In this episode, host Jason Schreiber stops by the firehouse in Gilmanton Iron Works, N.H. and sits down with Firefighter/Paramedic Matt Greene, better known as New Hampshire's "Fiddling Firefighter." Matt shares how he uses his love for fiddle playing to stay grounded amid the chaos of emergency response. The episode explores the powerful intersection of music, mental health, and firefighting.During their chat inside the apparatus bay, Matt explains how music can help one cope with stress and he shares his journey as a firefighter while offering practical insights on balancing a demanding career with personal passions.Matt also uses writing as a constructive outlet to support his overall mental well-being. You can find his short stories and other musings at https://thatmattgreene.com/EPISODE CHAPTERS:0:00 Opening and Episode Premise: Introduction to Grounded in Granite and guest Matt Greene, focusing on the fiddling firefighter theme.01:25 Matt’s Fiddling Journey and Musical Premise: Discussion of Matt’s background, his fiddle, and the musical aspect of the episode.05:22 Daily Practice Ritual: The 4 o’clock fiddle habit as a grounding routine and its impact on skill development.07:16 Fiddle as a Stress-Reliever in the Firehouse: How the fiddle helps center Matt amidst the challenges of firefighting.09:33 Life at the Firehouse and Community Reception: Reactions to Matt’s fiddling within the department and daily firefighting realities.12:49 Learning as an Adult and Mindset: The learning curve, persistence, and progress through time and repetition.15:55 Firefighting Career Path and Meaningful Moments: Matt’s entry into firefighting, EMT background, and significant experiences.18:06 Advice for Newcomers and Career Reflections: Insights on entering the fire service, mental focus, and personal growth.22:38 Closing thoughts on life as a fiddling firefighter

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"Please give us room and go slow."

Those are the words of Jim Eckert, a seasoned plow driver for the New Hampshire Department of Transportation who shares his story of what life is REALLY like behind the wheel of the plow truck on this episode of Grounded in Granite.

During the conversation with host Jason Schreiber at the DOT's highway shed in New Hampton, N.H., Eckert, provides insight into the challenges and rewards of winter road maintenance during a particularly tough season, offering a look at the behind-the-scenes efforts, safety tips, and personal stories from the front lines of snow plowing in the Granite State.

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In this episode of Grounded in Granite, we visit a hidden gem for families: The Creative Duckling, a children's art and activity studio in the heart of Pembroke, N.H., where owner Anita Wolcott showcases her extraordinary collection of 2,266 rubber ducks.

Anita shares the quirky story behind this unique collection, which grows by the hundreds every year; her journey in creating a delightful space for kids to engage in messy, creative play; and the various activities offered at the studio.

For more information on The Creative Duckling, visit https://thecreativeduckling.com/

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In this episode of Grounded in Granite, we sit down for a chat with long-time New Hampshire farmer John Hutton inside the horse barn at Coppal House Farm in Lee, N.H.

Farmer John, as he is known to most, shares the story of year-round life on this popular farm, from the horse-drawn sleigh rides during the winter to the Sunflower Festival and professionally designed corn mazes that draw thousands of visitors during the warmer months.

Farmer John also shares the challenges of farming, such as weather and staffing at Coppal House Farm, the growing threats to livestock posed by bears, and emphasizes the importance of education, community engagement, and the passion required to run a successful farm.

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On this episode of Grounded in Granite, we travel to Brapsard's Powder Coating in Franklin, N.H., where owner Jason Brassard shares the powerful story behind his unique method of memorializing loved ones by incorporating their ashes into powder coating.

For many, Brassard is providing a meaningful path to healing for those who are grieving. Through heartfelt anecdotes and reflections on grief, he details the emotional significance of this ash-mixing process, the technical aspects of powder coating, the personal stories that have shaped his approach, and his desire to give back.

★ Follow Grounded in Granite for more stories that celebrate the people and places that make New Hampshire home and check out Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X for behind-the-scenes photos and more.

In this episode of Grounded in Granite, we head to Van Otis Chocolates in Manchester, N.H., to check out the sweet scene just in time for Valentine's Day. Melissa Balon, who manages the marketing for this iconic chocolate shop renowned for its Swiss fudge, shares insight into the busy holiday season, how Valentine's Day ranks, the production process, and the success story behind this downtown shop, where handcrafted chocolates and candies have been produced for generations of customers since it was founded by Evangeline Hasiotis in 1935. Balon also discusses the friendly competition within the chocolate industry, the variety of chocolate making classes offered at shop, and hints at future plans for Van Otis, which currently has a second location in Wolfeboro, N.H.★ Follow Grounded in Granite for more stories that celebrate the people and places that make New Hampshire home. You can also check out Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X for behind-the-scenes photos and more. #podcast #NHpodcast

In this episode of Grounded in Granite, we head to Epsom, N.H., for a look inside Old Dogs Go to Helen, a sanctuary for senior, hospice, and special needs dogs and other animals. Founder Helen St. Pierre shares her journey from dog training to creating a haven for dogs in need. It's a welcoming place where they can spend their final days under Helen's care and the companionship of others. ★ Follow Grounded in Granite for more stories that celebrate the people and places that make New Hampshire home. You can also catch Grounded in Granite on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X for behind-the-scenes photos and more. #podcast #NHpodcast #NewHampshireLife

In this episode of Grounded in Granite, Renee Blacken of Bethlehem, N.H., shares her inspiring journey as she prepares to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean. She discusses the motivations behind her 3,200-mile adventure, the rigorous training and preparation involved, and the importance of community support.

If successful, Renee will become the first American and first solo female to row the Atlantic in the Atlantic Dash. It is a rare feat as there are only two other American women who have ever completed a solo transatlantic row as of January 2026. At 43 years old, Renee would also become the oldest American woman to ever row solo across the Atlantic.

Renee is rowing to support Outdoor Adventuring for Good, a nonprofit organization she founded dedicated to raising awareness and funding for trauma recovery programs in New Hampshire's North Country.

For more information on Outdoor Adventuring for Good, visit https://www.outdooradventuringforgood.org/

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