We Never Met: Recent Episodes
We Never Met
A weekly podcast where host, Sam Kirkegaard, chats with an interesting stranger he has never met before. Everyone has a story to tell.
In this episode, Sam meets the talented artist and muralist, Emma Daisy. They chat about being a Korean adoptee, growing up in white suburbs of Milwaukee, identity, home economics, social media culture, working on murals, Banksy, growing up constantly drawing, parents keeping art, higher education, BTS, flip phones, and doing things because you love it.
In this episode, Sam meets founder of The Scatter Joy Project, Zachariah Thompson. They chat about what The Scatter Joy Project is, stigma, mental health, the journey of finding a therapist, his life threatening heart condition, suicidal ideation, having strength in your story, anxiety, shame, and your identity.
In this episode, Sam meets two brilliant artists, Aremy Stewart and Anne Meyer. They chat about their collaborative art work and show in Portland, Aremy’s relationship with abstract art, Anne’s versatility in the art world, how they met, growing up in Minnesota, being “stuck”, motherhood and art, Anne’s deep dives into her artistic work, their relationship now, and growth in artistic work.
In this episode, Sam meets stained glass artist, Madison Olsen. They chat about how she got into stained glass art, studying in the UK, traveling, her artistic style, pen and ink drawing, her mother fostering her creativity, growing up in Utah, whitewater rafting as a kid, viewing an eclipse, her largest stained glass piece, and sociology.
In this episode, Sam meets artist and rug maker Amber Stafford. They chat about where the name Makers of We came from, why she got started making rugs, empowerment through art, her previous job as an interior designer, creative fulfillment, pursuit of purpose, being raised by a single mother, perfectionism, creating a special space, Lisa Frank, and embracing chaos and uncertainty.
In this episode, Sam meets owners of Lion’s Tooth bookstore, Cris Siqueira and Shelly McClone-Carriere. They chat about why they started a bookstore, cybercafes in Brazil, Cris’s dislike of Spiderman, finding what you love to read, Cris’s award-winning documentary about sideshows, translating comic books, Shelly being one of the founders of the Riverwest Co-op, learning from kids, surveillance states, roller derby, Shelly’s trip to Brazil, and the impacts of the pandemic.
In this episode, Sam meets filmmaker, photographer, and content creator, Bennett Young. They chat about his early love of art and drawing, his first camera, being inspired by Nat Geo, his early days of concert photography, why cabin photography is so popular, the story he’s trying to tell with his art, Great Lakes surfing, working with Honda, and places he has traveled that had a profound impact on him.
In this episode, Sam meets owner and COO of Milwaukee Pretzel Company, Matt Wessel. They chat about making the Milwaukee Bucks logo as a pretzel, living in Germany, making Bavarian-style pretzels in Milwaukee, their first German Fest jumping off point, being a musician, his thoughts on starting a business, balancing work and life as business owners, growing the business year over year, the idea of entrepreneurship compared to actually running a business, and the dynamic of Chip and Joanna Gaines.
In this episode, Sam meets plant enthusiast and owner of the amazing plant shop, Planty McPlanterface. They chat about where his iconic plant shop name came from, plant tattoos, plant clubs in California, moving to Portland, being an all in hobbyist, his favorite plant family, starting the business in his yard, his ceramic collection, fake Christmas trees, and whole sale plant shops.
In this episode, Sam meets the Steeplejack Brewing Company team, including Brody Day, co-owner, Anna Buxton, head brewer, and Anne Aviles, lead brewer. They chat about how they all met, finding the best people, women in brewing, why Brody started a brewery, going to university in China, brewers playing instruments, the chair system, personalities of cities, rap battles, time capsules, and the first beer the ever made.
In this episode, Sam meets the owners and farmers at Topaz Farm, Kat Topaz and Jim Abeles. They chat about two hummingbirds landing on Kat’s finger, why they moved to Portland, working at Willamette Week, starting companies, pivoting careers, the Muhammad Ali app, buying a tugboat, living on Sauvie Island, buying a farm, their amazing corn mazes, and the special moments on the farm.
In this episode, Sam meets artist, science writer, and cartoonist, JoAnna Wendel. They chat about wanting to be a zoo painter, evolution, creating science cartoons, writing for NASA, her abstract artwork, art smiling at you, revolutionary artists, color coming first, drawing accurately for science comics, constantly learning, slow slip earthquakes, and bird facts.
In this episode, Sam meets Tomas and April Sluiter, owners of Culmination Brewing. They chat about Tomas’s start in home brewing, the first beer he ever made, their beer being popular in Japan, working as a brewery consultant, his style as a brewer, Cold IPA, people investing in their brewery, pivoting during the pandemic, and his favorite collaboration beer with a Japanese brewery.
In this episode, Sam meets Brooke Anderson, sewer, maker, and creator of amazing quilt jackets. They chat about her dog, making quilt jackets, sustainability, selling knitted hats to classmates, parents dealing with mental health, quilt pants, her company Thunderpants, buying local, the economy, and marine biology.
In this episode, Sam meets the owner of Cafe Zamora, Hector Mejia Zamora. They chat about growing up in Guatemala, working on his father’s coffee farm, growing his banana business from $50 to $15,000 in sales each month, moving to America, the phrase that made him want to start a business, putting people first, his father going to school with no shoes, getting rid of the middleman, what fair trade actually means, the gap between wealthy coffee farmers and small coffee farmers, and implementing educational programs in his village in Guatemala.
In this episode, Sam meets director, filmmaker, photographer, and entrepreneur, Stephen Spurlock. They chat about moving around the country, his childhood thoughts of Wisconsin, building with Lego, shooting his first video at 16, his passion for music, learning the guitar, how he got into visual effects, working on The Avengers film, 27 hour shifts, camping, traveling changing his life perspective, his love of bikes, and starting his own business.
In this episode, Sam meets the amazing artist and muralist, Travis Fields, also known as Campo Graphic. They chat about where the name Campo Graphic came from, growing up in Ohio, artist residence vegetable farms, getting into graffiti, the history of graffiti, finding your style, his parents reaction to his graffiti, the transition away from graffiti to murals, graffiti rules, his Robin Williams mural story, painting Amanda Gorman on a building, and doodle grids.
In this episode, Sam meets the talented and award-winning singer-songwriter, Joshua Burnside. They chat about growing up in Northern Ireland, his eclectic musical sound, recording an album in Columbia, wrong weather forecasts, his song ‘Whiskey, Whiskey’, writing random thoughts into your phone, fear of death, writing music, technophobia, the pandemic's effect on live music, creating music with his brother, and playing pub gigs.
In this episode, Sam meets Rob Brennan, owner of Supermoon Beer Company. They chat about the start of the brewery, brewing beer with wild yeast, his inspiration from Belgian breweries, beer having a sense of place, his first beer memory, jam bands, working at Penrose Brewing Company, not having to be Michael Jordan to be happy, working with Third Space Brewery, great local produce in Wisconsin, where the name Supermoon comes from, and the fascinating science behind pellicles.
In this episode Sam meets artist, illustrator, and graphic designer, Melissa Lee Johnson. They chat about moving to Arizona, drawing people accurately, art camp, how collaging inspired her work, being a serious teenager, illustrating books, winning a Communication Arts Award, interior design, her rescue chihuahuas Bambi and Sparkle, and being the Sauce Boss on Instagram.
In this episode, Sam meets FL Morris, the owner and farmer at Grassroots Farm and the founder and president of South Central Hemp Cooperative. They chat about the history of her farm, building sustainable food communities, CSAs, being a first generation farmer, managing livestock, going to art school, once being a vegan, growing hemp, cooperative principles, Community Kitchen Cooperative, Wisconsin being a leader in fiber hemp production in the '40s, and the five types of cannabis.
In this episode, Sam meets Olympic speed skating silver medalist, Brian Hansen. They chat about wild ice skating, playing hockey before learning to speed skate, skating alongside future Olympians at the age of 10, qualifying for three Olympics, skating in front of 10,000 people in Norway, Dutch speed skating fans, clap skates, mass start racing, winning a silver medal at the Olympics, his most memorable race, and being ranked as one of the best speed skaters of all time.
In this episode, Sam meets pizza genius and owner of Jerry’s Pizza, Jerry Benedetto. They chat about starting his pizza business out of his apartment, making Chicago tavern-style pizza, being a Chicago native, the history of tavern-style pizza, quarantine, going to 20 pizzerias in 5 days, community, the artistic side of food, different styles of pizza, the Portland Pizza Collective, and his favorite large-scale pizza chain.
In this episode, Sam meets artist, Jack Kent. They chat about his comic Sketchy People, why he gravitated toward drawing comics, Buff Muffin, biking on the St. Johns Bridge, the process of journaling, drawing with pen and paper, mentoring students in illustration, growing up on the Oregon coast, traveling to all 50 states, Gulls, partnering with Meals on Wheels, and becoming a better listener.
In this episode Sam meets metalsmith, jewelry maker, and entrepreneur, Halie Conyers. They chat about her artistic family, metal smithing, her grandmother’s abstract paintings, the renaissance in Detroit, the first ring she ever made, chainmail shoulder pads, the story behind the jewelry, connecting with people, magnifying glasses, lab made diamonds, and flash-points.
In this episode, Sam meets the brewmaster and co-owner of Breakside Brewery, Ben Edmunds. They chat about having lawyers as parents, the emergence of brewpubs, home brewing, teaching high school in Colorado, the beer scene in Colorado, how the beer landscape has changed, mastering different styles, Sam's favorite beer 'What Rough Beast', New England IPAs, the history of Breakside Brewery, Portland’s early beer scene, and winning awards.
In this episode, Sam meets artist and graphic designer, Zac Jacobson. They chat about moving into his wife’s grandparents house, drawing the famous ’90s S, his dad the carpenter, a recruiter that changed his life, architecture, teaching at MIAD, skateboarding artists, finding his style, getting a motorcycle, becoming a father, and his favorite moment in his career.
In this episode, Sam meets artist, designer, and former professional baseball player, Jordan Guth. They chat about growing up playing sports, his experience playing professional baseball and collegiate hockey, drawing on an iPad at jury duty, the importance of mental health, skateboarding with friends, breakdancing in high school, the development of ‘be you.’, what he loves about art, personal mantras, anxiety, painting murals, and drawing for his wife.
In this episode, Sam meets the artist, Silke Noel. They chat about her stained glass work, how stained glass is created, pet portraits, cutting glass, 3D modeling artwork, studying mechanical engineering, Jeff Goldblum, watching The Simpsons, traditional tattoos, painting on glass, and seeing the progress in her art.
In this episode, Sam meets Pete Cooney, founder of Pete’s Pops. They chat about selling popsicles in the winter, starting the business, working in accounting and finance, his passion for food, eating double breakfast, Cheez-it popsicles, navigating COVID-19, food science, selling popsicles at Eaux Claires, winning REV-UP MKE, opening Pete’s Pop Shed in Bay View, and his favorite part about owning a business.
In this episode, Sam meets Maggie Murphy and Sissy Butner, the owners of Clover, a Milwaukee-based plant shop. They chat about Sissy moving to Milwaukee from Kansas City, massive snowstorms, how they met, selling plants on Instagram, why they love plants, educating the public, having two brain aneurysms, pricey plants, Lake Michigan, and parenting a plant.
In this episode, Sam meets the owner of The Toffee Club and Away Days Brewing Co, Pete Hoppins. They chat about growing up in Liverpool, his early love of football, supporting Everton, going a to traditional English boys school, designing football kits at Nike, streetwear, opening an English pub in Portland, pub culture, toffee, Tim Howard visiting the pub, and starting a brewery.
In this episode, Sam meets the CEO and co-founder of Working Draft Beer Company, Ryan Browne. They chat about his father’s home brewing, making beer for university faculty in Alabama, growing up in Colorado, the national growth of craft brewing, starting a brewery in Madison, the community around beer, touring craft breweries, first dates, the beers that are hardest to make, and art.
In this episode, Sam meets the co-owner of the screen printing and embroidery business, Indelible Ink, Phoebe Valenti. They chat about moving from New York to Portland, starting the screen printing and embroidery business, the vibe of New York City, traffic and commuting, going to art school, working as a carpenter, turning points in life, having kids, sales, and doing what your passionate about.
In this episode, Sam meets artist, illustrator, designer, and author, Jason Heglund. They chat about writing and illustrating children’s books, his back-and-forth pursuit of drawing, architecture, his enjoyment in drawing monsters, creating his own business, drawing with his kids, creating characters from food photos, Fred the Ghost, developing his art brand, and unicorns.
In this episode, Sam meets musician, singer-songwriter, and artist, Taylor Kopp. They chat about being a jazz studies major in college, his past bands, songwriting in a remote cabin, turning points in life, his connection with nature, growing up and living in Oregon, balancing music and family, touring, music as therapy, grief, and listening to full albums.
In this episode, Sam meets artist and painter, Katie Martin. They chat about moving all over the country, surfing, being inspired by nature to paint, marine biology, her daily life as an artist, where her style comes from, perfectionism, living in Vermont, selling her work, why she creates with acrylic and canvas, and the learning business side of art.
In this episode, Sam meets Nat West, owner, and founder of Reverend Nat’s Hard Cider. They chat about Nat’s past career in IT, starting cider making from a surplus of apples, having the largest cider library in Portland, his experimental ciders, starting a business out of his garage, lifting a house and building a basement, accepting challenges, hosting open potlucks, the cider that put him on the map, selling his cider in Japan, and being an ordained minister.
In this episode, Sam meets analog collagist, Laura Weiler. They chat about how she got into collaging, the collage community, beginners gap, anxiety, her background in photography and film, abstract art, imposter syndrome, secretly collaging, vulnerability, collage pieces that turned a corner for her, her love of finding source material, and creating seamless work.
In this episode, Sam meets the Vice President of Water Stewardship at The Water Council and the Director of Alliance for Water Stewardship in North America, Matt Howard. They chat about water sustainability, the history of water technology and science in Milwaukee, Lake Michigan water folklore, his prior work at the US Department of Commerce, The Water Council, working as the Sustainability Director for the City of Milwaukee, being a member of the 2028 Olympic Organizing Committee, systems thinking, and winning federal awards.
In this episode, Sam meets Courtney Lesnik, the founder and owner of the vegan pop-tart company, Toast’d. They chat about vegan pop-tarts, the science of baking, her massive growth, creativity, culinary artists, experimenting with weird flavors, fitness, moving around the world, living in a city vs. vacationing, eating pop-tarts as a kid, and added sugar.
In this episode, Sam meets illustrator, artist, entrepreneur, and graphic designer, Kristen Best. They chat about being a graphic designer before an illustrator, technology, studying linguistics, her love of music, archeology, teaching yourself how to draw, illustration style, meaningful commissions, northern California, and starting a family creative agency.
In this episode, Sam meets entrepreneur, chef, yogi, photographer, and ceramicist, Karen Pride. They chat about growing up in the Midwest, working in the culinary industry, owning three restaurants in Portland, Eastern philosophies, juggling four businesses at once, yoga, burning out, veganism, pursuing your own path, ceramics, and more/less lists.
In this episode, Sam meets artist and illustrator Lauren Marvell. They chat about her fascination with blank things, finding your passions, art school, playing the bassoon, her unique style, creating patterns, past jobs, Washington Park, and designing for Hacienda Beer Company.
In this episode, Sam meets the founders and owners of Tactile Craftworks, Anna Warren and Sarah Heck. They chat about creating leather goods, working in a prop shop, the history of objects, using lasers on leather, traveling, maps of cities, friendship bracelet businesses, improving at your craft, donating to the national parks, and bees.
In this episode, Sam meets the founder of Great Northern Distilling, Brian Cummins. They chat about central Wisconsin, growing up in Ohio, chemical engineering, the paper industry, starting a distillery, creating the recipes for craft spirits, sourcing local ingredients, the origins of gin, brandy drinking in Wisconsin, old fashioned theories, and prohibition laws.
In this episode, Sam meets the owner and founder of Grasshopper Goods and professor at National Louis University, Karen Tardrew. They chat about how Grasshopper Goods started, being a professor, her life-changing trip to the Caribbean, refurbishing a pizza truck, being the first mobile boutique in Wisconsin, curating items for the truck, connecting with people, working through adversity, cancer, and opening up a brick and mortar shop.
In this episode, Sam meets morning show host at 99.1 The Mix, Tony “Radar” Hess. They chat about how he got into radio, Tony Super Radio, working mornings at FM106.1, talking with a smile, being local, transitioning morning shows, building relationships, meeting Willie Nelson, social media, and the future of radio.
In this episode, Sam meets the founder of Roar Philanthropy, Lauren Nelson. They chat about the Make-A-Wish Foundation, being a survivor of childhood cancer, volunteering, creating Roar Philanthropy, kidneys, healthcare, not drinking alcohol, survivor’s guilt, the future of Roar, and high school volunteerism.
In this episode, Sam meets the founders of Allie Boy’s Bagelry & Luncheonette, Staci Lopez and Ben Nerenhausen. They chat about what brought them to Milwaukee, going to culinary school in California, working at a Michelin 3-star restaurant, being married and business partners, creating a positive kitchen environment, burn out, why they got into the culinary field, and the pandemic.
In this episode Sam meets designer and owner of Midwest Native, Patrick McConaughey. They chat about being from and living in West Virginia, designing his first brands, Midwest Native, middle school, Native American culture, his personal style, being self taught, goals, creating everything from start to finish, making pocketless shorts and being a dad.
In this episode Sam meets the amazing artist known as dwellephant. They chat about where the name dwellephant came from, going to art school, finding his unique style, drawing on coffee cups and produce, redefining success, why he loves creating posters, moving to Milwaukee, happiness, burn out, creating comics from memories, and people getting tattoos of his artwork.
In this episode Sam meets Kate Kelly a singer-songwriter, musician and artist from Nashville, Tennessee. They chat about being from Mobile, getting her first guitar, writing emotional music, music teachers, mental health, persistence with your passion, self worth, pandemics, learning new skills, canceling a tour and recording new music.
In this episode Sam meets the founder of Plain Spoke Cocktail Company and co-founder of Young Blood Beer Company, Tom Dufek. They chat about creating canned cocktails, the pillars of the brand, traveling around the world making cocktails, having a law degree, starting a brewery, family home brewing, cocktail beer, where the name Plain Spoke came from, the challenge of the packaging industry and getting into Pick ’N Save.
In this episode Sam meets the talented artist, illustrator, graphic designer, and hand letterer, Charity Ekpo. They chat about what inspired her to first start drawing, art classes, early childhood artwork, her mom creating cakes, siblings, expressing herself through art, developing a style, balancing work and passions, the bus art project and diversity.
In this episode Sam meets the head coach of Bradley University Men’s Basketball, Brian Wardle. They chat about playing collegiately at Marquette University, building championship basketball programs, getting coached by Tom Crean, consistency in coaching, the importance of trust, coaching at UW-Green Bay, vulnerability, international recruiting, getting automatic bids to March Madness, why he loves coaching and competitive spirit.
In this episode Sam meets the founder and editor-in-chief of HerStry, Julia Nusbaum. They chat about why she started HerStry, empowering women through storytelling, growing up on a farm, being dyslexic, the lack of women in historical literature, motherhood, Me Too and creative writing with women who survived trafficking, prostitution and addiction.
In this episode Sam meets Phil Sklar, co-founder and CEO of the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum. They chat about how Phil got into collecting bobbleheads, the history of bobbleheads, working with charities, having over 11,000 unique bobbleheads, starting the museum, creating a Dr. Fauci bobblehead, Flo from Progressive, corporate finance, and 7 foot bobbleheads.
In this episode Sam meets Arts @ Large Founder and CEO, Teri Sullivan. They chat about Arts @ Large impact on arts education in schools, moving to Milwaukee from LaCrosse, helping artists with business, working with Milwaukee Public Schools, learning from her entrepreneurial father, using creativity to reinvent yourself, working with her son and helping immigrant and refugee students.
In this episode Sam meets the incredibly talent singer, musician, songwriter, artist, illustrator and writer, Nick Shoulders. They chat about growing up and living in Arkansas, the shortcomings of traveling, throwing your back out, whistling and yodeling, the recent wave of new fans and listeners, New Orleans, gratitude, the history of country music and illustrating all his album covers.
In this episode Sam meets talented photographer Andrew Feller. They chat about how Andrew is handling the pandemic as a photographer, his Curbside Portrait series, rescue dogs, nurse appreciation, silver linings, why he became a photographer, Black Lives Matter, mental health and being the most okayest bass player.
In this episode Sam meets musician, producer, mastering engineer and owner of Mystery Room Mastering, Justin Perkins. They chat about how he got started mastering audio, what mastering audio entails, working quickly, being a voting member of The Recording Academy, teaching audio classes, INXS, starting his own business and Amazing Larry.
In this episode Sam meets musician, artist, and all-around creative, Amelinda Burich. They chat about growing up in Racine, the metal music scene, shows at the YMCA, working at Radio Milwaukee, touring Japan, writing bass lines, mid-90s Norwegian Black Metal and band interviews.
In this episode Sam meets Daniela Varela, owner of Ruby’s Bagels. They chat about her first pop-up, tasting bagels in Cleveland, growing up in Walker’s Point, her custom bagel recipe, her mom’s cooking influence, waking up at 4am and Thanksgiving turkey.
In this episode Sam meets singer-songwriter Ryan Burns. They chat about drinking tea, his songwriting process, Distant Brothers, writing an EP about pieces of art, singing Disney songs in the car, being a physics major in college and youth ministry.
In this episode Sam meets Charlie Davis and Katie Morgan, founders and owners of Right Bee Cider. They chat about Charlie’s brewing background, being the first cider house in Chicago since Prohibition, entrepreneurial spirit, the gift of cider, commitment, classical piano and working with the band Wilco.
In this episode Sam meets Steve Slagg, singer, songwriter and member of the band Mooner. They chat about why he got into music, piano lessons, writing music, his music alias, growing up in a faith-based community, social anxiety, coming out and his newest album Strange Flesh.
In this episode Sam meets Meghan Langmyer, photographer and founder of the Instagram account MilwaukeePhoto. They chat about why she moved to Milwaukee, growing her Instagram account, Bloody Marys, spoon rings, the Milwaukee beer scene, and living all over the Midwest.
In this episode Sam meets Sean Lehner, frontman and founder of the band Fuzzysurf. They chat about his music history, finding band members through Craigslist, puppetry, surf pop, Glare, music theory and performing at a high school dance.
In this episode, Sam meets artist, painter and muralist, Liz Flores. They chat about painting murals, working a 9 to 5, her TEDx talk, pursuing art full time, her artistic process, buying six-figure fruit, and abstract art.
In this episode Sam meets musicians, artists, singers and bandmates in Paper Holland, Andy Kosanke and Joe Tomcheck. They chat about how the band formed, skateboarding, Tragic Hero, writing music, burning out, Milwaukee, video games, their first album and collect calling.
In this episode Sam meets John Huber and Zack Whittington, bandmates in the bluegrass band, The Wandering Boys. They chat about why they started playing bluegrass music, harmonies, moving to Chicago, disingenuous music, virtual reality music videos and performing at condo openings.
In this episode Sam meets Oliver Hunt, chef and owner of the food truck Hidden Kitchen MKE. They chat about how the food truck got started, culinary school in Stockholm, the orchestra of a kitchen, moving to Milwaukee, his background in the culinary industry, and working in a remote town in Scotland.
In this episode Sam meets Jessi Woska, chainstitcher and artist. They chat about what chainstitching is, how she got into chainstitching, working in fashion, quitting your job, cats, Damn Fine Coffee, Kansas City and Post Malone’s custom clothes.
In this episode Sam meets Jacob Bresette, owner of Lake Effect Surf Shop. They chat about surfing the Great Lakes, how Jacob got into surfing, his journey in entrepreneurship, Wiloha clothing, counter culture, northern Wisconsin, first skateboards and going pro in action sports.
In this episode Sam meets Dan Weiss, musical artist and owner of Dollop Coffee Company. They chat about how he got started in music, confidence, the parallels between music and coffee, the start of Dollop Coffee Company, growing his business and his new music.
In this episode Sam meets Laura Yepez, owner of the Wicker Park Inn. They chat about owning a bakery, how she got into owning businesses, adapting to changes, bed and breakfasts, expanding the Wicker Park Inn and AirBnB.
In this episode Sam meets Shirley Kienitz, owner of the shop Wolfbait & B-Girls and the clothing brand Bruiser. They chat about how she started her business, designing clothes from a young age, small businesses, going to fashion school on accident, backpacking through Europe, collaborating rather than competing, and taking risks.
In this episode Sam meets Andres Crovetti, multi-instrumentalist, artist, and producer. They chat about playing drums from a young age, borrowing a saxophone for 10 years, subbing in for bands, figuring out what you like, expectations, his solo music, and the role of ego in life.
In this episode Sam meets Carisa Marconet, founder of the Front Porch Concerts. They chat about how she came up with the idea for concerts on front porches, living in California, PorchFest, the college search, and the aspect of community.
In this episode Sam meets Elizabeth Solheim, personal chef and winner of Cutthroat Kitchen on The Food Network. They chat about how going to Italy made her want to become a chef, her beginnings in the culinary industry, winning Cutthroat Kitchen on the Food Network, traveling in France, learning stick shift, being a personal chef and her company smorgasbord.
In this episode Sam meets Rebecca George, owner and founder of Volumes Bookcafe. They chat about her bookstore, Wicker Park in 2003, remodeling, teaching in Chicago, her favorite bookstores and her new store on Michigan Avenue.
In this episode Sam meets Billy Walsh, the musician and singer behind Wilem "Hurricane" Simmons, the improv performer for The MoonSharks and the artist known as Goob. They chat about Sofar Sounds Chicago, his improv group “The MoonSharks”, competitive theater, improvising songs, forensics at Illinois State, performing Dashboard Confessional in high school and a Chicago cowboy doing karaoke.
In this episode Sam meets artist, muralist and designer, Sam Kirk. They chat about how she started as an artist, murals in Chicago, creating art for WorldPride in Times Square, working in advertising, developing her style, living in New York City, culture and teaching kids art.
In this episode Sam meets Katie, Andi and Kevin, known as the band The Long Lost. They chat about meeting in high school, their early music history, performing Lady Gaga for a talent show, Sam meeting their moms, the songwriting process, cowgirl disco and projecting your voice.
In this episode Sam meets Trevor Rose-Hamblin, co-owner and head brewer at Old Irving Brewing Company. They chat about being from Michigan, going to culinary school, working with Homaro Cantu, making edible menus, brewing beer in Scotland and opening Old Irving Brewing Company.
In this episode Sam meets artist, illustrator, designer and muralist, David Zimmerman. They chat about his giant 'Fear the Deer' mural, his beginnings as an artist, artistic style, where his moniker Bigshot Robot came from, live painting, overthinking, inspiration and finding a balance in life.
In this episode Sam meets McKenzie Hanson, commercial photographer, stop motion animator, director and filmmaker. They chat about wedding photography, growing up in Minnesota, why she became a photographer, selling sewing machines, having a child, constant comparison and feelings.
In this episode Sam meets John Gurda, Milwaukee historian and writer. They chat about how John accidentally became a historian, growing up in the Milwaukee area, his book ‘Making of Milwaukee’ that was adapted into an Emmy Award winning television show, historical imagination, and socialism.
In this episode Sam meets Allen Halas, founder of Breaking and Entering. They chat about the history of Breaking and Entering, hip hop in Milwaukee, finding new music, making beats, the music blog bubble, being on student radio and their event Big Beat MKE.
In this episode Sam meets Jen O'Hara, owner of Dogs of MKE. They chat about how her Instagram account got started, learning photography, being inspired by Humans of New York, the challenges of taking pictures of dogs, being a fitness instructor and runner's knee.
In this episode Sam meets Jake Schinker, co-owner and Chief Creative Officer at Eagle Park Brewing Company. They chat about how Eagle Park got started, home brewing beer, being the 2nd best new brewery in the nation, the reception of the brewery, craft beer in Louisiana, growing up in New Berlin and their Google spreadsheet of beer ideas.
In this episode Sam meets Steph Davies, owner of the art and goods store, The Waxwing and the clothing and lifestyle brand, MilwaukeeHome. They chat about the origins of her shop The Waxwing, touring with her husband, having weird jobs, craft camp, jewelry making, Midwestern sentiment, her evolving shop esthetic and taking over MilwaukeeHome.
In this episode Sam meets Brian Anderson, national sportscaster and television play-by-play announcer for the Milwaukee Brewers. They chat about the hardest stadiums to call a game at, why baseball is so great, Brian's brother playing in the MLB, Brene Brown, how he got started in broadcasting, relationships, being supportive and learning from Gregg Popovich.
In this episode Sam meets Katy McHugh, owner of Sip & Purr Cat Cafe. They chat about what a cat cafe is, the story behind Milwaukee’s first and only cat cafe, her background as a flight attendant, a cat who came back from getting hit by a car, rescuing animals from Egypt and Qatar and adopting out 300 cats.
In this episode Sam meets Meghan Stark, content creator, photographer, designer and owner of Great Lake Supply Co. They chat about her passion for motorcycles, creating content, how she grew her social media following, being a young female motorcyclist, realizing you can’t please everyone, negative comments and her brand Great Lake Supply Co.
In this episode Sam meets Whitney Anderson, the talented graphic designer, illustrator and artist. They chat about how she got started in illustration and design, her parent’s pumpkin farm, learning outside of college, developing her artistic style, freelance graphic design, work life balance, hand lettering, and sunset-parrot-turtleshell.
In this episode Sam meets Jon Elliott, photographer, videographer, aerial drone specialist and owner of MKE Drones. They chat about how Jon got into aerial photography and video, weird drone laws, shooting for the BBC, being a classically trained trumpet player, seagulls and new aviation technology.
In this episode Sam meets Tyler Maas, co-founder of Milwaukee Record. They chat about how Tyler got started writing, social anxiety, working for the AV Club, starting Milwaukee Record, writing a novel, going shot for shot with chefs and making a Milwaukee Record beer.
In this episode Sam meets artist, producer and rapper, Shle Berry. They chat about writing poetry, her coming out experience, a Wizard of Oz inspired rap group, her love of 50 Cent, how Drake changed her life, authenticity, getting better not bitter and her new EP Tampons.
In this episode Sam meets Eric Didier, co-founder of Urban Misfit Ventures, photographer and filmmaker. They chat about how he started his business, LinkedIn content creation, streaming on Twitch, his father getting cancer, his fiancee in Canada, going to school for graphic design and film, and negative internet comments.
In this episode Sam meets Amanda Huff, singer, artist, musician, songwriter and composer. They talk about composing film scores, her time on American Idol, how she found her voice, social anxiety, studying art at MIAD, winning three awards at the Radio Milwaukee Music Awards, her album Gravetalking and overalls.
In this episode Sam meets Geoff Hoen, owner of Beard MKE. They chat about where the idea for his shop catering directly towards men came from, the book about ranch dressing in his store, managing The Waxwing, his inspiring parents, confronting uncertainty in business, the resurgence of North Avenue and communication degrees.
In this episode Sam meets Mikey Kay, founder and owner of Man Meat BBQ and co-owner and pit master at Fire & Smoke BBQ. They chat about how Mikey got into barbecuing at age 12, why people started barbecuing, touring with bands, going to cosmetology school, his podcast and website Man Meat BBQ, barbecuing in other countries, cooking by feel, grades of beef, teaching cooking classes and creating barbecue ice cream.
In this episode Sam meets sculptor, artist and writer, Siara Berry. They chat about what inspires her art, the background and thought behind some of her more recent works, mental health, welcome mats, blackout poetry, selling things at the end of the driveway, moving around the same city and her largest work of art.
In this episode Sam meets Melanie Manuel, owner and chef at Celesta restaurant. They chat about her travels around the world as a kid, starting a vegan restaurant, teaching English in China and Germany, her parent’s influence on her thoughts on food, beekeeping, selling out of food in an hour at her first pop-up, and Sam eating blood pudding.
In this episode Sam meets Kent Knapp, owner and blacksmith at Milwaukee Blacksmith. They chat about Kent’s early days in blacksmithing, starting the School of Iron, their show on the History channel, playing blues music, living in New Orleans, the history of blacksmithing in Milwaukee, running a family business, and making a 16-foot-tall beer tapper.
In this episode Sam meets Kyle Vetter, owner and brewmaster at 1840 Brewing Company. They chat about Kyle’s experience in Colorado and working at Aspen Brewing, how he started brewing beer, working in real estate, 1840’s barrel-aged beer, selling out of a beer in 2 and a half hours, experimenting with new hops and ingredients, helping create an incubator program called Barley to Barrel, his thoughts and mindset on starting a business, and making a beer that tastes like lemon meringue pie.
In this episode Sam meets Alex Mariani, who is known by many in the music world as DelMar The Poet. They chat about his journey in personal training, playing sports in college, how he started in music, winning an award at the Radio Milwaukee Awards, becoming sober, his album Rafters, his first live show, and the challenges he faced growing up.
In this episode Sam meets Sam and Gabe, foodies and creators of the popular Instagram accounts Food Plus Drink Milwaukee, Food Plus Drink Cincy and Food Plus Drink Travels. They chat about living in the Philippines and Hong Kong, Gabe’s career as a doctor, how and why they started their Instagram account, their favorite spots in Milwaukee, playing music together, how they met, Walk the Moon, and oyster eating competitions.
In this episode Sam records the podcast live from Re:Craft and Relic in Franklin, Wisconsin. He talks to Jamie Bradford who is a woodworker, furniture maker and DIYer. They chat about how she got started woodworking, creating a 23 foot long table, completely renovating a house in Sheboygan, creating a 12 and a half foot charcuterie board that travels the United States, children’s art and her family history of home builders and woodworkers.
In this episode Sam meets Samer Ghani, photographer extraordinaire. They talk about how he got started in photography, his career in music, the challenges of shooting live shows, their cameras getting kicked out of the Backroom at Colectivo, his love of Japanese culture, his philosophy on life, mental health, thoughts on social media and the VHSmyworld Instagram account.
In this episode Sam meets Rachel Hawken, owner of Drift, a New Zealand inspired mobile cafe in Milwaukee. They chat about Rachel living in New Zealand for 6 years, why she came back to Milwaukee, where the idea for a mobile café came from, building her company and Drift's unique trailer, her companies incredible growth, her fondest memories at Drift and the event re:Craft and Relic in Franklin.
In this episode Sam meets Eric Dolister, a filmmaker, photographer and musician. They chat about how Eric's mother got him into video, the first wedding he filmed, creating vlogs on Instagram, the first video they ever created, PewDiePie vs. T-Series, and a priest forgetting to have the bride read her vows.
In this episode Sam meets Ethan Keister, a graphic designer, illustrator and art director. They chat about why Ethan started drawing, growing up in upstate New York, the importance of traveling, being born in Vietnam, his method and thought behind illustrations, his company Odyssey Journals and his creation 'Wendell The Wooly Bear'.
In this episode Sam meets Allison and Craig, owners and founders of Hatched, a pie bakery in Milwaukee. They chat about how Hatched started, why they make pies, their amazing organic growth, baking for 72 hours straight, traveling in a van together, and their upcoming takeover at Pilcrow Coffee for Pi Day.
In this episode Sam meets singer-songwriter Zach Pietrini. They chat about Zach's early songwriting, doing music while supporting a family, how he challenges himself, mental illness, our identity as creators, his new album 'Denver Sessions' and his upcoming tour.
In this episode Sam meets Ian Bennett, professional soccer player for the Milwaukee Wave and entrepreneur. They chat about Ian growing up in Canada, playing soccer with asthma, his life as a professional athlete, playing soccer internationally for Canada, and his entrepreneurial ventures.
In this episode Sam meets William and Kevin Bush, the brother musician and artist duo that make up the band Immortal Girlfriend. They chat about their musical history, what inspires them to create, making music in Milwaukee, creative blocks, playing Summerfest and their turning point as Immortal Girlfriend.
In this episode Sam meets Anna Bisch, creator of The Makeshift Local. They chat about the how and why she started 'The Makeshift Local', internet culture, feminism and growing up with five siblings.
In this episode Sam meets Oliver Clark, a photographer and entrepreneur. They talk about why Oliver started taking pictures, his documentation of the segregation and poverty in St. Louis, working with homeless youth, his new photography business, and mental health.
In this episode Sam meets Libby Olbrantz, founder of the Bus Art Project. They chat about how and why she started the project, traveling abroad, how Milwaukee has changed, her passions in life, and trying to meet Britney Spears in London.
In this episode Sam meets Nate Vomhof, a pharmacist and photographer. They chat about what it's like to be a pharmacist, how and why he started taking photos, his favorite photographs and where he draws inspiration from, and his thoughts on the Milwaukee Bucks.
In this episode Sam meets Josh Arter, a GameBoy photographer and music producer. They chat about how and why he started taking photos with a GameBoy camera, his music production skills, and his thoughts on biking, photography, and music.
In this episode Sam meets Barb Stutz, a psychotherapist and owner of the clothing line MissMashedUp. They chat about how and why she started a clothing line, what it's like to be a psychotherapist, and her thoughts on social media, therapy, and mental health.