Coal Region Campfire: Recent Episodes
Coal Region Campfire
I only heard about Frank Gangemi a couple weeks ago. A Pottsville football legend in the 80s, he went on to play at Johns Hopkins and was All Conference on Offense & Defense, which is just unheard of.
Amazingly, still not in the PAHS Hall of Fame, but I'm going to try to change that soon.
One of my favorite interviews I've done.
We've been gone for a while, but we're back with a bang.
General George Joulwan represents the Coal Region just about as much as you can. A 4 Star General and the former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO AND, most importantly, an "East Sider" through and through.
Episode 5 of season 3
We head up north North of the Mountain to the land of McAdoo.
Definite finalist for Mac and Cheese Hall of Fame.
Groody Catering gets the Coal Region experience.
Their hot sauce takes a back seat to no one.
Once again if you're a judge running for office in Schuylkill county, then you need to stop at the campfire. Jim Conville got the memo and he's here today
Coal Region Campfire has become the 60 Minutes of Schuylkill County. It's a must stop for Lenten Fish Dinners, and of course for judge candidates.
Today we welcome Christina Hale and Chris Hobbs to the campfire.
Chris Hobbs. Pubs guy. Won't hold it against him.
You're getting the audio early, but you need to see the visuals when we release this morning at 9 AM on Facebook!
We discuss Lenten Fish Dinner of South Cass and also the dating possibilities of the St. Patrick End of Summer Festival (RIP)
Mr. Darren from the Girl Who Code program at the Pottsville Free Public Library pulls a seat at the campfire and talks the STEM program.
It's FREE too!
Porcupine Pat is the absolute best. He's a true original who oozes passion. Today I had the pleasure of spending some time with him at the Charles Baber cemetery and he talked me through some of the trees there.
Lots of history!
David from Boscov's recently passed away. He was one of my first interviews and I wanted to wait to do a bigger episode on Boscov's, but it just never worked out.
You can't listen to this without having a smile on your face. Guy loved his job and did it with such passion. You can't teach that.
Muhammad Ali, as everyone knows and should know had his HQ here in Deer Lake. There's so many different stories and my hope with this series is to capture as many as possible.
Leroy Boyer from the Pottsville Republican and Jason Genovese join me today and we hash out the best athletes and coaches of all time from Schuylkill County and the Coal Region.
Jim Haluska from the Schuylkill Historical society takes the time to explain the historical events of the Spanish Flu here in the county.
Connor Hinchliffe started out as a catcher, then made the jump to pitcher, where today he's in the Phillies organization. Not. Too. Shabby.
I swallowed my pride and met him at Railway and we had a catch. Tommy John surgery is scheduled for next week. Well worth it.
Presented by CACL and Darren J March Financial Services.
Week 3. Hopefully, you're buckled in!
Trinity Lutheran!
Presented by CACL and Darren J. March Financial services.
Jim Roth is on the Mount Rushmore of Coal Region football coaches. He's on the Mount Rushmore of PA Coaches. He's a legend, and he's built one of the most dominant and successful football programs in the entire country.
Presented by CACL and Darren J March Financial Services.
The unofficial mayor of St. Clair Dave Plachko joins the campfire today as we celebrate National Chili Day at Tommy's M&S.
Presented by CACL & Darren J March financial services.
Lenten Fish Dinner Review Tour kicks off Season 2 with St. Clair Fish & Games Lobster Bisque and Altamont Fire Company's fish fry.
A very bold statement is made in this review. Very Bold.
Presented by CACL
Coal Region Campfire Wing Review Tour travels to Middleport's Coal Street Pub. Interesting facts about Middleport too.
Presented by CACL
Today we spoke with Madeline Wittig, last year's Junior Idol winner.
If you're interested in competing, email junioridolsc@gmail.com or follow "Schuylkill Theater Association" on Facebook.
Presented by CACL
The people spoke and I listened, so we headed down to Bum's Rush on Route 61 to give their wings their day in court.
PRESENTED BY CACL
Frank Messina took the bull by the horns and started a Schuylkill County Model Railroad club. He and his club have made incredible progress already, and when it's done, it's going to be awesome.
Lenten Fish Dinner Season is upon us ladies and gentlemen. Buckle up, because I'm going to run through a brick wall for you in my quest to find the perfect haddock, cole slaw, and mac & cheese for you.
Presented by CACL
Today we sit down with Keith Semerod and Shawn Frankenstein of SAM here in Pottsville. We take a little turn, but we dive into the process of counting the homeless in the county. Quite interesting.
Presented by CACL
If you're a fan of Pottsville sports, then you're a fan of 50/50 Frank. He bleeds crimson and white, and is the heart beat of the Tide faithful. Frank is battling cancer right now, but his spirit is not deterred. I had the absolute pleasure of talking with him.
ROLLLL TIDE!
Presented by CACL
Coney Express has been a mainstay at the Fairlane Village Mall. After 43 years they closed on Saturday. We paid our final respects on their last day.
Why is the Henry Clay statue in Pottsville?
This the hard hitting question we're asking today with Jim Haluska from the Schuylkill Historical Society today.
Presented by CACL and Darren J March Financial Services.
Coach John Toomey is easily one of the most respected coaches around. He was incredibily tough, and demanded a lot, but he was also tremendously fair. Today he stopped by the campfire and we talked about his career.
PRESENTED BY CACL ...
We packed up the van and headed up north 61 to Shendo, and paid a visit to Lucky's Deli. It was my first time, and I ate like a true king.
The beauty of being an avid listener of the podcast is that you get to listen to the reviews here before anyone else. That's VIP treatment.
Even though Haven lost to Nativity when I was a waterboy, I still reviewed them.
School Lunch Tour rolls on with Schuylkill Technology South. 100% student run. Please keep them in mind for any of your catering needs, and pay them a visit for your next lunch. You won't be disappointed.
Election Pork & Kraut blind taste test.
Participants 1. Yorkville Hose Company (Pottsville) 2. Good Will & EMS (Minersville) 3. Schuylkill Hose #2 (Schuylkill Haven)
Presented by CACL and Darren March Financial Planning
Kenneth Kline is my neighbor. Had zero idea he was such a coaching legend, until a couple people told me about him.
Won a state championship Jim Thorpe, lost another on a half court buzzer beater, and had a great career coaching at Pottsville.
Presented by CACL...
School Lunch Review Tourney starts today with pan rolls, mac and cheese at Pottsville DHH Lengel Middle School
See the video later today at our Facebook page "Coal Region Campfire"
Presented by CACL and the one and only Darren March ....
I went to the Mamma Millie bakery today to see what it's all about. Millie is def a character, but you'll be hard pressed to find somebody more passionate about her work.
Also make sure you get your holiday orders soon with her. You don't want to show up empty handed to the holiday dinner.
Presented by CACL and Darren. J March Financial Services
Jim Haluska from the Schuylkill County Historical Society sits down with us and discusses all things John O'Hara. Bet you didn't know he was a cub reporter covering the Pottsville Maroons or that he's often mentioned in the same breath as Hemingway?
Presented by CACL & Darren J. March Financial Services
President Judge William Baldwin pulls a seat up to the campfire this week. We talk his football career, the challenges and most important thing about being a judge, and growing up in the county.
PRESENTED BY CACL & Darren J. March Financial Planning.
Today we speak with Schuylkill County Historical Society director Diana and she gives us all the info you and I need for the haunted walking tours.
For more info go to http://schuylkillhistory.org/events/
George Forney stops by the campfire today and we talk Nativity girls basketball, growing up on Norwegian street, and a his peculiar skill of being able to kick perfect volleyball serves with his foot.
Sponsors ... you know already
Darren J. March & and the omipresent CACL.
We traveled north of the mountain to see what all the fuss was about with Chill Out Ice Cream. Little different format, but still a fun episode.
I put out the message asking for more guests. John Powers was requested a lot, so we made it happen. That's just what we do here at the Coal Region Campfire. Make your requests into reality.
I never had him as a teacher, and really didn't know him in high school, but it was an absolute pleasure speaking with him, and, once again, you can feel the passion he has for teaching, and the way former students talk about him it's very obvious he left a lasting impression.
CACL and Darren March = Sponsors. You know this already.
Porcupine Pat is a Schuylkill County legend.
Do you know that he's not originally from The Skook? Do you know that even though I hate possums with everything I have, they're really good for the environment? These are just a few of the things we cover.
More than anything, he has an absolute passion for what he does, and we're thankful for it.
Did you know we're sponsored by CACL and Darren March? (https://www.raymondjames.com/marchlutz/about-us/bio?_=Darren.March)
We take the review tour north of the mountain this week and give the Mountain Valley wings their day in Skook Review court.
The 2016 Club is the only way to experience Tide Football. Today I reviewed the bacon wrap cheese dog from Marlin Markets.
Servants for All does a great service to our community helping out those in need. Jeanette Triano is the Executive Director and she stopped by the camp fire today.
Also, if you ever have extra food from a party or whatever, drop it off there, They'll make good use of it.
BANKING NEEDS -- CACL! Enough said!
Retirement Questions? Call/email Darren! 570-640-8010 or Darren.march@raymondjames.com.
Presented by CACL
There won't be any surprises in this review. Make sure to catch the video on Facebook later today at 2PM on the "Coal Region Campfire" page.
Also order a shirt ...https://coalregioncampfire.com/merch/
Summer 2019 Concession Stand Reviews
Railway. Big whoop. They may or may not have made it to the Little League World Series one time. But did they go 20 - 0 and were City League Champions?
Coach Dave Holland is basketball royalty here in the Coal Region. He's a teacher at heart, and it's apparent in his coaching ways. We're fortunate to have someone like him in the community. I mean he retired, and for retirement he took a principal job at an elementary school and still teaches basketball in his driveway.
BANKING NEEDS -- CACL! Enough said!
Retirement Questions? Call/email Darren! 570-640-8010 or Darren.march@raymondjames.com.
Lori from "A Coalcracker in the Kitchen" is back to tell us everything about Teaberry. Teaberry is very very polarizing. You either love it or hate. I love it.
https://www.acoalcrackerinthekitchen.com/
Also DO NOT go into the woods looking for teaberry. Make sure you're only eating teaberry products safely prepared by professionals. I hate that I have to disclose that.
Huuuuge review ... but catch it on the Facebook Page for "Coal Region Campfire" being released at 9:15 AM this morning.
The Yuengling Mansion will be hosting the free Shakespeare in the Garden starting this week. Def check it out.
For more info go to http://www.schuylkillfreeshakespeare.org
Dr Dolbin passed away last week. I interviewed him a couple weeks ago, and I was very surprised to hear of his passing.
Jack Dolbin is a Coal Region icon and he embodied everything that makes us all Coal Region. May he rest in peace, and there's no doubt his legacy will carry on.
COAL REGION CAMPFIRE - EPISODE 61 - MONSTER TRUCK CHAMPION JOHN SEASOCK by Coal Region Campfire
Stephanie Hoover has written a book about the Kelayres Massacre in 1934. Really interesting stuff. She explains it a lot better than I ever would.
If you're more interested, buy her book here. http://www.stefhoover.com/Kelayres_Massacre.html
or on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Kelayres-Massacre-Politics-Pennsylvanias-Anthracite/dp/1626195471/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1488033663&sr=8-1&keywords=Kelayres+Massacre&linkCode=ll1&tag=pp04c-20&linkId=101a8407b45dc081c12719841a545339
Jake Wynn is the man! And I'm convinced he knows every piece of Coal Region history. You can't convince me it's not true. He breaks down the history of the Molly Maguires into a nice little snack you can munch on.
Also visit his website. www.wynninghistory.com
Also ... don't forget our sponsors. Darren March (https://www.raymondjames.com/marchlutz/about-us/bio?_=Darren.March)
And CACL (http://www.caclfcu.org/) .
We're back with reviews. The one and only Rotary Little League Concession stand. The place where legends are born ... legends live on ... you get the idea.
We're back with a new episode. Dick Yuengling. Don't think I need an intro.
And we also have a new sponsor, along with Darren. CACL Bank.
The LFDR Tour comes to a close in my second hometown of Minersville PA at the Good Will Fire Company.
The Lager Jogger is one the best events of the year here in Pottsville. A great day even if you're not a runner. We have Carrie and Katie to thank for that.
Circle your calendar for Saturday April 27th.
We travel to St. Clair today to St. Michael's Russian Orthodox and Giorgio's Italian Pizza.
Make sure to like "Coal Region Campfire" on Facebook and watch the video there.
Lori from the Facebook group "A Coal Cracker in the Kitchen" stops by today and talks all food Coal Region. Bleenies. Teaberry. Pierogies.
Also like her Facebook page.
If you missed the video online on Twitter or Facebook, here's the Lenten Fish Dinner Review for the Humane in audio form. Do I take care of you guys/girls or what?
I never knew this type of program existed, but I'm glad it does. We sit down with Amy and Steve Eckert and talk about the experience.
Like their Facebook page too. "DAWGS Prison Programs"
Rick Nagle who runs www.schuylkillhavenhistory.com pulled a log up to the campfire today and discussed the resort that was Tumbling Run. Incredible photos of what once was.
Also did you know that Schuylkill Haven owns it today ...
Also ...RATE! RATE! RATE! 5 stars.
COAL REGION CAMPFIRE - EPISODE 53 - POTTSVILLE STINGERS WITH ED TITUS by Coal Region Campfire
District Judge Dave Plachko stops by the program and talks all things magistrate. Magistrates are the first part of the judicial process and insanely important with making sure a fair judicial process takes place.
We also talk his band, his secret to staying in shape, and his reffing career.
Scotty Reichert is one of my all time favorite coaches, and I know many former players feel the exact same way. He was a hugely influential figure in many lives, and they don't make him like him much anymore.
Warning: this episode is Yuengling Little League heavy. If you're a Pubs, Amvets, or Economy guy it might be too much for you.
Shawn Fitzpatrick does it all. Superintendent, radio personality, host, and race car driver. Today you'll hear how a set back trying out for the PSU mascot led to him coming back to this area, and we're lucky it worked out that way.
Also, rate us on the iTunes app.
We're back with the Skook Scream Queens, our very own Coal Region Roller Derby team skating out of the Roller Roost II. A great lesson in just getting after things, and getting the ball rolling. They started out with 6 girls, and now they're up to 33 and counting.
We're back for another season of the Coal Region Campfire for 2019. Today, we finally catch up with Gil Kim, who has had an incredible journey of sleeping on a mattress in the locker room in South America to now the Director of Player Development for the Toronto Blue Jays.
If you're a young baseball player, coach, or athlete it's worth your while to take a listen.
Circle the calendars!
With the huge success of Pottsville on Tap, Pottsville is back at again (with the white vans), kicking off the new year with Winterfest 2019 (January 12, 2019 at 11 AM – 5 PM)
Yuengling beer garden, food, ice skating rink, burn barrels (smells like an old bush party) and much more. Fun for the entire family, singles to meet other people, you name it ...
Today we speak with three time guest Savas Logothetides and Tom Palamar about what's in store.
Circle the calendars!
With the huge success of Pottsville on Tap, Pottsville is back at again (with the white vans), kicking off the new year with Winterfest 2019 (January 12, 2019 at 11 AM – 5 PM)
Yuengling beer garden, food, ice skating rink, burn barrels (smells like an old bush party) and much more. Fun for the entire family, singles to meet other people, you name it ...
Today we speak with the CEO of Winter Carnival Dee Boris
Circle the calendars!
With the huge success of Pottsville on Tap, Pottsville is back at again (with the white vans), kicking off the new year with Winterfest 2019 (January 12, 2019 at 11 AM – 5 PM)
Yuengling beer garden, food, ice skating rink, burn barrels (smells like an old bush party) and much more. Fun for the entire family, singles to meet other people, you name it ...
Today we speak with the 2018 Winter Carnival Royalty Alex Mullin (Queen) Mikee Tobash (Snowflake) Kali Grochowski (Snowdrop)
Every Coal Region, especially Skooks know about Boilo. I made my first batch last year, and when I was looking for a recipe, people wouldn't tell me much, but they always told me Four Queens Whiskey. Today Tom Alberico from Laird and Company talks with us about all things Four Queens and Boilo.
We've all heard about the ghost of Gordon Mountain. I'm still scared of it, sue me. Today we get down to the nitty gritty of the Gordon Mountain case and touch on some other with local ghost expert Charles J. Adams III.
The Pottsville Maroons are obviously a treasured legacy around these parts, and no one knows the history of them better than Vincent Genovese. Together, with his son, Jason, they wrote a great book on the history of the storied team. Even if you think you know a lot about the Maroons, this episode will definitely inform you even more, so you can be a big shot at your next dinner party.
Richard Fries took the time today to tell us all the insights in running a marching band.
Football fall weekends would be nothing without the sounds of the marching band. Mr. Fries tells us exactly how they view themselves as an extension of the football team, and as a former football player, I can't agree more.
Coach Hampford is one of my favorite people on the planet. He's the man in every sense of the word. He defines what it means to be passionate about something, and his teaching and coaching has impacted the lives of so many. I was honored to have Coach stop by the campfire today and tell stories like he only knows how.
ps Coach Flynn story is great ... trust me
Corey McCabe is man in recovery who's had his lion's share of tragedy, including the loss of his daughter. Determined to put a dent in the opioid epidemic he has made it his personal mission to raise awareness and stop the senseless deaths ravaging communities all across the country. Today, he sat down with me and we had a candid conversation about what's going on in our community.
Pottsville on Tap is shaping up to be a huge day in Pottsville coming Saturday Sept 15th. If it's not circled on your calendar ... do it now before you do anything else today. Beer. Pierogie Eating contest. Ethnic Coal Region Food.
You need your head examined if you don't come.
We're going to be talking with various people involved with the event throughout the next couple weeks, so you're ready to go for the big day.
Today we visit the Yuengling Mill Creek Brewery and talk with Jessica Seiders, Yeungling's Communications Manager about all the big plans.
Pottsville on Tap is shaping up to be a huge day in Pottsville coming Saturday Sept 15th. If it's not circled on your calendar ... do it now before you do anything else today. Beer. Pierogie Eating contest. Ethnic Coal Region Food.
You need your head examined if you don't come.
We're going to be talking with various people involved with the event throughout the next couple weeks, so you're ready to go for the big day. Today we sit with the volunteer commission of Kim and Linda and they tell you all about how to get involved and volunteer. Aside from being a good thing and being a part of something great, you get a free STAFF t -shirt.
Link is here to sign up https://goo.gl/uLY6Bz
Pottsville on Tap is shaping up to be a huge day in Pottsville coming Saturday Sept 15th. If it's not circled on your calendar ... do it now before you do anything else today. Beer. Pierogie Eating contest. Ethnic Coal Region Food.
You need your head examined if you don't come.
We're going to be talking with various people involved with the event throughout the next couple weeks, so you're ready to go for the big day. Today we sit with city administrator Tom Palamar, who may or may not enter the Pierogie Eating contest.
Pottsville on Tap is shaping up to be a huge day in Pottsville coming Saturday Sept 15th. If it's not circled on your calendar ... do it now before you do anything else today. Beer. Pierogie Eating contest. Ethnic Coal Region Food.
You need your head examined if you don't come.
We're going to be talking with various people involved with the event throughout the next couple weeks, so you're ready to go for the big day.
Today we welcome back Savas (our first repeating guest) to kick things off.
COAL REGION CAMPFIRE - EPISODE 40 - HALL OF FAME COACH KEVIN KEATING by Coal Region Campfire
COAL REGION CAMPFIRE - EPISODE 39 - WORLD MASTERS SOAPBOX CHAMPION BRADEYN DITZLER by Coal Region Campfire
Nativity head football coach has done A LOT in a short period of time, putting Nativity back on the coal region football map. With less than a month to prepare for the upcoming season he had a great year 1. At one point calling every male student at Nativity to get numbers up, and he did. Now in year 2 Coach Mason and the Wave have their eyes sighted on a bigger gridiron campaign.
I remember going to see Ryan Poletti fight when I was younger, and it was awesome to see his local following as he left the area. Today he's still in boxing as a trainer, making an impact on the youth in our area. I think there's enough room for two Italian Stallions in the county (me being the other one)
Centralia documentary filmmaker Joe Sapienza chats with us this week about the incredible job he did with the documentary. So interesting to hear a fresh perspective from someone outside the area. He beautifully captured the spirit of Centralia. He also discusses future projects about the lost town.
This week Schuylkill County DA Mike O'Pake sits down with us and discusses the challenges and triumphs of his first year in office. He talks opioid epidemic, his basketball game, and what's ahead.
This week we stop down Route 61 to the Auction Bid Board and speak with owner Carolyn Fry. If you're ever looking for anything, this is the place to start. You don't need to be an antiquer or anything. I feel like they have something for everyone. Do you know their one client drives up from Texas every month? That's how good it is.
Pottsville alum Meredith Averill joins us this week to talk about her exploding career out in the city of lights (maybe ... not sure that's the nickname) of Hollywood. She gives us great behind the scenes and talks about the triumphs and challenges of working in showing business ... and possibly a series about the Yuengling Little League Dynasty (I made that up ... but just putting it out in the universe)
If you're Pottsville Tide fan this is a must listen. Mike Kiehner has been such an influential and selfless member of the coal region, doing it all for the right reasons. His voice is as soothing as a cold beer on a hot day.
Not only is he a great PA announcer, but he's an equally talented organ player, and coach. We are truly lucky to have someone like him in our community.
P.S. let me know if you need the TD call for your ringtone
Every coal cracker has visited Knoebels at one time or another. It's a rite of passage for any summer ... and once you ride the Phoenix you're one step closer to being an adult. I felt like a complete stud after my first time. This week Brian Knoebel sat down with us and took us through some of the insights of this amazing park.
Barry never picked up a javelin until he was cut from the baseball team in high school. Instead of being a baby, he dug in and became a world class (literally) javelin thrower, representing USA in London and placing 4th at the Olympic Trials. Great lesson on working hard, persevering, and dedication.
Nativity, Babson alum George Halcovage III stops by to talk his rise to assistant basketball coach for the best program in NCAA basketball today, Villanova. He talks who was his favorite person to see coaching at Villanova, the challenges of being a video coordinator, and what his future may hold in coaching.
Jacklyn and Cassie Collier hail from the coal hills of Mount Carmel. Today, they live in NYC, but they still hold onto to their coal region roots. They're launching a board game, which in my humble estimation is pretty damn cool. Support their Kickstarter if you can, and root for this coal region tandem.
9th District Congressional Candidate and Schuylkill County Commissioner George Halcovage stopped by today. He talks his campaign, turning a complaint from a Thanksgiving dinner into a positive change, and what made him a good point guard (he was a lefty, but people thought he was a righty)
Another great and generous episode this week from Pottsville native (East Side) PAT FLANNERY who had an amazing coaching career, most notably at Bucknell, where he knocked off #2 Kansas, in what was considered the biggest upset in March Madness till this year. Also he won a D3 national championship with Lebanon Valley back in 1994.
Real interesting to hear how he almost become a plant manager at Stouffer's chicken in Ohio.
This week St. Pat's CYO Alum and ESPN's fantasy guru takes the time to talk to us about how he turned a passion of sports stats into a career. Mike is now enjoying a career at ESPN as their fantasy football guru. Great story and lesson on how to turn a passion into a career. Hint: it's a lot of hard work.
This is one of those podcasts where I don't feel like I did it justice. It was amazing to visit Todd in his element carving blocks of wood into truly amazing pieces of art with a chainsaw.
Check out the pics on our Facebook page
This week we take a visit to space (kind of) by going to the Pottsville Area High School Planetarium, one of the only kind in the area. An amazing resource for the community, and truly incredible to see in person. Mr. Adrian Portland, the Planetarium's director leads the way and flies the spaceship.
This is one of those podcasts where I don't feel like I did it justice. It was amazing to visit Todd in his element carving blocks of wood into truly amazing pieces of art with a chainsaw.
Check out the pics on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/coalregioncampfire/
You've all seen Joe Bosack's work whether you realize it or not. He's created some of the most iconic logos in sports including the Final Four logo, Boise State, Mississippi State, and was part of the team that designed the Colorado Avalanche logo. These are just a few, as his resume is expansive. Crazy to think he creates all of this living in Pottsville!
This week Blue Mountain Alum Jimmy Spence takes the time to talk to us about autograph authentication. An incredible insight into the niche market of autograph authentication. If you have a piece of memorabilia with a signature there's a great chance James Spence Authentication did the verification.
In this episode we travel north of the mountain to Shenandoah and talk with Jessica, a fourth generation owner of the famed Kowalonek's, which you've probably been saying wrong for some time now. Don't be an amateur man/woman!
Mike Sofranko has been the mayor of Jim Thorpe since 2009 and today he took the time to talk to us about the challenges and triumphs of being a mayor. We also talk about the origin of the nameJim Thorpe (hint Jim Thorpe never set foot in Jim Thorpe)
Derek Flail, the general manager of The Jungle in Schuylkill Haven, just completed the Empire State Building tower run. And incredible feat and experience. Today we stopped by to talk to him about the challenge of taking on this huge endeavor.
Lazarchick's is one of the most famed bars in all of the coal region. In this bonus episode Ellen, who's worked there for 51 years, took the time to give us a tour.
Jake Figueroa of Brodero, and formerly of Crobot, took the time to chat with us today about starting his new band, life on tour, and the feeling of playing in front of 20,000 screaming fans ... hint: its orgasmic
Travis Blankenhorn, a Pottsville alum, is on his quest to become a professional baseball player. He's currently in the Minnesota Twins organization, playing Single A ball in Cedar Rapids. More importantly, I ask him what he likes more Palermo's or Roma.
This week Steve and Kim from Eastwick solutions stopped by to talk about the Pottsville revitalization and the next steps in the process. A must listen for any Pottsville or Schuylkill county resident.
Ron Stabinsky is a world traveling professional piano player hailing from the Coal Region. Just recently, he was on the Late Show with Steven Colbert and Jack Black. This week he stopped by to talk about his interesting career.
This week we visited the Muhammad Ali camp in Deer Lake and talked with Sam Matta, the camp's general manager, about the past and future of the camp.
This week Matty Fresh from "Skook State of Mind" fame pays the Coal Region campfire a visit.
We kick off 2018 with Nick Schlitzer talking European basketball and his body double in the Skook Life video
This week legendary high school wrestling coach Joe Cesari stops by to talk his days being coached by Buddy Ryan at University of Buffalo and building the most dominant wrestling program in the country.
This week Roger from Martian Materials in Pottsville joins us to talk all things Martian Materials!
This week coal region great John Flannery stops by to talk football, wrestling, and what he misses most about the coal region.
This week on the Coal Region Campfire Berwick great Bo Orlando pays a visit and talks all things football.
This week Pottsville head baseball coach Mike Welsh stops by to talk about coaching today, the challenges of the job, and how his own personal adversity shapes his coaching
This week we talked with Joe Snedeker. He talks about his early teaching days, his absolute passion for weather and life, and the cave he sleeps in every night !
Savas Logothetides from "The Wheel" and "The Crimson House" joins us to talk about not only his success but the rise of downtown Pottsville.
On this week's episode Bobby Ray Shafer from "The Office" fame talks Bob Vance and his acting career as fictional character of the Coal Region. And then we're joined by "The Sandlot" screenwriter David Mickey Evans, who was born in Wilkes Barre.
Coal Region Campfire - Episode 1
FRED FANELLI - renowned PA coal region and nationwide lawyer Fred Fanelli kicks off the podcast talking about his career and his coal region roots.