Across the Table

James Finochio
  • 4.9 (14)
  • PERSONAL JOURNALS

Across the Table is hosted by James Finochio — a Blair County native with grit, humor, and a sharp eye for stories. From construction sites to time served, his life experience fuels raw, thoughtful conversations with everyday people. Tune in for real talk, local voices, and the reminder that behind every face is a story worth sharing.  Guest Application: https://tinyurl.com/3psz2xn7

  1. The War on Cannabis Started Here… Now This Is Happening | Cann-A-Toona | Danny & Veronica Rivera

    5D AGO

    The War on Cannabis Started Here… Now This Is Happening | Cann-A-Toona | Danny & Veronica Rivera

    Send us Fan Mail The Truth About Cannabis Prohibition (They Don’t Want You to Know This) What if everything you’ve been told about cannabis… was built on lies? In this episode of Across The Table, James Finochio sits down with Danny and Veronica Rivera — owners of True Healing Concepts and founders of Altoona’s Canna-Toona Festival — to break down the real history of cannabis prohibition, the legal confusion around hemp, and why the system still hasn’t changed. This isn’t just a conversation about weed. It’s about power, policy, money… and who actually benefits from keeping things the way they are. From the origins of prohibition to modern-day crackdowns on hemp, this episode exposes how legislation, media narratives, and enforcement have shaped public perception — and why small businesses and everyday people are the ones caught in the middle. They also share their personal story of building a cannabis business from the ground up, navigating legal battles, and creating a local movement that’s bringing people together instead of dividing them. If you think this is just about getting high… you’re missing the bigger picture. In this episode: 🔥 The real origins of cannabis prohibition (and why they still matter today) ⚖️ Hemp vs marijuana — what the law actually says vs what people believe 🚨 How enforcement, loopholes, and “gray areas” impact real people 💰 Why cannabis is still a “pay-to-play” industry 🏛 Who benefits from keeping cannabis restricted 🌿 The fight to keep hemp alive in Pennsylvania 🤝 Building a community-driven business in a controversial industry 🎉 How the Canna-Toona Festival is changing the narrative locally 👤 Guest Info — Danny & Veronica Rivera 🌿 True Healing Concepts https://www.facebook.com/share/1EaxQp4qmH/?mibextid=wwXIfr 🎉 Canna-Toona Festival https://www.facebook.com/share/19yHBdc1x6/?mibextid=wwXIfr 📺 More from Across The Table https://www.youtube.com/@AcrossTheTablePC 📲 Follow Across The Table 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/acrossthetable.pc/ 🎵 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@across.the.table 📘 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/across.the.table.podcast.2025 💬 Support the show If you found value in this conversation, share it with someone who needs to hear it. These are the conversations that don’t get pushed — they get passed. 🏷️ Tags (SEO) cannabis prohibition, hemp vs marijuana, cannabis laws Pennsylvania, war on drugs truth, hemp legalization, cannabis industry corruption, Altoona PA, Canna-Toona Festival, cannabis business, True Healing Concepts, podcast interview, Across The Table Support the show

    1h 6m
  2. The Truth Behind “The Bystander” — Media, AI, and Real-World Influence (John David)

    APR 3

    The Truth Behind “The Bystander” — Media, AI, and Real-World Influence (John David)

    Send us Fan Mail EPISODE 27 — John David on Writing Thrillers, Media Narratives, and AI In this episode of Across The Table, James Finochio sits down with author John David to talk about his transition from public relations into novel writing, and the real-world inspiration behind his thriller The Bystander. John shares how a combination of personal experiences, conversations around gun rights, and a real-life incident helped shape the foundation of his story. The conversation goes beyond writing and into bigger topics — including media narratives, the role of AI in modern work, and how storytelling is influenced by real events, bias, and perspective. They talk about: 🏛 transitioning from a career in PR to writing fiction 📖 the inspiration and themes behind The Bystander ✍️ how novels are structured, written, and edited 🎭 building realistic characters with flaws and depth 📰 media influence and how narratives are shaped 🤖 the benefits and risks of using AI in writing and research 📚 the challenges of publishing and promoting a book today 🎯 why real-life experiences often shape the best stories John also shares insights into the publishing world, the importance of having a strong editor, and what it actually takes to go from an idea to a finished novel. If you're interested in writing, media, storytelling, or how real-world events influence fiction, this is a conversation worth listening to. 👤 Guest Info — John David 🌐 Explore John’s work, books, and updates ⁠https://byjohndavid.substack.com/⁠ 📺 Watch more episodes ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@AcrossTheTablePC⁠ 📲 Follow Across The Table 📸 Instagram ⁠https://www.instagram.com/acrossthetable.pc/⁠ 🎵 TikTok ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@across.the.table⁠ 📘 Facebook ⁠https://www.facebook.com/across.the.table.podcast.2025⁠ 💬 Support the show If you enjoyed this conversation, consider following the podcast, sharing it, or sending it to someone who’s interested in writing, media, or storytelling. Support the show

    41 min

  3. MAR 19

    The Body Part Nobody Talks About That Controls Your Pain | John Welch

    Send us Fan Mail What if the root cause of chronic pain, poor posture, and recurring injuries isn’t where you feel it—but how your entire body is organized? In this episode of Across the Table, host James Finochio sits down with John Welch, owner of Freeborn Fitness, to break down the science and philosophy behind the Freeborn Neck Protocol—a system designed to restore the body through proper alignment, movement patterns, and nervous system regulation. John explains why the nuchal ligament, a largely overlooked structure in the neck, may play a critical role in: Posture and spinal alignmentNeurological signalingFull-body strength and coordinationThroughout the conversation, we explore: Why traditional strength training often leads to injuryThe real reason pain patterns (like sciatica and back pain) repeatHow fascia, ligaments, and movement patterns shape the bodyThe importance of time under tension for ligaments vs. musclesWhy most people skip the foundational steps of movement: regulation, orientation, and integrationJohn also shares his personal story—from growing up with chronic pain and injuries to developing a system that helps people rebuild their bodies through low-impact, highly intentional movement. This episode is ideal for listeners interested in: Chronic pain reliefPosture correctionFunctional fitnessHolistic health and movementInjury prevention and recoveryWhether you're an athlete, someone dealing with long-term pain, or just trying to move and feel better, this conversation offers a new framework for understanding how the body actually works. 🔗 Connect with John Welch: freeborn.fitness Support the show

    1h 19m
  4. Andrea Verobish Explains Her Platform for Pennsylvania’s 79th District State Representative Race

    MAR 10

    Andrea Verobish Explains Her Platform for Pennsylvania’s 79th District State Representative Race

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Across The Table, host James Finochio sits down with Andrea Verobish, the Republican candidate for Pennsylvania’s 79th District State Representative seat, which represents Altoona and parts of Blair County. Andrea discusses her background, her path into public service, and why she decided to run for the state legislature. The conversation explores her views on energy policy, economic development, government spending, and the role of state government in supporting local communities. Throughout the discussion, Andrea shares her perspective on the challenges facing Pennsylvania and what she believes needs to change in order to strengthen the economy and create more opportunity across the region. In this conversation, they discuss: What a state representative actually does and how state government impacts everyday lifePennsylvania’s natural gas industry and energy productionEconomic development and creating opportunities in Altoona and Blair CountyGovernment spending and fiscal responsibilityThe role of state policy in supporting local businesses and job growthChallenges facing Pennsylvania’s economy and workforceHer priorities if elected to represent the 79th DistrictThis interview is part of our effort to give voters in Pennsylvania’s 79th District the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates ahead of the March 17 special election. If you live in the district, follow Pennsylvania politics, or want to better understand the issues shaping this race, this conversation is worth a listen. Guest Information: Andrea Verobish Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585953555126 Campaign Website: voteverobish.com Follow Across The Table YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/@AcrossTheTablePC Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/acrossthetable.pc/ TikTok  https://www.tiktok.com/@across.the.table Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/across.the.table.podcast.2025 If you enjoyed the episode, consider following the show and sharing it with someone in Pennsylvania’s 79th District who wants to hear directly from the candidates before voting. Support the show

    1 hr
  5. Caleb McCoy Explains His Platform for Pennsylvania’s 79th District State Representative Race

    MAR 10

    Caleb McCoy Explains His Platform for Pennsylvania’s 79th District State Representative Race

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Across The Table, host James Finochio sits down with Caleb McCoy, the Democratic candidate for Pennsylvania’s 79th District State Representative seat, which represents Altoona and parts of Blair County. Caleb shares his background as a nurse, veteran, and working-class candidate, and explains what motivated him to run for office. The conversation explores his views on healthcare, labor issues, immigration policy, and the role state government should play in improving the lives of working families. Throughout the discussion, Caleb talks about what he believes is broken in the current system and how public policy can better serve everyday people rather than powerful interests. In this conversation, they discuss: What a state representative actually does and why state government matters locallyCaleb’s experience as a nurse and how healthcare policy impacts working familiesWorking-class wages, unions, childcare, and paid parental leaveCampaign finance reform and the influence of money in politicsChallenges within the healthcare system and the need for accountabilityAbortion policy and why Caleb views it as a medical issueImmigration policy and its relationship to labor marketsHis vision for Altoona and economic opportunity in the regionThis interview is part of our effort to give voters in Pennsylvania’s 79th District the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates ahead of the March 17 special election. If you live in the district, follow Pennsylvania politics, or want to better understand the issues shaping this race, this conversation is worth a listen. Guest Information: Caleb McCoy Campaign Website: https://therealmccoyforpa.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealmccoyforpa Follow Across The Table YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/@AcrossTheTablePC Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/acrossthetable.pc/ TikTok  https://www.tiktok.com/@across.the.table Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/across.the.table.podcast.2025 If you enjoyed the episode, consider following the show and sharing it with someone in Pennsylvania’s 79th District who wants to hear directly from the candidates before voting. Support the show

    1h 1m
  6. Fathers Aren’t Optional — The Father Absence Crisis | Erik Vecere

    MAR 8

    Fathers Aren’t Optional — The Father Absence Crisis | Erik Vecere

    Send us Fan Mail EPISODE 23 — Fathers Aren’t Optional with Erik Vecere In this episode of Across The Table, James Finochio speaks with Erik Vecere from the National Fatherhood Initiative about the importance of father involvement and the ongoing father absence crisis in America. Today, more than 18 million children are growing up without their father in the home. Erik breaks down the research behind why fathers matter, how father absence affects children and communities, and what organizations across the country are doing to support responsible fatherhood. They discuss: • the real impact of father involvement on child development  • why many dads feel replaceable in their children’s lives  • barriers that prevent fathers from engaging in parenting programs  • how fatherhood programs reduce recidivism in correctional facilities  • maternal gatekeeping and co-parenting dynamics  • the role of stepdads and father figures  • free resources available for fathers and families Erik also explains how the National Fatherhood Initiative works with community organizations, correctional facilities, and family programs to increase father involvement and strengthen families. If you care about stronger families, better outcomes for kids, and the role fathers play in shaping the next generation, this episode is worth your time. Guest Info National Fatherhood Initiative https://fatherhood.org Support the show

    1h 7m
  7. Hypnosis, the Subconscious Mind, and Rewiring Beliefs (Teri Martell) #22

    MAR 3

    Hypnosis, the Subconscious Mind, and Rewiring Beliefs (Teri Martell) #22

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Across The Table, James Finochio sits down with certified hypnotherapist and instructor Teri Martell to explore the real mechanics of hypnosis—how it works, what it can help with, and why most people misunderstand it. Teri explains hypnosis as a relaxed state of mind and body, similar to daydreaming, where suggestions can bypass the critical mind and speak directly to the subconscious. They discuss how habits get programmed, why stress drives so many symptoms, and how self-hypnosis and guided imagery can help people calm the nervous system and shift the patterns they’re stuck in. Then Teri leads James through a live hypnosis session during the episode, giving listeners a firsthand look at what the process sounds like and how quickly the body can respond. They talk about:  🧠 hypnosis vs. stage hypnosis (and why you can’t be made to do things against your values)  🔥 stress, pain, habits, and subconscious “autopilot” programming  🧩 the inner child voice, intrusive thoughts, and belief rewiring  🌊 guided imagery + self-hypnosis techniques  ⚠️ trauma, regression, and false memories (and why ethical practice matters)  📚 the history of hypnosis + why stigma keeps coming back 📚 Resource Mentioned: Secrets of Healing https://a.co/d/0gbRyava 👤 Guest Info — Teri Martell (Secrets of Healing) 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/secretsofhealing1111 🌐 Website: https://www.secretsofhealing.net 🎓 Hypnosis Classes: https://www.secretsofhealing.net/classes 🔗 National Guild of Hypnotists: https://www.ngh.net Support the show

    1h 36m
  8. Young, Ambitious — and Rebuilding Altoona (JJ Colombo) #21

    FEB 22

    Young, Ambitious — and Rebuilding Altoona (JJ Colombo) #21

    Send us Fan Mail JJ Colombo is 20 years old — and actively rebuilding downtown Altoona. In this episode of Across The Table, James Finochio welcomes JJ back to discuss the continued restoration of the 1908 Cooper Building and what it takes to invest in your hometown at a young age. JJ shares the latest progress on the building’s renovation, from restoring original features to preparing the first floor for future business. They talk about craftsmanship, preserving history, and why thoughtful development plays a critical role in revitalizing a city. The conversation also explores JJ’s work beyond real estate, including: Performing in Wait Until Dark at the Mishler TheatreMentoring young musiciansRepresenting the U.S. in France near the Eiffel TowerDeveloping land at Pemberley EstatesStaying disciplined, ambitious, and forward-moving as a young manAt its core, this episode is about initiative — choosing to build something real, take responsibility early, and move instead of waiting. 👤 Guest Info — JJ Colombo 🏛 The Cooper Building 📍 11th Avenue, Downtown Altoona 📸 Instagram: @cooperbuildingaltoona 📘 Facebook: The Cooper Building 🏢 C&C Rental Properties 📘 Facebook: C&C Rental Properties 🌳 Pemberley Estates (Land for Sale) 📘 Facebook: Pemberley Estates Support the show

    41 min
See All (27)

4.9
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Across the Table is hosted by James Finochio — a Blair County native with grit, humor, and a sharp eye for stories. From construction sites to time served, his life experience fuels raw, thoughtful conversations with everyday people. Tune in for real talk, local voices, and the reminder that behind every face is a story worth sharing.  Guest Application: https://tinyurl.com/3psz2xn7

Information

  • Creator
    James Finochio
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Across the Table
  • Show Website
    Across the Table

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