Across the Table
Across the Table is hosted by James Finochio — a Blair County native with grit, humor, and a sharp eye for stories. From construction sites to time served, his life experience fuels raw, thoughtful conversations with everyday people. Tune in for real talk, local voices, and the reminder that behind every face is a story worth sharing.
Guest Application: https://tinyurl.com/3psz2xn7
Across the Table
11. Community Over Chaos
In this episode of Across the Table, James gets real about Thanksgiving — the family moments we love, the stress we don’t talk about, and why the holidays can bring out the best and the worst in all of us. What starts as a simple reflection on the holiday quickly turns into a bigger conversation about what people everywhere are feeling right now: rising costs, uncertainty, and the sense that everything is getting more complicated than it needs to be.
James shares honest stories about dealing with healthcare, trying to make sense of the housing market, and the frustration of watching the government manipulate economic realities while everyday people feel the impact. He also digs into the growing social and political divides that make it harder to connect — and why focusing on community and personal responsibility might be part of the solution.
By the end, the episode shifts toward what’s next: the topics he wants to explore on the show, and how he hopes to keep building something meaningful through deeper conversations.
💡 Key Topics Covered
- The real stress behind Thanksgiving and family gatherings
- Why everything feels more expensive — and what that’s doing to people
- Housing affordability and what younger generations are up against
- Personal stories about navigating our healthcare system
- Distrust in government and economic manipulation
- How media and politics widen social divides
- Why community (not outrage) might be the answer
- Taking responsibility for our own growth and impact
- What’s next for the podcast
💬 Memorable Quotes
🦃 “Thanksgiving is 25% cheaper this year.”
🧠 “I’m tired of their PsyOps.”
⚠️ “It’s not that easy.”
🕒 Episode Chapters
00:00 Thanksgiving Reflections and Family Dynamics
02:12 Economic Observations and Frustrations
04:46 Housing Market Concerns and Historical Context
07:23 Healthcare and Personal Experiences
09:30 Government and Economic Manipulation
11:56 Social Divisions and Political Discontent
14:43 Community Focus and Personal Responsibility
17:01 Future Topics and Podcast Development