Dane Page is a phenomenally talented and gentle soul who was carved out a beautiful niche on the North Carolina music scene. Today he joins the podcast to spread his particular flavor of heartfelt and soulful tunes that leaves you to wonder....where's this guy been all my life? We explore his music, his journey and that which makes up his beautiful catalogue.  Musical Time Stamps: Selma - 00:10- 03:35 Waltz - 33:43-36:48 Lonely December - 01:05:55 - 01:08:09

From making mustard to making home ownership a reality for folks across The Ozarks, Misty McIntosh brings her infectious laughter and unparalleled work ethic to every encounter. She's constantly sharpening her axe of knowledge and leadership and the most recent endeavor is as the Director for the local NAACP Youth Chapter here in the 417. If anyone can make the kinds of important strides towards a healthier and more diverse community, Misty can, and she'll do it with all of her amazing heart and passion. Enjoy this conversation with an incredible soul!

He's a neighbor of mine, having grown up in this hood and spending most of his life here, but Randy Buckner is a complex package in a disarming disguise. He first picked up a guitar at age 9 and STILL feels the joy of tearing up the strings in the style of Merle Travis today as when he began. I've enjoyed our porchside chats, but had no idea he was such a talented musician until the day Dallas Jones told me: "You know that guy, Randy, who just walked by? One of the best guitarists in the whole area." He's so humble and kind and I just never knew that, so it's been a true pleasure getting to know such a wonderful soul. Enjoy!

Jon Sprenger and Clayton Andrew are both employees of Paul Mueller, a Springfield based stainless steel processing equipment. What does that mean to us? Well, these are the guys who meet with brewery owners around the country and help design and sell the equipment that makes the liquid libations that soothe our souls. Along the way, they build relationships that transcend standard business practices and foster some really great interactions. They know steel, beer, and how to make you laugh along the way. Please enjoy this look into the world of these men of steel!

In a text exchange with my friend and fantastic songwriter Dallas Jones, he was encouraging me to forge on positively after a separation, to which I responded with one his own lyrics, stating "I'm gonna put a for sale sign in my heart" and he laughingly sent back the next line "I know puttin' out the sign is the hardest part"; then when I showed up to his next show, he lead with that song. What a guy. But it opened up the question....."where did you go?", and not in terms of the other person, but who YOU are. It's been a challenging time, and I thought I might just sit down with you over a few songs and explain my thoughts of late. I hope you get something from it.....cheers!

Shea Compton is the introverted badass owner of Quad Paws Dog Training and a lover of 4 By 4 IPA's. I'd see her come in with her canine clients and could see the results over time of the work she was putting in, so of course I was intrigued. After an invite to the show, she showed up in her large transporter van, ready to ramble and loaded for bear, and let me tell you.....what a ride! In this VERY EXPLICIT conversation, I learned just how witty and hilarious this quiet soul can be when she chooses to trust you. Lotsa cursing, lotsa inappropriate talk and a great story.....enjoy this conversation with Shea!

Carol & Susan McLeod are a couple of sisters who opened "Hold Fast Brewing" in an old firehouse here in Springfield, Missouri. I was friends with Susan before it ever opened and that, combined with the notion of them opening a brewery in THE VERY FIRST FIREHOUSE TO WHICH I WAS ASSIGNED, made it inevitable that they'd get on the show with a story to tell. They love beer, bourbon and storytelling, so buckle up for a great time with two powerhouses of the 417. 

My good friend Brittney Lumos has started a podcast called "Bitchin' With Brittney" and she came back to Springfield to visit friends, get some ink and popped into the studio to record an episode. She's got something to say to you about just about everything, and dammit, you're gonna listen! We enjoy some Dane Page music and Crank Arm Brewing beers as well as the Crazy For Swayze Hazy. Enjoy an hour with one badass mujer!

After visiting North Carolina and hitting 26 breweries in 6 days with some friends, I thought it was time to crack some open with my friends Ryan and Larry. Tune into another episode of "Behind The Beer With Lear" for their takes on some delicious beers and some music on the break by our guide's brother, Mr. Dane Page.  Cheers!

The extrication from Afghanistan has seemed, from a lay-person's point of view, to be a mess at best. Today Jeff Butler sits down over some gin & tonics to shed some perspective and light on a very difficult situation, and give some possible explanations. It's not ALL somber news, however....we DO discuss the latest developments in our favorite show Ted Lasso as well. Please enjoy this conversation with a very intelligent soul.