In what can only be described as his millionth time on this show, Jeff Butler and I decide to tackle the big issues; issues such as what's shaking with the Royals (the British kind, not KC), reviewing movies such as "Maverick", what it's like to be around a nuclear reactor in a submarine and East Coast vs. West Coast fire department styles. Along the way we enjoy some Booker's bourbon and a Boulevard beer that's nearly two years out of date. It makes for a good time. Cheers! *if you'd like to financially support the show, you can do so HERE. Thank you so much!

We're back with another Behind The Beer With Lear! Today Ryan and I sample two new(er) beers brewed at Mother's Brewing here in Springfield, something from Rockwell Beer Co. out of St. Louis and a very odd collaboration at the end. Along the way we talk about mental health, dreams of disappointing Dave Grohl and how to consume 8 hotdogs in a row. Cheers! *If you'd like to financially support the show, you can do so HERE. Thank you very much!

WARNING: VERY STRONG LANGUAGE AND GRAPHIC DISCUSSION OF DEATH, INCLUDING SUICIDE IN THIS EPISODE. If you wanna get told how it is, you need to talk to this man: please welcome back Mr. Mike Abbey, former firefighter, Army vet and all-around cantankerous cur to the show. Turns out Mike also has an extensive and thoughtful approach to the dark humor of the fire service and in life, as summed up in his words "everybody's walking a tight rope right now." We share some bourbon gifted by a few friends and take time to discuss everything from 9/11 to get a fishing lure caught in, well.....you know where.  *If you would like to financially support the show, you can do so HERE. Thanks!*

She's a program director for local rock station Q102 with strong opinions on cremation and living in the snow-country; welcome back my friend Shadow, proof positive that dynamite comes in small packages. Enjoy an hour of two old friends talking about a life in radio, interviewing stars and her dream of being put in a mausoleum one day. Cheers! *If you'd like to financially support the show, you can do so HERE. Thank you! **STRONG LANGUAGE**

The original title of this show was supposed to be "Tasty & Simple", but I don't think that does justice to this man who's life and experiences have been anything but; meet Mark Phillips. He's a friend, co-worker, all around raconteur and one of the better storytellers I know. Tune in for a wild hour and a half of tales of drumming with Travis Barker, hanging out with the Dropkick Murphys and growing up on the North Side of the 417. Cheers! *if you'd like to FINANCIALLY support the show, you can do so HERE. Thank you so much!*

He's back again for another round behind the mic: my best friend and former coworker Scott Deckard gives us his take on aging, death, suicide and legacy. Although morbid sounding in description, he gives a thoughtful perspective to what it means to head towards our own mortality. Please enjoy! If you'd like to financially support the show, you can do so HERE. Thank you so much!

Erin Washburn has a wealth of experience in dealing with those who might need our help the most.....homeless teens. From The Rare Breed to Great Circle to Taney County Children's Division to Foster Adopt Connect, she has been involved in a myriad of aspects when it comes to dealing with one of our most vulnerable populations. We spend an hour talking about her journey, how she found that path and the importance, after all, of being kind. Please enjoy the show! *If you'd like to FINANCIALLY support the show, you can do so HERE. Thank you so much!*

In THIS edition of Short Attention Span Theatre, we meet a VERY talented musician and incredibly inspiring human, Mr. Doug Dicharry. Doug's talents have taken him all over the world, and he's back in the Ozarks, fine tuning several musical projects, not the least of which is "Dance Monkey Dance!", his one-man band with SEVEN instruments being put on full display. This long form interview spans everything from anxiety, therapy, mouth kegels to touring with ZZ Top and the need for ska's return.  For MORE of his music and great content check out dancemonkeydanceband.com or click HERE Here are the breakdowns of the music: "Runnin' To The Sun" 1:41-5:45 "Gypsy River" 40:49-43:54 "Don't Dig Up My Graveyard" 1:49:14-1:52:23 *If you'd like to FINANCIALLY support the show, you can do so HERE. Thanks!

*Note: this podcast deals with the topic of addiction and is peppered with very strong language.* Few interviews I've done has had the kind of impact this conversation with Kenya did; she is a survivor of the kind of addiction few of us can truly understand. From her early days as a self described "brawler and dealer" to the pregnancy that has kept her clean since Feb. 9 2004, Kenya has seen and experienced more than many of us will ever know. The best part? Her takeaway from all of it has been to exhibit grace in her daily journey. Please enjoy this riveting conversation! Enjoy Brandon Moore's "Good Fortune" from 32:54-37:30 If you'd like to financially support the show, you can do so HERE. Thank you very much!  

When I first heard Phillip Wright speak in the early 2000's, I was BLOWN AWAY that a man preaching could break through my cynical veneer; I've since maintained that there's no better, more authentic speaker than Phillip, and for YEARS I've been trying to get him on the show. Tune in for a conversation that will speak to the heart and blossom in your soul, hopefully......and this is coming from an avowed agnostic!  *if you'd like to financially support the show, you can do so HERE. Thank you so much!