Story Discovery Podcast

Discover a safe place, where a chance interaction between two strangers struggling to overcome their demons, changes both lives and hearts. After the reading, Melissa reveals her writing style as well as some of her surprising friends.  Bonus points to those who can guess the type of bird who performs several cameos during the interview.

If you’d like to read this story or learn more about Melissa Collings, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio, story, and poetry material are copyright 2021, all rights reserved.

The Bleecker family looks to enjoy some much-anticipated together-time at Constance Beach, but nature, and those pivotal moments in life, may have other plans. After the story we speak with Christopher about writing inspiration, his approach to storytelling, and an emotion he most appreciates. It might surprise you. Also, keep an eye out for his debut novel, We Take Care of Our Own, to be out soon.

If you'd like to read this story and learn more about Chris Clancy, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com

All audio and story material copyright 2021, all rights reserved. 

A humorous tale of a musical director vetting aspiring actors and the unlikely impact on all involved. After the reading we speak with Becky about the origin of the story, writing practices, the challenge of creativity during a pandemic, and even bear attacks. 

If you'd like to read this story and learn more about Becky Hinshaw, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com

All audio and story material copyright 2021, all rights reserved. 

This episode provides a brief overview of the legal framework which surrounds transit agencies and unions, as well as some insight about the importance of the union and transit agency relationship.

Note: This show recorded September 17, 2019.

On today's show we welcome our new host, Bob Baulsir, who replaces Paul Ballard (retired), as the CEO at Trinity Metro.  Bob has a fascinating trajectory in transit, starting as a Journeyman in the maintenance department and rising through management to achieve CEO status.  We talk with him about his path as well as ideas for others who wish to rise in the ranks at transit agencies.  Edward also talks about some of the challenges he faced and ways to stand out as an employee.  Hint:  It's all about taking on a little risk.

Note: This show recorded June 4, 2019.

Edward and I discuss some of the challenges agencies face when budgeting and planning for a transit system.  We also provide a brief overview about the difference between capital and operating funds, specifically as they apply to transit.  Edward provides words of wisdom for CEO's about budgeting and the importance of working collaboratively.

Note: This show recorded in May, 2019.

We talk with David Block-Schachter, CBO at Transit, about what's happening with their Transit App, and some of its new capabilities, including being able to pay for your trip within the app itself, linking up with ride-hailing companies, and even locating scooters. He shares some of the opportunities and challenges of working with both governmental agencies (Transit Authorities) and private companies to both obtain, and share their data, so that ultimately the user/rider experience is the absolute best it can be.  Both Edward and I learned a bunch so we kept the show going an extra 15 minutes.  We're sure you will enjoy this interview as much as we did.

Note:  This show recorded April 23, 2019.

In this episode we get an update from Mark Cleveland, CEO and Chief Cheerleader for Hytch, about their new shared mobility solution.  If you haven't heard of Hytch Rewards, you'll be surprised by their innovative approach that incentivizes commuters to share a ride.  (Hint: in some areas of the country you can get paid to share a ride.)

Today we speak with Paul Ballard, CEO of Trinity Metro in Fort Worth, Texas (and one of our regular co-hosts) about the grand opening of their new 27 mile commuter rail service from downtown Fort Worth to the Dallas-Fort Worth International airport.  Paul walks us though some of the challenges of building these projects, including working with the Federal Railroad Administration in the midst of a government shutdown, as well as early ridership numbers.  If you are someone who loves the nitty-gritty of railroads, this is a show you won't want to miss.

On today's show we discuss transit's role in preparing, mitigating, and managing for all types of disasters.  This includes natural disasters such as floods and hurricanes to medical disasters and even terrorism.  We discuss how transit agencies play a role as part of a city or state's team in managing the disaster, as well as what transit agencies must do to prepare themselves for these events.  

Note: This show recorded August, 2017