Doug's Front Porch

In this bonus episode, I explain what a typical PA Dutch Thanksgiving at the Madenford table looks like.  Support the show

In this episode I sit down with Andrew Brown a dear friend from college. We discuss growing up in Australia, his journey from being a policeman to an elementary teacher. We also talk about falling in love with a Norwegian, marrying her, and then making the permanent move to Norway. To learn more about Andrew's School, The Oslo International School, please visit: https://www.oslointernationals...

In this episode I welcome Rosana Campbell, an old friend from college onto the front porch. We discuss her youth growing up in Brazil and how Brazil handles it's multi-cultural make up. We also discuss how she balances raising her child with Portuguese and her husband's Irish culture. Finally we talk about her job as Director of Lock Haven University's Center for Global Engagement a...

In this episode I interview Matt Maris. We discuss his job as a high school social studies teacher, his personal love of local history, and his popular historical walking tour company: Local Historia. To learn more about Matt's Bellefonte Walking Tours, check out: Instagram: @localhistoria_com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/localhistoria Website: https://localhistoria.com/ Support the sho...

In this episode I talk to former student, Sarabeth Bowmaster. We discuss growing up in a fire company family, her campaign to fight sexual assault on college campuses, and involvement in student government at Penn State.  Support the show

In this episode I sit down with Chris LaRose, a former student, current music collaborator, and friend. We discuss growing up around older people, his song writing process, and riding vintage motorcycles. To learn more about Chris and his music, check out his website:  https://www.chrislarosemusic.com/   Support the show

In this episode I interview longtime family friend, Molly Smith. We discuss growing up as a  homeschooler, the importance of sustainability, how to talk to someone who is skeptical towards science, and her love of trail running.  Support the show

In this episode I get to interview college friend and fellow educator, John Striffler. We discuss growing up on Staten Island, his love of theater, and his career in education. He tells us about his year abroad in Germany and how that international experience shaped his future. Recently, John took a job as an assistant principal at the Seoul Foreign School in Seoul, South Korea. We discuss that an...

In this episode I get to interview my second cousin, Phil Wert. We discuss his years abroad in England, studying archeology, and the important role that local government plays in our lives.  Support the show

In this bonus episode, I talk briefly about recently celebrating my 40th birthday and how COVID-19 played a part in how I thought about turning another year older.  Support the show

In this episode I get to interview former student and now friend, Jessica VanGorder King. We discuss growing up as the middle child, why studying history is important, and her career in museum studies.  Support the show

In this episode I get to interview my friend and fellow Pennsylvania Dutchman, Terry Berger. We discuss his career in the mental health field, his Moravian faith, his love of cooking on a wood fired stove, and his passion of preparing and passing on traditional Pennsylvania Dutch recipes.  Support the show

In this episode I get to interview a dear friend from high school, Monica Stout. We talk about moving schools as a child, her many different jobs (none of which I really understand what she did or currently does), and her unorthodox wedding. To learn more about the Department of Veterans Affairs check out: https://www.va.gov/ To learn more about the band Guster check out their website: https://www...

In this episode I sit down with three of my current high school seniors, Briana Bottorf, Olivia Hanna, and Lydia Wockenfuss. We discuss what the members of the Class of 2020 are going through both physically and emotionally. We discuss the loss of their senior ball, the loss of a traditional graduation ceremony, the power of friendships, and their future plans. Hopefully after listening to the epi...

In mid-April of this year, I lost my grandmother, Alma Madenford. Due to the restrictions in place because of the COVID-19 pandemic, our family was not able to mourn like we are accustomed to doing. Because of that, I present this bonus episode. In it I deliver a eulogy for my grandmother. I was denied this opportunity due to the lack of a normal funeral ceremony so I am taking advantage of this p...

In this episode I get to interview friend and colleague, Lisa Harvey. Lisa is the Special Education coordinator for the school district in which I work. We discuss the role of Special Ed and also the challenges that all parties face. We also talk about her family's very personal battle with COVID-19. This conversation really has some moments where you can't believe what you are hearing....

In this episode I get to interview a life-long friend, Dustin Shirk. I've known Dustin since Kindergarten and we've been close ever since. We get to get talk about his relationship with his brother, his journey to becoming a music teacher, and his love of both jazz and  running. I felt there was no better person to get the inaugural interview. Enjoy the show!   Support the show

Welcome to Doug's Front Porch, a conversational podcast hosted by Doug Madenford. Join me as I invite friends, old and new, onto my front porch for some honest conversation. Support the show