The Borderlands Podcast | Enlightenment from the Fringe

I graduated HS with Jon, and we've known each other for over 30 years. He's been flying airplanes since I first met him. Jon has been in the cockpit of practically anything with wings. He's a foodie, probably just from traveling to so many destinations. Many may not know this about him, but he's worked as a sommelier...kinda. I'm certain there were a few questions I just didn't get around to asking him during this lengthy interview, so I'm sure to have another podcast with him. His story is so interesting to me, and I hope my listeners enjoy hearing from Jon as much as I did.

I recently bought an EV and I love it. I've faced a moderate amount of criticism for my decision to buy this car. I asked FaceBook and my Friends to ask me serious questions about the EV, and along with my old buddy Morgan, we try to address all of the questions. It's also notable that Morgan runs a charity for Huntington's Disease called Fast Track for a Cure, or FastTrackPGH.com, please give it a look.

Recorded 4/24/2022 This episode was a blast to record. First, imagine walking into a total stranger's home and meeting several of his close friends and acquaintances, then sitting down with two other members of his podcast team and recording unscripted for their show. Second, imagine interviewing the three strangers immediately afterward for this podcast. We got along amazingly, as though we were all old friends. The Grunts in Appalachia podcast just dropped its 40th episode. I was fortunate enough to be invited as a guest on that episode, where one of the Grunts talks about celebrating his 40th birthday. Then, I was fortunate enough again to have them interview on my show. John Creamer, Nate Kingsley, and Brandon McGuire bring their own brand of sarcasm, laughs, and deep dives to the Borderlands. I am extremely grateful for having them as guests. Sit back and join in as we go who knows how many cans deep into a huge cache of cheap beer, grill out, and talk about life in Appalachia. As usual, I hope you enjoy the podcast, and I welcome comments and suggestions. Reach out to me at denning633@gmail.com or through the comments section of Podbean. Explicit language, consumption and description of alcohol Music credit: Songs by Punk Rock Opera are licensed under CC-BY-NC 4.0

Recorded 3/19/2022 This episode Sam, Joe, and I talk about an evening out with the Old Man for drinks and smokes. We discuss what we're reading, watching, and listening to. We touch on Joe's recent promotion in the PD. Plus the usual "jackassery" as Joe describes it. I hope you enjoy and I appreciate your listening.

Recorded 2/1/2022 Tonight I discuss briefly some ideas for emergency preparedness. This topic comes to mind in light of the disastrous ice storm about this time last year and the prolonged power outage we had. There is another potential ice storm coming in the next couple of days, and we just had an outage tonight for a couple of hours. Food for thought. As usual, I hope you enjoy the podcast, and I welcome comments and suggestions. Reach out to me at denning633@gmail.com or through the comments section of Podbean. Explicit language, consumption and description of alcohol Music credit: The Road, Attack on Castle Marshall, and Military Industrial Complex by Punk Rock Opera are licensed under CC-BY-NC 4.0

Recorded 1/23/2022 For this episode I am again joined by my brother Sam. After a long period of silence from the podcast, I've decided to revive and resuscitate the feed. And what better way to begin again by talking about New Year's resolutions. I don't have any solid resolutions for myself, but I'll go over a brief history of resolutions and discuss those I have for the podcast. As usual, I hope you enjoy the podcast, and I welcome comments and suggestions. Reach out to me at denning633@gmail.com or through the comments section of Podbean. Explicit language, consumption and description of alcohol Music credit: The Road, Attack on Castle Marshall, and Military Industrial Complex by Punk Rock Opera are licensed under CC-BY-NC 4.0

Recorded 9/22/2021 My brother Sam is a regular guest on the show. We start out talking about the creative process and some of the hurdles for us to make podcasts. The intent of this episode was to talk about some of the ways COVID-19 has changed our lives and behaviors - this came as a suggested topic from one of my listeners, Craig Haught. The conversation proceeds to reveal part of Sam's story that he's kept close and not shared much. We wrap things up with screaming kids in the background as happens sometimes here at the Borderlands. Listen with an open mind. As usual, I hope you enjoy the podcast, and I welcome comments and suggestions. Reach out to me at denning633@gmail.com or through the comments section of Podbean. Explicit language, consumption and description of alcohol Music credit: Songs by Punk Rock Opera are licensed under CC-BY-NC 4.0 Edit - I just realized I referred to this as the "eleventh" episode several times in the audio. This is indeed the "twelfth" episode.

Recorded 8/21/2021 My son and oldest child, Mr. Tucker Denning, is starting his next journey in life. He is beginning his freshman year at West Virginia Wesleyan College. In this episode, recorded on campus from his room in Dunn Hall, we talk about his fears and expectations with beginning his college education. We also discuss a bit about his eSports gig with Wesleyan, and some of the COVID policy at this institution. Tucker plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in computer sciences. Please welcome Tucker to the show again as we wish him the best of luck and success in college. As usual, I hope you enjoy the podcast, and I welcome comments and suggestions. Reach out to me at denning633@gmail.com or through the comments section of Podbean. Explicit language, consumption and description of alcohol Music credit: The Road, Attack on Castle Marshall, and Military Industrial Complex by Punk Rock Opera are licensed under CC-BY-NC 4.0

Recorded 4/10/2021 Mr. Aaron Moore returns as a guest for this episode discussing bariatric surgery. He has struggled for nearly his whole life with controlling his weight and appetite. For primarily medical reasons he has chosen to undergo bariatric surgery. During this chat we discuss how he made the decision, what the pre-op process was like, and a little of what he expects in the immediate post-op period. We also go off topic to chat about Jeeps, motorcycles, etc. I wish Aaron a speedy recovery and look forward to future podcasts with him to follow his journey. As usual, I hope you enjoy the podcast, and I welcome comments and suggestions. Reach out to me at denning633@gmail.com or through the comments section of Podbean. Explicit language, consumption and description of alcohol Music credit: The Road, Attack on Castle Marshall, and Military Industrial Complex by Punk Rock Opera are licensed under CC-BY-NC 4.0

Recorded 2/13/2021 Sam Denning is becoming a regular on the show. I don't mind because he always has something interesting to talk about and I certainly don't mind his company. This evening we sit down to chat amidst the local Snowpocalypse that has caused widespread power outages and utter chaos in our small community and region. I was happy to have Sam and his family, along with my Mom and Dad over for a generator-driven BBQ lunch, and offer them all have a chance to use our facilities with hot water. It was a great time during what can only be described as a rather larger natural disaster for our area. As usual, I hope you enjoy the podcast, and I welcome comments and suggestions. Reach out to me at denning633@gmail.com or through the comments section of Podbean. Explicit language, consumption and description of alcohol Music credit: The Road, Attack on Castle Marshall, and Military Industrial Complex by Punk Rock Opera are licensed under CC-BY-NC 4.0

Recorded 1/23/2021 Sam, Joe, and I dive in to discuss the effect of COVID-19 in our lives over the past year. We started out on track, but quickly went off on the usual tangents. Brotherly conversation at its finest. Now we only need to get Andy and Ben involved somehow! Please enjoy, and as always leave comments or email denning633@gmail.com with any episode suggestions or criticisms. I thank you sincerely for your listenership. Explicit language, consumption and description of alcohol Music credit: The Road, Attack on Castle Marshall, and Military Industrial Complex by Punk Rock Opera are licensed under CC-BY-NC 4.0

Recorded 12/30/2020 This past year has been one for the books. Described by some as "the worst year ever" my guest Sam Denning and I recall the notable events of 2020. We discuss topics from the COVID pandemic, presidential election, celebrities who passed away, and provide some positive reflection on the last year. Explicit language. Music credit: The Road by Punk Rock Opera is licensed under CC-BY-NC 4.0 Military Industrial Complex by Punk Rock Opera is licensed under CC-BY-NC 4.0

Recorded 12/25/2020 In this episode I go solo and unscripted. I talk about some COVID-19 related things and then some other random topics. It's been difficult to get people to interview, I believe due to time constraints and COVID concerns. If you'd like to appear on an episode, or believe you have something to talk about, feel free to mention it in the comments. Enjoy.

Recorded 9/29/2020 Aaron Moore is a RN working in the recovery room setting; a former EMT. He is a Jeep/ORV enthusiast, motorcyclist, and a proud son of West Virginia. Today we talk about his hobbies, including Jeeps and Harleys, and delve a bit into whiskey and some other nonsense. Please welcome my friend. Explicit language, consumption and description of alcohol Music credit: The Road by Punk Rock Opera is licensed under CC-BY-NC 4.0 Attack on Castle Marshall by Punk Rock Opera is licensed under CC-BY-NC 4.0

Recorded 9/12/2020 Tucker Denning is my son, a high school student, and a computer whiz. He has just started the 2020 school year in WV during the COVID-19 pandemic. We discuss the challenges he and other students have faced returning to the classroom this year, and also delve into some other somewhat related topics. This episode is clean - no explicit language. Enjoy. Music credit: The Road by Punk Rock Opera is licensed under CC-BY-NC 4.0 Military Industrial Complex by Punk Rock Opera is licensed under CC-BY-NC 4.0

In this first bonus episode I answer a listener's comment regarding the difference between "Whiskey" and "Whisky." The answer is not as clear as I thought. Explicit language. Description and consumption of alcohol. Music credit: The Road by Punk Rock Opera is licensed under CC-BY-NC 4.0 Attack on Castle Marshall by Punk Rock Opera is licensed under CC-BY-NC 4.0

Recorded 8/18/2020 Chris Reese is a good friend, RN, and triathlete. He has competed in several Iron Man races and is involved with the TriMafia. In this interview we delve into what got him started in swimming, biking, and running, and discuss how COVID-19 has affected these events. And as always, various other nonsense ensues. Explicit language. Consumption and description of alcohol.

Recorded 8/2/2020 Joe Denning is another of my siblings. He is a K-9 law enforcement officer with Huntington PD. He recently decided to travel to a COVID-19 hot spot with his family for vacation. During this interview we discuss his travel during this pandemic, a bit of the current law enforcement climate, and other random topics. Explicit language. Description and consumption of alcohol.

Recorded 7/29/2020 Sam Denning is my youngest sibling and a local small business owner. He is a geoscientist by training, obtaining a masters degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute. He currently owns and operates SOYO Holdings based in Huntington, WV. He is a lawn care specialist, a general contractor/handyman, and a landlord. In this episode we discuss his choice to pursue his small business, challenges faced, COVID concerns, and other various nonsense. Explicit language. Consumption and description of alcohol.