Ramblin' on the River

After a brief delay, 'Ramblin on the River,' is back!  Hosts Ben,Terri, and Alan Bernstein are joined by guest Bill Kinseler. They embark on a nostalgic journey through the history of the Bernstein family's ventures in the restaurant and excursion boat business, particularly highlighting the legacy of the Mike Fink restaurant. The episode covers memorable stories, including the freezing winter of 1977-78, the saving of the Mike Fink from the ice, and various personal anecdotes about the family's operations and relationships with other prominent Cincinnati river families. They also reflect on Shirley Bernstein's impactful role and notable moments related to the family's business. Additionally, the episode includes updates on the podcast's reach and listener statistics, the latest news from the passenger vessel industry, and a special word of the day—'deadheading,' related to boat operations.

00:00 Introduction to Ramblin on the River
01:10 Meet the Hosts: Ben Terry and Alan Bernstein
01:24 Catching Up After a Long Hiatus
03:45 Medical Challenges and Family Stories
10:19 Introducing Special Guest: Bill Kinsler
19:58 The Bernstein Family's River Adventures
28:23 Unexpected Purchase: The Airplane Hangar
29:27 Navigating the River with Alan Bernstein
30:17 Power Lines Incident and Temporary Offices
31:39 The Bell Cincinnati and Shirley Cyphers
35:52 Pontoon Boat and the Homeless Man
40:14 Family Business and Career Paths
45:25 Remembering Shirley and Family Legacy
52:56 Deadheading Explained
56:17 Current Events and Coast Guard News
01:00:58 Wrapping Up and Future Plans

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In this episode of Ramblin' on the River, we get into fond memories and hilarious anecdotes about their family, riverboat adventures, and interactions with long-time associates. From childhood summers to the origins of Cincinnati's hospitality landscape, the episode offers a journey through the family history, supplemented by engaging stories with special guest and former VP of Operations, Josh Mehling. The episode also features commentary on business operations, practical jokes, and meaningful relationships formed over the years. Additionally, listeners get insights into the inner workings of BB Riverboats and hear about Terri Bernstein's recognition as one of the Northern Kentucky Tribune's Newsmakers of 2024.

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message
00:39 Welcome to Ramblin on the River
01:09 Meet Your Hosts: Ben and Alan Bernstein
02:47 Special Guest: Josh Mailing
04:21 Josh's Early Days at BB Riverboats
10:52 Hilarious Work Stories and Mishaps
29:02 The Infamous Xbox Incident
35:40 Susan and the Beef Tips Incident
37:29 Practical Jokes on the Cruise
39:26 Sleepwalking and Chocolate
40:19 The Car Key Mystery
43:09 Tall Stacks Chaos
50:19 Flatboats and River History
56:28 Current Events and Awards
01:00:20 Amusement Park Adventures
01:07:43 Conclusion and Farewell

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In this episode we share nostalgic stories about Al's childhood growing up in Cincinnati. They discuss growing up in the Ohio River Valley, their family dynamics, including humorous and heartfelt anecdotes about siblings and pets. The episode touches on events like America's River Roots festival, the significance of hosting the captain's ball, and the family's pet stories, providing a deep dive into their family history and cherished memories.

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message
00:39 Welcome to the Podcast
01:45 Listener Engagement and Feedback
02:24 Childhood Memories: School Days
04:27 Sibling Stories and Family Dynamics
20:28 Family Pets and Adventures
25:18 Grandma's Love for Animals
26:15 The Story of Segunda
30:59 Family Vacations and Memories
33:05 Childhood Friends and Memories
37:46 Sports and Neighborhood Life
41:34 Word of the Day: Toe the Line
45:11 Upcoming Events and Announcements
52:19 Conclusion and Farewell

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In this episode of the Ramblin' on the River' podcast, the family discusses their experiences with BB Riverboats, including collaborations with Gateway Clipper Fleet in Pittsburgh. Special guest Terry Wirginis from the Gateway Clipper Fleet shares stories about his family's business and their mutual influences. The conversation covers their mutual experiences, past ventures, humorous incidents, and the close-knit nature of the passenger vessel industry. This episode offers a blend of history, camaraderie, and the enduring bonds formed within the riverboat community.

00:00 Introduction to Ramblin on the River
01:23 Meet Your Hosts: Ben Terry and Alan Bernstein
02:08 A Journey Through the Bernstein Family History
02:49 Special Guest: Terry Wurgenis from Pittsburgh
03:48 The Origins of the Gateway Clipper Fleet
05:20 The Role of Betty Blake and John Conley
06:38 Terry Wurgenis' Early Involvement
10:14 The Transition to the Ohio State University
11:36 The Return to the Family Business
18:22 The Good Ship Lollipop Saga
22:41 Personal Stories and Friendships
28:19 The Bells of St. Louis Event
31:17 John's Leadership and Industry Insights
32:46 Casino Business Beginnings
34:11 Challenges and Successes in the Casino Industry
35:55 Understanding H Boats and Their Classes
38:53 The Evolution of Passenger Vessels
46:24 The Importance of Industry Collaboration
52:48 Gateway Clipper Fleet and Pittsburgh's Beauty
56:09 Rambling on the River: Word of the Day
59:37 Conclusion and Farewell

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This engaging episode of Ramblin' on the River delves into the rich history of the Bernstein family's involvement in Cincinnati's hospitality landscape. Hosts Ben, Terri, and Alan Bernstein discuss the family's entrepreneurial journey, touching upon key ventures such as the BB riverboats and the iconic Crockett’s restaurant. The episode is filled with light-hearted banter, personal anecdotes, and even introduces younger family members Emma Stewart and Elim Bernstein. From childhood memories to recent achievements, this episode captures the essence of family and tradition, all while sailing through the mighty Ohio River.

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message
01:24 Welcome Back from Hiatus
03:43 Special Guests: Emma and Elim
05:03 Emma's Driving Adventures
10:15 Sports Updates: Volleyball and Football
14:03 Future Plans and Aspirations
20:18 Family Business History: Crockett's and BB Riverboats
27:15 Searching for Harold and Tom
27:38 Transforming the Restaurant
28:05 Crocodile Dundee Theme
28:40 Staff and Management Stories
29:29 Family Memories and Piano Lessons
32:09 The Great Beer Spill
35:28 Life Jacket Demonstration
40:37 Crockett's Culinary Delights
44:10 Word of the Day: Soup Coolers
47:46 Election Day and Current Events
55:35 Family Podcast Plans
58:13 Conclusion and Farewell

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In this episode of 'Ramblin on the River' the Bernstein family explores the colorful history of their family's involvement in Cincinnati's hospitality business, focusing on the iconic Mike Fink riverboat restaurant. The discussion spans the boat's move from Cincinnati to Covington, significant challenges like the harsh winter of 1977-78, and memorable anecdotes that paint a vivid picture of the restaurant's legacy. From whimsical practical jokes between Carl Lindner and Ben Bernstein to celebrity visits and personal mishaps, the episode is a nostalgic journey through both hardships and joyous moments. The theme extends to discussions about community resilience amid recent severe weather events, nodding to the continuity of family traditions and the evolving hospitality landscape.

00:00 Introduction to Ramblin on the River

01:25 Meet Your Hosts: Ben, Alan, and Terri

02:09 Listener Engagement and International Audience

03:35 Family History: The Old El Greco Restaurant

05:41 The Mike Fink Restaurant: A Cincinnati Icon

15:30 Winter Challenges and River Adventures

20:52 Memorable Moments and Famous Guests

26:49 Dumbwaiter Mishap: A Classic Story

29:31 The Dumbwaiter Story

30:18 Childhood Memories with Grandpa

31:36 High Water Boat Moving

36:34 Cooking at the Table

38:16 The Fire Incident

39:55 The Banana Split Prank

51:44 Rambling on the River: Word of the Day

54:48 Hurricane Helene and Milton

01:00:56 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

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In this episode of 'Ramblin on the River, the podcast dives into the legacy of the Bernstein family's involvement in Cincinnati's hospitality scene, particularly focusing on their restaurant, El Greco. The script is peppered with anecdotes about family dynamics, notable events, and recipes from El Greco's menu. Two infamous stories are revisited - a mishap as a valet and a humorous restaurant incident involving Alan's mother. The episode also touches on the challenges and successes encountered over the years in the restaurant business. Alongside these personal stories, there's a mention of the upcoming Blink Cincinnati event, where BB Riverboats offers a unique experience to enjoy light installations via river cruises.

00:00 Introduction to Ramblin on the River

01:35 Meet the Hosts: Ben, Alan, and Terri

03:10 Terri's Birthday and Family Memories

04:18 Debate: Open-Faced Sandwiches and Boneless Chicken Wings

09:22 El Greco: The Family's Favorite Restaurant

11:23 The History and Layout of El Greco

28:51 Expanding El Greco: The Garden Room

31:45 Christmas at El Greco: A New Tradition

34:07 Shelly's Hospitality and Late-Night Dining

35:07 Dad's Restaurant Philosophy and Christmas Eve Tradition

37:25 El Greco's Unique Advertising and Diverse Menu

41:03 Valet Mishaps and Memorable Stories

49:20 Famous Characters and Signature Dishes

57:48 Freeze-Dried Al: A Family Nickname

01:00:14 Blink Cincinnati: A Spectacular Event

01:04:12 Concluding Thoughts and Future Episodes

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In the second part of this Tall Stacks episode of Ramblin' on the River the Bernstein's share humorous and heartwarming stories from the past festivals. The hosts also getinto the origin of the phrase 'three sheets to the wind' and provide insights into current riverboat industry trends and the economic landscape. Tune in for an engaging mix of history, humor, and river lore.

00:00 Introduction to Ramblin' on the River
00:39 Meet the Hosts: Ben, Alan, and Terri
01:51 Listener Engagement and Social Media
03:30 Miami Marlins Game and Poolside Memories
04:38 Tall Stacks Festival History
06:24 The Great River Race of 2003
11:59 Trophy Mishap and Recovery
16:51 Breakfast Cruise in the Fog
22:56 The Golf Cart Prank
26:33 The Brunch Cruise Challenge
27:25 Tall Stacks Event: Behind the Scenes
30:44 A Memorable Encounter at Tall Stacks
35:52 Three Sheets to the Wind: Nautical Origins
43:59 Current Events: The Economy and Industry Insights
52:22 Conclusion and Farewell

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In this episode, the Bernstein family dives into the history of Cincinnati's Tall Stacks festivals, from their inception in 1988 through various installments, highlighting stories of successes, challenges, and memorable moments. The episode also features humorous anecdotes about family and work life, interactions with fans, and a segment on modern slang terms.

00:00 Introduction to Ramblin on the River
01:09 Meet Your Hosts: Ben Terri and Alan Bernstein
02:51 The Origins of Tallstacks Festival
06:20 Tallstacks 1988: The Inaugural Event
13:56 Tallstacks 1992: The Second Celebration
16:36 Tallstacks 1995: Expansion and Reenactments
17:36 Tallstacks 1999: A Decline in Attendance
17:57 Tallstacks 2003: Music and Entertainment
21:49 Tallstacks 2006: Overcoming Challenges
29:54 Volunteer Heroes and the Garbage Truck Stern Line
31:52 The Mutiny on the President
38:01 Red Hat Ladies Chaos
42:03 Word of the Day: Fuddy Duddy
44:54 Teen Slang Challenge
53:45 Conclusion and Farewell

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In this episode of 'Ramblin' on the River' share a series of humorous and intriguing maritime stories, including the two groundings of the Belle of Cincinnati, the partial sinking of the Captain Ben, and the unfortunate sinking of the diorama barge. They also discuss how the crew managed to improvise mooring situations by tying their vessel to unconventional objects. The episode concludes with exciting news about the return of the 'Tall Stacks' festival, now called 'America's River Roots,' which is scheduled for October 2025. The hosts provide insights into the festival's components, including music, culture, cuisine, and the anticipated arrival of various riverboats from across the United States.

00:00 Introduction to Ramblin' on the River
01:23 Meet the Hosts: Ben, Alan, and Terri
01:47 Listener Emails and Fan Interactions
04:08 Terri's Lisp and Funny Anecdotes
05:28 Bloopers and Mishaps: Part 1
07:48 Navigating the Tennessee River
13:18 Grounding the Belle of Cincinnati
15:51 Rescue Operations and Passenger Safety
25:21 The Captain Ben Incident
30:40 Building the Diorama
31:20 Animatronics and Chuck E. Cheese
32:05 The Sinking Barge Incident
34:29 Coast Guard and Missing Documents
37:48 Tying Up the Boat in Town
43:19 Blooper Story Time
43:38 Word of the Day: Flotsam and Jetsam
48:27 America's River Roots Festival
59:14 Podcast Conclusion and Farewell

Please like and subscribe to this show. Connect with us on our Facebook or Instagram page. Check out our website at RamblinontheRiver.com or email us directly at [email protected]. Thank you for listening!