When you think of gradating - most people feel extremely excited and accomplished. This year, due to COVID - many college graduates didn't fully experience what it was like to walk across that stage and receive your diploma. Graduation was now attached to sadness and maybe even some resentment.  How did some graduates cope and was it difficult entering the job market?  Meet Tara and Shannon. Two graduates from the class of 2020 whose experience wasn't what was expected.

Entering the music industry at 13 years old - WOW! Welcome Kayla Heffernan; Thump Local's Social Media Manager, as well as a music industry veteran.  Between managing bands, working 20 hour shifts at events, and leading a non-profit organization, what makes Kayla tick?!  With hard-work, determination and perseverance, Kayla has made her mark in a male-dominated industry while gaining lifetime experiences and memories.

We are so excited to introduce our guest, John James Ryan!   John has made his career in the touring sector of the music industry over the last 15 years. He's spent time on the road as a tour manager with some of the largest alternative national bands including Four Year Strong, The Wonder Years, Streetlight Manifesto, and The Story So Far while also managing and playing saxophone in his own band Keep Flying.  Through all the crazy nights in a van, bus, festivals, and shows, he shares his tales from the road.  Now - due to Covid-19, John has been navigating his life from home, instead of on the road. That was one of the biggest changes of all, which eventually led him to slow down and grow as a person.

We recently had a holiday weekend - how did you spend it? Vacation? Relaxing? Catching up on Netflix? Our UTR hosts have so much to catch you up on! After taking a break from recording last week, we have missed so much!

One of us starting a company. One of us has to change their wedding plans. One of us is about to release a book. And the other is here for moral support for us all.  Catch up with us and find out what is going on in our lives. The good, the bad, the stressful, and the wonderful. Cheers to us!

Our very own host is about to be a self-published author!!!!!!  After years and years of writing, editing, writing, editing, etc....Derrick has finally finished his book - Time Nova. The farthest thing from an easy task, but such an amazing accomplishment now that it is completed.  If you are a sci-fi fan - this is the book for you! Our futuristic world meets the past. Stay tuned for all the details and when you'll be able to get your hands on your very own copy.

If you think you've heard all the weight loss & gain stories out there - think again! Meet Ekow Eshun.  Ekow was a highscool and collegiate wrestler. The pressure to lose 10-12 pounds a DAY, was a feeling all to familiar for him. Listen to the drastic measures he would take to make "weight" and how that experience has shaped his 2020 resolution.

Warm welcome to the one and only, Jess Grossberg!!!  Not only a critical part to the daily function of Thump Local, but also a recent Masters graduate, mama to a beautiful 5 year old, and of course, an all around amazing person. She talks about how having her daughter completely changed her world for the better.  What life event has changed you?! How did your life turn afterwards? Reach out to us about YOUR unique story!

Pet Peeves - everyone has them!!! They can ruin a good moment and make it awful. They can even disrupt your entire day! Why do we let actions of others affect our moods? What bothers you!? What gets you frustrated?!  We go through all of our pet peeves, and some of them are....well....WOW. Let us know what pet peeves you have!

Remembering Shane Bliss....you are loved.