Stories in Life. On the Radio with Mark and Joe.

Mark Wolak and Joe Boyle
  • 5.0 (9)
  • PERSONAL JOURNALS
  • BIMONTHLY SERIES

Mark and Joe interview people with stories that affirm your belief in the goodwill, courage, determination, commitment and vision of everyday people. Our primary goal is that, through another person's story, you will find meaningful connection no matter your place in life. We intend that the stories we select will be inspiring and maybe help you laugh, cry, think or change your mind about something important in your life.

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  1. EPISODE 25

    Minnesota Superintendent of the Year: Dr. Laurie Putnam’s Vision for Hope, Truth, Unity and Growth

    Click here to send a message. We love to hear from our listeners! Send us a text message and share your feedback Superintendent Laurie Putnam shares her inspiring vision for public education, emphasizing hope, truth, unity and growth in the St. Cloud Area Schools District. Through candid discussions on leadership challenges, the importance of diverse representation, and an innovative community school model, she highlights the imperative to rethink success metrics in education with a commitment to schools as a place for developing a stronger community.  • Focus on hope as a cornerstone of leadership,  • Importance of listening to educators on the front lines,  • Addressing community representation within school staff,  • Implementation of a community school model for comprehensive support of students and staff,  • Advocating for new methods for assessment of academic performance across Minnesota,  • Emphasis on self-care and resilience for educators, and  • Call to action for collaborative conversations on the future of education. Support the show

    52 min

  2. EPISODE 26

    Heaven on Earth: The Gift of Enduring Friendship with Skipper Gary Anderson

    Click here to send a message. We love to hear from our listeners! Send us a text message and share your feedback Death often reveals what truly matters in life. When our friend Gary Anderson passed unexpectedly last October, we found ourselves reflecting on the extraordinary power of enduring friendship and its ability to shape our lives in profound ways. This special episode brings together the voices of Gary's longtime friends to celebrate a life well-lived through stories, laughter, music, and shared memories. From high school connections to sailing adventures on Lake Superior that spanned decades, we explore the qualities that made Gary such a treasured friend – his protective nature, problem-solving abilities, sense of adventure, and gift for bringing people together. Music flows throughout this tribute, serving as both backdrop and vehicle for memory. Friends recall sailing trips where Van Morrison provided the soundtrack to their "heaven on earth" moments – those perfect instances of togetherness where nothing exists beyond friendship, conversation, and natural beauty. Through these recollections, we witness how friendship helps navigate life's unpredictable waters, with Gary's expertise as a sailor mirroring his approach to relationships – prioritizing safety, enjoying the journey, and weathering storms together. The heart of this episode lies in its gentle reminder about life's fragility and the importance of expressing appreciation for our friends while we can. As one friend reflects, "When you lose somebody that you've spent such quality time with... waking up to another day is such a gift." This perspective invites you to consider your own friendships – how you're nurturing them, what you contribute, and whether you're making sufficient time for these vital connections. Listen to this celebration of friendship, then reach out to someone important in your life. Like a muscle needing regular exercise, friendships require attention to remain strong. Who in your world deserves to hear "I love you, man" before the boat comes in? Support the show

    1h 3m

  3. EPISODE 27

    Walking from Mexico to Canada - A Perspective On What Matters Most in Life.

    Click here to send a message. We love to hear from our listeners! Send us a text message and share your feedback What happens when you strip away the complexities of modern life and spend five months walking 2,650 miles through some of America's most breathtaking landscapes? Mary and Jason Kosch did exactly that when they hiked the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mexican border to Canada, and their journey reveals profound insights about human capability, resilience, and the transformative power of simplicity. The young couple from Bend, Oregon shares how a simple spark of inspiration from YouTube videos evolved into three years of planning before they finally hit the trail in April 2022. Their adventure carried them through five distinct sections—from the scorching deserts of Southern California to the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains, through the wildfire season of Northern California and Oregon, and finally to the challenging peaks of Washington. Along the way, they formed deep bonds with fellow hikers from over 30 countries, creating what they call "trail families" who supported each other through extreme challenges, including a harrowing night of 70-80 mph winds that collapsed their tent. What stands out most from their experience is the beautiful simplicity that emerges when life is reduced to its essentials. "Normal life is way more stressful than getting up and just walking all day, eating, drinking water, and then sleeping," Mary and Jason reflect. This freedom from constant notifications, emails, and looming to-do lists allowed for a mental reset that has continued to influence their post-trail lives. They've structured their current lifestyle around access to trails and outdoor experiences, embracing a "simpler is better" philosophy after experiencing the freedom of carrying only what fits in their backpacks. For anyone contemplating their own seemingly impossible adventure, Mary and Jason offer encouraging wisdom: "We're so capable of doing things that feel very unattainable. 2,650 miles seems like a ton, but absolutely people can do that." Their journey stands as powerful testament to what humans can accomplish with determination, proper planning, and the courage to take that first step. What adventure is calling you? Support the show

    57 min
See All Season 3 (3)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Mark and Joe interview people with stories that affirm your belief in the goodwill, courage, determination, commitment and vision of everyday people. Our primary goal is that, through another person's story, you will find meaningful connection no matter your place in life. We intend that the stories we select will be inspiring and maybe help you laugh, cry, think or change your mind about something important in your life.

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