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
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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!

We all love movie quotes and in recent years none of them

The movie Tombstone is considered one of the most iconic

In this episode of Audio Forensics, we'll take a deep dive

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 References:

Tombstone –Hollywood Pictures - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108358/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

Sweetheart of the period – Rolla Herald -https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/131379796/

Chip Leach - TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@chipleach/video/7038788707889007878?lang=en

Adventures of Tom Sawyer – Mark Twain - https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Sawyer-SeaWolf-Illustrated-Classic/dp/1953649904/ref=sr_1_20?keywords=book+for+tom+sawyer&qid=1704116855&sr=8-20

Adventures of Huck Finn – Mark Twain - https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Huckleberry-SeaWolf-Illustrated-Classic/dp/1953649807/ref=sr_1_18_sspa?keywords=book+for+tom+sawyer&qid=1704116881&sr=8-18-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGZfbmV4dA&psc=1

I'm Your Huckleberry - Val Kilmer - https://valkilmer.com/im-your-huckleberry-a-memoir-signed-by-val-kilmer-paperback/

We all love movie quotes and in recent years none of them has made us question what was said as much as a classic line from Tombstone. The movie Tombstone is considered one of the most iconic westerns ever, and that’s not even up for debate. However, back in 2021, this movie had people convinced that a new Mandela effect had occurred, all because of a viral video claiming that we got it wrong about what Doc Holiday said.

#tombstone #docholiday #moviequotes #podcast #huckleberry #mystery

Narration by Jonathan Mertz (host)

In this episode we take a look at Black Friday and ask is it right for you?

If you don’t want to listen but would rather read what we say then continue reading.

Today is Black Friday, which means there is a lot of craziness going on and people are just looking for deals. Throughout the day, the deals sometimes get better, and sometimes they get worse. Items may sell out quickly or the deal just isn’t there on the item you are looking for.

After Black Friday comes Cyber Monday and it seems that a lot of people are starting to skip Black Friday sales for Cyber Monday. To compensate for that, many businesses are offering almost the same exact deals on Friday and then turn around and do it again on Monday. Or they may offer certain items on Friday and certain items on Monday, just so that they can drive traffic to their sites. Amazon has been trying to do this throughout the year with Amazon Prime days. They do it to either get rid of inventory or they do it to make you think you're getting a deal.

Let's be honest, that's what most advertising is, they make you think you're getting a real big deal when you're really not, (Not when it comes to their costs). There are exceptions, there are some that lower their prices in hopes that they will sell in volume to make up the profit. Certain gaming systems like PlayStation or Xboxes don’t make their money off the consoles, they make their money off the games. That's why you spend so much more money on games than the system over time.

The main reason people are taking advantage of these deals are due to corporations and society making us think that we have to as it is that time of season where they wrap a holiday around products to motivate us to buy.

People buy holiday and birthday gifts because they feel obligated to, not because they necessarily want to. If somebody close to you gave you a gift out of the blue with no holiday or birthday surrounding it, how would that make you feel? Would you appreciate that gift more because it wasn’t tied to an obligation?

I am willing to bet that gift would make you smile and enjoy it more because it was unexpected.

I think we miss the point of gift giving because we are in a consumerist world when it comes to gifts, and these Black Friday deals. This doesn't mean that we need to stop buying, no, no… I'm not trying to say that. What I'm saying is that we need to make sure when you do this stuff, you're doing it within reason and within a fixed budget. If you are shopping for the holidays, please make sure you have a fixed budget. Do not put yourself in tremendous debt for the holidays. Trust me, your little ones, will get over it if they don’t get everything. Older kids will understand, especially if you open up to them about what's going on financially. Make them understand the value of money, and that not everybody is able to buy what some others may get for the holidays.

Now, with that said, still shop at Amazon, Walmart, or Macy's. Go and shop anywhere you want to get the deal. If it's on sale and you've got it within your budget, get it.

Remember that nobody that truly matters and that understands will say that we have to get the top-notch stuff. We don’t truly need Gucci or Michael Kors bags. You don't have to get Tommy clothes. You don't have to get all of these big designer items that are way overpriced.

If you can get a $40 pair of jeans that looks and lasts just as long as a $150 pair of designer jeans, why would you waste your money? At that point you are only buying a name.

I know you have goals and plans so shop wisely and look for deals and take advantage of them if they are within your budget!

Here at It's Your Break we have dedicated the entire month of August to festivals. And in this episode, we are focusing on a local Kentucky festival, the Shelbyville Art and Craft Show. We speak with Sherry Kramer with ArtSpark Productions, the minds behind the festival.

This year marks their 3rd year and the show keeps growing. Listen to the episode and learn how the festival came to be.

For more info on the festival or ArtSpark Productions visit ⁠artsparkproductions.com⁠.

We are in the heart of the festival season, but why? In this quick break from It's Your Break you'll learn why!

Also, do festivals benefit small towns? The answer may surprise you in this episode!

Links Mentioned:

Festivals:

https://festivalguidesandreviews.com/kentucky-festivals/

University of Tenn. Paper: https://www.cis.tennessee.edu/sites/default/files/The%20Economic%20Impact%20of%20Festivals%20on%20Small%20Towns%20Gwen%20Shelton.pdf

In life, there always seems to be that one person you lean on the most. That person could be your best friend, spouse, partner, grandparents, your mom, or your dad. No matter who that person is you confide in them and you put your trust in them. Sometimes they have a way of seeing things with their wisdom and perception that makes us understand situations better.

In Reena Friedman Watt's case, her rock is her dad. He is the one she always turns to and is the inspiration behind her podcast Better Call Daddy. Why did she focus her podcast around him? Join host Jonathan Mertz to find out the answer to this question and more in this latest podcast episode of It's Your Break!

Reena Links -

Instagram: @bettercalldaddypodcast

@reenafriedmanwatts

Twitter: @BetterCallDadd1

LinkedIn:Reena Friedman Watts

Website: https://bettercalldaddy.com/

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