Grounded in Granite

On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber visits Once and Again Gowns in downtown Newmarket, N.H., to find out why brides from across New Hampshire and New England are flocking to this unique secondhand wedding gown shop.

Owner Leslye Dedopoulos shares the story of how she's redefining the wedding dress shopping experience by creating a community around the joy of finding the perfect "pre-loved" gown without the hefty price tag at her shop, located at 55 Main St.

For more information, visit www.onceandagaingowns.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 Once and Again Gowns and owner Leslye Dedopoulos

02:10 - Affordable wedding-gown prices

03:38 - Where the shop's pre-loved gowns are found

08:32 - How the secondhand business began

10:27 - Why brides travel to shop here

13:12 - A smarter, more flexible way to plan a wedding

15:56 - Secondhand fashion and sustainability

18:51 - Helping brides find the right dress

23:31 - Vintage styles, unique finds, and walk-in shopping

26:48 - The personal side of finding a wedding gown

32:05 - Giving gowns a second life

33:50 - Closing remarks

On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber visits Paul and Heatha Normandin at their Northwood home to share the story of their journey across New Hampshire. The couple is on a mission to visit every town and city in the state.

Fueled by their love for the state, they set out on this ambitious adventure in early 2023, aiming to uncover the unique stories and attractions that each community has to offer from the Seacoast to the North Country.

Throughout their travels, they've encountered countless fascinating locations and are now encouraging others to step outside their comfort zones and discover the hidden treasures in their own backyards.

**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 — Exploring New Hampshire: A Journey Begins

03:20 — Planning the Adventure: Research and Routes

04:52 — Hidden Gems: Discovering Unique Towns and Attractions

05:01 — The New London Ice House

06:57 — Memorable Experiences: Favorite Stops and Stories

09:10 — Franklin Pierce’s Childhood Home

09:35 — Paul’s Top Three Stops

10:41 — Frog Rock in New Boston

11:52 — Fuller Gardens

13:06 — Challenges on the Road: Finding Towns and Attractions

14:22 — The Travel Journal and Covered Bridges

15:25 — The Covered Bridge Close Call

16:55 — Reflections on Travel: The Joy of Exploration

17:42 — Why Explore Close to Home

19:23 — Travel Tales and Unexpected Adventures

20:41 — Community Connections: Engaging with Locals

22:31 — What Comes After Every Town?

23:49 — Sculptured Rocks in Hebron

25:23 — Sharing Their Road Trip Finds

26:47 — Making Each Visit Official

27:51 — Nostalgic Journeys and Personal Histories

28:48 — Finding Personal History in Pelham and Plaistow

30:28 — The Joy of Discovery and Connection

32:27 — What Detours Can Reveal

34:14 — How Wandering Changes the Conversation

36:34 — The Journey Continues

37:11 — Inspiring Others to Explore

On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber visits Deja Vu Furniture & More in Londonderry, N.H., to get a first-hand look at one of the quirkiest and most unconventional shops in New Hampshire.

Owner Tim Stavrou shares the story of this unique business at 113 Hillside Ave. that's much more than a furniture store. The place is more like a treasure trove of the bizarre, whimsical, and extraordinary.

Imagination runs wild at Deja Vu, which many have said resembles a museum more than a store. Stavrou has spent decades curating an eclectic collection of items that go beyond traditional furniture.

With 24,000 square feet packed with everything from famous statues and vintage collectibles to a massive 1,400-pound Elvis head and countless roadside attractions, Stavrou's vision is clear: to create a store that surprises and delights with hidden surprises around every corner.

For more information on Deja Vu Furniture & More, visit https://dejavufurniture.net/

**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 - Introducing Deja Vu Furniture & More owner Tim Stavrou and his eclectic store

01:21 - The concept behind Deja Vu: More than just furniture

02:15 - Stavrou's background: From hotel installation to curating unique items

04:00 - Iconic pieces: Elvis, Louis Armstrong statues

07:05 - The continuous quest for new oddities and collectibles

08:23 - The front patio: Gondolas, tractors, and vintage machinery

10:29 - Sourcing items: Auctions, Brimfield Antique Flea Markets, roadside finds

11:23 - Visitors' reactions and the store’s role as a roadside attraction

14:07 - Stavrou's background: From Keene to Exeter and his artistic aspirations

16:11 - Challenges and future plans for the store and location

17:38 - The variety of items offered and the odd requests Stavrou receives

18:32 - Themed areas and collections inspired by Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard

22:12 - An artistic eye and his approach to valuing items

23:27- Stories behind unique acquisitions like the Archangel Michael and replica airplane wreckage

27:45 - Adventures and characters encountered in sourcing treasures

29:17 - The store's character: Characters, personalities, and interactions

30:44 - The common items that attract visitors and the unpredictability of inventory

31:35 - The vast array of collectibles for every interest

34:17 - Final thoughts: Visit, explore, and enjoy the surprises

On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber takes us inside Daub's Cobbler Shop in Laconia, N.H., for a look at the unique world of shoe repair with owner Jim Daubenspeck and his son, Nate, a master cobbler who began learning the trade at a young age.

The father and son team share the history, craftsmanship, and personal stories behind their small business that keeps classic skills alive in a modern society quick to toss away worn out shoes.

Jim is passionate about passing on his knowledge and skills to his son, and together, they're working to ensure that the art of shoe repair continues to thrive in New Hampshire.

To learn more about Daub's Cobbler Shop, which is located at 24 Canal St. in Laconia, visit https://shoerepairnh.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 Dobbs Cobbler Shop

01:45 — Jim’s Journey into Shoe Repair

04:29 — Acquiring the Business

07:05 — Learning the Craft

09:36 — The Impact of COVID-19

12:52 — Repair Techniques and Challenges

15:31 — Customer Connections and Sentimental Repairs

18:20 — The Future of Cobblers

21:35 — Working Together as a Family Business

24:33 — Tools of the Trade

27:17 — Why “Cobbler” Matters

30:06 — Final Thoughts on Shoe Repair

On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber heads to Hampton Beach to sit down with veteran lifeguard Pat Murphy, chief of the New Hampshire State Beach Patrol.

Murphy shares insights from his 23-year career and the high-stakes, fast-paced reality behind keeping thousands safe during peak summer days along New Hampshire ocean beaches. He reveals the secrets to managing a team of 96 ocean lifeguards, handling hundreds of rescues in a season, and training for the unexpected.

For Murphy, lifeguarding is more than just a job. His dedication is rooted in a lifelong passion for safety, sports, and helping others.

**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.

On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber travels to Portsmouth, England, to explore the origins of the Hampshire name and the rich history inside Ye Spotted Dogge, which was once the home of New Hampshire founder Capt. John Mason.

With roots tracing back to the 1500s, the building has seen its fair share of historical events, including the infamous murder of the 1st Duke of Buckingham George Villiers.

Local British historian Dr. John Stedman shares a brief history of Hampshire, the English county where New Hampshire got its name, and recounts the assassination of Villiers inside Mason's home in 1628.

Ye Spotted Dogge owner Ian Young also shares the fascinating history of Mason's house, its renovations, and its legacy as it continues to operate as an inn that attracts visitors from around the world, including New Hampshire.

**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 from Portsmouth, England, with preview of guests Dr. John Stedman, a local British historian, and Ian Young, the owner of Ye Spotted Dogge

01:53 - Dr. John Stedman shares history of origins of Hampshire name and its connection to New Hampshire founder, Capt. John Mason

04:33 - John Mason comes to Portsmouth, England and serves as paymaster to the Duke of Buckingham's army

08:19 - Who was the Duke of Buckingham?

10:22 - Recounting the assassination of the Duke of Buckingham at Mason's house

19:10 - Introduction of Ian Young, owner of Ye Spotted Dogge, who shares ownership history and initial purchase of the building

23:14 - Interest in Ye Spotted Dogge from New Hampshire guests and Young's visit to Portsmouth, N.H.

27:22 - Details of original rooms, their historical significance, and the hand-painted paneling from the 1600s and its restoration

28:31 - The story of the Duke of Buckingham’s murder, the dagger Young believes was used in the assassination, and its recovery after a theft

34:16 - The challenge of restoring the inn, revealing the painted paneling, and notable architectural features, including the fireplace with Tudor bricks

40:24 - Personal fascination with the building’s history and the connection to Portsmouth Grammar School

41:45 - Closing thoughts and booking at Ye Spotted Dogge

On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber visits the American Independence Center in Exeter, N.H., where history comes alive through rare artifacts and hidden stories of America's founding.

As America celebrates its 250th birthday this year, Executive Director Joe Pace shares the story of the center, which was created after an original, perfectly preserved broadside of the first printing of the Declaration of Independence was found hidden in an attic in 1985. That discovery kickstarted a local movement to preserve, study, and celebrate our nation’s founding documents -- revealing that the story of American independence is ongoing, complex, and deeply human.

The conversation explores the evolution of the American Independence Center and new interactive exhibits that spark civic dialogue and curiosity and participation that may inspire the next generation to own the ongoing American story.

**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.

On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber travels to Pittsburg, N.H. to sit down with Alan Ard, who is better known as the "Old Man at Lopstick."The northernmost town in New Hampshire's Great North Woods, Pittsburg is a destination for fly fishing, but for Ard, it isn't just a sport; it's a way of life. After spending decades fishing in the Great North Woods, he decided to leave life behind in southern New Hampshire and retire in Pittsburg, where he's embraced North Country living, which he describes as "life in the slow lane.Ard is now the resident fly fishing expert at Lopstick Fly Shop and shares why Pittsburg has become a hot spot for anglers near and far. He also reflects on the minimal changes he's seen in northern New Hampshire and and how life there has shaped his outlook on retirement, community and the outdoors.**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.

On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber travels to historic Ruggles Mine in Grafton, N.H., to sit down with owner Joe Bodge -- known as Prospector Joe -- who shares the captivating story of his unlikely journey to bring this 200-year-old mica mine back to life as a local attraction.

Prospector Joe bought Ruggles Mine -- the oldest and largest mica mine in the United States -- on a whim a few years ago after it was closed to the public several years ago. He reopened the mine, located at 286 Underhill Road, and turned it into a breathtaking cultural and natural playground, where visitors leave with more than the minerals they collect ... they leave with memories.

During their conversation from the entrance to the mine, Prospector Joe explains how his vision for preservation and education is reviving Grafton’s community spirit. From unearthing rare minerals to promoting conservation and wildlife, his work offers a fresh perspective on turning history into a living adventure.

In many ways, his passion for rockhounding is preserving the past, enriching the present, and inspiring future explorers—right in the heart of New Hampshire.

For more information on Ruggles Mine, visit www.rugglesmine.net.

**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.

On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber stops by the New England Santa Society's monthly Santa Supper in Manchester, N.H., to explore what life is really like year-round for professional Santas. 

The supper is held at the Common Man Roadside Millyard and attracts Santas from across New Hampshire and New England who come together for casual conversations and to share experiences and learn from one another.

Society co-founder Dan Greenleaf and the group's president, Brian Marvel, sit down to share their experiences, the importance of training, and the unique challenges of being Santa. From connecting with kids to handling those tough questions, it’s a journey that requires passion and creativity.  

They also discuss the society's summer Santa Camp, a weekend-long training event held in Greenfield, N.H., that has become crucial for new Santas to learn how to portray the role authentically. 

For more information on the New England Santa Society and its Santa Suppers and Santa Camp, visit www.newenglandsantasociety.org.

**Don't forget to follow Grounded in Granite YouTube so you don't miss the next conversation. You can watch full episodes on YouTube or 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 and overview of the New England Santa Society and the Santa Supper in Manchester

03:29 - Details about Santa Camp, its educational programs, and the importance of training.

05:46 - Explanation of Santa Suppers and their purpose.
07:37 - Discussion of trend toward healthier Santas

09:28 - Exploring the responsibilities and challenges of being Santa.
18:22 - Personal experiences and rewarding moments as Santa.

26:18 - The significance of Santa Camp for new Santas.

30:36 - How Dan Greenleaf and Brian Marvel became Santas.

33:16 - Encouragement to join the Santa Society and final thoughts.