The Main Thing Podcast

Welcome to the Main Thing Podcast, your wisdom podcast. I'm Skip Lineberg and I'll be your host.

Twice each month, we bring you a concise, high impact wisdom lesson. Fresh insights and unique perspectives from the wisest people around.

Studying their wisdom and learning together, we all get a little better at life.

From Combat to Creativity - Rob Akers’ Journey 

In this episode, you hear from my good friend, Rob Akers. Rob is a professional pilot, a father, a husband, creative writer and combat veteran.

In this wide-ranging, intimate wisdom conversation, you'll hear about:

• What it feels like to be shot at while flying an airplane;
• How this brave man deals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); and
• How the creative writing process looks from within the creative mind.

More About Our Wise Guest - Rob Akers

Rob Akers is not a speaker, thinker, teacher, philosopher, intellectual psychologist, preacher or entrepreneur. Rob is just a regular guy who is trying to get through life by making his world a little better every day.

Rob and I recorded inside Parkwood Studios in Charleston, West Virginia.

Resources

Rob’s published story in Spurs & Six Shooters: Tales of the Old West on Amazon.

Connect with Rob on Facebook

Credits

Editor + Technical Advisor Bob Hotchkiss

Brand + Strategy Advisor Andy Malinoski

PR + Partnerships Advisor Rachel Bell

Marketing, Social Media and Graphic Design Chloe Lineberg

Stay Connected with Us on Social

YouTube @themainthingpod

Twitter @themainthingpod

Instagram @themainthingpod

Facebook  @TheMainThingPod

LinkedIn

Help Support and Sustain This Podcast

1. Become a subscriber.
2. Share the podcast with one or two friends.
3. Follow us on social media @TheMainThingPod
4. Buy some Main Thing Merch from our Merchandise Store.
5. Buy a book from our curated wisdom collection on bookshop.org.
6. Become a patron and support us on Patreon with funding.

Episode Chapters

[0:03:02] - Being shot at while flying an airplane

[0:06:07] - How Skip and Rob are connected 

[0:06:40] - Rob’s career in aviation; military service

[0:09:56] - Rob shares his Main Thing wisdom

[0:13:24] - Survival, love and the will to live

[0:15:46] - PTSD, forgiveness and healing

[0:18:19] - Importance of having a counterbalance on the aircraft and in life

[0:19:14] - Rob pulls back the curtain on his creative writing practice 

Welcome to the Main Thing Podcast, where every episode brings you a concise, high-impact wisdom lesson from one of the wisest people I know. Studying their wisdom and learning together, we all get a little better at this thing called life.

Courage & Community-Building are Par for the Course with Alison

Stepping onto a golf course is a serene escape for some, but for Allison Ibarra, it was the beginning of a journey that led her from competitive golf to transforming a near-derelict bowling alley into Pinhead's Family Fun Center—a community gem in Oak Hill, West Virginia. Join me as I chat with Allison, a driven entrepreneur and resilient military spouse, who shares how she turned personal challenges into opportunities for community growth and family happiness. Her story is a testament to the power of determination and adaptability. Through Allison's stories and wisdom lessons, we explore the essence of friendship, community service, and the unique resilience required in the face of life's challenges.

In today’s conversation with this courageous, servant leader, you will discover Alison’s Main Thing and also learn:

1. How an incredibly productive entrepreneur manages it all;
2. How a military spouse and her husband coped with long deployments and many months apart; and
3. How the strongest leaders gain tremendous respect by being peace makers, rather than conflict initiators.

More About Our Guest

Alison is a native West Virginian, born and raised in Oak Hill. She’s a former golfer, who played competitively and worked as a PGA teaching professional.

As a military spouse, married to a counter intelligence agent, Alison Ibarra has lived in many places across America. After many years away from the Mountain State, Alison and her family returned to her home region.

Today, she owns and operates a bowling alley, as Chief Pinhead at Pinheads Family Fun Center of the New River Gorge. Alison also serves as the Director of Economic Development for the City of Oak Hill. This respected community leader is also the mother of two teenage daughters.

Alison and I spoke at her home in Fayetteville, West Virginia.

Resources

Pinheads Bowling Alley & Fun Center website

Connect with Alison on LinkedIn

Movie “Shallow Hal” on IMDB

Credits

Editor + Technical Advisor Bob Hotchkiss

Brand + Strategy Advisor Andy Malinoski

PR + Partnerships Advisor Rachel Bell

Marketing, Social Media and Graphic Design Chloe Lineberg

Stay Connected with Us on Social

YouTube @themainthingpod

Twitter @themainthingpod

Instagram @themainthingpod

Facebook  @TheMainThingPod

LinkedIn

Help Support and Sustain This Podcast

1. Become a subscriber.
2. Share the podcast with one or two friends.
3. Follow us on social media @TheMainThingPod
4. Buy some Main Thing Merch from our Merchandise Store.
5. Buy a book from our curated wisdom collection on bookshop.org.
6. Become a patron and support us on Patreon with funding.

Episode Chapters

[0:03:25] - Golf and bowling; the vision and strategy behind Pinheads

[0:06:00] - How Skip and Alison are connected - Holly Fussell

[0:06:55] - Life as a military spouse; setting a precedent; flexible domestic roles

[0:11:15] - Time management; avoiding feeling overwhelmed; out-sourcing

[0:12:45] - Alison shares her Main Thing wisdom nugget; inspiration from “Shallow Hal”

[0:15:11] - Wisdom for the golf course

[0:17:16] - Priorities and choices

[0:18:56] - Thoughts on peacemakers; how we react under stress

[0:20:24] - Alison shares views on servant leadership and building community

Keywords

Wisdom, Leadership, Military Spouse, Entrepreneurship, Service, Community, Golf, Bowling, Legacy, West Virginia, Adaptability, Resilience, Life Balance, Personal Growth, Timeless Activities, Inclusivity, Role Changes, Parenting, Family Unity, Prioritizing, Strengths, Weaknesses, Decision-making, Women

Welcome to the Main Thing Podcast, where every episode brings you a concise, high-impact wisdom lesson from one of the wisest people I know. Studying their wisdom and learning together, we all get just a little bit better at this thing called life.

Jon Beck Navigating ALS with Acceptance and Gratitude

If you were diagnosed with a serious, perhaps fatal, health condition, would you be able to approach it with acceptance—much less gratitude? I’m fairly certain I’d struggle to do so. Yet that’s exactly what has enabled Jon Beck to get to where he is today.

Unyielding Spirit in a Father’s Journey through Lou Gehrig’s Disease

Our special, wise guest is a new friend, a special human being with the most amazing spirit and attitude, and someone battling a fatal disease. Jon Beck is seven years into a battle with ALS. As you will hear in this powerful conversation, Jon is not defined by his disease. Though ALS will eventually take his life, he will not allow it to rob him of his joy.

In this uplifting episode, you will learn the three keys to navigating any challenge, to making it through any form of adversity.

More About Our Guest

Jon Beck, explored the Western United States, often by bicycle, in his younger years until one day he decided to enroll in physical therapy school at Emory University in Atlanta. While there, he met the love of his life, lisa. Shortly thereafter they got married and began having kids and raising a family.

Jon's nearly 20-year career as a physical therapist was ironically truncated by a physically debilitating disease ALS in 2017. Seven years later, Jon remains very active in his power wheelchair. He applies his background in biomechanics to good use every day. This despite the initial prognosis from doctors that he might only have two years to live.

Jon is the proud father of three adult children. They continue to provide tremendous inspiration to him, as does his wife, Lisa.

Jon Beck spoke with us from his home in St Albans, West Virginia, USA.

Resources

Connect with Jon on Facebook

Book recommended by Jon: “The Road Less Traveled” by M. Scott Peck, MD

Find it in The Main Thing’s Book Shop online store or on Amazon

Credits

Editor + Technical Advisor Bob Hotchkiss

Brand + Strategy Advisor Andy Malinoski

PR + Partnerships Advisor Rachel Bell

Marketing, Social Media and Graphic Design Chloe Lineberg

Stay Connected with Us on Social

YouTube @themainthingpod

Twitter @themainthingpod

Instagram @themainthingpod

Facebook  @TheMainThingPod

LinkedIn

Help Support and Sustain This Podcast

1. Become a subscriber.
2. Share the podcast with one or two friends.
3. Follow us on social media @TheMainThingPod
4. Buy some Main Thing Merch from our Merchandise Store.
5. Buy a book from our curated wisdom collection on bookshop.org.
6. Become a patron and support us on Patreon with funding.

Episode Chapters

[0:04:05] - Fatherhood and life stages

[0:06:05] - Sensing something is not quite right; the onset of ALS

[0:07:00] - Daily life with ALS, symptoms, challenges and adaptations

[0:08:57] - How Skip and Jon are connected

[0:11:07] - Jon reveals his Main Thing wisdom

[0:13:02] - Goosebumps moment for Skip

[0:15:40] - The cornerstones of a spiritual life

[0:18:02] - Dealing with a daunting diagnosis; snapshot of a day in Cleveland

[0:20:22] - Truly understanding the principle of acceptance as courage, not cowardice

[0:23:18] - Why Landscape View is better than portrait mode

Welcome to the Main Thing Podcast, where every episode brings you a concise, high-impact wisdom lesson from one of the wisest people I know. Studying their wisdom and learning together, we all get just a little bit better at this thing called life.

Fostering Democracy and Personal Growth Through Collaborative Exploration

What if embracing diverse ideas could transform not just your personal growth, but also strengthen democracy itself? Tune into an enlightening conversation with Dr. Shannon Wheatley Hartman, president of the Interactivity Foundation. She reveals how an exploratory mindset opens doors to innovative thinking and community building. Drawing inspiration from her mentor, Dr. Jack Byrd, Shannon shares invaluable lessons on being present and supportive in our interactions. We dive into the foundation's commitment to nurturing democratic skills like generous interpretation and comfort with ambiguity, underscoring the ongoing importance of fostering wisdom in our everyday lives.

More About Our Wise Guest - Dr. Shannon Wheatley Hartman

Shannon Wheatley Hartman is the President of the Interactivity Foundation, a nonpartisan and non-advocacy organization founded decades ago in Parkersburg, WV. The foundation has grown to become a nationally recognized leader, focused on strengthening democracy through discussion.  

Shannon is an expert facilitator who has been working to advance civic discussion skills and mindsets in communities and classrooms for over 15 years. She entered the nonprofit world through academia. She has a Ph.D. in political science and has taught at several universities. Whether she is teaching a class or working with a community group, she has always been passionate about creating the conditions and nurturing the necessary skills to help groups think better together.

Democracy isn't defined by the absence of difference or conflict, but the ability to celebrate differences and work together through disagreements. Shannon and the work of the Interactivity Foundation helps to support this in classrooms, communities, and workplaces.  

Perhaps unintentionally, Shannon tests out all of her new discussion experiments on her family. She lives with a wonderfully supportive husband, three daughters, and a very enthusiastic dog, “Scouty Boy.” They gravitate to activities that encourage exploration, like traveling, hiking, mountain biking, and wild baking experiments.

Shannon joins us from Philadelphia.

Get ready! Over the next 19 minutes, you will discover why Dr. Shannon Wheatley Hartman is one of the wisest people I know.

Resources

Connect with Shannon on LinkedIn

Interactivity Foundation website

Our podcast website for additional wisdom resources

Credits

Editor + Technical Advisor Bob Hotchkiss

Brand + Strategy Advisor Andy Malinoski

PR + Partnerships Advisor Rachel Bell

Marketing, Social Media and Graphic Design Chloe Lineberg

Stay Connected with Us on Social

YouTube @themainthingpod

Twitter @themainthingpod

Instagram @themainthingpod

Facebook  @TheMainThingPod

LinkedIn

Help to Support and Sustain This Podcast

1. Become a subscriber.
2. Share the podcast with one or two friends.
3. Follow us on social media @TheMainThingPod
4. Buy some Main Thing Merch from our Merchandise Store.
5. Buy a book from our curated wisdom collection on bookshop.org.
6. Become a patron and support us on Patreon with funding.

Episode Chapters

[0:03:54] - Traveling north to escape the heat and awaken the brain

[0:05:35] - Skip and Shannon reveal how they’re connected

[0:06:29] - The work of the Interactivity Foundation

[0:09:45] - Shannon shares her main thing wisdom nugget

[0:10:28] - Building collaboratively with purpose and patience

[0:13:54] - Ego, fear and other blockers to building democracy

[0:18:18] - Cooking down the kitchen

Keywords

Wisdom, Personal Growth, Democracy, Diverse Ideas, Exploratory Mindset, Collaboration, Community, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Ego, Fear, Impatience, Curiosity, Comfort with Ambiguity, Democratic Discussions, Wisdom, Analytical Mindset, Building, Purpose, Patience, Loneliness, Engagement, Interaction, Culinary Experiments, Resourceful, Enriching Experience, Gratitude, Kentucky, West Virginia, WVU, Jack Byrd

Welcome to the Main Thing Podcast, where every episode brings you a concise, high-impact wisdom lesson from one of the wisest people I know. Studying their wisdom and learning together, we all get just a little bit better at this thing called life.

Denise Workman's Journey in Nurturing Exceptional Minds

In this heartwarming episode, we sit down with Denise Workman, a passionate educator who has dedicated her life to advocating for— and nurturing the talents of — special needs students.

How can hope and humility transform the lives of gifted students?

Denise brings her wisdom, warmth and infectious positivity to our conversation, sharing her deep insights into the unique challenges and misconceptions surrounding giftedness. She reveals how she helps gifted students navigate their educational journeys and the complexities of growing up. Denise also shares her personal experiences and valuable life-lessons.

What if growing up in a small town was your biggest superpower?

This episode is a must-listen for educators, parents, and anyone interested in understanding the true essence of giftedness. Tune in to discover why Denise Workman is one of the wisest people we know and how her work is making a tremendous impact.

A Bit More About Our Wise Guest - Denise Workman

Denise Workman is a teacher for the gifted who specializes in student identification, advocacy, enrichment, and talent development.  She is a past president and current member of the West Virginia Association for Gifted and Talented. 

Denise is active in her community as a volunteer. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for West Virginia University Alumni Association and as a board member for the Charles and Mary Fayne Glotfelty Foundation. She’s also a devoted supporter of the Boone County WVU Alumni Chapter focusing on its annual pig roast fundraiser and student scholarships. Denise and her husband, Todd Mount, reside in Charleston.  

Resources

Connect with Denise on LinkedIn

Our podcast website for additional wisdom resources

Credits

Editor + Technical Advisor Bob Hotchkiss

Brand + Strategy Advisor Andy Malinoski

PR + Partnerships Advisor Rachel Bell

Marketing, Social Media and Graphic Design Chloe Lineberg

Stay Connected with Us on Social

YouTube @themainthingpod

Twitter @themainthingpod

Instagram @themainthingpod

Facebook  @TheMainThingPod

LinkedIn

Help Support and Sustain This Podcast

1. Become a subscriber.
2. Share the podcast with one or two friends.
3. Follow us on social media @TheMainThingPod
4. Buy some Main Thing Merch from our Merchandise Store.
5. Buy a book from our curated wisdom collection on bookshop.org.
6. Become a patron and support us on Patreon with funding.

Episode Chapters

[0:03:35] - Identifying and working with gifted students; Denise’s calling

[0:06:18] - The superpower of growing up in a small town

[0:10:11] - Denise reveals her Main Thing wisdom lesson

[0:12:00] - Thieves of hope; challenges confronting children today

[0:13:16] - Scarcity mentality; difference between hopelessness and hope

[0:16:41] - Applying Denise’s main thing wisdom to your life

Keywords

Wisdom, Education, Volunteer, Small Town, Superpower, Hope, Humility, Gifted, Students, Educator, Special Needs, Talents, Challenges, Misconceptions, Identification, Advocacy, Talent, Educational, Journeys, Growing Up, Soft Skills, Community, Involvement, Impact, Extraordinary, Support, Meaning, WVU, Alumni, West Virginia

Join me for a powerful exploration of the influence of language in our lives in this special, debut edition of “Skip's Quips.”

Today, I share a wisdom lesson that highlights the profound impact words can have on our bodies and minds. A seemingly innocent phrase once caused me to faint in my doctor's office. This incident underscores how words can trigger intense physical reactions, from fear to laughter. By sharing this experience, I hope to illustrate the incredible influence words wield, not only in causing fear but also in creating positive outcomes.

In addition to this personal tale, we explore the broader implications of our language choices. Words have the power to either uplift or deflate us—and those around us. As you head into the coming week, I challenge you to reflect on how your words might affect others. Whether it's offering encouragement to a friend, family member, or teammate, remember that your words hold significant power. Let's harness the power of words to shape our experiences and reactions positively.

Where’s the Special Guest and What’s a “Skip’s Quip?"

We are doing something a little different. I’ll be sharing a wisdom lesson with you—but there won’t be a guest. Just me, sharing wisdom. A short wisdom lesson - about 9 minutes total. We plan to do these about 6 times a year. We’re calling these special editions - “Skip’s Quips.”

Don’t worry, we will still bring you wisdom conversations with our special guests twice a month. Additionally, you will receive “Skip’s Quips” to supplement to our regular wisdom programming. Let us know what you think, and please share your feedback. You can do that via SpeakPipe.

For More Information About Skip Lineberg

Please visit our website.

Credits

Editor + Technical Advisor Bob Hotchkiss

Brand + Strategy Advisor Andy Malinoski

PR + Partnerships Advisor Rachel Bell

Marketing, Social Media and Graphic Design Chloe Lineberg

Stay Connected with Us on Social

YouTube @themainthingpod

Twitter @themainthingpod

Instagram @themainthingpod

Facebook  @TheMainThingPod

LinkedIn

TikTok @TheMainThingPod

Help Support and Sustain This Podcast

1. Become a subscriber.
2. Share the podcast with one or two friends.
3. Follow us on social media @TheMainThingPod
4. Buy some Main Thing Merch from our Merchandise Store.
5. Buy a book from our curated wisdom collection on bookshop.org.
6. Become a patron and support us on Patreon with funding.

Episode Chapters

[0:01:58] - Fainting in the doctor’s office

[0:03:37] - Background on the reason for the trip to the doctor

[0:05:00] - A fateful three-word phrase; physical + emotional trigger

Keywords

Power of Words, Language, Impact, Physical Reactions, Emotional State, Reflection, Encouragement, Wisdom, Mindful, Positive Outcomes, Language Choices, Spread Positivity, Personal Story, Fight-or-Flight Responses, Uplift, Influence, Significant Difference, Language Potential, Emotional Impact, Mind and Body Connection, Fainting

Join us on The Main Thing Podcast as we share the extraordinary wisdom of superconnector Bob Coffield, celebrated for his innovative thinking and extensive network. Bob is an early adopter of technology and a cultural trend spotter, whose gifts often align in the connection of ideas and people.

Host Skip Lineberg highlights Bob's ability to see possibilities and connect the dots. During this dynamic wisdom conversation, you will get valuable input on several important aspects of personal growth, including:

1. Vital importance of relationships;
2. Value of sharing big ideas, rather than protecting or hoarding them;
3. Continuous learning mindset; and
4. Enduring influence of mentors.

Discover the "Coffield Effect" and its associated term “Coffieldesque," which illustrate Bob's knack for creating unexpected yet delightful connections.

Connects the dots with us, as we explore Bob's curiosity and his role as a super connector, encapsulating his unique impact on those around him. As always, you will discover the main thing our wise guest has learned in his lifetime so far.

More About Special Guest Bob Coffield

Bob Coffield, a partner at Nelson Mullins, is a seasoned health care and business lawyer with a national practice.

Bob's client base includes health systems, hospitals, physician groups, health technology companies, and other national and regional health care provider.

Outside the office, Bob enjoys running, music, travel and history. He is a father of two. Bob and his wife Susanne reside in Charleston, West Virginia.

Settle in and get ready for a big dose of wisdom and encouragement. Over the next 19 minutes, you will discover why Bob Coffield is one of the wisest people we know.

Resources

Connect with Bob on LinkedIn or Twitter

Our podcast website provides additional wisdom resources

Credits

Editor + Technical Advisor Bob Hotchkiss

Brand + Strategy Advisor Andy Malinoski

PR + Partnerships Advisor Rachel Bell

Marketing, Social Media and Graphic Design Chloe Lineberg

Stay Connected with Us on Social

YouTube @themainthingpod

Twitter @themainthingpod

Instagram @themainthingpod

Facebook  @TheMainThingPod

LinkedIn

Help Support and Sustain This Podcast

1. Become a subscriber.
2. Share the podcast with one or two friends.
3. Follow us on social media @TheMainThingPod
4. Buy some Main Thing Merch from our Merchandise Store.
5. Buy a book from our curated wisdom collection on bookshop.org.
6. Become a patron and support us on Patreon with funding.

Episode Chapters

[0:03:30] - Exploring The Coffield Effect and Coffieldesque

[0:06:50] - How Skip and Bob are connected

[0:07:53] - Bob’s career path; specializing in healthcare and technology

[0:11:20] - Bob reveals his Main Thing wisdom lesson

[0:11:50] - The Ace Hayward story; impact of a mentor

[0:14:45] - Quote from The Soccer Poet

[0:15:34] - Treasuring the importance of others who’ve impacted our lives

[0:16:00] - Bob’s reluctance to appear; the giving and receiving of wisdom

[0:17:00] - A daughter’s perspective on wisdom

[0:18:00] - Why humans should slow down a bit

Keywords

Healthcare, Business, Lawyer, Relationships, Innovative Thinking, Connections, Potential, Curiosity, Mentorship, Superconnector, Joy, Wisdom, Positivity, Attitude, Legacy, Soccer, Cancer, Appreciation, Happiness, Learning, Influence, Mentors, Inspiring, Inspiration, Smile, Meaningful, Present, Presence, Cherish, Slowing, Pace, Wisdom, Connecting, Enriching, West Virginia, Bethany, Capital Street, Wetzel, New Martinsville, Physician, Doctor, Buzznugget

Welcome to The Main Thing Podcast! Each episode we bring you a concise, high impact wisdom lesson from one of the wisest people I know. Studying their wisdom and learning together, we all get just a little bit better at this thing called life.

Curiosity, Climbing and Community: Wisdom Lessons from SEAL Spouse, Bold Business Leader Holly Fussell

Holly Fussell is one of the most diverse and curious people I’ve ever met. She’s a certified yoga instructor, an experienced triathlete, and a formally trained sommelier who studied at the Culinary Institute of America.

Holly was a military spouse for more than 10 years with an active duty Navy SEAL for a husband, so she knows what it is like to face transition and uncertainty. 

We’ll have fun as we explore Holly’s rich, diverse wisdom. Along the way you will learn:

1. How to be truly adaptable, especially when facing uncertainty.
2. Plus you will hear tips on how to avoid the comparison trap.
3. How to look within and trust that you have everything you need.

More About Our Wise Guest

With her husband, Holly Fussell owns Water Stone Outdoors, a specialty outdoor gear and apparel shop in Fayetteville, WV. She looks forward to being a part of job creation in the growing outdoor recreation economy in West Virginia.

While living in Washington, D.C., Holly worked with non-profit organizations supporting access to healthy, high-quality food. She served on the Board of Directors for SEALKIDS for five years, an organization supporting academic challenges and special needs for children in the Navy SEAL community.

Holly recently completed her MBA through West Virginia University and volunteers in her community, serving on the Board of Directors for the Fayetteville Visitors and Convention Bureau.

She is the mother of two childre and enjoys spending time outdoors with family and friends.

Now gear up and get ready. Over the next 19 minutes, you’ll discover why Holly Fussell is one of the wisest people I know.

Resources

Connect with Holly on LinkedIn to read her essays on small biz ownership

Waterstone Outdoors website

Episode 32 of our podcast, featuring Navy SEAL Chris Fussell

Our website for additional wisdom resources

Credits

Editor + Technical Advisor Bob Hotchkiss

Brand + Strategy Advisor Andy Malinoski

PR + Partnerships Advisor Rachel Bell

Marketing, Social Media and Graphic Design Chloe Lineberg

Stay Connected with Us on Social

YouTube @themainthingpod

Twitter @themainthingpod

Instagram @themainthingpod

Facebook  @TheMainThingPod

LinkedIn

Help Support and Sustain This Podcast

1. Become a subscriber.
2. Share the podcast with one or two friends.
3. Follow us on social media @TheMainThingPod
4. Buy some Main Thing Merch from our Merchandise Store.
5. Buy a book from our curated wisdom collection on bookshop.org.
6. Become a patron and support us on Patreon with funding.

Episode Chapters

[0:03:30] - Holly’s diverse background

[0:06:03] - About Waterstone Outdoors; the new vision for the store

[0:05:23] - How Skip and Holly are connected

[0:09:42] - Life as a military spouse; being married to a Navy SEAL

[0:14:00] - Holly reveals her Main Thing wisdom lesson

[0:15:07] - Growth mindset; the importance of curiosity; learning by trying

[0:16:45] - Surrounded by high-performers; avoiding comparison trap

[0:18:14] - Fallacy of making assumptions about successful people

[0:19:16] - Ingredients for a life of intention

Keywords

Small Business, Adaptability, Growth Mindset, Excellence, Military Spouse, Comparison Trap, Perfectionism, Intentionality, Pursuing Fulfillment, High Achievers, Emotional Intelligence, Intentional Living, Personal Development, Multiple Intelligences, SEAL Team, Navy, Community, Meaningful Relationships, Entrepreneurship, Yoga, Triathlete, Sourdough Bread, Rock Climbing, Sommelier, Foreign Language Teacher, High Performers, Effort, Outcomes, Exciting Updates, Revitalized Store, Waterstone Outdoors, Fayetteville, New River Gorge, National Park

Welcome to The Main Thing Podcast! Each episode we bring you a concise, high impact wisdom lesson from one of the wisest people I know. Studying their wisdom and learning together, we all get just a little bit better at this thing called life.

Voice of the Mountaineers: Tony Caridi on Sports Broadcasting, Love, and Life Lessons

What does it take to be the enduring voice of a sports team and earn the loyalty of its fans? Join us in a riveting wisdom conversation with Tony Caridi, the iconic voice of the West Virginia University Mountaineers, as he shares the secrets behind his captivating career in sports broadcasting.

We explore Tony's journey from New York to Morgantown, his efforts to win the hearts of West Virginians, and the profound wisdom he's gained from broadcasting legends like Jack Fleming. Tony's reflections on building a genuine connection with his audience and the nuances of live reporting bring invaluable insights to anyone interested in the world of sports journalism.

Tony Caridi also opens up about the technical prowess and emotional resilience required to excel in sports broadcasting. Listen as he recounts the memorable highs and lows of covering significant football games, from the Sugar Bowl to the Fiesta Bowl, and the meticulous preparation that goes into creating unforgettable game-day experiences. Tony emphasizes the importance of honoring the institution and maintaining high standards, sharing the lessons he learned from Jack Fleming that have shaped his career and storytelling craft.

Beyond the world of sports, this episode delves into deeper life lessons, exploring Tony's perspective on love, resilience, and faith. This conversation is a treasure trove of authenticity, audience engagement, and timeless wisdom from one of sports journalism's most respected voices.

More About Our Wise Guest - Tony Caridi

Tony Caridi is the voice of the West Virginia University Mountaineers and a professional sports broadcaster whose career encompasses play-by-play commentary on radio and television.

Tony is a graduate of the prestigious Syracuse University Newhouse School of Public Communications. He is a 2022 inductee of the Syracuse University WAER Broadcasting Hall of Fame and a multiple winner of the West Virginia Sportscaster of the Year honor. Tony is also a published author, and he’s the co-host of the popular podcast “3 Guys Before the Game.”

Tony and wife Joan reside in Morgantown, West Virginia, where he joins us today.

So lace ‘em up and get ready. Over the next several minutes you will discover why Tony Caridi is one of the wisest people I know.

Resources

Check out Tony’s podcast 3 Guys Before the Game

Connect with Tony on LinkedIn and Twitter

Tony’s website

Credits

Editor + Technical Advisor Bob Hotchkiss

Brand + Strategy Advisor Andy Malinoski

PR + Partnerships Advisor Rachel Bell

Graphic Design + Social Media Chloe Lineberg

Stay Connected with Us on Social

YouTube @themainthingpod

Twitter @themainthingpod

Instagram @themainthingpod

Facebook  @TheMainThingPod

LinkedIn

How Can You Help Support the Growth of this Podcast?

1. Become a subscriber.
2. Share the podcast with one or two friends.
3. Follow us on social media @TheMainThingPod
4. Buy some Main Thing Merch from our Merchandise Store.
5. Become a patron of the show and support us on Patreon with funding.
6. Purchase a book from our curated collection on Bookshop.

Episode Chapters

0:03:39 - Thoughts on podcasting and "3 Guys Before the Game"

0:07:09 - Growing up in Lockport, NY; Tony’s early years; family values

0:13:03 - Tony’s love of sports; his calling toward broadcasting

0:15:34 - Broadcasting career and the move to West Virginia

0:19:10 - Following a legend; working beside and learning from Jack Fleming

0:29:48 - Handling the ups and downs of WVU sports teams

0:35:48 - The power of love in life

0:40:50 - Guidance from Jesus for life’s rules

Welcome to The Main Thing Podcast! Each episode we bring you a concise, high impact wisdom lesson from one of the wisest people I know. Studying their wisdom and learning together, we all get just a little bit better at this thing called life.

Building Your Dream:  Exploring the Entrepreneurial Journey

What kind of magic is required to transform a 120-year-old building into a contemporary haven filled with original local art? Join us as we uncover the inspiring journey of Amy McLaughlin and her husband/co-founder, who turned their vision into Lafayette Flats Boutique Vacation Rentals in Fayetteville, West Virginia.

Celebrating the 10-year anniversary of Lafayette Flats, Amy takes us through the meticulous planning, visionary design, and the challenges they overcame to create a unique lodging destination amidst the natural beauty of New River Gorge National Park.

Aspiring entrepreneurs and lovers of West Virginia's charm will find a wealth of insights and inspiration in this episode.

We discuss the decision-making principles that guided her, focusing on goals over circumstances, particularly in the face of the area's National Park designation.

This conversation is a rich source of wisdom on sustainable tourism, entrepreneurship, and celebrating local culture, making it a must-listen for anyone with a passion for hospitality and West Virginia's scenic splendor.

More About Our Wise Guest - Entrepreneur Amy McLaughlin

Amy McLaughlin is an entrepreneur, master naturalist and art collector. She finds great beauty in her West Virginia home, which she curates for the rest of the world to appreciate.

Amy and her husband own and operate Lafayette Flats Boutique Vacation Rentals in Fayetteville, WV on the rim of New River Gorge National Park.

In April 2024, they celebrated the 10th anniversary of their small business, which is housed in a 120-year-old building they lovingly renovated.

Lafayette Flats was recently named one of the best places to stay in West Virginia by National Geographic, and as you will learn, it is much more than just a lodging property.

Now, settle in, take a deep breath of fresh mountain air … and get ready, over the next several minutes you will learn why Amy McLaughlin is one of the wisest people I know.

Resources

Check out the Lafayette Flats website

Follow Lafayette Flats on Instagram

Connect with Amy on LinkedIn

Credits

Editor + Technical Advisor Bob Hotchkiss

Brand + Strategy Advisor Andy Malinoski

PR + Partnerships Advisor Rachel Bell

Graphic Design + Social Media Chloe Lineberg

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Episode Chapters

[0:02:47] - Celebrating Lafayette Flats

[0:07:16] - Creating Lafayette Flats

[0:11:17] - Making Decisions Based on Goals

Keywords

Entrepreneurship, Hospitality, West Virginia, Lafayette Flats, Vacation Rentals, National Park, Sustainable Tourism, Interior Design, Construction, Budget, Vision, Planning, Challenges, Local Art, New River Gorge, Celebrating, Charm, Scenic Splendor, Aspiring Entrepreneurs, Shared Experiences, Unique Appeal, Backgrounds, Decision-Making, Goals, Circumstances, Professional, Personal Life, Socially, Environmentally, Economically Sustainable