In this deeply personal episode, Jim Bratton sits down with his wife Mary on the occasion of their 45th wedding anniversary to explore the remarkable life she lived before they ever met.

From cross-country road trips in unairconditioned cars, to sleeping under tarps in Yosemite, to solo corporate travel across the U.S. and abroad, Mary shares how curiosity, discipline, and determination shaped her independence.

This episode is a candid, funny, and reflective conversation about travel, work, risk-taking, and what it means to intentionally live a full life—long before settling down.

In this deeply personal episode of Focus Your Inner Bitch: The Mary Bratton Story, Mary recounts a formative chapter of her early adulthood marked by manipulation, workplace danger, and emotional control. Through faith, hard boundaries, and raw self-reckoning, she ultimately confronts what she calls "the devil" and reclaims her life on her own terms. This is a powerful story about discernment, survival, and the lifelong strength that comes from standing up for yourself.

Jim and Mary Bratton settle in for a warm, off-the-cuff time capsule of teenage Houston. Mary tells the story of cousins as first friends—mischief, "wrapping" houses, and the rules of making it back to the getaway car. Then it's straight to the Pan American Ballroom ("the PA"): live bands, smoky air, underage dancing, and the mystery of the legendary orange Tommy.

FYI-Orange Tommy A tiny orange drink passed hand-to-hand at the Pan American Ballroom—sweet, slightly mysterious, and forever linked to teenage freedom.

This sound of surf was recorded December 9, 2025 at the 9 mile entrance point to the Galveston Beach.

Experience 27 uninterrupted minutes of natural Gulf of Mexico waves recorded on Galveston Island. This calming ocean soundscape is designed to help you relax, meditate, restore, or drift into a peaceful nap. No narration—just steady, soothing surf to ease your mind and body. Put your buds on for full experience.

Please Enjoy!

Best Regards,

Jim Bratton

Prince Albert at Dickens on the Strand: History, Humor, and the Man Behind the Character

Portraying Prince Albert at Dickens on the Strand, Joseph Machado steps into history with a blend of charm, humor, and deep knowledge of the Victorian era. In this conversation, we explore the real Albert's influence on technology, culture, and the industrial transformation of Britain—along with the unexpected legacy of his nine children and the Royal Christmas tree tradition. Finally, we step out of character to hear how Joseph came to embrace this role and what it means to bring living history to life on the streets of Galveston.

Mary takes us back to the late 1960s, fresh out of high school, when a spontaneous invitation leads her and two friends to the Mexico City Olympics. What starts as an exciting international trip turns into a week of unexpected moments—unlicensed chauffeurs, surprise Olympic tickets, and a family drama straight out of Cinderella. In this episode, Mary shares the humor, shock, and cultural lessons that shaped her early independence.

In this episode of the Jim Bratton Podcast, Mary Bratton shares candid memories of growing up, dancing, and navigating life with resilience and humor. From eighth grade dances and parochial school adventures to overcoming polio and attending four senior proms, Mary's story is a celebration of perseverance and joy. Join us for a heartfelt conversation that proves you can always find your inner queen, no matter the challenges.

Join host Jim Bratton as he sits down with Bonnie Harmanson, founder of Love Jewel Treasure Treats, to discuss her journey from corporate life to building a thriving custom treat business in Galveston. Discover how Bonnie's creativity, community focus, and entrepreneurial spirit helped her carve out a unique niche serving both locals and tourists. Hear insights on finding your market, building a brand, and the power of consistency in small business success.

https://lovejeweltreasuretreats.com/

Mailing Address: 6341 Stewart Road, Galveston, Texas 77551, United States

Call 📞 or Text 1 (877) 670-2505

Jim Boone, Galveston Island's oldest active poet, shares his remarkable journey through decades of self-discovery, resilience, and creative expression. From growing up in McKinney, Texas, navigating family expectations, and serving in the Army, to finding his voice as a "proof of life" poet, Jim's story is both deeply personal and universally inspiring. In this episode, Jim reflects on the challenges and triumphs that shaped his poetry and his life, culminating in his signature poem, "Out on a Limb."

https://www.facebook.com/jimboonepoetry?locale=ga_IE

https://www.poemhunter.com/poem/seasons-by-the-sea/

In this episode of The Jim Bratton Podcast, retired U.S. Army Colonel and attorney Lisa Windsor recounts her unexpected path from liberal law student to senior officer in the JAG Corps. With humor and candor, she discusses breaking barriers in a male-dominated field, the realities of military justice, and the lessons she carried into teaching leadership and ethics at the Army War College. The conversation closes with a provocative reflection on human evolution, conflict, and why "the hunters are still in charge."