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In this episode of Off the Gravel Road, Robb Ellis and student co-host Jasmine visit Vernon Family Farm in Newfields, New Hampshire — a first-generation regenerative farm where Jeremiah and Nicole Vernon are proving that small farms can still thrive through creativity, resilience, and community.

From rotational grazing and soil health to agritourism and open space preservation, the Vernons share how they’re keeping their 33 conserved acres alive — both economically and ecologically. They discuss the ongoing case that challenges their ability to host community gatherings, and why these events are essential for the survival of local agriculture.

It’s a story about soil and stewardship, neighbors and nature, and the real meaning of “No Days Off.”

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Recorded live at the Lakes Region Technology Center, this episode of Off the Gravel Road brings together Rob Johnson, Policy Director for the New Hampshire Farm Bureau Federation, and Jazmine, a Prospect Mountain High School student, FFA member, and first-generation farmer.

Hosted by Robb Ellis, the conversation explores how the Farm Bureau stands up for farmers across the state — from local zoning to the U.S. Farm Bill — and how laws like the Forster v. Henniker decision helped shape New Hampshire’s modern agritourism statutes.

Jazmine brings her own farm experience to the table, asking what it will take for her generation to make a living from the land. Together, they dive into farmland preservation, the economics of small farms, the right-to-repair movement, and how youth programs are shaping the next crop of agricultural leaders.

It’s a thoughtful conversation about what it really means to defend the New Hampshire farm — past, present, and future.

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In this episode of Off the Gravel Road, seventh-grader Aurora sits down with Dr. Tim Broderick, Superintendent of the Barnstead School District, to unpack the complex world of school funding in New Hampshire. From the renovation of Barnstead Elementary to state adequacy aid, federal grants, and the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on education funding—Aurora asks the big questions about how schools are built, staffed, and supported. The conversation also explores open enrollment, what it means for small towns, and how communities like Barnstead balance opportunity with affordability.

A thoughtful and surprisingly fun deep dive into how every dollar shapes the education of every child.

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In this episode of Off the Gravel Road, Amity and Robb sit down with Jesse Morgan, Project Manager at Eckhardt & Johnson, to talk about what’s happening behind the walls at Barnstead Elementary School.

Jesse shares how his journey from field foreman to project manager led him to help modernize schools across New Hampshire. Together, they dig into how math, design, and creativity come together to keep classrooms comfortable — from calculating airflow and duct sizes to balancing quiet, efficient systems.

Along the way, Jesse opens up about his path through UNH, his 18 years with E&J, and how his love for disc golf helps him stay focused both on the course and on the job site.

It’s a hands-on look at how numbers, teamwork, and problem-solving build the spaces where learning happens.

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From the deck of a Navy destroyer to the quiet woods of Barnstead, John Starkey has spent a lifetime in service, stewardship, and stories. In this episode, John shares how a recruiting poster and a pair of white Navy bell bottoms launched a worldwide adventure that eventually led him back home to New Hampshire. We talk about his years at sea, his decades in public works, his guiding and trapping days, and the mentors and lessons that shaped him along the way.

Alongside a few good laughs — and one very clever retriever named Hattie — John reminds us that the best parts of small-town life are built on humor, hard work, and the quiet consistency of people who still take pride in doing things right.

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In this episode of Off the Gravel Road, Robb sits down with longtime friend and colleague Kurt Hudson, Co-President of L.C. Anderson, a Boston-based mechanical contractor that’s been keeping New England comfortable since 1943.

Together, they trace the company’s remarkable continuity — from its 1995 sale to Kurt’s father, Warren Hudson, to its 2025 partnership with FirstCall Mechanical — and explore what it means to carry a family business forward while adapting to change.

Kurt opens up about the experience of moving from owner to employee, what it takes to preserve culture during growth, and why he believes the real asset in any company isn’t equipment or inventory — it’s people.

The conversation also dives deep into the skilled trades: the need for more youth choosing careers in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and building automation, the opportunities apprenticeships provide, and how hands-on problem solving can be just as valuable as a four-year degree. Kurt and Robb discuss the shifting workforce, the power of mentorship, and the pride that comes from work that lasts.

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When troubleshooting, leadership, and life all come down to one thing — asking better questions.

In this episode of Off the Gravel Road, Robb Ellis sits down with Jeff Groth, President of Ambient Temperature Corporation, to talk about the mindset shift from judger to learner — inspired by Marilee Adams’ book Change Your Questions, Change Your Life.

Jeff shares lessons from his journey with Trane, his new role leading a long-time FIA customer, and how private equity, sustainability, and curiosity intersect in today’s mechanical contracting world.

Together, they explore what it means to lead with curiosity, how the phrase “Be curious, not judgmental” (which actually originated from a 1986 advice column, not Walt Whitman) applies to the trades, and why teaching kids to ask questions — and advocate for themselves — is at the heart of Off the Gravel Road.

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Recorded live inside the TL Storer Dining Hall during the Spirit of Adventure Council Camporee, this episode features Lucas Crispo, Lodge Chief of Penacook Lodge, Order of the Arrow.
Host Robb Ellis sits down with Lucas to explore what it means to be part of Scouting’s National Honor Society — from the meaning of the Ordeal and the spirit of cheerful service, to building leadership through hard work, teamwork, and laughter.
Together they reflect on OA traditions, the value of fellowship, and how service projects like fencing the Storer pasture and building the tomahawk range help connect youth leadership to real-world impact.

It’s a story of community, growth, and giving back — all in the true spirit of the Arrow.

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In this episode of Off the Gravel Road, host Nova Johnson sits down with Adam Yelcin, youth course lead and Order of the Arrow member, to explore one of Scouting’s most transformative experiences — National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT).

Adam shares what makes NYLT so unique, from the immersive weeklong structure to the powerful lessons in communication, teamwork, and servant leadership. Listeners will hear how the course empowers Scouts to lead both in their troops and in life, and how youth staff help shape the next generation of confident, capable leaders.

Whether you’re a Scout considering NYLT for the first time, or an adult curious about how it builds stronger units, this conversation offers an inside look at what leadership on the trail truly means.

Registration Link Coming Soon

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On this episode of Off the Gravel Road, host Malachi Reed sits down with Stephen Gousie and Jerry Cross from the Spirit of Adventure Council to explore one of Scouting’s most powerful traditions — Wood Badge.

More than just a training course, Wood Badge is a deep dive into teamwork, communication, and servant leadership — lessons that reach far beyond Scouting. Stephen and Jerry share stories from their own experiences as participants and staff, the humor and challenges of leading adults through “learning by doing,” and how the course continues to evolve for modern leaders.

Whether you’re a longtime Scouter or just curious how leadership can grow from the campfire to the community, this conversation will remind you why the best leaders never stop learning.

🎧 Off the Gravel Road — where lessons learned outdoors help us lead better everywhere else.

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