Mark and Dave are back at the Tavern, and this week they're unpacking the September trip to Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina — a vacation that ended with something permanent.In Episode 019, Mark tells the full story of walking into the Salty Sailor tattoo parlour on Ocean Isle and making a decision he can't undo: getting the SHT Logo tattooed on his upper thigh. Dave has questions. Mark has answers. Some of them are good.The guys cover the whole trip, and the moment Mark decided a vacation souvenir should last a lifetime. If you've ever wondered what goes into choosing a tattoo shop on a beach trip, or what it feels like to commit your own podcast's logo to your skin, this is the episode for you.In this episode:The Salty Sailor tattoo parlour: how Mark picked it, and what the shop was likeGetting the SHT Logo tattooed on the upper thigh — the idea, the pain, the resultDave's reaction to seeing it, and the debate over whether it counts as branding or a dareKeywords: SHTTalk Tavern podcast, episode 019, SHTTalk episode 19, Ocean Isle Beach NC, Ocean Isle Beach vacation September, Salty Sailor tattoo parlour, Salty Sailor Ocean Isle Beach, SHT logo tattoo, Mark SHT tattoo, upper thigh tattoo, tattoo podcast episode, beach vacation podcast, SHTTalk Tavern neighbors vacation, Ocean Isle Beach tattoo shop, podcast episode about tattoos, friends podcast tattoo story, North Carolina beach trip podcast, Listen to SHTTalk Tavern Episode 019 wherever you get your podcasts — Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all major platforms. New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe so you never miss a story from the Tavern.Follow SHTTalk Tavern: https://linktr.ee/shttalktavern

Mark thinks he’s judging straight American whiskey. Dave has other plans.

One of the five “bourbons” isn’t bourbon at all. Dave quietly swapped in Don Julio 1942 tequila and sat back to watch.

What follows is unfiltered tavern chaos: sniffing, sipping, ranking, second-guessing, and Mark slowly realizing something is very wrong with one of the glasses. Expect honest tasting notes, plenty of banter, and the moment the trap is sprung.

If you like whiskey reviews, blind taste tests, bourbon vs tequila debates, or just two friends trying to out-prank each other over a pour, this one’s for you.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts.
🔗 https://linktr.ee/shttalktavern

In this episode of SHT Talk Tavern, Mark sits down with two men who retired one year ago to get real, unfiltered advice on the retirement transition and how to mentally prepare for life after work.One guest returned to consulting in the same field he left, creating a flexible post-retirement career on his own terms. The other fully stepped away, enjoying everyday life at home with his wife while taking on occasional projects. Together they share honest insights on the mental shift of retirement, the surprises that hit after the first year, and practical lessons on navigating the transition successfully.Whether you’re planning to retire soon, already counting down the years, or simply curious about life after a full-time career, this conversation delivers straight-talk retirement advice you won’t hear in polished seminars. Perfect for anyone seeking real experiences on preparing mentally for retirement, adjusting to a new lifestyle, and finding purpose one year in.Listen now for no-BS guidance on the retirement journey from two men living it.

In this thoughtful episode of SHT Talk, hosts Mark and Dave sit down with neighborhood sage Jeffrey for a raw, honest conversation about life after 50.Drawing inspiration from Dylan Thomas’s famous line “Do not go gentle into that good night,” they dig into the big questions many men face in midlife and beyond:Are men over 50 actually fulfilled?What does true career fulfillment look like once the traditional climb is over?How can emotional consciousness and self-awareness change the second half of life?Jeffrey shares hard-earned wisdom on purpose, identity, emotional intelligence, and finding meaning when the old definitions of success no longer fit. Mark and Dave bring their usual tavern-style honesty, humor, and curiosity as they explore what it really means to live fully — not just age gracefully.Whether you’re navigating midlife transitions, questioning your career path, or simply wondering if this is as good as it gets, this episode delivers real talk without the fluff.Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts.🔗 https://linktr.ee/shttalktavern

Dave and Mark are back in the kitchen (and the tavern) for Part 2 of the viral watermelon ice cream challenge.

Last time they dove in head-first. This time they actually followed a refined recipe, measured things (mostly), and tried to get the texture right. Spoiler: it went better… until they decided “better” wasn’t quite finished.

At the end of the episode they crack open a bottle of rum and turn their homemade watermelon ice cream into a proper adult dessert-drink hybrid. Think frozen watermelon cocktail energy, StagsHead style.

Grab a spoon (or a glass) and listen in.

In this episode of SHT Talk (StagsHead Tavern Podcast), hosts Dave and Mark take on the viral social media watermelon ice cream challenge.They freeze a watermelon, cut it in half, and use the frozen half as the mixing vessel for their ice cream mixture. No fancy machines—just a hollowed-out frozen watermelon, cream, and pure summer chaos.Watch (and listen) as the duo blends, scoops, and tastes their way through this messy, refreshing, and surprisingly delicious experiment. Will the frozen watermelon vessel actually work? Does the homemade watermelon ice cream live up to the hype? And how much of a mess will Mark and Dave make in the process?Join the StagsHead Tavern crew for laughs, real-time reactions, tasting notes, and the full behind-the-scenes of one of the internet’s most popular summer food challenges.Perfect for fans of podcast food experiments, viral social media challenges, homemade ice cream, watermelon recipes, and the laid-back banter of Dave and Mark on SHT Talk.Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.

What happens when you hit 50 and suddenly decide it’s time to get inked? In this episode of SHT Talk Tavern, Dave and Mark sit down with two friends who have each gotten multiple tattoos in the last two years — all after turning 50.

From the motivation behind their tattoo journeys to the pain, planning, placement regrets (and wins), and how it feels to walk into a tattoo shop as a middle-aged adult, this honest conversation dives deep into midlife ink, self-expression, and breaking old stereotypes.

Whether you’re thinking about your first (or fifth) tattoo after 50 or just love real talk about life’s next chapter, this episode is packed with laughs, surprises, and plenty of “would you do it?” moments.

Tune in as the guys keep it real about tattoos after 50, late-life rebellion, and what it means to still evolve.

Join hosts Mark and Dave at the StagsHead Tavern for a hilarious and flavorful pickle tasting adventure on SHT Talk! In this episode, the duo samples a lineup of popular national pickle brands including Josh's Pickles, Dill Daddy Pickles, McClure's Pickles, Mount Olive Pickles, and Claussen Pickles.

From crunchy dill to bold garlic flavors, they compare taste, texture, and spice level in a no-holds-barred review. Who makes the best pickles in America? Find out as the guys bite, critique, and crown their favorites in this must-listen pickle tasting episode!

If you love funny food challenges, pickle reviews, and tavern-style banter, hit play now!

In this episode of SHT Talk, Dave sits down with Mark to dive deep into the full origin story of the Stagshead Tavern. From the very first spark of the idea to the day the doors opened, Mark walks us through the wild journey of bringing this rustic gem to life.

They discuss the real talk on funding — how the project was financed, the unexpected hurdles, and the creative solutions that kept it moving forward. You’ll also get the full story on the construction process, including the blood, sweat, and late nights that went into turning a vision into a physical space.

Plus, Mark shares the backstories behind some of the most interesting items hanging on the walls of the shed — the unique pieces that give Stagshead its character and soul.

Whether you’re into entrepreneurship, DIY building stories, or just love the charm of a proper tavern, this episode is full of inspiration, lessons learned, and great storytelling.

🎧 Tune in now and hear how one man’s dream became the Stagshead Tavern!

In the latest episode of SHT Talk Tavern, hosts Mark and Dave sit down with legendary North Carolina folk musician and songwriter David Childers.

From his deep roots in the Southern folk and Americana scene to his raw, poetic storytelling, David Childers brings a lifetime of music and wisdom to the table. In this wide-ranging conversation, he opens up about his major musical influences, the craft and discipline behind his songwriting technique, and the ups, downs, and hard-earned lessons from a life lived fully on and off the stage.

Whether you're a longtime fan of his soulful, gritty folk sound or discovering him for the first time, this episode offers an intimate look at the heart and mind of a true American troubadour. Expect honest talk, great stories, and plenty of insight you won’t want to miss.

SHT Talk Tavern – Real conversations. No filter.

Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!🎙️ New episode out now

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