Tag Archives: TBD Referral Group

Not Your Usual Me or: Good Eats

05 Thursday Aug 2021

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Salutations™!!

So, Thursdays are usually Asylum – Tales from the Devereaux Diaries podcast recording but I had another event I had to go to tonight. TBD (The Best Damn) Referral Group had a “family dinner” tonight at Mama Zoë Michael’s and The BCPF and I attended with about 20 other people. It was a good turnout for us and for Mama Zoë’s. I had the Gold Rush Wrap, which was chicken with the Gold Rush (a honey mustard kind of sauce) sauce from Waldo’s Wings (also owned by the Michael family). The BCPF had the flounder sandwich. It was a good night.

But, I’ll take the opportunity to remind you to listen to Beeswax Vinyl Daily! You can listen to today’s ep here.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“This is a loud bunch!” – Me

Non-Silent Sunday or: The Day After

01 Sunday Mar 2020

Posted by in Beer, Food, Life as We Know It, Podcasting, Spirits, The Less Desirables Network

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Salutations™!!

The BCPF and I did go to Underdog Records yesterday but we were out of our house from 10a until 10p and didn’t get to listen to any records. I just put them in my Discogs and that will be tomorrow’s post. Today, however, I have to recap an awesome Saturday.

 

Huevos Rancheros
Young Cardinal Breakfast

We started with breakfast at the brand-new Young Cardinal Cafe on Fourth Street, downtown. I had eaten there the day before for their first day and knew that I had to take The BCPF so she could try it. Great food, great quantity and great price. All a plus! I had the Huevos Rancheros and she had the Young Cardinal Breakfast.

We then went to Underdog Records and scored a huge haul but we didn’t get to come home to listen to any of it, as I stated earlier. Collage 2020-03-01 10_10_54

It was time to go judge The Big Sip’s Mac-n-Cheese festival. We had a lot of mac-n-chz and a lot of beer and spirits. A lot of both!! We met up with some good friends, we met some new friends and we just had a grand ol’ time. I got to sing on stage a little with Doug Davis (yes that Doug Davis), which is never a bad thing. But, eating a big breakfast and then all that mac-n-cheese? What was I thinking?

Then it was on to the annual TLD Post-Holiday/Anniversary Party at Finnigan’s Wake. We had a gracious host in Opie and our server Rachael, whom I called Rachael-By-The-Way (inside joke), took amazing care of us. We ended up with about 22 people, which is where I was hoping to have it. Only Bethany and Tracy were there from any of the Network shows but I’ll admit that I really didn’t put a lot of backing behind promoting it.

First, I had forgotten to even schedule it and then I forgot to promote it outside of the invitations on the first day. It wasn’t a lack of want or interest, I have just been slammed and that’s how it goes. That’s also what we’d call “careful what you wish for.” But, I’ve no complaints.

I want to thank Bethany, her daughter Bri; West End Poke/Burke Street Pizza/Quiet Pint/Uncle Buzzy’s (RIP) owner Dave Hillman and his lady friend Susie (or Suzy); The TLD Beer Guru C. Jay Platt and the Barley Babe Dory; Tracy and her date, Sean; Jordan Googe; Teleporter Extraordinaire Jeff Davids and his wife, Lynda’ my dear friend Elizabeth Nance; Maria and Rich Holbein; Brad and Faith Ward; Dale Cole; Kevin Heath; Angela and Hector Ruiz for coming to celebrate with me.

Danielle planned to come but one of the perils of owning a business is that you have to be there for it first and foremost. She was caught up at work. The Beer Dads both had prior commitments, Ray from TMWATT had a pastor’s retreat, Ty from Fan Interference had a WF softball game to call, and Apartment 5B’s Jeff Evans and Rory… well, I’m not really sure where they were, but I’m sure they were doing something important.

I am so proud of my “little podcast that could” and am very proud of what it has become. I look forward to another 10 years.

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One of the coolest things (of the many cool things) that happened yesterday was being introduced to someone who realized that I was from the podcast that she had just listened to. She pulled up her phone to show me that she was subscribed to TLD and since I had on my shirt, we had to take a pic of it. I can’t remember her name and I hate that, but it’s cool that I got to meet her.

 

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Building relationships is what it is all about. I enjoyed The Less Desirables Annual Post-Holiday/Anniversary Party!” – Angela Ruiz

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 2/1/20

02 Sunday Feb 2020

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Salutations™!!

Happy Super Bowl Sunday! The BCPF and I went to Penny Path yesterday to celebrate Imbolc (where pancakes are generally the tradition but we went with crêpes). Then we hit up our friend Carly’s shop, VibesUp Winston-Salem, then to Jim & Dana Moody’s West End Coffeehouse and grabbed some pies for today’s big game and we even saw Daniel Butner from Carrabba’s and Kandi and Lori from TBD/Pride WS. Then we headed to Underdog Records and grabbed just a few records. It was a full day of visiting. It was great and tiring all at once. Here’s the haul.

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©Warner Bros.

  • Depeche Mode – Exciter — I was excited to get this because, well, we love Depeche Mode in this house. But, really, while it was a good listen, it really didn’t thrill me. I didn’t hear anything that memorable. It is produced well, mixed well, written well. I just wasn’t moved by it. But, I’m glad I have it. New, remastered on 180g.
  • The Mountain Goats – Transcendental Youth — This album focuses on outcasts, recluses, the mentally ill, and others struggling in ordinary society. John Darnielle has a way with quirky, witty and funny lyrics (even if the subject matter isn’t always funny). It was a good listen. New.
  • Clap Your Hands Say Yeah – The Tourist — Clap Your Hands Say Yeah is a musical project started by Alec Ounsworth. This album was independently released and is on a cool white vinyl. The songs were really well-written and the sonic quality was fantastic. It was a fun listen. EX/VG++.
  • Montrose  – Montrose — This was entry #11 from the Eugeneology/Hard Rock albums I did a few years back. You can read my review here. I’m interested in seeing if my views of it have changed because while I didn’t dislike it, I didn’t exactly like it. And, I said I probably wouldn’t listen again, but here we are. We’ll see. VG+.

It was a short-haul this week. That’s all we got. Underdog Records was jumping yesterday. The store was full and both The BCPF and I had to wait to get to the “Freshly Acquired” section of the used records. That rarely happens. Did you know that Underdog Records has two listening stations in the downstairs part of the store? You can sit on a comfy couch either in a darker, more intimate setting or sit by the window watching the creatures of Burke Street/West End shuffle through. You can do that and listen to just about any used record in the place. Also, you can grab a complimentary cup of coffee and have it whilst listening or if you ask nicely – and are over the age of 21 – you can get a complimentary brew of alcoholic nature. Yesterday I had a Natty Bo, a National Bohemian. Not my favorite beer at all but what the heck. It wasn’t anything that said “Bud” on it. Jonathan wants his store to be welcoming and comfortable to all and I believe he nails it. Listen to each new episode of The Less Desirables to hear the TLD/UR special of the week. And, use Discogs to track your music collection, no matter the medium.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’ and GO CHIEFS!!…
Scorp out!

—
“Do every stupid thing that makes you feel alive. Do every stupid thing to try to drive the dark away. Let people call you crazy for the choices that you make. Climb limits past the limits, jump in front of trains all day. And stay alive. Just stay alive.” – “Amy aka Spent Gladiator 1” (Darnielle)

The Bride Wore Black or: Almost My L’il Sis

04 Friday Oct 2019

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Salutations™!!

Tonight, The BCPF and I went to a wedding of a friend of ours. Heather, who is part of the TBD Referral Group, married her fiance, Anthony. So, she wore a white dress for the ceremony, which was on a pond’s bank and was quite beautiful. We all walked back up the hill to the reception area and by the time the wedding party had gotten up there, Heather had changed into a black wedding dress. She is bad-arsed! And, we had a taco bar for food. That is also bad-arsed! Congratulations Heather and Anthony! Oh, there was a special announcement that was made, too. But, I’m leaving that for your imagination.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Where there is love there is life.” – Mahatma Gandhi

My Other Family or: Dinner Together

25 Thursday Jul 2019

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Salutations™!!

I just wanted to state how much I love my “other family.” By that, I mean The Best Damn Referral Group or as we’re known, TBD. A few of us got together tonight for an impromptu “family dinner” at Finnigan’s Wake.

Like I said, it was totally impromptu. I saw some rumblings about it on our private Facebook page and I played it off. I had plans to go to another event, so, whatever. Our “Fearless Leader,” Kandi sent me a message saying they had gone to Finnigan’s if I was interested in running by.

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Clockwise from bottom left: Lynda, Jeff, Margaret, Lorraine, Justin, John, Dawn, Doctor Melissa, Lori & Kandi (©Dawn)

I missed the other event because I was working in my studio. So, why not? I got to hang out with Jeff and his wife Lynda, Lorraine, Margaret, Dawn & her hubs, John and her son, Doctor Melissa, Kandi and Lori and Sha’Retha! Those names may not mean much to you, Dear Reader, but these folks are awesome! Sha’Retha and I got there later than everyone else, so we’re missing from the pic.

TBD, y’all!!!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Personal relationships are always the key to good business. You can buy networking; you can’t buy friendships.” – Lindsay Fox

Ketchup? or: Time’s A-Rollin’

10 Friday May 2019

Posted by in Blogging, Food, Life as We Know It, Podcasting

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Salutations™!!

You have to be careful about what you ask for, right? You ask for more business, you get more business. You want more work, you get more work. Even when you aren’t at work, if you’re self-employed, you’re working. I had my networking meeting this morning and did run over to see my mother afterward, but when I got home, I had to go over some rates, get schedules finalized, maneuver other schedules around, plan new things, close out old things and just still work my arse off. 59dd89f6188ea6037ce2c15af676b6b3_1388540153_cropped

When it’s not podcasting, it’s food related, or voice-overs – more on that soon. I’m at restaurants taking pictures of food, writing about food, podcasting about food or I’m in the studio, still, making a commercial or Voice-On-Hold/Auto Attendant work. Or, trying to put in a show with Clay or VSS or a game with the Cobras.

And not one of those things above am I even remotely complaining about. I love it all. I love being busier than I ever have been. I love being under “pressure” with new clients. I love getting new clients and I love working with my old clients. I love clients. Can I work with anyone? No, no one can work with everyone, but we can narrow down what works for us and what we can do. Again, I love it. What do you do, Dear Reader? What keeps you busy? Is it life? Work? Kids? Talk to me about it.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Auto-Attendant (or automated attendant) is a term commonly used in telephony to describe a voice menu system that allows callers to be transferred to an extension without going through a telephone operator or receptionist. The auto-attendant is also known as a digital receptionist.” – 3cx.com

Not-Silent Sunday or: 10000

05 Sunday May 2019

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Salutations™!!

The BCPF’s and my usual Saturday routine was disrupted by work. Now, by work, I really mean, that I got to run my mouth talking for the Carolina Cobras last night. They won a very sloppy but fun game. There were some awkward moments but for the most part, very fun.

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My second-best girl turned 10000.

This also means we didn’t get to Underdog Records, mostly because there was a street festival and we would have had to park half a mile away. Not that I don’t need the exercise, but Nah. We wouldn’t have had time to listen to much of what we got anyway, as I had to be in GSO early in the day.

What we did do, though, I felt good about. My friend Margaret who is in the TBD group with me had mentioned a youth fundraiser for the kids at her church. Yes, I know, “church” isn’t for me, but I like getting to help my friends’ causes when I can. And, it’s for the kids. Also “and…” it was a car wash. Annabelle hasn’t had a good washing since she was serviced last and we won’t really call that a washing.

It was a big day for Annabelle, too. On the way to the Coliseum, she turned 10000 miles. So, she turned a milestone and got dussied-up. I love my car.

My car, my ability to help the youth and my friend, a Cobras hard-fought victory over the only other undefeated team in the league, spending time with my best girl. A win for the Scorpster yesterday. I’ll take it!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“At the end of the day, if I can say I had fun, it was a good day.” – Simone Biles

Referral Heaven or: The Power of a Good Reputation

02 Thursday May 2019

Posted by in Life as We Know It, Podcasting, The Less Desirables Network

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Salutations™!!

I talk a lot about referrals, especially in my referral group, and my “job.”

I don’t like calling it a job because it never feels like a job. It’s simply what I do, podcasting. Producing, co-hosting, and massaging podcasts. I do them and make them sound good. Yeah, I have my TLD Network, but how I “earn a living” podcasting is producing for others. I have been doing it longer, at least more continuously, than anyone else in this area. The word gets out. My friends call me the “Podfather.” My friend Stallone even made me a graphic for it. 52638830_372700993511731_3591670812211412992_n

Today, I may have nabbed two new clients and that’s through the awesome channels of referrals. One of these referrals came directly from one of my friends in TBD Referral Group. The client, wow, that sounds extra formal… my new friend and I had lunch at a local place (it’s a chain technically, but truly locally focused) and hit it off really well. I am almost certain we will be working together.

The second potential client is a referral from a current client who happens to be a pal and if the numbers and offers work out the way they should, then I’ll be producing a podcast for someone in Olympia, Washington.

I won’t mention any names until there has been a solid confirmation from either or both. I just wanted to say that I love referrals and I love what I do. I like helping others do what I do and I like getting a little cheddar from it. To those two friends, thank you so very much!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Loyal customers, they don’t just come back, they don’t simply recommend you, they insist that their friends do business with you. – Chip Bell

The Shots are In or: A Gathering

25 Thursday Apr 2019

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Salutations™!!

I totally forgot to take pics at our TBD Referral Group get together tonight, but we had a great time. There were about 37 folks at Camel City BBQ Factory tonight. It was a lot of food, beverages and gaming happening. My Steelers traded up (a rarity for them) to get the LB they needed. That’s a great thing.

I told you about my headshots and Stallone sent them to me. I don’t like them. Don’t get me wrong, Stallone did as good as he could but the canvas he had to work with (me) is hideous. I’ll leave one of them here. Everyone else seems to think they’re okay, I just hate the way I look. Oh well…DSC04316 copy.jpg

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“With the 10th pick overall in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select Devin Bush, LB out of Michigan.” – Roger Goodell

No Rest For the Wicked or: Jump Right In

28 Thursday Feb 2019

Posted by in Life as We Know It, Podcasting

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Salutations™!!

I was thinking yesterday morning that today I would get to rest after the “big project” but that just wasn’t what happened. I had to go in and redo a video for the DWSP and do the RSS feed for the Open the Blue Door Podcast (which I could have done from home) and then I had a meeting with a new client about another podcast to produce.

Very_Pooped_Out

Pooped!

I love those. I don’t have to put a lot of time into the show itself, just the production and on the production is where I feel I shine. Per usual, I won’t tell you about it until it’s closer to time, but we agreed to all the specs and they’re all on board. Let’s just say it has an affiliation with a local university and has the podcast has the potential to be “big!” B-I-G! Let’s hope so!

It was a good week for me and it’s not over. As of now, I have only personal errands to run tomorrow after TBD Referral Group, but you never know when that last minute emergency call comes in, right? Fingers crossed!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.” – Henry David Thoreau