In our season 1 finale, Kyle Dominy and the rest of The Courier Herald's newsroom – Payton Towns III, Rodney Manley and Clay Reynolds – go Slightly Off The Record to chat about the first 11 episodes of this new podcasting venture, and every other topic under the July sun, before a several-week summer break. Each in the group look back on favorite moments, memorable conversations and learning experiences from this first exposure to a digital medium much different than any they're used to, while also extending some words of thanks to you, the listeners, who have made this project a success by tuning in and subscribing. The wide-ranging discussion continues to touch on more of the changes that the evolution of technology has brought to the world and newspaper industry, and ways the newspaper is working to adapt in order to better serve modern audiences. In between those big subjects are also some more random thoughts on things like the art of the dad joke, good times uncle-ing, the unique decor of our podcast studio (with video coming soon), the team's little-known musical backgrounds and Payton's favorite and least-favorite Mario Kart tracks.

U.S. Navy Veteran Joe Ann McBride goes Slightly Off The Record with Kyle Dominy and Clay Reynolds to talk about the many adventures as a pioneering service member, and later competitor in the National Veterans Golden Age Games, that have taken all over the United States from some humble roots in her hometown of Dublin. The 71-year-old shares memories from her youth in the 1950s and 60s, experiences during basic training, stories of her time in various posts at the famed Naval Air Station Miramar in San Diego (during an era that coincided with filming of the original Top Gun movie at the site) and highlights of some extensive travels in retirement that have included a number of remarkable dining and sightseeing opportunities. Throughout, she reflects on the many ways her life's journey has contributed to an appreciation of "what a great country we live in," and a spirit of patriotism we all share during this celebration of our nation's 250 years of independence.

Dudley Mayor Jason Locke goes Slightly Off The Record with Kyle Dominy, Clay Reynolds and Payton Towns III for a wide-ranging conversation covering everything from Little League baseball and softball to upcoming sewer improvement work. He offered an update on those much-needed repairs, which are just underway, to some critical sections of the city's aging infrastructure, and how they fit into opportunities for future growth. But here at the height of the summer, Dudley Little League – whose all-star teams are currently in the thick of postseason play – was the first order of business. He explained his vision in founding the organization back in 2011, and how its growth and success over 15 seasons has been tied as much to the community's family- and faith-based environment as it is to sports. Further reflections about life in this quintessential small town led to some perspective on what gives Dudley a sense of home for so many, including those in the tight-knit Locke family who were hit hard by the unexpected passing of his older brother Bobby just over a month ago. He shares some memories of the former ballplayer and dedicated DLL volunteer, as well as another member of the league's family whose loss, just as suddenly a few years ago, has inspired a fitting memorial in the form of a weekly concession stand special featuring his favorite menu item.