Send us a text When you’re sixteen, the right summer job can feel like hitting the jackpot. For Paul, it was working on a school district’s grounds crew—sun on his back, cash in his pocket, and a cast of unforgettable coworkers: Shorty, Sarge, Birdman, and Mr. Excitement. It wasn’t just mowing fields—it was growing up. Support the show
Send us a text Ever had a media video client ask for “just one more thing”? Welcome to the world of Feature Creep—where a simple three-minute video spirals into CGI mascots, helicopter shots, courtroom drama, and toddlers dictating color palettes. From a newsroom commercial gone wild in 1990, to the Fast & Furious of plant nursery training videos, Paul Hardt shares hilarious (and painful) true stories of edits that never ended. Learn why chasing “perfect” can turn into ego management, how...
Send us a text Meet Ernest “Skip” Wilson—Florida Keys legend, part-time adventurer, full-time excuse machine. In this episode, Skip, Chug, and Ricky Two-Toes haul in a monster grouper… only to realize it’s tagged by marine scientists and comes with more paperwork than their boat. From shady bars to busted skiffs, and with the marine patrol closing in, Skip’s only weapon is his charm—and maybe one legendary fib about “Principal Finnegan” the noble fish. A sunburnt comedy of errors, packed with...
Send us a text What happens when a man who's spent his whole life dodging expectations finally… sticks around? In this episode, we meet Ernest “Skip” Wilson—ex-adventurer, ex-romantic, and full-time Keys philosopher with a caffeine addiction and a rusted mailbox full of stories. From fishing scams and love lost, to the kind of porchside wisdom you can only earn after three decades of sunburn and bad decisions, Skip serves up laughs, longing, and a few lessons that sting just the right amount....
Send us a text Time doesn’t just pass—it dances. Meet Callan Lee, a spirited two-year-old boy from Austin, Texas, seen through the eyes of his grandfather—and Callan’s own future ten-year-old self. What unfolds is a playful and poignant ride through memory, imagination, and legacy. Told as if young Callan himself is narrating, this story zips between superhero dreams on Illinois ranches, cowboy wisdom under Texas stars, and a garage Batcave packed with burritos, rubber chickens, and homemade ...
Send us a text It's 1972. Polyester clung. Adidas squeaked. And one 14-year-old kid believed that walking thirty miles might fix his whole personality. This isn’t just a story about a charity hike. It’s about awkward adolescence, Kool-Aid commercial dreams, abandoned comedy writers, and discovering the kind of strength that doesn’t brag—it just limps quietly and keeps going. Full of 70s nostalgia, bittersweet laughs, and one brutally earned life lesson, this episode walks the line between who...
Send us a text Today’s episode isn’t about a celebrity. It’s not about a bestselling author or a viral filmmaker. It’s about a guy who forgets where he parked, wears mismatched socks, and once left his coffee on the roof of his car. But behind the clumsy charm? He holds something powerful: the ability to tell a story that stays with you. From childhood, Mr. Benson didn’t just write stories—he saw them. And he taught others to see them too. He helped generations of students turn everyday life ...
Send us a text In this episode of Life’s Learning Curve, we journey back to Childhood County—a place where laughter was law, imagination ruled, and every cloud sparked a new story. But what happens when the games start to feel smaller and the bridge to Adulthood looms ahead? Join us as we reflect on the magic we left behind, the courage it took to cross that bridge, and the pieces of Childhood we can still carry with us today. Childhood County, where we know that while we all must grow up, th...
Send us a text A faked death, stolen insurance money, and a stormy night on a battered houseboat—this case had it all. But the strangest part? The voice guiding Paul wasn’t just his intuition… it was his late mentor. Was it Paul’s instincts, his sanity slipping, or something more? Buckle up for a mystery where the truth is as murky as the waters of Key West. "The Ghosts We Carry With Us"—streaming now! Support the show
Send us a text Ah, to be 18 again. Fresh out of high school, rocking flannel like it was your full-time job, and thinking you were the backbone of the next big thing in rock and blues. My band? Red Rock. Until one day, the unthinkable happened—my drummer dreams came crashing down with a single, detached phone call: “You’re not in the band anymore.” Ouch. Rejection, angst, and the unmistakable sting of an unwashed flannel—welcome to my late ‘70s coming-of-age story. From losing my first band, ...
Send us a text Are 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 text In 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 ove...
Send us a text In 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 ...
Send us a text Join 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...
Send us a text In 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. Despit...
Send us a text Step 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 transfor...
Send us a text Meet 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 sw...
Send us a text In 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...
Send us a text When 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 nig...
Send us a text In 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 my...