Adding Context

Two Roberts Productions · addingcontext.com

A podcast that offers a platform for people to share their life experiences. A show of engaging conversations with people who have lived through and done amazing things. Shining a light on the fact that we are far more alike than different. With all the negativity expressed in soundbites and decontextualized statements, misinformation, disinformation, and craziness, a shift in perspective is needed. Hosted by Michael Bollenitn.

77 episodes

1mo ago latest

monthly cadence

English language

Explicit rating

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Episodes 77

What CAN I do?
1mo ago · 52:46
How do you rebuild your life when everything changes? In this episode of Adding Context, Michael Bollentin sits down with award-winning author, speaker, coach, and brain tumor survivor Risa August to explore resilience, personal growth, and the power of reinvention. After navigating a brain tumor, a rare disease, the end of an 18-year marriage, and a solo 1,845-mile bicycle journey from Canada to Mexico, Risa shares how one simple question—"What CAN I do?"—helped transform adversity into purpose. Together, they discuss overcoming life's unexpected challenges, redefining identity, embracing cha
In AI we Trust?
1mo ago · 58:55
In this episode of Adding Context, Michael Bollentin sits down with Jack Myers to explore one of the defining challenges of our time: the growing erosion of trust. Their conversation examines why skepticism has spread beyond the media into government, healthcare, education, business, and other institutions, while unpacking the difference between authority and legitimacy, why trust is a relationship rather than a metric, and what today's leadership challenges reveal about the systems we've built. Michael and Jack also discuss the changing expectations of younger generations, the role of authent
Code 3!
6mo ago · 57:18
In this episode of Adding Context, we sit down with Patrick Pianezza - former paramedic, screenwriter, and co-creator of the film Code 3 - for an unflinching conversation about the realities of emergency medical services, burnout, and why authentic storytelling matters. Drawing from more than a decade on the truck, Patrick shares how Code 3 became a “love letter to EMS”: a project rooted in lived experience rather than Hollywood myth. Patrick explores the emotional toll of first response, the stigma surrounding mental health in EMS, and the cultural tendency to avoid uncomfortable truths about
Canni-ducation
8mo ago · 1:00:14
In this dynamic episode of Adding Context, Dale Sky Jones, President and CEO of Oaksterdam University, shares her journey from corporate America to leading the charge in cannabis education and reform. She recounts founding Oaksterdam and her role as a Prop 19 spokesperson, which sparked global legalization efforts. Dale’s passion for equity drives her to empower diverse voices through hands-on training, turning students into courtroom-ready professionals who advance reform in states like NJ, CT, and LA. We also discussed federal barriers, such as banking restrictions, and shared her experience
Happy Trails
10mo ago · 55:34
In this vibrant episode of Adding Context, Leigh Larson, the force behind @followtheleighder, shares the origin of her unique platform blending outdoor adventures, activism, and theological insights. From her theology degree to trekking various mountain ranges, Leigh reveals how her first big hike and seminary skills, like unpacking scripture, shaped her bold voice tackling women’s rights and religious nationalism. She discusses transforming trail chats into viral policy-shifting content, navigating online trolls, and dodging burnout by balancing vulnerability with an explorer’s joy. Her immer
Brain Games
11mo ago · 1:02:06
In this episode of Adding Context, Darbi Keene, a neurodivergent therapist and founder of Walking with Wildflowers, shares her inspiring journey. Based in Missouri, her virtual practice offers neuroaffirming therapy and adult autism assessments, empowering neurodivergent adults to embrace their identities. Tune in to explore how Darbe’s lived experience shapes her compassionate approach and drives her mission to make mental health care accessible. Feel free to visit Walking with Wildflowers. #Neurodiversity #AutismAcceptance #MentalHealth #NeuroaffirmingTherapy #Neurodivergent
Illustrating Words
1y ago · 54:27
Join Adding Context as we dive into the eclectic career of Peter Moore, a Fort Collins-based writer, cartoonist, and commentator. From editing at Men’s Health and Playboy to crafting KUNC commentaries and Colorado Sun cartoons, Peter shares how he traded national magazines for local storytelling. Discover his creative process, reflections on Colorado’s culture, and insights on journalism’s evolution. Visit petermoore.substack.com for more of Peter’s drawings and commentary. #ColoradoCulture #LocalJournalism
Masks and Drums
1y ago · 1:03:06
Join us for a vibrant conversation with Jordon Bourgeault (@jboairbrush), the master airbrush artist behind some of the NHL’s most iconic goalie helmets. From superhero-inspired designs to heartfelt tributes, Jordon’s work transforms protective gear into personal storytelling canvases. In this episode, we dive into the heart of his craft, the pressure of painting for elite athletes, and the wild, human moments that make his art unforgettable. Get ready for stories that blend creativity, hockey passion, and raw emotion—plus a hilarious “Would You Rather” closer that’ll leave you laughing! Jordo
Overrun in EMS
1y ago · 1:19:21
Buckle up for an inspiring ride with Ed Bauter, a paramedic, medical student, and co-host of The Overrun Podcast. From intense EMS calls to the trenches of medic school, Ed’s journey is a masterclass in turning challenges into purpose. In this episode, we explore the life-changing moments that shaped his path, the brotherhood of emergency medicine, and how he’s passing the torch through education and storytelling. With raw honesty and a dose of humor, Ed shares what it means to save lives while finding your own. Plus, we wrap with a laugh-out-loud “Would You Rather” segment that’s pure chaos!
Reaching the Next Level
1y ago · 54:45
Kevin Palmieri is the Founder, Host and CSO of Next Level University. He went from a life in which he felt very comfortable to hitting rock bottom. Kevin shares his journey from contemplating taking his own life to running a successful media empire and helping other along the way. Catch his show here or reach out to him on Instagram or at Next Level University.
Pioneering Sports Journalism
1y ago · 1:06:05
Anne Butler Montgomery has worked as a television sportscaster, newspaper and magazine writer, teacher, author, and amateur/ youth sports official. She has traveled the country sharing her love of sport and fostering integrity in sports officiating. She has authored several books based on her life experiences. She is currently promoting her newest book, Your Forgotten Sons. To learn more about her and her writings, please visit her links: https://annemontgomerywriter.com/ https://www.facebook.com/anne.montgomery.359/ https://twitter.com/amontgomery8 https://www.instagram.com/annemontgomeryauth
Into the Well again
2y ago · 48:14
Given recent decisions and tumult surrounding the US Supreme Court, I wanted to dive into the well again with Dr. Stephen Wermiel. We revisited previous topics we had spoken about and how they had played out. Then we discussed his thoughts regarding the current chaos embroiling the court and its sitting justices. Other hot topics were SCOTUS leaks, potential reforms, and the consequences of all the fallout.
Meditations on Life
2y ago · 50:10
Joe Hannan is a writer, journalist, and consultant hunting for the next story to tell or lesson to learn. He's also a husband, father, and martial artist. As a writer, he wakes up and tries to write better than he did the day before. Journalistically, you’ll find him asking questions and writing stories about health, medicine, cybersecurity, social undercurrents, and how human beings develop. As a consultant, he takes all that he learns along the way and funnels it into peak performance, helping people and organizations operate at their highest levels. Martial arts are his playground for embod
Rolling with the Flow
2y ago · 51:53
Brandon Foss grew up in the northeastern part of the U.S and is a man of experiences. He left home at 18 and has been living and learning. We spoke about his early upbringing and how that directed him as an adult. Branson is also a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. We spoke about how his journey through the martial art has transformed him from who he was about 8 years ago to the man he is now.
Rooting for Words
2y ago · 53:00
Jess Zafarris is many things. An author, a lover of words, an editor, and so much more. She recently released “Words from Hell,” a book on the origins of words. Written with a blend of fact and snark, it is highly improbable for you to finish it without laughing and coming away with a new respect for both our more common and more obscure words. We covered a spectrum of words from the subdued words like shenanigans to the more colorful words, which I won’t mention here, and how their usage varies around the world. You can find her on all the socials through here.
Leaves and Roses
2y ago · 52:31
Scott Beuerlein went from working for Delta Airlines to turning his hobby and passion into a new career as the Manager of Botanical Outreach and a hortoculturist at the Cincinnati Zoo. He did something many hope they can, to live by the adage, “If you find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” We spoke about his adoration for all things botany, his love of the environment, and how we can both help the planet while making it more pleasing to the eye. You see his labor of love all around the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, read his writings and rants a
On the Spectrum
2y ago · 46:41
Karen Simmons CEO/Founder of Autism Today Foundation, author of several books including Chicken Soup for the Soul: Children with Special Needs. She has been on a mission crossing three decades in advancing awareness and strategies for individuals that are neurodiverse and/or on the Autism spectrum. We spoke about what drove her into becoming an advocate (being the mother of an autistic child) and how she continually adapts to the changes in her mission. She partnered with Lindsey Duncan to develop natural supplements for nuerodiverse people. If you want to see more of what she has accomplished
A Rural Voice of Reason
2y ago · 1:04:27
Jordan is a just a guy from rural Minnesota, with a little bit of property and some horses. He, to his surprise, accidently gathered nearly half a million followers on TikTok. His content of choice? Pretty much everything. Science? Check. Random stories? Check. History? Check. He just puts his thoughts out to the world and the people like it. Please check out his content and his website, https://linktr.ee/off_jawaggon.
Tip of the Iceberg
2y ago · 1:19:13
We are back! Our apologies for the extended hiatus. We return with a “2-fer.” This episode I spoke to Jean Dvorak and Vivian Scavo, two women I have known for many years. Two women who are true educators. Two women who helped me try to grasp the current state of education. Given headlines across the nation of hyperbolic nonsense and cringe worthy anti-intellectualism, I wanted to talk to people who actually are in the classroom. As the episode title says, we nicked the tip of the iceberg.
Kickin’ it Old School
3y ago · 1:04:22
This episode’s guest is DeTravis Bethea. Detravius is an old friend, we both “took the scenic route” after high school. He is an attorney, business coach, public speaker, entrepreneur, educator, and more these days. DeTravius moved to my hometown in 8th grade, after moving 5 times during his K-8th years! He is living proof people are more than their class rank or GPA in school. He shows that with personal drive, you can become what you envision in your mind. His vast experiences and career changes have given him insight that he shares with others. If you are in need of an attorney or some advi
Modern Day Noir
3y ago · 1:23:55
Debbie Peterson’s story reads like some dark noir script from the ’30s. Full of intrigue, shady backroom deals, and death, possibly murder?! Debbie is, like me, a wearer of many hats. Of her many ventures in life, she is a mother, a 2X Best Selling Author, a well-established entrepreneur, an orator, an atypical politician, an educator, and just a pleasant person to chat with! Check out her link tree for all her socials, books, podcast, and more! linktr.ee/DebbiePeterson.com
Disorder in the Court
3y ago · 48:47
We happily welcome back Professor Stephen Wermiel. Prof. Wermiel is a professor of law and the history of the U.S. Supreme Court. When we last had him as a guest, we spoke about the Court’s history, nuances regarding its workings, and some of the hotter topics at the time. Well, a lot has happened since his first appearance. In this chat, we discussed recent additions and decisions to and by the SCOTUS.
College, Trade, or Both?
3y ago · 1:03:14
Charles Chadwick is a former college student who experienced the challenges many others face in these times of predatory college lending. He made the decision to use his trials to help others. Charles has two degrees but he also learned a trade before going to college. He believes that learning a trade can add more value given today’s very competitive job market as it adds marketable and tangible skills to one’s resume. Careers like Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC and other trades typically survive weak economies and recessions which allows for flexibility and possibly less stress in volatile emplo
Life is a Marathon
3y ago · 41:30
Nick Klingensmith has received “bad news” more than he cares to count. Obstacles seem to find a way of appearing before him, although now, they more often come on his terms. Battling cancer four times, type-1 diabetes, a litany of physical injuries including herniated discs and torn chest ligaments, and the demons of alcoholism, he shifted his perspective from that of a victim long ago. Now he faces self-imposed challenges of Spartan races and marathons, yes, THOSE marathons. Balancing all the nuances of managing his medical conditions with the needs required to endure 26.1-mile runs or a slew
Unlikely Leader
3y ago · 47:22
Roger Smith is the “unlikely leader.” His life story is full of peaks and valleys, an incredible mix of productivity and addiction, and a turnaround worthy of a Hallmark movie. From a high school dropout to a CEO, something that seems to be an essential element for some of the most successful people like “Auntie Anne” Beiler and Ralph Lauren. Roger has taken the less-than-orthodox lessons he learned on the streets and intertwined them with the more polished lessons from his mentors to become the CEO of two large insurance companies. He shares his story and thoughts on the qualities and practic

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Illustrating Words

Masks and Drums

Overrun in EMS

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Into the Well again

Meditations on Life

Rolling with the Flow

Rooting for Words

Leaves and Roses

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Episodes 77

What CAN I do?

In AI we Trust?

Code 3!

Canni-ducation

Happy Trails

Brain Games

Illustrating Words

Masks and Drums

Overrun in EMS

Reaching the Next Level

Pioneering Sports Journalism

Into the Well again

Meditations on Life

Rolling with the Flow

Rooting for Words

Leaves and Roses

On the Spectrum

A Rural Voice of Reason

Tip of the Iceberg

Kickin’ it Old School

Modern Day Noir

Disorder in the Court

College, Trade, or Both?

Life is a Marathon

Unlikely Leader