80 episodes

How we became us! We take a look backward & find ourselves negotiating our LIFE EXPERIENCES, discovering life's various tones -comedy, drama, and nostalgia. Our podcast offers imagery of a documentary recreation, but for audio. Life happens in a heartbeat. Let's learn, thrive and love from our experiences while we're here. Cheers!

Life's Learning Curve Paul Hardt

    • Society & Culture
    • 5.0 • 10 Ratings

How we became us! We take a look backward & find ourselves negotiating our LIFE EXPERIENCES, discovering life's various tones -comedy, drama, and nostalgia. Our podcast offers imagery of a documentary recreation, but for audio. Life happens in a heartbeat. Let's learn, thrive and love from our experiences while we're here. Cheers!

    The Ripple Effect -First Grade

    The Ripple Effect -First Grade

    In first grade, Paul's life is forever changed by a series of events. He is placed in a reading group, where he encounters a first-year teacher and is forced to sit next to Jimmy, a misfit who has trouble controlling his behavior. A mentor is brought in to help the class, and from that moment on, Paul's perspectives and attitudes are transformed. The story suggests that we can all improve ourselves by surrounding ourselves with the right people. But exactly, just WHO was the mystery mentor?
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    • 37 min
    The Great Key West Summer Solstice Cigar Hunt

    The Great Key West Summer Solstice Cigar Hunt

    Can you keep the feeling of vacation after it’s over??   Paul’s friend Sam figured out how to do it.  This episode finds Paul sharing a story about his friend Sam's epic adventure in tropical Key West. Sam, on a mission to find the perfect cigar for his buddy Paul, embarks on a journey that takes him deep into the heart of the island's cigar culture.
    Along the way, he encounters a cast of colorful characters, from local store owners to feisty street performers who have had eccentric adventures of their own.
    But it's not all fun and games for Sam – he takes his quest seriously, determined
    to find the ultimate smoke for his pal.
    As Sam delves deeper into Key West's cigar scene, he discovers a hidden gem – a
    vintage cigar shop that only builds a masterful premium cigar once a year on
    the summer solstice. With the help of the shop's eccentric owner named Butch,
    Sam finally finds the perfect cigar, and more importantly, a way to keep the
    spirit of his vacation alive long after he's returned home.
    Join us for this funny, quirky and heartwarming tale of friendship, adventure, and
    the search for the perfect smoke. Whether you're a seasoned cigar aficionado or
    just love a good story, you won't want to miss this episode.
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    • 17 min
    The Letter Left in the Desk Drawer

    The Letter Left in the Desk Drawer

    Join us for a heartwarming episode of Life's Learning Curve. Prepare to be inspired as Paul reflects on his father's own struggles with hyperactivity and the loss of his father’s father at a young age. Through it all, Paul's dad found strength in other positive male role models and became the confident, laugh-loving father that Paul adored. Also, Paul shares the story of how his father saved him from the winter blues by taking him sledding at night. That's not all, folks! Don't miss this ode to a truly wonderful family and the memories that they created together. Grab a tissue and tune in!
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    • 28 min
    1968: An 11 Year Old in California

    1968: An 11 Year Old in California

    As we reminisced about our carefree childhoods coming to a close, a nostalgic longing for innocence washed over us. The memories of a 1968 vacation to California evoked feelings of adventure, wonder, and warmth - from the magical Disneyland experience to the sun-kissed days spent exploring. But, amidst the decade of peace, color, and unrest in the west coast, a sense of unease lingered in the air due to the ongoing Vietnam War and the protests that accompanied it, creating an unusual imbalance that juxtaposed the feeling of all is well. An eleven year old Paul & his family visit the fantasy of California in 1968.
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    • 35 min
    Life's Fish Cocktail Challenges

    Life's Fish Cocktail Challenges

    New to the central American country of Costa Rica, Paul sat in a Chinese restaurant mulling over the foreign menu. Suddenly there it was…. A cold raw fish cocktail and a warm beer. Now, at that time in his life, Paul knew that he just DID NOT CARE for fish at all. He had tried it back in the good ol’ USA, and quite honestly, it triggered that gag reflex; that embarrassing response from a child, He could not let that be HIS response.. However, Paul knew that might happen. The pressure was on. As all eyes gazed, Paul went for it. He took a heaping forkful of fish cocktail and felt the liquidy fish chunks slid into his mouth, and he  forced them past his taste buds straight down his throat. Bleaaa!
     Life is about taking chances, trying new things, having fun, making mistakes and learning from it. Life is about eating raw Costa Rican fish cocktail!   Muy sabroso Very tasty!    This is an episode about life’s adventures and its challenges for the uninitiated.
    Más pescado para ti More fish for you!
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    • 22 min
    The St. Maarten ScubaGuy Incident

    The St. Maarten ScubaGuy Incident

    This episode tells the story of what happened one night, to Paul when he chose to relax a bit and sit  by the moonlit sea on the tropical island of St. Maarten. While stargazing just off the Caribbean coast, Paul spots a large glowing object off the far sandbar and deep in the water. As the light reveals itself, he discovers a James Bond-like scuba guy. Emerging from the waters, he soon is surrounded by nigh time boozy bar patrons. The scuba man reveals nothing about the slight of hand con he about to initiate. 
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    • 16 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
10 Ratings

10 Ratings

Suzanne4Justice ,

So! Darn! Wonderful!

Paul and the company he keeps are amazing storyteller’s. I love the musical and sound effects as the added bonus to the stories themselves. It’s so charming! Enjoy!

His Vaughnliness ,

Learning Lots!

Paul get's some great guests, and is a really funny and cool dude himself. Can't wait to hear what's next Paul!!!!!

Polly Tazo ,

Insightful stories from adults still learning new things every day

A podcast with great insight to the different experiences that people go through. Paul covers people’s stories on music, work/life balance, adventure, and constantly adds humor when it’s appropriate. A great listen for anyone of any age!

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