On this episode of theMangoTimes Podcast, Fletch is joined in the studio by special guest Corey Strauss—Central Valley legend and founder of The Magic Box Players.

Corey shares his journey from imaginative kid to one of the area’s most creative forces in set design, costuming, and theater arts. Together, he and Fletch dive into his latest project: a mobile theater that brings storytelling, puppetry, and joy to local schools, igniting young imaginations one performance at a time.

But that’s just the beginning. This episode is a celebration of silliness—why nonsense matters, how play connects us, and why your inner child deserves more stage time.

Whether you're an improv junkie, a recovering serious adult, or someone who just needs to remember how to laugh, this episode is your permission slip to lighten up.

🎭 Theater, puppets, and costumes
🎙 Laughter, memories, and middle-aged mayhem
🧠 Why being silly might just save your sanity

Tune in—and remember:
A little nonsense is not just okay. It’s necessary.

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Why Most of What We Fear Never Actually Happens

In this solo episode of theMangoTimes, I explore a topic that can cripple us and keep us from moving forward. This isn’t a discussion about the irrational fears of the impossible. On this episode we dive into a discussion about the fear of all things possible.

The fear of failure. The fear of what your critics may say. The fear of being scene as an impostor or a fake. This episode is a call to stop living under the shadow of imagined disasters and start living in the clarity of what’s real.

With help from a few classic movie clips (We Bought a Zoo and The Pursuit of Happyness), I will unpack how fear distorts our stories—and how to take courageous action even when the possible feels paralyzing.

If you're feeling stuck, scared, or unsure about your next step, this episode is for you.

Don’t let fear write your script.

LINKS:
Smartless Podcast
Pretty Sure I Can Fly Podcast
The Bible for Normal People
The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
theMangoTimes Episode 16 - It’s Okay To Fail

Shows Recommended on this Episode:
Hacks and The Righteous Gemstones both on HBO MAX
Ludwig on Britbox

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This is the third in a series of conversations with my Pop.

In this episode of In the Smoke Shop with Pop, we take the conversation out of the smokeshop and onto the back porch.
I sat down with my dad—94 years old, sharp as ever, and full of perspective—to talk about Words to Live By.

It’s a theme that’s more than just old sayings or clichés; it’s about what’s really stuck with him over the years. From the advice he took (and didn’t take) to the moments that shaped him, this episode is full of that real-life wisdom you can only get from someone who’s been around the block a few times.

Pop also takes questions from a few listeners to theMangoTimes who asked him about his favorite decade of life and if he ever questioned his decision to be a parent and bring kids into our crazy world.

I finish up this episode with a few quick-fire questions to see how quick he is on his feet (or chair)—his answers might surprise you.

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Music used in this episode:
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