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Life's Learning Curve

Life's Learning Curve

Author: Paul Hardt

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How we became us! We take a look backward & find ourselves negotiating our LIFE EXPERIENCES, discovering life's various tones -comedy, drama, and nostalgia. Our podcast offers imagery of a documentary recreation, but for audio. Life happens in a heartbeat. Let's learn, thrive and love from our experiences while we're here. Cheers!

89 Episodes
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A Life of Shenanigans

A Life of Shenanigans

2024-11-2627:32

Send us a textAre mischief and pranks the secret spice of life? Sometimes, yes! In this episode, Paul dives into the art shenanigans, sharing hilariously innocent (but oh-so-effective) childhood pranks, adventures and creative play. Think Jim Halpert-level hijinks with a nostalgic twist. Tune in for laughs, lessons, and a reminder that a little mischief can go a long way!"Support the show
Send us a textIn this high-stakes podcast episode, the sweltering August heat of Key Largo is nothing compared to the chaos unleashed by a looming Category 4 hurricane—and an even fiercer storm of grudges and past betrayals. Paul, a local boat repairman, finds himself navigating not just the devastation of the natural disaster but the emotional wreckage left behind by Jimmy Seaton, whose brother, Tom, has returned for revenge. As the hurricane bears down on the sleepy town, tensions boil over...
Boogie Man

Boogie Man

2024-07-2727:01

Send us a textIn this gripping episode of Life’s Learning Curve, join us as we delve into a spine-chilling chapter from my childhood—an unforgettable encounter with the supernatural that left an indelible mark on my young mind. Picture this: an idyllic summer at a secluded cottage in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, where innocent days filled with sunshine and laughter gave way to eerie nights. It was here, amidst the whispering pines and flickering campfire, that I first heard the sinister tales of t...
Send us a textJoin Paul and Sharly as they recount their unexpected encounter with Brandon, a man whose presence altered the course of their holiday in Key West. Set against the backdrop of swaying palms and vibrant streets, their journey begins innocently enough with a quest for relaxation and adventure. But as they traverse the sun-soaked alleyways, they stumble upon Brandon, a middle-aged man navigating the streets in an ill-equipped wheelchair, his life forever changed by a recent stroke....
Beyond the Comb Over

Beyond the Comb Over

2024-03-2831:02

Send us a textIn this episode of unexpected connections, transformative moments, and the power of perseverance in the face of adversity, Paul recalls his teenage years in 1972, marked by the untimely death of his band director and his pursuit of drumming dreams. Enter Mr. McCabe, an enigmatic drum teacher with a manicured comb over and an abrasive demeanor. Their initial encounter is rocky, with Mr. McCabe's blunt and dismissive attitude leaving Paul feeling intimidated and uncertain.Despite ...
Send us a textStep into a time machine and journey back to 1948, where a gripping tale unfolds in Coal Township, PA. Meet eight-year-old Clay, whose story is a riveting testament to resilience and determination. As he and his family embark on a new chapter, you'll witness Clay's initiation into the world of coal bootlegging, the hardships of fitting into rustic row houses, and the challenges of navigating a life without modern comforts. Amidst this backdrop, discover the transforma...
Send us a textMeet seven-year-old Clay Greager, whose unwavering determination to pursue his dreams leads him to brave the confines of a family coal mine in 1948. But that's just the beginning of his remarkable journey.Join us as we unravel the poignant stories shared by author Clay Greager himself, recounting moments where the line between ambition and adversity blurred. Experience the heart-stopping encounter with mortality, from the blinding sun that alters destiny to the serene swin...
Send us a textIn this episode of Life's Learning Curve "Criminals, Outcasts, and Artists," we follow the adventurous journey of Paul, who is called upon by his old friend Duke to rescue the failing Huckleberry Sunshine business in California, left in ruins by the C0-Vid crisis. Despite numerous setbacks and communication mishaps, Paul arrives ready to shoot commercials and create a podcast centered around the business. However, his world is turned upside down when he meets the new owner, the ...
Flimflam Poker Night

Flimflam Poker Night

2023-08-2930:50

Send us a textWhen your 11, life still seems strange, adult behaviors are sometimes confusing and we are lucky to survive it all. In this episode, Paul is curious about his father’s semi annual poker night in the far back basement of his house. However, THIS TIME Paul is allowed to come sit and observe his father’s poker night and the players. One of these players was Paul’s current teacher. But the evening turned quite dark as another player’s behavior and quirky responses turned into a nigh...
Send us a textIn first grade, Paul's life is forever changed by a series of events. He is placed in a reading group, where he encounters a first-year teacher and is forced to sit next to Jimmy, a misfit who has trouble controlling his behavior. A mentor is brought in to help the class, and from that moment on, Paul's perspectives and attitudes are transformed. The story suggests that we can all improve ourselves by surrounding ourselves with the right people. But exactly, just WHO was the mys...
Send us a textCan you keep the feeling of vacation after it’s over?? Paul’s friend Sam figured out how to do it. This episode finds Paul sharing a story about his friend Sam's epic adventure in tropical Key West. Sam, on a mission to find the perfect cigar for his buddy Paul, embarks on a journey that takes him deep into the heart of the island's cigar culture.Along the way, he encounters a cast of colorful characters, from local store owners to feisty street performers who have ...
Send us a textJoin us for a heartwarming episode of Life's Learning Curve. Prepare to be inspired as Paul reflects on his father's own struggles with hyperactivity and the loss of his father’s father at a young age. Through it all, Paul's dad found strength in other positive male role models and became the confident, laugh-loving father that Paul adored. Also, Paul shares the story of how his father saved him from the winter blues by taking him sledding at night. That's not all, folks! Don't ...
Send us a textAs we reminisced about our carefree childhoods coming to a close, a nostalgic longing for innocence washed over us. The memories of a 1968 vacation to California evoked feelings of adventure, wonder, and warmth - from the magical Disneyland experience to the sun-kissed days spent exploring. But, amidst the decade of peace, color, and unrest in the west coast, a sense of unease lingered in the air due to the ongoing Vietnam War and the protests that accompanied it, creating an un...
Send us a textNew to the central American country of Costa Rica, Paul sat in a Chinese restaurant mulling over the foreign menu. Suddenly there it was…. A cold raw fish cocktail and a warm beer. Now, at that time in his life, Paul knew that he just DID NOT CARE for fish at all. He had tried it back in the good ol’ USA, and quite honestly, it triggered that gag reflex; that embarrassing response from a child, He could not let that be HIS response.. However, Paul knew that might happen. The pre...
Send us a textThis episode tells the story of what happened one night, to Paul when he chose to relax a bit and sit by the moonlit sea on the tropical island of St. Maarten. While stargazing just off the Caribbean coast, Paul spots a large glowing object off the far sandbar and deep in the water. As the light reveals itself, he discovers a James Bond-like scuba guy. Emerging from the waters, he soon is surrounded by nigh time boozy bar patrons. The scuba man reveals nothing about the sl...
Send us a textWhat do mile markers and tollbooths have in common? If I told you the answer to this question was… ‘They are a contributing reoccurring part of YOU and your life’s journey’ Mile markers and tollbooths, etc. might alter your perspective on a few things. On this episode, The Story of Last Flight Out is featured. It cannot be measured how many people have been impacted by this one page read, but I would wager a guess…Thousands of people. Key West entrepreneur, au...
Let's Be Copacetic!

Let's Be Copacetic!

2022-10-2828:41

Send us a textDid you ever have a teacher whose passion and excitement for learning drove you AND your peers to excel? In this episode Paul is in 8th Grade, and his new band teacher is young, fun, talented, interesting, fair and engaging with all of his students. Quelling immature student behavior, Mr. Roush nurtured the band class to exceed expectations. Paul and his classmates slowly begin to understand that a single person can find, and then pull the BEST YOU out of you. At that point in h...
Cigarette Cowboy

Cigarette Cowboy

2022-10-1521:22

Send us a textThis episode delves into the captivating story of Paul's Uncle Russ, who, as a young boy in the 1930s, became enamored with the rugged, untamed wilderness of the American West in the 1880s. Fueled by his love for the thrilling adventures depicted in comic books and B-movie westerns, Uncle Russ became entranced by the legendary stories of the far southwestern United States, including the infamous outlaw Billy the Kid and the historic town of Mesilla. His passion was further ignit...
The Savannah Sling

The Savannah Sling

2022-09-2226:42

Send us a textThis episode sets us in Savannah Georgia with Paul’s ol’ college buddy, Dentist Tye Hagan. Let’s face it, as engaged and motivated as we all once were to begin our careers back in the day, most of us held tight to our innocence of youth and doing the right thing. Newbie dentist Dr. Tye did just that, and in the process of setting his new practice in Savannah, he became entangled in a drug running operation out of his own office. Don’t miss the slow wrinkled southern charm of Sal...
Send us a textRegional speak, or regional dialects are sometimes my favorite part of Paul’s business day. When he gets a client on the phone, he may ask him how everything is going (insert their state name). Paul often gets a 3 to 5 sentence primer in their regional language, metaphors or slang. PAUL: “Hey Henry. How is Mississippi treating you these days?” HENRY: “Mah day’s all cattywampus cuz of the fecundating kudzu growing across my office window. If the thermo-bulb keeps going up, ...
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