Campfire Convos

What It's Really Like on the Podcast | Season 3 Finale | Campfire Convos S3E11

What is it actually like to step in front of the camera and share your rawest stories next to a flickering fire? For the Season 3 finale, five past guests return to give their unfiltered thoughts on the true experience of doing this show. Grab a seat for a different kind of episode as we look back at the journey of Campfire Convos. From my brother Brady talking about the power of saving these memories on film, to Dave Bole breaking down how he overcame his camera hesitancy, to my dad and mom reflecting on the ultimate gift of leaving a legacy for future generations—this roundtable uncovers why real, unfiltered conversations matter more than ever. We also dive into my own struggles as a creator, what we’ve learned through 39 episodes, and why keeping the show authentic is a non-negotiable. Support the Show! Buy me a Log: https://ko-fi.com/meanderin_mitch Connect with Me! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meanderin_mitch/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/352103037956366 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576114107409 Relevant Links & Resources! 🥃 End shot of whiskey - https://www.tincupwhiskey.com/ 🏦 The Brew Bank Brewery - https://www.brewbankbrewingco.com/ 🍾 High Camp Flasks - https://highcampflasks.com/ 🪑 CLIQ Camping Chairs - https://cliqproducts.com/ 🏡 Brookside Retreat - https://thebrooksideretreat.com/ About Campfire Convos Campfire Convos is where real conversations meet the outdoors. Hosted by Mitchel from Meanderin’ Mitch, this podcast blends the feeling of sitting around a fire with honest, unfiltered discussions about life, adventure, and everything in between. Each episode brings a mix of outdoor topics, personal stories, and meaningful conversations with guests—from creators and adventurers to everyday people with something real to say. Whether it’s camping, travel, relationships, personal growth, or chasing a better life, nothing is off limits. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being real. So grab a seat, relax, and join us by the fire… When the fire glows, the convos flow.

Finding Balance, Building a Legacy, and Overcoming Fear | Carla | Campfire Convos S3E10

Do you follow your dreams for yourself, or to help others? Carla returns to the fire to help me break down the "myth" of balance and the terrifying reality of building a legacy that outlives you. [In this video]: Grab a seat for the Season 3 finale with a Campfire Convos veteran. We dive into the "Big Magic" of ideas, why I’m choosing a group win over personal streaming success, and the psychological trick I learned in the batter's box to turn fear into excitement. We also get into the "bunny murder" facilitated by Milo, the message we’re leaving for our 45-year-old selves, and why this year feels like the official rebirth of the Meanderin’ Mitch brand. Support the Show! 🪵 Buy me a Log: https://ko-fi.com/meanderin_mitch Connect with Me! 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meanderin_mitch/ 👥 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/352103037956366 💻 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576114107409 Relevant Links & Resources! 📖 Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert (Mentioned): https://www.elizabethgilbert.com/books/big-magic/ 🏦 The Brew Bank (Andy Shandy Mention): https://www.brewbankbrewingco.com/ 🥃 Rebel 100 Bourbon (Final Shot): https://rebelbourbon.com/bourbon/rebel-100-kentucky-straight-bourbon-whiskey/ About Campfire Convos Campfire Convos is where real conversations meet the outdoors. Hosted by Mitchel from Meanderin’ Mitch, this podcast blends the feeling of sitting around a fire with honest, unfiltered discussions about life, adventure, and everything in between. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being real. CHAPTERS 0:00 - The First Spark (Intro) 1:20 - A Familiar Face: Carla’s 3rd Appearance 2:40 - What Gets You Excited to Be Alive? 5:40 - Stepping Stones: From Tortillas to Sourdough 8:10 - The Balance Struggle: Big Ideas vs. Distractions 11:15 - Big Magic: Does an Idea Leave You if You Don't Act? 14:35 - Personal Joy vs. Obligation to Help Others 16:15 - Why I Walked Away from Professional Streaming 19:20 - The "Full In" Dilemma: Writing a Book vs. Growing a Community 24:30 - Sacrificing Personal Wins for Group Wins 27:00 - Does Balance Even Exist? Done vs. Perfect 30:00 - Thanking Our Season 3 Log Supporters 32:10 - The Bunny Murder: Carla & Milo’s Incident 35:30 - Taking Care of Yourself vs. Being Selfish 40:30 - Reverse Engineering Curiosity 45:15 - Surrounding Yourself with Other Creators 49:10 - Setting the Foundation Year for Events 53:30 - Growth Check: How This Appearance Feels Different 57:50 - Creating a Legacy That Lives Forever 1:02:15 - The Second Life: Being Remembered After Death 1:07:05 - Fear vs. Excitement: The Baseball Batter's Box Trick 1:10:45 - Choosing Excitement Over False Security 1:13:30 - Message to Myself in 10 Years: Forgiveness & Thinking Bigger 1:17:15 - The Rebirth of Meanderin' Mitch 1:19:15 - Final Toast: Rebel 100 Bourbon 1:20:25 - Season 3 Wrap-Up & Mystery Animal Sound

How to be a Mom, Stay Married for 33 Years, and Pick your Favorite Kid | Campfire Convos S3E9 ILYMOM

How do you stay married for 33 years and raise three capable men without losing your mind? My mom joins me by the fire for a special Mother's Day episode to share the unfiltered reality of motherhood and her "controversial" parenting advice. [In this video]: Grab a seat for a very special conversation with the person who has known me the longest. We revisit childhood memories of playing in the rain, the terrifying parasailing trip in Fort Myers, and why she gave up her career to be a stay-at-home mom. Mom opens up about her time as a hospice nurse, the secret to a long-lasting marriage, and the legendary story of why she threw every single dish into the yard while pregnant with me. Support the Show! 🪵 Buy me a Log: https://ko-fi.com/meanderin_mitch Connect with Me! 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meanderin_mitch/ 👥 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/352103037956366 💻 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576114107409 Relevant Links & Resources! 🦞 Red Lobster (The Mother's Day Pick): https://www.redlobster.com/ 💆‍♀️ Bella Spa (Self-Care Mention): https://www.bellaspaandwellness.com/ 🥃 Rebel 100 Bourbon (Final Shot): https://rebelbourbon.com/bourbon/rebel-100-kentucky-straight-bourbon-whiskey/ About Campfire Convos Campfire Convos is where real conversations meet the outdoors. Hosted by Mitchel from Meanderin’ Mitch, this podcast blends the feeling of sitting around a fire with honest, unfiltered discussions about life, adventure, and everything in between. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being real. CHAPTERS 0:00 - The First Spark (Intro) 1:15 - Favorite Memories: Rain Puddles & Tennessee 5:15 - Parasailing: The First Adventure 6:45 - Canal Campout: Supporting the Vision 8:20 - Teaching Kids to Help: Meals on Wheels 9:40 - Helping Neighbors: The House Fire Story 12:00 - The Psychology of Helping Others 13:40 - Life Purpose: Being an Awesome Mom 15:15 - 33 Years of Marriage: Finding "The One" 16:55 - Mom's Travel Bucket List: Europe & Australia 20:00 - Francesca: The Alter Ego 21:10 - Self-Care: The Hair Spa Experience 23:00 - Balancing Energy in a Relationship 25:40 - The Dish-Throwing Story (Pregnant with Mitch) 28:05 - The #1 Secret to Marriage: Forgiveness 31:10 - The Mother's Day Shoutout 31:55 - "Did I Do a Good Job?" 34:55 - Mitch’s Creativity: Potato Guns & Spanking Robots 36:15 - The Genius of Grandpap: Building Rocking Chairs 38:10 - Penguins from Pittsburgh: The Kindergarten Test 41:15 - Sink or Swim: How Mom Taught the Boys 43:25 - Tasting the Brew Bank Shandy 44:20 - "What's a Douchebag?" 45:45 - Five Year Plan: Travel & Home Bases 49:15 - Career Transitions: Hospice Nursing to Motherhood 52:10 - Bailing Out vs. Letting Them Struggle 55:20 - Karma & Helping Those in Need 57:50 - The Sacrifice of Staying Home 59:10 - Open Book Parenting 1:02:15 - Advice for New Moms: Don't Be Their Friend 1:04:45 - Responsibility: Asshole Dogs vs. Headstrong Sons 1:06:55 - Bear Mother: Don't Screw with Family 1:08:05 - Final Toast: Rebel 100 Bourbon 1:09:40 - Mystery Animal Sound Outro

Are We Getting Softer? | Campfire Convos S3E8

Are we losing the ability to hold ourselves accountable? Dave Bole joins me by the fire to discuss 30 years in PA law enforcement and why "soft" coping mechanisms are holding society back. Grab a seat for a deep dive into the realities of the parole system and the transition into retirement. Dave Bole shares "feel-good" success stories from the field, the "Tom & Jerry" moment during a house search, and the tragic realities of the job that stay with you forever. We also talk about the best craft beer in Ridgway, why "vicious" camaraderie is the best coping mechanism, and Dave’s advice to his sons as they enter the workforce. Support the Show! Buy me a Log: https://ko-fi.com/meanderin_mitch Connect with Me! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meanderin_mitch/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/352103037956366 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576114107409 Relevant Links & Resources! 🏦 The Brew Bank (Ridgway, PA): https://www.brewbankbrewingco.com/ 🥃 Rebel 100 Bourbon (Final Shot): https://rebelbourbon.com/bourbon/rebel-100-kentucky-straight-bourbon-whiskey/ 🥃 Evan Williams Red Label (Milestone Bottle): https://www.evanwilliams.com/products/evan-williams-12-year-old 💨 Hooten Young (Cigars/Whiskey Story): https://hootenyoung.com/ About Campfire Convos Campfire Convos is where real conversations meet the outdoors. Hosted by Mitchel from Meanderin’ Mitch, this podcast blends the feeling of sitting around a fire with honest, unfiltered discussions about life, adventure, and everything in between. Each episode brings a mix of outdoor topics, personal stories, and meaningful conversations with guests—from creators and adventurers to everyday people with something real to say. Whether it’s camping, travel, relationships, personal growth, or chasing a better life, nothing is off limits. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being real. So grab a seat, relax, and join us by the fire… When the fire glows, the convos flow. CHAPTERS 0:00 - The First Spark (Intro) 1:10 - Toast to Retirement: Brew Bank’s "Music Man" Pilsner 2:15 - Brisket & Small Town Wins 4:30 - Second Chances: The Maturation of a Brewery 7:00 - The Self-Serve Tap Revolution 9:15 - The Concert ID Fiasco 10:30 - Week 3 of Retirement: Lists & Fishing 13:00 - Yard Family Craft Time: Pinewood Derby Ribbing 15:30 - Vicious Camaraderie: How Law Enforcement Bonds 18:30 - 30 Years of Service: From IUP to Corrections 20:30 - The Accountability Pendulum: 90s vs. Now 22:00 - Pittsburgh Parole: Wilkinsburg & Homewood Stories 25:00 - Impact Stories: The Letter from a Juvenile 28:30 - "I’ve Had Enough": The Self-Warrant Success 31:00 - Chasing People vs. Chasing Help 33:00 - This Too Shall Pass: Optimism at the Bottom 36:05 - The Craziest Thing I Saw (The Dark Side) 38:15 - The Tom & Jerry Fishbone Discovery 40:15 - Shock Humor as a Coping Mechanism 43:00 - Gyms, Whiskey, and Shared Vices 46:00 - Success Factors: Support Systems & Age 49:00 - The Philadelphia to Western PA Fresh Start 51:00 - People Watching: Spotting the Leader 53:40 - Stogies & Snow: 18 Years of Cigars 56:00 - The $8 Casino Cigar Nightmare 57:30 - The DeVante Vanilla Flop 1:01:00 - Hooten Young: Black Hawk Down Connection 1:03:20 - Milestone Reward: Evan Williams 12-Year Red Label 1:05:40 - The Alaska Cruise Goal 1:09:00 - Friendship & Sports: Raising Kids Together 1:14:20 - A Message to Reese and Noah: Stay Hungry 1:15:30 - Mitch's Vision: The Future Outdoor Brand 1:18:30 - Final Toast: Rebel 100 Bourbon 1:20:15 - Mystery Animal Sound Outro

Education, Business, and the "Figure It Out" Mentality | Jason Phipps | Campfire Convos S3E7

Is the education system failing our kids, or are iPads the real problem? Jason Phipps joins me by the fire to discuss 29 years of teaching, owning the Brew Bank, and why everything in life is "figureoutable." Grab a seat for a masterclass in work ethic with Jason Phipps. We dive into his journey from a wrestler to a soloist with the Pittsburgh Symphony, his Grammy-nominated career directing over 300 plays, and the near-fatal stage disaster during Les Mis. Jason also breaks down the reality of running a small-town business in Ridgway, the importance of "mental resets" on the Clarion River, and his retirement dream of hitting all 48 states in a custom teardrop camper. Support the Show! 🪵 Buy me a Log: https://ko-fi.com/meanderin_mitch Connect with Me! 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meanderin_mitch/ 👥 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/352103037956366 💻 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576114107409 Relevant Links & Resources! 🏦 The Brew Bank (Ridgway, PA): https://www.brewbankbrewingco.com/ 🥃 The "Big Shot" Whiskey (Rebel 100): https://rebelbourbon.com/bourbon/rebel-100-kentucky-straight-bourbon-whiskey/ 🏃‍♂️ The Amazing Race (Tryouts mentioned): https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/amazing_race/ About Campfire Convos Campfire Convos is where real conversations meet the outdoors. Hosted by Mitchel from Meanderin’ Mitch, this podcast blends the feeling of sitting around a fire with honest, unfiltered discussions about life, adventure, and everything in between. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being real. CHAPTERS 0:00 - The First Spark (Intro) 0:40 - Tasting the "Music Man" Pilsner 2:10 - 29 Years as a Music Teacher: The Busy Season 3:15 - Hiring a Winning Team: Trust in Business 5:00 - Business of the Year: Diversifying Success 7:15 - Making Executive Decisions Under Pressure 8:50 - One Piece of Advice: If You Say It, Do It. 10:40 - Generational Work Ethic: Tech Savvy vs. Manual Skills 13:10 - The "Suffering of Success" & Self-Lies 14:30 - Video Game Addiction & Making Sacrifices 17:35 - iPads vs. Parents: Social Cues in Kindergarten 19:40 - The Positive Side Effect: Kids Learning to Read Early 20:15 - Fighting the Education System: The 3.0 Rule Battle 22:20 - Why "C Students" Often Make Better Teachers 24:15 - Cup Cup Pint: Teaching Math Through Rhythm 26:00 - Male Role Models in Elementary Schools 27:20 - The Audition That Changed Everything: Wrestler to Singer 29:40 - Why Mitch Started the Podcast: Family Legacies 32:20 - Recording History for Future Generations 34:25 - Buy Me a Log: Support from Marcy 35:45 - The Chair Leg Incident: Mitch’s Dad Story 37:50 - The River Reset: Mental Health on the Water 38:30 - The Midnight Full Moon Float & River Otters 40:45 - Directing 300+ Plays & The Grammy Nomination 42:30 - Acting with Urgency vs. Robotic Performance 45:40 - Top 3 Plays: Jesus Christ Superstar, Newsies, Peter Pan 48:00 - The Les Mis Disaster: Near Death on a Rotating Stage 51:40 - Building Decks & Assisted Living Builds 53:30 - Walmart Lessons: Making Time for Yourself 55:30 - ADHD Special Powers: The Gift of Hyper-focus 57:30 - Tryouts: Survivor & The Amazing Race Goals 1:00:10 - Retirement Goal: Solo Teardrop Camper Trip (48 States) 1:04:10 - Advice to Students: Stop Saying "I Can't" 1:05:50 - The "Big Shot": Tasting Rebel 100 Bourbon 1:07:15 - Mystery Animal Sound Outro