#78 Growing Up Stoner: Family, Work, and What Matters Most (w/ Dave Stoner)

In this heartfelt and entertaining episode, Jeff welcomes his father, Dave Stoner, for an in-depth conversation about family, work ethic, and the lessons learned across generations. The discussion is filled with laughter, candid stories, and meaningful reflections.

Episode Highlights:

• Family Vacation Stories: The episode opens with lighthearted banter about travel, especially trips to Mexico, and the quirks of vacationing with family and friends.
• Introducing Dave Stoner: Jeff’s father, Dave, joins the show, sharing his experiences living in the Midwest, his career in agricultural processing, and his roots in both California and Illinois.
• Growing Up in the Midwest: Dave reminisces about his childhood in Peoria, Illinois, describing the freedom and simplicity of small-town life, and the changes he’s seen over the years.
• Career Journey: Dave details his long career in the canning and distilling industries, working for companies like Joan of Arc, Pillsbury, and Chiquita, and his continued passion for agriculture even after retirement.
• Family and Marriage: The conversation explores how Dave met his wife, the secrets to a long and happy marriage (over 51 years!), and the importance of respect, hard work, and shared values.
• Parenting Reflections: Jeff and Dave discuss the challenges and rewards of raising children, the value of manual labor, and the lessons passed from parent to child.
• Funny and Touching Stories: The episode features memorable anecdotes, including near-misses with green beans at the canning factory, sibling shenanigans, and the infamous “shovel incident.”
• Life Lessons: The show closes with a moving exchange about gratitude, the importance of being present as a parent, and the pursuit of happiness and meaningful relationships.

Key Takeaways:

• The value of hard work and a positive attitude in both career and family life.
• The importance of maintaining strong relationships and staying connected to your roots.
• Honest reflections on parenting, legacy, and what it means to be a good father and son.