Mark Zacharda is running for state representative in Michigan's new 71st house district. It is a mostly rural district where it has been tough for people over the past years, with jobs leaving and small towns being hallowed out. Mark is a full time farmer and former HS biology teacher who is eager to be a public servant for his family, friends and neighbors and to work for them in Lansing to meet their needs. Mark took a break from campaigning to share some stories he unearthed about his grandfather Robert Zacharda while sorting through boxes left behind after his grandmother's more recent passing. We get into some family history, world history, politics, and the importance of the tangible and intangible legacy you leave behind. 

If you are interested in learning more about Mark's campaign: check out votemarkz.com

Today's guest, author and founder of Grieving It Shanice McLeish, joins me to talk about losing her father at 8 years old and how that helped to inspire her new children's book. Grief on the Playground is a story which takes you on a ride through the 'grief rollercoaster'. Grief on the Playground is necessary for all children who have lost someone they loved. Readers all around confirm Grief on the Playground is a great tool for coping with the loss of a parent, sibling, friend, or pet. The picture book should be used as an aid to help children and adults talk about this very tough subject. The same day this episode airs, it will be available at all your major online booksellers. Go buy a copy! Shanice was an absolute joy to talk to. I'm putting instructions for a dead yard in my will as we speak. 

This episode I am joined by my longtime friend and fellow podcaster, Jeff Jones. Jeff, along with his wife Angie, host an absolutely delightful podcast called Cruel2Rewind. It is the #1 Chicago based, underground, husband and wife, movie podcast in the country. I met Jeff in college and have known him for over 20 years. I knew his dad Bill had passed away when Jeff was very young but I didn't know much more than that. It was a pleasure doing an archeological deep dive with him to discuss the memories he has of his father, along with the myths and mysteries he left behind. Who was Sugar Bear? Why leave a job in radio for... divorce law?! From the Air Force to the airwaves, Bill Jones was a loving husband and father with an entertaining personality and a restless soul that moved on much too soon. 

David Dyer is one of my favorite people in comedy and life in general. Based in Grand Rapids, MI, David has been performing comedy around the country for almost 30 years. He also hosts his own podcast called Idioms, he has released a comedy special and has produced multiple web-series. We had been talking about it for awhile so I was glad to finally sit down and chat about his father J. Thomas VanSlooten. Tom was a beloved member of his family and his community. Whether he was working as a dentist, tending to his orchard, volunteering or with his family, Tom was easy to like, super funny, and had a presence that made everyone's day a little bit better. For more info about Dave and all his projects and where he is performing go to https://www.daviddyercomedy.com. 

From St. Louis, Missouri, my guest Libbie Higgins is a hilarious up and coming comedian. She hosts her own podcast, Slop City, and can be found on social media @libbiehiggins. Despite being in the midst of a national tour, she was kind enough to sit down with me to chat about losing her dad, Charles, aka Chas, far too soon. Always, the life of the party, Charles was know for having too much beer and too many cigarettes, but also an amazing spirit and a never-ending love for his children. For more info about Libbie and where she’ll be performing you can visit https://libbiehiggins.com/