In this episode of Sassos Out, Frank and Christina sit down in Waverly, Georgia with Pat Long: a firefighter, husband, father, and man whose life took an unexpected turn after a simple bump led to a life-altering diagnosis.

What begins as a casual, funny, small-town conversation unfolds into a powerful story of faith, resilience, brotherhood, and what it means to fully surrender control. Pat shares his journey from peak physical health to battling lymphoma, how God met him in hospital rooms and firehouses, and why purpose doesn’t disappear when plans fall apart.

Honest, unfiltered, and deeply human; this is a reminder that the strongest stories are the ones you don’t see coming.

In this unforgettable road-trip edition of Sassos Out, Frank and Christina sit down in Raleigh, North Carolina with urban visionary, public speaker, and former NYC Parks Commissioner, Mitchell Silver - a lifelong friend of Christina's, with a story that hits hard and inspires even harder. From class president in the ’70s to reshaping cities in the 21st century, Mitchell opens up about heartbreak, second chances, leadership, public service, and the guardian angels that changed the trajectory of his life.

You’ll hear jaw-dropping career advice (including the resume wisdom you’ve never heard before), love-at-first-sight romance that comes full circle years later, and the powerful philosophy that guides his work today: the anatomy and soul of a place. Along the way, the Sassos bring the laughs, the grit, the faith, and a legendary YETI break that only they could pull off.

This episode is about vision, resilience, calling, and why every city, and every person, deserves care, not just maintenance.

Buckle up. This one’s a journey.

What starts with the Sassos doing what they do best - loving, laughing, bickering, and debating paper maps versus GPS, quickly becomes something much deeper.

At Makers, the Sassos step into a night of painting each other (badly), interrupting each other (expertly), and rediscovering the magic of being creative together. Their playful, honest, husband-and-wife banter sets the tone for an episode full of warmth and curiosity.

But the heart of this episode belongs to Kathy and Beaver Brooks.

Frank and Christina sit down with the Brooks to hear their incredible story - one that spans decades, continents, heartbreak, courage, and relentless compassion. From pastoring in Canada, to living in Haiti, to rescuing dignity through artisan work, to surviving trauma, rebuilding their lives, and ultimately creating Makers as a space for healing and creativity… the Brooks open up in a way that feels intimate, profound, and unforgettable.

You’ll hear:

• Frank & Christina teasing each other while trying (and failing) to paint portraits.

• How the Sassos’ quirky chemistry brings out the best in their guests.

• The Brooks’ raw and powerful journey through mission work, danger, trauma, recovery, and hope.

• The birth of Second Story Goods and the artisans whose lives were transformed through the Brooks’ vision.

• Why Makers isn’t just a shop - it's a sanctuary for rediscovering joy, community, and the maker inside every person.

This is the Sassos at their most genuine, two people who love each other fiercely and ask honest questions, paired with two guests whose story shines with resilience and grace.

It’s tender. It’s funny. It’s real.

BONUS CONTENT AFTER OUTRO!!!

After a spirited chat about the joys of sitting at the bar and rediscovering real-life conversation, the Sassos take you to Brunswick, Georgia, where they uncover one of the most unique dessert spots in town - Vampire Penguin.

Joined by owner Susan Clark, they dive into what makes this “rich man’s Italian ice” so irresistible. From creamy, fluffy “snow” creations to innovative local flavors like peanut butter and grape jelly snow, this episode celebrates creativity, community, and pure culinary joy.

Along the way, you’ll hear hilarious stories about speeding tickets (all in the name of dessert), the freedom of licensed brands vs. franchises, and why Vampire Penguin Brunswick stands out from all the rest.

Tune in for:

• A fun, flavor-filled conversation with Susan Clark

• Frank’s passionate love affair with lemon sorbet

• Christina’s food adventures and honest taste tests

• Why sitting at the bar might just change your social life

  
  

  BONUS CONTENT AFTER OUTRO!!!

Frank and Christina hit the floor at the New Jersey Conference for Women and stumble upon something unexpected: a colorful booth called Know Your Color. Behind it is author and entrepreneur Shikha Bajaj, whose book and movement are helping people discover their true selves through the power of “color.”

Shikha shares her incredible journey from New Delhi to New York City - arriving with two suitcases, $200, and two million dreams. She opens up about the struggles of assimilation, the wake-up call of the pandemic, and how she turned hardship into a mission to help others uncover who they really are, embrace their unique strengths, and share them with the world.

The conversation dives into Shikha’s philosophy of:

Knowing Your Color

Embracing Your Color

Spreading Your Color

as well as the importance of mentorship, and how redefining success can lead to joy, not just achievement. Plus, there’s plenty of classic Sasso banter, from funeral haircuts to funeral suit secrets, that keeps things fun and unexpected.

Get Shikha’s book, and Power Kits at OwnYourColor.com.

Frank and Christina are in Nashville, and they’re not just here for the hot chicken (though Angela at Prince’s Hot Chicken stole the show). They’re sitting down with JJ, the founder of Subliminal Coffee, to talk about why good coffee should be tasted, not drowned in syrup, and how a plant named “Bourbon” has tricked more than a few caffeine addicts.

Along the way, you’ll hear about bar encounters, expired-ID drama, and why coffee nerds are basically sommeliers in disguise.

You’ll laugh, you’ll learn, and you’ll definitely crave a cup of black coffee by the end. So pour yourself something strong (we won’t judge if it’s actual bourbon), and join us for another round of stories, people, and places that make travel worth it.

Looking for your new favorite hangout spot in Brunswick? In this episode, Frank and Christina Sasso take you inside Driftwood Wine and Cocktails - Brunswick, Georgia’s newest destination for wine lovers, cocktail seekers, and anyone who craves good conversation.

Meet Sunshine, Driftwood’s one-of-a-kind owner with a heart for people and a knack for creating community. From her journey as a nurse to opening a wine bar designed for comfort and connection, Sunshine shares how Driftwood is more than just a place to grab a drink, it’s where friendships are made, stories are shared, and everyone feels welcome.

Expect plenty of laughs, a few surprises, and the inside scoop on events like wine tastings with curated charcuterie boards, themed throwback nights, live music, and even mobile bartending. Whether you’re in it for the “snacky snack and drinky drink” or the chance to meet new people, Driftwood offers something special for everyone.

So, pour yourself a glass, hit play, and discover why Driftwood Wine and Cocktails is quickly becoming Brunswick’s go-to spot for connection, comfort, and community.

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WebSite:

www.DriftwoodWineAndCocktails.com

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/driftwoodwineandcocktails

Facebook:

Driftwood Wine and Cocktails

Frank and Christina hit the road to Waterloo, Iowa, where they sit down with the warm and wonderful Debi Bunger. From her decades of service in county government to her incredible journey as a wife, mom, and now retired HR director, Debi opens up about life in Waterloo, family, faith, and the resilience it takes to navigate hard seasons.

Of course, the Sassos can’t stop raving about Debi's homemade custard cream cookies, which look (and taste) like they came straight from a bakery showcase.

Along the way, the Sassos and Debi share laughs about squirrels, snow angels, and even family feuds that turned into stories of reconciliation. It’s small-town Iowa charm meets big-hearted storytelling.

Tune in for a mix of humor, heart, and hope, only on Sassos Out.