085 - Mystic, CT: Pizza, Julia Roberts and… Ice Sculptures, Really?
After a few weeks in Southern Connecticut, it was time to stop heading west toward New Haven and find some new adventures. It was only a matter of time before everyone and their mother was pointing us to Mystic, home of the iconic Mystic Pizza that was the focus of a Julia Roberts movie about a hundred years ago. Anyhoo, we went and the pizza was "fine." We weren't disappointed with the shops, the donuts, the historic landmarks or the oysters. We did the tourist trap in Old Mystic and Denise went gaga over the ice sculptures while James spent most of his day geeking out over a drawbridge. In the final analysis, we could afford a 1-Bedroom house in Mystic, but dang, we were glad we went!
#emptynest #fulltank
084 - Perry, GA: Pecans, Peaches and Tons of Georgia Pride
Halfway between our property in FL and the sporty vibe of Greenville, SC there sits a small town with an upscale downtown. Perry, GA may not be a place you've never heard of before, but we bet this town is jumping when the weather is nice. Despite the dreary winter weather there, we managed to have a great time and flesh this place out for all it was worth over a period of 4 days. We explored local shops, peach orchards, some really kick-ass restaurants and the Georgia National Fairgrounds. While it was a little too rural for Denise's taste, James seemed to be loving everything except the peaches. Hey, everyone has their personal food preferences, right? No disrespect, Perry. You better believe we'll be back when the pecan farms are rocking and the pigs are for sale!
#emptynest #fulltank
083 - Asheville, NC: Backwoods Boom or Blue Ridge Bust?
This week, we explore what it's like visiting and potentially living in Asheville, NC! We got to catch up with family and spend time touring different neighborhoods, seeing the sights like the Biltmore Estate, eating at local restaurants, discussing the art scene and microbreweries, and evaluating if Asheville seems like a viable place to live long-term. The natural beauty of Asheville was striking--even on the worst weather day of the year. However, the cost of real estate, crime rates and the prevalence of homelessness were also a rude awakening. Did Asheville live up to its reputation as an artsy, funky mountain city? Hit play and find out!
#emptynest #fulltank
We Do What We Want: Brian Sirimaturos from the Tossing Salad Podcast
Brian Sirimaturos from the Tossing Salad Podcast joins us this week. We discuss Brian's wife Amy's breast cancer diagnosis, the decision to share details publicly, and how the cancer journey has impacted their lives. Brian also provides behind-the-scenes details on producing entertaining podcast episodes, dealing with online trolls, social media performer burnout, and why he broke up with a former podcast co-host on-air. Additional topics include working in unscripted TV, parenting challenges, Taylor Swift fandom, and more advice for aspiring podcasters.
#emptynest #fulltank
The New Fabric of a Young Metropolis: The Rise of Greenville, SC
This week we explored Greenville, South Carolina and were utterly impressed--gobsmacked, actually--by its charming vintage architecture mixed with modern, vibrant growth. We checked out the Liberty Bridge and Falls Park, and took an actual real estate tour specifically for those seeking to relocate to the evolving city formerly known as the Textile Capital of the World. It was there we discovered Greer - a town with great amenities just 20 mins from downtown Greenville. Between the GSP airport, brewery scene, James Beard nominated restaurants and real estate options, this town is now on the Skiptown map. Is it about to knock one of our other hometown choices out of the Top 5? Hit Play and find out!
#emptynest #fulltank
The IRS Doesn’t Run This Town Anymore: Tech, Arts, Brewpubs & Mountain Living in Ogden, UT
Get ready for something unexpected! James recaps his recent visit to Ogden, Utah and how the town has transformed over the past few years. Ogden is located just north of Salt Lake City and was once a gritty railroad town. However, recent investment and development has turned it into an up-and-coming, artsy, mountain destination. Does Ogden's growth, outdoor recreation, and real estate make it a potential hometown? Depends on your hobbies and occupation, but YES. Denise is all up in arms over e-bike hunting, James is sick of virtue signaling, and Huffington Post is intoxicated on their own crazy news headlines. This one is packed with info on life in Utah and lots of jokes… a few of which are even funny!
#emptynest #fulltank
I’m Sorry You Didn’t Go Viral! Our Interview with Michael Strumsky of the People More Interesting Than Me Podcast
This podcast episode features Michael Strumsky, host of the People More Interesting Than Me podcast. He shares his inspiring journey launching and growing his podcast to almost 100 episodes. Michael provides insightful tips on podcast hosting, landing great guests, editing challenges, getting family support, and ultimately creating an audio legacy. Whether you're thinking about starting a podcast or looking to improve an existing one, Michael's transparent experiences and advice make this a must-listen episode.
#emptynest #fulltank
Big Surprises in Tampa: The Gulf Coast's Most Unexpected Gem?
Is Tampa one of America's most overlooked cities? Dive into everything it has to offer in this fun recap of Denise's recent visit. She shares her eye opening experience visiting a listener and Tampa for the first time and discovering the city's rich culture, architecture, cuisine and more. From the historic Ybor City neighborhood to catching a glimpse of Tom Brady's former home, Denise was pleasantly surprised by this underrated Florida gem. We also discuss Tampa's growth, influx of young residents, booming real estate market, and why Denise says it's an ideal city to live. Whether you're considering a move or just want to learn more about this hip cultural hub, this epsiode has all the insider info on Tampa you've been searching for!
What Does Your 2024 Look Like? Passions, Side Hustles & Second Careers
This podcast episode features a lively discussion about starting a business and achieving success. The Skiptown All Stars share their personal stories and insights on taking risks, handling criticism, persevering through failures, finding mentors, staying passionate and creative, and more. James, Denise and even Producer Phil stress that overnight successes usually take about 10 years of hard work, and encourage aspiring business owners to believe in themselves,their ideas, and not let perfectionism hold them back. Tune in for motivating advice to help unlock your potential in 2024!
2023: Stick a Fork In It - The Best Food and Travel Cities This Year
This week, the Skiptown All Stars podcast recaps their best and worst travel experiences from 2023. James and Denise discuss the most memorable destinations, friendliest and least friendly cities, best food cities, easiest and most difficult cities to get around, and James shares his picks for the top coffee cities. We also reminisce about their road trip mishaps and funny travel stories from the past year. You will enjoy hearing this lively couple's perspectives on their adventures across America.
Ep. 075 - A Very Fiery Christmas Podcast Special
Christmas is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year - but not for our podcast hosts! 😨 Join James, Denise and Phil as they share their most disastrous, disturbing and downright shocking holiday stories ever. 😱
From a murderous rampage by a killer Santa to a near-fatal snowmobile flip, this Christmas special has it all. You'll laugh, scream and scratch your head as our hosts discuss these holiday horrors - and debate whether "Die Hard" counts as a Christmas movie! 🤔
Catch the holiday hijinks and use hashtag #XmasPodCalamity to share your own Yuletide fiasco stories! Santa might have gotten run over by a reindeer, but it's got NOTHING on the holiday havoc inside this podcast. 😆
Ep. 074 - A Tale of 10 Cities: James Goes Back to Connecticut
James had 10 days to explore charming small towns and idyllic waterfront living all across Connecticut — and he made the most of it@ In this episode, he recounts his recent travels visiting over 10 different Connecticut towns and cities including Guilford, Newtown, Brookfield and more. From the colonial homes to hundreds of trails (not to mention access to major cities like NYC), James recaps it all. Then, Denise opens up the debate over the viability of dating apps. If you’re considering moving to Connecticut or just want to learn more about what it has to offer, hit the play button!
Ep. 073 - Orlando: Life Outside the Magic Kingdom
Our local Orlando expert joins the Skiptowners to discuss what life is really like in Orlando beyond the theme parks. Topics include the Orlando job market, salary levels, the local food scene with hidden gem restaurants, favorite local activities, the red hot real estate market, common rental scams to watch out for, what areas of town are popular with locals, why Nora is considering leaving Orlando, and insider tips for getting the most out of a visit to Orlando. Check out Orlando’s hidden gems, rental scams, food scene, lifestyle and culture, jobs and economy. If you ever thought Orlando or Central Florida might be for you, you simply can’t pass up Nora’s Skiptown All-Stars episode!
Ep. 072 - Lake Placid: Filled with Russian Tears
This week, we reminisce about the famous 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York, where the epic game of hockey known as as the "Miracle on Ice" took place. We reset the political climate of the Cold War era and how national tensions manifested in Olympic hockey leading up to the famous USA vs USSR grudge match. We debunk some common misconceptions about the game, as well as the Kurt Russell film 'Miracle' based on the events. This episode has it all--interesting Lake Placid history, winter sports development, famous residents, and modern day attractions that go way beyond the sports facilities. Oh, and did we mention real estate... could we live here? Could you? Find out now!
Ep. 071 - Plymouth, MA and Thanksgiving: Everything but the Turkey
This week, we're bringing the Thanksgiving thunder 🦃 and a summary on Plymouth, Massachusetts where it ALL began. We dive into the chaotic world of Thanksgiving travel with insane stats and stories. Do planes really only get delayed 15 minutes? And how far would you drive before admitting defeat? We’re also dishing about Thanksgiving food fails, tasty traditions, and sharing our own picks for best and worst holiday eats. Not everything belongs on the Thanksgiving table...right? 🤢 We’ll also school you on the wild world of Black Friday shopping, including a world record you won’t believe. And wait until you hear about the dishes the Pilgrims ACTUALLY served at the very first Thanksgiving meal back in 1621! Let’s just say eel was on the menu. 😳 Join us as we break down fun facts no one asked for about Thanksgiving travel, shopping, food, football and more! Whether you’re Team Turkey or Team Tofurky, this episode will definitely put you in a festive mood. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
Ep. 070 - Quebec City
Quebec City, Canada has old-world European charm but is more edgy than cosmopolitan Montreal. Everyone still speaks French there, but there is WAY more tattoo culture. The Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, the world's most photographed hotel is in Upper City and below is the trendy St. Roch. Maple syrup, socialized medicine, high taxes and homelessness in the Quebec Province are also discussed.
Ep. 069 - Montreal
Beneath the hustle and bustle of the streets lies Montreal's famous underground city, known as “RÉSO.” This network of tunnels spans over 20 miles connecting metro stations, shopping malls, hotels, banks, offices, and even college campuses. It provides an extensive reprieve from the city's frigid winters and scorching summers. Beyond RÉSO, Montreal enchanted the James and Denise with its abundance of European charm and big city amenities. They soaked up the sights of Old Montreal's cobblestone streets and historic buildings.
Ep. 068 - Halloween with Clem the Demon: James Leary is Still Slaying!
The Skiptown All Stars are joined by actor James Leary, famous for playing the loose-skinned demon Clem on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. They discuss meeting through their kids' preschool in LA, James' path from Texas to Chicago improv to commercial acting in LA. James landed the role of Clem, which grew from a minor part to ensemble status over 8 episodes. After Buffy ended, James did conventions for years then moved into writing for video games in Austin. He just voiced Clem again in the new Audible original Slayers, a Buffyverse story with old and new characters. James shares behind-the-scenes stories from voicing Slayers and his favorite horror movies for Halloween.
Ep. 067 - Sandra and Nik: An FHA Loan Success Story
With the median age of first-time homebuyers in the U.S. being around 33 years old, Sandra and Nick started their homebuying and homebuilding journey way ahead of the curve. Buying their first home at just 22 and 24 years old, this ambitious couple details their experiences with buying and building five different homes over the past two decades.
Through the highs and lows of the housing market, Sandra and Nick reflect on the lessons they’ve learned from being serial homebuilders at such a young age. They provide insight into navigating the homebuilding process, from working with architects and builders to picking finishes and avoiding budget pitfalls. While building their dream homes hasn’t always gone smoothly, their perseverance and willingness to start over is inspiring for any future homebuilder.
Ep. 066 - The PATH to the 201: Jersey City with Patrick Mason
Moving from small town Ohio to the bright lights and skyscrapers of New York City is a big change. For our friend Patrick, a TV news veteran with over 25 years in the NYC metro area, it has been a journey full of exciting opportunities and challenges. In this podcast episode, Patrick recounts his career path from college in Youngstown, OH to working his way up at major broadcast news stations in Manhattan.
He vividly describes the freewheeling NYC culture pre-9/11, and how the media landscape was permanently impacted after that fateful day. Patrick also shares entertaining behind-the-scenes stories of breaking news chaos, technological snafus, and the always hectic TV news life. We get the scoop on Patrick’s local life too, as he’s called Hoboken and now Jersey City home all these years. He tells us why avoiding a Manhattan commute was a smarter choice for his lifestyle.
Overall, Patrick reflects on the pros and cons of big city living, but makes clear his love for the opportunities and energy that only NYC can provide. He’s adapted to small apartments, subway commutes, and having family a plane ride away in Ohio. But through it all, Patrick feels privileged to have a front row seat to history in the media capital of the world.