What A Week! Podcast

Episode 85 of What a Week! is a heartfelt reflection with Bill Corcoran Jr., a fellow podcaster, as we unpack the raw edges of personal growth and reinvention. From the jitters of first podcasts to navigating life's curveballs—like job shifts, endless noise, and the pull of psychedelics—Bill shares how stepping back helped him quiet the chaos and rebuild from the inside out. We dive into the "Biden Expressway" banter, local merch mishaps, and the power of recentering amid idiots and illusions. It's a candid chat on shedding old skins, embracing the unknown, and why sometimes you just need to "pump it, boom, lock it in." Scranton strong—subscribe and let's talk transitions!

0:00:00 - Intro: Podcast Jitters and Local Banter (10 min)
0:10:00 - First Podcast Fails: Learning the Hard Way (12 min)
0:22:00 - Life Transitions: From Stacks to Scranton Moves (12 min)
0:34:00 - Digital IDs and Border Crossings: Everyday Absurdities (12 min)
0:46:00 - Merch and Local Podcaster Vibes (12 min)
0:58:00 - Misconceptions and Personal Histories (12 min)
1:10:00 - Navigating Noise: The Pull of Change (12 min)
1:22:00 - Psychedelics and Refocusing: A Fresh Start (12 min)
1:34:00 - Clouded Minds: Dealing with Daily Chaos (12 min)
1:46:00 - Building Outward: Gratitude and Growth (12 min)
1:58:00 - Closing Reflections: Pump It, Boom, Lock It In (17 min)

Episode 84 of What a Week podcast features a 2-hour, 8-minute conversation with Nikki Stone, a veteran radio host with a career spanning back to the 1980s. As a guest, Nikki shares her decades-long experience in broadcasting, including three years of intense management restrictions that limited her discussions on topics like public officials, health policies, and COVID measures.

After her radio contract ended in May, Nikki stepped away from broadcasting, reflecting on personal challenges and her renewed sense of purpose through faith. This straightforward talk explores her extensive radio career, the fight against censorship, and her life after leaving the airwaves.

Buckle up for Episode 83 of What a Week podcast, where we dive into a nearly 4-hour podcast with George Yuhas. Fresh from 90 days in Wyoming County Correctional Facility’s “supermax” hell, George unleashes his story of defiance—refusing a plea bargain for charges he swears he didn’t commit, all to protect his honor. From his gritty Marine Corps days in the chaos of 1990s Bosnia and Somalia to battling a manipulative judicial and school system, George holds nothing back. We unpack his turbulent childhood, his relentless fight for those clueless about his advocacy, and a gut-punch jail story that proves his heart. This episode is a no-holds-barred look at a man who’d rather face a guillotine than betray his truth.What You’ll Discover:George’s ballsy refusal to plead guilty, choosing jail over a sellout.His Marine Corps grit in the blood-soaked 1990s conflicts.A childhood forged in chaos, fueling his warrior spirit.A raw jail moment where George steps up for a broken inmate.His war against a rigged legal system, fighting for the unaware.This episode is a battle cry for resilience, truth, and defiance against injustice.Connect with Us:Subscribe to What a Week for more explosive conversations!Follow us on all social mediaReach out to George via comments or the podcast’s channels to join his fight.Chapters:00:00:06 – Kicking Off: George Yuhas Storms Back00:12:19 – Locked Up: Why George Chose Jail Over Lies00:25:10 – No Surrender: Spitting on the Plea Deal00:37:11 – Marine Corps Mayhem: Surviving the 1990s00:50:22 – Blood and Chaos: Bosnia and Somalia’s Brutal Lessons01:03:39 – Rough Roots: A Childhood of Grit and Pain01:16:55 – Forged in Fire: What Shaped George’s Fight01:30:15 – Unsung Hero: Battling for the Clueless01:43:28 – Rigged System: Exposing Judicial Dirty Tricks01:56:47 – Honor or Nothing: George’s Unbreakable Code02:10:00 – Rising from Ashes: Resilience Against All Odds02:23:19 – Supermax Hell: Surviving Jail’s Dark Side02:36:36 – Heart in the Dark: Saving a Broken Inmate02:50:00 – System’s Lies: George’s War on Injustice03:03:17 – Truth or Bust: George’s Relentless Mission03:16:34 – Behind Bars: Humanity in a Brutal System03:29:52 – Staying Fierce: Never Straying from Purpose03:41:52 – Dropping Bombs: George’s Bold Communication03:44:56 – Call to Arms: How to Join George’s Fight03:46:05 – Signing Off: George’s Wild, Unapologetic Life

Join us for Episode 82 of What a Week podcast, where we sit down with TJ Fitzgerald, a passionate voice from NEPA Republicans, for a raw and heartfelt nearly three-hour conversation. Recorded on September 15, 2025, this episode explores TJ’s challenging upbringing in Wilkes-Barre, PA, marked by an absent father, an abusive stepfather, and a journey of resilience through faith. We dive into his motivations for engaging in polarizing political discussions, his commitment to truth over deception, and his efforts to foster honest dialogue in a divided cultural landscape.What You’ll Discover:TJ’s early life in low-income housing and the chaos of a single-parent household.Personal stories of overcoming abuse and finding hope through faith and community.TJ’s role with NEPA Republicans, addressing misconceptions, and promoting courageous conversations.Reflections on societal divisions, the courage to speak out, and the power of truth.Breaking news on NEPA Republicans’ upcoming event with Kyle Rittenhouse on November 22, 2025 (venue TBD).This unfiltered discussion is a testament to the power of understanding someone’s roots to bridge divides. TJ’s story and perspective will challenge you to look beyond labels and embrace authentic dialogue.Event Details: Stay tuned for updates on the Kyle Rittenhouse event with NEPA Republicans on November 22, 2025. Visit www.neparepublicans.com or their Facebook page for more info, including invitations to events.Connect with Us:Subscribe to What a Week for more thought-provoking conversations!Follow us on [insert podcast social media links].Learn more about NEPA Republicans at www.neparepublicans.com or their Facebook page.Chapters:00:00:00 – Intro: The Need for Honest Dialogue00:04:22 – Growing Up in Chaos: Wilkes-Barre Projects00:08:03 – Escaping Abuse: Running to the Catholic Church00:16:19 – Resilience Through Faith: Finding Strength00:36:23 – Uncovering Lies: Questioning Parental Narratives00:44:22 – Truth vs. Deception: TJ’s Core Philosophy01:02:47 – Reflecting on Childhood: From Chaos to Clarity01:12:15 – Early Political Stirrings: Finding a Voice01:23:36 – Emotional Challenges: Navigating Polarized Discourse01:35:08 – Faith as a Compass: Guiding TJ’s Resilience01:47:19 – Building Community: NEPA Republicans’ Early Efforts02:03:42 – Bridging Divides: Beyond Political Labels02:14:27 – Facing Criticism: Staying True to Beliefs02:25:53 – Courage Under Fire: Confronting Threats02:36:11 – Societal Tensions: Addressing Hate and Violence02:41:15 – Political Polarization: Confronting Violence02:41:47 – Controversial Views: Cultural and Social Issues

Welcome to Episode 81 of What a Week! This week, we’re thrilled to host Geshe Phuntsho, a Tibetan Buddhist monk and scholar from the historic Gaden Shartse Monastery, alongside Mara from Heart Space Yoga. In this enlightening 90-minute conversation, Geshe Phuntsho shares his remarkable journey from Thimphu, Bhutan, to becoming a monk in 1986 and earning his Geshe-Doctorate degree, offering profound insights into Buddhist philosophy and the resilience of his monastery.In this episode, we explore:- Geshe Phuntsho’s Roots: Growing up farming in Bhutan, with Mike Tyson as an unexpected role model.- Path to Monastic Life: His heartfelt decision to become a monk to honor his parents, and the sacrifices he embraced.- Buddhist Teachings: Core principles like impermanence, karma, and living with a good heart, with practical advice for facing reality over fantasy.- Gaden Shartse’s Struggles: The monastery’s rebirth in exile after its destruction in Tibet in 1959, and the challenges of supporting 1,700 monks.- Sacred Arts of Tibet Tour: The monks’ 2025 U.S. tour, featuring sand mandalas, healing rituals, and events in Lackawanna County (July 9–23, 2025), aimed at preserving Tibetan culture.Geshe Phuntsho’s stories—from streaming mandala ceremonies during the 2020 pandemic to teaching ethical living—will inspire you to live with compassion and authenticity. Learn about the sand mandala dissolution ceremony at Heart Space Yoga and private healing sessions in Scranton, PA.Event Details: Visit the monks at Heart Space Yoga (Meadow Avenue, South Side, Scranton) from July 9–23, 2025, for mandala viewings, healings (9 AM–5 PM daily), and more. Check the NEPA Tibetan Arts Tour 2025 Facebook page for the full schedule, including stops at Near Me Yoga, Soul Works, Everything Natural, and Madam Matter’s Cafe.Connect with Us:- Subscribe to What a Week for more inspiring conversations!- Follow us on all major podcast channels.- Learn more about the Gaden Shartse Monastery at www.sacredartsoftibettour.org.Timestamps:- 00:00 – Intro: Mr. Rogers’ Wisdom and No Mistakes- 03:06 – Geshe Phuntsho’s Childhood in Bhutan: Organic Life and Military School- 04:12 – Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness and Cultural Values- 06:51 – Bhutanese Cuisine: Chili as a Vegetable, Rice, and Millet- 08:14 – Becoming a Monk in 1986: A Life-Changing Decision- 09:09 – Sky Burials: Bhutanese Funeral Practices Explained- 11:18 – Repaying Parental Kindness Through Monastic Life- 14:35 – Studying Buddhist Philosophy: A 34-Year Journey- 15:31 – Buddhism as a Way of Life, Not a Religion- 17:19 – Reflections on the 2020 Pandemic: Facing Reality- 19:05 – Virtual Mandalas During Lockdown: Global Connections- 25:19 – Impermanence and the Contaminated Body Concept- 38:30 – Gaden Shartse’s History: Destruction and Rebirth in Exile- 40:47 – Purpose of the Sacred Arts of Tibet Tour: Sharing Compassion- 43:43 – Ethical Life: Living Like a Bird’s Feathers, Not a Porcupine- 45:48 – Addressing Misconceptions About Buddhism’s Oppression- 48:21 – Buddhist Teachings: Reality Over Blind Faith- 50:54 – Karma as Mathematical Fact, Not Belief- 53:10 – 2025 Tour Details: Sand Mandala and Healing Rituals- 54:55 – Private Healings: Cleansing Mental and Physical Pollution- 57:47 – Closing: Gratitude and Universal ConnectionsThank you for tuning in to this transformative episode. Let’s embrace compassion and truth in our daily lives! 🌟Note: This episode includes discussions of cultural practices like sky burials, which may be sensitive for some listeners.#WhatAWeek #TibetanBuddhism #GadenShartse #GeshePhuntsho #Spirituality #SandMandala #HeartSpaceYoga

Episode 80 of What a Week! sits down with Ushu Mukelo, a Congolese brother dropping truth bombs from Scranton. We dive into African witchcraft—think healing broken legs with shadow rituals, not evil curses—and why it’s like advanced medicine in remote villages. Ushu schools us on COVID vaccine hype (spoiler: it’s not Tylenol), South Africa’s messy land fights (white farmers targeted, but it’s nuanced), and how processed foods wreck kids’ gut biomes, fueling anxiety. From Ethiopian Bible lore to Uganda land deals, we unpack tribalism, resilience, and MAHA’s call for fresh, whole foods. Join us for real talk and a plan to barbecue a goat! #WhatAWeek #MAHA #ScrantonVibes

Episode 79 of What a Week! dives deep with Cortney Loughney, the powerhouse behind Petite Yogi, who’s been bringing yoga to kids for 12 years. From Scranton’s heart, we tackle the crisis facing our kids: skyrocketing obesity (20% of kids 6-19!), anxiety from junk food poisoning their gut biome, and the fallout of gentle parenting that leaves kids boundary-less and parents burned out. Cortney shares how her yoga programs teach kids mindfulness to manage stress, why processed foods are a health disaster, and how COVID lockdowns—like isolating her son in a hallway for refusing a mask—screwed over a generation. As MAHA warriors, we call for whole foods, real discipline, and mental health focus to save our kids. Plus, hear Cortney’s wild story of her son’s seizures and her fight against school policies. This is a wake-up call—stream now, share, and let’s fight for healthier kids! #WhatAWeek #PetiteYogi #MAHA

Episode 78 of What a Week! is a powerful, gut-wrenching story of sacrifice and betrayal with Ahmadullah “Sunny” Waziri, an Afghan interpreter who risked his life for U.S. Special Forces, Marines, and FBI starting in 2007, and Corey Terry, the Special Forces medic who became his lifeline. Sunny shares his childhood under warlord oppression, where defiance meant death. He became a bridge for peace in combat zones, only to face visa delays that stranded him. In 2021, with the Taliban hunting him, Sunny fled through a chaotic U.S. withdrawal, navigating deadly checkpoints with his family, thanks to Corey’s relentless support. In Lancaster, PA, danger persisted: a Pakistani man stabbed Sunny on March 30, 2025, targeting him for his service and outspoken stance against terrorism. Now, ICE’s crackdown threatens to deport him by May 2025, despite 18 years of loyalty. This is a moral outrage. From warlords to withdrawal, combat to community, Sunny and Corey’s bond reveals the cost of betrayal and the fight for justice. Join us for a raw, urgent call to honor our allies. Scranton, let’s rally for Sunny—subscribe, share, and demand his safety!1. 00:00:00 - Intro: Sunny, Corey, and a Moral Call to Action (~5 min) Marky introduces Sunny Waziri, an Afghan interpreter, and Corey Terry, his Special Forces medic lifeline, setting the stage for a story of sacrifice and betrayal. 2. 00:05:21 - Childhood in Afghanistan: Warlords and Aspirations (~11 min) Sunny shares growing up in Kabul under warlord tyranny, graduating high school in 2005, and learning English and computer skills to pursue a brighter future. 3. 00:16:59 - Madrassas and Terrorism: Exposing a Perverted Ideology (~12 min) Sunny and Corey reveal how Pakistani madrassas indoctrinate children into terrorism, distorting Islam and fueling violence, with insights into Taliban origins. 4. 00:29:01 - Becoming an Interpreter: Bridging Cultures for Peace (~10 min) Sunny discusses starting as an interpreter in 2007, working with U.S. Special Forces to counter terrorism and promote peace through communication. 5. 00:39:21 - Warlords and Geopolitics: Afghanistan’s Complex Struggles (~12 min) The conversation explores warlord dynamics, Pakistan’s role in funding the Taliban, and geopolitical chaos driven by foreign intelligence and money. 6. 00:51:18 - U.S. Presence: Hopes, Realities, and Broken Promises (~15 min) Sunny reflects on the U.S. arrival post-9/11, initial hopes for peace, and the disillusionment of unfulfilled promises amidst ongoing conflict. 7. 01:06:14 - Combat Life: Risks, Bonds, and Humor (~12 min) Sunny and Corey share stories of interpreter dangers, their brotherhood, training Afghan forces, and light moments like the “energy pockets” joke. 8. 01:18:26 - 2021 Withdrawal: Chaos, Fear, and Escape (~15 min) Sunny recounts the sudden U.S. withdrawal, hiding from the Taliban, navigating 10+ checkpoints with his family, and Corey’s critical support to reach Mazar-e-Sharif. 9. 01:33:41 - Lancaster Life: The March 2025 Stabbing and New Threats (~12 min) Sunny describes settling in Lancaster, the March 30, 2025, stabbing by a Pakistani man targeting his anti-terrorism stance, and its traumatic impact. 10. 01:45:53 - Deportation Fears: A Betrayal of 18 Years of Service (~15 min) Sunny expresses deep concern over ICE’s crackdown, fearing deportation by May 2025 despite 18 years of service, highlighting the moral injustice. 11. 02:00:56 - Resilience and Community: Building a Better Future (~10 min) Sunny shares lessons of resilience, his work aiding Afghan refugees with education and jobs, and hopes for his daughters’ peaceful lives. 12. 02:11:06 - Closing: A Plea for Unity and Justice (~8 min) Sunny and Corey (before his exit) urge unity, reject divisive ideologies, and call for action to protect allies like Sunny, emphasizing human connection.

Join us for Episode 77 of What a Week! with Frankie Malacaria, a Scranton City Council candidate with a fiery socialist vision. Recorded April 18, 2025, Frankie shares his roots growing up near Coney Island, navigating a speech impediment, and landing in Scranton after a college mishap. A self-proclaimed socialist, he breaks down his fight for the working class, critiques corporate influence in schools, and spars over private vs. personal property in a lively debate. From surviving a ballot challenge to advocating for bold policies—tackling homelessness, taxing nonprofits, and boosting local jobs—Frankie’s got big plans for Scranton’s $70M budget. Plus, hear about his love for Jumbo Wings’ cheesesteak eggrolls and a chewed pen confession! Despite political divides, this 2+ hour chat proves respect can spark real talk—subscribe for unfiltered Northeast PA vibes!

What a Week! Podcast - Episode 76: Tom Borthwick on Scranton Schools, Political Fights, and Keeping It RealDive into Episode 76 with Tom Borthwick, Scranton School Director, entrepreneur, and proud traditional Democrat who doesn’t mince words. Recorded April 11, 2025, Tom unloads on the chaos of Scranton School District’s $250M budget, boardroom drama, and leadership flops—like one director’s 200 emails racking up legal bills. He tackles national noise, from Trump’s DOGE data dive to health care transparency, and local grit, like preschool wins, homeless challenges near schools, and tax-dodging nonprofits (Chick-fil-A, anyone?). Expect raw takes on education, social media’s echo chambers, and why debate’s a lost art—plus tangents on microplastics, ’80s pens, and Sam Smith’s “Unholy” banger. Over 2 hours of unfiltered truth from a guy fighting for kids and community—subscribe for the realest talk in Northeast PA!Chapter Markers: 00:00 - Intro: Microplastics and Pen-Chewing Nostalgia (~3 min)Kicking off with a wild riff on microplastics in brains and chewing pens in school—Tom’s here! 03:24 - Tom’s World: School Board to Cider Empire (~6 min)Tom breaks down his roles: Scranton School Director, restaurateur, real estate developer, and cidery king. 09:10 - Scranton School Board: Factions and Frustrations (~8 min)Why Tom ran, board factions, and his past live-Facebook fact-checking that ruffled feathers. 17:21 - Transparency Scandal: 200 Emails, One Director (~10 min)A director’s 83% of legal bills exposed—Tom calls out lies and taxpayer waste at Thursday’s meeting. 27:12 - Bus Contract Fallout: Bid Rigging Allegations (~8 min)Revisiting the bus contract mess—disqualifications, legal fees, and a judge’s scathing rebuke. 35:32 - Tax Loopholes: Nonprofits Dodging Scranton (~10 min)Tom’s plan to tax Chick-fil-A and parking lots at University of Scranton—low-hanging revenue fruit. 45:40 - Homeless Crisis Near Schools: Safety Concerns (~8 min)Methadone clinics and homeless camps by Scranton High—why won’t the city act? 53:48 - National Pulse: DOGE, Health Care, and Chaos (~10 min)Tom’s take on Trump’s DOGE access, health care price transparency, and national political noise. 1:03:56 - Social Media Echo Chambers: Lost Art of Debate (~12 min)From X to TikTok, Tom laments self-isolation and why we can’t argue like Jefferson anymore. 1:15:54 - Education Wins: Preschool and Arts Revival (~10 min)No tax hikes, preschool back, arts restored—Tom’s proudest moves for Scranton kids. 1:25:59 - Political Orthodoxy: Beyond MAGA and Labels (~10 min)Tom on being a traditional Democrat, rejecting party purity, and talking to everyone. 1:36:07 - Cultural Disconnect: Phones vs. Community (~12 min)Cell phones, Roblox, and isolation—how tech’s killing real connection and critical thinking. 1:48:11 - Tuning Out: Escaping News Fatigue (~8 min)Tom and the host confess to ditching news—why people are done with vitriol. 1:56:14 - School Board Future: New Blood, Same Mission (~8 min)Tom on incoming candidates, his no-tax-hike vow, and fixing West Scranton. 2:04:32 - Takeaway: Control What You Can (~7 min)Tom’s big message—focus local, coach baseball, plant trees, and ditch the national noise. 2:11:07 - Outro: Sam Smith Banger and Pen-Chewing Credits (~2 min)Wrapping with “Unholy” love, dog plans, and a chewed pen confession.