First jobs, first homes, weddings, and watching our kids grow from birthday candles to graduation caps—our lives are shaped by the moments that stitch our stories together. And for us bicentennial Gen X’ers, the next thread in the tapestry is the big 5-0h.



On this episode of the pod, Rick reconnects with friend and former college professor Michael Mafodda — a creative thought leader and storyteller — for a conversation about his weekly Substack newsletter, A Pirate Looks at Fifty. The title nods to Jimmy Buffett’s 1998 memoir of the same name, fittingly released the same year Michael and Rick graduated from JMU.



Michael's Music Monday posts blend nostalgia with wisdom—reflections from a man who’s spent half a century growing as a husband, father, professional, and man of faith. Exploring his playlist feels like taking a heartfelt journey through time, rich with lessons and a deep sense of gratitude.



Subscribe to Michael's weekly newsletter on Substack at https://apiratelooksat50.substack.com

A Pirate Looks at 50 — A Conversation with Michael Mafodda

"The President's Own" United States Marine Band isthe oldest professional musical organization in the United States, performing at the pleasure of the President since 1801. Performing at over 500 events annually, the Marine Bandbrings its renowned musical excellence to presidential inaugurations, state funerals, state arrival ceremonies, Friday Evening Parades, and throughout communities across the country during its Fall concert tour each October.

On this episode of the pod, Rick visits with Master Gunnery Sergeant Steven Timme to learn about his journey in the band which began in the early 2000s. Steven shares the band’s rich history, its role in state events, the band's auditioning process, the flexibility and variety of performances, and the deep connection music fosters within the community.



To learn more about the United States Marine Band, visithttps://www.marineband.marines.mil.

Master Gunnery Sergeant Steven Timme, United States Marine Band

"The President's Own" United States Marine Band is the oldest professional musical organization in the United States, performing at the pleasure of the President since 1801.

Performing at over 500 events annually, the Marine Band brings its renowned musical excellence to presidential inaugurations, state funerals, state arrival ceremonies, Friday Evening Parades, and throughout communities across the country during its Fall concert tour each October and November.

On this episode of the pod, Rick sits down with Master Sgt. Steven Temme upon his return from his Fall concert tour to learn about his journey to the Marine Corps band from his winning first in his solo competition as part of the Northern Arizona University Curry Summer Music Camp as a child, to studying in France under the tutelage of the some the world's most renowned musical instructors.

Steven shares what he finds to be the most interesting, and enjoyable parts of performing in this world renowned musical organization and advice for aspiring young musicians who one day could too play on the world stage for the world's most powerful people and ceremonies.

To learn more about the United States Marine Band, visit https://www.marineband.marines.mil.





Master Sgt. Steven Temme joined “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band in August 2003 and has performed around the world for thousands and for 4 presidents since 2003. A student of music and distinguished graduate of has been a featured saxophone f “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band has as he embarks on a West Coast tour performing Dr. Frank Ticheli’s Falcon Fantasy from the Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Wind Ensemble. From Everett, Washington to Flagstaff, Arizona, Temme shares why this high-energy, rhythmically intricate piece resonated with him from the moment he discovered it. Hear Temme reflect on the soaring melodies, jazz-inflected rhythms, and emotional connection to performing in his home state of Arizona—especially in Flagstaff’s Ardrey Memorial Auditorium, where he won his first solo competition as a young musician.

Master Sgt. Steve Timme, "The President's Own" Marine Corps Band

Inspired by the 40th anniversary of We Are The World—America’s greatest musical one-night stand—The Pod of DC hit the road in March this year for a live show packed with games, prizes, and live podcast conversations. One featured raffle prize was a behind-the-scenes tour of The Pod of DC studio with a featured conversation on the pod. The lucky winners that night were Larry and Jennifer Taxon.

From their chance encounter at Dewey Beach more than 20 years ago, the Taxsons share their love story woven through marriage, parenthood, countless concerts, and life’s wild detours.

Expect Dewey Beach nostalgia, real talk on relationships, the uniqueness of DC, retirement daydreams, the evolution from mixtapes to emojis, and a full serving of family vibes—Taxon style.

Larry and Jennifer Taxson

Adrian Conforti is a songwriter and former touring musician who founded the band Soulys in the early 2000s.



On this episode of the pod, Adrian visits the studio with guitar in hand to perform his original track, “You’re Into Me” and reflect on the wild ride that music—and life—has taken him on.



We talk musical influences, the heartbreak that sparked a creative wave, developing a following on the road, and the time he auditioned to become the lead singer of INXS.



Looking back, it’s clear how Adrian’s songs evolved—from expressions of deep angst to reflections filled with gratitude and growth, transforming pain into something positive and meaningful.

Adrian Conforti, Singer/Songwriter

Rick recaps what's been happening this Summer with a quick nostalgic look back at middle school and details on a side quest to Jim Thorpe, PA.

Summer Update & Jim Thorpe, PA

As conversations around AI continue to shape our present and future, I sat down with Aaron Berkey—co-founder and managing partner of Okeanos, a venture capital firm with a community-first approach to investing, to explore the intersection of family, business, and purpose in a rapidly evolving world.



On this episode of the pod, Aaron shares the power of positive reinforcement in parenting, the need to support female-founded businesses, and how AI and automation are reshaping healthcare and the labor market. We dive into how consistent discipline and strong community ties play a critical role in building a meaningful life and career. We reflect on the rising value of authentic human connection and creativity in an increasingly tech-driven age—and why staying grounded in relationships may be our most valuable asset.



Aaron is also the co-host of The Entrepreneur's Dream: The Pursuit of Happiness, a new podcast exploring the emotional and professional journeys of entrepreneurs at every stage of business.



Learn more about Aaron at okeanos.vc and check out The Entrepreneur's Dream: The Pursuit of Happiness on Spotify.

Aaron Berkey, Co-Founder & Managing Partner @ Okeanos

Kev Legend is a dynamic entrepreneur and global growth coach. With expertise in corporate leadership, financial planning, and world travel, Kev empowers others to unlock their potential and embrace a life without limits.

On this episode of the pod, Kev drops the studio to share his journey from the Naval Academy through to the transformative experiences that led him to live and coach abroad from Bali to Thailand. Kev shares his struggle with emotional expression, particularly during his time in the military under the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy, and further challenging events that led him to embrace his feelings and authenticity. Kev speaks about his global travels and the creation of his 'Expat Launchpad,' a comprehensive program designed to help individuals transition to living abroad.

Exploring themes of personal growth, resilience, and the power of self-truth, our conversation leads to a compelling question: is there any relationship more important than the one you have with yourself?

Follow Kev and explore his journey and coaching programs at kevlegend.com [https://kevlegend.com]

Kev Legend, Entrepreneur & Global Growth Coach

Marta Bota is a creator of looks, confidence, and moments. She has spent nearly four decades as a professional makeup artist helping people show up as their best selves—on stage, on camera, and in life. She has also spent decades as a community advocate and philanthropist. Marta has rocked the crowns of both Virginia and D.C., stepping into her first pageant at 51. That’s when our paths first crossed.

On this pod episode, Marta drops by the studio to share her story, from being pursued as a teenager for modeling opportunities to her fascination with behind-the-scenes work, ultimately serving as a makeup artist with CNN for 19 years. From world leaders to iconic entertainers, Marta has had some of the world's most prominent personalities in her chair. Marta shares her evolution into the world of makeup artistry, how she approaches her business, and the care she takes towards each client to ensure their look matches the moment.

Marta Bota doesn’t just enhance faces—she amplifies people. Her blend of artistry, heart, and business reminds us what beauty really is: showing up real, bold, and unapologetically you.

To book or chat with Marta, visit martabota.com

Marta Bota

The all-female, 200% rock ‘n’ roll juggernaut that is MAAM is back on The Pod of DC since being spotlighted as the very first interview guest back in 2020.

To get things rolling, founding members St. P & YY turn the studio into an intimate, tiny desk-style concert with a soulful cover of Alabama Shakes’ This Feeling—featuring an unexpected (and possibly hazardous) bongo cameo from Rick, who valiantly attempts not to ruin the rhythmic magic .

From there, MAAM dives into some no-nonsense Q&A, covering everything from the power of self-awareness to knowing who’s really in your corner—and, most importantly, the unapologetic force of bringing your art to the world. Somewhere in between, St. P also drops a casual plug for an HHS-approved health drink that has allegedly supercharged her creativity and performance skills (FDA confirmation pending).

At the end of the day, MAAM is here to do two things: blow your mind sonically and call out every ounce of BS this world keeps hurling at women. And on this episode they do both effortlessly.

For upcoming shows and more, head over to MAAM.rocks.

MAAM, Live in Studio

The Pod of DC is an interview podcast from host and producer Rick Bernstein. Drawing on years of live event emceeing, fundraising, and voice acting experiences, Rick shares the personal journeys of interesting people whose stories entertain and inspire.

Rick Bernstein

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