Open Forum in The Villages, Florida Open Forum in The Village

From Pittsburgh's punch card days to the sunny expanses of The Villages in Florida, our guest Michael Prascak brings the kind of stories that turn strangers into friends. Settle in as Michael paints a vivid picture of his journey through the worlds of accounting and IT, revealing how a knack for numbers and a passion for woodworking found a harmonious intersection in our bustling community. He'll take you through the twists and turns of his professional path and into the heart of local clubs that pulse with the shared enjoyment of hobbies like water volleyball and, of course, woodworking—a craft that, much like Michael, has only gotten better with time.

As you explore this episode, you'll feel like you're rummaging through an attic filled with four decades of treasured memories, each item sparking joy and reflection. Michael opens up about the sentimental process of curating a lifetime's worth of experiences, from meticulously organizing photo albums to digitizing slides. His stories of sandcastles that stood out on beaches and home-brewed beers that won over taste buds remind us that life's adventures often come from unexpected places, like worm farming or bringing a 1970 Pontiac Catalina back to life in the most unconventional of ways.

Step behind the microphone with me as I peel back the curtain on the dynamic world of voice acting. Discover the nuanced dance of auditioning, the dedication behind creating characters, and the commitment it takes to construct a home studio fit for an audiobook maestro. This episode is a masterclass in the art and business of voice artistry. And to all who've joined us on this auditory journey, a warm thank you, with a special nod to our community's own Dr. Craig Curtis. Bring a friend along for our next episode, and who knows, they might just discover a new pastime or the inspiration to pursue that quirky project they've been dreaming about.

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Open Forum in The Villages, Florida is Produced & Directed by Mike Roth
A new episode will be released most Fridays at 9 AM
Direct all questions and comments to mike@rothvoice.com

If you know a Villager who should appear on the show, please contact us at: mike@rothvoice.com

Discover how to transform your living space into a voice-controlled haven as we sit down with Peter Bernard, the tech maestro of the Villages. This week, Peter unveils the secrets behind smart home magic, from Ecobee thermostats synced with Alexa, to the merits of having a C-wire and the allure of the Nest alternative. Our chat reveals the inside track on why wired doorbell cameras trump their battery-operated cousins, with a nod to Peter's favorite RioLink setup, blending security with the convenience of Home Assistant integration.

Savor the tales of brain health elixirs, from the polyphenol-rich red wine and dark chocolate, to the omega-balanced Mediterranean and MIND diets that could keep our gray matter in tip-top shape. We whisk you away to the Villages' dining scene, where the ambiance of our local eateries plays background to the symphony of flavors and the camaraderie of an improv club dinner. Peter and I exchange fond restaurant memories, underscoring the importance of the dining experience beyond the plate – it's about the people, the laughter, and the warmth shared over a good meal.

Then, take a walk down memory lane with Peter, from his days gracing the stage alongside theatrical greats to his tenure in front of the camera where he honed the craft of unbiased journalism. He shares the sting of being dubbed "fake news" despite a career built on integrity, and the shift into sales training where education met entertainment. As we wrap up, we celebrate the art of captivating an audience, a skill Peter truly embodies, and extend an invite to you, our listeners, for your suggestions and stories. Join us next Friday at 9 am for another enriching encounter full of insights and nostalgia.

 Become a Supporter: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1974255/support
Support the show
Open Forum in The Villages, Florida is Produced & Directed by Mike Roth
A new episode will be released most Fridays at 9 AM
Direct all questions and comments to mike@rothvoice.com

If you know a Villager who should appear on the show, please contact us at: mike@rothvoice.com

Discover the seismic shifts in media over four transformative decades as we sit down with Peter Bernard, a seasoned TV reporter who's seen it all. From the golden age of unbiased journalism embodied by Walter Cronkite to today's opinion-laden newsrooms headlined by figures like Tucker Carlson and Rachel Maddow, Peter reveals how the narrative has changed. Together, we grapple with the repercussions of these changes on society's growing divide and the quest for truth amidst a cloud of skepticism around voting technologies and the integrity of our news.

As our conversation unfolds, we peel back layers of the political system that are seldom discussed, dissecting the potential for reform in a landscape marred by misinformation and anonymity. Peter provides a deep dive into the influence of primaries, the Electoral College, and the possibility of introducing term limits to refresh the halls of Congress and the Supreme Court. His insights, shaped by a career of holding the powerful to account, shed light on the nuanced and often surprising effects of political reporting.

Switching lanes, we rev up the energy with a Tesla enthusiast who's transformed his passion for electric vehicles into a community-building endeavor. His firsthand account takes us from the rush of the Model Y's acceleration to the intricacies of Tesla's software updates. Traffic law enforcement, the magnetism of Elon Musk, and the intersection of technology and safety all come under the spotlight. Join us for a riveting journey through the evolving realms of media, politics, and technology, and witness stories that resonate with the heartbeat of our times.
Support the show
Open Forum in The Villages, Florida is Produced & Directed by Mike Roth
A new episode will be released most Fridays at 9 AM
Direct all questions and comments to mike@rothvoice.com

If you know a Villager who should appear on the show, please contact us at: mike@rothvoice.com

Get ready to unlock the secrets of a thriving community and optimal brain health in one energizing episode. We're taking you to the heart of The Villages, Florida, where the Enrichment Academy Expo buzzes with life, thanks to the dedication of people like John Rohan and Tweet Coleman. You'll feel the pulse of community engagement, from the beats of the Homemade Jam band to the whir of Don Wiley's drones overhead. It's a celebration of learning and connection, and we're capturing it all just for you.

But it's not all play – we're also seriously tuned into the harmony of health, specifically the balance between Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids in our diets. I'll guide you through the maze of nutrition facts, pointing out the best sources and dosages for your brain and heart wellbeing. Let's raise our glasses (of flaxseed smoothies, perhaps?) to another episode that's as nourishing for the mind as it is for the soul. Join us as we explore the power of passionate instruction and the pursuit of wellness, and don't forget to catch next Friday's dosage of wisdom.

And don't forget my Podcasting101 for Beginnerscourse at the Enrichment Academy.
Support the show
Open Forum in The Villages, Florida is Produced & Directed by Mike Roth
A new episode will be released most Fridays at 9 AM
Direct all questions and comments to mike@rothvoice.com

If you know a Villager who should appear on the show, please contact us at: mike@rothvoice.com

They say the best tales come from the heart, and mine is no exception. Settle in as I, Mike Roth, trade the interviewer's mic for the hot seat, with Wayne Richard leading the charge. From my humble beginnings in Far Rockaway to the vibrant pulse of Miami, I unravel the threads of my family tapestry, complete with the legacy of my father's leather business. Memories of high school band days and backstage drama antics stitch together the rich fabric that formed the backdrop to my career pivot, from engineering to the dynamic dance of sales.

Strap in for a thrill ride through the highs and lows of my sales saga at Telex. It's a chapter rife with legal battles, vast territories, and the glitzy grind of client schmoozing—a nod to a relative's tenure at the helm of Hewlett Packard. You'll discover how a twist of fate with a Wats box at NYU not only saved our payroll but also served up a masterclass in resilience. Navigating through the early days of my engineering aspirations to the cutthroat sales floor, I share the valuable detours that rerouted my professional destiny.

When the curtain rises on The Villages chapter, laughter and loss dance a delicate duet. Acting and improv taught me life's script is often improvised, a lesson I carry into the sales strategies that once seemed as improbable as a multiplying machine gone rogue. Meanwhile, my podcasting odyssey in Cincinnati spotlights the unscripted symphony of local business leaders' stories, continuing to echo success. So, join me for an episode that harmonizes the unexpected melodies of life, where every note promises to entertain, enlighten, and inspire.

 Become a Supporter: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1974255/support
Support the show
Open Forum in The Villages, Florida is Produced & Directed by Mike Roth
A new episode will be released most Fridays at 9 AM
Direct all questions and comments to mike@rothvoice.com

If you know a Villager who should appear on the show, please contact us at: mike@rothvoice.com

 In today's special episode of Open Forum in the Villages, Florida, I have a special guest, Kathleen Gowin. Kathleen is a member of the VPSDDD. That is the new board that's managing the fire district here in Sumter County 

Unlock the secrets to potentially lower fire district taxes in Sumter County's slice of the Villages, Florida, with board member Kathleen Gowin guiding us through the intricacies of the proposed changes. If you're a local homeowner or business owner, this episode is your roadmap to understanding how the new fire assessment methodology could streamline expenses and lock in rates for the next five years. Kathleen illuminates the critical details behind the upcoming March 25th meeting, the third and final chance for public enlightenment on this pressing topic.

Join the conversation at the Ezell Recreation Center or tune in to our episode to catch Kathleen's expertise on the existing tax structure and the promising benefits of the new approach. This isn't just about numbers—it's about the future of our community's emergency services and how we can all play a role in the March 25th board meeting and beyond, Kathleen's insights are indispensable for residents eager to stay informed and possibly save on their bills while ensuring the necessary funding for our brave firefighters and EMTs.

Become a Supporter: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1974255/support
Support the show
Open Forum in The Villages, Florida is Produced & Directed by Mike Roth
A new episode will be released most Fridays at 9 AM
Direct all questions and comments to mike@rothvoice.com

If you know a Villager who should appear on the show, please contact us at: mike@rothvoice.com