EP. 116 Three Friends Reflect On 2025, Trade Stories On History And Family, And Toast To A Brighter 2026

Send us Fan MailA different backdrop, the same heartbeat. We took the year-end show to the patio and opened the door to a free-flowing conversation with friends—part celebration, part confession, all connection. Between mic tests, guest links, and a stubborn winter cough, we found a groove that felt like a living room: holidays recapped, family updates shared, and a few brave toasts to what’s next.We zoomed out to see where the show traveled this year—six continents, 57 countries, and a surprising wave from Singapore—then zoomed in on who’s actually watching on YouTube. The data sparked a larger question: how do we build content for the people who show up, without losing the spark that drew them here? That led to plans for a bigger studio and a second show that explores politics and faith, giving the original program space to keep telling personal stories and spotlighting artists, authors, and everyday voices.Our guests brought the heart. Larry walked us through his ambitious history series—every president and each year since 1776—reminding us why Prohibition, organized crime, the Dust Bowl, and civil rights aren’t distant chapters but living context. Pepper Ann shared two new book projects set in the 80s and offered sharp advice on writing memoir: start with your deepest passion and let that scene pull readers in. We detoured into baseball—catchers, pitch calling, Greg Maddux, and what leadership looks like when only one person sees the whole field. And we held space for grief and legacy as Larry honored his son-in-law and a final song recorded near the end, a story about copyright, distribution, and doing justice to the work before chasing a big name.We closed with warmth and a little mischief—eggnog spiked, Irish toasts raised, and a call to make 2026 braver, kinder, and more creative. If this conversation moved you, subscribe, tap the bell, and share it with someone who needs a hopeful sendoff to the year. Leave a comment with your bold goal for 2026—we’ll be reading and cheering you on.Support the showThanks for listening! Follow me on Instagram: benmaynardprogram and subscribe to my YouTube channel: THE BEN MAYNARD PROGRAMI also welcome your comments. email: [email protected]