Probably Speaking: Recent Episodes
John Vergara and Paula Vergara
Probably Speaking is a brand-new podcast that gives listeners an inside take on those wonderful, spontaneous conversations that only family can inspire. Join the sibling duo of John and Paula Vergara, as they take a deep dive into stories and people that interest them, in an inclusive, informative, and humorous conversation, featuring special guests chiming in with their own, fascinating family stories. Subscribe now to receive full episodes of Probably Speaking every month. We think you’ll have fun listening.
In Episode 3 of Season 3, John and Paula chat with April Pullins, a wife, mother, entrepreneur, and a marathon runner. April shares her powerful story of resilience, self-discovery, and the evolution of her bucket list. At the age of 43, April laced up her running shoes not merely for physical fitness, but as a lifeline out of a dark mental space. April shares her unique perspective that highlights the profound connections between mental and physical health, the therapeutic power of running, and the entrepreneurial spirit that evolved out of her new passion for running. #bucketlist @belightcompression www.belightcompression.com
In Episode 2 of Season 3, we chatted with James (Gembeaux) Massenburg, a man whose extraordinary talents lead him down an unconventional path of punk rocker, to retro clothing store owner in Memphis, TN. His move to New York City proved to be a career win, as he transitioned to becoming a costumer and stylist for some of the best photographers, actors, and musicians around the world. His story delves into the evolution of his bucket list, including his “coming out” story in the late 1970s, and tracing his fearless pursuit of creativity and self-discovery. Listen to the pivotal moments that shaped his identity, including a profound spiritual awakening that gave him clarity on life's true essence.
Currently, James is facing a relentless battle with cancer, epitomizing his unwavering strength and resilience in the face of adversity. His newfound perspective on life's priorities have helped him to rediscover and reexamine his bucket list.
@probablyspeaking is available for free on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and www.probablyspeaking.com.
In Episode 1 of Season 3, Renee Deljon shares how self esteem has impacted her bucket list. Despite years of setting her own dreams aside to support those of her spouse, Renee is entering a powerful new chapter in her life that includes achieving some dreams of her own. From early childhood daydreams of becoming a fashion designer to, that's right, driving a race car, Renee's spirit and determination have shown her that it is never too late to work on yourself, reinvent that list and start checking them off. Get ready to be inspired!
What's on YOUR bucket list?
Hi Everyone! This is your 2 1/2 minute sneak peak into what we have in store for Season 3: It's all about "Bucket Lists" (including some anti-bucket lists -- things that our guests would NEVER do again). You won't want to miss it! Enjoy the summer (don't get sunburn), and we'll catch up with you in September!
Join us for the 17th (and FINAL) episode of Season 2 of the Probably Speaking podcast, where John and Paula explore their own bucket lists, as well as some things they NEVER want to do. From traveling to far-off destinations, to conquering new personal challenges (John needs more sleep!), they delve into the current wish list of experiences that they aspire to achieve. In the second half of this episode, John and Paula share a unique family story, just in time for Mother's Day! Back in the early 1960s, and with two little ones in tow, their parents set off on a 6-week vacation to introduce their Mother to their Dad's side of the family in one of the most remote towns in Spain. They're still not sure if they had indoor bathrooms, and not sure how their brother David survived, but the pranks pulled by their Dad, as well as his "hero" moment at the end of the trip makes this a story worth listening to.
In episode 16, Micah McFarlane (no. 7 in a family of 12), talks about growing up in Minnesota, and how he got his unconventional start in the music industry as a tour manager with his siblings. At the age of 21, and without any experience, he put together a multi-band music concert, featuring his family’s band, Ipso Facto, in order to give them a platform. They were a reggae/rock band that eventually went on to open for bands like the Clash, and briefly scored a record deal with Epic Records in the late 1980s. Since then, Micah has worked as a tour manager for the likes of Cindy Lauper, Blondie (Debbie Harry), and Bob Newhart. These days, he loves to share his passion for agave-based spirits, as the CEO of Revel Spirits.
In episode 15, Will Korman shares his adoption story, and the search for his birth mother 50 years after she gave him up. For Will, it all started on one Friday afternoon, driving on the highway, when he made the decision to go get his mother's birth certificate. Once he had her name, Facebook proved to be the bridge between the past and the present, as he was able to track down a few second cousins who knew of his mother. After seeing a picture of his birth mother, Will knew, without a doubt, that he had found what he was searching for. A few DNA tests later, and suddenly, Will had blood relatives who helped to fill in the blanks of his mother's life, and her "secret" pregnancy, which no one in the family knew about.
In episode 14, Christina Igaraividez recounts the story of her biological father, who left the family when Christina was just an infant. She grew up in a multi-generational household, not knowing anything about her father. It wasn't until later in life that she wanted to learn more about her last name, and maybe, something about the man who she never knew. A simple Google search uncovered some unhappy news, but Christina used that information to dig deeper. In her journey of self discovery, Christina realized that her "father" was right under her nose the whole time...her Grandfather. The man who helped to raise her. Stay tuned 'til the end, when Christina talks about the final "gift" that her Grandfather gave her after he died.
In episode 13, the Probably Speaking podcast welcomes back previous guests onto the show to share some of their most memorable holiday stories! You'll be listening to stories from Mike Dolan, Alex Baker, Kevin Rock, and Joan Barton, as well as a new guest, Christina Igaraividez, who you will be hearing more from in Season 2 (episode 14) in January! So sit back with some egg nog, and cozy up to some classic Jingle Bells music, and stories that demonstrate what family means. We think you'll enjoy listening.
NOTE: This episode is not suitable for listeners under the age of 12, as some content reveals the true identity of Santa, even though we all know that Santa IS real.
In episode 12, health care executive Alex Baker thoughtfully delves into the history of his paternal grandmother's life. Eleanor Baker was a fascinating woman, who traveled the world in search of knowledge and experiences, at a time when women were expected to "know their place" (early 1900s). Her life stories and diaries of her travels would eventually be well documented for the benefit of future generations. Some of her solo experiences included time volunteering as an ambulance driver in WWI in Paris, and teaching History and English in Hawaii...a long way from her family in Massachusetts. Her courage, bravery, and compassion helped Alex to become the man that he is today.
Find out how John and Paula Vergara discovered their Italian/Canadian ancestry, not through the traditional way, but from a Google search. Learn how their 3rd great grandfather, Antonio DeBassio, born in Italy in the late 1700s, went on to fight in Napoleon's army during the Napoleonic war, and survived the disastrous and deadly March on Moscow in 1812, where 600,000 of Napoleon's troops went in, and only 100,000 survived. His fateful move to Canada shortly after the war changed the course of their family for generations. With a whole new way of learning about their ancestry at a much deeper level , the impact of these previously unknown stories (and people) can be profound.
In Episode 10, LA-based musician-turned-contractor Joan Barton tells us some fascinating stories about her uniquely liberal upbringing, and how her entrepreneurial, free spirit is weaved throughout her family tree (her grandmother was the first woman to wear pants at the Ritz!). She also talks about how she discovered her true Jewish heritage in her 30s, and married one of her employees (shhh...). One of story in particular really stands out: Joan's Dad and his experiences with the Civil Rights Movement, and the bonds of friendship that proved to be life-saving. This emotional story opened Joan's eyes to the racial inequality and prejudice in the US, which drove her to be the person that she is today. And for those listeners in New England...it's pronounced Joan "Baaaahtn", obv.
In episode 9, actor, comedian, and entrepreneur Mike Dolan recounts the stories of his childhood growing up in a military family, as a third generation "army brat", moving every 2-3 years, while his Dad was in Colonel in the army. As the oldest of three siblings, he grew up on military bases in such places as Saudi Arabia, Panama, Alaska, and Japan. He spent time camping in the desert as a boy scout, and watching camel races where women were not allowed. Coming from a conservative, Irish-Catholic family, he attended "secret" church on Fridays (he learned about the lack of religious freedom early on), and traveled in caravans for safety. After moving to Alaska (his final military move), he was randomly "recruited" into a high school play by a new classmate, and it opened up a new world for him. Listen to find out what ultimately caused Mike to pay attention to his inner voice, and follow his true calling into comedy.
In episode 8, Marisa Polvino, an LA-based film producer, entrepreneur,
and mother of two, shares a fascinating, multi-generational story about
her Italian grandmother who was married off at the age of 18, after her
true love went off into the military, and didn’t respond to her letters.
This twisted tale of lost love and sibling betrayal turned her grandmother
into a reluctant immigrant headed to America, only to become a widow
soon after arriving in New York. Did she ever re-connect with her lost love?
Listen and find out!
In this episode, John and Paula tell the story of their father's journey to America to practice medicine in 1954. Pepe's plan to move to Venezuela after medical school was scrapped after a fateful night of drinking with friends lead him to a residency in New York City. After a few long years in medical school in Valencia Spain, which included maggot races, a stomach-churning prank on an unsuspecting woman on a train, and building skeletons from discarded cemetery bones, Pepe Vergara landed in New York City with $10 in his pocket.
In this episode, Paula recounts the story of her first trip to Spain at age 15. Needless to say, the trip to Ibiza was cursed...witnessing a horrific car accident at 5am, and going on an eye-opening paddle boat ride next to a few naked guys were not exactly on her sight-seeing list. On the plus side, this trip gave her a new level of respect for her Dad (a doctor), who jumped into action to help the accident victims.
In the fifth episode of the Probably Speaking podcast, co-host John Vergara recounts two harrowing stories of survival while studying abroad in Madrid, Spain during his junior year of college (circa 1981). He dodged a potential kidnapping in Alicante after getting separated from friends and luggage on a train, and narrowly avoided being shot and/or captured during an attempted coup d'état in Madrid, just a few months later. Let’s just say, he was in the wrong place, at the wrong time. Against all odds, he survived to tell the tales. Fortunately, the Vergara Bubble kept him safe.
In the fourth episode of Probably Speaking, Actor Kevin Rock tells a fascinating story about how (and when) he met his two half-sisters, Melanie and Bonnie, who had no idea they had a brother. After a chance meeting at a movie premiere, Kevin set out to put the puzzle pieces of his family together, with little help from his estranged, biological father, Clarence Rock. He also tells the tale of how he met his wife, after almost crashing his plane.
Growing up. It never really happens the way that you think it’s going to. It can often feel unpredictable, scary, and full of uncertainty. Yet somehow, it can end up being more meaningful as a result. In today’s episode, we welcome classically trained actor Anil Kumar, who shares some very raw stories about his early struggles with being Indian-American, his evolving relationship with his Dad, and how his Olympic diving dreams were crushed, only to experience a few full-circle moments that allow him to forgive his parents, as well as his himself.
In the 2nd episode of Probably Speaking, sibling duo John and Paula Vergara reminisce about Christmas past, including “Noche Buena”, and give listeners a taste of Spanish-style Christmas Eve foods. They also talk about their favorite childhood Christmas gifts that kept on giving, the uncommon Christmas tree topper, and Paula’s risky move at 3am on Christmas Eve. Things get serious, when they tell the harrowing story about their Spanish grandfather…a story that is guaranteed to give you goosebumps, as well as a good history lesson. So sit back with whatever is left of the Christmas cookies, and enjoy!
In this episode of Probably Speaking, John explains the true meaning behind the podcast title. Paula digs deep, asking John about his favorite Christmas memory (there is a dead body involved), and then John tells the famous (or infamous?) story of the Spanish FIG. Hint: It's not about a piece of fruit.
Probably Speaking is a brand-new podcast that gives listeners an inside take on those wonderful, spontaneous stories that only family can inspire. Join the sibling duo of John and Paula Vergara, as they take a deep dive into stories and people that interest them, in an inclusive, informative, and humorous conversation, featuring special guests chiming in with their own, fascinating family stories. Subscribe now to gain free access to full episodes of Probably Speaking every month. We think you’ll have fun listening.