Ever pulled up to a friend's house and thought, OMG, what is wrong with that yard? 😬 If you are struggling to maintain your lawn, getting hounded by your family to tidy things up, or just want to take your gardening game to the next level, this episode is your ultimate reset button!In this episode of It’s Your Break, host Jonathan Mertz revisits a classic, action-packed interview with the award-winning landscape designer and "landscaper to the stars," Nicholas Walker. Nicholas has designed for legends like Elizabeth Taylor, worked on historical Los Angeles estates (including a Frank Lloyd Wright property!), and co-developed the sustainable home and garden brand Jardan with supermodel-turned-entrepreneur Kathy Ireland.Nicholas joins the show to share his absolute best, budget-friendly DIY landscaping and sustainable gardening hacks that you can start using in your own yard today!Here is what we are unpacking in this episode:- The "Bad Salad" Rule: Why great garden design actually begins with removals and editing visual noise to expose the true "bones" of your property.- The Hidden Lawnmower Trap: How your lawnmower is secretly sowing crabgrass and dandelion seeds all over your yard—and the simple, toothbrushing-like habit to stop it!- Recycle, Repurpose, Reuse: Incredible real-life examples of how Nicholas built a beautiful retaining wall out of broken concrete destined for the dump, and a backyard shading arbor out of old redwood timbers.- Free Sustainable Fertilizer: Why you should "mulch, mulch, mulch," compost using household kitchen waste and vegetarian-only animal manure, and even recycle your Epsom salt bathwater to make your trees flourish!- The Jardan Gold Medal Story: The inspiring story of how Kathy Ireland and Nicholas won a gold medal at the San Francisco Flower Show on a tiny \$6,000 budget.Whether you have a massive yard or a tiny garden patch, it is time to take a break, grab a cool drink, and learn how to edit your outdoor space like a seasoned pro.🔔 If you loved these tips, make sure to Subscribe and Follow It's Your Break on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode!

Becoming a first-time dad at 40 after trying for 17 years? Yes, it happens!

In this podcast, It’s Your Break host Jonathan Mertz introduces new Guest Host Troy Yount!

Troy Yount breaks down the realities of late fatherhood, fertility, parenting tips for older dads, and how he and his wife's lives have changed. From the physical toll on the knees and back to finding a peer group when your friends already have high school graduates, Troy shares honest advice and plenty of laughs.

We also discuss why modern society is "terminally online," the importance of real-world community, and Troy's career as an IT professional and worship leader. Stick around for a fun rapid-fire Q&A about classic movies, why physical media is making a comeback, and a legendary Bed Bath & Beyond impulse purchase!

"Little Baby Jesus" - Jonathan Mertz

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Introduction: Breaking the News to Casey & It's Your Break Mission

04:00 - Welcoming Troy

06:14 - Troy Yount's 17-Year Journey to Fatherhood

07:15 - Little Baby Jesus

07:56 - Parenting at 40: Knees, Backs, and Childproofing

09:31 - Advice for Older Parents: Connection & Communication

14:00 - Troy's Goals Raising Kids, Career Risks, and Writing

16:41 - Means the Most in Life

17:40 - Combating the "Terminally Online" Era & Rebuilding Community

20:49 - Rapid-Fire Fun: hard rock, Pizza, and Futurama

27:46 - Deep Thinking but Fun Questions: Sorting Hat - Gryffindor, Potter World, Ideal Date, Waste of Money, and Teams Memes

43:14 - Outro & How to Support the Show

🔔 Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and leave a comment!📲

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#LateFatherhood #ParentingAt40 #ItsYourBreak #NewDad #FertilityJourney #Community #Podcast #FatherhoodAdvice #TroyYount #JonathanMertz

Why does it feel like modern life comes with an instruction manual that's 500 pages long? 😵‍💫

This week, Jonathan Mertz tackles the "complexity creep" in our daily lives. From managing an endless list of unique passwords to the absurdity of filling out the same medical forms for the tenth time, we’re looking at why things are so difficult and—more importantly—how we can make them easier.

In this episode:

• The reality of password security and 2FA.

• The "absurd" documentation requirements in healthcare.

• A "vent session" on car buying, passports, and subscription cancellations.

• Pro-tips on using education and organization to reclaim your time.

Take a break from yourself and reset with us.

Connect with It’s Your Break: Follow us on Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and YouTube @itsyourbreak.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review!

Dive into the cinematic history of Martha’s Vineyard with prolific storyteller Drew Robinson. In this episode, we uncover the hidden struggles of filming Jaws, from mechanical sharks that sank to the legendary antics of Robert Shaw. We also explore the importance of taking a break from yourself to embrace life’s sillier, more adventurous moments.

Most film fans know Jaws was filmed on Martha’s Vineyard, but Drew Robinson had a front-row seat to the chaos. His sister-in-law, Susan, was part of the production crew, specifically operating the mechanical shark known as "Bruce".

The production was famously plagued by technical failures. Because Bruce was built in a freshwater tank in California, the salt water of the Atlantic Ocean caused his components to rust and corrode almost immediately. Drew recounts how the shark sank to the bottom upon arrival. This led to a series of improvisations, including the famous opening scene where stunt actors used underwater buoys and cables to simulate a shark attack because the mechanical fin wouldn't work.

The mechanical issues didn't end there. At one point, the shark's latex skin absorbed so much salt water that it blew up like a balloon, looking more like a "puffer fish" than a Great White. Even the use of a real tiger shark caused issues; after hanging in the sun for days in Edgartown, the smell became so potent that residents could smell it from miles away.

Beyond the mechanical terror, the human element was just as volatile. Drew shares stories of Robert Shaw’s legendary drinking and his frequent run-ins with the local island police. The tension between Shaw and Richard Dreyfuss was constant, all while the crew dealt with a production that was millions over budget and months behind schedule.

While these stories are captivating, they serve a larger purpose. Whether it is Drew's childhood memories of playing in dangerous WWII bunkers on South Beach or the hilarious story of an Israeli visitor being captivated by a common squirrel at SeaWorld, these narratives remind us of the wonder in the world.

At It's Your Break, we curate these moments of storytelling to help you reset yourself. Life involves more than just the daily grind; it involves stories that surround us, connect us, and allow us to see the world through a different lens.

Drew Robinson continues to tell stories through his numerous books, including Martha's Vineyard, My Island, My Memory and his time-travel trilogy starting with Worst Date, Greatest Adventure. He also leads the Orlando chapter of the Florida Writers Association, helping others find their own voices.

Ready to take your break? Visit itsyourbreak.com to consume more episodes on your favorite platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Remember to like, subscribe, and leave a review to join our community of storytellers.

Welcome to the moment. Welcome to It’s Your Break.

Can you actually eat your way to a better love life? In this episode of It’s Your Break, Jonathan Mertz revisits a classic 2010 interview with gastronomy and food science expert Amy Riley, author of Eat Something Sexy.

We peel back the layers on:

• The "Nap Factor": Why heavy meals are the ultimate romance killers.
• Pheromone Foods: The strange connection between truffles, champagne, and human attraction.
• Beyond Strawberries: Why figs and peaches might be the real stars of your next date night.
• The Cucumber Study: Discover the scent combination that ranks #1 for female arousal.

Amy shares practical tips for keeping date night simple, light, and effective. Remember, it’s not just about the nutrition—it’s about the effort and taking a break to be in the moment with the one you love.

Follow us on socials: @ItsYourBreakVisit our website: https://itsyourbreak.com.

Are you struggling to land high-quality guests for your podcast? Whether you are a veteran creator or just starting out, finding the right experts to interview can feel like a full-time job. In this episode of It’s Your Break, host Jonathan Mertz pulls back the curtain on the exact system used to secure consistent interviews without needing massive celebrity metrics.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• The KPI Myth: Why you don't need huge audience data to attract great guests and how to handle the "demographic box" on application forms.
• The Best Free Tool for Podcasters: A deep dive into using RadioGuestList.com, a completely free service that connects shows with experts.
• Ditch the DMs: Why social media outreach and LinkedIn often lead to "hit or miss" results and how to use more foolproof methods.
• Gmail Automation Secrets: Step-by-step instructions on enabling Gmail templates and filters to automatically respond to pitches, saving you hours of manual work.
• The Power of Local: Why joining your local Chamber of Commerce is a "cheat code" for community-focused content.

• OUR Website: itsyourbreak.com
• Instagram/TikTok/YouTube: @itsyourbreak

The mission of It’s Your Break is to remind you to take a moment to reset, laugh, and be in the moment. Stop stressing over your guest list and start automating your workflow so you can get back to what matters—having great conversations.Connect with us.

Welcome to It's Your Break, the podcast dedicated to helping you step back, laugh, have fun, and live in the moment. In this episode, host Jonathan Mertz is joined in the studio by Casey Robinson and Nick Mertz to tackle the ultimate generational debate: Old School versus New School.

We are diving deep into how youth culture has shifted, comparing the modern reality of being "chronically online" and scrolling for quick dopamine releases to the old-school days of sitting around a campfire playing Uno, Yahtzee, or Monopoly without a smartphone in sight.

In this episode, we unpack:

• The Evolution of Gaming: We compare the ultimate patience required to play classic NES games on a tube TV with no save points against the chaos of today's multiplayer games like Fortnite and getting roasted by 13-year-olds on Call of Duty.
• Hazardous Toys & Exploding Cars: Take a nostalgic look back at throwing heavy metal Lawn Darts (Jarts) in the backyard and notorious vehicles like the flat-backed Gremlin and the Ford Pinto, which had a reputation for exploding upon rear impact. Plus, we reminisce about the days of riding in the back of station wagons and pickup trucks without seatbelts.
• Wild Driving Tests: Hear the hilarious difference between taking a modern driving test entirely in an empty parking lot versus the old-school requirement of parallel parking between a tractor wagon and a pile of rocks in a small country town.
• Retro Tech & Entertainment: We break down the forgotten format wars between Betamax and VHS, the origins of Atari, and the shady animatronic rivalries between Showbiz Pizza and Chuck-E-Cheese.
• Thicker Skin & Changing Mentalities: We discuss the old "sticks and stones" mentality meant to prepare youth for mental battles versus the modern shift toward prioritizing politeness over constructive honesty.

If this trip down memory lane made you smile, be sure to hit that Follow button and leave us a 5-star rating!

🎧 Connect with us:

• Website: https://itsyourbreak.com
• Socials: Follow us on Instagram, Threads, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube @itsyourbreak.

Podcast Description for It's Your Break

Are you an accomplished, high-functioning professional feeling the weight of constant stress and burnout? You're not alone. Welcome to It's Your Break, the podcast hosted by Jonathan Mertz that explores how you can create real, restorative breaks even in the most stressful environments.

In this transformative episode, Jonathan sits down with trauma-informed professional Rubina Chadha, the founder of Inner Design. If you are tired of the constant pressure to produce and are looking for a sustainable way to recover from burnout, this episode is your ultimate guide.

Rubina introduces the concept of "Inner Design"—a method focused entirely on personal sustainability. She explains that true wellness isn't just another conversation about trying harder to have a "positive mindset." Instead, it is about restoring access to your true self through nervous system regulation, and returning to a state of natural alignment.

Why You Need to Subscribe & Listen to This Episode:

• Understand & Beat Burnout: Burnout happens to everyone, from entry-level workers to peak executives. Learn why burnout is simply your nervous system saying "I've had enough," and why you don't need to "earn" a break to recover.
• The Power of the Pause: Discover how to find an internal reset and clarity without having to walk away from your demanding career or family responsibilities.
• Breath Awareness as a Physiological "Hack": Find out how modulating your breath is the most powerful, immediate physiological tool you have to regulate your emotional and mental states in real-time.
• Creativity for Stress Relief: Hear Rubina's "secret sauce"—how simple creative acts like doodling or coloring interrupt stress cycles. Learn why creativity isn't just for artists, but is an essential form of active problem-solving to help you navigate life.
• Quieting Racing Thoughts: If you struggle to meditate or fall asleep at night, Rubina shares practical, active mindfulness tips like walking meditations and nightly journaling to "clear the slate" of the day's noise.

Whether you are at the peak of your career or just starting out, cumulative stress can push anyone to their limits. If you find yourself relying on unhealthy coping mechanisms just to survive, it is time to try a new approach.

Subscribe to It's Your Break today to learn how to stop forcing and start allowing. Tune in to this essential conversation with Rubina Chadha to discover how to find peace in the pause, rewire your internal state, and step back into your original inner design.

(For more resources mentioned in this episode, including a free 5-minute nervous system reset, visit Rubina at theinnerdesign.com.)

Welcome Back to a Brand-New Episode of the It's Your Break Podcast!

Hosted by Jonathan Mertz, our mission is simple: to remind you to take a break from yourself, laugh, have fun, and just live in the moment. After a short hiatus while Jonathan finished his associate degree in business, the podcast is officially back with a fresh in-studio episode. Joined by co-host Casey Robinson, we are sitting down with Jonathan's nephew, Nick Mertz, to find out exactly who he is. Nick is a high schooler who loves basketball, hanging out with friends, and going on random "side quests" without needing a strict plan.

In this episode, we dive into topics that will inspire, entertain, and make you laugh out loud. Here is what you can expect:

Teen Entrepreneurship & Epic Side HustlesLooking for the best side hustle ideas? Nick shares his awesome money-making strategies, like flipping discounted clothes from Goodwill and Ross for massive profits. He also discusses his future entrepreneurial goals of running his dad's electrical business or starting his own multi-service company for pressure washing, lawn care, and car detailing. Plus, you won't want to miss his cautionary tale about a high school Walmart snack-selling business that ended with his business partner ripping him off!

Gen Z Relationship Advice & AccountabilityNick drops some incredibly mature relationship advice, emphasizing that open communication is the ultimate key to building trust. Hear the sweet story of how he and his girlfriend connected after he stayed on the phone with her for hours to help her safely navigate a wild party. The hosts also discuss the importance of accountability in teen dating, including their strict stance against underage drinking and driving.

Navigating College Tips & Dual CreditIf you are a student, you'll love this deep dive into education hacks. Nick reveals his smart strategy to take dual credit classes at BCTC to knock out his core classes and earn his associate degree while still in high school. Jonathan also gets real about his past college struggles at UofL, sharing how online classes, multiple assignment attempts, and writing consultants helped him bounce back to get straight A's in English.

Sneaker Customization & Graphic DesignCalling all sneakerheads and graphic artists! Nick talks about his passion for graphic design and details the incredibly cool custom Nike shoes he created for a Beta convention. Designed to fit a "Wired for Success" theme, the shoes featured a circuit board pattern, a lightning bolt swoosh, and a literal "button to success" on the back!

A Hilarious Family SecretStick around until the end for a laugh-out-loud family anecdote about Nick's dad entering an "ugly woman" crossdressing contest on a flatbed trailer during Defoe Days in Franklin County!

Tune In & Take a Break!Ready to laugh and learn? Listen to the full podcast episode of It's Your Break right now! Make sure to like, subscribe, and follow us on your favorite podcast app, including YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, and iHeart Radio. You can also find us across social media on Instagram, Threads, Facebook, and TikTok at @itsyourbreak.

"It's Your Break" Podcast Episode: Ashlieya Mariano on Building a Better World

Episode Description:

Join host Jonathan Mertz on this inspiring episode of the "It's Your Break" podcast as he sits down with Ashlieya (Lieya) Mariano, the visionary founder of the nonprofit organization, Builders of a Better World. In this deep dive, Ashielya shares her unique journey—from growing up across Ireland and the UK to building a thriving therapeutic practice and dance studio in Southern California.

With an incredibly diverse background that includes six academic degrees, experience as a vocational job coach, and a decade as the owner of Dance Masters ballroom studio in Agoura Hills, Ashlieya has dedicated her life to helping others reach their full potential. Diagnosed with ADHD herself, she shares deeply personal insights into how discovering a "flow state" through the performing arts can captivate focus and help neurodivergent individuals thrive.

At the core of this engaging conversation is the transformative concept of Emotional Literacy. Ashlieya defines this as the vital ability to recognize, understand, express, and regulate emotions in oneself and others to communicate authentically and make wiser decisions. Through Builders of a Better World, she uses the performing arts to teach social-emotional learning to those who need it most.

Key Episode Highlights & SEO Takeaways:

• Empowering Marginalized Youth: Learn how Builders of a Better World provides performing arts education (including dance, theater, singing, and instrumental lessons) to socioeconomically disadvantaged youth, public school students, and children in the foster care system.
• Radical Accessibility: Discover the nonprofit's commitment to removing all barriers to entry by providing donated instruments like guitars and drum sets, computers for virtual learning, and even transportation for foster kids.
• Real Transformation: Hear the heartwarming success story of a debilitatingly anxious young girl who, through an eight-week singing class, found her voice, built immense confidence, and learned vital self-advocacy skills.
• Leadership Without Ego: Ashlieya shares her refreshing philosophy on nonprofit management—explaining what it means to "build the ship," relinquish control, and let a collaborative board of artists and directors sail it forward.
• Emotional Literacy for Leaders: Programs aren't just for children. The organization also provides tailored emotional regulation and clarity training for business owners, political figures, and corporate decision-makers.

Whether you are an educator, a business leader, or someone passionate about philanthropy, mental health, and the arts, this episode offers actionable insights on becoming the best version of yourself to truly build a better world.

Get Involved & Support the Mission:Builders of a Better World relies heavily on the generosity of the community. From corporate sponsorships and grant funding to donating musical equipment and volunteering time, every contribution makes an impact. Learn more, discover Ashlieya's upcoming iThrive authorship series, or get in touch by visiting buildersofabetterworld.org.

Listen & Subscribe!Don't miss an episode of "It's Your Break" with Jonathan Mertz. Be sure to subscribe and listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeart, Audible, or YouTube!