Two Cents Worth

Episode 126 - Middle-School Fashion Show: Baggy Jeans, Band Tees & Birkenstocks

Host Ryan DeFaber recounts a chaotic, humorous morning getting his two sons ready for school, contrasting the nine-year-old’s carefree comfort with the 13-year-old’s careful attention to clothes, hair products, and cologne.He reflects on cyclical trends like band tees, baggy pants, Birkenstocks, and pajama pants, sharing the frustrations and pride of parenting a fashion-conscious preteen.

Episode 125 - Wrapping Up Bears Den Gym Winter Series — 12 Weeks of Sweat and Smiles

Host Ryan DeFaber wraps up the Bears Den Gym Winter Series after 12 weeks of weekend workouts designed to keep kids and parents active during the off-season. He reflects on the challenges—snow, heat and busy schedules—and the focus on bodyweight drills, proper form, and fun competition rather than heavy lifting.The episode highlights the community spirit: families pushing each other, kids learning discipline and teamwork, and adults modeling healthy habits. Ryan invites listeners to continue weekend workouts, join the Bears Den community, and find gear at bearsdengym.com.

Episode 124 - Evolve, Create, Be Real: Finding Your Creative Outlets

Host Ryan DeFaber discusses the value of creative outlets and hobbies — from his Bears Den Gym and apparel line to podcasting, woodworking, golf, and whiskey — as ways to decompress, connect with others, and keep evolving personally.He stresses being genuine and authentic, using hobbies to build community, learn new skills, and avoid getting stuck in a rut.

Episode 123 - Rain, Tryouts, and Real Life: Kicking Off Spring Season

Ryan DeFaber gives a personal update on the start of spring sports—rainy soccer games, upcoming baseball, and a middle-school soccer tryout—while juggling work and family schedules.He reflects on parenting, the lessons kids learn by watching their parents, and why this busy season is worth cherishing.

Episode 122 - Razor Down the Drain: A Creative Fix That Worked

Host Ryan DeFaber recounts a humorous first-world problem: a $30 razor accidentally ending up in his shower drain after house cleaners visited. He tries magnets, tongs, duct tape and finally uses a shop vac to retrieve the razor, sanitizes it, and restores his shower.The episode turns the incident into a broader lesson about creative problem-solving: consider multiple options, step back when stuck, and apply outside-the-box thinking to everyday challenges at home, work, and the gym.

Episode 121 -Charlotte Snowmageddon: Two Storms, One Unforgettable Weekend

Ryan DeFaber shares a personal recap of two rare winter storms in Charlotte, detailing school closures, neighborhood fun, sledding attempts, driveway fire pits, bourbon hunting, and improvised workouts.The episode highlights Southern surprises during snow, safety on icy roads, and choosing to enjoy the moment with family and friends despite being underprepared.

Episode 120 - From Kiawah’s Tranquil Shores to Miami Beach’s Electric Nights

Host Ryan DeFaber shares his two favorite places to travel with his wife: Kiawah Island, a pristine, private coastal retreat with quiet beaches, wildlife, and championship golf; and Miami Beach, a vibrant mix of nightlife, culture, and boutique relaxation at Hotel Greystone. He describes the locations, amenities, dining, and why each works as a perfect getaway.
Ryan also reflects on the importance of being present while traveling—how stepping away from daily hurry and worry helps restore peace, faith, and love in a relationship—and encourages listeners to value experiences and savor time with their partners.

Episode 119 - My Whiskey Journey Begins

Host Ryan DeFaber shares how he recently fell into the world of whiskey and bourbon, starting with blind tastings, reading reviews, and learning tasting notes and terminology.He discusses building a diverse, affordable collection, upcoming distillery tours, and how this hobby has deepened his appreciation for history, production, and flavor.Ryan invites listeners to follow along, suggest topics for future episodes, and join him as he explores more about whiskey, bourbon, and the culture around them.