Adding Context

In this episode of Adding Context, Michael Bollentin sits down with Jack Myers to explore one of the defining challenges of our time: the growing erosion of trust. Their conversation examines why skepticism has spread beyond the media into government, healthcare, education, business, and other institutions, while unpacking the difference between authority and legitimacy, why trust is a relationshi...

In this episode of Adding Context, we sit down with Patrick Pianezza - former paramedic, screenwriter, and co-creator of the film Code 3 - for an unflinching conversation about the realities of emergency medical services, burnout, and why authentic storytelling matters. Drawing from more than a decade on the truck, Patrick shares how Code 3 became a “love letter to EMS”: a project rooted in lived...

In this dynamic episode of Adding Context, Dale Sky Jones, President and CEO of Oaksterdam University , shares her journey from corporate America to leading the charge in cannabis education and reform. She recounts founding Oaksterdam and her role as a Prop 19 spokesperson, which sparked global legalization efforts. Dale’s passion for equity drives her to empower diverse voices through hands-on tr...

In this vibrant episode of Adding Context, Leigh Larson, the force behind @followtheleighder , shares the origin of her unique platform blending outdoor adventures, activism, and theological insights. From her theology degree to trekking various mountain ranges, Leigh reveals how her first big hike and seminary skills, like unpacking scripture, shaped her bold voice tackling women’s rights and rel...

In this episode of Adding Context, Darbi Keene, a neurodivergent therapist and founder of Walking with Wildflowers, shares her inspiring journey. Based in Missouri, her virtual practice offers neuroaffirming therapy and adult autism assessments, empowering neurodivergent adults to embrace their identities. Tune in to explore how Darbe’s lived experience shapes her compassionate approach and drives...

Join Adding Context as we dive into the eclectic career of Peter Moore, a Fort Collins-based writer, cartoonist, and commentator. From editing at Men’s Health and Playboy to crafting KUNC commentaries and Colorado Sun cartoons, Peter shares how he traded national magazines for local storytelling. Discover his creative process, reflections on Colorado’s culture, and insights on journalism’s evoluti...

Join us for a vibrant conversation with Jordon Bourgeault ( @jboairbrush ), the master airbrush artist behind some of the NHL’s most iconic goalie helmets. From superhero-inspired designs to heartfelt tributes, Jordon’s work transforms protective gear into personal storytelling canvases. In this episode, we dive into the heart of his craft, the pressure of painting for elite athletes, and the wild...

Buckle up for an inspiring ride with Ed Bauter, a paramedic, medical student, and co-host of The Overrun Podcast . From intense EMS calls to the trenches of medic school, Ed’s journey is a masterclass in turning challenges into purpose. In this episode, we explore the life-changing moments that shaped his path, the brotherhood of emergency medicine, and how he’s passing the torch through education...

Kevin Palmieri is the Founder, Host and CSO of Next Level University. He went from a life in which he felt very comfortable to hitting rock bottom. Kevin shares his journey from contemplating taking his own life to running a successful media empire and helping other along the way. Catch his show here or reach out to him on Instagram or at Next Level University .

Anne Butler Montgomery has worked as a television sportscaster, newspaper and magazine writer, teacher, author, and amateur/ youth sports official. She has traveled the country sharing her love of sport and fostering integrity in sports officiating. She has authored several books based on her life experiences. She is currently promoting her newest book, Your Forgotten Sons. To learn more about her...

Given recent decisions and tumult surrounding the US Supreme Court, I wanted to dive into the well again with Dr. Stephen Wermiel. We revisited previous topics we had spoken about and how they had played out. Then we discussed his thoughts regarding the current chaos embroiling the court and its sitting justices. Other hot topics were SCOTUS leaks, potential reforms, and the consequences of all th...

Joe Hannan is a writer, journalist, and consultant hunting for the next story to tell or lesson to learn. He's also a husband, father, and martial artist. As a writer, he wakes up and tries to write better than he did the day before. Journalistically, you’ll find him asking questions and writing stories about health, medicine, cybersecurity, social undercurrents, and how human beings develop. As a...

Brandon Foss grew up in the northeastern part of the U.S and is a man of experiences. He left home at 18 and has been living and learning. We spoke about his early upbringing and how that directed him as an adult. Branson is also a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. We spoke about how his journey through the martial art has transformed him from who he was about 8 years ago to the man he is now.

Jess Zafarris is many things. An author, a lover of words, an editor, and so much more. She recently released “Words from Hell,” a book on the origins of words. Written with a blend of fact and snark, it is highly improbable for you to finish it without laughing and coming away with a new respect for both our more common and more obscure words. We covered a spectrum of words from the subdued words...

Scott Beuerlein went from working for Delta Airlines to turning his hobby and passion into a new career as the Manager of Botanical Outreach and a hortoculturist at the Cincinnati Zoo. He did something many hope they can, to live by the adage, “If you find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” We spoke about his adoration for all things botany, his love of the...

Karen Simmons CEO/Founder of Autism Today Foundation, author of several books including Chicken Soup for the Soul: Children with Special Needs. She has been on a mission crossing three decades in advancing awareness and strategies for individuals that are neurodiverse and/or on the Autism spectrum. We spoke about what drove her into becoming an advocate (being the mother of an autistic child) and...

Jordan is a just a guy from rural Minnesota, with a little bit of property and some horses. He, to his surprise, accidently gathered nearly half a million followers on TikTok. His content of choice? Pretty much everything. Science? Check. Random stories? Check. History? Check. He just puts his thoughts out to the world and the people like it.  Please check out his content and his website, https://...

We are back! Our apologies for the extended hiatus. We return with a “2-fer.” This episode I spoke to Jean Dvorak and Vivian Scavo, two women I have known for many years. Two women who are true educators. Two women who helped me try to grasp the current state of education. Given headlines across the nation of hyperbolic nonsense and cringe worthy anti-intellectualism, I wanted to talk to people wh...

This episode’s guest is DeTravis Bethea. Detravius is an old friend, we both “took the scenic route” after high school. He is an attorney, business coach, public speaker, entrepreneur, educator, and more these days. DeTravius moved to my hometown in 8th grade, after moving 5 times during his K-8th years! He is living proof people are more than their class rank or GPA in school. He shows that with...

Debbie Peterson’s story reads like some dark noir script from the ’30s. Full of intrigue, shady backroom deals, and death, possibly murder?! Debbie is, like me, a wearer of many hats. Of her many ventures in life, she is a mother, a 2X Best Selling Author, a well-established entrepreneur, an orator, an atypical politician, an educator, and just a pleasant person to chat with! Check out her link tr...

We happily welcome back Professor Stephen Wermiel. Prof. Wermiel is a professor of law and the history of the U.S. Supreme Court. When we last had him as a guest, we spoke about the Court’s history, nuances regarding its workings, and some of the hotter topics at the time. Well, a lot has happened since his first appearance. In this chat, we discussed recent additions and decisions to and by the S...

Charles Chadwick is a former college student who experienced the challenges many others face in these times of predatory college lending. He made the decision to use his trials to help others. Charles has two degrees but he also learned a trade before going to college.    He believes that learning a trade can add more value given today’s very competitive job market as it adds marketable and tangib...

Nick Klingensmith has received “bad news” more than he cares to count. Obstacles seem to find a way of appearing before him, although now, they more often come on his terms. Battling cancer four times, type-1 diabetes, a litany of physical injuries including herniated discs and torn chest ligaments, and the demons of alcoholism, he shifted his perspective from that of a victim long ago. Now he fac...

Roger Smith is the “unlikely leader.” His life story is full of peaks and valleys, an incredible mix of productivity and addiction, and a turnaround worthy of a Hallmark movie. From a high school dropout to a CEO, something that seems to be an essential element for some of the most successful people like “Auntie Anne” Beiler and Ralph Lauren. Roger has taken the less-than-orthodox lessons he learn...

Jackie London is a Registered Dietitian (RD), a New York State Certified Dietitian-Nutritionist (CDN), an author, and the former head of Nutrition & Wellness for Weight Watchers, these are just some of her titles. We spoke about a number of aspects of personal health and nutrition. Given her extensive background, she shared her knowledge on ways we can improve our health by small changes to what w...