My guest for this episode of the Guest Friends podcast is one of my life-long best friends: Carl Johnson.

If you’re familiar with this podcast, you may recall that Carl was our very first guest. We’ve invited him back for round 2 because he’s good people to talk to and because he’s releasing a new book called Undercurrents of Optimism and Joy: A Timely Meditation When Everything Feels The Exact Opposite.

Carl was born in Redford, Michigan and now lives in downtown Farmington with his wife Colleen and their two kids Waylon and Shiloh (who both contributed their talents to the opening promo for this episode). He is a graphic designer by trade and has owned his company Saint Creative for 13 years.  

As long-term friends, we’ve bonded over a plethora things, but one of our main connections is music. We’ve probably seen somewhere around 200 concerts together – and I’d say that’s a conservative estimate. It might not be a huge shocker then that we have an entrenched routine of trading year-end playlists. At this point, we even record the playlist reveals along with commentary (see below for a link to listen in to those).

I met up with Carl just a few weeks before he was planning to release his 4th book… on April 4th, no less – the eve of his 44th birthday! Amongst other insights, Carl shares why he wants his new book to read like the rock-and-roll album Hello Hurricane sounds; what “prosperity zucchini” has to do with turning off the news; and why you should surround yourself with dangerous people (don’t worry, he doesn’t mean mobsters).

By the way, Carl welcomes feedback about the book. In fact, he dares you to give him feedback.

The Guest Friends podcast is available on many of the preferred platforms.

#NewBook #Author #Writer #WrittenInDetroit #Encouragment #Undercurrents #Optimism #Joy #Guest #GuestFriendsPodcast #Podcast #Podcasting #Friends #Friendship #Conversation #Lifestyle 

 

[email protected]

Instagram: Guest Friends

 

LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE:

Logo Credit: Saint-Creative.com

Music Credit: Of Asaph (James Alleman)

Promo Voiceover: Shiloh

Promo Soundbed: Waylogne19 (Waylon)

 

Recommended Resources:

Book: Undercurrents of Optimism and Joy

Article: Americans Not Happy About Their Options (USA Today)

Author: Erwin McManus

Show: Running Wild with Bear Grylls

Album: Hello Hurricane (Switchfoot)

Music: Saint Watermix Playlists

My guest for this episode of the Guest Friends podcast is a fundamental building block of who I am because he’s my dad: Joseph Waterman.

Born in Detroit during World War II, he was the youngest of seven siblings and grew up helping his dad at a gas station / repair shop they owned on Springwells called Waterman’s Garage. Joe later met his wife Elsie during a trip with friends to play miniature golf and they were married in 1962. They soon thereafter moved to the suburb of Livonia and raised five kids (of which I am the youngest). Having been a hard worker – and early riser – all his life, Joe has spent the past 20+ years delaying retirement by working for Vesco Oil Corporation in Detroit. But don’t let that fool you, he has found his own unique ways to have fun over the years (just ask those who know about the adventures of parasailing at Otsego Lake, for starters). 

Some of my earliest memories include time spent with my dad at the shop on Springwells and then going to Detroit Tigers baseball games at the old Tiger Stadium, afterwards; family vacations to the aforementioned Otsego Lake State Park in northern Michigan; and carrying on his affection for strawberry pie at Big Boys restaurant.   

I met up with Joe (aka dad) to discuss something almost unheard of… he still owns (and drives) the car he purchased new at the age of 19 – a 1960 Chevy Impala. If you do the quick math, that means that as of this recording, Joe has owned this vehicle for over 62 years! Amongst other insights, Joe shares what serendipitous event happened when he was making plans to hotrod a ’48 Plymouth; why the first car show he ever entered was a 5-hour drive out-of-state (and why he continues to attend Ducktail Run in Gas City, Indiana all these years later – including a few big surprises surrounding the 2022 show!); and how Dolly Parton unknowingly got involved in promoting his vehicle.

And yes, Joe cruised the famous Woodward Ave in the 1960s with his Chevy Impala… before it was a thing.

The Guest Friends podcast is available on many of the preferred platforms.

#OriginalOwner #1960ChevyImpala #Impala #Chevy #Chevrolet #MadeInDetroit #BuiltInDetroit #ClassicCars #CarShows #WoodwardDreamCruise #WoodwardAve #Detroit #PureMichigan #DucktailRun #Restoration #Guest #GuestFriendsPodcast #Podcast #Podcasting #Friends #Friendship #Conversation #Lifestyle 

 

[email protected]

Instagram: Guest Friends

 

LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE:

Logo Credit: Saint-Creative.com

Music Credit: Of Asaph (James Alleman)

 

Recommended Resources:

Article: Detroit News “Woodward Dream Cruise: A 62-year love affair with a ’60 Chevy”

Event: Woodward Dream Cruise

Event: Ducktail Run Rod & Custom Show

History: 1960 Chevy Impala

Place: Cars, Inc (for Chevy restoration parts)

My guest for this episode of the Guest Friends podcast is a man whose persona is a thoughtful collection of writer, minister, educator, thespian, and encourager: Paul Patton. 

He and his wife Beth were married in 1974; they have 3 daughters and 8 grandchildren. He currently resides in Spring Arbor, Michigan – where he recently retired as Professor of Communication and Media at Spring Arbor University. In the 2021 book he co-authored with his fellow educator Robert H. Woods Jr. titled “Everyday Sabbath: How to Lead Your Dance with Media and Technology in Mindful and Sacred Ways”, his prayerful plea for the next generation is that they would “…love deeply, think wisely, and forgive quickly.”

Paul initially went to Spring Arbor to play college baseball, but along the way he became a youth minister. It was while pastoring at Trinity Baptist Church in Livonia that Paul had the idea in the Spring of 1981 to start Trinity House Theatre when he experienced the unifying power that performing plays could bring to all involved – especially to those who needed it most. So, with no previous theatrical training, he jumped in to start writing and producing plays that would “…enliven the communities of Southeastern Michigan through brave, truthful, and necessary works of art.” 40+ years later, Trinity House is celebrating its anniversary as a sacred listening room for performing artists to thrive (it’s predominantly known as a live music venue now).

For several years, I only knew Paul by myth and legend, until I finally had a chance to meet him at a dinner party shortly after I joined the Trinity House board of directors. Paul is just one of those people who you can’t help but be awed by their wisdom and presence. Along with being encouragers of creative efforts, we’ve also bonded over being fellow podcasters – with his short-form podcast series “Soul Stirrings” (available on SoundCloud) giving insights to the Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  

I met up with Paul on the very stage he helped to build all those years ago in order to discuss the particulars surrounding the founding of the theatre. Amongst other insights, Paul shares how innovative auditioning techniques opened up the possibilities for a previously overlooked population of acting hopefuls; why it’s stupid to hold back on complimenting people; and how memorization can activate an oasis of the mind whenever you need it (you’ll hear his evidence of that, firsthand).

As a bonus, we also discuss some of the history of the small meeting house at Six Mile and Haggerty (built in 1850 in Livonia, Michigan) that Trinity House has resided in since its founding, and we reveal a special historical event that took place within its walls.

The Guest Friends podcast is available on many of the preferred platforms.

[email protected]

Instagram: Guest Friends

 

LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE:

Logo Credit: Saint-Creative.com

Music Credit: Of Asaph (James Alleman)

Promo Voiceover: Jill Jack

Promo Soundbed: “Amelia” by Jill Jack

 

Recommended Resources:

Place: Trinity House

Donate: Paul Patton Founders Club

Podcast: “Soul Stirrings” with Paul Patton

Book: “Everyday Sabbath: How to Lead Your Dance with Media and Technology in Mindful and Sacred Ways” by Paul Patton and Robert H. Woods Jr.

Book: “I Asked for Wonder” by Abraham Joshua Heschel

Video: Trinity House YouTube Page

My guest for this episode of the Guest Friends podcast is another long-time friend and neighbor: Michal McIntosh. 

She and her husband Terry have been married for 43 years, have 5 children, and as of last count – because this number seemingly increases by the day – they have 13 grand children (grands).

Michal grew up as a PK (preacher’s kid) and through her Dad’s ministry, spent her teenage and college years living in the Atlanta area with her family. Upon returning to Michigan and marrying Terry, she then took up the calling as a PW (preacher’s wife). When she’s not leading a Bible study, discipling other women, or serving in the church kitchen ministry, Michal can be found joyfully tending to her many grands. She’s also an avid gardener – whether that be growing an army of tomatoes, or beautifying the yard with several varieties of flowers. 

While she’d prefer to operate behind the scenes, Michal was gracious to agree to be interviewed here (as part of returning a favor, and with a tad bit of convincing!). I met up with Michal in her home to discuss her dedicated practice of writing Thank You Notes as a way to express her gratitude and offer encouragement to others. Amongst other insights, Michal shares how a thank you note won her husband over; what simple strategy she uses to combat writer’s block; and where she keeps some of the treasured thank you notes that she’s received over the years.     

The Guest Friends podcast is available on many of the preferred platforms.

 

#ThankYouNotes #ThankYou #Gratitude #Appreciation #Encouragement #Creativity #Guest #GuestFriendsPodcast #Podcast #Podcasting #Friends #Friendship #Conversation #Lifestyle 

 

[email protected]

Instagram: Guest Friends

 

LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE:

Logo Credit: Saint-Creative.com

Music Credit: Of Asaph (James Alleman)

Promo Voiceover: Paul Patton

Promo Soundbed: Apple Logic loops

 

Recommended Resources:

Supplies: Thank You Notes w/envelopes

Learning: Examples of What to Write

Video: Jimmy Fallon – Thank You Notes segment

My guest for this episode of the Guest Friends podcast is my fellow bray, homie, and mic-dropper: Jason Tomlinson. AKA – J-Live.   Jason was born in Guam as part of a missionary family and has lived a little bit of everywhere since then – including having been partially raised in the Mitten State from 1989-1994. He and his wife Leah are both high school teachers and reside with their three lovely children just outside of Nashville, Tennessee.  

I met up with Jason at the podcast studio inside the boutique Russell Hotel in East Nashville to discuss his passion for words – especially through the mediums of Spoken Word poetry and Podcasting. Amongst other insights, Jason shares his connection to Shel Silverstein's "Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout"; what having his poems published in the Flint Journal at age 15 taught him; and how his new podcast "Eight Stories Tall" is out to prove that "an uninteresting person does not exist."

Oh, and you'll get a chance to hear J-Live perform two of his original spoken word poems: "It's a Wonderful Life" and "Grace Tree" during the episode. 

We'd enjoy your comments or questions:

[email protected]

Instagram: Guest Friends

 

LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE:

Logo Credit: Saint-Creative.com

Music Credit: Of Asaph (James Alleman)

Promo Production & Voiceover: Brian "Broops" Brophy

 

Recommended Resources:

Podcast: Eight Stories Tall (Jason Tomlinson)

Podcast: The Pivot (Andrew Osenga) 

Place: The Russell Hotel - Nashville

YouTube: Shel Silverstein reading "Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout Would Not Take the Garbage Out" 

YouTube: Amena Brown "Dear TV Sitcoms"

YouTube: Shane Koyczan "To This Day" (anti-bullying poem)

 

My guest for this episode of the Guest Friends podcast is my nephew - and hands-on renaissance man: Justin Stilson.

Justin and his wife Brittany live just outside of Bay City, Michigan. Having grown up in a family that valued working with their hands, Justin experienced everything from construction work, to restoring muscle cars, to tending to goats, to trying out crafts like scrapbooking. With a willingness to learn new things and to put in the hard work, it's not a big surprise then that he eventually took the leap into entrepreneurship by starting his own business: Stilson Sign & Custom.  

I met up with Justin in his home/workshop to discuss how he's become a devoted old-world artisan with pinstriping and antique sign painting. Amongst other insights, Justin shares why the D.I.Y. ethic is just a way of life (especially when your family never called a repairman); how his toolbox involuntarily became his first pinstriping canvas; and why ambition is the ultimate call-to-action.  

 

We'd enjoy your comments or questions:

[email protected]

Instagram: Guest Friends

 

LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE:

Logo Credit: Saint-Creative.com

Music Credit: Of Asaph (James Alleman)

 

Recommended Resources:

Social: Stilson Sign & Custom (FaceBook)

Social: Stilson Sign & Custom (Instagram)

Place: American Gasser - Saginaw

Video: "Von Dutch - Legend of Pinstriping"

Tools: Mack Brush Company

[Of note: this conversation was originally recorded in December 2019 – in somewhat simpler times. Although it captures a specific moment in time and place, it is meant to be enduring – so it is with great excitement that we are finally able to give it an official release exactly two years from its inception!]

My guest for this episode of the Guest Friends podcast is the thoughtfully effervescent: Anna Widgeon. Anna is a lawyer by day, a seminary student by night, and a wandering creative soul at just about any other portions of time that exist in her world – which includes having put together a Kickstarter campaign to produce her first album “Stories & Scars” a few years back.

I met up with Anna at the Plymouth Coffee Bean in downtown Plymouth, Michigan to discuss how she's become a coffee fanatic. Amongst other insights, Anna shares her coffee origin story 1.0 in Argentina; how coffee plants growing on the sides of volcanoes is a literal thing in Guatemala; and why it's not uncommon for her to roll with barista friends and anyone else she can nerd out about coffee roasting techniques with. Side note... she's in position to be that person that carries a portable drip coffee setup in her “messenger bag” - and it would be her pleasure to make you coffee if you ask politely.

We also take a moment to capture the quasi-adventure of ordering a drink for our coffee-challenged host. Of which the barista spontaneously named it the “chocolate chai flavor extravaganza”.

Special shout-out to @tbulls @moose131984 and the fam for allowing Joy to bring her voiceover talents to the mic during the promo! Thanks, Joy!!!

 

We'd enjoy your comments or questions:

[email protected]

Instagram: Guest Friends

 

LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE:

Logo Credit: Saint-Creative.com

Music Credit: Of Asaph (James Alleman)

"Promo" Music: "Tell Me Something True" by Anna Widgeon

 

Recommended Resources:

Documentary: A Film About Coffee

TEDxTalk: "Everything You've Ever Wanted To Know About Coffee" (Chandler Graf)

Video: "Everything You've Ever Wanted To Know About Coffee" (Tastemade)

Place: Plymouth Coffee Bean

Place: Hyperion Coffee - Ypsi

Place: 19 Drips Coffee and Tea - Ann Arbor

Place: New Order Coffee - Detroit

Place: Red Dot Coffee - Northville

Roaster: Gooseneck Coffee Co.

Article: "5 Best Guatemalan Coffee Brands 2021"

 

My guest for this episode of the Guest Friends podcast is my family's long-time next-door neighbor: Jim Voigt. I met up with Jim in his home in the metro Detroit area to discuss his experiences having been drafted into the Vietnam War in April of 1966. After being seriously injured by a Viet Cong mortar blast while on ambush patrol during the war, Jim spent several months recovering in hospitals in Saigon and later in Japan. Since he had difficulty physically writing letters from his hospital bed during his recovery, he ended up recording audio letters on a reel-to-reel tape machine to send home to friends and family to keep them updated on his condition, and to keep his spirits up. For the first time in close to 50 years, Jim has resurfaced those tapes, and you can hear some of that content interwoven into our discussion. Amongst other insights, Jim shares the rollercoaster ride of dropping into Vietnam from 20,000 feet to avoid being shot down; how he learned a valuable life-lesson by way of a 3x5 card; and why mom's homemade chocolate chip cookies are welcomed friends when you're a soldier digging into a foxhole.

We'd enjoy your comments or questions:

[email protected]

 

LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE:

Logo Credit: Saint-Creative.com 

Music Credit: Of Asaph (James Alleman)

"Inspired By" Segment Production: Shane Sevo

 

Recommended Resources:

Documentary: Ken Burn's "The Vietnam War": TheGeniusOfPlay.org

Database: The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall 

My guest for this episode of the Guest Friends podcast is the youngest of three brothers - all of whom I hope to feature on Guest Friends at some point, as we've basically been more like family - having grown up two doors down from each other: Dan Wells. Dan - along with his wife Jennifer - are parents to a 15-month-old son and a Siberian Husky. Dan is also an accomplished architect, and a wizard at Legend of Zelda for the N64. I met up with Dan and Jennifer at their home - which doubles as the compound for Cousin Camp: a curated gathering of their nieces and nephews that takes place each Memorial Day weekend. What started as simply getting together to watch some movies and eat some food has turned into - having just completed its 6th year - something epic for the cousins. Amongst other insights, Dan and Jennifer share why traditions - like where the pizza is purchased - is of utmost importance to impressionable youth; how Pinterest and other tutorial websites can be a major budget hack when trying to build on themes - especially when creating cool things like Harry Potter wands; and how to encourage imagination and creative play when it doesn't come as naturally to kids born in the digital world. 

We'd enjoy your comments or questions:

[email protected]

 

LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE:

Logo Credit: Saint-Creative.com 

Music Credit: Of Asaph (James Alleman)

"Inspired By" Voiceover: Ella

"Inspired By" Production: Joe Wells

 

Recommended Resources:

Website: TheGeniusOfPlay.org

Article: If you want your kid to get a good job, let them play more

Tutorial: Making Harry Potter wands

Video Game: Legend of Zelda for Nintendo 64

Video Game: Rock Band 4

Food: Toramina's Pizza

Architecture: National Tennis Center

My guest for this episode of the Guest Friends podcast is long-time bosom buddy: Ben Davis. Ben is a married father of four, seemingly a life-long soccer coach, and a Veteran who served for over 5 years in the Army (from 2003-2008). He also hosts the Arsenal of Hope podcast which focuses on dietary, fitness, and wellness tips - especially for Veterans. I met up with Ben at the Detroit Foundation Hotel podcast studio (the building was the former site of the Detroit Fire Department headquarters and was built in 1921). Amongst other insights, Ben shares why "sticking it to the man" was at least partial motivation for taking on 12 Ultra Marathons over the course of a year; how the combination of trail running and changing his diet became the most effective medication cocktail; and why planning a 22-hour run on Belle Isle in Detroit is so significant to him.

We'd enjoy your comments or questions:

[email protected]

 

LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE:

Logo Credit: Saint-Creative.com 

Music Credit: Of Asaph (James Alleman)

"Inspired By" Voiceover: Doug Wells

 

Recommended Resources:

Website: Arsenal of Hope

Website: Victory Gym

Book: Ultra Marathon Man (Dean Karnazes)

Documentary: Free to Run

Place: Detroit Foundation Hotel

Company: Rogue Arc (design)

Our friend Carl Johnson – from our very first episode – takes a turn to host this 7th episode of the Guest Friends podcast where he welcomes friend and fellow small business owner: Rob Woelkers. Rob is the founder, owner, and operator of PLUSkateboarding shop in downtown Farmington, Michigan. He’s had the joy of opening the door to his business for 16 years, and is a legendary figure in his community – especially as an ambassador for the sport of skateboarding through efforts like spearheading the Riley Skate Park project. Carl met up with Rob at his skate shop on a bustling Spring day to discuss the culture and the business of skateboarding. Amongst other insights, Rob shares some skateboarder wisdom of how to reduce the chance of serious injury: “If you can’t jump up it [on foot], you shouldn’t jump down it [on a skateboard]”; the story behind a “big fake check” that lead to a massive return on investment for the community ($$$); and what his answer to the age-old question “Have you met Tony Hawk?” is. 

We'd enjoy your comments or questions:

[email protected]

Instagram: Guest_Friends_Podcast

 

LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE:

Logo Credit: Saint-Creative.com 

MusicCredit: Of Asaph (James Alleman)

 

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES:

PLUSkateboarding Blog

Tony Hawk: Birdhouse demo @Riley Skate Park

Article: Mark Gonzales

Thrasher Magazine

How to: Kick Flip

Documentary: Dogtown and Z-boys