The Baird Necessities: Recent Episodes
The Baird Necessities
oday’s Guest is Katie Forbes, Katie is a professional wrestler who gained fame in so many wrestling brands. She started out in Great Lakes Championship Wrestling and learned a lot about the sport quickly. Her personality, and style separates her from all the Women in the industry. Dubbed the Twerk Queen she has used her curves to gain notice not only in the wrestling world, but on numerous social media sites.
We talk about her becoming a wrestler, how she met RVD, and how she got her Nickname Twerk Queen
More info on Battle In the Creek 3 go to
www.battleinthecreek.com
Today’s guest is Rob Van Dam a Battle Creek Native is best known for his tenures in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA)/Impact Wrestling. Van Dam gained mainstream popularity in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) during the latter half of the 1990s, where he became one of the most famous wrestlers in the industry. During his time in ECW, he was managed by Bill Alfonso and had feuds with Jerry Lynn and Sabu, also forming a tag team with the latter. They would win the ECW World Tag Team Championship twice. On April 4, 1998, Van Dam defeated Bam Bam Bigelow to win the ECW Television Championship, a title he held for 700 days until he vacated the championship due to an injury on March 4, 2000.
When ECW closed in 2001, Van Dam signed a contract with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) and was involved in the Invasion storyline, where several former WCW and ECW wrestlers joined forces against WWF wrestlers. After the Invasion ended, Van Dam wrestled the following years as singles and tag team wrestler, winning the Hardcore, Intercontinental, European, Tag Team and World Tag Team Championships. At WrestleMania 22, Rob Van Dam won the Money in the Bank ladder match. After this victory, he challenged WWE Champion John Cena to a title match at One Night Stand, an ECW-themed PPV. At the event, Van Dam defeated Cena and won his first world championship. Two days later, Paul Heyman awarded Van Dam with the reactivated ECW World Heavyweight Championship making him the only man to hold both titles at the same time. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
We talk about his journey, we talk about his involvement with Battle in the creek 3, he even clears up some rumors for me.
For more info on Battle In the Creek 3 go to www.battleinthecreek.com
Today’s guest is Shawn Hernandez, Shawn is one of many talented Wrestling superstars coming to Kellogg Arena Saturday Sept 30th…Shawn is best known for his time with Impact Wrestling, where he performed under the ring name Hernandez. He is an eight-time tag team champion, having won the Impact World Tag Team Championship five times, the NWA World Tag Team Championship twice and IWA World Tag Team Championship once. He is also the co-promoter of the Houston, Texas-based promotion Latino Wrestling Entertainment (LWE).We talk about his journey, we talk about his involvement with Battle in the creek 3, course his favorite Breakfast cereal!
Today’s Podcast is brought to you by Battle in the creek 3… Team Blue Brands and Pure Pro Wrestling Present Battle in the Creek 3: The Whole DAM Show. This year’s event is headlined by Battle Creek native and WWE Hall of Famer, Rob Van Dam!
Enjoy an action-packed night of pro wrestling featuring stars from WWE, AEW, WCW, ECW, Impact Wrestling, ROH, MLW, NWA, NJPW, Evolve, and Pure Pro Wrestling. Featuring pro wrestling stars Rob Van Dam, Dan Severn, Brian Cage, Alex Hammerstone, and many more!
All admission ticket purchases include access to Fan Fest. It includes meet and greet, photo, and autograph opportunities with pro wrestling stars.
Go to www.battleinthecreek.com for more details...
Today’s guest is Jameson Rodgers, A native of Batesville, Mississippi, Rodgers grew up not only on 90’s country music, but on the work ethic demonstrated during those days by the people who surrounded him and the artist who inspired him – artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Merle Haggard, and Eric Church.
“Sinners Like Me stayed in my truck for probably two straight years,” Rodgers laughs. “I was just getting started in music and just starting to take it seriously. I remember being struck by how his music was speaking to the guys even more than the girls. It just resonated with me.”
In 2010, Rodgers moved to Nashville and started laying the groundwork of his career at a myriad of open mic nights in Music City. Eventually, Rodgers laid down his first month of rent on a tiny apartment he found in the Bellevue neighborhood in Nashville and began to Google open mic nights in an effort to get some much-needed experience under his belt. It was at those open mic nights that he met people like Michael Hardy and Hunter Phelps and Brandon Lay, all who found themselves joining him in the trenches in pursuit of something more than what they had always known.
Soon, Rodgers’ talent as a songwriter began to get noticed, as he co-penned multi-Platinum-selling hits for Florida Georgia Line (Top 10 single “Talk You Out of It”) and Chris Lane (No. 1 standout “I Don’t Know About You”), along with “Camouflage Hat” on Jason Aldean’s most recent album 9 and the title track of Luke Bryan’s latest release Born Here Live Here Die Here.
We talk about his journey, Faster Horses, baseball and of course his favorite Breakfast cereal!
Here is Jameson Rodger's official site:
https://www.jamesonrodgers.com/
Today’s guest is Brenden Monroe, a Michigan native, and lover of America’s favorite pastime, Brenden Monroe is fitting into country music like a well worn baseball glove. Powerful, yet effortless, smooth but full of character, his voice is like the perfect pitch; and one you rarely see coming. With the sparkle and soul of Motown combined with the strength and storytelling of a modern-day troubadour, Brenden Monroe will have you on the edge of your seat and cheering for more. We talk about his journey, Faster Horses, baseball and of course his favorite Breakfast cereal!
Today’s guest is Jacob Morris. He’s an independent artist out of Nashville. Which means he does everything himself. Jacob started chasing his musical dream after graduating high school in 2015. In the beginning, Morris found himself performing In coffee shops, cafe's, and any restaurant that would give him a microphone. Soon enough, he developed quite a name for himself, built a band and began playing his music all across the world, opening for acts such as Parker McCollum, Scotty McCreery, Lee Brice, Kameron Marlowe, Big & Rich, even including recent performances in Turkey and Mexico.
In 2022, Jacob made the decision to relocate to Nashville, Tennessee to expand his story-telling through his vulnerable lyrics & artistic outlook.
Influenced by artists ranging from Zac Brown Band & Eric Church to the Eagles & James Taylor, Jacob would describe his sound as Laurel Canyon country woven together by heartbreak, soul and rock n roll.
We talk about his journey, his amazing wife, baseball and of course his favorite Breakfast cereal!
Today’s guest is Legendary! It’s the one and only Jo Dee Messina. Jo Dee Messina is a trailblazing country music artist, known for her powerful vocals and chart-topping hits. With the breakout song “Heads Carolina, Tails California,” she became a household name and went on to achieve nine No. 1 hits and sixteen Top 40 songs. Jo Dee’s success made her the first female in country music history to celebrate three consecutive multi-week, chart-topping songs. In addition to her studio accomplishments, Jo Dee’s passionate and high-energy performances have captivated audiences across the country. She shares her hit tunes, emotionally-driven songs, and personal testimony, connecting with fans and inspiring them with her authenticity. We talk about the first time we met, her new music, her kids calling her brah and even get talking about her favorite Breakfast cereal!
Today’s guest Corey Kent, we had the opportunity to talk before his sold out show at the Chase In Jackson!
Corey has been poised for a career in music from the beginning. Growing up influenced by various genres and artists, Corey started his journey in music at an early age. Taking the stage at age 11 as the lead singer for a touring Western Swing band, Corey hit early career milestones opening for legendary acts like Roy Clark and The Oak Ridge Boys. A few years later, he would be booking gigs around his hometown of Bixby, OK and by 17 he made his way to Nashville. A road warrior, Corey has been seen out on the road performing over 100 shows a year in 2021 alone. Along with headlining his own shows and playing the top music festivals across the country, Corey has been the supporting act for artists including Parker McCollum, Cody Johnson, Chase Rice, Eli Young, Josh Abbott, Flatland Cavalry, and Kolby Cooper. Corey also has major success writing songs for others including Kolby Cooper, Brandon Jenkins, Clark Green’s #1 hit “Hit You Where It Hurts” and more under his publishing deal with Combustion Music.
We talk about his rise, his new upgrade in touring, and even get talking about his favorite Breakfast cereal!
Today’s guest Corey Kent, we had the opportunity to talk before his sold out show at the Chase In Jackson!
Corey has been poised for a career in music from the beginning. Growing up influenced by various genres and artists, Corey started his journey in music at an early age. Taking the stage at age 11 as the lead singer for a touring Western Swing band, Corey hit early career milestones opening for legendary acts like Roy Clark and The Oak Ridge Boys. A few years later, he would be booking gigs around his hometown of Bixby, OK and by 17 he made his way to Nashville. A road warrior, Corey has been seen out on the road performing over 100 shows a year in 2021 alone. Along with headlining his own shows and playing the top music festivals across the country, Corey has been the supporting act for artists including Parker McCollum, Cody Johnson, Chase Rice, Eli Young, Josh Abbott, Flatland Cavalry, and Kolby Cooper. Corey also has major success writing songs for others including Kolby Cooper, Brandon Jenkins, Clark Green’s #1 hit “Hit You Where It Hurts” and more under his publishing deal with Combustion Music.
We talk about his rise, his new upgrade in touring, and even get talking about his favorite Breakfast cereal!
Today’s guest I’ve followed on Tiktok, saw her at Faster Horses and put her on my bucklist if I was to ever start a Podcast. I am talking about the talented Alexandra Kay!
Growing up about 40 minutes from St. Louis Missouri in Waterloo, Illinois Alexandra began writing songs at the age of 15 as a way to cope with being a teenager, her first loves and finding herself. Alexandra started working in the entertainment business at a young age by booking commercials and voice-over work. While performing in multiple musical theater productions, Alexandra decided to try her luck as a contestant on American Idol in 2011 Alexandra Kay recently joined Tim McGraw, Russell Dickerson, and Brandon Davis on the McGraw Tour 2022 Alexandra also shared the stage with with country greats Tracy Lawrence and Clay Walker in 2022.
She is currently criss crossing the US on her Dive Bar and Dreaming Tour…
We talk about her journey, her touring with Tim McGraw, and even get into her favorite Breakfast cereal!
This episode I sit down with Legendary Professional Wrestler Al Snow. He is best known as a wrestler for Smoky Mountain Wrestling, Extreme Championship Wrestling, and WWF/E. Snow has also held various backstage positions for professional wrestling promotions. Snow worked as a road agent for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA, later Impact Wrestling) from 2010 to 2017 and has owned Ohio Valley Wrestling since 2018 (first as majority owner, and a minority owner since 2021).
We talk about his role in Battle In The Creek 3, his legendary career, and what he is up to now!!
This podcast is brought to you by Battle In The Creek 3, The Whole Dam Show. For tickets and more information head the the link below.
www.battleinthecreek.com/event/
Today episode, I sit down with Jason Cross, a former Michigan Man pursuing his dreams in country music.
Jason is a country rock artist who embodies the perfect blend of edgy style and country swagger. With a haircut that resembles a rockstar and a stage presence to match, Jason has created a distinctive and undeniable brand for himself.
Drawing inspiration from the likes of a wide variety of artists such as Alan Jackson, Alice in Chains, Metallica, Randy Houser and Koe Wetzel, Cross’s sound captures the essence of country rock while still pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the genre.
We talk about his influences, his passion for music, and his path to Nashville. Oh and of course I ask him about his favorite breakfast cereal,
Today’s guest is Derek Randall, and he actually in studio with me!!! Derek, grew up in Missouri where he found his love of sound. He would listen to an array of genres, from artists like Frank Sinatra all the way to the other end of the spectrum with bands like Shinedown and the Scorpions. After learning some guitar chords in high school, Derek was launched into the genre of rock where his then band opened for the likes of Seether, Saliva, Shinedown, and Halestorm. Now he is taking his lively stage presence, and is expanding into the country music world. He currently resides in between Grand Rapids, MI and Nashville, TN. In Michigan he has developed his sound and live show with his band. Creating high energy country infused rock music. His diverse experience and influence allow him to create – Rock n Roll with a Country soul.
Music and family are of the upmost importance in Derek’s life and that can be seen in his interactions with his listeners and his bandmates.
We talk about his influences, his passion for music, and his path to Nashville. Oh and of course I ask him about his favorite breakfast cereal,
On this weeks episode I sit down with Nashville Recording Artist Ryland Fisher. Ryland is an American country rock singer-songwriter and producer. He has released four studio albums through his own label since 2021. Ryland is also a billboard-charting songwriter, with millions of worldwide streams to his credit. His songs have been showcased on CMT, top-grossing world tours, and network television.
Known for his relatable storytelling, heartfelt lyrics, and against-the-grain mindset, Ryland has been often compared to the likes of Eric Church, Brothers Osborne, and Kip Moore. Being an inherently honest and ‘real’ songwriter, he has found a great deal of inspiration from artists such as Ryan Adams, Butch Walker, and Bob Dylan.
We talk about his journey, his music, and even his favorite breakfast cereal!!!!
This weeks episode I have local talent, Kevin Wolff join me in the studio. Kevin is an up and coming local Michigan artist getting set to release his first EP. We talk about growing up locally, we talk about his journey, and what is next. Oh and yes we do talk about his favorite breakfast cereal...
I sit down with up and coming Nashville Country Artist, Gabe Lee. Gabe is a singer and songwriter whose music is steeped in honky tonk country and rough-hewn folk sounds, Gabe Lee specializes in telling stories about hard living and love that doesn't come easy. While there are also elements of heartland rock in his sound, Lee's performances put the emphasis on the rootsy side of his material. 2019's Farmland offers a no-frills introduction to Lee's music, while 2020's Honky Tonk Hell is a more polished and diverse effort, a path he continued on the soulful 2022 album The Hometown Kid. We talk about growing up in Nashville, Taylor Swift, and we even talk about his favorite breakfast cereal.
I sit down with Dan Levitt, whose new book, Intentional Balk, Baseball's Thin Line Between Innovation and Cheating, is on shelves now. Daniel R. Levitt is the author of several award-winning books, including Paths to Glory: How Great Baseball Teams Got That Way (2003, with Mark Armour); Ed Barrow: The Bulldog Who Built the Yankees’ First Dynasty (2008); The Battle That Forged Modern Baseball: The Federal League Challenge and Its Legacy (2012); and In Pursuit of Pennants: Baseball Operations from Deadball to Moneyball (2015, with Armour). In 2015, he was selected as the receipient of the Bob Davids Award, SABR’s highest honor. He served as editor of The National Pastime convention journal in 2012, focusing on baseball in Minnesota, and has been President and Officer of the Halsey Hall Chapter. He lives in Minneapolis with his wife and two boys.
Alexander Hammerstone is the golden boy of the Dynasty and your National Openweight Champion.
Agile, powerful and possessing an innovative arsenal, there is no denying Hammerstone’s dominance and excellence in everything he does.
In his first year in MLW, the Phoenix powerhouse easily defeated some of MLW’s top ranked wrestlers, culminating in becoming the inaugural National Openweight Champion.
The Master of Muscle Mountain, Hammerstone is arguably the strongest athlete in MLW. Winning several bodybuilding contests, including winning the NPC Terminator in Tucson and establishing the Hammerstone Bodybuilding Invitation in 2020, Hammerstone is a force to reckon with.
Recognized for his muscular and natural powerful, Hammerstone is a genetic beast. The Phoenix powerhouse wrestler can bench press 565 pounds and squat-press 830 pounds!
With hobbies including realizing the perfect tan, investing in Farmacia de Mexico and remaining at optimal vascularity, Hammerstone is determined to be the franchise of MLW.
One of the most impressive physical specimens in the sport, Hammerstone is by no means a one-dimensional professional athlete. Enjoying hanging with his fellow Dynastic bro Richard Holliday or shredding on the guitar for his girlfriend, “Your Boy Hammer” is an easy-going ruffian of the ring. Just don’t cross the mighty Hammerstone… or he may just drop a nightmare pendulum on you.
Juna N Joey are a singer/songwriter, brother/sister, Country Duo (think Dan + Shay, Maddie and Tae, Lady A). The duo's popularity exploded organically by posting covers on YouTube with almost 8.1 million collective views and a viral TikTok at 10 million views. They are officially influencers. Juna at 17, is an attractive and charismatic singer/songwriter with the confidence of a seasoned pro. She is a multi-instrumentalist in the band. Joey at 20, is also a singer/songwriter, with heartthrob looks and power baritone vocals. He is also a multi-instrumentalist with the band. The duo’s harmonies resonate with the familiar perfection that only exists by their natural bond. Juna N Joey released their Self Titled New EP produced in Nashville, TN in August 2002.Their first single of the EP “Something Good To Miss” charted in the top forties at radio and playlisted on many Spotify, Apple Pandora playlists etc. Their second single “Til Your Heart Breaks” charted Billboard Indicator, Music Row, College Radio and the National and Regional Chart in the UK. BBC East said “I’m adding this, love this song”. Juna N Joe co-write with hit songwriters in Nashville, NYC and LA. The press also has taken notice of this talented duo from Forbes, Hollywood Life, Celebmix, Broadway World and Fox to CBS, please follow Juan N Joeyto learn more.
This episode, I talk with Charley, an up and coming country artist, I met at Faster Horses. I was able to interview her briefly after she performed on the Next from Nashville Stage.
CHARLEY brings back the spirit of the 1970s through her unique style and western rock sound. CHARLEY’s music features powerful vocal melodies and meaningful lyrics reflecting on her personal experiences. CHARLEY’s mantra stands at the root of her career: “to forget yourself is to free yourself is to find yourself.”
Having been called a “spitfire”, CHARLEY can usually be found dressed as a disco-cowgirl-diva, singing at venues across the country. CHARLEY’s powerful voice has be heard at music festivals, Faster Horses (Brooklyn, Michigan), and Sound On Sound (Bridgeport, CT). She has performed alongside artists, Stevie Nicks, Brandi Carlile, Dave Matthew’s band, and The Lumineers. In the past, she has opened for Lake Street Dive and others at venues such as the Agganis Arena and the Apollo Theater.
With every song she writes and every stage she stands on, CHARLEY’s goal is to create an environment where her audience can be their unique selves.
Episode #22. I sit down with former Gull Lake Freshman Coach, he spent 2 years at Martin as their Head Coach. He currently opening his own Training Facilities.
Episode #21 in the books. My close personal friend joined me live in the Baird Cave! What a great person! It is always fun being with him. One of the funniest guys I know. We talk about coaching, riding bikes, and Destiny's Child. It was fun, enjoy!
Episode #20! Former NBA Player and Comstock graduate, Chris Crawford, joins me in The Baird Cave, via The Baird Phone! We talk about being drafted twice, once for baseball and basketball. We talk MJ and Chris Farley, not at the same time. Sit back relax and join me in the Baird Cave!
Episode #19! Recent CMU Grad and soon to be Professional European Basketball player Renya Frost joins me in The Baird Cave. We talk about growing up in a small town, playing Basketball, and conspiracy theories. We also talk about a common interest. You have to listen to find out what it was.....
Episode #18 I combine my two favorite things baseball and music in this Podcast. Fellow Coach and Musician Alex Yost joined me live in the Baird Cave. He brought his guitar so we did a little jam session. I was actually auditioning to be a backup dancer. Fingers crossed!
Episode #17! Former Gull Lake pitcher joined me in The Baird Cave. Rob went on to Lake Michigan College, and Davenport University! We talk about his shoe collection, Tom Izzo, and his almost promising career as a child model/actor! Had a blast with him. Enjoy!
Episode #16. Nate Wargolet joins me in the Baird Cave this week. We talk about baseball, Ke$ha, and his run-in with the law. Don't worry it wasn't as bad as you think it is. I had fun and I hope you guys do too!
Marathon Runner and former MSU Spartan Laura Portis joined me in the Baird Cave. We talk about something I have no idea about, hummus. Oh and running. Way out of my lane on this one, but we had fun! Enjoy because I did.
Podcast #14! Wyatt Whitman joins me in the Baird Cave, on the Baird Phone! It was fun to catch up and talk. We talk about beaches, baseball and asking the big question. Enjoy!
Episode #13 Nic Janssen joined me in person in the Baird Cave. Nic is a former K-College player and current coach. We talk about music, baseball, and the correct way to eat a steak!
Episode #12! Plainwell's Austin Williams joins me in The Baird Cave! We talk about Business, Burgers, and Bieber! So sit back and enjoy The Baird Necessities!
Episode #11 I sit down and have a great conversation with myself. That's right I have myself joining me in the Baird Cave. Enjoy I think it is pretty funny! Don't worry Episode #12 is an actual athlete.
Episode #10! I sit down with a good friend and a super fan of The Baird Necessities, Steve Miknis. Steve coached with me at Gull Lake High School before heading south to join the Indiana Pacers front office. We talk about food, baseball, basketball, and Boat Trip! Couldn't have had a better person for Episode #10!
That's right University of Michigan's Ace Lefty joined me in the Baird Cave! What a great guy this is. I think it went well, I didn't geek out too much in this one. I had fun and it sounded like he did too. We talk about baseball, steak, and the Notebook, all my favorite things to talk about! So enjoy Tommy Henry on The Baird Necessities!
I sit down with Trent Quartermaine who currently plays for Kalamazoo Valley Community College and will be joining Ball State University in the Fall. We talk about baseball, business, and breakfast foods!
Celebrating Purple Day 2019! I go solo on this podcast to talk about my favorite subject, my daughter Jane. So please listen, share, and like. Get her story out there.
Avery Eastman and Dawson Clancy join me in the Baird Cave! We sit down and talk about Football, Baseball, and my favorite subject Food! Sit back and enjoy Episode #6 of the Baird Necessities!
Former WNBA Star and Former MSU Spartan Hall of Famer, Kristin Haynie visits the Baird Cave, for our latest Episode! We talk about college life, playing in the pros and BLT Pizza!
I sit down with Max Schuemann who is a member of The Oakland Athletics Organization. He played college ball at Eastern Michigan University. Locally he is a graduate of Portage Northern High School. We talk about baseball, being drafted, and big boy pants. Enjoy!
Gull Lake's Leadoff hitter and starting centerfielder joins me live in the Baird Cave! We talk about baseball, bowling and The Bachelor!
I sat down with current Gull Lake Shortstop and future Wolverine. We talk about not skipping leg day and his ability to wiggle his eyes! Very interesting. I hope you enjoy1
I sit down with former Gull Lake standout and current member of the University of Virginia Cavaliers! Had a great talk, what a tremendous athlete and an even better person. Enjoy, like, share, and tell your friends.