The Journey of Stephen Stills LLC

05:15 — Manufacturing Process and Production Insights

07:35 — Understanding the Distillation Process

10:25 — Legal Landscape of Home Distilling

13:00 — Challenges and Growth in the Business

15:46 — Customer Service and Quality Control

19:19 — Future Prospects and Market Trends

22:23 — Seasonal Trends and Customer Demographics

25:18 — Final Thoughts and Responsible Distilling

In this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber travels to New Hampshire's mighty Mount Washington to explore the fascinating history and operation of the Mount Washington Cog Railway, the world's first mountain-climbing cog railway.Assistant General Manager and Trainmaster Andy Vilaine sits down to share the story of this one-of-a-kind ride that's been thrilling passengers from around the world since 1869 when it began making trips to the 6,288-foot summit. The Cog Railway is not just historic, it's a machine that was built to conquer the impossible. From the ingenious rack-and-cog system to the braking system that makes the climb safe, Vilaine breaks down the engineering that turned Sylvester Marsh’s idea into a New Hampshire icon. He also shares the dramatic origin story behind the railway, sparked by Marsh’s near-disastrous hike up Mount Washington and the vision that followed.For more information on the Cog Railway, visit www.thecog.com.

**Don't forget to subscribe to the Grounded in Granite YouTube channel so you don't miss the next conversation. You can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart radio and Amazon Music. Be sure to follow Grounded in Granite on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X for behind-the-scenes photos and more.EPISODE CHAPTERS:00:00 — Introduction to the Mount Washington Cog Railway00:16 — Meet Assistant General Manager and Trainmaster Andy Vilaine00:58 — How the Cog Railway Works01:52 — The Railway’s History and Origins04:39 — Sylvester Marsh’s Mountain Inspiration08:10 — Building the World’s First Cog Railway11:10 — Early Riders and White Mountains Tourism12:46 — What the Ride to the Summit Is Like14:11 — Jacob’s Ladder and Fear of Heights15:38 — High Winds and Record Cold18:55 — Safety Measures and Inspections20:27 — Passenger Capacity and Peak Season21:55 — Why Vilaine Loves the Railway23:38 — Historic Steam and the Original Engine25:33 — Unique Features of the Railway Experience27:39 — Visitors From Around the World29:09 — Winter Trips on Mount Washington31:06 — Keeping Winter Trains Running32:24 — Building Locomotives In-House33:56 — Planning a Trip and Closing Remarks

On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber joins New Hampshire ultrarunner Amanda Vicinanzo on a trail in Concord, N.H., where she shares her incredible journey of ultrarunning, how she built a 724-day running streak, and what it took to finish the Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Run 100 -- a grueling yet inspiring 100-mile race in Tahoe that she completed in 36 hours.

Some 40 miles into the race, when heat and altitude caught up with her, she struggled with vomiting, exhaustion, and hallucinations and nearly dropped out.

During the conversation, Vicinanzo talks about her training in New Hampshire and the mental reset that keeps her showing up day after day. She also shares the emotional side of the Tahoe race, including the motivation she drew from wanting her two sons to see their mom's perseverance in action.

Her motivation was deeply personal: she wrote “show them what’s possible” on her arm so she could remember why she was there for her sons.

**Don't forget to subscribe to the Grounded in Granite YouTube channel so you don't miss the next conversation. You can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart radio and Amazon Music. Be sure to follow Grounded in Granite on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X for behind-the-scenes photos and more.

EPISODE CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Introduction of Amanda Vicinanzo and the meaning of ultrarunning

01:18 - Building a 724-day run streak

02:11 - Why Tahoe Rim Trail was a bucket-list race

03:05 - East Coast versus West Coast trail challenges

04:02 - Altitude, heat, and pre-race adjustment

05:01 - White Lake prep and the 80-mile confidence boost

06:12 - Training in the White Mountains for Tahoe’s vert

07:03 - Race morning and the 5 a.m. start

08:09 - The opening climb to Snow Valley Peak

09:16 - Aid-station food and ultra fueling

10:28 - Pancakes, descent, and the next climb

12:41 - Hitting the wall at 40 miles

13:55 - Vomiting, no food, and the Diamond Peak climb

15:08 - Thinking the race might be over

16:14 - Choosing to keep going and not to give up

17:26 - Hallucinations, blisters, and the final push

18:31 - Realizing the course was longer than 100 miles

19:28 - Final sprint and seeing her kids at the finish

20:36 - Crossing the line and earning the gold buckle

21:45 - How running started for Amanda

22:48 - Rebuilding confidence through bigger races

24:01 - What she hopes her sons remember

26:18 - Recovery and keeping the streak alive

27:29 - One-mile minimums and sustainable consistency

28:35 - The New Hampshire ultra community

29:18 - Final takeaway: start imperfectly

Nestled in Sugar Hill, N.H., Harman's Cheese and Country Store is more than just a destination for cheese lovers, locals and visitors to New Hampshire's North Country; it's a family-run institution with a rich history that dates back to the 1920s.

In this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber sits down with Brenda Aldrich, a member of the family that has been running the store since 1981 and has continued the legacy of the Harmans.

Aldrich shares the fascinating history of how cheese was added to the country store in 1955 when a dairy farmer visited the country store with three tons of aged cheddar cheese that he needed to sell. John Harman seized the opportunity and his entrepreneurial spirit set the tone for the future of this little countryside store, which is now famous for its cheese and ships blocks across the country.

Harman's Cheese and Country Store is more than just a place to buy cheese; it's a testament to the resilience and creativity of a family business that has thrived for decades.

For more information, visit www.harmanscheese.com **Don't forget to subscribe to the Grounded in Granite YouTube channel so you don't miss the next conversation. You can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart radio and Amazon Music. Be sure to follow Grounded in Granite on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X for behind-the-scenes photos and more.EPISODE CHAPTERS:

00:00 — Welcome to Harman's Cheese and Country Store

01:35 — How Harman's Ages Its Cheddar

03:13 — The History of Harman's Cheese

05:43 — Local Products and Community Partnerships

08:48 — Smoked Cheeses and Regional Partners

09:49 — Holiday Shipping and Gift Orders

11:35 — The Impact of COVID-19 on Business

14:59 — Growing Demand and Ten-Year Cheese

16:28 — A Small-Town Effort to Unload the Cheese

17:40 — Customer Relationships and Community Engagement

18:25 — Customer Stories and Family Traditions

19:51 — Brenda's Personal Connection to Sugar Hill

21:46 — Growing Up in Sugar Hill

23:16 — The Unique Business Model of Harman's

26:18 — What Makes a Country Store

28:54 — Local Makers and Gift Finds

30:03 — Seasonal Changes and Local Attractions

31:24 — Sugar Hill's Local Businesses

33:02 — Planning a Visit to Harman's

On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber catches up with legendary New Hampshire meteorologist Al Kaprielian at Buckley's Bakery and Cafe in Merrimack, N.H.

For decades, Kaprielian didn’t just deliver the weather on TV -- he turned it into a memorable performance that built a large fan base in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and beyond.

With his unmistakable voice, animated delivery, and larger-than-life personality, Kaprielian made forecasts must-see TV, especially during his many years on air at the former WNDS station in Derry, N.H., where he was the star of "Weather with Al."

Whether he was warning about a storm or celebrating a sunny day, he brought an energy and humor that made weather fun.

In this interview, Kaprielian looks back on his remarkable career, the moments that made him a local legend, and what it was like to become the voice people associated with the forecast.

**Don't forget to subscribe to the Grounded in Granite YouTube channel so you don't miss the next conversation. You can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart radio and Amazon Music. Be sure to follow Grounded in Granite on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X for behind-the-scenes photos and more.

EPISODE CHAPTERS:

00:00 — Introduction to Legendary Meteorologist Al Kaprielian

00:39 — Al’s Early Career and Community Engagement

01:18 — Unique Style and Delivery in Weather Forecasting

08:34 — Memorable Weather Events and Public Appearances

09:23 — Reflections on Career and Community Impact

11:30 — Challenges in Weather Forecasting

13:20 — Transitioning from TV to Radio

18:12 — Journey Through Time: Al’s Life in Merrimack

18:44 — The Meteorological Path: Education and Challenges

21:20 — Behind the Scenes: The Joys of Broadcasting

22:15 — Public Perception: The Love and Criticism of a Meteorologist

23:35 — Reflections on a Career: Memories and Milestones

26:46 — Life Beyond Weather: Hobbies and Interests

30:15 — The Future of Weather Forecasting: Insights and Predictions