A New Hampshire Santa Supper: What It's Really Like to Be a Professional Santa

A New Hampshire Santa Supper: What It's Really Like to Be a Professional Santa

On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber stops by the New England Santa Society's monthly Santa Supper in Manchester, N.H., to explore what life is really like year-round for professional Santas.  The supper is held at the Common Man Roadside Millyard and attracts Santas from across New Hampshire and New England who come together for casual conversations and to share experiences and learn from one another. Society co-founder Dan Greenleaf and the group's president, Brian Marvel, sit down to share their experiences, the importance of training, and the unique challenges of being Santa. From connecting with kids to handling those tough questions, it’s a journey that requires passion and creativity.   They also discuss the society's summer Santa Camp, a weekend-long training event held in Greenfield, N.H., that has become crucial for new Santas to learn how to portray the role authentically.  For more information on the New England Santa Society and its Santa Suppers and Santa Camp, visit www.newenglandsantasociety.org. **Don't forget to follow Grounded in Granite YouTube so you don't miss the next conversation. You can watch full episodes on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio and Amazon Music. Be sure to follow Grounded in Granite on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X for behind-the-scenes photos and more. EPISODE CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Introduction and overview of the New England Santa Society and the Santa Supper in Manchester 03:29 - Details about Santa Camp, its educational programs, and the importance of training. 05:46 - Explanation of Santa Suppers and their purpose. 07:37 - Discussion of trend toward healthier Santas 09:28 - Exploring the responsibilities and challenges of being Santa. 18:22 - Personal experiences and rewarding moments as Santa. 26:18 - The significance of Santa Camp for new Santas. 30:36 - How Dan Greenleaf and Brian Marvel became Santas. 33:16 - Encouragement to join the Santa Society and final thoughts.

The Art of the Scoop: 45 Years at a Beloved New Hampshire Ice Cream Stand

In this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber travels to the New Hampshire Seacoast to get the scoop on Lago's Homemade Ice Cream in Rye, N.H. -- a summertime destination for the past 45 years.What he learned is that ice cream is more than just a sweet treat; it's a canvas for creativity and tradition. During their conversation, Steve Grenier, who runs the popular ice cream business with his wife, Andrea, shares fascinating insights about the art of ice cream making and the history behind this beloved family-owned establishment. From creating unique flavors to managing a team, his experiences highlight the importance of passion, quality, and community. More information on Lago's can be found at https://www.lagosicecream.com/**Don't forget to subscribe to the Grounded in Granite YouTube channel so you don't miss the next conversation. You can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart radio and Amazon Music. Be sure to follow Grounded in Granite on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X for behind-the-scenes photos and more.

42 Years on the Air: The Untold Stories of a NH Radio Legend

On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber visits the headquarters of iHeart New Hampshire in Manchester, N.H., to sit down with legendary New Hampshire radio host Greg Kretschmar, host of the popular long-running radio show "Greg & the Morning Buzz." During their conversation, Kretschmar, who's been a staple of New Hampshire radio for more than 40 years, shares what his life is like behind the microphone, the secret to his longevity and success in a rapidly changing industry. Surprisingly, his career was nearly derailed early on when a consultant told him that he should find a different line of work. Kretschmar also discusses the highs and lows of the job, which include the challenges of hosting his show in the wake of 9/11 and a tragic shooting in Greenland, N.H., in 2012 in which the town's police chief was shot and killed and four other officers were wounded. During his four decades in radio, Kretschmar has built a legacy that resonates with listeners across New Hampshire and beyond. **Don't forget to follow Grounded in Granite so you don't miss the next conversation. You can listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart radio and Amazon Music or watch full episodes on YouTube. Be sure to follow Grounded in Granite on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X for behind-the-scenes photos and more.

The Surprisingly Incredible New Hampshire Telephone Museum

On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber travels to Warner, N.H., to get a look inside one of New Hampshire's most unusual museums: The New Hampshire Telephone Museum. Graham Gifford, the museum's executive director, shares the history of communication gadgets, from early wall-mounted phones to modern smartphones, and the fascinating stories behind the artifacts and the museum's mission to make communication history accessible and engaging for all ages. She also explains how the museum was a dream of Dick Violette, who worked in the telephone industry and hoped to one day showcase his collection of telecommunication artifacts. During their conversation from inside the gallery, you'll learn why this museum unique and worth a visit. The New Hampshire Telephone Museum is not just about phones; it encompasses the broader history of communication and its extensive collection and engaging exhibits often surprise those who visit. For more information on the New Hampshire Telephone Museum, visit https://www.nhtelephonemuseum.org/. **Don't forget to Grounded in Granite so you don't miss the next conversation. You can watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart radio and Amazon Music. Be sure to follow Grounded in Granite on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X for behind-the-scenes photos and more.

I Survived Six Months of Weekly On-Location Podcasting in N.H. Here's What I've Learned So Far

As I celebrate the sixth-month mark for my weekly podcast Grounded in Granite, I thought I would share a video reflecting on my experience so far producing a weekly podcast about people and places in New Hampshire that's recorded on location with guests all around this great state. It's been quite the journey. I've learned a lot, but I've got a long way to go.