Whimsical Wanderings

The Monk and the Marketer: A Spiritual Story You Won’t Believe (But Might Need)

🎧 “The American Monk Who Changed My Life: A Whimsical Journey with Burt Goldman”In this unforgettable episode of Whimsical Wanderings, host Frank Girard shares the extraordinary true story of how a YouTube rabbit hole led him to one of the most influential spiritual teachers of our time—Burt Goldman, known around the world as The American Monk.
From indexing 400 of Burt’s videos to forming a deep two-year friendship, Frank reveals the wisdom, warmth, and wild originality of a man who inspired millions through Quantum Jumping, meditation, healing, and the power of parallel reality.
Burt’s teachings didn’t just reach global audiences through Mindvalley—they transformed lives. Including Frank’s. If you’ve ever felt stuck, lost, or spiritually curious, this whimsical and heart-opening episode will remind you of your infinite potential.
✅ Listen for:– The origin of Quantum Jumping– Behind-the-scenes of Burt’s Mindvalley journey– What it’s like to work with a modern mystic– How one spreadsheet turned into a soul friendship– Life lessons from a man who thrived into his 90s

When the Goats Took Over Main Street

🎧 “The Wheat Ridge Goat Parade: Small Town, Big Hooves, and Even Bigger Laughs”In this laugh-out-loud episode, we dive into the wonderfully weird world of the Wheat Ridge Goat Parade—a beloved small-town tradition where goats don costumes, strut down Main Street, and steal the show (and a few sandwiches). From glittery hooves to mayoral mishaps, this charming tale captures the heart of local pride, community connection, and the joy of seeing livestock walk the red carpet. Perfect for fans of quirky Americana, animal stories, and feel-good chaos that actually happened.

The Loudest Sound Is Silence: A Story About Growing Older Alone

In this deeply human and emotionally resonant episode, we explore the quiet epidemic of loneliness—especially among older adults. Inspired by real stories from the entertainment world and beyond, this podcast delves into what happens when the spotlight fades, the phone stops ringing, and connection feels just out of reach. Whether you’re caring for an aging parent, navigating your own shifting social world, or simply curious about what it means to feel truly seen, this story will touch your heart—and maybe even inspire action.
🎧 Listen in for laughter, honesty, and hope in a world that often forgets its elders

The Reluctant Recruit: A Boot Camp Escape Story

Frank Girard’s Hilarious True Story: How a Failing Student Almost Became a U.S. Marine (But Definitely Didn’t)Join Frank Girard as he hilariously recounts the time he nearly joined the United States Marine Corps—all because his college grades were circling the academic drain. In this wildly whimsical, over-the-top funny true story, Frank shares how his entrepreneurial spirit got him into hot water with the Dean, how his influential father “fixed” things by sending him to a Marine recruiter, and how the words “boot camp” sent him sprinting straight to the library. This laugh-out-loud tale is packed with heart, humor, and the real reason Frank became a better student—terror of basic training.

Shower Caps, Chaos & The Cream-pocalypse at Chapel Hill

Discover the Outrageously True Story of the Great UNC Shaving Cream War!In this laugh-out-loud, wildly whimsical tale, prank legend Frank Girard launches an epic shaving cream battle between college dorms—and accidentally turns an unsuspecting student into a national newspaper star. Set in the heart of UNC Chapel Hill, this story blends college chaos, spontaneous hilarity, and photographic glory into one unforgettable adventure. Perfect for fans of mischief, nostalgia, and spontaneous fun, this episode delivers non-stop laughs and an unexpected twist.
🎧 Listen now to experience the madness, the foam, and the legend that became “Joe Shedd.”

Peace Feelers & Pen Strokes: The Cartoon Empire No One Saw Coming

Before Pulitzer Prizes and newspaper fame, Frank Girard and cartoonist Jeff MacNelly launched a scrappy political cartoon syndicate from a dorm room at UNC. From Rockefeller on skis to Vietnam satire through radiator pipes, this is the wild, true story of how two students took on the media world—one envelope at a time.

Overground Railroad: They Told Us to Stay in Our Rooms… So We Built an Airline Instead

Discover the outrageous true story of how a group of boarding school students built a secret rope-and-pulley system in the ceiling to visit each other during mandatory study hall. Dubbed “The Overground Railroad,” this gravity-defying prank is equal parts genius, chaos, and comedy. You won’t believe how far they went—literally

Frank and the Fifty First Dates (Most Were Weird)

From flying baguettes to dinner with a marionette, this true story dives into the hilariously unpredictable dating life of a young man navigating setups from his well-meaning Aunt Mimmie. Featuring an unforgettable date with a woman from Istanbul, a harpist-only eater, and someone who brought a puppet named Pierre to a restaurant, this episode is a laugh-out-loud look at blind dates, cultural mismatches, and romantic optimism gone sideways. Perfect for fans of observational humor, real-life romance misadventures, and storytelling that makes you glad you're not in the dating pool (or sorry that you are).

He Stayed Awake for 3 Days to Break a Record—And Accidentally Became a Legend

What happens when a college radio station powered through dorm room electrical wiring recruits a slightly too-agreeable senior to break a national broadcast record? You get 83 hours of delirious dedication, squirrel-based weather reports, and a heroic overdose of NoDoz. This true story from UNC Chapel Hill’s WCAR Radio chronicles a caffeine-fueled student marathon that made national news and campus history. Perfect for fans of college chaos, radio nostalgia, and wildly entertaining human endurance stunts.

How I Turned a Corvette, a Cop, and a Hair Flip into a Campus Legend

What do you get when a college student borrows a silver Corvette, recruits a local police cruiser, and tries to shoot the world’s boldest 30-second car ad? Chaos, charm, and comedy. This true story from 1970s Chapel Hill follows the behind-the-scenes madness of a student film project that featured a surprise police pull-over, a beauty queen in uniform, and a now-legendary tagline: “Corvette... the Girl Getter.” With multiple takes, flying hats, and confused bystanders, this episode is a laugh-out-loud ride through the most unforgettable assignment in student advertising history