Ramblin' on the River

This episode features a blend of intriguing family history and inspirational medical resilience. The family discusses the transformation of old riverboats into the famed haunted attraction, the USS Nightmare. Joined by Allen Rizzo, the episode highlights behind-the-scenes stories, memorable moments, and the growth of this fall tradition in Cincinnati. Additionally, Alan shares his profound medical journey from low platelet levels to a life-saving liver transplant, underscoring the importance of belief and perseverance. Personal anecdotes and humorous recollections enrich these stories.  

00:00 Introduction to Ramblin' on the River
00:45 Meet the Bernstein Family
01:44 Podcast Housekeeping
02:15 Global Reach and Listener Stats
03:14 Introducing the USS Nightmare
03:46 Guest Appearance: Allen Rizzo
04:15 History of the USS Nightmare
06:23 The Haunted Attraction's Early Days
07:26 Building the Haunted House
12:47 Challenges and Funny Stories
36:57 Expansion and New Ventures
39:43 The Pristine Museum
40:09 The Mitchell Massacre
41:55 Blending Folklore with History
43:15 Rechristening the Boats
45:12 Haunted House Industry Insights
47:38 The Millionth Passenger
49:10 The USS Nightmare Experience
56:34 The Legendary Haunt Tour
01:05:42 Al's Cancer Journey
01:16:21 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

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This episode of 'Ramblin on the River,' takes listeners on a nostalgic journey through the family's history, focusing on Alan's summer of 1969 in the Catskill Mountains. The episode dives into the family's entrepreneurial past in the hospitality industry and includes amusing and heartfelt stories, debates on historical dates, and intricate recollections of Alan's youthful adventures, working as a busboy at the Vegetarian hotel, and eventually finding his way to Gilbert's hotel. The Bernstein's also touch upon broader industry topics such as sea service time for mariners and upcoming ventures like the USS Nightmare. The episode concludes with humorous anecdotes and family banter, providing rich insight into the Bernsteins' family dynamics and their love for storytelling.

00:00 Introduction to Ramblin on the River
00:39 Meet the Hosts: The Bernstein Family
02:19 A Trip Down Memory Lane: 1969
06:45 Life in the Catskill Mountains
16:00 The Vegetarian Hotel Experience
22:07 Woodstock and the End of Summer
25:06 Memories of the Catskill Mountains
26:11 Working in the Catskills: A Teenager's Experience
27:08 The Late Night Shows and Bartending
31:01 The Seasonal Nature of Catskill Resorts
33:05 Lessons Learned from the Catskills
36:22 Word of the Day: Schnoz
41:09 Mariner Licensing and Sea Time
49:03 Upcoming Episode Teaser and Conclusion

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In this engaging episode of 'Ramblin on the River,' The Bernsteins recount their family's deep-rooted history in Cincinnati, from their early restaurant days to humorous and heartfelt stories involving local icons like Carl Lindner. They touch upon amusing bartending anecdotes, encounters with law enforcement, and the memorable heist that crowned the Belle of Cincinnati as an official river pirate boat. Additionally, the episode provides valuable safety tips for attending the WEBN Fireworks event. The Bernsteins' personal stories make for a rich, entertaining experience, blending history, humor, and heartfelt memories.

00:00 Introduction to Rambling on the River
01:24 Meet the Hosts: Ben, Alan, and Terri
01:59 Podcast Housekeeping and Social Media
03:03 Episode Theme: Potpourri
04:10 Story Time: The Bernstein Family's Restaurant Beginnings
05:40 Bartending Blunders and Family Anecdotes
08:55 Carl Lindner and the Famous Table Story
19:46 Run-ins with the Law: River Fest Incident
29:45 The Great Steamboat Race: Belle of Cincinnati
33:11 The Race Dispute
35:24 The Covert Ops Plan
36:28 The Heist and Escape
38:22 The Aftermath and Consequences
46:20 The Pirate Legacy
52:10 Upcoming Events and Safety Tips
58:02 Closing Remarks and Next Episode Preview

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In this episode, we delve into the history and growth of the Passenger Vessel Association (PVA). From its roots as the National Association of Passenger Vessel Owners (NAPVO) to its current form, the podcast features anecdotes, challenges, and accomplishments that shaped the association. Guests include John Groundwater, Executive Director of PVA, who shares his journey from the broadcasting industry to leading PVA. The episode also covers memorable and humorous events from past conventions, emphasizing the sense of community and collaboration within the industry. Key topics include the association's role in helping operators navigate regulatory challenges, fostering industry collaboration, and maintaining safety protocols. 

00:00 Introduction to Ramblin on the River
01:26 Meet the Hosts: Ben, Terri, and Alan
02:46 The Journey of BB Riverboats
03:45 Challenges and Growth in the Riverboat Industry
05:57 Guest Introduction: John Groundwater
07:22 History of the Passenger Vessel Association (PVA)
18:43 Early Days of PVA and Personal Stories
24:49 PVA's Evolution and Industry Impact
32:32 Memorable Moments and Fun Stories
44:25 Admiral Watson's Support for PVA
45:01 Quality Partnership with the Coast Guard
47:32 Convention Memories: Long Beach and Catalina Island
50:03 The Catalina Island Banquet Fiasco
59:16 PVA's Growth and Achievements
01:05:10 Ramblin on the Rivers: Word of the Day
01:08:41 Maritime Security Drill
01:17:51 Conclusion and Announcements

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This episode of 'Ramblin on the River' focuses on the acquisition and renovation of the Belle of Cincinnati. The episode features vivid storytelling about the summer adventure in New Orleans, unexpected challenges and humorous mishaps during the renovation, and the journey of towing the World Peace Belle upriver. Special guest Troy Manthey, owner and operator of Yacht Starship, joins to share his unique experiences and insights from the river boating industry. The episode concludes with updates on the hosts' families and plans for future topics, including the Passenger Vessel Association and the Tall Stacks festival.

00:00 Introduction to Ramblin on the River
01:25 Meet the Hosts: Ben, Alan, and Family
02:21 Engage with Us: Follow, Like, and Subscribe
03:20 Recap of Previous Episodes
04:28 Special Guest: Troy Manthey
04:37 The Belle of Cincinnati: Acquisition and Renovation
07:50 Challenges and Adventures in New Orleans
22:04 Sea Trials and Rescue Boat Mishaps
34:30 The World Peace Belle Journey
38:42 The Belle's Journey Begins
39:14 Ceremonies and Celebrations
41:09 Practical Jokes on the River
42:20 The Final Stops and Christening
46:19 Reflections and Future Plans
51:23 Word of the Day:Bamboozled
53:57 Family Updates and Personal Stories
54:13 Current Events and Family Bragging
01:08:06 Looking Ahead: BB Riverboats and PVA
01:09:00 Conclusion and Farewell

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This episode delves deeply into humorous and heartfelt stories, from amusing retellings of family Christmases and vasectomy mishaps to sentimental recollections of Alan and Mary Bernstein's love story. Interspersed with these anecdotes, the family discusses their riverboat business operations and the challenges of managing a family-run company. The episode concludes with a sneak peek into next week's episode, which will feature Captain Troy Manthey and the acquisition of the Belle of Cincinnati.

00:00 Introduction to Ramblin' on the River
01:23 Meet the Hosts: Ben, Terri, and Alan Bernstein
01:58 Recap of the Last Episode
02:15 This Week's Topic: Alan and Mary Bernstein's Love Story
02:50 Podcast Announcements and Listener Engagement
07:16 Story Time: Alan and Mary Bernstein's Early Days
21:08 The Proposal and Wedding Preparations
35:23 The Christmas Eve Shopping Fiasco
37:05 The Walgreens Adventure
38:12 The Ronco Gifts Disaster
41:55 The Birth of Terri Lynn
47:44 The Vasectomy Story
54:40 The 20th Anniversary at El Coyote
57:29 The 25th Anniversary Ring
01:06:32 The Annual Summer Cruise Tour
01:14:00 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

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This episode of the 'Rambling on the River' podcast highlights their participation in the 1982 World's Fair in Knoxville, Tennessee.  The episode covers the acquisition and preparation of boats like the Becky Thatcher, and the various logistical challenges faced, from sinking boats to marketing tactics involving fish food. Personal anecdotes include guest Alan Rizzo's early work experiences and humorous as well as challenging events at the fair, such as a costume contest and a crowd control incident leading to a legal battle. Additionally, it discusses makeshift accommodations, navigating low water levels, fuel shortages, and logistical hurdles faced on the journey back to Cincinnati. The episode also touches on the contemporary topic of marijuana legalization and its maritime industry implications, and teases future segments like the renovation of the Emerald Lady into the Belle of Cincinnati.

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This episode of the 'Ramblin' on the River' podcast covers the history and entrepreneurial spirit of the Bernstein family. Meet the Patriarch and Matriarch of the family, Ben and Shirley Bernstein, and hear about their love story during WWII. The podcast highlights the family's journey in the restaurant business, and shares humorous and heartfelt family anecdotes, including the formation and growth of their many properties. The episode concludes with a tribute to the late patriarch, his entrepreneurial spirit, and the family's continuing legacy, along with discussing recent and upcoming events.

00:00 Introduction to Ramblin' on the River
01:25 Meet the Hosts: The Bernstein Family
02:19 International Audience and Previous Episode Recap
03:15 Story Time: Ben and Shirley Bernstein
04:11 High School Sweethearts and Early Years
05:06 World War II and Long-Distance Love
11:07 Post-War Life and Starting a Family
27:23 The Entrepreneurial Spirit of Grandpa
30:57 Expansion and Success
31:20 Reflecting on Unique Restaurants
31:54 Dad's Fearless Spirit
32:31 Dad's Illness and Passing
33:21 Remembering Dad's Legacy
33:40 Mom and Dad: The Perfect Team
34:19 Funeral and Reception
35:34 Family Memories and Awards
39:11 Word of the Day: Offtaglubloozem
46:10 Current Events: Newport Blast
55:58 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

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This episode of Ramblin' on the River, sponsored by BB Riverboats, begins with Alan Bernstein reminiscing about his experiences on the Delta Queen in 1970, including humorous and heartfelt stories about jobs, learning values, and even an unexpected brush with the law in Paducah, Kentucky. The hosts also discuss the significance of the Delta Queen in fostering Alan's love for the river and its hospitality culture. Current events in the maritime industry, such as illegal charters, are highlighted, explaining the importance of Coast Guard regulations and the steps required for legal passenger operations. The word of the day, 'Mark Twain,' is explained, providing historical context and its significance in river navigation. The episode concludes with a preview of the next episode about the Bernstein family's entrepreneurial endeavors in the restaurant business.

00:00 Introduction to Ramblin' on the River
03:18 Story Time: Alan's High School Graduation and the Delta Queen
13:22 Life on the Delta Queen: Responsibilities and Adventures
25:18 The Magic of the River: Reflections and Experiences
31:32 From Delta Queen to BB Riverboats: The Journey Begins
35:03 Pittsburgh and the Gateway Clipper
35:35 The Legacy of Betty Blake
37:02 Founding BB Riverboats
37:49 Alan's Journey to Captaincy
39:11 Challenges of Maritime Licensing
46:52 Understanding Mark Twain
51:31 Illegal Charters and Safety Concerns
59:47 Conclusion and Future Episodes

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A Bernstein Family Legacy: Steamboats, Stories, and Startups

The inaugural episode of Ramblin on the River, presented by BB Riverboats, starts with a nostalgic look at summertime in the Ohio River Valley. Hosts Ben, Terri, and Alan Bernstein introduce themselves and the podcast, which will chronicle the stories and history of the Bernstein family's journey in Cincinnati's hospitality and riverboat businesses. Detailed anecdotes include Alan's youth in Ecuador, the origins of the family's restaurant business, and the eventual inception of BB Riverboats. Highlights include a humorous tale of a mistranslation in a speech, a recount of Alan's impromptu job on the Delta Queen, and a discussion on rail jumping incidents. The episode sets the stage for future explorations of family stories, riverboat life, and the rich history of their entrepreneurial ventures.

00:00 Introduction to Ramblin on the River
01:23 Meet the Hosts: Ben, Alan, and Terri
01:43 The Birth of the Podcast
01:56 Setting Expectations and Listener Engagement
03:18 Alan's Podcast Inspiration
04:39 Family Stories and Alan's Health Journey
07:58 Terri's Educational Background
10:38 Ben's Background and Boat Handling Skills
13:04 Alan's Early Life and Career
18:11 Life in Ecuador: Alan's Teenage Years
30:19 Alan's Start on the Delta Queen
36:26 Grandma's Happiness and College Dropout
37:08 Gregory Steakhouse and El Greco
41:20 The Mike Fink Era
43:39 Benson's Catering and Rebranding
46:40 Covington Landing and Joint Ventures
54:50 Rail Jumping and Safety Concerns
01:04:11 Conclusion and Future Episodes

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!