Grounded in Granite

Jason Schreiber

Grounded in Granite is a weekly on-location podcast that highlights the people and places that define life in New Hampshire. Hosted by longtime journalist Jason Schreiber, each episode features in-person conversations that will bring the Granite State’s voices, places, and spirit to life in a new way. From the Seacoast to the Great North Woods, this podcast explores the idea that every person, and every place, has a story to tell. Stay tuned and don't forget to follow Grounded in Granite to join in on this journey across New Hampshire!

  1. 3d ago

    Al Kaprielian: The TV Weatherman Who Made New England Weather Unforgettable

    On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber catches up with legendary New Hampshire meteorologist Al Kaprielian at Buckley's Bakery and Cafe in Merrimack, N.H. For decades, Kaprielian didn’t just deliver the weather on TV -- he turned it into a memorable performance that built a large fan base in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and beyond. With his unmistakable voice, animated delivery, and larger-than-life personality, Kaprielian made forecasts must-see TV, especially during his many years on air at the former WNDS station in Derry, N.H., where he was the star of "Weather with Al." Whether he was warning about a storm or celebrating a sunny day, he brought an energy and humor that made weather fun. In this interview, Kaprielian looks back on his remarkable career, the moments that made him a local legend, and what it was like to become the voice people associated with the forecast. **Don't forget to subscribe to the Grounded in Granite YouTube channel so you don't miss the next conversation. You can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart radio and Amazon Music. Be sure to follow Grounded in Granite on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X for behind-the-scenes photos and more. EPISODE CHAPTERS: 00:00 — Introduction to Legendary Meteorologist Al Kaprielian 00:39 — Al’s Early Career and Community Engagement 01:18 — Unique Style and Delivery in Weather Forecasting 08:34 — Memorable Weather Events and Public Appearances 09:23 — Reflections on Career and Community Impact 11:30 — Challenges in Weather Forecasting 13:20 — Transitioning from TV to Radio 18:12 — Journey Through Time: Al’s Life in Merrimack 18:44 — The Meteorological Path: Education and Challenges 21:20 — Behind the Scenes: The Joys of Broadcasting 22:15 — Public Perception: The Love and Criticism of a Meteorologist 23:35 — Reflections on a Career: Memories and Milestones 26:46 — Life Beyond Weather: Hobbies and Interests 30:15 — The Future of Weather Forecasting: Insights and Predictions

  2. Aug 10

    Brides Are Finding Dream Dresses at This New Hampshire Secondhand Shop

    On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber visits Once and Again Gowns in downtown Newmarket, N.H., to find out why brides from across New Hampshire and New England are flocking to this unique secondhand wedding gown shop. Owner Leslye Dedopoulos shares the story of how she's redefining the wedding dress shopping experience by creating a community around the joy of finding the perfect "pre-loved" gown without the hefty price tag at her shop, located at 55 Main St. For more information, visit www.onceandagaingowns.com. **Don't forget to subscribe to the Grounded in Granite YouTube channel so you don't miss the next conversation. You can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart radio and Amazon Music. Be sure to follow Grounded in Granite on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X for behind-the-scenes photos and more. EPISODE CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Introduction to Once and Again Gowns and owner Leslye Dedopoulos 02:10 - Affordable wedding-gown prices 03:38 - Where the shop's pre-loved gowns are found 08:32 - How the secondhand business began 10:27 - Why brides travel to shop here 13:12 - A smarter, more flexible way to plan a wedding 15:56 - Secondhand fashion and sustainability 18:51 - Helping brides find the right dress 23:31 - Vintage styles, unique finds, and walk-in shopping 26:48 - The personal side of finding a wedding gown 32:05 - Giving gowns a second life 33:50 - Closing remarks

  3. Aug 3

    One Couple's Epic Mission to Visit Every Town and City in New Hampshire

    On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber visits Paul and Heatha Normandin at their Northwood home to share the story of their journey across New Hampshire. The couple is on a mission to visit every town and city in the state. Fueled by their love for the state, they set out on this ambitious adventure in early 2023, aiming to uncover the unique stories and attractions that each community has to offer from the Seacoast to the North Country. Throughout their travels, they've encountered countless fascinating locations and are now encouraging others to step outside their comfort zones and discover the hidden treasures in their own backyards. **Don't forget to subscribe to the Grounded in Granite YouTube channel so you don't miss the next conversation. You can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart radio and Amazon Music. Be sure to follow Grounded in Granite on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X for behind-the-scenes photos and more. EPISODE CHAPTERS: 00:00 — Exploring New Hampshire: A Journey Begins 03:20 — Planning the Adventure: Research and Routes 04:52 — Hidden Gems: Discovering Unique Towns and Attractions 05:01 — The New London Ice House 06:57 — Memorable Experiences: Favorite Stops and Stories 09:10 — Franklin Pierce’s Childhood Home 09:35 — Paul’s Top Three Stops 10:41 — Frog Rock in New Boston 11:52 — Fuller Gardens 13:06 — Challenges on the Road: Finding Towns and Attractions 14:22 — The Travel Journal and Covered Bridges 15:25 — The Covered Bridge Close Call 16:55 — Reflections on Travel: The Joy of Exploration 17:42 — Why Explore Close to Home 19:23 — Travel Tales and Unexpected Adventures 20:41 — Community Connections: Engaging with Locals 22:31 — What Comes After Every Town? 23:49 — Sculptured Rocks in Hebron 25:23 — Sharing Their Road Trip Finds 26:47 — Making Each Visit Official 27:51 — Nostalgic Journeys and Personal Histories 28:48 — Finding Personal History in Pelham and Plaistow 30:28 — The Joy of Discovery and Connection 32:27 — What Detours Can Reveal 34:14 — How Wandering Changes the Conversation 36:34 — The Journey Continues 37:11 — Inspiring Others to Explore

  4. Jul 27

    This New Hampshire Furniture Shop May Be the Strangest Store Ever

    On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber visits Deja Vu Furniture & More in Londonderry, N.H., to get a first-hand look at one of the quirkiest and most unconventional shops in New Hampshire. Owner Tim Stavrou shares the story of this unique business at 113 Hillside Ave. that's much more than a furniture store. The place is more like a treasure trove of the bizarre, whimsical, and extraordinary. Imagination runs wild at Deja Vu, which many have said resembles a museum more than a store. Stavrou has spent decades curating an eclectic collection of items that go beyond traditional furniture. With 24,000 square feet packed with everything from famous statues and vintage collectibles to a massive 1,400-pound Elvis head and countless roadside attractions, Stavrou's vision is clear: to create a store that surprises and delights with hidden surprises around every corner. For more information on Deja Vu Furniture & More, visit https://dejavufurniture.net/ **Don't forget to subscribe to the Grounded in Granite YouTube channel so you don't miss the next conversation. You can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart radio and Amazon Music. Be sure to follow Grounded in Granite on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X for behind-the-scenes photos and more. EPISODE CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Introducing Deja Vu Furniture & More owner Tim Stavrou and his eclectic store 01:21 - The concept behind Deja Vu: More than just furniture 02:15 - Stavrou's background: From hotel installation to curating unique items 04:00 - Iconic pieces: Elvis, Louis Armstrong statues 07:05 - The continuous quest for new oddities and collectibles 08:23 - The front patio: Gondolas, tractors, and vintage machinery 10:29 - Sourcing items: Auctions, Brimfield Antique Flea Markets, roadside finds 11:23 - Visitors' reactions and the store’s role as a roadside attraction 14:07 - Stavrou's background: From Keene to Exeter and his artistic aspirations 16:11 - Challenges and future plans for the store and location 17:38 - The variety of items offered and the odd requests Stavrou receives 18:32 - Themed areas and collections inspired by Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard 22:12 - An artistic eye and his approach to valuing items 23:27- Stories behind unique acquisitions like the Archangel Michael and replica airplane wreckage 27:45 - Adventures and characters encountered in sourcing treasures 29:17 - The store's character: Characters, personalities, and interactions 30:44 - The common items that attract visitors and the unpredictability of inventory 31:35 - The vast array of collectibles for every interest 34:17 - Final thoughts: Visit, explore, and enjoy the surprises

  5. Jul 20

    People Still Repair Shoes? Inside a New Hampshire Cobbler Shop

    On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber takes us inside Daub's Cobbler Shop in Laconia, N.H., for a look at the unique world of shoe repair with owner Jim Daubenspeck and his son, Nate, a master cobbler who began learning the trade at a young age. The father and son team share the history, craftsmanship, and personal stories behind their small business that keeps classic skills alive in a modern society quick to toss away worn out shoes. Jim is passionate about passing on his knowledge and skills to his son, and together, they're working to ensure that the art of shoe repair continues to thrive in New Hampshire. To learn more about Daub's Cobbler Shop, which is located at 24 Canal St. in Laconia, visit https://shoerepairnh.com/. **Don't forget to subscribe to the Grounded in Granite YouTube channel so you don't miss the next conversation. You can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart radio and Amazon Music. Be sure to follow Grounded in Granite on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X for behind-the-scenes photos and more. EPISODE CHAPTERS: 00:00 — Introduction to Dobbs Cobbler Shop 01:45 — Jim’s Journey into Shoe Repair 04:29 — Acquiring the Business 07:05 — Learning the Craft 09:36 — The Impact of COVID-19 12:52 — Repair Techniques and Challenges 15:31 — Customer Connections and Sentimental Repairs 18:20 — The Future of Cobblers 21:35 — Working Together as a Family Business 24:33 — Tools of the Trade 27:17 — Why “Cobbler” Matters 30:06 — Final Thoughts on Shoe Repair

  6. Jul 6

    The English Roots of New Hampshire: Inside John Mason's Home in England & the Duke's Assassination

    On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber travels to Portsmouth, England, to explore the origins of the Hampshire name and the rich history inside Ye Spotted Dogge, which was once the home of New Hampshire founder Capt. John Mason. With roots tracing back to the 1500s, the building has seen its fair share of historical events, including the infamous murder of the 1st Duke of Buckingham George Villiers. Local British historian Dr. John Stedman shares a brief history of Hampshire, the English county where New Hampshire got its name, and recounts the assassination of Villiers inside Mason's home in 1628. Ye Spotted Dogge owner Ian Young also shares the fascinating history of Mason's house, its renovations, and its legacy as it continues to operate as an inn that attracts visitors from around the world, including New Hampshire. **Don't forget to subscribe to the Grounded in Granite YouTube channel so you don't miss the next conversation. You can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart radio and Amazon Music. Be sure to follow Grounded in Granite on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X for behind-the-scenes photos and more. EPISODE CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Introduction from Portsmouth, England, with preview of guests Dr. John Stedman, a local British historian, and Ian Young, the owner of Ye Spotted Dogge 01:53 - Dr. John Stedman shares history of origins of Hampshire name and its connection to New Hampshire founder, Capt. John Mason 04:33 - John Mason comes to Portsmouth, England and serves as paymaster to the Duke of Buckingham's army 08:19 - Who was the Duke of Buckingham? 10:22 - Recounting the assassination of the Duke of Buckingham at Mason's house 19:10 - Introduction of Ian Young, owner of Ye Spotted Dogge, who shares ownership history and initial purchase of the building 23:14 - Interest in Ye Spotted Dogge from New Hampshire guests and Young's visit to Portsmouth, N.H. 27:22 - Details of original rooms, their historical significance, and the hand-painted paneling from the 1600s and its restoration 28:31 - The story of the Duke of Buckingham’s murder, the dagger Young believes was used in the assassination, and its recovery after a theft 34:16 - The challenge of restoring the inn, revealing the painted paneling, and notable architectural features, including the fireplace with Tudor bricks 40:24 - Personal fascination with the building’s history and the connection to Portsmouth Grammar School 41:45 - Closing thoughts and booking at Ye Spotted Dogge

About

Grounded in Granite is a weekly on-location podcast that highlights the people and places that define life in New Hampshire. Hosted by longtime journalist Jason Schreiber, each episode features in-person conversations that will bring the Granite State’s voices, places, and spirit to life in a new way. From the Seacoast to the Great North Woods, this podcast explores the idea that every person, and every place, has a story to tell. Stay tuned and don't forget to follow Grounded in Granite to join in on this journey across New Hampshire!

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