Stories from the Center of the Universe

Episode 235: Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds joins the podcast via a connection with Andrew Ting (Episode 40.) Michael was born in Nebraska and grew up in Sioux Falls, South Dakota which he said was a great place to grow up. He got into drama and singing in high school and that led in part to him attending Northwestern for college. After trying that for a couple years, he switched to Political Science and then went to law school at UCLA. They spoke about his time as a lawyer and then Paul and Michael talked about a connection of theirs which is the nation of Belize. They discussed the difference between being a tourist (Paul) in Belize and being a business owner in Belize like Michael. He told Paul stories about Belize, the best time of the year to go to Belize and ended by talking about his wife Bonnie and his kids.

Episode 234: Chris Karpes

Chris Karpes lives in New Orleans and he and Paul met about six weeks ago. Chris was born in Tacoma, Washington, but grew up in Canada and was about thirty when he moved back to the states full time. Chris told Paul about the decisions he made and then the road those decisions took him down. For Chris, that meant he has had to battle addiction with alcohol and various drugs for a lot of his life. They discussed this in length including time behind bars, bouncing around the U.S. and Canada and the epiphany that has seen him sober for the last fifteen years. He talked about his adult son, his wife of nine years, what the future may hold for him and Paul thanked him for the real conversation about his life.

Episode 233: Mid-Atlantic Railroad Park

In the last Downtown Ashland Association Series episode of Season 3, Paul talks with Carolyn Hemphill, Betsy Hodges and Tom Wulf about the Mid-Atlantic Railroad Park. They discussed why they’re calling it a “park,” how it got started and the groups involved in backing this project. The history of railroad in Ashland as well as other general history was discussed amongst Betsy, Carolyn and Tom. They each talked about their groups and some upcoming events this fall. This was a great way to end this DAA season and discussing what is happening in Ashland … The Center of the Universe.

Episode 232: Rich Dalton - Part 2

Paul brings back Rich Dalton for Part 2 of a three part series. They completed a quick recap of Part 1 and then discussed life after the Marine Corps. Rich talked about his interest in law enforcement, but that he decided to go back to college and wrestle. He talked about living in California, but moving back to New Jersey for a brief time and then how he changed his career path and got certified as a personal trainer. Rich did work in law enforcement, but also told Paul about his MMA career including his fighting style and one particular event that was held at the Playboy Mansion. Stay tuned for Part 3 …

Episode 231: Colette and Tom Miranda (Ashland Dance Academy and 110 Thompson)

Paul talks to Collette and Tom Miranda for another Downtown Ashland Association episode. They are the owners of The Ashland Dance Academy and 110 Thompson. Collette has danced since she was nine and taught dance since she was fifteen. They started the business in 2020 amid the pandemic and said it was tricky, but it was the right time and right thing to do for the community. They discussed with Paul about being commercial building owners, the end of the year recital and their future plans. Tom and Collette met through a friend, moved from California to Hanover in 2018, have three kids and are busy all the time … and that’s the way they like it!

Episode 230: Tom Greco returns

Tom Greco is back (episodes 4 and 215) and he's still thinking about starting his own podcast. For this second installment, he joins Stories to talk about how a Disney movie from decades ago inspired Disney to buy an NHL franchise by the same name. The underdog storyline with sub-plots of redemption really stuck with Tom. With the recent release of the documentary E:60 movie, Once Upon a Time in Anaheim, Tom couldn't resist sharing his thoughts. Once again, here's Tom... 

Episode 229: Courtney Caldwell - Ashland Movie Theatre - DAA

In the latest Downtown Ashland Association episode, Paul talks to Courtney Caldwell. Courtney was involved in Round 1 of the DAA episodes because she hosted us at the Ashland Theatre. Courtney is the manager at the iconic Ashland landmark which is celebrating its 75th Anniversary this year. Courtney and Paul talked about the types of events at the theatre and one in particular that was inspired by her nephew. They talked about how the theatre helps people make memories and the impact it has on the community. Courtney was born in Roanoke and went to high school and college in northern Virginia. She spent eleven years on Broadway in behind the scenes roles and has a Masters in Arts Management.

Episode 228: Bill Gatewood - DAA

Bill Gatewood joins Paul for a Downtown Ashland Association episode. Bill and Paul talked about how he got involved with the organization which led a discussion about Train Day in Ashland. They also discussed what brought Bill to Ashland originally and then how he served the town as a police officer for almost thirty-five years. Bill continues to volunteer in the Center of the Universe and told Paul how interested folks can volunteer with the Downtown Ashland Association.

Episode 227: Carlene Bass

Carlene Bass has lived in Ashland for 87 of her almost 90 years on this earth! Her Dad, a traveling salesman (and a great gardener,) moved the family from Caroline to Ashland in 1935. Paul and Carlene talked about growing up post Depression, graduating from Henry Clay High School and going to what is now Mary Washington University to become a teacher. They also discussed memories about World War 2, her teaching career, a story about a very good friend and ended by talking about her family.

Episode 226: Barclay DuPriest

Ashland Icon Barclay DuPriest joins the podcast. Barclay was born in Richmond, but grew up on a farm in Burkeville, Virginia. She told stories about the farm including the first time she ever saw Rob DuPriest. She talked about Crewe HS, attending Randolph Macon Women’s College and then marrying Rob and moving to Ashland. She told Paul about living in Ashland and included a story about a time capsule. She spoke to Paul about her time at Hanover Academy and then she talked about her last 38 years when she has been the Bookstore Manager at Randolph Macon College. They talked about her son Tad … how incredible he was, how he lives on and how they tragically lost him in 1992. They finished by talking about travel companions, her ailments, her awesome grand daughter Sydney and with Barclay giving a heartfelt thank you to everyone.