))
On Carlson Drive, a dusty little dirt road of memories from the wit and whimsy of storyteller Wendy Bonifield, is a podcast that invites you to settle in, pull up a chair, and get to know Wendy and her family as she takes us on a journey of stories. Featuring accounts of life, love, and family as well as conversations with the characters who bring them to life, On Carlson Drive takes a look at the tales we tell and the people we get to know through the stories they share.
…
continue reading
D.I.Y., home makeover, fixer upper...whatever you call it, we're right there with you. Sometimes you either like to do the work or you need to do the work yourself. And we've had our share of projects around the house. In this episode, Wendy talks about the many do-it-yourself house work that we either chose to do or was forced on us. Wendy is join…
…
continue reading
Have you ever looked in the mirror and said, "Whoa. I look like my mom"? A picture of Wendy's aunt's hands calls to mind the ones who have gone before and serves as an opening for a flood of memories. Then, join Wendy and her Aunt Nancy as they talk about the threads that weave a family together, including the keeper of names and teller of bad joke…
…
continue reading
Just in time, OUR CHRISTMAS EPISODE drops! This one is about telling stories and a reminder that who is listening really matters. And in response, Wendy crafts a special Christmas story for the little ears that we know are tuning in (and picking up a lot more than we realize). The conversation that follows is one where we set up a microphone to see…
…
continue reading
It's not like she meant to be eavesdropping – or did she? – but what she heard was her mother talking about her. Sometimes living in the same house can be challenging. The conversation that follows is between Wendy and Grace. They discuss the way people can see the world from different perspectives, even when you share a whole lot in common. Come t…
…
continue reading
An unexpected relationship begins after a difficult diagnosis and a friendship emerges. And while there is so often joy in the journey, sometimes that journey also involves walking alongside others in the midst of their suffering. Ann's story is one of deep loss, yet it is one filled with hope, joy, and gratitude. The conversation that follows is b…
…
continue reading
A phone call. A surgery. A terminal diagnosis. Sometimes life takes an unexpected turn that alters everything we once knew. And on the other side of goodbye, there is tremendous sorrow, grief, and gratitude. The conversation that follows is between Wendy and her friend, Lori. They discuss the gift of a good father, what it means to reflect on a lif…
…
continue reading
Fathers are tall trees, especially to this girl. In this episode, Wendy takes a walk down Carlson Drive in an attempt to capture the man, the myth, and the legend of Dad - who can only be captured because of a sharp stick in the eye. The conversation that follows is between Wendy and her three daughters - Erin, Hannah, and Grace - as they each shar…
…
continue reading
In this episode, an encounter with a neighbor's missing tree opens up a deep river of grief. Then Wendy is joined again by her husband Randy to discuss people and trees as a preview of the next set of episodes coming up on On Carlson Drive. Come take a walk through the neigborhood with us On Carlson Drive. Official show website: OnCarlsonDrive.com …
…
continue reading
A visit to the beach reveals the creativity of human beings and their creator. And we just can't stop gawking at them all. In this episode, Wendy recounts looking down (literally) on a populated beach to see the beautiful and playful collection of mankind frolicking in the sand. Then Wendy is joined by her husband Randy and they discuss their fasci…
…
continue reading
As a Christmas gift, Wendy received a book of stories from her daughter Grace. In this episode, Grace shares one of her stories about high school, relationships, and friends drifting apart. Then, Grace is joined by her friend Adam for a tangential, goofy, and insightful conversation on how our friendships shape us and how high school stays with us …
…
continue reading
There comes a day when you realize you have become your own version of Gladys Kravitz*...but you're kind of okay with it. In this episode, Wendy takes a walk through her neighborhood to introduce you to the wonderful people of Walmer Street. Then, Wendy sits down with her daughters as they discuss what it was like growing up and growing older in th…
…
continue reading
Our lives are fleshed out in homes and apartments that are found in neighborhoods that have...*gasp*...people in them. You know, the people that you meet each day. Frankly, those neighbors can be pretty entertaining at times. In this episode, Wendy recounts her early married years and the interesting crew that that surrounded her those days. Then, …
…
continue reading
In the long awaited third season, Wendy recounts the arrival of a new member of the family and the joys and challenges of extended families and new grandchildren. Then, Wendy sits down with Jami Johnson (the "other woman") to have a conversation about merging families, raising grandchildren, and the difficulties of sharing. Come take a walk with us…
…
continue reading
Oh, the plight of those who have a birthday during the Christmas season. The overshadowed and overlooked voices both her love for Christmas and her disdain for birthday presents in Christmas wrapping. Joined by her Christmas Eve eve baby, Wendy and Erin talk ornaments, music, and sharing their birthday month with Jesus*. Come take a walk in the par…
…
continue reading
It's time to visit the in-laws – a grumpy angel and an earthy matriarch – and the effervescent family that reflects their love. Then join Wendy and her sister-in-law Rhonda as they discuss how perspectives reveal how stories get told (as well as who tells it!) Come take a walk in the park with us On Carlson Drive. Official show website: OnCarlsonDr…
…
continue reading
This is our episode about puppies. Not just one puppy. A basket FULL of puppies. Everyone loves puppies, right? Oh, yeah...and the two Staceys...but no one likes them. Then Wendy is joined by our friend, David, who still holds a grudge against the University of Texas for something that happened when he was eight years old. Come take a walk in the p…
…
continue reading
We may be too young a podcast for a "best of" week but when you're young you do foolish things – like messing up your production schedule and getting a little behind. So enjoy one of our favorites from last season. Come take a walk in the park with us On Carlson Drive. Official show website: OnCarlsonDrive.com Follow us: Facebook: @OnCarlsonDrive I…
…
continue reading
This is the story of how a simple walk can turn into a lifelong friendship. Featuring a conversation with Wendy's walking buddy, Donna, this episode is a reminder that sometimes friendships can develop and deepen in three-mile increments. Come take a walk in the park with us On Carlson Drive. Official show website: OnCarlsonDrive.com Follow us: Fac…
…
continue reading
Life has its fill of defining moments. Some (well, most) you just can't control. And it seems they can either break you down or build you up, but either way you end up with a tale to tell. This is the story of a morning that startled a sleeping mom and altered a daughter's life. Come take a walk with us On Carlson Drive. Official show website: OnCa…
…
continue reading
Everyone's story begins a little bit the same way, yet all of them are remarkably different. From the very start, the way we come into the world becomes part of the story our parents tell about us. In this week's episode, we explore three birth stories trying to outdo the other. Featuring a sweet conversation of life, loss, and "framily" with our l…
…
continue reading
Our generation's shared story was 20 years ago from the day this episode was released. Everyone old enough to remember knows where they were when it happened. And we all have stories that connect to that world-changing Tuesday morning. Included in this episode are the reflections of ten individuals who share the same story from their own unique vie…
…
continue reading
Camping together turned into a new adventure - buying land and building a cabin. The shores of Lake Michigan became the destination and a lifetime of memories followed. Joined once again by "Uncle" Harry, we take a look at summer vacations and long walks on the beach. Come take a walk with us On Carlson Drive. Official show website: OnCarlsonDrive.…
…
continue reading
Tents, campers, campgrounds, skits, and s'mores around the campfire. In another life, it seems, these were signs of summer. And almost all of them were accompanied by lifelong family friends Harry and Barb, their boys Steve and Kevin, and Biscuit the family dog. Join us as we recount the fun (and sometimes not-so-fun) memories of camping trips gone…
…
continue reading
In the 80s, the 15-passenger van was a staple in the lives of those whose parents worked for a church. And so it goes for Wendy...youth retreats, camp trips, and learning to drive were all part of the unique experience of having a "van in the family." And it all ends with a wonderfully tangential conversation with our local van aficionado, Dan. Com…
…
continue reading
Summer is the time of year that shouts, "CAMP!" - as in summer camp - for those of us who grew up going to church camp. This episode reflects on a lifetime of summers at camp, from parents being on staff to becoming a camper to working at camp to leading camp. Join us as we visit our old friend, summer camp, and all the shenanigans that created a l…
…
continue reading
Sometimes we forget that a person we have known for a very long time has a backstory. We see them as what they are...in this moment...as the person right in front of us. But behind every person we meet there is so much more. We have no idea the places they've visited or the challenges they have faced or the dreams they were pursuing when life took …
…
continue reading
"She's out of your league," they said. Some guys, though, are either brave or stupid and just don't let attitudes like those get in their way. Ladies and gentlemen, meet Bennett. Every married couple has their "how-we-got-together" story and this one makes us smile. A lot. So join us as we take a walk down Jayhawk Boulevard with Erin and Bennett On…
…
continue reading
The people we love are often the centerpieces of the stories we share. And our love continues to tell their stories even when they live far away or they are no longer with us on this earth. Some people, much like a really good story, are impossible to forget – especially when they are the best people God ever created. In this episode of On Carlson …
…
continue reading
The cars we drive are like songs we sing as they mark a time and a place in our lives. And in many cases, they are like a second home or a place of refuge for us. In this first episode of season two of On Carlson Drive, we explore the meaning of our automobiles and the roles they have played as yet another character in the stories we tell. Come tak…
…
continue reading
Thank you. Thank you very much! Let's celebrate season one of On Carlson Drive! Episode 16.2 is our THANK YOU Episode. It's short and sweet, but sincere and grateful. And while this signifies the end of season one, fret not dear one. We shall return with NEW episodes May 2021. ____________________ Come take a walk with us On Carlson Drive. Official…
…
continue reading
There is no better place on earth than Grandma's house at Christmas time, a house filled with aunts and uncles and cousins and lots of presents...and Grandma, of course! And did we mention the food? Oh, the food! But when Uncle Wally steps center stage, all of a sudden it becomes even more magical. Was that Santa Claus? And did we just see Rudolph'…
…
continue reading
It seems like family doesn't let you get away with ANYTHING, am I right? That's certainly true when it comes to a moment when you embarrass yourself or say something you shouldn't have. At least that's the way it works in our house... Episode 15.2 is a MINI episode, a shorter episode in between full episodes to keep you listening and make you hungr…
…
continue reading
For some reason every family thinks they need a dog. But, honestly, not all families should have a dog. In the end, however, this episode is not so much about the family of the dog, but the dog himself. You see, not all dogs are created equal...as you will understand after you meet Sergeant and Big Mac. NOTICE: This episode and the subsequent conve…
…
continue reading
Featuring a continuation of the conversation with Hannah Bonifield from "M.E.D. and Me," this episode addresses living with a disability and facing one of every young instrumentalist's greatest challenges: Marching Band. Episode 14.2 is a MINI episode, a shorter episode in between full episodes to keep you listening and make you hungry for MORE! Jo…
…
continue reading
"Something's not quite right," she thought. And sure enough, it was so. Life can sometimes throw you the most unexpected curveballs. But there's nothing quite like hearing the news that your child is going to face challenges of which you cannot conceive. And when it's really rare, not even WebMD can help...or the "bubble wrap" doctor. A story of gr…
…
continue reading
An afternoon concert, a bouncy house, and a wandering child can be a dangerous combination. Don't take your eyes off that girl. Episode 13.2 is a MINI episode, a shorter episode in between full episodes to keep you listening and make you hungry for MORE! Join us next week for a FULL episode when we relive the moments we discovered the mutant gene w…
…
continue reading
A new life is found through an unexpected introduction to high school theatre class, after school theatre productions, and improv competitions. And all the fun that goes with it - new friends, auditions and everyone's favorite...call backs. Featuring a conversation with Paul Nobrega that covers stumbling into theatre, favorite roles, funny stories,…
…
continue reading
Dinner time, it’s not just for eating. In this episode, find out what kind of shenanigans we can get into around the dinner table when we invite a new face to the table. Episode 12.2 is a MINI episode, a shorter episode in between full episodes to keep you listening and make you hungry for MORE! Join us next week for a FULL episode when we the worl…
…
continue reading
Pull up a chair and join us for dinner around the Family Dinner table. Full of fun, laughter, and oh, so much more...there's nothing quite like dinner at our house. NOTICE: Common, straightforward language is used regarding body parts in this episode. Parental discretion is advised. It's funny, but you should know going in... ____________________ C…
…
continue reading
Memories have the ability to transport us back to special times and places filled with images and smells. Mostly, it seems, these memories inevitably take us back to the people that permeate them. And memories of Grandma's house hold a special place in the hearts of those she loved. This episode contains a bonus conversation from Wendy and her cous…
…
continue reading
A cousin is a little bit of childhood that can not be lost. And it all happens at Grandma’s house, the best place on earth. ____________________ Come take a walk with us On Carlson Drive. Official show website: OnCarlsonDrive.com Follow us: Facebook: @OnCarlsonDrive Instagram: @OnCarlsonDrive Twitter: @OnCarlsonDrive Email the show…
…
continue reading
Does your family play board games? Are you a stickler for the rules or are you a little bit lenient? Are you trash talkers or do you run a clean fight? Episode 10.2 is a MINI episode, a shorter episode in between full episodes to keep you listening and make you hungry for MORE! Join us next week for a FULL episode when we spend a day with the cousi…
…
continue reading
When it comes to siblings, there are types...you know, the obnoxious little brother or the critical older sister. But let's get past the easy stereotypes and find out who they really are. In this episode, we get a little peek into sibling relationships through Wendy's whimsical eyes. Was Wendy's role that of peacekeeper? Loving sister? ...or troubl…
…
continue reading
A Captain and Lieutenant are not just military officers, it is also a great old Salvation Army theme and variation duet. This version happens to have a great deal of family tradition thrown in for good measure. ____________________ Come take a walk with us On Carlson Drive. Official show website: OnCarlsonDrive.com Follow us: Facebook: @OnCarlsonDr…
…
continue reading
If you grew up in the Salvation Army, you will shake your head in understanding solidarity. You will probably even wish you could add much more to my description. If you did not grow up in the Salvation Army, you will most likely shake your head in wonder at this interesting insight into the peculiar world of growing up in The Salvation Army. _____…
…
continue reading
The toys of today never really seem to live up to the toys of our childhood. What toy did you most want when you were a kid? ____________________ Come take a walk with us On Carlson Drive. Official show website: OnCarlsonDrive.com Follow us: Facebook: @OnCarlsonDrive Instagram: @OnCarlsonDrive Twitter: @OnCarlsonDrive Email the show _______________…
…
continue reading
School days, school days, Dear old golden rule days. Take a walk through my dear old golden – well, okay...not quite so golden – rule days. Twelve different schools in four different states make for school days which are varied, colorful, and at times a bit tumultuous. ____________________ Come take a walk with us On Carlson Drive. Official show we…
…
continue reading
It’s a straightforward game: a set of cards with clues that one acts out for your team to guess. You know, charades. But when the clues are made up by your 8 and 14 year-old daughters things become a little less...well...straightforward. And perhaps, a little goofy. ____________________ Come take a walk with us On Carlson Drive. Official show websi…
…
continue reading
We all love something. Some people love baseball, or Star Trek, or maybe even The Goonies...for some reason. Grace loves shoes and from the moment her feet were able to stand in them she found ways to show it. And we have the stories to prove it. ____________________ Come take a walk with us On Carlson Drive. Official show website: OnCarlsonDrive.c…
…
continue reading
A continuation of our conversation with Wendy and her husband, Randy, from last week's full episode. We hear how the least-laid plans of brides and grooms sometimes get saved by grandmas and uncles you've never met. Episode 06.2 is a MINI episode, a shorter episode in between full episodes to keep you listening and make you hungry for MORE! Join us…
…
continue reading
