Grounded in Granite

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 st...

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 develop...

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 thi...

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 journ...

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 d...

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 passenge...

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 in...

Nestled in Sugar Hill, N.H., Harman's Cheese and Country Store is more than just a destination for cheese lovers, locals and visitors to New Hampshire's North Country; it's a family-run institution with a rich history that dates back to the 1920s. In this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber sits down with Brenda Aldrich, a member of the family that has been running the...

On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber catches up with legendary New Hampshire meteorologist Al Kaprielian at Buckley's Bakery and Cafe in Merrimack, N.H. For decades, Kaprielian didn’t just deliver the weather on TV -- he turned it into a memorable performance that built a large fan base in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and beyond. With his unmistakable voice, animated de...

On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber visits Once and Again Gowns in downtown Newmarket, N.H., to find out why brides from across New Hampshire and New England are flocking to this unique secondhand wedding gown shop. Owner Leslye Dedopoulos shares the story of how she's redefining the wedding dress shopping experience by creating a community around the joy of finding th...

On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber visits Paul and Heatha Normandin at their Northwood home to share the story of their journey across New Hampshire. The couple is on a mission to visit every town and city in the state. Fueled by their love for the state, they set out on this ambitious adventure in early 2023, aiming to uncover the unique stories and attractions that each...

On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber visits Deja Vu Furniture & More in Londonderry, N.H., to get a first-hand look at one of the quirkiest and most unconventional shops in New Hampshire. Owner Tim Stavrou shares the story of this unique business at 113 Hillside Ave. that's much more than a furniture store. The place is more like a treasure trove of the bizarre, whi...

On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber takes us inside Daub's Cobbler Shop in Laconia, N.H., for a look at the unique world of shoe repair with owner Jim Daubenspeck and his son, Nate, a master cobbler who began learning the trade at a young age. The father and son team share the history, craftsmanship, and personal stories behind their small business that keeps classic skill...

On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber heads to Hampton Beach to sit down with veteran lifeguard Pat Murphy, chief of the New Hampshire State Beach Patrol. Murphy shares insights from his 23-year career and the high-stakes, fast-paced reality behind keeping thousands safe during peak summer days along New Hampshire ocean beaches. He reveals the secrets to managing a team of 9...

On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber travels to Portsmouth, England, to explore the origins of the Hampshire name and the rich history inside Ye Spotted Dogge, which was once the home of New Hampshire founder Capt. John Mason. With roots tracing back to the 1500s, the building has seen its fair share of historical events, including the infamous murder of the 1st Duke of Buc...

On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber visits the American Independence Center in Exeter, N.H., where history comes alive through rare artifacts and hidden stories of America's founding. As America celebrates its 250th birthday this year, Executive Director Joe Pace shares the story of the center, which was created after an original, perfectly preserved broadside of the f...

On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber travels to Pittsburg, N.H. to sit down with Alan Ard, who is better known as the "Old Man at Lopstick."The northernmost town in New Hampshire's Great North Woods, Pittsburg is a destination for fly fishing, but for Ard, it isn't just a sport; it's a way of life. After spending decades fishing in the Great North Woods, he decided to leave...

On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber travels to historic Ruggles Mine in Grafton, N.H., to sit down with owner Joe Bodge -- known as Prospector Joe -- who shares the captivating story of his unlikely journey to bring this 200-year-old mica mine back to life as a local attraction. Prospector Joe bought Ruggles Mine -- the oldest and largest mica mine in the United States --...

On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber stops by the New England Santa Society's monthly Santa Supper in Manchester, N.H., to explore what life is really like year-round for professional Santas.  The supper is held at the Common Man Roadside Millyard and attracts Santas from across New Hampshire and New England who come together for casual conversations and to share experi...

In this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber travels to the New Hampshire Seacoast to get the scoop on Lago's Homemade Ice Cream in Rye, N.H. -- a summertime destination for the past 45 years. What he learned is that ice cream is more than just a sweet treat; it's a canvas for creativity and tradition. During their conversation, Steve Grenier, who runs the popular ice cream...

On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber visits the headquarters of iHeart New Hampshire in Manchester, N.H., to sit down with legendary New Hampshire radio host Greg Kretschmar, host of the popular long-running radio show "Greg & the Morning Buzz." During their conversation, Kretschmar, who's been a staple of New Hampshire radio for more than 40 years, shares...

On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber travels to Warner, N.H., to get a look inside one of New Hampshire's most unusual museums: The New Hampshire Telephone Museum. Graham Gifford, the museum's executive director, shares the history of communication gadgets, from early wall-mounted phones to modern smartphones, and the fascinating stories behind the artifacts and the...

As I celebrate the sixth-month mark for my weekly podcast Grounded in Granite, I thought I would share a video reflecting on my experience so far producing a weekly podcast about people and places in New Hampshire that's recorded on location with guests all around this great state. It's been quite the journey. I've learned a lot, but I've got a long way to go.

On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber heads to Franklin, N.H., for a look inside the fascinating world of staples at New Hampshire's staple factory. Acme Staple Company owner Tom Gold sits down to share the story behind this unique business, which may be small and unknown to many Granite Staters, but it plays a big role in the industry as it's one of only three major...

On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber visits the McDonald's in Raymond, N.H., for a chat with Ray Kearns, who is one of the most positive workers you'll ever meet. Ray, a New Hampshire man with Down syndrome, is a custodian who brings smiles to the workplace every day and has been the friendly face of this McDonald’s for 10 years. He’s not just cleaning; he’s building connec...