‘Beyond The Break Podcast’ Buoys Up Bucolic Memories of Small Town, U.S.A.

By Kami-Leigh Agard

Whether you’re from Rockaway Beach, NY or Rockaway Beach, Oregon—“Beyond The Break Podcast” stirs up memories of Small Town, U.S.A. A bucolic time when kids played outside for hours, cell phones did not exist, a loaf of bread cost around 78 cents and the neighborhood was indeed a close-knit family. And for the podcast’s hosts, self-dubbed, “local downtown boys,” Buck Grottano and Richie Pontieri, since launching their show this past August, together they’re rediscovering what makes small towns like Rockaway unique—relatable stories woven in the community’s fabric. The duo not only reminisce about their childhood in Rockaway, but also share gritty conversations about issues affecting everyday life. That said, with Grottano, “the straight man,” and Pontieri, “the funny man,” the one constant stitched in is loads of laughs.

No stranger to the podcast world, Grottano shared that his first foray into podcasting was back in 2010 with his show, “Pass The Buck—Talking Horses.”

“I followed professional horse racing like you would see at Aqueduct, Belmont and Saratoga. I started by just interviewing trainers, owners, jockeys and fans. Back then there were only about a thousand podcasters, and no one was doing horse racing. However, as time went on, like everything else, you get a lot of good with the bad. So, though I made a lot of friends and connections, I decided to take a step back,” he said.

As for Pontieri, he also loved connecting with community through the power of media. He shared that he used to create funny videos around the neighborhood with his childhood friend, Jerry O’Sullivan.

“Around 2010, I created these videos called, “You Downtown—Where You At?” I would go in front of friends’ houses where I grew up and pretend that I was calling for them to come outside. I would come up with really funny stories, reenacting a scene from our childhood. Like, ‘Buck’s not home? Maybe he’s at Appetito getting some deviled eggs.’

“That’s when the idea for Buck and me to actually collaborate on something snowballed. Buck saw my videos and felt we had to do something together. Back then we had a good show, but it ran its course. So, we ended up going our separate ways working on different projects.”

Though seven years apart, Grottano, age 50 and Pontieri, 57, the duo have fond memories of “downtown life,” when they both played roller hockey for opposing teams. Grottano laughed, “Rich was a bully and used to steal my lunch money.”

In the 1980s, Grottano grew up in the Dayton Beach buildings, 8200 Shore Front Parkway, while Pontieri lived on Beach 90th Street.

Grottano shared, “Both of us were born and raised in Rockaway, and now raising our own kids in the same town.” Grottano, father of three, migrated uptown to the Seaside buildings, and Pontieri, also a father of three, resides further up in Rockaway Park.

“However, this podcast is not just about Rockaway,” Grottano said. “Our stories relate to other neighborhoods, other communities, other guys who grew up the same way we did; because we believe that it’s almost like our generations are ‘The Last of the Mohicans.’ Now armed with smartphones, you don’t see kids playing in the street. I remember calling my girlfriend and asking her mom, ‘Can I speak to her, please?’ Now, they just hit each other up on their cellphones.”

Pontieri added, “Yes, our stories start in Rockaway, but we get into everyday issues affecting generations of families, and individuals across the country. And of course, we have fun with it. Our first two episodes were really nostalgic memories of Rockaway, but in episode three, we hosted an amazing interview with local, Chris Hynes. After spending more than three decades behind bars, Chris came home determined to turn his life around. Now sober and dedicated to giving back, Chris candidly shared his determination to change his life around and now inspires others to do the same. Chris is proof that it’s never too late.”

Significantly, Grottano and Pontieri’s love for Rockaway and Small Town, U.S.A. goes beyond their podcast. Grottano coaches the St. Camillus Boys C.Y.O. basketball team. Pontieri serves on the board of Rockaway Beach Autism Families, and inspired by his autistic son, Mikey, has authored several children’s books, and even a crime novella.

“We grew up in a town where everybody knew everybody. Back in the day, when you cut school, you had to make sure you didn’t see your neighbor, who would immediately tell your parents,” Grottano said.

Pontieri agreed. “Rockaway was the best kept secret. However, now with the ferry bringing in thousands from all over, the neighborhood has changed. That said, change could be both good and bad,” he said.

And with “Beyond The Break Podcast,” the downtown boys relive relatable memories.

Pontieri said, “We’re just two guys from Rockaway telling funny and heartfelt stories. Buck and I have a good bond where Buck is the ‘straight guy,’ and I’m the ‘goofball.’”

In their latest show, episode seven, “The Game Ain’t the Same,” they share stories about how neighborhood games and organized sports shaped a generation, and how things have changed over time. From pickup games that lasted until the streetlights came on, to today’s smartphone world, the guys reflect on what made those days special and why, “the game ain’t the same,” anymore.

In the episode, Pontieri commented, “Whether you take your kids to a Little League or football game, imagine today a beer cost $19? And it’s not just the price to watch sports that has gone up, but also for the kids to play.”

As for the name, “Beyond The Break,” the duo shared that it’s not just inspired by Rockaway’s beach lifestyle, but also their desire for the podcast’s audience to expand beyond the community’s five zip codes.

Grottano, who designed the logo, said, “We want our following to be beyond the surf, beyond our town, beyond…

“Even though we’re from a little community, so many people out there can relate to that sense of living in a small town and seeing the generational changes. And of course, being able to poke fun at each other and life in general is key.”

So, whether you’re from Rockaway Beach, NY; Rockaway Beach, Oregon; or even Rockaway, NJ—listeners of Grottano and Pontieri’s “Beyond The Break Podcast,” will be reminded of Jeff Spicoli’s line from the 1980’s cult classic, “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,”— “All I need are some tasty waves, a cool buzz, and I’m fine.”

To tune in to Grottano and Pontieri’s podcast, follow: Beyond The Break Podcast on Spotify or Facebook. For the podcast’s swag bearing the logo: search: “Beyond The Break Podcast,” on bonfire.com. And to send feedback, email: beyondthebreakpodcast@gmail.com