Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

We were caught in a storm, Jim was almost scammed, and we shout-out a bunch of local businesses along the way!

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IG: @RefugeCoffeePod

Facebook: Refuge Coffee Pod

Refuge Coffee Pod is written by Jojo Blackforest and produced by Jim Swartwout at Above Ground Sound Studio.

At the bar today is a friend from the old Refuge days. We talk about his upcoming book, his collection of Oddities, and how one goes from matching skin tones on film photography to real estate to authorship…Shivs, shanks, and a wooden vagina also enter the chat!

Photos from Dan’s collection can be found on our socials!

IG: @RefugeCoffeePod

Facebook: Refuge Coffee Pod

Follow Dan Thoms!

TikTok: @Sirbeard

IG: @TheDan513

Facebook: Dan Thoms (self) or Team Thoms (Real Estate)

Big Ring Circus Giants: sideshowgiants.com

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Refuge Coffee Pod is written by Jojo Blackforest and produced by Jim Swartwout at Above Ground Sound Studio

In-between episodes with Jojo and Jim.

After the people have gone, the coffee house staff tidies up and gets ready for the next day. Maybe they have a drink of their own and a chat before locking up for the night. That’s Closing Time.

Here is the first installment. It was recorded in late August of 2026, just a couple of days after we all lost Dolly Parton and Tim Curry. We reminisce about the powerhouse performers and their impact on the world. We also discuss older performers and ageism sometimes directed their way. This episode ends with a poem dedicated to Dolly, Tim, and all of those who have gone before us.

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Refuge Coffee Pod is written by Jojo Blackforest and produced by Jim Swartwout at Above Ground Sound Studios.

Follow us!

Instagram: @RefugeCoffeePod

Facebook: Refuge Coffee Pod

When you can't go back, make it into something new.

This is the story of how the community spirit of a real-life coffee bar is now the ethereal setting of a conversational podcast. We hope you enjoy this introduction which sets the stage for our project. Below are photos from Refuge Coffee Bar followed by the transcript for this episode.