Coal Region Campfire

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.