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.

LINKS:
NO LINKS

Music used in this episode:
NONE

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

Music used in this episode:
NONE

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.

LINKS:
NONE

Music used in this episode:
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On this episode of theMangoTimes podcast, I not only continue down the discussion of The Fletchifesto, but I continue down a thread that’s been running through recent conversations on this podcast. First, with my dad (In the Smoke Shop with Pop Part 1 and Part 2) and second with my wife Kendra (Stop Dreaming and Start Doing).

This time around, I chose to sit down with my 18-year-old son Christian—a musician, a YouTuber, and a future University of the Pacific student—to talk about what it means to him to make your own kind of music in life.

But don’t let the title fool you—although we talk a lot about music in this episode, it isn’t just about music. It’s about courage, creativity, and choosing a bold path, no matter your age. Whether you’re stepping into adulthood or staring down a midlife shift, this episode is a reminder that it’s never too late—or too early—to live in tune with who you really are. Join me in the studio as we discuss what it means to Make Your Own Kind Of Music.

LINKS:
Christian Fletcher Creative Space

Music used in this episode:
Make Your Own Kind of Music- by Mama Cass Elliot (BUY IT HERE)
Making Music For Money- by Jimmy Buffett (BUY IT HERE)

We're back In the Smokeshop with Pop!

In Part 2, Pop picks up where we left off—but this time, he also takes time to answer a few questions from you, the listeners. Ever wondered how he feels about his career, the big choices he’s made in life, or what he’d pick for his last meal? He lays it all out with that signature blend of wisdom and wit that only a 95-year-old Italian father can deliver.

In this episode we get into:

The legacy of his career

A discussion about accomplishments and regrets.

A quick fire round of questions

A personal response to your questions.

Plus, Fletch takes a brief cultural moment to share what he’s been watching, reading, and listening to these days—a few recommendations from the desk of theMangoTimes editor.

It’s a packed show full of story, reflection, and connection. Pour a cup of coffee, light up a pipe, and join us for another fun visit to Pop’s Smokeshop.

Do you have questions for Pop?

My dad will be back for more episodes, and you can be a part of it. Head over to theMangoTimes.com and hit that Let’s Connect button. Got a burning question for Pop? Want to hear his take on life, love, or why people used to walk uphill both ways in the snow? Leave a written comment or send in an audio message that you record on your smart phone, and I’ll make sure he answers it in a future episode.

LINKS:
How To Stop Time - by Matt Haig
To America - by Stephen Ambrose

Music used in this episode:
On The Road Again - by Willie Nelson (BUY IT HERE)

Welcome to Episode 29 of theMangoTimes Podcast: Turning Dreams into Reality

In this episode, I delve into the invigorating process of making your aspirations come alive. Join me as we navigate through the practical steps of transforming dreams into tangible achievements.

What’s on the Agenda?

A Few Updates from Mangoland: Catch up on the latest happenings, from recent episodes to life updates, including the adventures in Fletch’s garage and escapades on the improv stage.

The Fletchifesto Revisited: I take a moment to reintroduce "The Fletchifesto" and share its origins, setting the stage for today’s theme.

Special Interview with Kendra Fletcher: My wife, Kendra, shares her inspiring journey from dreaming about graduate school to actualizing her goals. She discusses how she navigated through the challenges of balancing family responsibilities and her career, and overcame the barriers that stood in her way.

Overcoming Obstacles and Conquering Fears: Kendra opens up about the hurdles she faced, such as family obligations and work demands, and emphasizes the crucial role of family support. She also reveals her personal fears during this journey, including practical concerns about traveling and battling impostor syndrome.

Advice and Encouragement: Kendra offers her strategy for tackling fear: "Do it Scared." She discusses why age should never be a barrier to pursuing dreams and the significance of being receptive to new opportunities.

Prepare to be inspired by this episode as we encourage you to shift from dreaming to doing. Whether you’re looking to reignite your passion or take the first step towards a long-held aspiration, this episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to make a significant change.

LINKS:
KendraFletcher.com
The Holstee Manifesto
The Fletchifesto

Music used in this episode:
No music used.

After kicking off my return to podcasting with Episode 27—where I sat down with my son-in-law Roy Mendiola and talked about doing what you love and doing it often—I couldn’t be more excited for this next episode. Because this time, I’m sitting down with a guy who’s been around long enough to have some serious street cred… if the street was a dirt road in the 1930s.

That’s right, in Episode 28 of theMangoTimes, I’m sitting down with my 94-year-old father to talk about life in the ‘30s and ‘40s. And let me tell you—this man isn’t just my dad; he’s a walking history book with a side of sarcasm and a lifetime of wisdom. If you’ve ever wanted to hear firsthand what it was like to grow up during the Great Depression, navigate a world without WiFi, or hear why he thinks kids today have it too easy, you’re in for a treat.

To make it even better, I bought some portable microphones, grabbed my pipe, and set up shop in his smoke shop (because, let’s be honest, where else would this conversation happen?). What followed was a goldmine of stories, laughs, and classic PopPop-isms that I can’t wait for you to hear.

And here’s the best part—this isn’t a one-time deal! This is just the kick-off. The palate cleanser, if you will. My dad will be back for more episodes, and you can be a part of it. Head over to theMangoTimes.com and hit that Let’s Connect button. Got a burning question for Pop? Want to hear his take on life, love, or why people used to walk uphill both ways in the snow? Leave a written comment or send in an audio message, and I’ll make sure he answers it in a future episode.

So grab your headphones, light up your pipe (if that’s your thing), and get ready for some old-school storytelling with a guy who’s seen it all.

Welcome to In the Smoke Shop with Pop—this is gonna be fun.

LINKS:
No Links This Show

Music used in this episode:
Got A Lot Of Traveling To Do - by Willie Nelson (BUY IT HERE)

Four years? Has it really been four years since I last dropped an episode of theMangoTimes Podcast? A lot has happened in that time, but we won’t cover it all in this episode.

Instead, join me as I dive deeper into The Fletchifesto and explore the idea: “Do What You Love and Do It Often.” I'm joined in the studio by my son-in-law, Roy Mendiola, as we talk about his passion for making music and his journey in pursuing it.

Don't miss this episode—it's one you won’t want to skip!

LINKS:
The Fletchifesto

Music used in this episode:
On the Road Again - by Willie Nelson (BUY IT HERE)
Kite - by Roy Mendiola- (BUY IT HERE)