Life's Learning Curve

In first grade, Paul's life is forever changed by a series of events. He is placed in a reading group, where he encounters a first-year teacher and is forced to sit next to Jimmy, a misfit who has trouble controlling his behavior. A mentor is brought in to help the class, and from that moment on, Paul's perspectives and attitudes are transformed. The story suggests that we can all improve ourselves by surrounding ourselves with the right people. But exactly, just WHO was the mystery mentor? Support the show

Can you keep the feeling of vacation after it’s over?? Paul’s friend Sam figured out how to do it. This episode finds Paul sharing a story about his friend Sam's epic adventure in tropical Key West. Sam, on a mission to find the perfect cigar for his buddy Paul, embarks on a journey that takes him deep into the heart of the island's cigar culture. Along the way, he encounters a cast of colorful characters, from local store owners to feisty street performers who have had eccentric adventures of their own. But it's not all fun and games for Sam – he takes his quest seriously, determined to find the ultimate smoke for his pal. As Sam delves deeper into Key West's cigar scene, he discovers a hidden gem – a vintage cigar shop that only builds a masterful premium cigar once a year on the summer solstice. With the help of the shop's eccentric owner named Butch, Sam finally finds the perfect cigar, and more importantly, a way to keep the spirit of his vacation alive long after he's returned home. Join us for this funny, quirky and heartwarming tale of friendship, adventure, and the search for the perfect smoke. Whether you're a seasoned cigar aficionado or just love a good story, you won't want to miss this episode. Support the show

Join us for a heartwarming episode of Life's Learning Curve. Prepare to be inspired as Paul reflects on his father's own struggles with hyperactivity and the loss of his father’s father at a young age. Through it all, Paul's dad found strength in other positive male role models and became the confident, laugh-loving father that Paul adored. Also, Paul shares the story of how his father saved him from the winter blues by taking him sledding at night. That's not all, folks! Don't miss this ode to a truly wonderful family and the memories that they created together. Grab a tissue and tune in! Support the show

As we reminisced about our carefree childhoods coming to a close, a nostalgic longing for innocence washed over us. The memories of a 1968 vacation to California evoked feelings of adventure, wonder, and warmth - from the magical Disneyland experience to the sun-kissed days spent exploring. But, amidst the decade of peace, color, and unrest in the west coast, a sense of unease lingered in the air due to the ongoing Vietnam War and the protests that accompanied it, creating an unusual imbalance that juxtaposed the feeling of all is well. An eleven year old Paul & his family visit the fantasy of California in 1968. Support the show

New to the central American country of Costa Rica, Paul sat in a Chinese restaurant mulling over the foreign menu. Suddenly there it was…. A cold raw fish cocktail and a warm beer. Now, at that time in his life, Paul knew that he just DID NOT CARE for fish at all. He had tried it back in the good ol’ USA, and quite honestly, it triggered that gag reflex; that embarrassing response from a child, He could not let that be HIS response.. However, Paul knew that might happen. The pressure was on. As all eyes gazed, Paul went for it. He took a heaping forkful of fish cocktail and felt the liquidy fish chunks slid into his mouth, and he forced them past his taste buds straight down his throat. Bleaaa! Life is about taking chances, trying new things, having fun, making mistakes and learning from it. Life is about eating raw Costa Rican fish cocktail! Muy sabroso Very tasty! This is an episode about life’s adventures and its challenges for the uninitiated. Más pescado para ti More fish for you! Support the show

This episode tells the story of what happened one night, to Paul when he chose to relax a bit and sit by the moonlit sea on the tropical island of St. Maarten. While stargazing just off the Caribbean coast, Paul spots a large glowing object off the far sandbar and deep in the water. As the light reveals itself, he discovers a James Bond-like scuba guy. Emerging from the waters, he soon is surrounded by nigh time boozy bar patrons. The scuba man reveals nothing about the slight of hand con he about to initiate. Support the show

What do mile markers and tollbooths have in common? If I told you the answer to this question was… ‘They are a contributing reoccurring part of YOU and your life’s journey’ Mile markers and tollbooths, etc. might alter your perspective on a few things. On this episode, The Story of Last Flight Out is featured. It cannot be measured how many people have been impacted by this one page read, but I would wager a guess…Thousands of people. Key West entrepreneur, author and Vietnam veteran Clay Greager is featured in a thought filled philosophical ride through not only Key West, but a journey through life itself. Stories about how WE, became US. Support the show

Did you ever have a teacher whose passion and excitement for learning drove you AND your peers to excel? In this episode Paul is in 8th Grade, and his new band teacher is young, fun, talented, interesting, fair and engaging with all of his students. Quelling immature student behavior, Mr. Roush nurtured the band class to exceed expectations. Paul and his classmates slowly begin to understand that a single person can find, and then pull the BEST YOU out of you. At that point in his hife, learning became a passion. Until it happened... Support the show

This episode delves into the captivating story of Paul's Uncle Russ, who, as a young boy in the 1930s, became enamored with the rugged, untamed wilderness of the American West in the 1880s. Fueled by his love for the thrilling adventures depicted in comic books and B-movie westerns, Uncle Russ became entranced by the legendary stories of the far southwestern United States, including the infamous outlaw Billy the Kid and the historic town of Mesilla. His passion was further ignited by the Eagles' melancholic album "Desperado," which poetically evokes the spirit of the Wild West. Uncle Russ' yearning for adventure and fantasy was intensified by his experiences during the war, ultimately leading him to embark on a quest to explore the last unexplored frontier of America, the Wild West. Support the show

This episode sets us in Savannah Georgia with Paul’s ol’ college buddy, Dentist Tye Hagan. Let’s face it, as engaged and motivated as we all once were to begin our careers back in the day, most of us held tight to our innocence of youth and doing the right thing. Newbie dentist Dr. Tye did just that, and in the process of setting his new practice in Savannah, he became entangled in a drug running operation out of his own office. Don’t miss the slow wrinkled southern charm of Sally-Jo in this episode! Will Tye find his way out of this messy tangled web? Co starring:The FBI, The DEA, and the Savannah Police Department. Support the show

Regional speak, or regional dialects are sometimes my favorite part of Paul’s business day. When he gets a client on the phone, he may ask him how everything is going (insert their state name). Paul often gets a 3 to 5 sentence primer in their regional language, metaphors or slang. PAUL: “Hey Henry. How is Mississippi treating you these days?” HENRY: “Mah day’s all cattywampus cuz of the fecundating kudzu growing across my office window. If the thermo-bulb keeps going up, we’ll have another tongue wagger on our hands.” -Sometimes life offers us perks in plain conversation. By the way, the best regional linguistic artists often turn out to be the head honcho; the person at the top. The CEO. Support the show

“You can always be better! You have to learn something every day, and if you don’t, …There’s no place to go.” This organic inspiration is innate for our guest Bob Tonge. A man with a career in broadcasting, video production, and writing and performing music. Bob Tonge’s drive to build clients’ confidence and trust, has taken him into a one of a kind adventure in life -Here is a story of a unique journey. Paul gets a once in a lifetime sit down with communicator Bob Tonge. “You got to keep prodding & learning & making adjustments in life. Keep moving forward!” -Bob Tonge Support the show

Growing up. Change. Being a father. This episode retells stories of my father and me as we negotiate the waters of DAD-DOM. My now grown children Heidi & Riley are featured, but as their younger selves. Stories include: Griff, Heidi’s dramatic and embarrassing boyfriend. Also, a story of my 7 year old son and me spending Sundays dumpster diving for materials for his tree house (pirate ship), and how that experience help bond a father and son. There's a story of how I mishandled a crisis when I was 17 years old and a camp counselor for 11 year olds We complete this episode with the story of a boy and his father coming apart and what it took to put them back together again. You never know just how funny and effective little moments of our lives, can become major life long connections of love. Support the show

While living a mundane existence in the suburbs. Thor Vance aspires to be a hot jazz guitarist . However, Thor is known as a triple-L loser. Although bullied and mocked as a child, he DID HAVE healthy and realistic future dreams. In this episode, procrastinator Thor seeks his dream, but arrives a bit too late and must realize his delay has damaged his destiny. But not everything in life is unrepairable. A broken man living a broken life, Thor is given a loser nickname that follows him throughout his life. This humorous nonfiction episode ranks among the most existential of the Life’s Learning Curve episodes. Support the show

The Adventure! Undertaking danger and unknown risks, Paul leaves the USA to participate in an internship in Costa Rica, This episode brings 1979-style adventures for Paul. Struggling with a language barrier, he and his college roommate Reed vacation for one week at a non existent un-named beach town during spring break. Paul synthesizes with native villagers, and learns their daily routine of work, play, how they handle obsessive heat, and a daily symphony of gasoline generators which all seemed to be running at the same time. Add to that a dictatorial mayor, Mayor James, whose beach house sways with the blowing breeze, Paul and Reed begin an adventure in a Central American town with no name. Support the show

Paul revisits the beginning of Summer with a look back at the people and events that made Summer go great! Phil, Sue, his mom & dad and RUDY! The swim instructor with a permanent tan! In the end, Paul learns a couple thing: He learns how to swim AND He learns that nothing TOO GREAT in life lasts forever. Support the show

Paul's guest is a stand up comic, a graphic artist, a puppeteer, a photographer, a voice artist, and a TV producer/performer, Paul welcomes TV’s John DiDonna. Life stories range from humorist innovator Ernie Kovacs to Chico Marx to a manic bus driver. John’s life is a shared comedic tone poem, His show called TWITS ran in the late 1980s and included some of these elements: Crazy Kenny, Mr. Friendly, Manny Moe and Jack, impersonations of Charles Bronson and Clint Eastwood and MORE! This show is a celebration of a man who dedicates his life to making others laugh. Support the show

Guest Dave Wormington has a super-talent. Since birth, Dave has inspired others to excel and do their best. Taking a step further, Dave provided an unexpected volume of encouragement, or as Paul calls it, tubthumping. Stories of bands, writing music, nuns, 70s hair for guys and the bass guitar fill this episode. Many people inspire and encourage, but Paul believes Dave’s uncanny ability to extend his passion for helping others that makers the difference in this unique man. Guest David Wormington brings stories, humor, irony and depth to this episode. Support the show

This episode takes Paul back to camp within two different time frames. Enthusiastic and engaged Rusty and Hilda June directed the field campus and helped create the magic of outdoor education when Paul’s class spent a week there as a twelve year old. At age 20 Paul returned as a part of his teacher training. But the second time, things were quite less magical and of- putting. Something had happened to Rusty and Hilda June that upset the balance of the camp. A blizzard, an offensive set of singer-songwriter originals, Tommy’s intestinal fortitude and a game of Duck Duck Goose gone bad, These variables ALL contribute to this episode about life’s changes and adjustments. Support the show

From the moment 16 year old Paul entered high school that spring day, usually an invisible student, he had some celebrity, but did not know why. Someone named Joey Malone was looking for Paul. Joey had spread the word that he wanted payback, and that Paul had done something really bad to him. Joey meant to get even with Paul, and he wanted to fight! Until the punch hits its target, Paul’s mouth, Paul STILL had no idea why Joey or anyone else was angry with him. Miscommunication, ego and plain ol’ lies would begat suspensions in school and a record with the police. This episode contains stitches (twice) as well as an unexpected car break in. Just when you think you have got everything understood in your life, something leaps out of the shadows and punches you in the mouth. Episode 60 Season 4 Support the show