🎙️ Join host Joey Chmiko in a captivating episode of the Authentic Only Show, featuring a lively and informal conversation with comedian and all-around interesting person, Benjamin Tier. Ben's journey through life is nothing short of extraordinary. From his days as a tour guide to his current role helping transport individuals with limited mobility in Portland, Oregon, Ben has seen and experienced it all. In this heartfelt conversation, Ben opens up about his personal struggles with drug addiction and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), sharing unique insights and compelling stories that highlight the resilience and humor that define him. In this episode, Joey and Ben delve into their experiences with language learning, particularly Mandarin and German, sharing humorous anecdotes about cultural differences and social media. They also discuss the production of the podcast, the number of episodes completed, and the workings of GFY! Studios, where the show is recorded. Joey and Ben share their thoughts on various subjects, including a bridge construction project in their area and the quirky aspects of their lives, providing a mix of entertainment and insight into their personalities and interests. Highlights: 🎤 Engaging Podcast Format: The show features a dynamic and humorous conversation style, keeping listeners entertained. 🎧 Language Learning: Joey and Ben discuss their experiences with learning Mandarin and German, highlighting the challenges and joys of acquiring new languages. 🎉 Milestone Achievement: The podcast has reached a significant milestone of 150 hours and nearly 60 episodes in its third season. 🌍 Cultural Insights: The conversation reveals insights into cultural differences and language quirks, adding depth to their humor. 🏗️ Bridge Construction Humor: The duo humorously contemplates the complexities of local bridge construction, showcasing their wit. 📱 Social Media Savvy: The mention of GFI Studios expanding into social media content indicates a modern approach to audience engagement. 😂 Lighthearted Banter: The friendly exchanges between Joey and Ben create an inviting atmosphere, making listeners feel part of the conversation. 🎨 Creative Production Environment: The colorful and vibrant setting of GFY! Studios contributes to the creative energy of the podcast. The hosts’ comfort in this environment allows for more authentic and engaging conversations. This element emphasizes the importance of a conducive workspace in fostering creativity and spontaneity in content creation. 🌉 Local Issues with Humor: The lighthearted approach to discussing local infrastructure issues, like the bridge construction, demonstrates the hosts’ ability to find humor in everyday challenges. By addressing these topics, they connect with listeners who may share similar experiences, making the podcast both entertaining and relevant to their audience’s lives. 🗣️ Dynamic Guest Interactions: The welcoming atmosphere for guests like Ben Tier encourages engaging and dynamic conversations. This approach not only enriches the content but also allows for varying perspectives, making each episode unique. The hosts’ ability to create rapport with guests contributes to the podcast’s overall appeal and keeps listeners coming back for more. Don’t miss this eye-opening episode filled with laughter, inspiration, and raw authenticity. 🔍 Keywords: Benjamin Tier, Joey Chmiko, Authentic Only Show, Comedian, Tour Guide, Portland, Drug Addiction, OCD, Mobility Support, Personal Stories, Inspiration, Laughter 📺 Hashtags: #AuthenticOnlyShow #BenjaminTier #JoeyChmiko #ComedianLife #PortlandStories #AddictionRecovery #OCD #Inspiration #LifeExperiences #LaughterJourney Tune in now and experience the unfiltered life stories of Benjamin Tier! 🎧✨

In the exciting premiere of Season 3, Joey C sits down with the always thought-provoking Tony Certainly for the first part of a two-part conversation. Together, they dive into a mix of hot-button topics, including the evolving landscape of XRP cryptocurrency and its potential impact on the financial world. The duo also tackles the shocking murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson and unpacks the tragic New Year’s Day attacks in Las Vegas and New Orleans. Join us for an intense, insightful, and raw discussion that sets the tone for an unforgettable season.

In the exciting premiere of Season 3, Joey C sits down with the always thought-provoking Tony Certainly for the first part of a two-part conversation. Together, they dive into a mix of hot-button topics, including the evolving landscape of XRP cryptocurrency and its potential impact on the financial world. The duo also tackles the shocking murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson and unpacks the tragic New Year’s Day attacks in Las Vegas and New Orleans.

Join us for an intense, insightful, and raw discussion that sets the tone for an unforgettable season. Don’t miss part two, coming soon!

In this episode, Joey sits down with Rob "The Marquis" Messel—project manager, voiceover artist, military veteran, and former Air Guitar World Champion. Rob takes us on a fascinating journey from small-town Iowa to serving in Afghanistan, navigating the challenges of military life, and transitioning into creative fields like project management and voiceover work for brands like Mountain Dew and Pepsi.

The conversation dives deep into Rob’s unique experiences, from heartwarming Thanksgiving traditions to systemic issues with veteran support, and even a sneak peek at an upcoming live reading event featuring a smut author. With a mix of humor, insight, and candid commentary, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the intersection of service, creativity, and life after the military.

Highlights - 🎤

• Thanksgiving Tales: Family traditions and culinary wins that bring everyone together. 🍗
• Military Memories: Rob reflects on his service in Afghanistan and the lessons he learned. 🎖️
• Creative Careers: From air guitar champion to voiceover artist and project manager. 💼🎭
• Veteran Advocacy: A frank discussion on the struggles veterans face with the VA system. 🏥
• Cultural Critique: Commentary on the evolving media landscape and political discourse. 📺
• Psychedelic Therapy: Exploring alternative treatments for veterans’ mental health. 🌈

Whether you're here for the laughs, the life lessons, or the behind-the-scenes voiceover stories, this episode has something for everyone. Don’t miss it! 🎙️

In this two-part special, Joey sits down with the ever-controversial content creator @tony.certainly for a deep dive into the results of the 2024 general election. Together, they tackle the incoming cabinet picks and unpack the widening urban-rural political divide, shedding light on how geography continues to shape America’s political landscape. The conversation delves into the shifting Overton window in American politics, exploring how public discourse and policy priorities are evolving in real time. They also take a hard look at the influence of dark money in shaping elections and policy, focusing on groups like AIPAC, Big Pharma, and the lasting repercussions of the Citizens United ruling. This thought-provoking episode offers a critical analysis of the forces at play behind the scenes of democracy and is sure to spark conversation among listeners. With sharp insights, candid moments, and a few controversial takes, this two-part series is not to be missed. Highlights - 🗳️ Election Recap: A breakdown of the 2024 general election results. Cabinet Picks: Early thoughts on what the new administration’s picks reveal about the direction of the government. Urban vs. Rural Divide: A discussion on how geography continues to drive political polarization. Overton Window: A look at how public discourse is shifting and what’s considered politically possible in America today. Dark Money Influence: A deep dive into the role of AIPAC, Big Pharma, and the Citizens United ruling on campaign financing and policy. Whether you're a political junkie or just looking for a nuanced take on the state of democracy, this episode has something for everyone. Tune in for part one now! 🎙️

In this two-part special, Joey sits down with the ever-controversial content creator @tony.certainly for a deep dive into the results of the 2024 general election. Together, they tackle the incoming cabinet picks and unpack the widening urban-rural political divide, shedding light on how geography continues to shape America’s political landscape.

The conversation delves into the shifting Overton window in American politics, exploring how public discourse and policy priorities are evolving in real time. They also take a hard look at the influence of dark money in shaping elections and policy, focusing on groups like AIPAC, Big Pharma, and the lasting repercussions of the Citizens United ruling.

This thought-provoking episode offers a critical analysis of the forces at play behind the scenes of democracy and is sure to spark conversation among listeners. With sharp insights, candid moments, and a few controversial takes, this two-part series is not to be missed.

Highlights - 🗳️

• Election Recap: A breakdown of the 2024 general election results.
• Cabinet Picks: Early thoughts on what the new administration’s picks reveal about the direction of the government.
• Urban vs. Rural Divide: A discussion on how geography continues to drive political polarization.
• Overton Window: A look at how public discourse is shifting and what’s considered politically possible in America today.
• Dark Money Influence: A deep dive into the role of AIPAC, Big Pharma, and the Citizens United ruling on campaign financing and policy.

Whether you're a political junkie or just looking for a nuanced take on the state of democracy, this episode has something for everyone. Tune in for part one now! 🎙️

Join us for a lively conversation with returning guests Ashleen and Rileigh Aguilar, the dynamic sister duo behind the Chronic Gals podcast and Take Root Training! In this episode, the Chronic Gals dive into their journey in podcasting, their mission to educate bartenders about cannabis, and how their latest venture, Talking Potheads, aims to raise the standard of cannabis knowledge in the service industry. With their signature humor, they take on topics like EMPs, Nikola Tesla’s innovations, and what life would look like without electricity, blending playful banter with thought-provoking insights.

Highlights - 🎙️

• Podcasting Evolution: Ashleen and Rileigh share their journey as Chronic Gals and the growth of their podcast.
• Take Root Training: Their educational company focused on bringing cannabis knowledge to bartenders.
• Talking Potheads: A new project that aims to improve dispensary bartender training.
• EMPs & Tesla Talk: Lighthearted banter on electromagnetic pulses and Nikola Tesla’s legacy.
• Vape Culture: Insights on current trends and discussions around vaping.

Key Insights - 💡

• Educational Influence: Emphasizing the need for cannabis education in bartending to elevate service and standardize knowledge.
• Humor Meets Education: How humor makes complex topics more accessible, creating a relaxed learning environment.
• Cultural & Science References: Blending EMPs, Tesla, and cannabis to show how pop culture meets science in everyday chats.
• Sustainability in Energy: Reflecting on Tesla’s work and the modern shift towards renewable energy.
• Trend Insight: Vaping discussion showcases shifts in consumer preferences and responsible usage education.
• Sisterly Bond: Ashleen and Rileigh’s sisterly dynamic brings a unique touch to their business and podcast endeavors.
• Community Focus: Their commitment to cannabis education highlights the importance of engaging communities to enhance industry standards.

Tune in to catch Ashleen and Rileigh’s unique blend of humor, knowledge, and sibling energy as they break down complex topics and keep it real!

In this heartfelt and insightful episode of The Authentic Only Show, host Joey C sits down with Steven Zylstra to explore life beyond retirement and the challenges of navigating a changing business landscape. As the former owner of a family-run ornamental metal fabrication business, Faroe Iron, Steven shares stories about craftsmanship, the impact of cheap imports, and his ongoing involvement in his son’s business. The conversation is full of thoughtful reflections on family legacy, business challenges, and even a humorous debate over the perfect scone. Highlights - 🗣️ Guest Introduction: Steven Zylstra shares his initial hesitance to join the podcast, hinting at the vulnerability that comes with sharing personal stories. Life Experiences: Steven reflects on a lifetime of experiences, revealing the twists and turns that have shaped his journey. Retirement Conversations: Despite being retired, Steven remains deeply connected to the business world through his daily discussions with his son. Family Legacy: The transition of Faroe Iron to the next generation highlights the complexities and pride of running a family business. Craftsmanship vs. Cheap Imports: Steven delves into the impact of globalization, lamenting the decline of traditional metalwork in favor of cheaper overseas products. Sustainability in Food: A thought-provoking conversation about organic food and sustainability sheds light on how authenticity can often get lost in marketing buzzwords. Scone Showdown: A light-hearted debate about scone quality serves as a fun reminder that even simple things—like properly baking a scone—can evoke strong opinions. Key Insights - 💡 The Hesitancy to Share: Steven’s initial reluctance to open up reflects a common challenge with vulnerability, underscoring the importance of creating safe spaces for sharing stories. Retirement’s New Role: Retirement doesn’t mark the end of meaningful contributions. Steven’s mentorship role in his son’s business exemplifies the value of passing down knowledge and remaining engaged. Family Business Transitions: The conversation highlights the joys and challenges of maintaining a family-owned business while adapting to new market realities. Globalization and Craftsmanship: Steven’s reflections on the ornamental metal industry illustrate the struggles traditional artisans face against the influx of cheaper, mass-produced imports. Price vs. Quality in Food: The discussion about food sustainability demonstrates how consumers often prioritize affordability over quality, sometimes at the expense of tradition and authenticity. Authenticity in Sustainability: The exchange about organic practices emphasizes the importance of transparency and genuine sustainability in both business and food industries. Humor in Culinary Debates: The playful argument over scones adds a touch of levity, showing how food can spark passionate (and sometimes hilarious) conversations. A Legacy of Craftsmanship and Family This episode offers a window into the life of a man who has seen the evolution of business, family, and craftsmanship firsthand. Steven Zylstra’s reflections remind us that retirement is not the end of our story but a new chapter for mentorship and legacy. His thoughts on the challenges of modern business practices and the importance of quality—whether in metalwork, food, or relationships—resonate with anyone navigating change in their personal or professional lives. With a blend of wisdom, humor, and heart, this conversation invites listeners to reflect on their own journeys, family legacies, and the importance of staying true to one’s values in an ever-changing world. Tune in to The Authentic Only Show for more candid conversations like this one. And don’t forget—whether it’s a well-crafted metal piece or a perfect scone, quality matters. 🎧