Grounded in Granite

Jason Schreiber
  • 4.5 (2)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

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. 1d ago

    Inside the Mind of a New Hampshire Hypnotist

    On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber sits down with New Hampshire hypnotist Paul Ramsay inside Brothers' Cortado coffee shop in Concord, N.H., to explore the captivating world of hypnotism. Many may be surprised to learn that the National Guild of Hypnotists, which is the world's oldest and largest professional organization dedicated to the work of hypnotists, is headquartered in Merrimack, N.H. During their conversation, Ramsay shares his unexpected journey into hypnotism. After graduating from the University of New Hampshire and spending three years as a high school English teacher, he found himself burned out and searching for a new path. He eventually pursued training and certification in hypnotism and has spent years performing live hypnotism shows, particularly for college students, across the country. He discusses the common misconceptions surrounding hypnotism, often fueled by movies and television, and how he aims to debunk these myths during his performances, helping audiences understand that hypnotism can be a powerful tool for relaxation and stress relief. For more information on Ramsay's work, visit https://paulramsay.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, and TikTok for behind-the-scenes photos and more. EPISODE CHAPTERS: 00:00 -- Meet Hypnotist Paul Ramsay 01:50 -- How Ramsay Became a Hypnotist 07:18 -- Turning Hypnosis Into a Career 10:00 -- What Happens in a Hypnosis Show 15:22 -- When He Knows It’s Working and Not Fake 21:25 -- Favorite Routines and Creative Transformations 23:52 -- The Dessert Table Debacle — and a Safety Lesson 28:30 -- Clinical Hypnosis and Helping People 34:40 -- Fear, Skepticism, and Informed Consent 39:19 -- Building a Life as a Hypnotist 44:25 -- Closing Thoughts and Where to Find Ramsay

  2. Oct 12

    Above the White Mountains: Riding New Hampshire's Longest Gondola Skyride

    On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber travels to Lincoln, N.H., to explore Loon Mountain's Gondola Skyride during the foliage season with Steve Howell, the manager of lift maintenance who shares the fascinating history and upkeep of this iconic ride in the heart of the White Mountains. Billed as the longest gondola ride in New Hampshire, the Gondola Skyride has been a staple since 1966 and has seen numerous changes and upgrades over the decades with plans in the works for larger cabins to carry more passengers in the future. Howell recalls his journey at Loon, which began in 1992 as a lift operator, and explains how riding the gondola isn't just about getting from point A to point B; it's an experience shaped by the seasons and stunning views. For more information on the Gondola Skyride, visit https://www.loonmtn.com/ EPISODE CHAPTERS: 0:00 — Introduction to Loon Mountain and Gondola Skyride 02:14 — From the Original Lift to Today’s Gondola 04:54 — Experience of Riding the Gondola 06:54 — Maintenance Challenges and Operations 08:52 — Weather Impact on Operations 13:45 — Future Plans for the Gondola with 10-Passenger Cabins 15:23 — Historical Significance of Gondolas in New Hampshire 19:27 — How the Original Summer Gondola Took Shape 20:55 — Inside the Gondola Barn 21:13 — Closing Thoughts

  3. Oct 5

    His Midlife Crisis Was Apples: How a New Hampshire Farmer Built a Thriving Orchard

    On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber travels to Stone Mountain Farm in Belmont, N.H., to sit down with Joe Rolfe, who isn't just the owner of this charming farm, but he's also the heart and soul behind its transformation into a thriving apple orchard. Joe grew up on the farm, which his parents bought in 1963, but when they considered selling it for potential development as they got older, he and his wife, Cindy, made the bold decision to purchase the farm and plant an apple orchard despite knowing nothing about growing apples. Thirteen years later, the orchard spans eight acres and uses a high-density farming method that's part of a vertical farming approach that's unlike traditional farming. During their conversation inside the barn where he once played as a child, Joe shares his journey from a nostalgic family legacy to a flourishing apple orchard. For more information on Stone Mountain Farm, visit https://www.stonemtnfarm.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, and TikTok for behind-the-scenes photos and more. EPISODE CHAPTERS: 00:00 — Introduction to Stone Mountain Farm 02:07 — Roots of the Farm and Orchard Planting 06:04 — Vertical Growing and Sunlight 07:16 — High-Density Yields and Efficiency 09:31 — The Rambo Apple Story 12:12 — From Pumpkin Patch to Farm Stand 14:54 — The Cost of Fire Blight 21:57 — Capital Costs and Reinvesting 24:09 — Pick-Your-Own vs. Wholesale 27:57 — Small-Team Harvesting Workflow 29:38 — Candy Crisp and the First Frost

  4. Sep 28

    The Gundalow: New Hampshire's One-of-a-Kind Sailing Experience

    On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber steps aboard the Gundalow -- a replica of an 1800s sailing river barge in Portsmouth, N.H. that's become a floating classroom and offers a one-of-a-kind passenger sailing experience that captures the essence of New Hampshire’s coastal heritage. Andy Goodell, the Gundalow's operations manager, shares fascinating insights about this unique vessel that was historically used by farmers to transport goods. Today, the river barge operated by the nonprofit Gundalow Company provides students with hands-on learning about maritime skills, navigation, and marine life and gives locals and tourists a chance to soak in the sights and sounds of the Piscataqua River. For more information on the Gundalow, visit www.gundalow.org. **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, and TikTok for behind-the-scenes photos and more. EPISODE CHAPTERS: 00:00 — Introduction to the Gundalow Experience 01:52 — The History and Design of the Gundalow 02:24 — Educational Programs and Community Engagement 03:40 — Navigating the Piscataqua River 05:17 — Building the Piscataqua with Volunteers 07:27 — Historic Accuracy and Modern Safety 09:40 — The Sailing Season 10:22 — Bringing Inland Students to the Water 11:55 — Tourism and Unique Experiences 13:28 — Andy's Path to the Gundalow 15:36 — Challenges of Operating a Historical Vessel 17:52 — Weather Considerations and Safety Measures 19:26 — What to Expect on the River 21:31 — The Joy of Sharing Maritime Heritage 23:06 — Portsmouth's Maritime Heritage 24:11 — Getting Ready to Sail 25:57 — Conclusion and Future Events

  5. Sep 21

    Record-Breaking Pumpkins: The New Hampshire Man Behind the Giants

    On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber gets a look at the magic behind the world of giant pumpkin growing with Steve Geddes, who holds the New Hampshire record for the largest pumpkin ever grown at over 2,500 pounds and has previously held world records. From his pumpkin patch in Boscawen, N.H., where two massive pumpkins have been growing this season, Geddes shares his journey into giant pumpkins, which isn't just about planting seeds and waiting. He emphasizes the importance of having seeds from the right genetic line. To achieve impressive results, Geddes practices meticulous gardening techniques, but he shares how the art of giant pumpkin growing is really a blend of skill, patience, and a bit of luck. **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, and TikTok for behind-the-scenes photos and more. EPISODE CHAPTERS: 00:00 — Introduction to Giant Pumpkin Growing 02:07 — The Journey of a Giant Pumpkin Grower 05:13 — The Impact of Climate and Environment on Growth 08:50 — Secrets to Successful Pumpkin Cultivation 13:25 — Record-Breaking Pumpkins and Their Stories 17:26 — The Future of Giant Pumpkin Growing 20:33 — The Quest for the 3,000-Pound Pumpkin 21:49 — The Value of Pumpkin Seeds 26:50 — Protecting Pumpkins from Nature’s Elements 29:46 — Challenges of Growing Giant Pumpkins 32:28 — The Art of Lifting and Transporting Pumpkins 35:13 — The Thrill of Growing Giants 37:11 — Community and Support in Pumpkin Growing

  6. Sep 14

    Crafting Spirits: Inside New Hampshire's Only Still-Making Factory

    On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber heads to Nashua, N.H., to explore the world of craft spirits inside Stephen StillZ LLC, the only still manufacturer in New Hampshire, where owner Stephen Zajac shares his journey into the art of distillation. He launched the business in 2014, making stills of all sizes for homes and distilleries, but interest in hobby distilling soared during the COVID-19 pandemic, turning what began as a small operation into a booming business. The business is now shipping stills around the world amid growing interest in craft distilling and the community around it. **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 Stills Production 01:25 — The Journey of Stephen Stills LLC 05:15 — Manufacturing Process and Production Insights 07:35 — Understanding the Distillation Process 10:25 — Legal Landscape of Home Distilling 13:00 — Challenges and Growth in the Business 15:46 — Customer Service and Quality Control 19:19 — Future Prospects and Market Trends 22:23 — Seasonal Trends and Customer Demographics 25:18 — Final Thoughts and Responsible Distilling

  7. Sep 7

    Climbing Mount Washington by Train: Aboard the Incredible Cog Railway

    In this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber travels to New Hampshire's mighty Mount Washington to explore the fascinating history and operation of the Mount Washington Cog Railway, the world's first mountain-climbing cog railway.Assistant General Manager and Trainmaster Andy Vilaine sits down to share the story of this one-of-a-kind ride that's been thrilling passengers from around the world since 1869 when it began making trips to the 6,288-foot summit. The Cog Railway is not just historic, it's a machine that was built to conquer the impossible. From the ingenious rack-and-cog system to the braking system that makes the climb safe, Vilaine breaks down the engineering that turned Sylvester Marsh’s idea into a New Hampshire icon. He also shares the dramatic origin story behind the railway, sparked by Marsh’s near-disastrous hike up Mount Washington and the vision that followed.For more information on the Cog Railway, visit www.thecog.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 the Mount Washington Cog Railway00:16 — Meet Assistant General Manager and Trainmaster Andy Vilaine00:58 — How the Cog Railway Works01:52 — The Railway’s History and Origins04:39 — Sylvester Marsh’s Mountain Inspiration08:10 — Building the World’s First Cog Railway11:10 — Early Riders and White Mountains Tourism12:46 — What the Ride to the Summit Is Like14:11 — Jacob’s Ladder and Fear of Heights15:38 — High Winds and Record Cold18:55 — Safety Measures and Inspections20:27 — Passenger Capacity and Peak Season21:55 — Why Vilaine Loves the Railway23:38 — Historic Steam and the Original Engine25:33 — Unique Features of the Railway Experience27:39 — Visitors From Around the World29:09 — Winter Trips on Mount Washington31:06 — Keeping Winter Trains Running32:24 — Building Locomotives In-House33:56 — Planning a Trip and Closing Remarks

  8. Aug 31

    Why This New Hampshire Mom Ran 100 Miles (and Almost Quit)

    On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber joins New Hampshire ultrarunner Amanda Vicinanzo on a trail in Concord, N.H., where she shares her incredible journey of ultrarunning, how she built a 724-day running streak, and what it took to finish the Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Run 100 -- a grueling yet inspiring 100-mile race in Tahoe that she completed in 36 hours. Some 40 miles into the race, when heat and altitude caught up with her, she struggled with vomiting, exhaustion, and hallucinations and nearly dropped out. During the conversation, Vicinanzo talks about her training in New Hampshire and the mental reset that keeps her showing up day after day. She also shares the emotional side of the Tahoe race, including the motivation she drew from wanting her two sons to see their mom's perseverance in action. Her motivation was deeply personal: she wrote “show them what’s possible” on her arm so she could remember why she was there for her sons. **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 of Amanda Vicinanzo and the meaning of ultrarunning 01:18 - Building a 724-day run streak 02:11 - Why Tahoe Rim Trail was a bucket-list race 03:05 - East Coast versus West Coast trail challenges 04:02 - Altitude, heat, and pre-race adjustment 05:01 - White Lake prep and the 80-mile confidence boost 06:12 - Training in the White Mountains for Tahoe’s vert 07:03 - Race morning and the 5 a.m. start 08:09 - The opening climb to Snow Valley Peak 09:16 - Aid-station food and ultra fueling 10:28 - Pancakes, descent, and the next climb 12:41 - Hitting the wall at 40 miles 13:55 - Vomiting, no food, and the Diamond Peak climb 15:08 - Thinking the race might be over 16:14 - Choosing to keep going and not to give up 17:26 - Hallucinations, blisters, and the final push 18:31 - Realizing the course was longer than 100 miles 19:28 - Final sprint and seeing her kids at the finish 20:36 - Crossing the line and earning the gold buckle 21:45 - How running started for Amanda 22:48 - Rebuilding confidence through bigger races 24:01 - What she hopes her sons remember 26:18 - Recovery and keeping the streak alive 27:29 - One-mile minimums and sustainable consistency 28:35 - The New Hampshire ultra community 29:18 - Final takeaway: start imperfectly

See All (53)

Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
2 Ratings

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!

Information

  • Creator
    Jason Schreiber
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    53
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Jason Schreiber
  • Show Website
    Grounded in Granite

You Might Also Like