It’s the most underated Superpower!

Welcome to Episode 37 of theMangoTimes Podcast: Show Up - It’s the most underated Superpower!

In this episode, Fletch interviews longtime friend and ultimate “shower-upper” Lisa Kjeldgaard. Based on the Fletchifesto idea that 80% of life is just showing up, this conversation dives into the power of presence and why it matters. Lisa reflects on her background, her education, and how those experiences shaped her values.

Together, they explore what it means to show up for others, the personal cost and reward, and why it’s often the first step toward any meaningful life. Plus: a rapid-fire round of fun questions.

Quietly making noise,
Fletch

Guest Information
Lisa Kjeldgaard
Lisa is the often exhausted Director of @Love_Oakdale and the @Oakdale_Morning_Market and co-owner of @TheShoppe_Oakdale. She's a mama to many, Grammy Smidge to six cuties and grateful for 34+ years with @pops_kj. Lisa is usually plotting a way to escape to the lake and to the peace she finds while worshipping from her kayak.

Follow theMT on social media:
Instagram: theMangoTimes
Facebook: theMangoTimes
YouTube: theMangoTimes

RESOURCES and LINKS:

The Fletchifesto

Music used in this episode:
- Infados and Carefree by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100449
Artist: http://incompetech.com/

- “Soldiers Under Command” - brief sound clip from Stryper available for purchase here.

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A short porch-side bonus episode with wisdom, wit, and wind chimes.

In this short bonus episode of theMangoTimes Podcast, Fletch hands over the mic to his 95-year-old dad for a quick round of listener-submitted questions from longtime friend Tom Slater.

Pop shares his favorite Bible verse, decade, and U.S. president — plus a little wisdom for the grandkids and a few reflections on the best (and worst) jobs he’s had. It’s a mini-dose of porch-side wisdom and a reminder that sometimes the best stories come from simple questions.

Quietly making noise,
Fletch

Guest Information
Joe Fletcher (Pop)
Born in Somerville, NJ in 1930, Pop is a regular guest of theMangoTimes Podcast. He spends his days tending to his garden and relaxing on the back porch (summer) and in his smoke shop (winters). He is a voracious reader (1-2 books each week on his favorite Kindle) and focuses on biographies and histories. Pop loves to take your questions, so feel free to contact him here: Let’s Connect.

theMangoTimes Community:
Click HERE to leave me a review on Apple Podcasts.
Join theMangoTimes community HERE be the first to receive news and updates from Fletch.

SUBSCRIBE OR LEAVE A REVIEW ON APPLE PODCASTS.

Follow theMT on social media:
Instagram: theMangoTimes
Facebook: theMangoTimes
YouTube: theMangoTimes

RESOURCES and LINKS:
NONE

Music used in this episode:
- Such a Swinging Good Time

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Welcome to Episode 36 of theMangoTimes Podcast: You Don’t Know Everything - And That’s The Good News!

Remember that time you were absolutely certain you were right—and then turned out to be completely wrong? Yeah, me too.

In this episode of theMangoTimes Podcast, we’re talking about the art of not knowing everything. It’s based on one of the most honest blog posts I’ve written: You Don’t Know Everything, where I unpacked the hard truth that being confident isn’t the same as being correct.

Joining me is my friend Matt Andrews—an old church buddy, a poet, a private investigator and all-around thoughtful human. Matt reached out and asked to be part of this episode, and I’m glad he did. He brings his experience as a poet, Enneagram 5, and doubter-in-progress to the mic.

Together they talk about the freedom that comes from not having all the answers—especially in faith, work, and family. From the mysticism of centering prayer to the humility bell on Matt’s old boss’s desk, this episode explores how embracing “not knowing” can lead to deeper understanding.

Oh, and they also share stories about being confidently wrong—because nothing builds character like blowing it in public.

Tune in for a funny, thoughtful, and freeing conversation that invites you to let go of certainty and lean into curiosity instead.

Quietly making noise,
Fletch

Guest Information
Matt Andrews
Matthew J. Andrews is primarily a poet, although he dabbles in prose. In his work, Matthew examines the intersection of the spiritual and the secular, the wrestling match between belief and doubt, and the challenges of practicing an ancient faith in a modern world. His writing also explores the many faces of the natural world and the sacredness of small moments, among other things. He is a native Californian now living in Central Iowa. 
When he is not writing, Matthew is a professional private investigator, a voracious reader, an amateur chef, a wannabe outdoorsman, a sometimes runner, a doting husband, and a competent father of two. 

Follow theMT on social media:
Instagram: theMangoTimes
Facebook: theMangoTimes
YouTube: theMangoTimes

RESOURCES and LINKS:
Matt Andrews
The Fletchifesto

Music used in this episode:
- Infados by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100449
Artist: http://incompetech.com/

- Back To Portland

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Life During The War: A D-Day Conversation with Pop

On June 6, 1944, Allied forces landed on the beaches of Northern France in what would become the largest land/sea invasion in history and a major turning point in World War II. Not only does he fly an American flag every day, but all the major days in history like D-Day along and Pearl Harbor Day, were honored and remembered every year in my home growing up.

Today, 81 years later, I sat down with my 94-year-old father—to talk about what life was like during World War 2 and what he remembers from that extraordinary time.

In this special D-Day episode of theMangoTimes Podcast, we talk about growing up during the war, the mood of the country, and the sacrifices made on both the frontlines and the home front. From air raid drills and ration books to hearing the news of D-Day over the radio, Pop shares stories that give us a glimpse into what it meant to live through history as it unfolded.

We also reflect on how that generation saw duty, service, and sacrifice—not as slogans, but as everyday values. And, true to form, my Pop brings his signature wit and a few great one-liners (delivered through a puff of pipe smoke, of course).

This one is for anyone who had a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent who lived through those years—and for those of us still trying to understand what shaped them.

Quietly making noise,
Fletch

Guest Information
Joe Fletcher (Pop)
Born in Somerville, NJ in 1930, Pop is a regular guest of theMangoTimes Podcast. He spends his days tending to his garden and relaxing on the back porch (summer) and in his smoke shop (winters). He is a voracious reader (1-2 books each week on his favorite Kindle) and focuses on biographies and histories. Pop loves to take your questions, so feel free to contact him here: Let’s Connect.

theMangoTimes Community:
Click HERE to leave me a review on Apple Podcasts.
Join theMangoTimes community HERE be the first to receive news and updates from Fletch.

Follow us on social media:
Instagram: theMangoTimes
Facebook: theMangoTimes
YouTube: theMangoTimes

RESOURCES and LINKS:
NO LINKS

Music used in this episode:
Newsreel - Max Surla/YouTube Audio Library
1940's Slow Dance - Doug Maxwell/Media Right Productions/YouTube Audio Library

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Rediscovering the joy of being silly, the art of play, and why nonsense might be exactly what your soul needs.

On this episode of theMangoTimes Podcast, Fletch is joined in the studio by special guest Corey Strauss—Central Valley legend and founder of The Magic Box Players.

Corey shares his journey from imaginative kid to one of the area’s most creative forces in set design, costuming, and theater arts. Together, he and Fletch dive into his latest project: a mobile theater that brings storytelling, puppetry, and joy to local schools, igniting young imaginations one performance at a time.

But that’s just the beginning. This episode is a celebration of silliness—why nonsense matters, how play connects us, and why your inner child deserves more stage time.

Whether you're an improv junkie, a recovering serious adult, or someone who just needs to remember how to laugh, this episode is your permission slip to lighten up.

🎭 Theater, puppets, and costumes
🎙 Laughter, memories, and middle-aged mayhem
🧠 Why being silly might just save your sanity

Tune in—and remember:
A little nonsense is not just okay. It’s necessary.

LINKS:
NO LINKS

Music used in this episode:
NONE

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Why Most of What We Fear Never Actually Happens

In this solo episode of theMangoTimes, I explore a topic that can cripple us and keep us from moving forward. This isn’t a discussion about the irrational fears of the impossible. On this episode we dive into a discussion about the fear of all things possible.

The fear of failure. The fear of what your critics may say. The fear of being scene as an impostor or a fake. This episode is a call to stop living under the shadow of imagined disasters and start living in the clarity of what’s real.

With help from a few classic movie clips (We Bought a Zoo and The Pursuit of Happyness), I will unpack how fear distorts our stories—and how to take courageous action even when the possible feels paralyzing.

If you're feeling stuck, scared, or unsure about your next step, this episode is for you.

Don’t let fear write your script.

LINKS:
Smartless Podcast
Pretty Sure I Can Fly Podcast
The Bible for Normal People
The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
theMangoTimes Episode 16 - It’s Okay To Fail

Shows Recommended on this Episode:
Hacks and The Righteous Gemstones both on HBO MAX
Ludwig on Britbox

Music used in this episode:
NONE

This is the third in a series of conversations with my Pop.

In this episode of In the Smoke Shop with Pop, we take the conversation out of the smoke shop and onto the back porch.
I sat down with my dad—94 years old, sharp as ever, and full of perspective—to talk about Words to Live By.

It’s a theme that’s more than just old sayings or clichés; it’s about what’s really stuck with him over the years. From the advice he took (and didn’t take) to the moments that shaped him, this episode is full of that real-life wisdom you can only get from someone who’s been around the block a few times.

Pop also takes questions from a few listeners to theMangoTimes who asked him about his favorite decade of life and if he ever questioned his decision to be a parent and bring kids into our crazy world.

I finish up this episode with a few quick-fire questions to see how quick he is on his feet (or chair)—his answers might surprise you.

LINKS:
NONE

Music used in this episode:
NONE

A Father-Son Conversation on Creativity, Courage, and the Soundtrack of Your Life.

On this episode of theMangoTimes podcast, I not only continue down the discussion of The Fletchifesto, but I continue down a thread that’s been running through recent conversations on this podcast. First, with my dad (In the Smoke Shop with Pop Part 1 and Part 2) and second with my wife Kendra (Stop Dreaming and Start Doing).

This time around, I chose to sit down with my 18-year-old son Christian—a musician, a YouTuber, and a future University of the Pacific student—to talk about what it means to him to make your own kind of music in life.

But don’t let the title fool you—although we talk a lot about music in this episode, it isn’t just about music. It’s about courage, creativity, and choosing a bold path, no matter your age. Whether you’re stepping into adulthood or staring down a midlife shift, this episode is a reminder that it’s never too late—or too early—to live in tune with who you really are. Join me in the studio as we discuss what it means to Make Your Own Kind Of Music.

LINKS:
Christian Fletcher Creative Space

Music used in this episode:
Make Your Own Kind of Music- by Mama Cass Elliot (BUY IT HERE)
Making Music For Money- by Jimmy Buffett (BUY IT HERE)

We're back In the Smokeshop with Pop!

In Part 2, Pop picks up where we left off—but this time, he also takes time to answer a few questions from you, the listeners. Ever wondered how he feels about his career, the big choices he’s made in life, or what he’d pick for his last meal? He lays it all out with that signature blend of wisdom and wit that only a 95-year-old Italian father can deliver.

In this episode we get into:

• The legacy of his career

• A discussion about accomplishments and regrets.

• A quick fire round of questions

• A personal response to your questions.

Plus, Fletch takes a brief cultural moment to share what he’s been watching, reading, and listening to these days—a few recommendations from the desk of theMangoTimes editor.

It’s a packed show full of story, reflection, and connection. Pour a cup of coffee, light up a pipe, and join us for another fun visit to Pop’s Smokeshop.

Do you have questions for Pop?

My dad will be back for more episodes, and you can be a part of it. Head over to theMangoTimes.com and hit that Let’s Connect button. Got a burning question for Pop? Want to hear his take on life, love, or why people used to walk uphill both ways in the snow? Leave a written comment or send in an audio message that you record on your smart phone, and I’ll make sure he answers it in a future episode.

LINKS:
How To Stop Time - by Matt Haig
To America - by Stephen Ambrose

Music used in this episode:
On The Road Again - by Willie Nelson (BUY IT HERE)

Welcome to Episode 29 of theMangoTimes Podcast: Turning Dreams into Reality

In this episode, I delve into the invigorating process of making your aspirations come alive. Join me as we navigate through the practical steps of transforming dreams into tangible achievements.

What’s on the Agenda?

• A Few Updates from Mangoland: Catch up on the latest happenings, from recent episodes to life updates, including the adventures in Fletch’s garage and escapades on the improv stage.

• The Fletchifesto Revisited: I take a moment to reintroduce "The Fletchifesto" and share its origins, setting the stage for today’s theme.

• Special Interview with Kendra Fletcher: My wife, Kendra, shares her inspiring journey from dreaming about graduate school to actualizing her goals. She discusses how she navigated through the challenges of balancing family responsibilities and her career, and overcame the barriers that stood in her way.

• Overcoming Obstacles and Conquering Fears: Kendra opens up about the hurdles she faced, such as family obligations and work demands, and emphasizes the crucial role of family support. She also reveals her personal fears during this journey, including practical concerns about traveling and battling impostor syndrome.

• Advice and Encouragement: Kendra offers her strategy for tackling fear: "Do it Scared." She discusses why age should never be a barrier to pursuing dreams and the significance of being receptive to new opportunities.

Prepare to be inspired by this episode as we encourage you to shift from dreaming to doing. Whether you’re looking to reignite your passion or take the first step towards a long-held aspiration, this episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to make a significant change.

LINKS:
KendraFletcher.com
The Holstee Manifesto
The Fletchifesto

Music used in this episode:
No music used.

LISTEN LIVE RIGHT FROM THIS PAGE BELOW OR WHEREVER YOU GET YOUR PODCASTS

After kicking off my return to podcasting with Episode 27—where I sat down with my son-in-law Roy Mendiola and talked about doing what you love and doing it often—I couldn’t be more excited for this next episode. Because this time, I’m sitting down with a guy who’s been around long enough to have some serious street cred… if the street was a dirt road in the 1930s.

That’s right, in Episode 28 of theMangoTimes, I’m sitting down with my 94-year-old father to talk about life in the ‘30s and ‘40s. And let me tell you—this man isn’t just my dad; he’s a walking history book with a side of sarcasm and a lifetime of wisdom. If you’ve ever wanted to hear firsthand what it was like to grow up during the Great Depression, navigate a world without WiFi, or hear why he thinks kids today have it too easy, you’re in for a treat.

To make it even better, I bought some portable microphones, grabbed my pipe, and set up shop in his smoke shop (because, let’s be honest, where else would this conversation happen?). What followed was a goldmine of stories, laughs, and classic PopPop-isms that I can’t wait for you to hear.

And here’s the best part—this isn’t a one-time deal! This is just the kick-off. The palate cleanser, if you will. My dad will be back for more episodes, and you can be a part of it. Head over to theMangoTimes.com and hit that Let’s Connect button. Got a burning question for Pop? Want to hear his take on life, love, or why people used to walk uphill both ways in the snow? Leave a written comment or send in an audio message, and I’ll make sure he answers it in a future episode.

So grab your headphones, light up your pipe (if that’s your thing), and get ready for some old-school storytelling with a guy who’s seen it all.

Welcome to In the Smoke Shop with Pop—this is gonna be fun.

LINKS:
No Links This Show

Music used in this episode:
Got A Lot Of Traveling To Do - by Willie Nelson (BUY IT HERE)

Four years? Has it really been four years since I last dropped an episode of theMangoTimes Podcast? A lot has happened in that time, but we won’t cover it all in this episode.

Instead, join me as I dive deeper into The Fletchifesto and explore the idea: “Do What You Love and Do It Often.” I'm joined in the studio by my son-in-law, Roy Mendiola, as we talk about his passion for making music and his journey in pursuing it.

Don't miss this episode—it's one you won’t want to skip!

LINKS:
The Fletchifesto
Motorcycles on theMangoTimes Blog

Music used in this episode:
On the Road Again - by Willie Nelson (BUY IT HERE)
Kite - by Roy Mendiola- (BUY IT HERE)

Life is Good. It is a popular brand of clothing, a book, a quote, and for many people it’s quite simply a way of life. I’ll be the first to admit that some optimists can be annoying. They can seem overbearing with their chronic sunshine personality. You might even think they are being fake or ignoring reality. Bert Jacobs, founder of the Life is Good company and author of the book by the same name says this, “Optimists are able to view rejection as an opportunity to adjust and improve, embracing the chance to learn, grow and try again.” Like I said, they can be annoying.

On this episode of theMangoTimes podcast, grab your favorite cup of coffee and join Fletch and a few special guests as they dive a little deeper into his Fletchifesto and look at why he believes Life is Good. I promise it won’t be annoying.

LINKS:
The Fletchifesto
God Walk: Walking at the Speed of your Soul by Mark Buchanan

Music used in this episode:
Breath In, Breath Out, Move On - by Jimmy Buffett (BUY IT HERE)
Look for the Good - by Jason Mraz- (BUY IT HERE)
Quietly Making Noise - by Jimmy Buffett (BUY IT HERE)

How does walking help you discover the glory of God? In his book, God Walk, Mark Buchanan says: “We often act as if faith is only about the mind. But what about our bodies? What does our physical being have to do with our spiritual life? When the Bible exhorts us to walk in the light, or walk by faith, or walk in truth, it means these things literally as much as figuratively. The Christian faith always involves walking out, as again and again we find the holy in the ordinary.”

On this episode of theMangoTimes podcast, we dive into the simple practice of taking a walk and how that can be more than a means of transportation. What does it mean to saunter? What does it look like to slow down and consider the practice of contemplation. Listen along as Fletch invites guests from literature and real life to help us how to discover the glory of God in walking.

Grab your favorite pair of walking shoes and join us for this fun discussion.

LINKS:
God Walk by Mark Buchanan
Struggling for Purpose podcast with John Wilkerson

Music used in this episode:
Walk of Life - by Dire Straits (BUY IT HERE)
I Walk the Line - Johnny Cash (BUY IT HERE)
Walking on the Moon - The Police (BUY IT HERE)
Walk on the Wildside - Lou Reed (BUY IT HERE)
Walk This Way - RUN DMC/Aerosmith (BUY IT HERE)
Baby Elephant Walk - Henry Mancini (BUY IT HERE)

What does it look like when we are actively curious about others? What would change if we chose to stop and understand why someone believes what they believe and thinks what they think? How would that change our perspective and improve our relationships? On this episode of theMangoTimes Podcast, Fletch dives into another point on the Fletchifesto and shares what it means to him to live with an open mind and an open heart to people around him.

Have you ever worried that accepting someone and their beliefs is a failure to maintain your own beliefs? Have you been warned to hold your own ground, so that you aren’t swayed or convinced by others? Are the stakes too high that you will stop loving your favorite sports team, political party or church affiliation? Probably not, but wouldn’t life be more colorful and fulfilling to learn and grow along the way. Listen along as Fletch encourages you to move beyond the easy conversations with those you love and challenges you to listen and learn from those you disagree with.

Grab you own favorite cup of coffee, load up your pipe and join in for this fun discussion.

SHOW NOTES:
Jesus & John Wayne by Kristen DuMez
Open Your Mind and Heart to New People

Music used in this episode:
None

On this episode, we continue our series called “Discover” where we dig deep and ask ourselves where we find the glory of God in the world around us.

Join Fletch as he “virtually” sits down with Ben Kenoyer, the owner and coffee roaster at Revive Coffee Roasters to find the glory of God in roasting coffee. But wait, it turns out that Ben doesn’t want to just roast beans for the perfect cup of coffee. He wants to revive cities and create community, and here’s the kicker: he is using his coffee to make that happen.

Grab you own favorite cup of coffee and join us for this fun discussion.

SHOW NOTES:
Revive Roasters- Use this code for 25% off your order: themangotimes-revive
Without Permission - This is the non-profit mentioned by Ben in the interview.
Finding God at the Rustic Dell
Music used in this episode:
None

The 2020 holiday season has arrived. For many of us, that means great meals and great family conversations around our dinner tables. For others, Thanksgiving and Christmas are both tricky holidays filled with difficult relationships and forced interactions with problematic family members. I remember a wise man who once told me, “You know Fletch, there are two types of people: Those you love and those you’d rather spend time with.”
Yikes. If this is the advice we are given in normal years, how are we to behave in a year like 2020, where family and friendships divide over the smallest things?

Join Fletch as he reminds himself and his listener to make extra space at their tables and extra space in their life for those who disagree and debate about everything. Listen along as he encourages all of us to improve our ‘table manners.’

SHOW NOTES:
Revive Roasters
Sermon - Redeemer Church - Mephibosheth
Sermon - Redeemer Church - Zaccheus
Music used in this episode:
Elbow Room - School House Rock

2020 came in like a hurricane. A global pandemic. New discussions, community divisions and national debates about racial imbalance and privilege. All of this pointing to the fragility of our discourse with one another.

What does it look like to enjoy the journey in the middle of hurricane season? At the same time, what does it look like to live a life of contentment without becoming complacent?

On this episode, Fletch dives into the Fletchifesto to discuss what it means to enjoy the journey. Along the way he shares some great music and a podcast that he thinks you will like even more than theMangoTimes.

Quietly making noise,
Fletch

SHOW NOTES:
The Fletchifesto - check out each of the life quotes.
Wired Magazine: Steven Levy Interviews Larry Brilliant
Music by Jimmy Buffett:
Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On
One Particular Harbor

Some of us are going stir crazy. Some of us have burrowed into a new normal. What happens when society opens back up and we all return back to normal”? Is there a “new normal” and how do we respond?

After sheltering in place for the past two months, Fletch is returning to work. Is he excited? Is he hesitant? Tune into this episode and join the discussion about the challenges we face in our post-pandemic world of COVID-19.

Quietly making noise,
Fletch

I hope you enjoy this quick edition of theMangoTimes Podcast.

Quietly making noise,
Fletch

I hope you enjoy this quick edition of theMangoTimes Podcast.

Quietly making noise,
Fletch

I hope you enjoy this quick edition of theMangoTimes Podcast.

Quietly making noise,
Fletch

On this episode of theMangoTimes podcast, I sit down and have a conversation with my good friend James Estes.

Jamesy and I met during our freshman year of high school, which puts our relationship clock at just over 30 years. Back in high school, we were Young Lifers, we co-wrote a movie review column for our school's newspaper, and we began our life-long love for good coffee

During the podcast, we briefly talk about Hawaii, creativity and dropping our kids off at college. We also talk about our 100-day challenge goal that begins today.

What about you? Have you ever wanted to take a 100-day challenge? Join us! Start today and let us know what you are going to do in the comments below!

Want to follow our challenge? You can join us over on Twitter. Use can follow the general hashtag #100daychallenge (others are doing their own 100 Day Challenge) or link directly to James (@ventidrip) or Fletch (@themangotimes)

Quietly making noise,
Fletch

PRESS THE PLAY BUTTON BELOW TO LISTEN:

I hope you enjoy this quick edition of theMangoTimes Podcast.

Quietly making noise,
Fletch

I hope you enjoy this quick edition of theMangoTimes Podcast.

Quietly making noise,
Fletch

On this introductory episode of theMangoTimes Podcast, Fletch welcomes his listeners and readers back to the new and improved podcast. This is a very brief snapshot into what listeners can expect when they tune into theMangoTimes.

Quietly making noise,
Fletch