Best Thomas Macomber Podcasts (2025)

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104 - Steven Perrin 43:17

Play Pause

4d ago43:17

43:17

In this episode I welcome Steven Perrin on to the front porch. We discuss his epiphany that led him to the Emergency Medical Services life. He tells us about his time as a Critical Care Flight Paramedic to his new role as the manager of a local EMS center. We also learn how he deals with the stress that accompanies his line of work. Support the sho…

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103 - Chelsea Grieb 38:38

1M ago38:38

38:38

This month we welcome Chelsea Grieb on to the front porch. Chelsea is currently the Health Occupations teacher at the school where I teach. We discuss her journey to becoming a nurse and then her transition from nursing to teaching future nurses and health care workers. We discuss the shared skills between the two professions and close out with our…

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102 - Tyler Barth (Replay) 44:11

2M ago44:11

44:11

In this episode I welcome Tyler Barth, Principal of Robb Elementary School in Lock Haven, PA, on to the front porch. We discuss his childhood that was heavily influenced by both his parents and his grandparents. We also discuss why he went into education, his transition from the classroom to the principal's office, and how he builds and maintains a…

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101 - Kevin Macomber 47:46

3M ago47:46

47:46

In this episode we welcome Kevin Macomber on to the front porch. Kevin is the author of the book: Walking from the Shadows: My Journey with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. We discuss his long battle with PTSD and what drove him to write his book. We also discuss his advocacy for all people suffering with PTSD. Get Kevin's Book! Get your Front Porch…

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100 - Doug Madenford 1:18:39

4M ago1:18:39

1:18:39

Yahoo! Throw your straw hats up in the air because we are celebrating. This episode marks the 100th episode of Doug's Front Porch. For such an event, I felt obliged to turn the interview table around and instead of asking the questions, I would answer them. A special thanks goes out to Kevin Shock for interviewing me and Dustin Shirk for asking me …

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99 - The Class of 2025 26:10

5M ago26:10

26:10

This month I continue the tradition of sitting down with some of my graduating seniors. This year I welcome Avah Rafter, Michael Britten, Victoria Guthrie, and Ricky Fantaski onto the Front Porch. They discuss what they did in high school, what they are feeling as they prepare to graduate, what they are afraid of, what they are proud of, and what t…

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98 - Lara Thomas 45:43

6M ago45:43

45:43

In this episode I welcome Lara Thomas on to the Front Porch. We discuss Lara's childhood, being the daughter of two educators and a mother who instilled a love of genealogy in her. We also discuss Lara's work with the Berks County Association for Graveyard Preservation. Lara tells us about the great things that they do and what she has learned and …

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97 - Frank Redmon 53:53

7M ago53:53

53:53

In this episode we welcome Dr. Francis (Frank) Redmon on to the Front Porch. Frank is currently the superintendent of schools for the Keystone Central School District in Mill Hall, PA...and my boss. We discuss his childhood growing up the son of a Marine father and all of the many places that he moved to and lived in. We also discuss his path to be…

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96 - Scott Reagan 44:43

8M ago44:43

44:43

In this episode I welcome Scott Reagan onto the Front Porch. We discuss his childhood that was immersed in all kinds of music, his undergrad work in German and his graduate work in ethnomusicology. We also discuss his current work at Martin Guitar and writing and performing traditional and original PA Dutch language folk music. We close the intervi…

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95 - Welcome 2025! 13:46

9M ago13:46

13:46

In this episode we welcome 2025 in by taking a short journey through my trusty Baer's Agricultural Almanac. We take a look at long range forecasts for the year, major anniversaries happening, and some humorous stories as well. Get your own copy of Baer's Almanac! Get your Front Porch Merch! Become a Patron! Support the show…

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94 - Eve Allen 47:21

10M ago47:21

47:21

In this episode I welcome Eve Allen on to the front porch. Eve is the program director for the Northeast Bioregion at the Ecological Health Network. We discuss her work on improving the supply of native seeds and plants to support ecological restoration, her travels, and the importance of the human connection to our ecosystem. To learn more: Ecolog…

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93 - Norman Jung 48:56

11M ago48:56

48:56

We go international this month as we welcome my good friend, Norman Jung, from Steinbach am Glan, Germany, on to the Front Porch. We discuss the wisdom and life lessons instilled in Norman by his grandparents, his study abroad in Arizona, and his work with the Pennsylvania Dutch culture from his side of the Atlantic. We end with our classic 10 quic…

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92 - Jeremy Nolen 35:41

1y ago35:41

35:41

In this episode I invite award winning chef, Jeremy Nolen onto the front porch. We discuss his lifelong affair with food and his particular love of German cuisine. We also discuss his newest endeavor of offering tours to germanic Europe that are all food and drink focused. He also offers some advice for all of you foodies and home cooks out there! …

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91 - Tyler Barth 42:50

1y ago42:50

42:50

In this episode I welcome Tyler Barth, Principal of Robb Elementary School in Lock Haven, PA, on to the front porch. We discuss his childhood that was heavily influenced by both his parents and his grandparents. We also discuss why he went into education, his transition from the classroom to the principal's office, and how he builds and maintains a…

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90 - Len Rutecki (Replay) 45:29

1y ago45:29

45:29

In this episode I welcome friend and colleague, Len Rutecki, onto the front porch. Len is the autism teacher at my school and we discuss all things autism from what it is to how he works with his students. We also discuss how Len uses his gifts and abilities to raise money and awareness for autism outside of school. Throughout his life he has learn…

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89 - Ethan Rode 45:03

1+ y ago45:03

45:03

In this episode I welcome fellow PA Dutch instructor and friend, Ethan Rode, up on the front porch. We discuss his childhood growing up on a farm, his move to Canada to study linguistics and his recent work as an online instructor of the PA Dutch language. Get your Front Porch Merch! Become a Patron! Support the show…

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88 - The Class of 2024 41:29

1+ y ago41:29

41:29

In this episode I continue the tradition of talking with some of my graduating seniors. This year I welcome Griffin Redmon, Sofia Dressler, Elise Cygan, and Emily Shetler onto the Front Porch. We discuss their time in high school, their accomplishments, their fears, and what they are most proud of. We close our discussion with our usual 10 quick qu…

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87 - Tara Mondock 42:43

1+ y ago42:43

42:43

In this episode I welcome Tara Mondock up on the front porch. We discuss her childhood in Florida, her sojourn to college in western North Carolina, and her work with the Extension Office at the Pennsylvania State University. We then turn our discussion to her experience as an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star and their main charity: t…

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86 - Bill Donner 47:42

1+ y ago47:42

47:42

In this episode I welcome Dr. William Donner onto the front porch. Bill is currently the Freyberger Professor of Pennsylvania German Studies at Kutztown University and is also the chair of the Anthropology and Sociology Department. We discuss his time living on a small Polynesian island in the pacific to his work studying and researching the Pennsy…

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85 - Lew Bryson 43:32

1+ y ago43:32

43:32

In this episode I welcome Lew Bryson up on to the front porch. We discuss his journey from rural Lancaster county to his love of food and drink including his various publications about beer and whiskey. We close our discussion talking about his current podcast, Seen Through A Glass, and discuss the value and importance of eating and drinking locall…

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84 - Richard Mammana 46:11

1+ y ago46:11

46:11

In this episode I welcome Richard Mammana on to the front porch. We discuss his multi-ethnic childhood growing up in Easton, PA. We also discuss his acamdemic journey of studying greek, latin, and church history. We close our conversation with a discussion about his current work of documenting colonial-era Pennsylvania Dutch tombstones and what wal…

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83 - Welcome 2024 20:05

2y ago20:05

20:05

In this episode we welcome 2024 in by taking a short journey through my trusty Baer's Agricultural Almanac. We take a look at long range forecasts for the year, major anniversaries happening, and some humorous stories as well. Get your own Baer's Almanac! Get your Front Porch Swag! Support the showBy Doug Madenford

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82 - Katy Bodenhorn Barnes 48:01

2y ago48:01

48:01

In this episode I welcome Katy Bodenhorn Barnes up onto the front porch. We discuss her childhood in north Texas and her journey to college at BYU. We talk a lot about her current role as the Director of Genealogical Services at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. We close our conversation with some deep questions about the power of genealogy a…

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81 - Brian Aynardi 54:53

2y ago54:53

54:53

In this episode I welcome Brian Aynardi, a dear friend and distant cousin, up on the front porch. We talk about his childhood in Wyomissing, PA, and his journey to Penn State to pursue degrees in Turf Management. We spend the rest of our conversation talking about his addiction to alcohol and his successful road to recovery. Learn more about Alcoho…

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80 - Gretchen Swank 45:18

2y ago45:18

45:18

In this episode I welcome Gretchen Swank up on the front porch. We discuss her childhood in the mountains of central PA, her time as a criminal investigator for the Pennsylvania State Police and her recent journey into the world of Urglaawe and Braucherei. Learn more about Urglaawe! Read Gretchen's essay that we discuss! Get your Front Porch Merch!…

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79 - Nancy Rodabaugh 52:42

2y ago52:42

52:42

In this episode I welcome Nancy Rodabaugh on to the front porch. Nancy recently completed the 500+ mile Camino de Santiago pilgrimage through France and Spain. We talk about her preparation, her journey, and what the experience taught her. Learn more about the Camino de Santiago! Get your Front Porch Merch! Support the show…

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78 - Hiram Smith (Replay) 1:05:23

2y ago1:05:23

1:05:23

In this episode I welcome Hiram Smith up on the front porch. Hiram is a professor of Spanish and Linguistics at Bucknell University here in central PA. We discuss his youth as an "Army Brat" and the various places that he lived growing up. We also discuss African-American-English and its history within the American story as well as an honest and en…

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77 - Pete Ruggieri (Replay) 53:55

2+ y ago53:55

53:55

On this episode, Pete Ruggieri joins me on the front porch. We talk about his time as a 911 dispatcher in Chester County, PA and then we discuss his various charity work. Pete is the brains behind the annual Santa Stumble held in Lancaster each that has raised thousands of dollars to benefit the Lancaster mounted patrol and K-9 units. We close our …

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76 - Michael Werner 49:27

2+ y ago49:27

49:27

In this episode I welcome my dear friend, Michael Werner, up on the front porch. Michael is a publisher in the Palatinate region of Germany, who runs the PA Dutch language newspaper: Hiwwe wie Driwwe. Over the years his love of the PA Dutch language and culture and his work with it has helped build a strong transatlantic bridge between our two coun…

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75 - The Class of 2023 30:14

2+ y ago30:14

30:14

In this episode I welcome seven of my current seniors up on the front porch to discuss their thoughts on their upcoming high school graduation. We discuss their fears, accomplishments and future plans. Shout out to Rebecca Muthler, Chris Corbin, Madeline Jones, Jack Hanna, Peter Monoski, Kelsey Burrows, and Aaron Eldred for their words. Get your Fr…

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74 - Feli from Germany 53:50

2+ y ago53:50

53:50

In this episode I welcome German YouTuber, Feli from Germany, on to the front porch. We discuss her childhood in Munich, her various trips back and forth between the US and Germany, and the growth and success of her YouTube channel. She truly is a cultural ambassador between our two countries with a unique perspective and ability to teach the value…

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73 - David Adam 46:23

2+ y ago46:23

46:23

In this episode I welcome longtime friend and proud PA Dutchman, David Adam, on to the front porch. We discuss his bi-lingual childhood, how he met his wife of 62 years, and his love of teaching PA Dutch. Get your Front Porch Merch! Support the showBy Doug Madenford

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72 - Shan Packer 54:47

2+ y ago54:47

54:47

In this episode I invite Shan Packer up on the front porch. We discuss his childhood growing up in a real company town, his career as a machinist and his eventual transition to teaching, and we close our conversation with a discussion about the current state of career technical education in our society. Today's vo-tech is not the same vo-tech that …

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71 - Len Rutecki 43:44

2+ y ago43:44

43:44

In this episode I welcome friend and colleague, Len Rutecki, onto the front porch. Len is the autism teacher at my school and we discuss all things autism from what it is to how he works with his students. We also discuss how Len uses his gifts and abilities to raise money and awareness for autism outside of school. Throughout his life he has learn…

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70 - Kathryn Kline 44:44

2+ y ago44:44

44:44

In this episode I welcome former student and friend, Kathryn Kline, up on the front porch. We discuss her love of writing that lead to a career in journalism. We talk about her experiences from writing obituaries for the local newspaper to being a press intern in the US Senate and now her job with a major network news bureau in Washington DC. We cl…

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69 - Ryan Veltri 51:05

2+ y ago51:05

51:05

In this episode I welcome friend and colleague, Ryan Veltri, up on the front porch. We discuss how soccer has played a major role in his life from playing to coaching, the ups and downs of being a high school emotional support teacher, and the joy that the Dave Matthew's Band brings him. Get your front porch merch: https://www.zazzle.com/store/padu…

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68 - Jenn Eaton 55:52

2+ y ago55:52

55:52

In this episode I welcome Jenn Eaton up on the front porch. Jenn is the curator at the Pennsylvania Military Museum located in Boalsburg, PA. We talk about all things history and the challenges that she and her colleagues face trying to make history fun and welcoming to new generations. Learn more about the PA Military Museum! Get your Front Porch …

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67 - Kai Miller 45:22

2+ y ago45:22

45:22

In this episode I welcome high school friend, Kai Miller, up on the front porch. Kai has had a career that has taken her from NASA to the VA to her own business ventures. Kai has been a student and teacher of communications her whole life. In our interview we take a deep dive on just what is effective communication and how a true understanding of t…

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66 - Taylor Leitzell 39:51

2+ y ago39:51

39:51

In this episode I welcome Taylor Leitzell onto the Front Porch. Taylor is a financial planner by trade and we talk all things money and savings. Taylor is able to make these difficult conversations easy to have, as you will hear in our talk. Want to know what an IRA is? No idea how a 401K works? Sit down, hit play, and enjoy! Taylor Leitzell is wit…

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65 - Welcome 2023! 18:49

3y ago18:49

18:49

In this episode I welcome the new year by paging through my trusty Baer's Almanac for 2023. I highlight important anniversaries being celebrated this year as well the overall forecast for the year and finally give some sage advice from the one and only Amos Appleschnitz! Get your own Baer's Almanac! Get your Front Porch Merch! Support the show…

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64 - The Belsnickel 22:01

3y ago22:01

22:01

In this episode the one and only Belsnickel joins me on the Front Porch. Yep, that crusty, sometimes mean, Christmas gift giver of the Pennsylvania Dutch, comes out of the shadows and sits down with me for an honest conversation. We really gain some insight into his background and just what makes him tick. Get your Front Porch Merch! Support the sh…

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63 - Christoph Erbach 1:07:10

3y ago1:07:10

1:07:10

In this episode, I welcome Christoph Erbach on to the Front Porch. We discuss his childhood growing up in small town Germany,. Christoph explains how the German health insurance system works as we compare and contrast it to the American system. We close our discussion with a lively talk about the power of music and friendships in forming bridges be…

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62 - Laughs at Thanksgiving 16:07

3y ago16:07

16:07

In this episode we hear four funny stories about Thanksgiving provided by listeners of the show! Not every Thanksgiving is a Hallmark style experience as you will quickly find out listening to these experiences! Get your Front Porch Merch! Support the showBy Doug Madenford

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61 - David Hunsicker 54:13

3y ago54:13

54:13

In this episode I welcome David Hunsicker up on the Front Porch. We discuss his very PA Dutch childhood, his conversion to Islam, his time spent in Turkey and Uzbekistan, and close talking about his job working in the Palestinian and Israeli conflict. A fascinating conversation to say the least! Click to learn more about Uzbekistan! Get your Front …

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60 - Ann Wheeler 1:01:13

3y ago1:01:13

1:01:13

In this episode I welcome Ann Wheeler on to the front porch. Earlier in Ann's life she clerked for a judge on the federal 6th circuit court. I invited Ann on to give us all a Civics 101 lecture on the Supreme Court. We discuss how the court works, just what do the justices do, and what might the future look like for the judicial system in the Unite…

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59 - George Reppert 49:42

3y ago49:42

49:42

In this episode I welcome George Reppert up on the front porch. He might just be one of the most interesting men in the world as you will hear from our interview. We discuss the time he lived in a homeless shelter even though he wasn't homeless and his experiences of owning a head shop in the 1970s. We then get a full on lesson about all things whi…

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58 - Dads Raising Sons 1:03:48

3y ago1:03:48

1:03:48

In this episode I welcome childhood friends Dustin Shirk and Aleks Salks up on the front porch. We discuss the journey that we have been on as fathers of young boys. We base our conversation on an interview of author Jon Tyson who's book: "The Intentional Father: A Practical Guide to Raise Sons of Courage and Character. We discuss the difficulties …

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57 - Christina Heilig 50:39

3y ago50:39

50:39

In this episode I welcome Christina Heilig up on the front porch. Christina joins us from Buchen, Germany, where she is a high school English and Spanish teacher. We discuss and explain the German school system, how German children learn about WWII and the holocaust, and compare and contrast our two countries. Sit back and enjoy this fascinating mu…

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56 - Frank Resek 1:08:23

3y ago1:08:23

1:08:23

In this episode I welcome Frank Resek up on the front porch. We discuss his 20+ year career as a youth mental health counselor. We talk about the rise in mental health issues among youth in America, how he deals with his clients and their families, and the value of building relationships. Support the show…

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55 - Katelyn W. 40:59

3y ago40:59

40:59

In this episode I welcome former student, Katelyn W., on to the Front Porch. We discuss her love of planes, having co-piloted with her father before she was 6 years old, to her time at the United States Air Force Academy. We close the conversation talking about how she achieved her life-long goal of becoming a fighter jet pilot in the USAF. Get you…