What It Really Takes to Run a Wrestling Promotion

In this episode of Across The Table, James Finochio sits down with Ken “Kato” Downs and Mike Lattieri of Imagine Wrestling to talk about what it actually takes to build and run an independent wrestling promotion.

They discuss the origins of Imagine Wrestling, the realities of running live events, and the physical and mental demands of professional wrestling that most fans never see. From training and character development to injuries, storytelling, and community support, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the work behind the ring.

The episode also explores how Imagine Wrestling has grown since launching in 2019, the importance of local support, and why wrestling continues to resonate as a form of live storytelling and escape.

This is an honest, behind-the-scenes look at wrestling beyond the stereotypes — as discipline, craft, and community.

🔗 Learn more about Imagine Wrestling:
https://imaginewrestling.com/

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Joey Berardi has been home for three weeks after serving seven years — and he’s honest about something most people don’t expect: getting out isn’t the finish line. It’s a whole new fight.

In this episode, Joey and James talk about what life after prison actually feels like: being on high alert in public, struggling with technology and daily routines, and living with the constant fear that one mistake or one glitch could send you back. Joey opens up about addiction, what prison is like now compared to the past, and how Suboxone, synthetic drugs, and the culture inside have changed everything.

They also talk about the rare kind of support that can make recovery possible — including the woman who stood by Joey for seven years — and why work, structure, and community might be the difference between repeating the cycle and finally building a life that sticks.

This isn’t a glorified “war story.” It’s a real conversation about consequences, growth, and what it takes to stay free — mentally and physically — after you’ve done hard time.

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In this episode of Across The Table, we sit down with musician Todd Hinkle for a thoughtful conversation about live music, analog sound, and what it means to stay human in an increasingly digital world.

Todd shares his journey as a musician, shaped by early influences, deep collaboration within his band, and a lasting love for physical media like vinyl records. Rather than chasing album releases or trends, Todd focuses on the experience of live performance—music that’s meant to be felt in the room, not just streamed.

We talk about the unmistakable sound of the Hammond organ, the value of learning multiple instruments, and how modern tools like AI in music can be helpful without replacing authenticity. Todd also reflects on the changing music industry, from streaming platforms to alternative ways musicians connect with audiences and sustain their work.

The conversation moves beyond music alone, touching on the creative overlap between cooking and music, the importance of music education, and why staying grounded in craft and presence matters more than ever.

This episode is reflective, honest, and grounded—a reminder that even as technology evolves, the human element in music still matters.

Want to keep up with Todd Hinkle’s music, live shows, and creative journey? You can connect with him on Facebook here:
https://www.facebook.com/todd.hinkle.18/

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Live music creates a connection that can’t be replicated digitally
• Analog sound, especially the Hammond organ, brings depth and character to music
• Collaboration within a band shapes both sound and performance energy
• Early musical influences often come from physical media and shared listening
• Learning multiple instruments expands creative range and adaptability
• AI can support music creation, but authenticity must remain central
• Streaming has changed how artists reach audiences and earn a living
• Alternative models like merchandise and bartering are becoming more relevant
• Cooking and music both serve as creative, grounding practices
• Music education plays a vital role in preserving craft and curiosity

00:00
Introduction to Todd Hinkle

02:08
The Band and Its Dynamics

06:50
The Love for Music and Physical Media

12:36
Instruments and Learning

17:59
The Role of AI in Music

22:35
Musical Influences and Genres

31:07
The Evolution of Music Listening

34:24
The Joy of Collecting Vinyl Records

37:48
Planning Live Music Events

40:42
The Business of Music and Bartering

43:39
The Importance of Music Education

46:36
Influences from Iconic Musicians

49:37
Cooking and Music: A Perfect Pairing

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In this episode of Across the Table, host James Finochio sits down with Lynn Faust, a disabled veteran and spiritual seeker, for a raw and revealing conversation about trauma, healing, belief systems, and the ways societal narratives shape our inner worlds.

Drawing from her personal military experiences, Lynn shares how trauma affected her relationships, her emotional processing, and her worldview—and how spirituality became a path toward healing, self-awareness, and resilience.

The conversation explores sensitive and complex topics, including conspiracy theories, government distrust, shifting cultural narratives, and the emotional fallout of major political events. James and Lynn discuss the tension between Christianity and modern spirituality, how media influences public behavior, and why freedom of speech feels increasingly fragile in today’s culture.

They also reflect on the rise of spiritual deception, the clash between natural healing and pharmaceutical authority, and the shifting gender dynamics associated with the so-called “Age of Aquarius.”

At its core, this episode is a meditation on healing, belief, and personal agency—and the ongoing struggle to maintain humanity, integrity, and awareness in a world shaped by fear, power, and information.

🔑 THEMES & TAKEAWAYS

• Trauma deeply shapes emotional responses, relationships, and identity
• Spirituality can offer pathways to healing beyond traditional paradigms
• Military life leaves lasting psychological and relational impacts
• Conspiracy theories often arise from distrust, not delusion
• Media narratives influence emotion, perception, and behavior
• Christianity is struggling to maintain relevance in a shifting culture
• Freedom of speech and belief systems are increasingly policed
• Major events can be used to justify control and social engineering
• Natural healing faces resistance from institutional narratives
• Awareness and refusal to silence oneself are forms of resistance

🗣️ MEMORABLE QUOTES

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In this episode of Across the Table, James gets real about Thanksgiving — the family moments we love, the stress we don’t talk about, and why the holidays can bring out the best and the worst in all of us. What starts as a simple reflection on the holiday quickly turns into a bigger conversation about what people everywhere are feeling right now: rising costs, uncertainty, and the sense that everything is getting more complicated than it needs to be.

James shares honest stories about dealing with healthcare, trying to make sense of the housing market, and the frustration of watching the government manipulate economic realities while everyday people feel the impact. He also digs into the growing social and political divides that make it harder to connect — and why focusing on community and personal responsibility might be part of the solution.

By the end, the episode shifts toward what’s next: the topics he wants to explore on the show, and how he hopes to keep building something meaningful through deeper conversations.

💡 Key Topics Covered

• The real stress behind Thanksgiving and family gatherings
• Why everything feels more expensive — and what that’s doing to people
• Housing affordability and what younger generations are up against
• Personal stories about navigating our healthcare system
• Distrust in government and economic manipulation
• How media and politics widen social divides
• Why community (not outrage) might be the answer
• Taking responsibility for our own growth and impact
• What’s next for the podcast

💬 Memorable Quotes
🦃 “Thanksgiving is 25% cheaper this year.”
🧠 “I’m tired of their PsyOps.”
⚠️ “It’s not that easy.”

🕒 Episode Chapters
00:00 Thanksgiving Reflections and Family Dynamics
02:12 Economic Observations and Frustrations
04:46 Housing Market Concerns and Historical Context
07:23 Healthcare and Personal Experiences
09:30 Government and Economic Manipulation
11:56 Social Divisions and Political Discontent
14:43 Community Focus and Personal Responsibility
17:01 Future Topics and Podcast Development

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In this episode of Across the Table, host James Finochio sits down with sci-fi co-authors Todd Smith and Erik Vecere to explore their creative partnership and the art of storytelling. From their early inspirations and lifelong love of Star Wars to the creation of their Merrizien Story Trilogy and Bennu, the duo share how collaboration, character development, and perseverance have shaped their work.

They discuss navigating the challenges of modern publishing, pitching to agents, and handling rejection, while grounding their stories in human nature, politics, and trust. This conversation offers an inside look at how two writers turned inspiration into publication—proving that creativity thrives through connection, resilience, and imagination.

👉 Learn more about the authors, explore their books, and get in touch at www.marriziensstory.com

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In this episode of Across the Table, host James Finochio opens up about his poetry collection God Doesn’t Come Here and the emotional struggles that shaped it. Through raw reflection and honest storytelling, James explores the dangers of echo chambers, the role of propaganda in fueling division, and the vital need for unity in today’s world.

From introspection and personal responsibility to the defense of free speech, this conversation challenges listeners to confront divisiveness with gratitude, hope, and love. It’s a call to rise above anger, embrace civil debate, and create a future rooted in understanding and compassion.

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In this episode of Across the Table, host James Finochio reflects on the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk and the urgent need for respectful dialogue in today’s politically divided world. From the dangers of dehumanization in political discourse to the erosion of community and spirituality, James explores why free speech and vigorous debate are essential for a healthy society.

This conversation challenges listeners to move beyond hate, engage with opposing viewpoints, and rediscover the power of genuine understanding. Whether you lean left, right, or somewhere in between, this episode is a call to sit down, listen, and talk—without losing our humanity.

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