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

The conversation shifts into real-life updates, with Chris opening up about starting a new job that aligns with his passion for video editing and media—marking a major step toward pursuing a more creative career path. That leap sparks a deeper discussion about fear, stability, and what it takes to walk away from something secure in order to chase something meaningful.

They also get into personal development, including starting a fitness routine, the mental battle of staying consistent, and how small, manageable changes can lead to long-term results. From there, things get more introspective—covering topics like identity, purpose, and the struggle of redefining yourself as an adult.

One of the most impactful moments comes when the conversation turns to spirituality. A recent experience with community service and an unexpected interaction leads to a first-time return to church, opening the door to questions about faith, personal change, and what it means to search for something bigger.

Throughout the episode, the guys balance humor with vulnerability—talking about relationships, arguments, personal flaws, and the reality that adulthood doesn’t come with the clarity they once expected.

Overall, it’s an episode about transition—embracing change, confronting discomfort, and figuring life out as you go.

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

After years of cycling through addiction and failed attempts at rehab, Jerrod finally reached a breaking point and checked himself into treatment in early 2020. During his seven months in recovery, he rediscovered his Christian faith and committed to rebuilding his life from the ground up. Now sober for years, he dedicates his time to helping others in recovery, sharing his testimony, and working with youth through Bible study. His story is one of accountability, redemption, and the belief that no matter how far someone falls, there is still a path forward. 

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

The episode kicks off with the two jokingly trying to figure out the geography of the Mason-Dixon Line before drifting into stories about childhood habits, video games, and how priorities change as you get older. From there, the conversation turns toward health and fitness—touching on gym routines, motivation, body image, and the mental side of staying disciplined. The guys share honest thoughts about how easy it is to fall in and out of healthy habits, including the ups and downs of weight loss, gym culture, and trying things like Orangetheory Fitness.

Buck also shares stories about getting back outdoors, including a spontaneous motorcycle trip through West Virginia that led to kayaking around Kanawha Falls with his kids. The story highlights the beauty of the region and the simple joy of exploring local places that are easy to overlook.

As the conversation continues, the episode shifts into reflections on creativity and craftsmanship. Buck talks about discovering welding and fabrication, the satisfaction of building things with your hands, and how passion for a craft can evolve over time—from dreaming about projects to eventually bringing them to life.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Matters Not without some wild stories. The guys swap memories of reckless things they did when they were younger—from jumping off bridges to “skitching” behind moving vehicles—while laughing at how different their outlook on risk and responsibility is today.

The episode wraps up with a mix of life lessons and humor, reminding listeners that growth often comes from trying new things, making mistakes, and occasionally looking back at the ridiculous decisions that helped shape who you are.

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

They talk about creativity as a long game: learning as you go, making mistakes publicly, and finding fulfillment in simply doing the work. The conversation highlights how passion projects can restore confidence, create momentum, and give people a sense of ownership over something that’s theirs—especially when life feels stagnant or boxed in. Rather than chasing trends or validation, they emphasize consistency, curiosity, and doing work that actually feels meaningful.

The episode also explores how passion projects evolve over time. What starts as an outlet can become a skill set, a community, or even a new direction in life—but only if you allow it to grow naturally instead of forcing outcomes. Chris and Buck reflect on how staying engaged with something you care about can quietly shape who you become.

In the latter part of the conversation, the tone shifts as they share personal stories about car accidents they’ve both experienced. These moments lead into a discussion of karma—more so punishment rather than reward. Those experiences reinforce why pursuing the things you care about now—not later—actually matters.

At its core, this episode is about choosing intention, embracing the process, and giving yourself permission to build something just because it feels right.

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

The trio shares how they each entered glassblowing, initially working in high-output production environments where creativity was secondary to numbers. A turning point came when they began challenging that model—blending craftsmanship, design, and hands-on artistry rather than separating “designer” from “maker.” That shift ultimately led them to leave production work behind and build their own studio from the ground up.

They discuss the realities of starting Marrowbone Glassworks: building furnaces and annealers themselves, working with minimal budgets, and relying on community support rather than large capital investment. Along the way, they reflect on how backgrounds in welding, trades, and even dance translated into glassblowing skills, reinforcing the idea that glass is as much about physics, timing, and teamwork as it is about art.

The episode also dives deep into Appalachian and West Virginia glass history, highlighting the region’s once-massive handmade glass industry and the concept of “lunchtime glass”—art pieces created by factory workers during short breaks. This legacy, they explain, fuels their desire to preserve and revive glassmaking culture in the region, not gatekeep it.

The conversation wraps with talk of current projects, including limited-edition sculptural pieces like their glass top hats, and their broader mission: proving that meaningful, high-level glasswork doesn’t require massive facilities—just skill, chemistry, and passion.

Facebook Marrowbone Glassworks

Instagram Marrowbone Glassworks (@marrowboneglass)

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

The episode’s centerpiece is Buck’s first-ever auction experience, where he unexpectedly falls in love with a vintage vanity set and becomes emotionally invested in winning it. What starts as casual browsing turns into a near-obsessive bidding war fueled by aesthetics, nostalgia, and the need for a new project. Along the way, the guys unpack why Buck constantly turns his life into an endless renovation—houses, furniture, routines—and why stopping feels harder than working.

The episode balances humor, chaos, and introspection, touching on masculinity, satisfaction versus happiness, the value of downtime, and the strange joy of discovering meaning in objects, effort, and even a random encounter with a woman carrying a literal monkey at an auction. It’s a raw, unfiltered look at momentum, motivation, and why some people would rather exhaust themselves than feel still.

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

The discussion drifts into personal territory as Buck opens up about burnout, comparison, and the danger of adopting someone else’s definition of success. Together, they unpack what it means to stay present, avoid self-sabotage, and recognize when ambition turns into chaos instead of progress.

From there, the episode shifts gears into gaming culture and connection—bonding with kids over Arc Raiders, the anxiety and adrenaline of extraction shooters, streamer burnout, and how internet fame can trap creators into performing the same thing over and over again.

The latter half of the episode takes a heavier turn, tackling immigration fears, ICE, and the moral disconnect between law, politics, and basic human empathy. Chris and Buck challenge black-and-white thinking, question performative outrage on both sides, and talk candidly about how real people—coworkers, families, and neighbors—get crushed in the middle.

As always, Matters Not blends humor, frustration, vulnerability, and unfiltered perspective into a conversation that doesn’t aim to solve everything—but refuses to ignore it.

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

The conversation explores the opioid epidemic and its roots in pharmaceutical practices, the difference between physical dependence and addiction, and how policy decisions helped fuel today’s fentanyl and heroin crisis. Megan also breaks down the realities of nursing—from brutal staffing ratios and burnout to the lasting emotional toll of patient loss—and explains why many nurses turn to travel nursing for survival and opportunity.

They dive into the structure of modern healthcare, including insurance barriers, patient satisfaction scores, and how profit-driven systems often interfere with patient care. Megan also clarifies the role of nurse practitioners, the growing physician shortage, and why NPs are increasingly filling the gaps in primary care.

The episode closes with advice for anyone considering a career in healthcare, emphasizing humility, resilience, and starting wherever you can to work your way up—plus a shoutout to Megan’s telehealth practice, CMD Health & Wellness (cmdhealth.org).

Raw, honest, and insightful—this episode pulls back the curtain on what it really means to care for people in a broken system.

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

The conversation shifts into deeper territory as Dalen talks about his time in the Navy, deployments overseas, and how losing his father reshaped his priorities around work, life, and time. Joel opens up about relationships, independence, and finding peace in a simpler, more solitary lifestyle—while still catching heat from the group in classic fashion.

From CNC machines, lasers, and starting your own business to debates about digital ownership, subscriptions, physical media, homesteading, van life, and whether society is drifting too far from tangible reality, the episode balances laughs with thoughtful commentary. The guys even dip into conspiracies, mythology, and questions about the future, all while keeping the tone raw, honest, and unapologetically real.

This is a laid-back, porch-talk style episode about blue-collar roots, brotherhood, changing priorities, and figuring out what actually matters as life moves forward.

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

Aiven talks about his love for math, football, Formula 1 racing, and his ambitious dream of becoming an astrophysicist. Along the way, he shares honest reflections on friendships, boundaries, handling anger, and what he’s learned from mistakes at school. Chris uses these moments to gently explore bigger life lessons about self-discipline, learning from failure, and growing into a good person.

The conversation also touches on family trips, becoming a big brother, favorite animals, music tastes, and what love and loyalty mean at a young age. It’s equal parts funny, wholesome, and deeply human—reminding listeners that wisdom doesn’t always come with age.

This episode is a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful conversations come from simply listening.

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

Chris and Buck reunite after the holidays to catch up on life, fatherhood, unfinished house projects, and the chaos that comes with both. The conversation moves from deeply personal reflections on Christmas as a single dad to family memories, loss, and the strange feeling of watching eras close.

From there, the episode takes its usual unfiltered turns—breaking down pop culture fatigue, Stranger Things, nostalgia-driven reboots, gaming and streaming culture, and how the internet has turned everything into performance. The guys dig into DNA tests, Viking ancestry, generational myths, and the absurdity of identity in the modern world.

Things get heavier as they discuss healthcare failures, identity theft fears, policing, protest culture, and how political division thrives on outrage and consequence-free behavior. Rather than picking clean sides, Chris and Buck wrestle with nuance, personal responsibility, and the reality that most situations aren’t as simple as the internet makes them.

As always, the episode blends humor, cynicism, introspection, and blunt honesty—wrapping up with reflections on education, life paths, and why sometimes dropping out, figuring it out, and building crocodile-skin accent walls might just be the most honest way forward

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

Damien shares how streaming, smart in-game trading, and understanding digital item value allowed him to sell rare virtual assets for real money—including a single emote that sold for $850. He talks candidly about content creation at a young age, handling burnout, ignoring negativity, and learning patience and consistency while building a loyal community.

The conversation also dives into the NFL’s involvement in the game, the competitive ecosystem behind Roblox football, collaborating with other creators, and Damien’s role as a moderator helping combat cheating within the game. Looking ahead, Damien outlines plans to expand to YouTube and Twitch, including a unique trading-challenge series designed to turn a worthless starter item into one of the most valuable items in the game.

This episode is a fascinating look at how gaming, content creation, and entrepreneurship intersect—and proof that the future of digital careers is already here.

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

From stories of serving in Japan and navigating college on the GI Bill, to brushes with addiction, homelessness, and grief after losing his wife, Mark reflects honestly on the consequences of impulsive decisions and the lessons they’ve taught him. Despite setbacks, he emphasizes personal responsibility, respect for life, and maintaining dignity in the face of hardship.

This episode is a raw conversation about regret, survival, accountability, and hope—offering listeners a reminder to slow down, think ahead, and learn from the past before it defines the future.

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

The discussion takes a sharp turn into Adam’s years as a paranormal investigator, where he shares firsthand experiences from ghost hunts across Ohio, West Virginia, and beyond—detailing unexplained audio captures, doors slamming on command, eerie personal encounters, and the discipline of debunking evidence to preserve credibility. Along the way, the episode explores skepticism versus belief, the commercialization of the paranormal, and why science and patience matter more than theatrics.

The conversation closes by drifting into modern anxieties around AI, automation, and whether technology—much like the supernatural—has begun to outpace our understanding and control. Equal parts thoughtful, unsettling, and darkly funny, this episode is a deep dive into curiosity, fear, and what it means to chase truth in an uncertain world.

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

Alec shares his personal journey—from serving in Afghanistan and navigating post-military life, to working in healthcare, experimenting with art, and ultimately finding his calling in coffee. He explains how Hill Tree Roastery was built on the principles of third-wave coffee culture, sustainability, and education, with a strong emphasis on honoring farmers, understanding origins, and creating meaningful connections through a shared craft.

The conversation dives into the science and artistry behind coffee roasting, flavor pairing, and brewing methods, while also touching on larger themes such as self-competition, growth through curiosity, and building something bigger than oneself. Alec discusses the challenges of sourcing ethically grown coffee, the realities of small business ownership, and his vision for strengthening Appalachian coffee culture through education, collaboration, and community investment.

Throughout the episode, Chris and Buck balance technical insight with humor and candid reflection, making this a grounded, engaging conversation about passion-driven work, lifelong learning, and the quiet impact of doing things the right way—even when it’s harder.

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

Things quickly spiral into a full breakdown of the newest Stranger Things season, where nothing is off-limits. From character choices and weird writing to the uncanny valley of adults playing kids, the trio calls it exactly how they see it.

The conversation shifts as Buck opens up about major personal growth and a huge step in his relationship—moving toward living with his girlfriend... yes, you read that correctly. Chris and Carter weigh in with support, jokes, and the kind of honest back-and-forth that makes the show feel like a front-porch hangout.

The episode wraps with streaming talk, tech hurdles, creating content, and Buck’s dive into voice-over and podcast editing. It’s real, it’s ridiculous, and it’s everything you expect from Matters Not—a mix of humor, honesty, pop-culture breakdowns, and a surprising amount of heart.

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

The episode opens with the couple finally getting time to record after a chaotic holiday schedule. From the snowy arrival at Chris’ mom’s place to navigating turkey timing and reminiscing about past holidays without Gigi, the two set the stage for a heartfelt but hilarious walkthrough of their long weekend.

Things take a turn on Black Friday when the family gathers at Chris’ late grandmother’s house to begin the massive task of clearing out decades’ worth of “perfectly good” items she refused to throw away. With a giant dumpster in the driveway and a whole basement to tackle, Chris, Maegen, and the cousins uncover everything from stacks of radar detectors to taped-over cassettes — including a recorded phone call of his grandfather grilling a clerk about CCW laws.

Maegen goes full detective mode hunting down grandpa’s handguns (successfully finding two), while Chris reflects on the family’s trademark mix of autism-level organization, lovable chaos, and pure Appalachian-and-Cleveland cultural mashup. The two share stories about family dynamics, sentimental finds, unexpected cash envelopes, and the strangely comforting process of saying goodbye to a loved one through the things they left behind.

The episode wraps up with food talk, future trip plans, and the couple’s usual banter about the differences between their hometown cultures, complete with debates about hollows vs. hollers, toboggans vs. winter hats, and why Cleveland food will always hit different.

It’s funny, messy, real, emotional in spite of Maegen’s hatred of “feelings,” and packed with the kind of storytelling that makes Matters Not feel like sitting on the couch with two friends who tell it exactly how it is.

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

The two dive deep into relationships, self-sabotage, and personal growth — unpacking what it means to be “okay” with yourself and when it’s the right time to take love seriously again. Chris opens up about finding stability and balance with his relationship, reflecting on how his 40s brought peace after years of chaos. Buck, in turn, shares his realizations about being ready to let someone in and how self-work must come before partnership.

They explore everything from emotional scars and accountability to the fear of jinxing good fortune — how overthinking, old wounds, and bad habits can quietly sabotage progress. By the end, the duo is reflecting on their evolution as men, laughing over “word salads,” and debating whether getting a pedicure is “gay or not gay” (Buck says only if there’s a dick involved).

Through laughter, vulnerability, and their signature unfiltered banter, Manifesting Little Bugs in a Word Salad perfectly captures what Matters Not does best — real talk, raw honesty, and two guys growing up without losing their sense of humor.

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

What starts as a goofy recap of adults twerking for stage-presence points turns into a raw, real conversation about school systems, ADHD struggles, parental expectations, and trying to raise good humans when the rules keep changing.

The guys bounce between childhood war stories, redneck-pool engineering, girl-power movies, the insanity of middle-school suspension policies, and what it actually means to influence your kid in a world full of louder influences.

It’s hilarious, honest, and unexpectedly heavy in all the right ways. Whether you’re a parent, a former troubled kid, or someone who just loves listening to two dudes talk their way into existential revelations… this one’s got you.

Matters Not… but it kinda does.

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

The duo then slides hilariously into a raw and unfiltered section about body image hacks, Spanx for men, nipple piercings, and the mysteries of circumcision (yes, really). Buck talks about his recent “born-again virgin” streak ending, his new ear piercings, and how an AI photo accidentally convinced him to embrace the look. The two also discuss home improvement fails, supportive gym culture, and coming to terms with childhood rivalries that seemed big at the time but mean nothing now.

They wrap the episode with a bigger-picture vision—bringing the podcast into the wild. Think adventure pods in parks, abandoned places, mountains, kayaks, or random local events where strangers join the conversation. Raw, unpredictable, and real.

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

Chris opens up about life after leaving a job, fixing his truck, and figuring out his next move while Buck breaks down his fascination (and frustration) with AI, social media, and modern relationships. From blue-collar work ethic and life in limbo to following creative passions like stand-up comedy, the guys get real about failure, support, and the people who keep us grounded — especially the strong women who push us forward.

It’s a mix of humor, honesty, and heart, with plenty of storytelling, profanity, and self-reflection — the kind of front-porch conversation that makes Matters Not what it is: authentic, unfiltered talk between two friends just trying to figure it all out.

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

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