Pork Pond Gazette

Send us Fan MailA lot of us know the feeling: you’re doing your best, your kid needs you, and inside your own head the weather turns. I sit down with Kendall Consini Moore, the writer behind Cloudy Day Chronicles and the author of Mom’s Cloud and the Beach Adventure, to talk about a simple idea that can change family communication: giving big feelings a name kids can actually use.We get specific about how her “cloud” metaphor was born from a bedtime story and a real parenting worry, and how the beach became the perfect setting to explain difference without blame. We also unpack what kindness looks like when you’re not okay, including the self-kindness move that helps parents stop turning one rough moment into the whole story of the day. Kendall shares practical, at-home language tips inspired by Montessori-style narration, plus a refreshing stance on praise: make it real so it stays meaningful.We also talk about mental health boundaries and miscommunication, especially how “I have a cloud” can work as shorthand with a partner or friend when you don’t have the emotional capacity for a long explanation. The conversation goes beyond parenting into anxiety, support groups, chronic illness flare-ups, and the surprising way hard seasons can grow our capacity for kindness, both toward ourselves and others.If you care about mental health, emotional intelligence for kids, and practical kindness you can use on your worst days, hit play. Subscribe, share this with someone who needs a little sunlight, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway.You can support the show in a few different ways—by grabbing something from our merch store, picking up a copy of my book, or joining us on Buy Me a Coffee. Every bit of support helps keep the podcast going and also helps us give back to nonprofits doing good in the world.Intro music: ‘Human First’ by Mike Baker – YouTube Music: https://youtu.be/wRXqkYVarGA | Podcast: Still Here, Still Trying | Website: www.mikebakerhq.comSupport the show

Send us Fan MailSilence can feel like a conversation killer, but what if it’s the fastest path to trust? We sit down with John Nepper, a speaker, educator, and leadership trainer with 35+ years of experience, to unpack a practical approach to kindness and leadership that works in real workplaces, not just on posters.We talk about why storytelling in leadership matters, how small talk becomes meaningful when you’re intentional, and what John calls the Story Formula for Extraordinary Retention. The big idea is deceptively simple: everyone’s story matters. When leaders learn to listen without hijacking the moment, they build psychological safety, reduce the “us versus them” vibe, and keep great people from walking out the door because they don’t feel heard.John also challenges the habits that derail difficult conversations: “I don’t know what to say,” “It’s not my job,” and the urge to fix. We get concrete about the power of waiting, how silence gives people room to choose their words, and why trust grows when we make the conversation about the other person. From quick three-minute check-ins to rebuilding broken trust, this is empathy at work with clear next steps.We close with John’s “Be Someone For Someone” initiative, a movement-level mindset that starts with one decision each morning: show up for someone on purpose. If this sparked something in you, subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find this kindness-first leadership work.You can support the show in a few different ways—by grabbing something from our merch store, picking up a copy of my book, or joining us on Buy Me a Coffee. Every bit of support helps keep the podcast going and also helps us give back to nonprofits doing good in the world.“Intro music: ‘Human First’ by Mike Baker – YouTube Music: https://youtu.be/wRXqkYVarGA | Podcast: Still Here, Still Trying | Website: www.mikebakerhq.com Support the show

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I wanted to highlight a few local creators as gift ideas for Christmas this year.  First up is Cory with CT's Revival BBQ Sauce.  You can find his products (which are amazing) from rubs to an astounding array of sauces on his Facebook Page.Also in this episode is Virginia Louden from Ginny Bites.  Virginia is a creative food designer and whether you need a Hostess gift or a stocking stuffer or just want to give the gift of sweetness, her food is the perfect idea.  You can find Ginny Bites products at her Facebook page, as well.  But if you're into food porn, check out her Instagram, too.

As a coach and successful business woman, Debra May has some serious insights as to how gratitude plays a role in healing and moving on to create the life you wanted, even if you didn't know you wanted it at the time.  Join us for this conversation which, I hope, will help you top see more to be grateful for in life and open whole new doors to you.Debra's links:WebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagram

In this episode I speak with an extraordinary guy; Chris DT Gordon.  Chris had every reason to be mad at the world, but instead of becoming bitter, he chose gratitude.  Hear his amazing story and wonder to yourself, "how could my life be better by choosing gratitude?"Chris' links.WebsiteTAG One SheetInstagramScar Bearers Podcast

What good is it to claim that you are the Halloween Capital of the World if you don't have the spooky stuff to back it up?   Anoka has the spooky stuff, folks.  This week we will look at two of the most haunted places in Anoka; Colonial Hall (now known as The Big White House) and the Jackson Hotel (now known as Billy's Bar and Grill).Sources. https://www.northstarpress.com/store/p56/_History_and_Hauntings_of_the_Halloween_Capital.htmlAs always many, many thanks to Rebecca Desens and the staff at the Anoka County Historical Society for their assistance with this project.

In this episode I take a look at how Anoka, Minnesota became the Halloween Capital of the World.  From the very beginning as a way to keep Children from tipping over outhouses to today, 101 years later, this is the premier event of the Autumn for people everywhere. Most of the information for this episode was taken from the book "History and Hauntings of the Halloween Capital of the World" by local write Roxy Orcutt.  

My first episode back after a brief mental health break.  No more talking about idiots that oppose mask mandates and those who spew garbage information about the number of deaths from the COVID vaccine.  No more talking about Christians who cry about being oppressed but have never once had to secretly attend a service in someone's basement because to do so in public would have gotten them arrested and jailed.  No more.  Not here.Instead I am going to be doing episodes that are fun; hopefully uplifting, perhaps inspirational, quite possibly just plain silly.This week I begin a series about Anoka, Minnesota.  Today we talk about it's founding and growth throughout the 19th Century from a log cabin built as a trading post on the banks of the Rum River to it's established reputation as a city of commerce and importance in Minnesota.In following episodes we will talk about how Anoka became the Halloween Capital of The World, and just how haunted this amazing city is.  I hope you enjoy the change and, if you are a subscriber, continue to listen, and if you are new here, become a subscriber.  Sources:https://www.anokaminnesota.com/352/Historyhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anoka,_Minnesotahttps://anokacountyhistory.org/anokahttps://books.google.com/books/about/History_and_Hauntings_of_the_Halloween_C.html?id=11_-ngEACAAJhttps://www.discoveranoka.com/about-us/about-anoka/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rum_Riverhttps://www.nps.gov/miss/riverfacts.htm

In this episode I talk about why I am stepping away temporarily.  I like politics.  I like discussing it.  I like arguing about it.  But if you are going to do those things, you need to have a common truth to start from and we lack that these days.  This has made it difficult for me and has become a hazard to my mental health.  To quote the Terminator, "Ah'll be bach."  I need to find a theme, or subject that will allow me to  continue to bring you stories and conversations without the need for me to research by watching the news, or social media to gather facts.  Above all of that, I need to deal with the issues that brought me to this point.  I thank you all for the time you've spent listening to me and to all the folks I have had on as guests.  I will be back and better than ever.  XOXO Mike.Sources:Texas COVID and Kids.MisinformationRep. ClydeVancouver School LockdownSchool Board Threats

A few different events got me to thinking lately. The first was a school board meeting in Tennessee that had medical professionals attend, invited, to explain the need for masks as the schools go back to school safely for the staff and children.  As the meeting broke up and the professionals headed for their cars, they were surrounded by angry parents, yelling obscenities and "we'll not comply".  Some parents got into the faces of the doctors and nurses and told them, "We know who you are."The second event was my daily copy of "Letters from an American."It is written by Heather Cox Richardson is an American Historian and Boston College professor of history.       Letters from an American is a daily newsletter with a rundown of the last day's news, primarily political news, she will discuss it and compare it to other parts of history in the U.S.In this particular issue she is talking about fascism and how politicians use the "street brawlers" (like the anti-Catholic thugs in the 1830's, the KKK in the 1860's and the Union busters of the 1880's).My research was interesting (spoiler alert; did you know there was a plot to overthrow Franklin Roosevelt in 1933??).  I hope you enjoy this episode and it sparks a conversation.  Please be kind and if you know someone who has been talking about having their home or office windows cleaned, have them see my friend Andy at Kahuna Window Cleaning. Sources; The Fascist GameTrump's Homegrown FascismLetters from an AmericanWikipedia  Fascism in North AmericaWikipedia  The Wall Street (Business Plot)  Great Courses Daily 

We all do it.  from the moment we are born, each one of us is moving towards a point in our lives that looks very much like the point we started at.  Unable to care for ourselves and dependent on others to help us.  My guest on this episode, Julio Briones, has spent much of his adult life in the senior care industry; from recruiting employees for his Mothers' senior care facility at fifteen, to running a consulting group helping other entrepreneurs start and succeed in the senior care industry, his insight and understanding are invaluable.  

In this episode I once again tackle the news.  From the January 6th Select Committee, to COVID anti vaxxers, to Minnesota State Representative John Thompson.  A couple updates from this episode that had not played out at the time of recording.Woman Drives Across Capitol LawnJohn Thompson press conference.Sartell-St. Stephens superintendent responds to accusations about equity survey.  This episode is sponsored by Kahuna Window Cleaning.  Local and veteran owned make them you go-to for all your home maintenance needs, from window and gutter cleaning to pressure washing and holiday lights instillation. 

In this episode I pretend to be a journalist.  The key word is pretend.  I simply cannot deliver the news without comment.  I've tried.  Trust me when I tell you it is impossible.  We talk about some items making the news a the beginning of the week.   Talks on President Joe Biden's infrastructure bill in the Senate have come to a stand still after a bi-partisan group (11 Republicans and 11 Democrats) attempted to pay for a portion of the bill through enforcement or tax laws.  Anti Tax Republicans (is that redundant?) said NOPE. In June, eight students sued Indiana University over its' policy mandating anyone planning on attending the Fall 2021 semester in person must be vaccinated or apply for and receive a waiver on ethical, religious or medical grounds.  The mandate applies to students, faculty and staff.  If a waiver is approved, the student must wear a mask and submit to more frequent testing and must either quarantine or head home in the case of an outbreak.  A federal judge has denied the students motion for a preliminary injunction.Also don't forget to let our friends at Kahuna Window Cleaning know you heard their ad on today's show.  

In this episode I speak with Eric Ebner.  Eric is a Veteran who started Protocol 46, a cyber security firm in St. Paul, MN.   Eric and his team of mostly Vets keep their clients' systems safe from hacker and ransom ware attacks.We talk about his motivation for starting this company his deep and abiding love for his country and his sense of honor and duty.  It was a great conversation and I hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed speaking with him.