We're back!! We are the traveling podcast once again! Recorded in-person in our favorite town of Hillsboro, WI with our Wisconsin sister, Jacqui Davison! In this episode we learn all about what makes Hillsboro and its people so special and we cover a “typical” day in the life of Jacqui on the farm. *Hint, there is no such thing. Buckle up for a wild and beautiful ride with an incredible human.
In this episode Craig and Nora celebrate 12 episodes! A whole season flew by! They discuss the latest on Freddy’s recovery journey, answer submitted questions including a critter update, and share the story of Craig’s latest injury. Next week (Wednesday Aug 22nd) will be an off week and we look forward to the next season!
On this episode we are joined by the Lab-Father himself, Jody Hartman! Best known for his work behind the camera capturing the lab-diculous antics of his dogs, Stella and Mabel, and sharing them in hilarious and heartfelt videos with his 1.5 million followers. His journey from obscurity to lab-surdity is one you won’t want to miss! You can find Jody, Stella & Mabel on social media @DogNamedStella. In honor of Woodie Hartman, you can find more information on manatee research here: https://mission.cmaquarium.org/research-institute/manatee-research/.
In 1986, a 4 month old little girl was dropped off at an orphanage in South Korea. Now, 37 years later, Laura Manley leads a research center at Harvard University and visits our podcast to talk about her identity, and the many Stubbornly Positive moments she’s eagerly triumphed. She’s also Nora’s best friend! You can find Laura on Instagram @Laura_Manley1 , on her website www.LauraManley.org and donate to her Pan-Mass Challenge ride at https://profile.pmc.org/LM0407
This episode is 35 years in the making! Our very special guest, Chad Luibl, has been Craig’s best friend since they shared crayons and cookies in first grade. He is now a successful and highly regarded literary agent at Janklow & Nesbit Associates. His career has helped bring important and ground breaking books into the world, the first of which being ‘CRAIG & FRED’! We’re thrilled to introduce you to Chad and share some insight into the literary world and stories from our decades of friendship. You can find Chad on Twitter @Chad_Luibl and on the Janklow & Nesbit website: https://www.janklowandnesbit.com/people/chad-luibl.
On this very important episode we connect with the incredible veterinarian Dr. Courtney Pierce DVM, MBA, CCFP. Our first doctor on the podcast did not disappoint! This episode is full of valuable information, amazing stories and inspirational examples of Stubborn Positivity. You might want to listen twice! Dr. Pierce shares her wealth of knowledge gained over an impressive and ongoing career. Additionally, she shares the rewarding but often daunting challenges today's veterinarians face and how pet parents can best help their animals through understanding their vet. You can find Dr. Pierce on LinkedIn, and visit www.NOMV.org for ways to help veterinarian professionals and their mental wellness.
Nora and Craig sit down to recount the events of the last few months. The story of how they discovered a cancerous tumor in Fred’s mouth in Denver and all the amazing people that have helped them in this on-going fight.
After just a few minutes with our guest we knew we were lucky to know him. His wisdom and composure is beyond his years. Born in Mongolia where he lived with his grandmother, George Ganbold moved to the United States at the age of 7. He faced the cultural and linguistic barriers ahead of him with equal parts grace and pugnacity. This would be the first of his many transitions. We know you’ll be just as impressed and inspired as we are by this walking talking example of Stubborn Positivity and the many challenges he’s overcome.
In part 2 of this episode, we learn more about Joe's perspective on Fred and why getting him out of Afghanistan was important. Joe shares his struggles and triumphs on his post Marine Corps journey: how he's managing the symptoms of his Traumatic Brain Injury, Post Traumatic Stress and the mental health challenges that come with living an authentic and purposeful life. Keep up with Joe on instagram at @jwmurdy and his dachshunds Bella & Broski @realweens_of_cherrycreek.
(Part 1) Before Fred was "Fred" he was the caretaker of a wounded Marine. Joe Murdy had been knocked unconscious in Sangin, Afghanistan when a bullet struck his helmet on the morning of 10.10.10. His only memories from the week he spent recovering were of a small white dog coming in to check on and cuddle him. This episode dives into Joe's impressive military career and the incredible story of Fred from Joe's perspective. Keep up with Joe on instagram at @jwmurdy and his dachshunds Bella & Broski @realweens_of_cherrycreek.
The one where we interview our first official guest, the one and only, Dennis Grossi: Craig's Dad and Fred's Grand-paw. We talk about his time in the Air Force, Kent State University, his career as a National Resource Specialist for flight recorders at the NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) and perhaps most notably, his special bond with Fred. For the full video interview, check out our Patreon where you will get a rare look at actual flight recorders and a picture of young Craig as a cowboy. Side note for anyone afraid of plane travel, in the expert words of Dennis Grossi "it is much more dangerous to drive to an airport, then fly".
The one where we talk about one of Craig's Stubbornly Positive Moments & share Fred's DNA results!
On this extra inspiring, holiday stress busting episode, Nora and Craig are joined by the dynamic Ashley Bernardi of Nardi Media. Ashley is a lifelong dancer, mother of three and highly accomplished PR professional. Listen in as she shares her philosophy for handling life's challenges with Stubborn Positivity, including navigating the tragic loss of her Dad at a young age. Plus, hear all about the prestigious and highly coveted title that she shares with Craig! (Hint: It's NOT homecoming Queen)Visit Nardi Media Website: www.NardiMedia.comFollow Ashley on Instagram: @mediamama3 and @nardi_mediaVisit our Website : www.fredtheafghan.com/stubbornlypositiveJoin Our Patreon Pack for Video Episodes and so much more: www.patreon.com/StubbornlyPositiveFollow us on Instagram! @StubbornlyPositive
Turkey Day came with an extra helping of meaning this year for Nora and Craig. Listen in as they discuss gathering with Nora's big family and all the beautiful chaos they bring to the table. Plus Craig rockets off to Texas to appear on a major podcast hosted by former Force RECON Marine and author of SAVING AZIZ, Chad Robichaux. Hear all about his quick but eventful trip to the Lone Star State plus an abominable edition of 3 Truths and a Fib!Visit our Website : www.fredtheafghan.com/stubbornlypositiveJoin Our Patreon Pack for Video Episodes and so much more: www.patreon.com/StubbornlyPositiveFollow us on Instagram! @StubbornlyPositive
Pull up a chair for this heartwarming episode where Nora and Craig share some of their favorite and never before heard stories with Freddy. Hear all about their trip to the Pentagon and a different government agency that may or may not have made them redact some of this episode. Are they investigating the girl from cape cod who has never even had a speeding ticket? Plus, "buckle" up for a heaping helping of "3 truths and a fib" Thanksgiving edition!Visit our Website : www.fredtheafghan.com/stubbornlypositiveJoin Our Patreon Pack for Video Episodes and so much more: www.patreon.com/StubbornlyPositiveFollow us on Instagram! @StubbornlyPositive
Schmalls Fest 2025 is a wrap! Nora and Craig are home in Maine and they’re happily exhausted from planning, preparing and executing this powerful event. Listen in as they reflect on the origins of Schmalls Fest and all the beauty that this night has brought into their lives over the ten years it’s been in existence. Find out more about the John Purvis "Big Deal" Award and its first ever recipient. Plus, a shocking Critter Update, is there a band of critter thieves on the loose in Maine?Visit our Website : www.fredtheafghan.com/stubbornlypositiveJoin Our Patreon Pack for Video Episodes and so much more: www.patreon.com/StubbornlyPositiveFollow us on Instagram! @StubbornlyPositive
Master Sergeant (Ret.) Ysa Rubio returns to the podcast for this special Veterans Day episode! Put your ears at parade rest as this Special Operations veteran shares insights from his incredible career and his newest challenges that include: Ultra Marathon running, transitioning from active duty to active Dad, and reconnecting with himself after service. All this plus Craig and Ysa share funny boot camp stories and answer Nora's questions about the unique challenges veterans face today. Visit our Website : www.fredtheafghan.com/stubbornlypositiveJoin Our Patreon Pack for Video Episodes and so much more: www.patreon.com/StubbornlyPositiveFollow us on Instagram! @StubbornlyPositive
Completing the Marine Corps Marathon has been a dream of Craig’s for years and on it's 50th anniversary he made it happen! Listen in as he and Nora reflect and laugh at the long road to this important race and all the emotional milestones and memories along the way. Plus, Craig responds to listeners questions, shares what worked and what didn’t and how he fueled up before and during the race. Also, find out how the royal family influenced the weirdly specific length of the marathon.Visit our Website : www.fredtheafghan.com/stubbornlypositiveJoin Our Patreon Pack for Video Episodes and so much more: www.patreon.com/StubbornlyPositiveFollow us on Instagram! @StubbornlyPositive
Nora and Craig share their beautifully hectic week that included, the official launch of their nonprofit The Stubbornly Positive Project, a trip to Oklahoma for a speaking engagement for Craig where Nora received a standing ovation, and hosting two of Craig's oldest friends for the long weekend. Plus a trip to the Damariscotta Pumpkin Festival & Pumpkin Regatta and Three Truths and a Fib: Candy Corn Edition. Watch the 2025 Pumpkin Regatta hereSchmalls Fest Ticket Link! https://www.unionstagepresents.com/shows/schmallsfest/Submit your advice question here:www.fredtheafghan.com/stubbornlypositiveJoin Our Patreon Pack for Video Episodes and so much more: www.patreon.com/StubbornlyPositiveFollow us on Instagram! @StubbornlyPositive
It's a perfect fall day in Maine and Nora and Craig are thrilled to bring you along to one of their favorite places and introduce you to Ralph Hamill: an Oyster Farmer, a Cardiologist, a Hockey Player and an incredible example of Stubborn Positivity. Listen in as he shares his passion for our planet and the beautiful ways he's working to make life better, and more tasty, for all of us. He loves what he does so much that he "conveniently" forgot to mention that it was his birthday! *Be prepared for some technical glitches as our hosts learn more about their new travel microphones and recording with only two mics out in the wild.*