Grateful Dad & Friends

A Conversation With Another “Wise Old Owl,” My Friend, Mr. Tom White

Andy Staib Season 3 Episode 11

Similar to Season 2, Episode 1 when I sat down with Doug “Pops” Smith, who I like to refer to as a “Wise Old Owl”, in this episode I have the pleasure of connecting with a friend that I consider in the same first-class league, Mr. Tom White.  

Tom and I met when I first called on the five-generation Italian food products company, Pastene & Co, soliciting their label business back in the early 2000’s, and although he was a client for the next 15+ years, first and foremost Tom remains a friend and confidante.  We share common bonds that include our love of our wives and daughters, our mutual love-hate relationship with the game of golf, and shared interest in food & cold craft beer, and our appreciation for what really matters in life… family.

Tom enlightens me with tales of his love of Traffic’s classic album, John Barley Corn Must Die and 70’s classic rock band, Savoy Brown’s hit Tell Mama.  We debate a bit over whether Tell Mama is in fact an Etta James song or a Savoy Brown song.  And Tom shares the story how he serenades his 6-month old granddaughter, Bailey (who arrived on his 71st birthday) to the likes of James Taylor and the Beatles’ lullaby, I Will.  Clearly, grandparenting agrees with Tom, and I am lucky to consider this Wise Old Owl a friend.  In fact, we BOTH consider ourselves to be two of the luckiest men on the face of the earth.

Join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us!


Isn't She Lovely / Stevie Wonder

https://music.apple.com/us/album/isnt-she-lovely/1625371876?i=1625372484


I Will / Beatles

https://music.apple.com/us/album/i-will/1441133180?i=1441133910


Midnight Flier / The Eagles

https://music.apple.com/us/album/midnight-flyer-remastered/1440199153?i=1440199974


Tell Mama / Savoy Brown

https://music.apple.com/us/album/tell-mama/1443639908?i=1443640153


Tell Mama / Grateful Dead w/ Etta James https://youtu.be/G_zKuqHzYks?si=VqqoV_ENBl0Q6aWZ