Subtitle: Selling at the Con

This week, we take Have Coffee Will Travel on the road—well… to a convention hall here in Sault Ste. Marie for the very first Great Lakes Geek Fest, put on by Kanto Kreations.

And yes—we had a booth.

Why? Because Shawn is turning 50, and apparently that means it’s time to start letting go of a lifetime of collecting. (Emotionally? Maybe. Financially? Also maybe.) We packed up a little bit of everything: Funko Pops, mystery bags, vintage diecast cars, plushes, action figures, VHS tapes, LEGO… if it lived on a shelf, there’s a good chance it made the trip.

Leah joined in too, giving a little spotlight to her footcare business—because nothing says “comic con” like healthy feet and solid arch support.

We’re also joined by our friend RJ this week, making this a rare three-host episode. Alongside helping at the booth, Leah and RJ drop a tease about the next play they’re directing. No title yet—we tried—but you’ll have to stick with the podcast for the eventual reveal.

Somewhere between sales and storytelling, we dive into a classic debate: what is the best Star Trek series? Opinions are strong, as expected. We also talk about the surprising news that Starfleet Academy has already been canceled by Paramount+—so when season two arrives, that’ll be the end of the line.

To wrap things up, Shawn shares a new adventure: a YouTube channel focused on life, turning 50, and figuring things out as you go. If that sounds like your vibe, you can check it out here:

👉 https://www.youtube.com/@TheLongWayShow

It’s a little nostalgic, a little reflective, and a lot of fun behind the table at our first con.

Grab a coffee and come hang out. ☕🎙️

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Have Coffee Will Travel looks a little different…because it is. For the first time, Shawn set up a camera and filmed the podcast while recording the audio. Why? Because he’s gearing up to launch a new YouTube project called The Long Way Around. The goal is simple: get comfortable on camera and learn the basics of video production along the way.

YouTube video: https://youtu.be/yj0C2Bwm3Fk?si=5dw-J0FTCx1nZL0c

Naturally, that led to a fun behind-the-scenes conversation about what it takes to start a talking-head YouTube channel. Shawn shares what he’s been researching lately—camera framing, sound quality, lighting, and how to actually talk to an audience through a lens without feeling awkward. It’s part learning process, part experiment, and Leah is more than happy to help put him through his paces.

Then the episode shifts into a very appropriate theme. Since this is episode 47—a number every Star Trek fan recognizes—Leah fires a series of questions at Shawn about the legendary sci-fi franchise. Think of it as Star Trek for Beginners. Shawn explains why the series matters, what makes it unique, and why it’s captured imaginations for decades. If you’ve ever wondered what all the fuss is about, this is your crash course.

After that, we catch up on life lately. Leah is eagerly waiting for her bees to arrive as she dives into the world of beekeeping, while her foot care business continues to slowly ramp up. Shawn, meanwhile, is getting excited about seeing Godsmack live in June with his two brothers.

We also share a slightly unusual travel plan: converting a used Dodge Grand Caravan into a simple camper. The idea? Use it during road trips—especially when we head to the World’s Longest Yard Sale—so we can skip the hotel and sleep in the van instead.

We wrap things up with some small-business talk, including recent Etsy sales and Shawn getting back into selling on eBay. Plus, we give our brutally honest review of Eyes Wide Shut (spoiler: we did not love it) and talk about preparing merchandise for our upcoming booth at Great Lakes Geek Fest on March 22.

It’s a little Star Trek, a little entrepreneurship, and a little van-life dreaming—exactly the kind of conversation that happens when you sit down for coffee with us.

This week's podcast promo: Legends of the DCU

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we dove headfirst into the neon chaos of Showgirls. Leah had seen it years ago. Shawn had not. We pressed play with cautious optimism. That optimism did not survive.

The acting feels loud, awkward, and strangely theatrical. The story wanders. Characters make choices that defy logic. And yes, there’s plenty of nudity. That alone does not save a film.

We spent time unpacking Elizabeth Berkley in the lead role. She often seems uncomfortable. At moments, she feels like she’s still channeling Jesse Spano from Saved By the Bell — especially that infamous caffeine pill spiral. The intensity never quite fits the scene. It’s fascinating. And not in a good way.

But wait. We didn’t stop there.

We also reviewed the made-for-TV gem Amanda and the Alien, which we found on VHS at a thrift shop. The selling point? Michael Dorn. That matters because he played Worf on Star Trek: The Next Generation, and Shawn will watch almost anything adjacent to Trek.

Sadly, Dorn could not beam this one to safety. The story makes very little sense. The tone wobbles. We will not be revisiting it.

After two questionable 1995 experiences, we pivoted to real life. Etsy sales have slowed. We talked honestly about the frustration. Then we touched on the recent Supreme Court ruling that said Trump’s tariffs are illegal, and we wondered what that might mean for small online sellers like us. The future feels murky.

Finally, after three years of collecting, Shawn is done buying Hot Wheels. He’s turning 50 in September and questioning how much stuff one person needs. The collection may be heading out the door.

It’s a chaotic episode. Bad movies. Business stress. Mild existential reflection.

You know. The usual.

This week's podcast promo: Luke Skis Animation and Stuff

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From there, we move into the heart of this Valentine’s Day special. A few years ago, Leah gifted Shawn The Adventure Challenge: Couples Edition, a book packed with creative date ideas. One challenge asks you to uncover a memorable date from your parents’ past. That leads us to a recorded phone call between Shawn and his dad, who shares some surprisingly cool and thoughtful date stories from his younger years.

Naturally, that sparks a bigger conversation. We reflect on our own memorable dates, including first dates, misfires, and moments where reality didn’t quite live up to the fantasy. Some dates felt magical, others felt awkward, and all of them taught us something. Along the way, we talk honestly about expectations, effort, and why no relationship follows a perfect script.

Next, we dig into the history and meaning of Valentine’s Day itself. We explore where it came from, how it evolved, and why it still manages to stir up so many feelings—both good and bad.

Then, the conversation takes a practical turn as we chat about our Etsy shops. Sales, views, and visits are all down, which leads us to wonder out loud: did Etsy change the algorithm again, or is something else going on?

Finally, we wrap things up with future plans and daydreams. An anniversary road trip in May is on the table. Shawn might hit the road to Toronto in June with his brothers for a Godsmack concert. Plus, he reveals his newest obsession: buying a metal detector… even though he has no idea which one to get.

This week's podcast promo: The Flopcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 44 of Have Coffee Will Travel, Shawn and Leah settle in to reflect, react, and observe what happens both onstage and off. To start, they revisit Popcorn Falls, the play discussed last episode, now officially wrapped. While both performances were strong, the experience wasn’t identical. The first night’s audience brought big energy and enthusiastic reactions. However, the second night felt quieter, and that shift mattered. As a result, the actors noticed the difference immediately, proving just how much an audience shapes a live performance.

From there, the conversation widens into Leah’s theatre journey. She looks back on her performance history and the launch of her company, Let’s Put On A Show, which began in 2022. Popcorn Falls marked the second production under that banner, and importantly, it won’t be the last. Leah explains why theatre continues to matter so deeply to her. For her, it’s more than entertainment—it’s therapy, connection, and community all rolled into one.

Meanwhile, Shawn flirts with the idea of stepping onstage himself. Although he worries about memorizing lines, Leah pushes back. Surprisingly, she says, people often remember far more than they expect once rehearsals begin.

Next, things take a lighter turn with a round of “The Couple’s Quiz.” Shawn and Leah fire off roughly 15 questions to test how well they really know each other. Some answers come easily. Others? Not so much.

After that, the focus shifts to Etsy. Leah’s shop continues to perform well, while Shawn admits January has been slower than hoped. Still, inspiration keeps flowing.

Shawn’s brother Robin has been offering steady t-shirt design ideas, even while facing serious financial stress. Currently on the verge of eviction, Robin has a GoFundMe set up by his friend Tracy. Although the goal is $5,000, the campaign has only reached $265 so far.

As always, this episode blends creativity, honesty, and real life—one observation at a time.

This week's podcast promo: EnterpriseSplaining

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Shawn and Leah catch up over coffee and cover a little bit of everything—from community theatre to winter woes, side hustles, and big-picture life planning.

Leah shares exciting news about the play she’s directing with her producing partner RJ. The show is called Popcorn Falls and will be performed in support of the RNAO – Algoma Chapter (Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario). The play runs for two nights, January 23 and 24, at The Grand Gardens in Sault Ste. Marie. We talk about the process, the cause, and why this production means so much to her.

Next up, Leah talks about how her foot care business, Complete Sole Serenity, is really ramping up. She’s seeing more clients, building momentum, and actively looking to grow even further. Yes, we talk about feet. It’s more interesting than you think.

From there, things take a turn into neighborhood drama. Our next-door neighbor bought her house without a home inspection, and winter is now exposing every problem at once. A leaking roof, pigeons living in the rafters, and snowplows dumping road snow into her driveway because she’s on the corner. She’s overwhelmed, frustrated, and having a rough go of it.

That leads into winter weather talk and Shawn’s perspective as a mail carrier. Delivering mail in Canadian winters is no joke. Snow, ice, and brutal conditions spark a conversation about whether it’s time to apply for a supervisor position and move indoors. With 10 years left until retirement and Canada Post restructuring, the timing may not be right—at least not yet.

We wrap things up by talking about our Etsy shops. We chat about what’s been selling, what’s currently listed, and how we’ve been sourcing more inventory. Shawn reflects on being a lifelong collector, turning 50 this year, and feeling ready to start purging. There’s just too much stuff, and no one else wants to deal with it. Plus, retiring to Europe someday means traveling lighter—physically and mentally.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/Collectandcaston

https://www.etsy.com/shop/RustedRobotToys

https://lets-put-on-a-show-108707.square.site/

It’s an episode about creativity, community, work, winter, and figuring out what’s worth holding onto.

This week's podcast promo: Earth Station Who

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We kick things off with Christmas. Specifically, the kind with too much food, loud games, and a Boxing Day party packed with friends. Shawn asks Leah what she got for Christmas. Leah does not return the favor. Classic. She did, however, score some LEGO and gear to support her growing beekeeping ambitions.

From there, we talk shop. Etsy sales were solid, but holiday shipping delays were not. We vent a little about customers blaming sellers for postal delays. Once a package is dropped off, it’s out of our hands. If only everyone believed that.

A major conversation centers on parasocial relationships and how deeply people connect with online personalities. This comes up through discussion of the reported death of YouTuber Adam the Woo and how quickly misinformation spreads, especially when audiences feel personally invested in creators they’ve never met.

Closer to home, we talk about Algoma Steel announcing major layoffs this spring and what that means for our community. We also reflect on the passing of the last surviving Dionne Quintuplet. Shawn shares some perspective from his years living in North Bay, where they were born.

Looking back on 2025, we run through some big milestones: road trips, Florida travel, a cruise, a quick hit at Halloween Horror Nights, and planting a pear tree in our backyard to celebrate our first wedding anniversary.

Shawn also shares an update from the postal world, where after two strikes and nearly two years of negotiations, the union and corporation finally reached a contract settlement.

We wrap things up by looking ahead to 2026. Bees are coming to the backyard. Star Trek: Starfleet Academy premieres soon. And in August, we’re heading out to the World’s Longest Yard Sale, because of course we are.

Thanks for being part of the ride—past, present, and what’s coming next. ☕🎙️

This week's podcast promo: Earth Station Trek

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Have Coffee Will Travel, Shawn and Leah cover a little bit of everything. It starts with dinner and ends with animatronic nightmares. In between, there’s snow, side hustles, and a surprise rescue.

☕ Date Night & Hotpot Adventures

We kick things off with a rare date night. We tried Knife n Fork, a new restaurant in town serving hotpot. Hotpot is a brand-new concept here, and we had thoughts. Lots of thoughts.

❄️ Accidental Snow Rescue

After dinner, the night took a turn. We helped rescue two people stuck in their snowy driveway. This winter has been relentless, and it sparks a familiar dream.

🌍 Retirement Without Snow

With snowbanks everywhere, we talk about retiring somewhere warm. Portugal and Ecuador are currently winning the no-snow fantasy draft.

🎄 Christmas Plans & Etsy Check-In

We chat about upcoming Christmas plans and how Etsy sales are going this season. Small business life doesn’t pause for the holidays.

🚜 Snow Removal Woes

We hired snow removal help. They exist… in theory. Reliability is questionable, and timing is optional. Canadian winter problems at their finest.

💇‍♂️ Shawn’s Hair Experiment

Shawn is growing his hair out for the first time in over 20 years. Balding started in his mid-20s, and the clippers always won. This time, curiosity wins.

🎮 Movie Review: Five Nights at Freddy’s 2

We wrap up with a review of Five Nights at Freddy’s 2. Leah’s son Wyatt joins us for this segment, offering fresh perspective and expert-level Freddy Fazbear knowledge.

It’s a cozy, chaotic episode full of coffee, snow, and unexpected adventures. Thanks for listening.

This week's podcast promo: Earth Station Boo

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We packed our bags, grabbed our passports, and left snowy Sault Ste. Marie for a week of sun, sea, and Disney magic. Air Canada nudged us south with a layover in Toronto. From there, we dropped into Florida and spent two nights at the Country Inn & Suites in Port Canaveral. We needed that buffer before cruise chaos began.

On Sunday, November 16, we boarded the Disney Fantasy and made it our floating home until Friday the 21st. Every day, we recorded a short recap. We wanted fresh details before the ocean breeze stole them.

We met great people. The Disney staff impressed us at every turn. Most of the food hit the spot. The crowds? Less magical. Many kids screamed. Many adults stopped directly in front of us. We powered through with coffee and determination.

The ship’s theatre played TRON: Ares, so of course we went. We also visited both private islands—Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay. Leah snorkeled at Castaway Cay, which felt like swimming in warm, clear bliss.

One major highlight? The Rainforest Room spa. It was blissfully 18+. Heated loungers, quiet vibes, and zero children. We loved every second.

We tried some cooking shows. We failed spectacularly at trivia. We laughed about it more than we should have.

It was a full, fun trip. A little chaotic. A lot memorable. And perfect for our 40th episode.

Check out our shops and support the show:

RustedRobotToys on Etsy

CollectAndCastOn on Etsy

This week's podcast promos: Cosmic Pizza Podcast, Dragon Con Report

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fifty years ago, the Edmund Fitzgerald vanished beneath the waves of Lake Superior.

This week, Leah dives deep into the story that’s haunted her imagination for years. She takes the mic solo for most of the episode, sharing the ship’s history, the mystery, and why this story still resonates half a century later.

Then, we shift gears — from shipwrecks to sunshine — for a quick chat about our upcoming Disney Fantasy cruise. Because after all that tragedy, we definitely need a little sea breeze and soft-serve ice cream.

Grab a mug, settle in, and join us for a reflective, slightly nautical episode of Have Coffee Will Travel.

☕ Check out our Etsy shops:

• RustedRobotToys
• Collectandcaston

This week's podcast promo: Cigar Nerds

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Have Coffee Will Travel, we’re diving deep into the chaotic, grease-stained world of murderous animatronics. That’s right — it’s Freddy vs. Willy, a movie showdown between Five Nights at Freddy’s and Willy’s Wonderland. One has a haunted pizzeria full of jump scares and lore; the other has Nicolas Cage silently demolishing possessed mascots while never saying a word. (Honestly, the man deserves an Oscar just for eyebrow acting.)

Shawn and Leah compare storylines, themes, and the overall creep factor — from Freddy’s backstory to Willy’s unhinged energy — and try to decide which animatronic apocalypse they’d rather be trapped in. Spoiler: neither seems ideal, but at least one offers free soda.

Outside the cinematic carnage, life’s been equally eventful. Leah’s stepping boldly into her new career path, officially launching her foot care clinic. She’s in that exciting (and slightly overwhelming) stage of ordering equipment and setting things up — basically building a business one callus at a time.

Meanwhile, Shawn’s keeping Canada Post running and accidentally going TikTok viral in the process — with a video that’s hit over 63,000 views! From sorting mail to managing fame (kind of), he’s proving that postal work is far from boring.

So grab a cup of coffee, hide from the animatronics, and join us for a mix of movie madness, career leaps, and unexpected internet fame.

This week's podcast promo: The 42 Cast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy Halloween from Have Coffee Will Travel! This week, we traded our lattes for chainsaws (figuratively, promise) and dove straight into one of horror’s most infamous franchises — The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

Armed with caffeine and questionable judgment, we watched three slices of cinematic chaos: the gritty 1974 original that started it all, the wild and weird 1985 sequel, and the 2013 “direct sequel” that somehow forgot math. From Leatherface’s home decor choices (bones, bones, and more bones) to the unforgettable dinner scene that scarred an entire generation, we unpack what makes this series both horrifying and… kind of hilarious?

We talk about how the 1974 film still feels raw and disturbing fifty years later, how the 1985 sequel went full gonzo comedy with chainsaw duels and screaming, and how the 2013 version tried to modernize it — complete with cell phones, plot holes, and a surprisingly sympathetic Leatherface. Somewhere between the jump scares and the questionable fashion, we found ourselves weirdly entertained — and maybe a little nostalgic for old-school practical effects.

So grab your coffee, lock your doors, and join us as we break down what happens when Hollywood just can’t stop revving the chainsaw. Whether you’re a horror buff, a casual viewer, or someone who watches from behind a blanket, this one’s for you.

Because on Have Coffee Will Travel, we may not know what’s in the chili — but we do know how to make a mess out of a movie marathon. 🔪☕

This week's podcast promo: Watchathon of Rassilon

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Podcast: Have Coffee Will Travel

Hosts: Shawn & Leah

This week on Have Coffee Will Travel, we’re feeling the crunch — financially, mentally, and emotionally. Shawn’s on strike with Canada Post, Leah’s trying to get her new foot care business off the ground, and the bills just keep rolling in. With both of us out of our usual routines, every day feels like a confusing blend of Monday and “who even knows anymore?”

We chat about what happens when your schedule disappears, how stress sneaks into every corner of your day, and why even Amazon Prime Days can’t seem to lift our spirits (spoiler: the deals weren’t great anyway).

Leah shares her plans for teaching part-time at a local college, helping train the next generation of personal support workers — a bright spot amid the chaos. Meanwhile, Shawn’s keeping his sanity by looking forward to one simple joy: the arrival of his LEGO Gingerbread AT-AT set. Because when life’s unpredictable, sometimes a good build is all you need.

We also talk about our new neighbour — someone Leah’s known since childhood — and how strange it feels when the past shows up next door. And yes, we couldn’t forget a little rant about Ontario’s Premier Doug Ford, who seems more focused on beer and booze than real issues.

Add in a cruise we can’t cancel (hello, more money stress), and you’ve got one episode full of real-life challenges, laughter, and just enough caffeine to keep us going.

Grab your mug, pull up a chair, and join us as we figure it all out — one sip at a time.

This week's podcast promo: Tales From Hollywoodland

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Have Coffee Will Travel, your hosts Shawn and Leah settle in with their favorite brew and take you on a ride through film history, small business hustle, postal politics, and a touch of personal reflection.

We kick things off with a deep dive into the legendary film Casablanca—why it still holds a place in the cinematic hall of fame, what makes its dialogue so quotable, and how it became a timeless classic. Whether you’re a film buff or just discovering the movie for the first time, we share our favorite moments and what struck us on this rewatch.

Next, we give a little update on our Etsy store adventures—what’s been selling, what’s surprised us over the past two weeks, and how we’re balancing it with everything else.

Shawn's store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/RustedRobotToys

Leah's store: https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/Collectandcaston

From there, Shawn shares the latest from Canada Post, where negotiations with the union remain at a standstill. We talk about what it’s like working under an expired contract, and how uncertainty affects not just workers but the whole system.

Things get a bit personal when we explore a tricky question:

📷 What do you do with photo albums full of deceased relatives?

Are these keepsakes we should preserve, digitize, or let go of? We share our thoughts and invite you to share yours too.

And finally, we celebrate a big milestone: we've recorded the 100th episode of our other podcast, Cosmic Pizza! It’s been quite a journey, and we reflect on what it’s meant to reach triple digits. And there's a new YouTube channel. Find it at: https://www.youtube.com/@CosmicPizzaPodcast

Thanks for listening—pass the coffee and hit play.

This week's podcast promo: Monster Attack

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Have Coffee Will Travel, Shawn and Leah take you along on a whirlwind Orlando adventure packed with thrills, chills, and more than a little sticker shock. Joined by Wyatt, they set off midweek for a short but action-filled trip that had them walking miles, navigating crowds, and soaking up everything Universal had to offer.

On Thursday, the trio stepped into Islands of Adventure, exploring the rides, attractions, and over-the-top environments that make this park so iconic. From superhero action to magical lands, there was no shortage of things to see. But the day didn’t stop there — that evening they braved Halloween Horror Nights, Universal’s famous after-hours scare fest. Haunted houses, scare zones, and eerie performers filled the night with screams, laughs, and unforgettable moments.

Friday brought an even bigger highlight: Epic Universe, the much-anticipated new addition to the Universal family. With state-of-the-art rides and immersive lands, it lived up to its name. Still, between the endless walking, the heavy crowds, and the sky-high food prices, the day came with its own set of challenges.

Throughout this episode, Shawn and Leah share their candid reactions, trip highlights, and some of the frustrations that come with theme park travel. As always, they keep it honest, lighthearted, and full of the little details that make their adventures relatable.

If you’ve ever wondered whether these massive theme parks are worth the hype — or the price — this episode gives you a front-row seat. Grab your coffee and join the conversation, because this trip was truly an Epic Horror Universe.

This week's podcast promos: Modern Musicology and Monkeeing Around

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

But the real horror this week isn’t in Orlando — it’s in Washington. The U.S. government has officially removed the de minimis exemption for international packages, a change that directly impacts Canadian sellers like us. Up until now, we’ve been able to ship items from our Etsy shop to American buyers without excessive red tape. That market accounted for about 75% of our business. With this new policy, however, it’s no longer possible to sell to our U.S. customers in a simple or affordable way.

We break down what this means for us as Etsy sellers, how it could affect countless other small businesses across Canada and beyond, and why buyers in the States might also feel the sting. It’s a frustrating change, and one that could reshape the way cross-border e-commerce works for makers, collectors, and entrepreneurs.

To lighten things up, we also chat about movies we’ve recently watched and why film is such a comforting escape when the real world gets a little too overwhelming.

Whether you’re here for the travel talk, the business insights, or just to hear about two Canadians juggling coffee, collectibles, and a love of pop culture — this episode has a little something for everyone.

Grab your coffee and join us for a conversation that’s equal parts spooky, frustrating, and fun.

This week's podcast promo: Luke Skis Animation and Stuff

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Song of the South is a 1946 American musical film produced by Walt Disney and released by RKO Radio Pictures, based on the Uncle Remus stories by Joel Chandler Harris. The live actors provide a sentimental frame story, in which Uncle Remus relates the folk tales of the adventures of Br'er Rabbit and his friends. These anthropomorphic animal characters appear in animation. The hit song from the film was "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah." The song won the 1947 Academy Award for Best Song. It is frequently used as part of Disney's montage themes, and which has become widely used in popular culture. The film inspired the Disney theme park attraction Splash Mountain.

The film has never been released in its entirety on LaserDisc, Beta and VHS in the U.S. Nor has it been put out on Blu-ray worldwide, except on VHS and DVD editions outside of the U.S. This is due to accusations of racism and stereotypes of African Americans, and is thus subject to much rumor today. For this reason, the producers decided to not make it available on the streaming platform Disney+. Some portions of this film have been issued on VHS and DVD as part of either compilations or special editions of Disney films.

This week's podcast promo belongs to the Flopcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Released in July of 1982, and running just under 2 hours, the film stars Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds. It is a musical comedy with a score of just 50% on Rotten Tomatoes. Shawn and Leah watched a VHS copy of the film on their vintage VCR. Neither Shawn or Leah had seen the movie before. Their thoughts, feelings and insights are presented in this, the 31st episode of the Have Coffee Will Travel Podcast. This is actually the second recording of the podcast as the recorder did not work on the first try.

The synopsis of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas is as follows:

Miss Mona (Dolly Parton) runs the Chicken Ranch, a brothel with a long history in a small Texas town. The locals have a good relationship with the institution, and Mona is respected in the community. The sheriff, Ed Earl Dodd (Burt Reynolds), also looks out for the Chicken Ranch due to his past with Miss Mona. However, when pious reporter Melvin Thorpe (Dom DeLuise) exposes the brothel, outside interests want it shut down, putting the governor (Charles Durning) in a tough spot.

Also on this episode. we are talking about upcoming vacation plans and our Etsy shops. On every episode of the show, we give you an overview of what has sold for us in the last 2 weeks. We would love it if you followed our shops on Etsy. Leah's is called collectandcaston, and Shawn's shop is rustedrobottoys.

This week's podcast promo: EnterpriseSplaining

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

According to AI: A road trip is a long journey, typically recreational, undertaken by car. It often involves exploring new places, enjoying the freedom of the open road, and can be planned or spontaneous. The term can also refer to trips by sports teams or business professionals to play away games or attend events. Road trips can be meticulously planned or involve a more relaxed, spontaneous approach, allowing for detours and unexpected discoveries. In essence, a road trip is an adventure on wheels, a chance to embrace the journey itself and the experiences along the way.

Our recent road trip was a necessary adventure to attend a funeral. Leah's uncle passed away late last year, and because of the season, it was decided to have the funeral in July. This would allow for a more comfortable experience (weather-wise). And it would allow more time for people to make plans to attend the event. We headed out early Friday morning, and we returned late Monday afternoon. The weekend was spent with family. Both Leah and Shawn have family in the area. There was also a small amount of time to go to Ikea and the Vaughn Mall. Although we didn't spend much money, the browsing was fun.

Just before we left on our trip, our dishwasher decided it was done. Water was leaking everywhere. We attempted to fix it. Pulling it out of the cabinet and unhooking all the electrical and plumbing, we took a good look. After fixing it, we put everything back together. Did our repairs work? No. They did not. Now the idea is to save for and plan a complete kitchen renovation. Leah already bought the new sink. Although this will take some planning, the ideas are all in place. Wish us luck!

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and The Gilded Age are back on television. We are excited in our own ways!

Besides road trips and renovations, we tell you all about the last few weeks in our Etsy shops.

Leah's Etsy shop can be found at https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/Collectandcaston

Shawn's Etsy shop can be found at https://www.etsy.com/shop/RustedRobotToys

This week's podcast promo: Earth Station Who

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A cult classic is a film, or other work, that has gained a dedicated, passionate fanbase, often developing an elaborate subculture around it. These films are typically unconventional, and may not have been initially successful or well-received by mainstream audiences. They often feature elements that resonate with a specific, niche group, leading to repeated viewings, dialogue quoting, and audience participation. 

Key Characteristics of Cult Classics:

Dedicated Fanbase: Cult classics are defined by a fervent and devoted following, often forming a subculture with rituals like quoting dialogue, audience participation (like interactive screenings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show), and elaborate cosplay. 

Unconventional Nature: These films often deviate from mainstream norms, sometimes being transgressive, experimental, or drawing from genres like horror, sci-fi, or exploitation. 

Initial Lack of Success: Many cult classics were not commercially successful upon their initial release but gained popularity later through word-of-mouth and dedicated fan engagement. 

Subjectivity of Taste: The appeal of a cult classic is often subjective, with some films celebrated for qualities that might be considered "good" or "bad" by different viewers. 

Blurring Lines: The term "cult classic" is increasingly used for mainstream films that have developed unconventional elements and devoted fan bases. 

Mac and Me is just one of our topics this week. We dive into our Etsy shops. Our office needed organizing, so we spent several hours fixing it up, and listing new items. We built a beehive. After visiting the United States on Canada Day, we learned a lesson about tariffs. Leah got new Lego, and Shawn finally picked up a sought after G.I.Joe action figure. Our friend Tracy came near town and we drove an hour to visit her. Overall, it was a busy 2 weeks!

This week's podcast promo: Earth Station Trek

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode, Shawn and Leah are chatting about movies, podcast ideas, yard sales and their Etsy shops. They're always talking about their Etsy shops. It is a regular feature of the podcast. We hope you enjoy it. And even if you don't, we are grateful that you listen anyway!

To start our movie night battle, we engaged in watching 28 Days Later. But why did we do this? Leah hadn't seen this film before, and Shawn wanted to watch it in preparation for going to see the third film in the franchise. As it turns out, Leah does not enjoy these types of movies. Shawn enjoys them, but finds it difficult to enjoy something his partner does not care for. But, the film stars Cillian Murphy. And he starred in Oppenheimer two summers ago. That film was about nuclear bombs. And Israel and the USA attacked Iran's nuclear sites this weekend. Everything comes full circle!

Office Space was the film we watched the next night. This one didn't have killing or zombies or violence so Leah enjoyed it more. We finished it together. This movie features actor Gary Cole. Gary starred in the series Crusade. Crusade is a Babylon 5 spin off. Shawn and his British buddies podcasted about the Babylon 5 universe on the Epsilon Three Podcast. Go check that out!

A bit more than a week ago, we tried to watch the original Friday the 13th, but that proved impossible. Streaming services are not all that they are cracked up to be! However, watching films could be a podcast spinoff for us. Should we start a new podcast where all we do is watch and review films? Should Leah do a spinoff podcast about nursing?

We wrap up this extra special episode with a chat about our recent yard sale adventures. And as always, we tell you about our recent Etsy shops sales.

This week's podcast promo: Earth Station DCU

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's episode is a fun discussion between Shawn and Leah about making plans. We are also discussing more about how our Etsy shops operate. ABS is our underlying philosophy. It means Always Be Sourcing. To run a successful business, you must be constantly on the hunt for new merchandise to post in your shop.

Find Leah's Etsy shop at: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Collectandcaston

Find Shawn's Etsy shop at: https://www.etsy.com/shop/RustedRobotToys

Make plans but don't plan the outcome. This applies to all aspects in life. To "make plans" means to decide what you want to do or accomplish, and to set a course of action to achieve that. This can be for personal activities, like a vacation, or for professional tasks, like a project deadline. 

Steps to Make Plans:

Identify Your Goals: What do you want to achieve? Be specific and measurable. 

Break Down Tasks: Identify the specific steps needed to reach your goals. 

Set Deadlines and Timelines: Give yourself a reasonable timeframe to complete each task. 

Prioritize Tasks: Decide which tasks are most important and need to be done first. 

Allocate Resources: Determine what you need (time, money, tools, etc.) to complete the tasks. 

Monitor and Adjust: Regularly check your progress and make adjustments as needed. 

This week's podcast promo: Earth Station Boo

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We start off with a movie review. It has been some time since we dedicated an entire episode to a movie review. This review is quick. Shawn and Leah watched Long Legs, starring Nicolas Cage. Reviews said it was the best serial killer movie since the Silence of the Lambs. Far be it from us to disagree with the critics, but the movie kinda sucked. Nicolas Cage gave a great performance, but the story was mediocre, and the logic was not logiccing.

Next up, is the farm auction we went to. Shawn's dad sent out an invite to check out a rural farm auction. After about an hour of driving we made it to our destination. If you're into farming, this was the place for you. Most of the bidders were local Mennonites. Not being overly familiar with this group, the day was a treat. Interacting with a new culture is always a great thing. Trying to play with the horses and cows was another highlight.

Leah did something different this past weekend. She took an introductory to bee keeping class. Learning about maintaining a hive was the major focus. However, Leah also learned about tools and equipment, what to wear and a whole lot more. It is possible she will start up her own bee hive some day. For now, she needs to focus on education before she takes on such a commitment.

ETSY Shop round-up! We discuss some new additions to our stores. We also talk about some recent sales.

Find Leah's shop at: https://www.etsy.com/shop/collectandcaston

Find Shawn's shop at: https://www.etsy.com/shop/RustedRobotToys

This week's podcast promo: Dragon Con Report

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE SAULT STEELERS:

The Sault Steelers are a semi-professional football team based in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, established in 1972. Len Monico, the team’s first head coach, spearheaded its formation and led the team to immediate success, winning the Northern Football Conference (NFC) title and a National Championship in its inaugural season.

The franchise has continued to achieve success, earning Canadian Major Football League (CMFL) National Championships in 2007, 2009, and 2010 and numerous NFC league titles.

They have also produced countless notable players, including 20-time NFC All-Star and 1-time MVP Brandon Lewis, NFC All-Time leading rusher Josh Gauthier, 2007 NFC Defensive Player of the Year Gordi Campbell, and NFC Hall of Famers Stu Waite and Rocky DiPietro, among others.

The Steelers were founding members of the Ontario Power 5 Football League (OP5FL), where they have competed since 2024.

Also on this episode, we talk about our Etsy shops and some recent sales. We go behind the storefront to tell you about how Etsy operates and the fees we can incur as a result of using this platform. Have you heard of 'offsite ads'? They are devious and expensive.

Follow Leah's shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/Collectandcaston

Follow Shawn's shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/RustedRobotToys

Sault Steelers website: https://www.saultsteelers.com/

This week's podcast promo: Cosmic Pizza Podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Shawn and Leah as they ask each other the hard-hitting questions of the universe. We're not talking about favourite colours or numbers here. Is reincarnation real? What is your favourite thing about yourself? These are the types of queries we have on this podcast episode. While you're listening to the show, try to anticipate our answers. After that, think about your own ideas and the answers you may have to these questions. We would love to hear your thoughts. Send your answers, or any email ideas to havecoffeewilltravelpod@gmail.com

If you want to share the podcast topic with your loved ones, we would be grateful. In fact, ask your friends and loved ones similar questions. To get to know someone better, start with open-ended questions that encourage sharing personal experiences, opinions, and values. These questions allow for more detailed answers and deeper conversations. Remember to listen actively and be genuinely interested in their responses. This approach helps build rapport and creates a comfortable space for further conversation.

Here are some examples: Open-ended questions:

What's your favorite way to spend a weekend? 

What's a cause you feel strongly about? 

What's your dream job? 

What brings you in a good mood? 

What's something you love learning about? 

How do you like to stay updated on current events? 

What's a book you'd recommend? 

Where have you always wanted to travel to? 

What's a skill you're proud of? 

Also on this episode, we talk about our recent Etsy shop sales. Both Shawn and Leah have Etsy stores where they sell many different types of items. With a special focus on pop culture items, both Shawn and Leah try to focus on excellent customer service. Leah's store is collectandcaston and Shawn's shop is found at rustedrobottoys

This week's podcast promo: Cigar Nerds

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marc Maron's current comedy tour has been a major focus for Shawn over the last year. Last Spring, he bought tickets to a nearby comedy show. This show was supposed to occur in October, but due to scheduling, Marc had to postpone. Well, the makeup date for the show finally came. This past weekend, Shawn and Leah were able to see Marc Maron live. After listening to Marc's podcast for 10 years, Shawn was able to enjoy the entertainment in person. What did Leah think? That's in this episode.

To get to the show, Shawn and Leah had to travel to the USA. Everyone and everything in the media said this would be a hellish experience. Was it? Find out on this episode of HCWT. Because your hosts were traveling, it was a perfect opportunity to source stock for their Etsy shops. Wally's Castle is a favourite antique shop in Grand Rapids. GoodWill is also another popular place to stop and check for stock!

Leah was especially excited about the estate sale she found. This house had some amazing Disney items. Leah loves Walt Disney, Mickey Mouse and the overall flavour of Disney. She found a lot of amazing items at this sale.

Also on this episode: Shawn's dog bite, action figure and plush finds, and recent TV. This episode is called tv, travel and Marc Maron comedy for a reason. All of that and more are topics in this episode. A new segment is our Etsy sales.

Leah's etsy shop is https://www.etsy.com/shop/Collectandcaston

Shawn's etsy shop is https://rustedrobottoys.etsy.com

This week's podcast promo: BatChums

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The domestication of cats began in the Middle East around 12,000 years ago, with early evidence suggesting a close relationship between humans and cats in the Fertile Crescent. Cats, likely descended from the African wildcat, were valued for their pest control abilities and gradually became companions to humans, eventually spreading across the globe.

The process of domestication is thought to have begun in the Middle East, specifically in the Fertile Crescent, around 12,000 years ago. As humans settled and began farming, they created environments that attracted both rodents and wildcats, leading to a symbiotic relationship where cats controlled pests and humans provided food and shelter. Archaeological evidence, including a burial site in Cyprus dating back 9,500 years, suggests an intentional relationship between humans and cats, with cats being brought to the island by humans.

In ancient Egypt, cats were revered and even deified, with the goddess Bastet often depicted with a cat's head. Cats were mummified and buried with great care, indicating their importance in Egyptian culture. Cats were considered sacred animals, and harming them could lead to severe punishments. Cats traveled with the Romans, becoming widespread in Europe by the 4th century AD. 

In addition to a brief history of cats, we discuss their popularity in culture. Disney uses and houses cats to control pests. They are a huge part of the population in Istanbul. Cartoon cats abound!

Entertainment Weekly has a list of the 26 most iconic cats in cinema. You can read their entire list at https://ew.com/movies/cats-of-cinema/

Leave us a review in your favourite podcast app and have it read on the show.

Find our Etsy shops at collectandcaston and rustedrobottoys

This week's podcast promo: 42 Cast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1954, each boy in a group of Florida Angel Beach High School students plans to lose his virginity. They go to Porky's, a strip club in the Everglades, believing that they can hire a prostitute to satisfy their sexual desires. The club's proprietor, Porky, takes their money but humiliates the boys by dumping them into the swamp. When the group demands their money back, the sheriff, Porky's brother, drives them away but not before he extorts them for the rest of their money, further embarrassing them.

In a subplot, the boys peep on female students in the girl's locker room shower. Tommy, Billy, and Pee Wee see several girls showering. Pee Wee gives them away when he shouts at an obese girl, who has been blocking his view, to move so that he can see. While a few girls run out, most stay, finding the situation funny.

Although there is more to this story, we find the main theme to be one of coming of age. There are many movies and television shows that embrace a similar theme. In Porky's, the boys are attempting to become men. In holding a mirror up to reality, this film does a poor job. People just don't act like these boys in real life. There are perhaps moments where similar events may occur, but nothing can be sustained for this long (outside of movie reality).

This week in the movie closet, we chat about the film's qualities. We were impressed by the actor's abilities to inhabit their roles. The classic cars were another highlight. The plot did not hold up. Our overall rating for this film is 1.25 stars out of 5.

This week's podcast promo: Watch-a-Thon of Rassilon

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cherry 2000 Synopsis:

• Need a bounty hunter? She's your man! In the future, a man travels to the ends of the earth to find the perfect woman. In this fun, futuristic sci-fi adventure, Melanie Griffith (Something Wild) is delightful and unflappable as a futuristic bounty hunter on a mission to find a robot replicant of a rich man's short-circuited wife. When successful businessman Sam Treadwell (David Andrews, Fight Club) finds that his android wife, Cherry model 2000 (Pamela Gidley, The Blue Iguana), has blown a fuse, he hires sexy renegade tracker E. Johnson (Griffith) to find her exact duplicate. But as their journey to replace his perfect mate leads them into the treacherous and lawless region of The Zone.

Join Shawn and Leah as they discuss unexpected love. From depictions of love and romance in Cherry 2000, to Get Over It, and Spike Jonze's Her, the hosts tackle many aspects of surprise love. You will enjoy their personal story, as well as some of their memories from previous relationships. Get ready for robot sex, trackers, and an adventure through a futuristic wasteland.

This week's podcast promo: Tales From Hollywoodland

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Synopsis:

Two mischievous angels (played by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck) who were kicked out of heaven, have figured out a way to get back in. Restoring ones soul by entering a new church is a part of the Catholic Dogma, and by restoring their souls, the angels could re-enter heaven thus revealing a loophole. However, their plan would prove God's imperfection thus erasing everything God had ever created. Jesus' last descendant Bethany (played by Linda Fiorentino) is enlisted by Rufus the unknown 13th Apostle to stop the fugitive angels. Along the way, she is aided by two prophets, Jay and Silent Bob.

The entire point of the movie is faith. Bethany is suffering from a crisis of faith. More than one crisis if we are honest. The film tracks her evolution of faith and belief. This is the jumping off point for our new series-- The movie closet: Dogma! Shawn and Leah share the basis of their own belief systems. They share stories from their childhoods, and discuss how those experiences shaped them as people. Do you have faith? Do you need it?

This week's podcast promo: Monster Attack

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first stop on our taste tour is Japan. While shopping on Amazon for some blankets, Leah accidently also purchased the Ninjapo snack box. Hence, a new series for Have Coffee Will Travel was born. Join us on this episode for a taste of Japan!

The exact title of the listing on Amazon is:Japanese Snacks Assortment 30pcs "TONO SNACK" Excellent Variety and Delicious Selection of Japanese Dagashi

Our snacks arrived in a cute pink box with anime characters, a mountain scene and a temple. The words are in both English and Japanese. 30 different snacks are included. Some of these items are similar in nature, but each individual item is different. The flavours offer a wide range of experiences, and the textures are quite unique.

Product description

Suitable for yourself, share with friends and families, party, gift and so on.

Contents may be different from pictures.

According to the AI generated amalgamation of reviews: Customers find the snack mix enjoyable and interesting. They appreciate the variety of treats and flavors. The snacks have a good selection and appearance. However, some customers feel it's not worth the money, with small snacks and a small amount for the price. There are also complaints about smell and mixed opinions on taste and staleness.

Overall, this is a fun experimental episode. If you enjoy ASMR, and listening to people experience things for the first time, this is the episode for you.

This week's podcast promo: Monkeeing Around

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as we dive into the genre films that are coming to a theatre near you in 2025. We are going month by month to tell you what to keep an eye open for. This is not an exhaustive list. The hours would crawl by as we tried to tell you everything that will be in a cinema over the next 12 months. Instead, we are looking at specific types of movies. Our main focus is on those films that should be seen on the big screen. These include such genres as science fiction, horror, fantasy, action and the ever-present comic book based films.

The way this episode is set up is very specific. Co-host Shawn tells co-host Leah what movie is coming out. Each month offers a film in the above mentioned categories. Leah has not looked ahead, and she must rely on Shawn's decription on each particular film. Shawn has seen many of the trailers, but his descriptions are not always completely on point. If you, our listener is interested in a particular movie, we suggest you watch the trailers for a greater understanding than what we provide here. As such, this is the 2025 movie preview -- not a complete summary of all movies.

Some of the films we are excited for include: Captain America: Brave New World, A Minecraft Movie, ThunderBolts, Ballerina, 28 Years Later, Megan 2.0, Superman, Fantastic 4: First Steps, and 5 Nights at Freddy's 2.

There are many other films which we discuss on this episode. Several trailers are also heard during the course of this production.

This week's podcast promo: Modern Musicology

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As your hosts, we find it important that you (the listener) know what to expect from the Have Coffee Will Travel podcast. We want HCWT to be entertaining, informative, thought-provoking, and consistent. Consistency is key in any type of relationship. You can expect us to be consistent in our opening and closing statements. And you can expect us to be here for you every 2 weeks. However, don't be surprised by the occasional bonus episode.

This episode is called 2025 Plans and Resolutions. To know where we are going, we must see where we have been. That's why we start off with a recap and highlight reel of the past year. We got married in 2024. And we bought our first home together. Shawn went on his first cruise. Leah finally got to see the Trans Siberian Orchestra and go to a Disney after hours party. We both went to Las Vegas for the first time, and we each lost loved ones.

Where are we going? What do we have planned? We are going to focus on the future, by paying off the past. Paying down our debt is our major resolution for 2025. By sweeping away what is owing, we can breathe easier knowing future travel is possible. We had our first real budget meeting this week. This means we sat down and looked at all of our bills, what we owe, and what we make. Now we know what we can afford. We also want to write our wills and figure out our power of attorney situation. Several mini road trips are planned for the year, and the only major expense is a cruise for the end of the year.

This week's podcast promo: Flopcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More than 55,000 postal workers went on strike on Nov. 15. The Canadian Union of Postal Workers was seeking wage increases, better pensions and improved health benefits. The Union insists that wage increases must be kept in line with inflation, with cost-of-living adjustment payments rolled into the basic wage rate. Weekend delivery was one of the main sticking points during negotiations. Canada Post has pitched seven-day-a-week delivery as a way to boost revenue and "secure the future of the company" as it struggles to compete with other delivery companies.

The Crown corporation says it would staff weekend delivery shifts with a mix of new permanent part-time positions and some full-time, which would "create flexibility while not adding significant long-term fixed costs." But the union characterizes Canada Post's proposals as "attacks on full-time work," accusing the Crown corporation of wanting to increase the part-time mix to more than 50 per cent of the workforce. It says it is concerned some part-timers could be scheduled for as few as eight hours per week and wouldn’t be eligible for benefits until they reach 1,000 hours.

Essentially, the Union and the Corporation do not see eye to eye on a number of factors. The Canada Post strike has been hard on workers, customers and the economy. The goodish news is that we are back to work and the government has set a few things in motion to try to help. Only time will tell what that means for the workers.

This week's podcast promo: EnterpriseSplaining

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1: Crazy weather travel day. Our 4 hour drive took us 6 hours. Our Allegiant flight was delayed. We made it to Orlando, had dinner and went for a walk around our resort neighbourhood.

Day 2. Sunday shopping. Picked up groceries for the week at Walmart. Went for breakfast at IHOP. The coffee was gross. The food was just OK. Thrifting in Kissimmee is lackluster. The flea markets are sad and all the same. We finished the day with a bath, drinking wine and reading.

Day 3. Monday adventures. Orlando's Vineland outlets. Batmobile Crocs. Disney Springs desserts and the Earl of Sandwich. Jollywood Nights was awesome. We got on Rise of the Resistance without any waiting. And we finally got to ride Slinky Dog. The fireworks were great the the good was fantastic.

Day 4. We went to the Lakeland Antique Mall. Lots of fun stuff to see. The time flew by. The layout and upkeep was awful. Too expensive for most things. The dessert we bought in Disney Springs yesterday from Amorette's Patisserie was delicious.

Day 5. Wednesday was a shopping day. Davey's Toys was a highlight. The Mercantile was a surprise find that we enjoyed. Acme Toy Warehouse was huge and had lots of vintage, but overpriced stuff. The Lindor store had the best Lindt chocolate. We got some bears at Goodwill and a few things from the Disney Character Warehouse.

Day 6. Orlando Beer Spa. Thursday was mainly about relaxation.

Day 7. Bishop's birthday. A paddle boat ride. Visiting with Jarman and Jolie and having a few games, drinks and laughs.

Final Entry. Wrapping up the weekend. Saturday was travel from Orlando to Grand Rapids. We checked out some antiques. Sunday was more antiques, the Lush store and TSO. The Trans Siberian Orchestra put on an amazing show. Staying at Spark by Hilton was something else. Not the worst hotel, but definitely could have been better.

This week's podcast promos: DragonCon Report, ES DCU, ES Trek, ES Who

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the Thanksgiving episode. We were going to do a deep dive into the history of Thanksgviing, but we thought better of that idea. The topic is too vast and full of controversy to be covered easily. Instead, we talk about the things we are grateful for. Family is always at the top of the list. But, let us not forget our warm homes, the delicious food, and the friends we have. There is so much to be thankful for, both at this time of year, and the whole year through.

Canada Post is on strike. The mail is not being delivered. Co-host Shawn works for Canada Post. This strike directly affects Shawn and Leah. Strike pay is not very much. Each day, Shawn must participate in the picket line for 4 hours if he is to receive his strike pay. This pay is not nearly enough to cover groceries or bills, but the cause the Union is fighting for makes it all worthwhile. Good paying jobs, a decent pension, and safe working conditions is not too much to ask for.

Shawn tries an eggnog White Russian beverage. As a big fan of the film The Big Lebowski, it is almost a requirement to enjoy a White Russian. Leah found a recipe. You will hear Shawn's reaction to his first sip on this episode!

Shawn and Leah are excited about their upcoming trip. For a week they will be experiencing Orlando, Florida. Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios is just one of the events they will be enjoying. There is a beer spa to visit. The Lakeland Antique Mall is only one of the stops on their thrifting adventures. Disney Springs and the Earl of Sandwich are just 2 of the upcoming attractions to visit. On their final night, they will be in Grand Rapids, Michigan to see and hear the Transiberian Orchestra.

And finally, the hosts talk about their ETSY shops and recent sales. Leah's shop is called collectandcaston, while Shawn's is called RustedRobotToys.

This week's podcast promo: Cosmic Pizza Podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coffee houses are popular hangout spots in pop culture. The most famous example is Central Perk from the television show Friends. However, there are many more examples. Not only are these places great spots to get together on tv, they also work great in real life. Whether it's the start of your road trip, a neutral place for a first date, or a pit stop along your journey, the coffee house is essential to every day life.

Real life coffee shops include Robin's Donuts, Dunkin' Donuts, Starbucks, and Tim Horton's. McDonald's is also becoming known for their great coffee. It seems as though everyone is trying to get on the coffee train.

Who was Tim Horton, and what is Tim Horton's?

Tim Hortons Inc., known colloquially as Tim's, Timmies, or Timmy's, is a Canadian multinational coffeehouse and restaurant chain with headquarters in Toronto; it serves coffee, donuts, sandwiches, breakfast egg muffins and other fast-food items. It is Canada's largest quick-service restaurant chain, with 5,701 restaurants in 13 countries, as of September 2023.

The company was founded in 1964 in Hamilton, Ontario by Canadian ice hockey player Tim Horton (1930–1974) and Jim Charade (1934–2009), after an initial venture in hamburger restaurants. In 1967, Horton partnered with investor Ron Joyce, who assumed control over operations after Horton died in 1974. Joyce expanded the chain into a multi-billion dollar franchise. Charade left the organization in 1966 and briefly returned in 1970 and 1993 through 1996.

On August 26, 2014, Burger King agreed to merge with Tim Hortons for US$11.4 billion. The two chains became subsidiaries of Toronto-based holding company Restaurant Brands International on December 15, 2014.

The Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) is a coffee drink made with a mix of traditional fall spice flavors (cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove), steamed milk, espresso, and often sugar, topped with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice. The beverage is most commonly associated with Starbucks, which first offered the drink in the fall of 2003.

This week's podcast promo: Cigar Nerds Podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We usually start each episode by talking about what we are drinking. This time, there were no drinks involved. However, Leah did enjoy a beverage earlier in the day. Her boss bought Starbucks. The drink of choice for today for the oat apple-crisp espresso. It was delicious.

House moving is over. Today, Shawn cleared out his storage unit. Although he has a few remaining items at his brother's house, mostly everything is now in the home. Organization is the final task.

After the preamble, we dredge up memories of childhood road trips. Leah remembers her mother waking them up at 4am. She and her sister were instructed to get dressed and get in the car. No pajamas were permitted. The 7 hour road trip to grandma's house would then take place.

Shawn took a road trip with his grandparents in 1989. Mostly they did whatever his grandfather wanted. They saw airplane museums and ship harbours. A lot of driving and a whole load of motels were experienced.

The rest of the episode details this past weekend's road trip to Grand Rapids, Michigan. We went to the GoodWill bins, the Lush store in the mall as well as the Lego store and Hallmark. We ate at Bob Evans and the Cheesecake Factory. A major highlight was the Wally's family of antique stores.

This week's podcast promo: BatChums

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode, Shawn and Leah discuss the drama surrounding their recent move. Married since May of this year, the couple decided they needed a home of their own. A new place with no old memories attached. The perfect place presented itself and the couple moved in this past weekend. You Won't Believe This, centers around the drama created by the buyers of Leah's old house. To say the last week has been stressful is an understatement of epic proportions. The good news is that the move is complete, the house is getting organized and Shawn and Leah are happy.

We want to welcome our new ESO listeners and thank our loyal fans for continuing to support HCWT Podcast. Our drink of choice this week was the seasonal spirit Crown Royal Salted Caramel.

This week's podcast promo: The 42 Cast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are talking about what we found to put in our ETSY stores, and a few things we found for ourselves.

Not only that, we dive into each item's history and how it relates to our lives.

#Pavarotti #Voltron #Funko #coffee #Disney #Netflix #AttackonTitan #anime #manga #minecraft #lego #mickeymouse #VHS #laserdisc #baseball #fantasia

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shawn began the Soul Forge as a form of self-therapy. It was meant to be a conversation about the things that people don't often talk about. Along the way, it became something greater. Multiple guests shared their stories. No topic was ever off-limits. The Soul Forge was a love letter to the future. Shawn hoped his son would one day find it and gain valuable insights into his father's life. Perhaps that will still happen.

So, Coffee lovers, sit back, relax, and enjoy this final episode of The Soul Forge Podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The concept of thrifting can be traced back to ancient times when communities practiced barter systems, exchanged goods or repurposed clothing and textiles. However, it wasn't until the 19th century that organized thrift stores started emerging in Europe and the United States. These stores aimed to alleviate poverty by providing affordable clothing and household items to those in need.

The 21st century ushered in the era of online thrifting. Platforms like eBay and Etsy allow individuals to buy and sell secondhand items globally. The convenience of online thrifting made it accessible to a broader audience and expanded the thrift community.

Thrifting has never been more popular. Social media influencers and sustainable fashion advocates champion secondhand style, showcasing their thrifted finds. Thrift stores have become trendy destinations where people hunt for one-of-a-kind pieces while supporting sustainability.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode we are discussing the history of depression. Call it a brief history of mental illness, if you will. We are covering its earliest theories as well as how it has influenced pop culture. Our own stories are also thrown in for a bit of flavour and context.

Beginning with Hippocrates in the 5th century BC, depression was thought to be an imbalance in the humors. The humoral theory of Melancholia became the standard model for treatment. Of the 4 humors, black bile was considered the cause of depression or melancholia as it was known.

In addition to the early history, we discuss how depression was seen and treated over the last 25 centuries. Medications, and alternative treatments are discussed. And we end our show with a look at the pop culture influences and ramifications.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we are discussing the ins and outs of home ownership. The fun part is looking for a new home to buy. The bad part is trying to sell your place. Strangers are traipsing through your home at weird hours. They are looking at your things and judging you. Keeping everything in tip-top shape is also a chore. Some houses sell immediately, while others can take quite some time.

We're also talking about fresh starts and love. Our previous marriages are a major topic. At our age, we feel like this is our last opportunity to get it right. Making the marriage work, and last, is our top priority. New house, new car, and travel. These are the things that we feel are helping us grow stronger as a couple.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Legend states that coffee was first discovered in Ethiopia in the early 800s. A goat herder named Kaldi awoke from his nap to see that his flock had disappeared. He found them at a strange looking bush eating red berries. The goats were yelling and jumping about. Naturally Kaldi tried the berries and began to join in with the dancing and jumping and yelling.

Coffee was incorporated into Sufi religious practices. Coffee houses sprang up and ideas spread around the region. Europeans took notice and coffee houses spread even further.

In this episode you will learn about:

5 attempts to ban coffee,

How Pope Clement the 8th felt about coffee,

Penny universities,

The Boston Tea Party and more...

Coffee in Arabic is qahwa (wine of the bean)

#coffee #asmr #Islam #coffeehouses #tea #beer #religion #legend #Ethiopia #Europe #Brazil

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We begin the show with definitions. First, we need to know the basic idea for each of these machines. You will learn the difference between a robot and an android. How are these things similar and different? Cyborgs are a fascinating subset of the robot/android lifeform.

Your education would be incomplete without a wide variety of examples from pop culture. We are talking about many of the most famous cyborgs and robots and androids. How many do you know? Let us know at havecoffeewilltravelpod@gmail.com

Animatronics. Where do these creations fit in? You will learn about the films they have appeared in. Disney is a huge creator and user of animatronics. Chuck E Cheese has used them for many years. What's happening to them now? We answer these questions and more!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shawn and Leah were both born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. Leah has lived in the Soo all of her life. Shawn went away to school, moved to another town, and finally returned home in 2022.

A brief overview of family life. Shawn and Leah each have one son, and several steo-children. Both of them are taking care of their fathers, both of whom are in their 70s.

Your hosts will be talking about many things in the upcoming episodes. Such topics include: pop culture, recipes, travel, family life, thrifting and a whole lot more.

Etsy! Both hosts have their own ETSY shops.

Find Leah at https://www.etsy.com/shop/Collectandcaston

Find Shawn at https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/RustedRobotToys

Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563823513692

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shawn and Leah start their brand new podcast with the pop culture behemoth of Disney. Mike from the ESO Podcast Network join them as their first guest.This recording used Streamyard.

What is a Disney adult? A Disney adult is an adult who is a devout fan of The Walt Disney Company. Common hobbies of Disney adults include visiting Disney theme parks, collecting Disney merchandise, cosplaying Disney characters, and consuming content on the Disney+ streaming service. Practices associated with the phenomenon, such as Disney weddings, date back decades to the 1990s.

Our conversation moves on to this year's D23 Expo. D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, also known as Disney D23 or simply D23, is the official fan club for The Walt Disney Company. Founded in 2009, the organization is known mainly for its biennial exposition event, D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event (previously known as the D23 Expo). Highlights from this year's event include all the latest expansion news, as well as all the upcoming projects.

We end our show with a chat about the Disney Cruise Line. There are all kinds of exciting things coming soon!

Thank you for listening to our first episode. It may have been a bit rough, but it will get better!

Please leave a 5 star review in the podcatcher of your choice!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you ready to embark on a journey filled with laughter, adventure, and insightful conversations? Join Shawn and Leah as they dive into the exciting world of travel, family life, pop culture, and everything in between. Here’s what you can expect from each episode:

- *Shawn* – A lifelong Star Trek fan with over a decade of podcasting experience.

- *Leah* – A Disney enthusiast, actress, and nurse who brings her unique perspective to the table.

- **Topics We Cover:**

- Travel tips and experiences

- Family dynamics and stories

- Pop culture insights

- Cooking adventures

- Thrifting finds

"Every episode will be a new adventure!"

Our mission is simple: to share advice, life lessons, and entertainment that resonates with you. Whether you're commuting, relaxing at home, or planning your next trip, we’re here to keep you company. You can find us on all major podcast platforms and YouTube.

So grab your coffee and get ready to join us for some fun-filled discussions!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.