It's Your Break

It's Your Break
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Biweekly

It's Your Break is your invitation to step away from the daily grind and make time for a little fun. Discover engaging interviews, practical life hacks, comedy, and conversations that bring a lighter side to everyday life. Whether you're on your lunch break, commuting, or unwinding at home, join us for perspectives, helpful tips, and plenty of laughs. From finding easier ways to tackle your day to simply enjoying a good story, this variety podcast gives you room to relax, recharge, and enjoy the moment. Life gets busy. Take a breather, have a laugh, and make this break yours. You've earned it.

  1. Oct 9

    Jonathan Mertz Unplugged From Shaggy to Life Beyond the Mic

    The host becomes the guest! Troy Yount takes over It’s YourBreak for a funny, personal conversation with Jonathan Mertz about voice acting, Kentucky roots, radio memories, and life beyond the microphone. Hear Jonathan bring out his Shaggy impression, defend hisBatman picks, revisit family Derby parties, and explain why Jimmy Buffett delivered his favorite concert experience. There’s even a story about Kenny Wayne Shepherd and a pair of inexpensive headphones. The laughs give way to a thoughtful finish as Jonathanconsiders advice for his younger self and shares what parenting has taught him about listening, adapting, and making room for family. Follow It’s Your Break for more conversations that give youa moment to laugh and reset. Visit https://itsyourbreak.com/ and find us on social media @itsyourbreak. Chapters 00:00 Opening and show mission 01:00 Troy turns the tables 02:41 Icebreakers with a twist 04:29 Kentucky roots and family traditions 11:04 Shaggy and character voices 14:40 Shaggy takes the movie quote challenge 18:49 Voice acting inspirations 21:52 Wordplay and Disney nostalgia 30:20 Desert island books 34:10 Dream dinner guests 37:36 Gaming and superhero favorites 43:51 Movies and TV favorites 51:32 Basketball and radio memories 55:20 Concerts and musical influences 01:02:17 Behind the scenes in radio 01:03:54 Rapid fire favorites 01:05:24 Advice to a younger Jonathan 01:07:33 Parenting and communication 01:10:20 Podcast connections and wrap up

    Jonathan Mertz Unplugged From Shaggy to Life Beyond the Mic

  2. Sep 25

    Designing for the Seasons: Nicholas Walker on Sustainable Landscaping and Working with Nature

    In this captivating episode of It's Your Break, host Jonathan Mertz welcomes back award-winning landscaper, artist, and master designer Nicholas Walker for his first appearance in 11 years!With over three decades of high-profile experience, including work for Elizabeth Taylor, Oprah Winfrey, and Kathy Ireland. Plus, historic restorations on the Frank Lloyd Wright Storehouse. Nicholas Walker shares essential wisdom on adapting our outdoor spaces to climate change, extreme weather, and natural ecologies.Discover why working hand-in-hand with Mother Nature is the key to sustainable landscape architecture, how to implement firewise landscaping to survive canyon wildfires, why invasive plant choices like Ficus trees and fountain grass create millions in property damage, and why he strictly eliminated glyphosate (Roundup) from his practice over 30 years ago.Plus, Nicholas takes us behind the scenes of executing a 72-hour garden transformation for Oprah Winfrey in Beaverton, Oregon, hosting HGTV's Designing for the Sexes, and using Japanese Wabi-Sabi philosophy to turn natural site obstacles into stunning $500,000 cost savings.🌿 Key Topics Covered in This Episode: 00:00 - Introduction & Returning to It's Your Break After 11 Years02:54 - From Acting Dressing Rooms to Landscaping for Elizabeth Taylor & Oprah Winfrey07:00 - Sustainable & Regenerative Landscaping in the Era of Climate Change08:57 - The Beverly Hills Hillside Lesson: Hydrostatic Pressure vs. Concrete Walls10:56 - Firewise Landscaping: Surviving Wildfires in the Santa Monica Mountains15:11 - Designing Naturecapes & Symbiotic Plant Communities19:45 - The $20 Million Ficus Tree Mistake20:10 - Avoiding Destructive Invasives29:17 - Why Nicholas Walker Banned Glyphosate / Roundup 30 Years Ago34:27 - Behind the Scenes: Favorite projects that lead to friendships36:11 - Oprah Winfrey's 72-Hour Beaverton Garden Makeover45:35 - Book Recommendations: The Art Of Wabi-Sabi. Embracing Imperfection & Acute Site Listening🔗 Connect & Follow Us:Follow It's Your Break on Instagram, Threads, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube: @ItsYourBreakSubscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, and iHeartRadio.Visit Nicholas Walker & Campion Walker Garden Design: championwalker.com | Instagram: @campionwalker

    Designing for the Seasons: Nicholas Walker on Sustainable Landscaping and Working with Nature

  3. Sep 11

    Landscaping to the Stars! (IYB Revisit) ⭐ DIY Garden Editing with Nicholas Walker - It's Your Break

    Ever pulled up to a friend's house and thought, OMG, what is wrong with that yard? 😬 If you are struggling to maintain your lawn, getting hounded by your family to tidy things up, or just want to take your gardening game to the next level, this episode is your ultimate reset button!In this episode of It’s Your Break, host Jonathan Mertz revisits a classic, action-packed interview with the award-winning landscape designer and "landscaper to the stars," Nicholas Walker. Nicholas has designed for legends like Elizabeth Taylor, worked on historical Los Angeles estates (including a Frank Lloyd Wright property!), and co-developed the sustainable home and garden brand Jardan with supermodel-turned-entrepreneur Kathy Ireland.Nicholas joins the show to share his absolute best, budget-friendly DIY landscaping and sustainable gardening hacks that you can start using in your own yard today!Here is what we are unpacking in this episode:- The "Bad Salad" Rule: Why great garden design actually begins with removals and editing visual noise to expose the true "bones" of your property.- The Hidden Lawnmower Trap: How your lawnmower is secretly sowing crabgrass and dandelion seeds all over your yard—and the simple, toothbrushing-like habit to stop it!- Recycle, Repurpose, Reuse: Incredible real-life examples of how Nicholas built a beautiful retaining wall out of broken concrete destined for the dump, and a backyard shading arbor out of old redwood timbers.- Free Sustainable Fertilizer: Why you should "mulch, mulch, mulch," compost using household kitchen waste and vegetarian-only animal manure, and even recycle your Epsom salt bathwater to make your trees flourish!- The Jardan Gold Medal Story: The inspiring story of how Kathy Ireland and Nicholas won a gold medal at the San Francisco Flower Show on a tiny \$6,000 budget.Whether you have a massive yard or a tiny garden patch, it is time to take a break, grab a cool drink, and learn how to edit your outdoor space like a seasoned pro.🔔 If you loved these tips, make sure to Subscribe and Follow It's Your Break on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode!

    Landscaping to the Stars! (IYB Revisit) ⭐ DIY Garden Editing with Nicholas Walker - It's Your Break

  4. Sep 4

    Navigating Late Fatherhood: Years of Waiting for a Baby, Parenting at 40, and Finding Balance on the It's Your Break Podcast

    Becoming a first-time dad at 40 after trying for 17 years? Yes, it happens! In this podcast, It’s Your Break host Jonathan Mertz introduces new Guest Host Troy Yount! Troy Yount breaks down the realities of late fatherhood, fertility, parenting tips for older dads, and how he and his wife's lives have changed. From the physical toll on the knees and back to finding a peer group when your friends already have high school graduates, Troy shares honest advice and plenty of laughs. We also discuss why modern society is "terminally online," the importance of real-world community, and Troy's career as an IT professional and worship leader. Stick around for a fun rapid-fire Q&A about classic movies, why physical media is making a comeback, and a legendary Bed Bath & Beyond impulse purchase! "Little Baby Jesus" - Jonathan Mertz TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Introduction: Breaking the News to Casey & It's Your Break Mission 04:00 - Welcoming Troy 06:14 - Troy Yount's 17-Year Journey to Fatherhood 07:15 - Little Baby Jesus 07:56 - Parenting at 40: Knees, Backs, and Childproofing 09:31 - Advice for Older Parents: Connection & Communication 14:00 - Troy's Goals Raising Kids, Career Risks, and Writing 16:41 - Means the Most in Life 17:40 - Combating the "Terminally Online" Era & Rebuilding Community 20:49 - Rapid-Fire Fun: hard rock, Pizza, and Futurama 27:46 - Deep Thinking but Fun Questions: Sorting Hat - Gryffindor, Potter World, Ideal Date, Waste of Money, and Teams Memes 43:14 - Outro & How to Support the Show 🔔 Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and leave a comment!📲 **Connect with It's Your Break:** Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsyourbreak Threads: https://www.threads.com/@itsyourbreak TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsyourbreak YouTube: https://youtube.com/@UCs4civBHzfdJYSqA4lLPlkQ Website: https://itsyourbreak.com/ #LateFatherhood #ParentingAt40 #ItsYourBreak #NewDad #FertilityJourney #Community #Podcast #FatherhoodAdvice #TroyYount #JonathanMertz

    Navigating Late Fatherhood: Years of Waiting for a Baby, Parenting at 40, and Finding Balance on the It's Your Break Podcast

  5. Aug 21

    It Shouldn't Be This Hard

    Why does it feel like modern life comes with an instruction manual that's 500 pages long? 😵‍💫 This week, Jonathan Mertz tackles the "complexity creep" in our daily lives. From managing an endless list of unique passwords to the absurdity of filling out the same medical forms for the tenth time, we’re looking at why things are so difficult and—more importantly—how we can make them easier. In this episode: The reality of password security and 2FA. The "absurd" documentation requirements in healthcare. A "vent session" on car buying, passports, and subscription cancellations. Pro-tips on using education and organization to reclaim your time. Take a break from yourself and reset with us. Connect with It’s Your Break: Follow us on Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and YouTube @itsyourbreak. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review!

    It Shouldn't Be This Hard

  6. Jul 24

    Jaws, Bunkers, and the Art of the Story with Drew Robinson | It's Your Break

    Dive into the cinematic history of Martha’s Vineyard with prolific storyteller Drew Robinson. In this episode, we uncover the hidden struggles of filming Jaws, from mechanical sharks that sank to the legendary antics of Robert Shaw. We also explore the importance of taking a break from yourself to embrace life’s sillier, more adventurous moments. Most film fans know Jaws was filmed on Martha’s Vineyard, but Drew Robinson had a front-row seat to the chaos. His sister-in-law, Susan, was part of the production crew, specifically operating the mechanical shark known as "Bruce". The production was famously plagued by technical failures. Because Bruce was built in a freshwater tank in California, the salt water of the Atlantic Ocean caused his components to rust and corrode almost immediately. Drew recounts how the shark sank to the bottom upon arrival. This led to a series of improvisations, including the famous opening scene where stunt actors used underwater buoys and cables to simulate a shark attack because the mechanical fin wouldn't work. The mechanical issues didn't end there. At one point, the shark's latex skin absorbed so much salt water that it blew up like a balloon, looking more like a "puffer fish" than a Great White. Even the use of a real tiger shark caused issues; after hanging in the sun for days in Edgartown, the smell became so potent that residents could smell it from miles away. Beyond the mechanical terror, the human element was just as volatile. Drew shares stories of Robert Shaw’s legendary drinking and his frequent run-ins with the local island police. The tension between Shaw and Richard Dreyfuss was constant, all while the crew dealt with a production that was millions over budget and months behind schedule. While these stories are captivating, they serve a larger purpose. Whether it is Drew's childhood memories of playing in dangerous WWII bunkers on South Beach or the hilarious story of an Israeli visitor being captivated by a common squirrel at SeaWorld, these narratives remind us of the wonder in the world. At It's Your Break, we curate these moments of storytelling to help you reset yourself. Life involves more than just the daily grind; it involves stories that surround us, connect us, and allow us to see the world through a different lens. Drew Robinson continues to tell stories through his numerous books, including Martha's Vineyard, My Island, My Memory and his time-travel trilogy starting with Worst Date, Greatest Adventure. He also leads the Orlando chapter of the Florida Writers Association, helping others find their own voices. Ready to take your break? Visit itsyourbreak.com to consume more episodes on your favorite platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Remember to like, subscribe, and leave a review to join our community of storytellers. Welcome to the moment. Welcome to It’s Your Break.

    Jaws, Bunkers, and the Art of the Story with Drew Robinson | It's Your Break

  7. Jul 10

    It’s Your Break | Episode Revisit: Eating Something Sexy

    Can you actually eat your way to a better love life? In this episode of It’s Your Break, Jonathan Mertz revisits a classic 2010 interview with gastronomy and food science expert Amy Riley, author of Eat Something Sexy. We peel back the layers on: The "Nap Factor": Why heavy meals are the ultimate romance killers.Pheromone Foods: The strange connection between truffles, champagne, and human attraction.Beyond Strawberries: Why figs and peaches might be the real stars of your next date night.The Cucumber Study: Discover the scent combination that ranks #1 for female arousal. Amy shares practical tips for keeping date night simple, light, and effective. Remember, it’s not just about the nutrition—it’s about the effort and taking a break to be in the moment with the one you love. Follow us on socials: @ItsYourBreakVisit our website: https://itsyourbreak.com.

    It’s Your Break | Episode Revisit: Eating Something Sexy

  8. Jun 27

    How to Land Consistent Podcast Guest Interviews & Automate Your Booking Workflow

    Are you struggling to land high-quality guests for your podcast? Whether you are a veteran creator or just starting out, finding the right experts to interview can feel like a full-time job. In this episode of It’s Your Break, host Jonathan Mertz pulls back the curtain on the exact system used to secure consistent interviews without needing massive celebrity metrics. What you’ll learn in this episode: The KPI Myth: Why you don't need huge audience data to attract great guests and how to handle the "demographic box" on application forms.The Best Free Tool for Podcasters: A deep dive into using RadioGuestList.com, a completely free service that connects shows with experts.Ditch the DMs: Why social media outreach and LinkedIn often lead to "hit or miss" results and how to use more foolproof methods.Gmail Automation Secrets: Step-by-step instructions on enabling Gmail templates and filters to automatically respond to pitches, saving you hours of manual work.The Power of Local: Why joining your local Chamber of Commerce is a "cheat code" for community-focused content.OUR Website: itsyourbreak.comInstagram/TikTok/YouTube: @itsyourbreakThe mission of It’s Your Break is to remind you to take a moment to reset, laugh, and be in the moment. Stop stressing over your guest list and start automating your workflow so you can get back to what matters—having great conversations.Connect with us.

    How to Land Consistent Podcast Guest Interviews & Automate Your Booking Workflow
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About

It's Your Break is your invitation to step away from the daily grind and make time for a little fun. Discover engaging interviews, practical life hacks, comedy, and conversations that bring a lighter side to everyday life. Whether you're on your lunch break, commuting, or unwinding at home, join us for perspectives, helpful tips, and plenty of laughs. From finding easier ways to tackle your day to simply enjoying a good story, this variety podcast gives you room to relax, recharge, and enjoy the moment. Life gets busy. Take a breather, have a laugh, and make this break yours. You've earned it.

Information

  • Creator
    It's Your Break
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2026
  • Episodes
    59
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © It's Your Break
  • Show Website
    It's Your Break

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