Advertise on podcast: View From a Hearse

My guest is Sherry Harder from West Salem, IL. After the recent loss of her beloved husband, Sherry honored his wishes in a remarkable way. In his obituary, she included a simple request: If Rod impacted your life, please perform a random act of kindness. What followed has been nothing short of extraordinary. Acts of kindness have rippled outward—from Illinois to Canada, to Minnesota, to Georgia, to Ohio—touching lives in ways no one could have imagined. In the Book of Ruth, Boaz had no way of knowing the eternal impact of a simple act of kindness when he showed favor to Ruth as she gleaned in his barley field. And neither do we when we do a simple act of kindness. Now, because of the Harders’ invitation, “barley fields of kindness” are springing up everywhere.

My nephew, Mitch Goddard, joins me on View from a Hearse to talk about his debut novel, Beneath the Flame Azalea — a page-turning mystery inspired by the mountains of western North Carolina. An avid fly fisherman and Ole Miss journalism graduate, Mitch fulfilled a lifelong goal of writing a novel at age forty while balancing family and career. We talk about the moment the story first took shape on a mountain trail, the discipline it took to finish the book, and why readers say they can’t put it down. If you love great storytelling, mountain settings, and a good mystery, you’ll enjoy this conversation.

This is a live presentation from an event I did for a rather large ladies' banquet at Smoke Rise Baptist Church in Stone Mountain, GA, in March of 2022. There is a message or two here, but humor is involved.

Our granddog, Mister Elwood , was a Standard Golden Doodle, they say. But he was anything but standard. He came into the world almost 11 years ago. He left us much too soon. This is a little of his story and my feeble attempt to describe the impact this rambunctious, clumsy doodle had on Luke, Drew, Lennox, Hines, Lincoln, and Naia Goddard - and on all of us who knew him. Dogs like Mister Elwood teach us so much. Many of you can relate.

My conversation is with 99-year-old Walter Forsling. He talks a lot about his life, the changes he has seen in his lifetime, and his service in the US Navy during World War II. Few members of the Greatest Generation remain who can be interviewed for a podcast. Walter Forsling is one of the few.

My guest is my lifelong friend, Bunny Fuller Harris, Taylor County Lady Viking and Lady Georgia Bulldog extraordinaire.  She provides a behind-the-scenes look at receiving the call informing her that she had been selected for the 2026 Class of the Georgis Sports Hall of Fame.  She also discusses her journey to get there. Bunny also provides details about the induction weekend and invites her teammates and friends to join her in Macon for this once-in-a-lifetime honor.  You will hear about activities beginning Friday evening, February 20, 2026, including the Jacket Ceremony at the Hall. On Saturday at midday, the annual FanFest Autograph session will be held at the Hall. FanFest is open to the public and free of charge. Saturday evening, the 70th Annual Induction Ceremony will be held at historic Macon City Auditorium. To reserve tickets for the banquet or to pay for the seats you have reserved, call the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame at 478-752-1585.

A poem I wrote in 2003 to honor my mother in law on her 75th birthday, She was not the Widow of Zerapath, but the lessons from her life are very much the same.

We know he was assassinated on September 10, 2025, in Utah while debating those who oppose him. In this episode, you will hear enough from him to form a better opinion - especially if you have heard only soundbites taken out of context. I'll let you decide.

As I began to put this 15-minute episode together, it became clear these deleted voicemails were not only a microcosm of my career but also of my life. You will listen to controlled chaos until it not controlled anymore. I believe you can relate too.

From cleaning lady to boss, Bibiana left Colombia South America at the age of 25 to make a life for herself.  She had to start from scratch but she is accomplishing more than she could even imagine.  There are huge lessons here including love of country, the power of single acts of kindness and a never give up attitude. Bibiana Rummier will inspire you and you will agree she is simply amazing.

My oldest sibling, Mac Goddard, died two months ago on May 24, 2025. He was 83. On his 75th birthday, I (along with several others), said a few words to him and about him at the gathering. I just found an audio recording of my remarks. For posterity's sake, here it is. The message is only about 10 minutes, but the life lesson lasts a lifetime.

Jim Cumbee is a lawyer who later received an MBA from Harvard Business School. He has served as Assistant Attorney General of Missouri, worked on the staff of the Governor of Missouri, spent years as a commercial real estate developer, and held executive positions at the Walt Disney Company. He also purchased a Gospel Music Radio network, grew it, and sold it. Today, as a very successful business broker, he has earned the titles of expert negotiator and mediator and has authored a best-selling book: “Home Run: A Pro’s Guide to Selling Your Business.” There are business lessons in his story and, more importantly, life lessons. Jim Cumbee is a gift, but he also has a gift. If you are wondering what it takes to be successful, be sure to tune in.

My guest is Bobby Ward, a member of the Miniature Golf Hall of Fame and winner of two US Opens, and a Masters, among about 200 other events. He talks about his putting career, the game, and its bright future. You will learn about this incredible game and be inspired to find the nearest facility to you and take it up. This is really good stuff.

My brother Mac died on May 24, 2025, after a brief illness. This is a little of his story and passion as I know it, as we begin to turn the page from a tough few weeks.

Rick Knight was a highly popular radio personality in Macon, GA, during the 1980s and 1990s with the "Rick Knight Road Show" on WDEN until he was terminated from the station, and his life fell apart. Rick ended up serving time in a Federal Penitentiary. This is a story of wrong choices, consequences, accountability, and redemption.