Dan The Road Trip Guy

• Never Say Never: How Thom Mariner's Winding Career Journey Led to Nonprofit Publishing Success

  Get in Touch with Dan by Texting NowReconnecting after 35 years, Dan sits down with Thom Mariner for a fascinating conversation about musical journeys, unexpected career paths, and finding success in Cincinnati's nonprofit publishing world.Thom opens up about his "confused and twisted life" that began with opera training and has taken him through retail management, B2B sales, music direction, marketing research, and finally to his current role in publishing. With disarming honesty, he shares how a pivotal conversation with his father before ninth grade – "You're not going to be a football star, we think you should be something in music" – set him on his musical path.The conversation weaves through nostalgic memories of first cars (a Ford Pinto station wagon and later a beloved Saab 900), epic road trips across the Rockies, and the challenges of balancing musical ambitions with practical realities. Thom explains why he and his first wife, both trained singers, chose to pursue "real jobs" while maintaining professional singing opportunities on the side, a decision that has preserved his voice well into his seventies.At the heart of the episode is Thom’s journey with Movers & Makers magazine, approaching its 30th anniversary as the public voice for Greater Cincinnati nonprofit organizations. What began as a for-profit publication has evolved into a nonprofit platform integrating print, digital, social media, and email newsletters to support causes ranging from animal welfare to social justice, arts, healthcare, and education.Thom’s life philosophy – "Never say never. Absolutes get you in trouble" – serves as powerful advice for listeners of any age. His biggest regret? Not taking certain chances when they presented themselves. "The worst somebody's gonna do is tell you no," he advises, encouraging everyone to "put yourself out there and be brave."Ready for a road trip with fascinating conversation? Subscribe to Dan the Road Trip Guy for more inspiring stories of passion, resilience and the pursuit of happiness from everyday travelers to thrill seekers and everyone in between.Be sure to visit the website for Movers & Makers, https://moversmakers.org/.

  --------  

  25:26
• Celebrating Life's Milestones: Birthday Reflections at 64

  Get in Touch with Dan by Texting NowTurning 64 recently prompted me to reflect on the birthdays that have left lasting impressions throughout my life. After a young DMV clerk kindly informed me this would be my last eight-year license renewal (apparently, I'll need more frequent eye checks going forward), I found myself diving into birthday memories sparked by a StoryWorth question from my daughter.My 40th birthday stands out vividly – when friends crowded into our small family room to watch a surprise VHS montage my wife had created from photos of my life. That night echoed the sentiment from "It's a Wonderful Life" that no man is a failure who has friends. The thoughtful Skip Barber Racing School gift from my wife, which my brother joined me for, transformed the celebration from memorable to extraordinary.The pattern of meaningful experiences over material gifts continued throughout the years – nearly catching one of Rod Stewart's soccer balls on my 50th, seeing the Eagles at Rupp Arena exactly 40 years after I'd first seen them there, celebrating with locals during a family trip to Haiti, and most recently, driving BMWs around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with my brother. These moments remind me that the most treasured gifts aren't things we can hold but experiences that stay with us forever.Growing up in a family that celebrated birthdays with homemade cakes and gatherings (my dad and brother even share the same April birthday) instilled in me an appreciation for marking these personal milestones. What about you? What birthdays stand out in your life story? I'd love to hear your memorable celebrations – reach out anytime or share this episode with someone who might enjoy reflecting on their own birthday memories.

  --------  

  6:45
• Memories of My First Job: Sorting Pop Bottles at Anderson's Grocery

  Get in Touch with Dan by Texting NowThe seemingly mundane task of sorting pop bottles at my Uncle Earl's grocery store became my entry point into the world of work—at just nine years old. When my uncle looked at me one day and declared "you need a job," little did I know how those simple responsibilities would shape my character for decades to come.Working at Anderson's Grocery in Pine Knot, Kentucky during the 1970s meant organizing returnable soda bottles by brand, sweeping the store porch every evening, and picking up trash from the gravel parking lot by hand. For about $20 a week—decent money for a child back then—I learned lessons about responsibility that no classroom could provide. The most disgusting part? Cleaning up cigarette butts when someone emptied their car ashtray in the parking lot—a chore that instilled in me a lifelong commitment to never litter.This episode isn't just about childhood nostalgia; it's about recognizing how formative experiences shape us. Anderson's Grocery wasn't merely a store selling groceries, gas, feed, seed, and countless other essentials—it was a community hub where relationships mattered more than transactions. People knew each other by name. Conversations weren't rushed. In today's fast-paced world, perhaps we've lost something valuable that small town stores understood intuitively. What was your first job, and what did it teach you? Take a moment to reflect on those early experiences and consider sharing them with the people around you, creating a legacy of stories that transcend generations.

  --------  

  6:02
• Epic Journeys: Sarah's Appalachian Trail Adventure

  Get in Touch with Dan by Texting NowEmbark on an unforgettable journey with me as I explore the inspiring story of Sarah Shyers, who fulfilled her lifelong dream of hiking the Appalachian Trail. Stretching over 2,194 miles from Georgia to Maine, the AT serves as not just a physical challenge but a profound journey of self-discovery and resilience. Sarah shares her heartwarming experiences, from setting out with her sister to overcoming injuries, and learning invaluable life lessons about flexibility and perseverance along the way.In this episode, we delve into Sarah's motivations, which stemmed from childhood connections and dreams sparked by her family. As she recounts navigating the challenges of the trail—from extreme weather conditions to unexpected hurdles—Sarah illustrates how these experiences profoundly shaped her. Her lessons about embracing the present, managing expectations, and recognizing the beauty of friendship along the way resonate with anyone, regardless of their hiking experience.Listeners will gain practical insights into appropriate hiking gear, the importance of planning, and how to tackle obstacles confidently. Sarah’s engaging perspective and relatable anecdotes leave us not only inspired to explore the great outdoors but to apply these lessons of resilience and adaptability into our everyday lives.Join us in celebrating the spirit of adventure and the wonder of the Appalachian Trail. Be sure to tune in, share the episode, and check out Sarah’s journey through her YouTube channel for more breathtaking experiences and insights!You  can find her first video at Day 1: Part 1 :Appalachian trail 2022 or by searching on heres_2_the_journey on YouTube

  --------  

  22:21
• Philip Peters' Journey in the Music Industry, Auto Racing and Impact in Haiti.

  Get in Touch with Dan by Texting NowJoin me as I welcome Philip Peters, a music industry veteran whose journey from Indiana to Franklin, Tennessee, has been anything but ordinary. Philip shares stories of being on the road with big name stars, his PR support of Indy Car Driver Stingray Robb. He shares stories about his first cars including a 1990 Celica with a manual transmission, and his trusty 95 Jeep Wrangler named Jackson. These tales paint a picture of a man who embraces life’s journeys with an adventurous spirit and a fondness for creating lasting memories.In a world where the spotlight often shines on the grand stages of the Grammys and the Indianapolis 500, Philip’s perspective is refreshingly unique. As a PR professional, he’s navigated the fast lanes of racing and music, offering insights into the electric atmosphere of iconic events and the everyday interactions that fuel them. From the historic Billy Graham Crusades to the vibrant music scene in Nashville, Philip’s encounters reveal the thrill of living closely with artists and racing teams who dream big and perform even bigger.The heart of our conversation lies in Philip's humanitarian work in Haiti, where his initiative, Restore Haiti, has transformed lives through education, medical care, and job placement. Philip opens up about the challenges and rewards of supporting local communities, highlighting the resilience and positivity often overshadowed by adversity. As we reflect on life’s transitions and the struggle for authenticity in a creative town, Philip’s story encourages a balance of past reflections with forward-looking aspirations, underscoring the importance of living true to oneself amidst the noise around us all. 

  --------  

  30:24

More Leisure podcasts

Trending Leisure podcasts

About Dan The Road Trip Guy

Dan The Road Trip Guy: Podcasts in Family