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First Time Caller with B.K. Borison
99% Perspiration with Adam Chandler
We've all heard all the stories about work. We've been told since we were kids that if we work hard that we'll see success, and if we don't, it's because we did something wrong. Or, that we're not working hard enough. We've heard tales from older generations about how they came to this country with nothing but the clothes on their back and turned that into millions.
What if I told you that stories is all they are. It's the tales that have been passed down for centuries that have developed this hard working impression, but none of it is true.
Sure, there are people who have worked hard and found success. But even many of them, whether they admit it or not, had some help along the way.
Adam Chandler joins me this week to discuss his new book '99% Perspiration: A New Working History Of The American Way Of Life.' Chandler goes all the way back to the days of Columbus and the Pilgrims to show how this fallacy of hard work has been a lie right from the beginning.
We really dive into it and I had a lot of fun. I wish I had more time to talk with Adam because this was great. Arguably one of my favorite episodes of this show.
Visiting Montgomery County Maryland
I’ve had a few different conversations on this podcast with different areas in Maryland. It’s the state where I live and work, so it makes sense. I have my own personal biases about what places are the best to visit in this state, and what locations would make great vacation spots. For me, most of those places are near the beach or somewhere out in the lesser populated areas. Today’s conversation opened my eyes to an area that I used to live in and how many great opportunities it has.
When I first moved to Maryland, I was living near Washington DC in a city called Rockville. It’s located in Montgomery County. To me, Montgomery was kind of a suburb of DC. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed my time there. But I guess I didn’t look at it as a place I’d vacation. And maybe vacation isn’t the right word. Just because you’re visiting a place doesn’t mean it has to be for vacation. Day trips are amazing. Even just a little drive down for dinner counts as tourism. That’s what I had to wrap my head around for this conversation.
I spoke with Kelly Groff, the president and CEO of Visit Montgomery. She helped me understand the beauty and options available in Montgomery County. From a wide array of inspiring restaurants and food, to a great craft brewery scene, historical landmarks and outdoor fun, Montgomery County Maryland has it all. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Kelly Groff.
When I first moved to Maryland, I was living near Washington DC in a city called Rockville. It’s located in Montgomery County. To me, Montgomery was kind of a suburb of DC. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed my time there. But I guess I didn’t look at it as a place I’d vacation. And maybe vacation isn’t the right word. Just because you’re visiting a place doesn’t mean it has to be for vacation. Day trips are amazing. Even just a little drive down for dinner counts as tourism. That’s what I had to wrap my head around for this conversation.
I spoke with Kelly Groff, the president and CEO of Visit Montgomery. She helped me understand the beauty and options available in Montgomery County. From a wide array of inspiring restaurants and food, to a great craft brewery scene, historical landmarks and outdoor fun, Montgomery County Maryland has it all. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Kelly Groff.
Neil Shubin Takes Us To The Ends Of The Earth
In my first episode back in quite some time, I figured I'd take you on a journey to the literal ends of the earth. Today I'm speaking with scientist, educator and author Neil Shubin. He's spent much of his life doing research in the Arctic and Antarctica. These are some of the last remaining untouched areas in this world. In his latest book, titled 'Ends of the Earth: Journeys to the Polar Regions In Search Of Life, The Cosmos, and Our Future', Shubin discusses a place that he saw his footprints still intact after 6 years.
His descriptions of his time in Antarctica sound almost like fiction, but they are in fact real. I was blown away by so much in this book and it was a true pleasure to speak with Neil. I hope you enjoy our conversation.
For more from Neil Shubin's book - Ends Of The Earth
Adult Education Is Back!!!
Hey everyone! I know it's been a while (almost 10 months) but I'm back. I did some soul searching and research into the show and realized it's time to dive back into some fun and interesting conversations. It's time for new topics and brand new episodes! They'll start launching the first week of February!
Visiting Massachusetts
If you’ve been listening to this show, you probably know that I live in Baltimore. I’ve lived here for the last 17 years. But my first 18 years were spent in Southern New Hampshire, right on the border of Massachusetts. I would always tell people that Boston was my city, and I still might say that when the Red Sox are doing well.
And while I feel like I have a pretty good understanding of Massachusetts and all it has to offer, there’s so much in that state that I’ve not had a chance to experience. People get an impression that Mass is all about Boston, The Cape or witches. Those certainly are big pieces of the puzzle, but they’re just pieces.
The history you can find in Massachusetts alone is magical. This country was started right on those streets, and so much of it has been preserved so we can still enjoy it. The sports are great, and no I’m not just talking about their pro teams. Major, and even global, sporting events are held there on an annual basis. Then there’s the landscape of the state as a whole. They have everything from beach to city to small towns in the mountains. My favorite thing about all of that is how close everything is.
Joining me today is Kate Fox. She’s the executive director at the Massachusetts office of travel and tourism. We’re going to have a good chat about my sort of home state and really dive into all the many reasons you need to make a trip up to New England.
And while I feel like I have a pretty good understanding of Massachusetts and all it has to offer, there’s so much in that state that I’ve not had a chance to experience. People get an impression that Mass is all about Boston, The Cape or witches. Those certainly are big pieces of the puzzle, but they’re just pieces.
The history you can find in Massachusetts alone is magical. This country was started right on those streets, and so much of it has been preserved so we can still enjoy it. The sports are great, and no I’m not just talking about their pro teams. Major, and even global, sporting events are held there on an annual basis. Then there’s the landscape of the state as a whole. They have everything from beach to city to small towns in the mountains. My favorite thing about all of that is how close everything is.
Joining me today is Kate Fox. She’s the executive director at the Massachusetts office of travel and tourism. We’re going to have a good chat about my sort of home state and really dive into all the many reasons you need to make a trip up to New England.
Visiting The World With Vacations By Rail
Let’s kick off the new year with some inspiration to get out of your house and hit the railways. I love taking the train. I live in what’s known as the Northeast Corridor. Essentially it’s the area between Washington DC and Boston. The whole route is connected by rail and people often use them to get around. Prices can be cheaper and I find the train to be so much more convenient than flying. I almost always take an Amtrak or regional rail when I go to New York City because I’m not about fighting traffic to get into the Big Apple.
While I’m used to using the train, most Americans miss out on it. We always hear about how Americans under utilize trains. But there are rails going throughout the entire country. This is where Vacations By Rail comes into play.
Vacations By Rail plans these special trips that take you through some of the most beautiful spots in the United States. I’m talking the National Parks, Colorado, Southwest, Alaska and so many more. And these trips are specially designed to make sure that you get a full experience of the location you’re visiting. Some of them even provide unique opportunities that only come around every so often, like trips to see the Northern Lights.
Vacations By Rail isn’t limited to the United States. They have incredible tours that go all around Europe as well as other countries. Seriously, these people have put together some remarkable packages. I’m excited to discuss some of those with Liz Owens, she’s the senior vice president and general manager for Vacations By Rail. I promise you after this conversation you’ll be on their website looking for a trip.
While I’m used to using the train, most Americans miss out on it. We always hear about how Americans under utilize trains. But there are rails going throughout the entire country. This is where Vacations By Rail comes into play.
Vacations By Rail plans these special trips that take you through some of the most beautiful spots in the United States. I’m talking the National Parks, Colorado, Southwest, Alaska and so many more. And these trips are specially designed to make sure that you get a full experience of the location you’re visiting. Some of them even provide unique opportunities that only come around every so often, like trips to see the Northern Lights.
Vacations By Rail isn’t limited to the United States. They have incredible tours that go all around Europe as well as other countries. Seriously, these people have put together some remarkable packages. I’m excited to discuss some of those with Liz Owens, she’s the senior vice president and general manager for Vacations By Rail. I promise you after this conversation you’ll be on their website looking for a trip.
Visiting Sarasota Florida
When I think of Sarasota Florida, the first thing that comes to mind is baseball. I live in Baltimore and the Orioles have their spring training home right there in Sarasota. I think about the Grapefruit League and all the teams that start preparing for their new season under the sunny skies of Florida.
But Sarasota County has more to offer than baseball stadiums. Sarasota County falls just south of Tampa and just north of Fort Myers. I think a lot of folks may overlook this beautiful space of the Sunshine State when flying into other major airports nearby. I’ve been to Florida plenty of times, but it’s always been to Orlando or points further south.
My conversation this week is with Kelly Harb. She’s the Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Visit Sarasota County. Kelly totally opened up my eyes to the wonders of Sarasota. If I’m being honest, Florida isn’t exactly on our trip list at the moment, but I’m going to bump Sarasota up near the top for our next trip. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Kelly Harb.
But Sarasota County has more to offer than baseball stadiums. Sarasota County falls just south of Tampa and just north of Fort Myers. I think a lot of folks may overlook this beautiful space of the Sunshine State when flying into other major airports nearby. I’ve been to Florida plenty of times, but it’s always been to Orlando or points further south.
My conversation this week is with Kelly Harb. She’s the Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Visit Sarasota County. Kelly totally opened up my eyes to the wonders of Sarasota. If I’m being honest, Florida isn’t exactly on our trip list at the moment, but I’m going to bump Sarasota up near the top for our next trip. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Kelly Harb.
Visiting The National Aquarium In Baltimore
I remember when I was first getting ready to move to Maryland. Everyone I knew had some kind of comment about the National Aquarium in Baltimore. Those voices got even louder when I officially moved to Baltimore. I couldn’t believe it. How was an aquarium this huge attraction for everyone? All of my old friends and family who visit Baltimore always want to go to the aquarium. Even my wife has told me that when she was younger her school in Upstate New York did a trip down to the National Aquarium.
Then I finally made my first visit to the National Aquarium and I totally got it. First of all, the aquarium is situated right in the center of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor area. It’s like a beacon right in the middle of everything. And while some businesses and buildings have come and gone over the last 40 years, the aquarium still stands proud. There’s something soothing and even hopeful about having the aquarium there on the water.
If you pay a visit to the National Aquarium, you’ll find a wonderful tour through a beautifully designed building that gives you experiences with all forms of wildlife. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg for the folks at the aquarium. They’re involved in so many different conservation efforts around the Baltimore area, and world. And they offer so many other programs for people to take advantage of.
So let’s talk more about the joy of the National Aquarium in Baltimore. I’m joined today by Emma Wesoloski. She’s the vice president of marketing and engagement strategy for the National Aquarium. v
Then I finally made my first visit to the National Aquarium and I totally got it. First of all, the aquarium is situated right in the center of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor area. It’s like a beacon right in the middle of everything. And while some businesses and buildings have come and gone over the last 40 years, the aquarium still stands proud. There’s something soothing and even hopeful about having the aquarium there on the water.
If you pay a visit to the National Aquarium, you’ll find a wonderful tour through a beautifully designed building that gives you experiences with all forms of wildlife. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg for the folks at the aquarium. They’re involved in so many different conservation efforts around the Baltimore area, and world. And they offer so many other programs for people to take advantage of.
So let’s talk more about the joy of the National Aquarium in Baltimore. I’m joined today by Emma Wesoloski. She’s the vice president of marketing and engagement strategy for the National Aquarium. v
Visiting Martha's Vineyard
I think it’s fascinating how many beautiful and exciting places there are right in our own backyards that many of us have never seen. This podcast has opened my eyes up to so many things around where I live in Baltimore Maryland. I’ve lived in Maryland for the last 17 years and I’ve had conversations through this podcast about places in this state that I’ve never even seen. I can’t help but think about all of the wonderful things I’ve been missing.
That’s also a feeling I had during this week’s conversation. I grew up in southern New Hampshire. I like to think that I hit up a lot of cool spots while I lived there. I used to snowboard all over New England, I spent a lot of time camping in the mountains, and always loved a trip to the beach. But there is on particular famous New England spot that I never made it to. That was Martha’s Vineyard.
It’s legendary, right? Martha’s Vineyard. It’s been in movies and TV shows and so many famous stars have homes there. It’s one of those places that almost doesn’t seem real. But it very much is. The Vineyard has a beautiful community of people that live there year round and provide such a wonderful experience to visitors.
I’m joined today by two guests who know Martha’s Vineyard inside and out. Erica Ashton is the executive director for the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce, and Alessandra Hagerty is the Deputy Director. I hope you enjoy our conversation.
That’s also a feeling I had during this week’s conversation. I grew up in southern New Hampshire. I like to think that I hit up a lot of cool spots while I lived there. I used to snowboard all over New England, I spent a lot of time camping in the mountains, and always loved a trip to the beach. But there is on particular famous New England spot that I never made it to. That was Martha’s Vineyard.
It’s legendary, right? Martha’s Vineyard. It’s been in movies and TV shows and so many famous stars have homes there. It’s one of those places that almost doesn’t seem real. But it very much is. The Vineyard has a beautiful community of people that live there year round and provide such a wonderful experience to visitors.
I’m joined today by two guests who know Martha’s Vineyard inside and out. Erica Ashton is the executive director for the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce, and Alessandra Hagerty is the Deputy Director. I hope you enjoy our conversation.