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 la...
Jun 13, 2025•18 min•Season 7Ep. 93
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 we...
May 21, 2025•32 min•Season 7Ep. 92
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 int...
Apr 04, 2025•25 min•Season 7Ep. 91
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, the...
Mar 18, 2025•20 min•Season 7Ep. 90
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...
Feb 14, 2025•23 min•Season 7Ep. 89
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, to ...
Jan 28, 2025•34 min•Season 7Ep. 88
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...
Nov 26, 2024•28 min•Season 6Ep. 87
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 over, ...
Sep 05, 2024•22 min•Season 6Ep. 86
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 the...
Jul 27, 2024•27 min•Season 6Ep. 85
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. A...
Apr 24, 2024•32 min•Season 6Ep. 84
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. Despite M...
Mar 28, 2024•31 min•Season 6Ep. 83
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 transformative power of...
Dec 18, 2023•25 min•Season 5Ep. 82
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 swing under...
Nov 24, 2023•17 min•Season 5Ep. 81
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 ca...
Oct 23, 2023•36 min•Season 5Ep. 80
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 nightm...
Aug 29, 2023•31 min•Season 5Ep. 79
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 myste...
May 14, 2023•38 min•Season 5Ep. 78
Send us a text Can you keep the feeling of vacation after it’s over?? Paul’s friend Sam figured out how to do it. This episode finds Paul sharing a story about his friend Sam's epic adventure in tropical Key West. Sam, on a mission to find the perfect cigar for his buddy Paul, embarks on a journey that takes him deep into the heart of the island's cigar culture. Along the way, he encounters a cast of colorful characters, from local store owners to feisty street performers who have had eccentric ...
Mar 08, 2023•17 min•Season 5Ep. 77
Send us a text Join us for a heartwarming episode of Life's Learning Curve. Prepare to be inspired as Paul reflects on his father's own struggles with hyperactivity and the loss of his father’s father at a young age . Through it all, Paul's dad found strength in other positive male role models and became the confident, laugh-loving father that Paul adored. Also, Paul shares the story of how his father saved him from the winter blues by taking him sledding at night. That's not all, folks! Don't m...
Feb 17, 2023•28 min•Season 5Ep. 76
Send us a text As we reminisced about our carefree childhoods coming to a close, a nostalgic longing for innocence washed over us. The memories of a 1968 vacation to California evoked feelings of adventure, wonder, and warmth - from the magical Disneyland experience to the sun-kissed days spent exploring. But, amidst the decade of peace, color, and unrest in the west coast, a sense of unease lingered in the air due to the ongoing Vietnam War and the protests that accompanied it, creating an unus...
Jan 24, 2023•35 min•Season 5Ep. 75
Send us a text New to the central American country of Costa Rica, Paul sat in a Chinese restaurant mulling over the foreign menu. Suddenly there it was…. A cold raw fish cocktail and a warm beer. Now, at that time in his life, Paul knew that he just DID NOT CARE for fish at all. He had tried it back in the good ol’ USA, and quite honestly, it triggered that gag reflex; that embarrassing response from a child, He could not let that be HIS response.. However, Paul knew that might happen. The press...
Dec 31, 2022•23 min•Season 4Ep. 75
Send us a text This episode tells the story of what happened one night, to Paul when he chose to relax a bit and sit by the moonlit sea on the tropical island of St. Maarten. While stargazing just off the Caribbean coast, Paul spots a large glowing object off the far sandbar and deep in the water. As the light reveals itself, he discovers a James Bond-like scuba guy. Emerging from the waters, he soon is surrounded by nigh time boozy bar patrons. The scuba man reveals nothing about the slight of ...
Dec 05, 2022•17 min•Season 4Ep. 74
Send us a text What do mile markers and tollbooths have in common? If I told you the answer to this question was… ‘They are a contributing reoccurring part of YOU and your life’s journey’ Mile markers and tollbooths, etc. might alter your perspective on a few things. On this episode, The Story of Last Flight Out is featured. It cannot be measured how many people have been impacted by this one page read, but I would wager a guess…Thousands of people. Key West entrepreneur, author and Vietnam vete...
Nov 18, 2022•19 min•Season 4Ep. 73
Send us a text Did you ever have a teacher whose passion and excitement for learning drove you AND your peers to excel? In this episode Paul is in 8th Grade, and his new band teacher is young, fun, talented, interesting, fair and engaging with all of his students. Quelling immature student behavior, Mr. Roush nurtured the band class to exceed expectations. Paul and his classmates slowly begin to understand that a single person can find, and then pull the BEST YOU out of you. At that point in his...
Oct 28, 2022•29 min•Season 4Ep. 72
Send us a text This episode delves into the captivating story of Paul's Uncle Russ, who, as a young boy in the 1930s, became enamored with the rugged, untamed wilderness of the American West in the 1880s. Fueled by his love for the thrilling adventures depicted in comic books and B-movie westerns, Uncle Russ became entranced by the legendary stories of the far southwestern United States, including the infamous outlaw Billy the Kid and the historic town of Mesilla. His passion was further ignited...
Oct 15, 2022•21 min•Season 4Ep. 71
Send us a text This episode sets us in Savannah Georgia with Paul’s ol’ college buddy, Dentist Tye Hagan. Let’s face it, as engaged and motivated as we all once were to begin our careers back in the day, most of us held tight to our innocence of youth and doing the right thing. Newbie dentist Dr. Tye did just that, and in the process of setting his new practice in Savannah, he became entangled in a drug running operation out of his own office. Don’t miss the slow wrinkled southern charm of Sally...
Sep 22, 2022•27 min•Season 4Ep. 70
Send us a text Regional speak, or regional dialects are sometimes my favorite part of Paul’s business day. When he gets a client on the phone, he may ask him how everything is going (insert their state name). Paul often gets a 3 to 5 sentence primer in their regional language, metaphors or slang. PAUL: “Hey Henry. How is Mississippi treating you these days?” HENRY: “Mah day’s all cattywampus cuz of the fecundating kudzu growing across my office window. If the thermo-bulb keeps going up, we’ll ha...
Sep 06, 2022•17 min•Season 4Ep. 69
Send us a text “You can always be better! You have to learn something every day, and if you don’t, …There’s no place to go.” This organic inspiration is innate for our guest Bob Tonge. A man with a career in broadcasting, video production, and writing and performing music. Bob Tonge’s drive to build clients’ confidence and trust, has taken him into a one of a kind adventure in life -Here is a story of a unique journey. Paul gets a once in a lifetime sit down with communicator Bob Tonge. “You got...
Aug 18, 2022•40 min•Season 4Ep. 68
Send us a text In a world that's always shifting, where time molds us like clay, this episode of Life’s Learning Curve is a tapestry. That intricate dance between growing up, embracing change, and stepping into the shoes of fatherhood. Join Paul on a journey as he revisits the chapters of his life woven together with the threads of fatherly devotion. In this nostalgic recollection, Paul’s father and he navigate the uncharted waters of DAD-DOM, two souls connected by blood and dreams. Yet, it's t...
Aug 02, 2022•42 min•Season 4Ep. 67
Send us a text While living a mundane existence in the suburbs. Thor Vance aspires to be a hot jazz guitarist . However, Thor is known as a triple-L loser. Although bullied and mocked as a child, he DID HAVE healthy and realistic future dreams. In this episode, procrastinator Thor seeks his dream, but arrives a bit too late and must realize his delay has damaged his destiny. But not everything in life is unrepairable. A broken man living a broken life, Thor is given a loser nickname that follows...
Jun 29, 2022•21 min•Season 4Ep. 66
Send us a text The Adventure! Undertaking danger and unknown risks, Paul leaves the USA to participate in an internship in Costa Rica, This episode brings 1979-style adventures for Paul. Struggling with a language barrier, he and his college roommate Reed vacation for one week at a non existent un-named beach town during spring break. Paul synthesizes with native villagers, and learns their daily routine of work, play, how they handle obsessive heat, and a daily symphony of gasoline generators w...
Jun 08, 2022•49 min•Season 4Ep. 65
