The Team
As we so often say on the shows, one of the things that Don and Alexis enjoy most about the podcasts is that we have met a "community" of folks who share a similar passion for history in our listeners and along the way some of those good people have become part of the "team" that makes the shows happen. Meet them below.
Don Shelly
Don is a native of Houston, Texas, and holds a degree in Political Science from the University of Houston with over 30 years of experience in the consultative design and sale of business solutions, including technology and professional support.
A lifelong interest in history and an affinity for the medium of podcasting led to the creation of A Fork In Time. It is also an opportunity to share the experience with his only daughter, Alexis, who co-founded the podcast.
Don is an avid sports fan (particularly baseball) and is a lay teacher for adults in his local church, which feeds his interest in Bible study and Christian apologetics.
Alexis Rawley
Alexis is a native Houstonian and graduate of Houston Baptist University with a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. At present, she is employed as a public relations and marketing professional for a Houston educational non-profit organization.
She has an avid interest in history, particularly that of Great Britain and is a self-proclaimed "Britophile".
Chris Coppola
Chris is originally from Concord, North Carolina. He is a graduate of American University with degrees in International Relations and Economics. For the past 13 years, Chris has worked on a hazardous materials training program. There, he develops databases, helps prepare training materials, and writes grants.
Chris has had a lifelong love of history. In elementary school, he would play football with a friend in the neighborhood, then go borrow history textbooks from his father. He also asked for the History Channel for his birthday in elementary school- back when they actually showed history…
His interest in history lead him to find A Fork in Time through a search of podcasts. Since finding the podcast, Chris sent in a suggested topic, and was invited to guest host on the show. After guest hosting several other episodes, he was invited on in November 2020 as a regular contributor.
Chris currently lives in scenic Wheaton, Maryland- Home of the longest escalator in the Western Hemisphere!
Dylan Holzemer
Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Dylan is a real estate attorney who assists with delinquent tax foreclosures in his hometown. While in college working towards his B.A. in History he worked as a tour guide, showing visitors the various musical heritage sites across Memphis.
His passion for history emerged at an early age, as the son of two teachers. His father would tell him stories of his conversations with Civil War historian Shelby Foote when the author would sit in Overton Park on breaks from writing his famous literary trilogy The Civil War: A Narrative. When not dirt-lawyering by day, Dylan enjoys playing music with his father in their band The Memphis Snake Doctors and cheering on the Memphis Grizzlies
Eric Bond
Eric is a proud son of California, who has lived the majority of his life in Phoenix, Arizona. It is said he still resides in Phoenix to this day, though as any Arizonan will attest, there is really only Phoenix to live in.
Aside from his day job at the Stitch Fix warehouse, Eric has been working as an actor within the valley since he was fourteen. From audio books to screen to stage, Eric is game for everything. He recently made his debut as a playwright this last year with “The Present Tense” at Starlight Community Theatre. Needless to say, it was about time travel and astronauts. Eric has had a passionate love of history since he was a kid reading ahead in his history textbook. instead of paying attention in class. He is thrilled to be contributing to A Fork in Time, which combines his love of imagination and history.
Eric Rush
Eric grew up in Topeka, Kansas, and currently lives in Kansas City, Missouri
He graduated from the University of Kansas in 2001 with degrees in Genetics and Biochemistry and from the University of Kansas School of Medicine in 2005. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Clinical Genetics and works as a Clinical Geneticist. He is a Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Missouri--Kansas City. He maintains an active medical practice, specializing in the diagnosis and management of patients with rare skeletal and connective tissue disorders. His research focuses on best practices in the treatment of brittle bone disorders.
When he is not working, he enjoys time with family and tries to get outdoors as much as possible.
After many guest appearances on A Fork In Time and part of the inception of The Room Where It Happened, Eric officially became part of the podcasts' team in December 2021.
Robert Cocheu
Robert was born and raised on the east side of Houston in the community of Galena Park and graduated from the University of Houston. He is a professional corporate trainer and leader in the talent development field in the Houston area and holds the Certified Professional of Learning and Performance (CPLP) designation. Robert is a regular on the Man Up Podcast.
Madison (Official Mascot)
Madison (Grace) is the official mascot of A Fork In Time and Alexis' dog.
A sometimes contributor as the background barking that can be heard on some episodes, Madison is a mixed-breed rescue that joined the family on July 4, 2015, and takes her name from American history in the form of homage to First Lady, Dolly Madison.
Her middle name of Grace was chosen simply because all of us need a middle name to be used on us when we get in trouble and in recognization of a connection to her beloved and missed predecessor, Faith.
We are always curious but will never know of the alternative timelines that run through her head. One can only imagine.
