Pull up a chair by the fire with Aunt Cathie. We talk youth sports (heat acclimation, concussions, and baseline tests), small‑town family life, empty‑nest advice, finding love that lasts, and three simple ways to be happier. There’s laughter, real talk, and a couple sips of Esther’s Banana Rum Liqueur from Cussewago Creek Distillery along the way.

Support the show
🔥 Buy a Log (Ko‑fi): https://ko-fi.com/meanderin_mitch
🗞️ Substack (bonus episodes): https://campfireconvos.substack.com
🎧 Everything in one place (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/CampfireConvos
🤝 Patreon: https://patreon.com/meanderin_mitch
📩 Email: mailto:meanderinmitch@gmail.com
📝 Be a guest / sponsor us: https://forms.gle/U9aXSoKrJ2Rm2y4r9

Shoutouts & gear mentioned
• Cussewago Creek Distillery (Esther’s Banana Rum Liqueur): https://www.facebook.com/CussewagoCreekDistillery
• Solo Stove: https://solostove.com
• CLIQ Chair (Classic 2.0): https://cliqproducts.com
• Brew Bank – Ridgway, PA (Andy Shandy): local favorite mentioned in‑episode

What you’ll hear
– Family, legacy, and growing beyond “the baseball kid”
– Heat acclimation, concussion tests, and why some kids hide injuries
– How to keep your identity (and joy) when the nest is empty
– Finding the right partner (for teens and 30‑somethings)
– Three simple rules for more happiness

Thanks to Muskie and Sam for “buying a log” and keeping the fire going. Want your name on the show? Use the Ko‑fi link above!

Welcome back to another episode of Campfire Convos! This week, I’m sitting down with my Uncle Bruce for an episode packed with real talk about family, sports, parenting, education, and the importance of figuring life out as you go. We’re enjoying some Luna beer from Coal Run Craft & Sirianni Pizzeria, and sampling some killer spirits from Cussewago Creek Distillery, all while hanging around the Solo Stove Ranger and kicking back in some Cliq Chairs.

As always, if you want to support the show, check out the Buy Me a Log link below—your name gets shouted out and you help keep the fire burning! 🔥

🔥 Support the Podcast:
Buy Me a Log – Get your name shouted out and help keep the fire burning!
Meander More Outdoor Community (FB Group)

🎙️ Listen to Campfire Convos everywhere:

• Spotify

• Apple Podcasts

• Google Podcasts

• YouTube (Subscribe!)

🪑 Featured Gear:

• Cliq Chair 2.0 (Affiliate Link) ← update with your actual affiliate link

• Solo Stove Ranger (Affiliate Link)

• TrailKeg Mini

• Firewood on the Fire – Support the show!

🍻 Beer & Spirits:

• Coal Run Craft & Sirianni Pizzeria (Indiana, PA): Facebook Page

• Cussewago Creek Distillery (Ridgeway, PA): Facebook Page

Socials:

• Instagram @Meanderin_Mitch

• Facebook: Meander More Outdoor Community

• Patreon (Get behind the scenes!)

• Substack

THANK YOU to everyone who has supported the show, bought a log, or just listened! If you got value from this episode, share it with a friend who’d appreciate a real campfire conversation. See you next time!

Chapters

00:00:00 Intro, Sponsors, and Setting the Scene

00:01:19 Growing Up Outdoors: Fishing, Hunting, and Family Stories

00:08:02 Cigar Talk, Beer, and Why Camping Matters

00:09:03 How I Got Into Camping & The Meander More Story

00:16:39 Offense, “Victim” Culture, and Buy Me a Log Shoutouts

00:18:48 Education System: “Soft Society,” Participation Trophies & Teaching Today

00:28:34 Police Stories, Safety, and Real-World Perspectives

00:46:57 Family, Raising Kids, and What Actually Matters

01:05:49 Uncle Bruce’s Biggest Accomplishments & Challenges

01:14:27 How I Became Meanderin’ Mitch & Navigating Life’s Challenges

01:17:38 Outro, Bourbon, and Final Thoughts

Welcome back to Campfire Convos! This is Part Two of our deep-dive conversation with my high school best friend Bryce. We get real about friendship, regrets (or lack of them), supporting each other through life’s ups and downs, and what it actually takes to be a good friend.

We’re still sweating it out around the Solo Stove (shoutout to Taylor, John, and Noel for the firewood!), sipping on Andy Shandygaff from Brew Bank in Ridgeway, PA, sitting in our favorite Cliq Chairs, and ending with a classic whiskey toast.

Want to support the show?
🔥 Buy us a log on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/meanderin_mitch
🤝 Join the Patreon for early access, bonus content & more: https://patreon.com/meanderin_mitch
🎧 Listen to the podcast everywhere via Linktree: https://linktr.ee/CampfireConvos

Podcast Applications / Sponsorship / Questions:
📬 Email: meanderinmitch@gmail.com
📋 Apply to be a guest: https://forms.gle/U9aXSoKrJ2Rm2y4r9

Follow Meanderin’ Mitch & Campfire Convos:
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meanderin_mitch/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meanderin_mitch
• Lemon8: https://www.lemon8-app.com/meanderin_mitch
• Media Business IG: https://www.instagram.com/highfrequency_media/
• Podcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@campfireconvos

Gear from the Episode:
• Cliq Chair (discount code MEANDERIN_MITCH for 10% off): https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-101445030-13868159
• Solo Stove: [Add your affiliate link if you have one!]

In this episode:
– Friendship that goes way deeper than “just checking in”
– Honest talk about regrets, support, and showing up
– Why real friends matter as we get older
– What to do when friendships get one-sided
– Building a support system and being “that” friend
– Real life advice for keeping connections strong
– The real Campfire Toast to end the night

👉 Bonus episodes and deeper conversations are now on Substack! If you want to hear our vulnerable takes on mental health and life, check it out there.

Drop your favorite memory with your best friend in the comments!
Thank you for being here, and as always—Meander More.

00:00 – Campfire Kickoff & Beers
04:30 – Friendship, Regrets & Getting Real
13:09 – Showing Up, Support, & Honest Conversations
22:55 – Boundaries, Energy & One-Sided Friendships
30:17 – Pursuing Passions & Taking Risks
36:00 – Advice on Friendship & Self-Reflection
48:33 – Whiskey Toast, Reflections & Outro

Chapters