Beyond The Green

Sleeping Bear Productions, LLC ©2025
  • 4.0 (1)
  • HISTORY
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

Welcome to "Beyond The Green" the podcast where we delve into the rich tapestry of Morristown, New Jersey  area, exploring not only its present-day inhabitants but also the historical figures who have left an indelible mark on this vibrant community. Join us as we unravel the stories of resilience, triumph, and innovation that have shaped Morristown throughout the years, showcasing the unique blend of the past and the present that makes this town a treasure trove of history and cultural significance.Discover the untold tales behind the streets, historic landmarks, and the diverse individuals who call Morristown home.The hosts, Peter and Sotiri "Terry" Barbounis are Morristown HS Grads ( Class of 1987 & 1990)

  1. HISTORIC SPEEDWELL: Beyond The Green: Parks & Paths - PART ONE

    DEC 10

    HISTORIC SPEEDWELL: Beyond The Green: Parks & Paths - PART ONE

    Send us a text In this premiere installment, we travel to Historic Speedwell—the birthplace of the telegraph and one of Morris County’s most cherished landmarks—to explore its rich history and lasting impact on America’s Industrial Revolution. Filmed inside the beautifully preserved Vail House, we sit down with Melanie Bump, Curator of Collections and Exhibits for the Morris County Park Commission. Melanie gives us an inside look at the stories and innovations that shaped this remarkable site. From the legacy of Stephen Vail to the technological breakthroughs that started right here in Morristown, this episode brings the past to life in a fresh, engaging way. If you love local history, storytelling, and exploring the places that shaped our nation, you’re in the right place. Subscribe to follow our journey through the 39 parks of the Morris County Park Commission. ©2025 Sleeping Bear Productions _______________________________________ Special Thanks to the Morris County Park Commission & Executive Director David Helmer YMD2SLXTPQNGTT4K If you are interested in telling your Morris County story, contact us at productions@beyondthegreenshow.com

    29 min
  2. A Conversaton With NJ Assemblywoman Aura Dunn (LD-25)

    OCT 24

    A Conversaton With NJ Assemblywoman Aura Dunn (LD-25)

    Send us a text  We’re sitting down with Assemblywoman Aura Dunn (LD-25) for a conversation that’s all about people, community, and making a difference. From her journey into public service to her passion for helping families here in New Jersey, Aura shares stories, insights, and a little bit of the heart behind her work.  Beyond The Green isn’t about politics—it’s about the people and places that make Morristown and Morris County special. Don’t miss this inspiring interview!  Listen now and get to know Assemblywoman Dunn in a whole new way.  ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Recorded at Saint Elizabeth University, Convent Station, NJ Hosted By Peter Barbounis Sr. Production Engineer -  BRANDON HUTCHINSON Production Engineer -  JOSH GONZALEZ Assitant Production Engineer -  NIC DiSCIASCIO If you are interested in telling your Morris County story, contact us at productions@beyondthegreenshow.com

    49 min

  3. OCT 10

    A Conversation with David Helmer - Executive Director of the Morris County Park Commission

    Send us a text  In this episode of Beyond The Green, we sit down with David Helmer, Executive Director of the Morris County Park Commission, to explore the vital role the Commission plays in preserving New Jersey’s largest county park system. Helmer shares insights into the Commission’s mission of stewardship, recreation, and education, while highlighting the diverse parks, historic sites, and natural spaces under its care. From maintaining nearly 20,000 acres of open space to ensuring access for future generations, Helmer discusses both the challenges and opportunities in balancing conservation with community engagement. This conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the Morris County Park Commission connects residents and visitors alike to the natural beauty and heritage of the region. For more information on the Morris County Park Commission (MCPC) go to: https://www.morrisparks.net/ MCPC is steward to over 20,611 acres of parkland across the county.  Morris County Park Commission It administers 39 facilities, including parks, trails, historic buildings, arboreta, outdoor education centers, and more.  The agency supports recreational, environmental, educational, and cultural uses, serving the needs of county residents and visitors.  Morris County Its functions span land acquisition and conservation, maintenance of trails and open space, programming (nature education, horticulture, recreation), historic preservation, permitting of events and facilities, and partnerships with local municipalities and volunteers.  MCPC holds regular public meetings (for example, the 2025 schedule notes monthly meetings on the fourth Monday, with workshops quarterly) as part of its governance.  Because Morris County is fairly developed, the Park Commission plays a critical role in preserving green space, connecting trails, balancing recreation with conservation, and maintaining historic landscapes and structures. Hosted By Peter Barbounis Recorded at St. Elizabeth University, Convent Station, NJ Sr. Production Engineer -  BRANDON HUTCHINSON Production Engineer -  JOSH GONZALEZ Assitant Production Engineer -  NIC DiSCIASCIO -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MZM2JCFFPCLEXBRG  If you are interested in telling your Morris County story, contact us at productions@beyondthegreenshow.com

    45 min
  4. A Conversation with Lisa Bolton of the Dandelion Project

    SEP 30

    A Conversation with Lisa Bolton of the Dandelion Project

    Send us a text The Dandelion Project is holding its first New Jersey event on Saturday, October 11th. We’ll begin at 11:15 AM at the Townsquare Diner on Route 15 in Rockaway to recognize the awareness billboard that sheds light on the impact of drug overdoses. From 12:00–4:00 PM, the gathering continues at The Knotty Pine Pub in Wharton, NJ, bringing the community together for reflection, awareness, and support. ========================================================= For more information on the Dandelion Project: https://dandelionproject.net/ Lisa Bolton is the visionary founder of The Dandelion Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing grief support, education, and healing resources to individuals and families affected by loss, trauma, and substance use disorder.  Born in Livingston, New Jersey, and later residing in Randolph, NJ, Lisa’s early years were shaped by the strong communities and values of northern New Jersey. (If you would like to add more about her childhood or family in NJ, I’m happy to help integrate that.) Her personal journey through grief and loss deeply informs her work: She lost her first-born son, “DJ,” in 1989 (a miscarriage), an experience that marked the beginning of her grief journey.  Years later, she lost her stepdaughter, Quinn, in 2015 to Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis.  In 2019, she lost her daughter Kerri to a heroin overdose laced with fentanyl and carfentanil.  These profound losses inspired her to channel her grief into purpose. She founded The Dandelion Project to honor her children and to help others who are navigating the deepest valleys of sorrow.  Professionally, Lisa is a grief support specialist and counselor, and she also holds roles in curriculum direction and grief counseling at Morrison Preschool.  She is credentialed in several therapeutic and grief-support disciplines (e.g. GC-C, GCCA-C, CTRS-EC, BCMHC) per her LinkedIn profile.  LinkedIn Under her leadership, The Dandelion Project is a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit, offering grief services to bereaved parents, siblings, children, grandparents raising grandchildren, veterans, those affected by mental health challenges, and communities struggling with trauma and loss.  Lisa is also co-founder of M.U.T.E. (Mothers United to Educate), a collaborative initiative aimed at raising awareness of substance use disorder and supporting families impacted by addiction.  orlandovoyager.com Her commitment to remembrance and advocacy is visible in community practices she’s nurtured—writing names on rocks, holding “Black Balloon Day” remembrances, and gathering community rides and events to raise awareness.  Lisa now resides in Florida, where she continues to expand The Dandelion Project’s reach and impact. *************************************************** Beyond The Green is a Sleeping Bear Productions © 2025 Hosted by Peter Barbounis If you are interested in telling your Morris County story, contact us at productions@beyondthegreenshow.com

    26 min
  5. A Conversation with Jon Prachthauser - Former Morristown FD Deputy Fire Chief and MHS Alum

    SEP 18

    A Conversation with Jon Prachthauser - Former Morristown FD Deputy Fire Chief and MHS Alum

    Send us a text We recently sat down with Jon Prachthauser, a former Deputy Fire Chief of the Morristown Fire Department, to hear his story of growing up in the community. A proud member of the Morristown High School Class of 1986, Jon was honored in 2025 as an inductee into the MHS Wall of Fame.  Recorded on the campus of St Elizabeth University in Convent Station NJ.  Hosted By Peter Barbounis Technical Staff: Brandon Hutchinson - Sr Production Engineer Josh Gonzalez - Production Engineer Nic DiSciascio - Assistant Production Engineer. If you are interested in telling your Morris County story, contact us at productions@beyondthegreenshow.com

    39 min
  6. A Conversation With Barry Richards - Author and MHS Alumni Class of 1990

    AUG 18

    A Conversation With Barry Richards - Author and MHS Alumni Class of 1990

    Send us a text  On this episode of Beyond The Green, we reconnect with Morristown High School Class of 1990 alumnus Barry Richards. Barry takes us back to his days growing up in Morristown, New Jersey, sharing memories that shaped his journey before life led him south to Atlanta, Georgia. We talk about the challenges and opportunities of transitioning to a new city after graduation and how those experiences influenced both his perspective and his creativity. Today, Barry is making waves as the author of a bold new graphic novel titled "Born Pariah". In our conversation, he opens up about the inspiration behind the story, the creative process of developing a graphic novel, and what readers can expect from this powerful new work.  Born Pariah can be purchased at www.BRichBooks.com  If you are interested in telling your Morris County story, contact us at productions@beyondthegreenshow.com

    32 min
  7. Yellow Cards To Hall Passes - A Conversation with Mike Bruchac

    JUN 17

    Yellow Cards To Hall Passes - A Conversation with Mike Bruchac

    Send us a text We sat down with Mike Bruchac — longtime Morristown High School Gym Teacher, Varsity Boys Soccer Coach, and Vice Principal. With a career spanning over 40 years — 34 of them at MHS — Mike shares stories from the sidelines to the school office. From landing his first teaching job, coaching soccer teams, and assisting future Notre Dame Head Coach Charlie Weis, to stepping into school leadership, this episode is filled with insight, humor, and heart. Whether you're a Morristown alum or considering a career in education, this is an hour you won’t want to miss. Beyond The Green is Hosted By Peter and Sotiri "Terry" Barbounis.  This episode was recorded on the campus of St Elizabeth University in Convent Station, NJ. If you are interested in telling your Morris County story, contact us at productions@beyondthegreenshow.com

    59 min
  8. The Untold Story Behind Morristown’s HQ Plaza | Interview with Kate Lynch McCabe

    MAY 9

    The Untold Story Behind Morristown’s HQ Plaza | Interview with Kate Lynch McCabe

    Send us a text Beyond the Green welcomes Morristown High School alum Kate Lynch McCabe (Class of 1989), a former history teacher whose passion for local history has led her deep into the untold story of how Headquarters Plaza came to be. In this compelling conversation, Katy shares her research into the political infighting, public resistance, and even the influence of New York crime families that surrounded the controversial development of HQ Plaza in the 1970s and 80s.  This episode if the first of many to be filmed at St Elizabeth University in Convent Station, NJ. Special thanks to the staff at the university for collaborating with us . Sr Production Engineer - Brandon Hutchinson Production Engineer - Josh Gonzalez Jr Production Engineer - Nic DiSciascio     If you are interested in telling your Morris County story, contact us at productions@beyondthegreenshow.com

    1h 12m
See All (27)

About

Welcome to "Beyond The Green" the podcast where we delve into the rich tapestry of Morristown, New Jersey  area, exploring not only its present-day inhabitants but also the historical figures who have left an indelible mark on this vibrant community. Join us as we unravel the stories of resilience, triumph, and innovation that have shaped Morristown throughout the years, showcasing the unique blend of the past and the present that makes this town a treasure trove of history and cultural significance.Discover the untold tales behind the streets, historic landmarks, and the diverse individuals who call Morristown home.The hosts, Peter and Sotiri "Terry" Barbounis are Morristown HS Grads ( Class of 1987 & 1990)

Information

  • Creator
    Sleeping Bear Productions, LLC ©2025
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Beyond The Green
  • Show Website
    Beyond The Green