Ridin' The Bus with the Iowa Wild: Recent Episodes
Iowa Wild
Iowa Wild staff Ben Gislason and Joey Goldstein sit the listener down next to current Iowa Wild players, staff, alumni, and friends of the organization. Tune in for tales from the road, learning more about each personality and much more. Buckle up, it’s going to be a wild ride.
What’s better than one Ben? Two Bens! Wild centerman Ben Jones hops on the bus with Ben to chat the good, the bad and the bumps along the way in his career, skating in a career high 26 NHL games with Minnesota last season, his charity golf tournament and more. Benny G fills fans in on what to expect at the Iowa State Fair… including his prep for the Cow Chip Throwing Championship.
Lots to catch up on this episode… Including a great chat with recently re-signed wild forward Brad Marek. Brad talks signing his first ever NHL contract, getting stuck in northern Michigan on the bus, his youth hockey camp he ran this summer and more. Ben fills fans in on the outdoor game announcement, touches on some of what Iowa’s depth chart might look like, thoughts on schedule and Wild on Wheels dates!
Ridin’ The Bus is presented by Central Iowa Pool & Spa Central Iowa Pool & Spa. After far too long of a Hiatus, Ben is back with an apology and a brand new guest to the organization. New Iowa Wild Head Coach Greg Cronin hops on the bus to talk his philosophy on winning/development, coaching acumen, his time in New Zealand and much more.
Ridin’ The Bus is presented by Central Iowa Pool & Spa Central Iowa Pool & Spa. Caedan Bankier and Luke Toporowski are back with Ben this week to celebrate episode 50, and officially introduce their segment as the “This is Greatness” podcast… (Listen to episode 48 for more reference to the name.) Banks and Topper have Wild forward Mikey Milne on as a guest, and discuss Mikey’s lackluster job as fantasy football commissioner, excluding Topper from a summer round of golf and tons more to laugh along with them.
Ridin’ The Bus is presented by Central Iowa Pool & Spa Central Iowa Pool & Spa. This episode’s guest host is Wild Video Coach Ray Sylvester. Ray and Ben welcome Iowa Wild goalie Dylan Ferguson onto the bus. “Fergy” shares his incredible stories about his NHL debut at 19 years old, his first NHL win which included a huge stop on Evgeni Malkin and more great tales from his pro career. Our hosts breakdown the Wild’s recent hot streak, and bring you inside “Video Headquarters” within the Wild locker room at Wells Fargo Arena.
Ridin’ The Bus is presented by Central Iowa Pool & Spa Central Iowa Pool & Spa. It’s our first show without Joey Goldstein… but don’t worry, we’ve got some great things in store. The first round of rotating guest hosts features Wild players Luke Toporowski and Caedan Bankier. Topper and Banks ditch Ben for a hilarious interview with Carson Lambos. They talk Topper being picky about who he sits by on the bus, stories from playing against eachother in the WHL, why Luke’s time in Spokane was “nothing short of greatness” and more…
Ridin’ The Bus is presented by Central Iowa Pool & Spa Central Iowa Pool & Spa. We have some sad news. This is Joey Goldstein’s final ride on the bus. Ben and Joey reminisce about some of the great Ridin’ the Bus moments, like Joey playing goalie against the players, Ben podcasting in full hockey equipment, Joey becoming a local “celebrity” and tons more great memories. It’s a bittersweet show as we bid Joey farewell… but don’t worry, the show will go on!
Ridin’ The Bus is presented by Central Iowa Pool & Spa Central Iowa Pool & Spa. Joey is back from his siesta. Before he returns serve on some of Ben’s comments from last episode’s solo show, new Wild defenseman Joe Cecconi jumps on the bus with the guys. Joe talks about being a Bills fan, special relationship with his grandpa, surviving an ice storm in Austin, TX and plenty more. Ben and Joey recap opening weekend, discuss the arrival of Jesper Wallstedt back to Iowa, amongst other topics as the season is officially under way!
Ridin’ The Bus is presented by Central Iowa Pool & Spa Central Iowa Pool & Spa. It’s all Joey’s fault! Ben and Joey planned to have a quick training camp chat to get more familiar with the players in camp this week. Joey bailed, so he left Ben riding the bus alone this week… but don’t worry. You’ll get a deep dive on the roster and plenty more with Ben. It’s a Training Camp info extravaganza.
Ridin’ The Bus is presented by Central Iowa Pool & Spa Central Iowa Pool & Spa. 2nd Round Draft pick of Minnesota, Jack Peart joins the guys this week for a trip up north to the “Iron Range” in Minnesota. The defenseman chats on growing up in the hockey rich town of Grand Rapids, MN, playing with his idol, Gavin Hain, his favorite fishing spots and more on this week’s episode. Ben and Joey wrap up the last offseason episode of the summer with some overview of Iowa’s roster.
Ridin’ The Bus is presented by Central Iowa Pool & Spa Central Iowa Pool & Spa. For the first time in Ridin’ The Bus history, our show features two “Voices of the Wild”. Former play-by-play voice of the Iowa Wild, and current Minnesota Wild radio voice, Joe O’Donnell steps onto the bus with TONS of travel stories. Joe shares some of his favorite tales from handling team services with Iowa, the joy of achieving his lifelong dream of broadcasting NHL hockey, how to broadcast a hockey game with no internet as well as oodles of other stories that’ll get you smiling and reminiscing.
Ridin’ The Bus is presented by Central Iowa Pool & Spa Central Iowa Pool & Spa. Attention goalie fanatics (like Ben), this episode is for you. Former NHL/AHL goalie and current Iowa Wild goalie coach, Richard Bachman hops on the bus. Richards shares stories from his time as a goalie, like who the best shooter he ever faced was. “Bacher” also covers his transition to coaching, where Jesper Wallstedt is at in his development and his thoughts on coaching young goalies, like his son Knox. Ben and Joey chat on a great night in Pella for the “Wild on Wheels” event last week, Ben issues a threat to Joey and plenty more.
Ridin’ The Bus is presented by Central Iowa Pool & Spa. This week, Ben and Joey take a detour on your regularly scheduled Iowa Wild themed guests. Des Moines resident and recently retired AHL linesman, Chad Evers, hops on the bus. Topics range from how he got into officiating, his favorite and least favorite Wild players to deal with on the ice, a hilarious interaction with a former Wild coach and much more. It’s easily the most informative interview the guys have done to date. The show finishes with two new “Bus Line” questions.
Ridin’ The Bus would like to welcome our new sponsor, Central Iowa Pool & Spa as our official podcast sponsor. This week it’s the third annual “Faircast” where Ben and Joey chat with fairgoers from Iowa Wild booth at the Iowa State Fair . Topics include a huge bobblehead collection, Ben trying to coax a choir member into singing on the pod, best fair food and the time one fairgoer took Wild defenseman Matt Bartkowski’s cookies on accident.
Pranks, pranks and more pranks. Assistant Coach, and resident prankster, Ben Simon joins the show with lots and lots of prank stories. From a car filled with packing peanuts, to shock pens… he’s got gags galore. Coach Simon also shares experiences from winning Calder Cups as a player and a coach, plus plenty more. Ben and Joey gear up for their annual “Faircast” and Joey talks preparation for defending his cow chip throwing title.
We’ve got our first new signing joining the show this week… though he’s an old friend of Goldstein’s… New Wild goalie, Troy Grosenick, hops on and has story after story after story. Troy takes us through some crazy travel experiences from his 11-year pro career, how shy his son is around cameras, casino skills and a ton more. Ben and Joey chat on the Wild’s 3-year renewal with their ECHL affiliate, the Iowa Heartlanders and some other current event items.
This week is a double feature. First Wild defenseman Ryan O’Rourke climbs on the bus to talk favorite chirps, declining a phone call inviting him to the Canadian World Junior team, taking laps around O’Hare airport on the Wild bus and more. Interview #2 is with 2022 2nd Round draft pick, Hunter Haight. Ben and Hunter caught up at Minnesota’s Development Camp in St. Paul to talk about the OHL/WHL rivalry (specifically with Caedan Bankier), his expectations for his 1st year pro, winning the Memorial Cup and other topics. The bus line is back this week with an ethical dilemma presented by one of our fans.
Wild 3rd round pick in 2022 Mikey Milne hops on the bus this week, as the show is back after a couple weeks off around 4th of July. Mikey shares some hysterical golf stories, his recovery process through a long injury rehab last season, his expectations for his 3rd year pro and more. Ben and Joey catch up on a lot of news that’s happened over the last few weeks. Topics include: free agent signings, Iowa’s 2024-25 schedule, the Adam Beckman trade and more.
Ridin’ The Bus is presented by Explore Minnesota (www.exploreminnesota.com). Head Coach Brett McLean joins the bus crew for his 3rd appearance on the show. Brett lets us in on some of the hilarious antics from his staff throughout the year, how his club found their stride in March of last season, how he handled the strain of missing playoffs, and how year one is building towards an exciting second season behind the bench with Iowa. Ben and Joey touch on Joey’s upcoming day caddying for Ben on the golf course, hit up the bus line with quite an interesting question and chat with new Wild videographer, Abby Kimball on a staff spotlight.
Ridin’ The Bus is presented by Explore Minnesota (www.exploreminnesota.com). First round draft pick, Carson Lambos, climbs on the bus for this week’s episode. The defenseman chats on his rookie year with Iowa, being the lone rookie to play in the veteran’s card game during bus trips, his love for CFL football and plenty more. Ben and Joey hit up the bus line again and welcome new Digital Media Manager, Brooklyn Dean, to the show for a staff spotlight.
Ridin’ The Bus is presented by Explore Minnesota (www.exploreminnesota.com). One of Iowa’s brightest personalities, Caedan Bankier, hops aboard for quite an entertaining ride. Banks shares his thoughts on his rookie year, stories from a heated NHL video game rivalry with Mikey Milne and Carson Lambos, loving the Pirates of the Caribbean series and tons more. Outside of the interview, Ben and Joey take on some Bus Line questions, talk both NHL & AHL Cup Finals scenarios and somehow touch on the existence of aliens… Another wild ride.
Ridin’ The Bus is presented by Explore Minnesota (www.exploreminnesota.com). Fresh off of winning World Championship Gold… Wild defenseman David Spacek hops on the bus. “Spacco” shares the thrill of winning Gold in his home country of Czechia, the lengthy party tour that came after the championship game, his car engine starting on fire in Des Moines and more. Ben and Joey have their first podcast bet loaded up, as the guys pick their horses for the Belmont this coming weekend and the first ever “bus line” questions come rolling in.
Ridin’ The Bus is presented by Explore Minnesota (www.exploreminnesota.com). The first big news of the offseason has hit. Matt Hendricks is the new General Manager of the Iowa Wild and he hops back on the bus for his second ride… this time as GM. Topics include: what he’s looking for to fill out the Wild roster, jorts (jean shorts) and the time his “can” shattered from blocking a shot… plus much more. Ben and Joey introduce “the Bus Line” where fans can chime in on the show, break down what they’ve seen so far in the AHL/NHL playoffs and beg for podcast bet ideas.
Ridin’ The Bus is presented by Explore Minnesota (www.exploreminnesota.com). Ben and Joey officially close out the ’23-’24 campaign. It’s exit interview day for the Iowa Wild and the guys conduct their own exit interviews with a host of Wild players. Guest include Jesper Wallstedt, Carson Lambos, Steven Fogarty, Caedan Bankier and Ryan O’Rourke… with two special surprise guest players as well who crashed the interviews. Ben and Joey also talk their favorite moments of the season, and plead for offseason podcast bets and punishments.
Ridin’ The Bus is presented by Explore Minnesota (www.exploreminnesota.com). The first ever Iowa born player to wear a Wild jersey, the first ever Iowa born player to score a goal for the Wild and now the first ever Iowa born player to join the podcast… Luke Toporowski joins Ben and Joey to talk growing up as a hockey player in Iowa, saving new teammate Turner Elson from missing his flight, his budding Tik Tok stardom and plenty more. The guys also talk about Iowa’s strong play as of late, and a very successful “Black Out ALS” game in March with the Goldfinch uniforms.
Ridin’ The Bus is presented by Explore Minnesota (www.exploreminnesota.com). Coming to you from the annual Pucks & Pins Event, a slew of guests sit down with Ben and Joey including Wild 365 members, Iowa Wild staff, and Iowa Wild defenseman Brenden Miller. The guys also recap a great February weekend, explain their troubles with time zones, and more!
Ridin’ The Bus is presented by Explore Minnesota (www.exploreminnesota.com). Ben and Joey are back…did you miss them? The guys catch up on all things Iowa Wild over the last few months, look back on an amazing post game concert, and then hit the cold tub with Mason Shaw for a one of a kind interview.
Ridin’ The Bus is presented by Explore Minnesota (www.exploreminnesota.com). Iowa’s on a bit of an early season roll… with points in four of their last five games. Ben and Joey weigh in on what they’ve seen so far (full disclaimer, this was recorded before the Nov. 18-19 Rockford home series). Veteran goalie, Zane McIntyre also hops on the bus for a fascinating look behind the goalie mask. Zane shares his knack for making card tables, who the big winners and losers are at the Wild card table, and what makes goalies tick. Stick around till the end for Ben and Joey going WAY off the rails on their most off-topic rabbit hole yet. Happy Thanksgiving Wild fans!
Ridin’ The Bus is presented by Explore Minnesota (www.exploreminnesota.com). This week Ben and Joey welcome Nic Petan to the bus to discuss his wizarding ways. “Petey” fills us in on some gorgeous golf courses he played this summer, how he’s canvassed the Des Moines food scene, how he’s grown to like his nickname and plenty more. Ben and Joey also discuss their predictions for opening weekend (which they swing and miss on). Full disclosure… This episode was recorded PRIOR to opening weekend, so bear with us.
Ridin’ The Bus is presented by Explore Minnesota (www.exploreminnesota.com). As the Wild get ready for the annual Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase, Assistant Director of Player Development, Matt Hendricks, hops on ...
Ridin’ The Bus is presented by Explore Minnesota (www.exploreminnesota.com). The long awaited “Shakey Pod” has arrived. Iowa Wild equipment manager, Richard “Shakey” Krouse jumps on the bus for an hour-long ...
Ridin’ The Bus is presented by Explore Minnesota (www.exploreminnesota.com). It’s a sign hockey season is right around the corner… the Iowa State Fair. Ben and Joey hang out at the ...
Ridin’ The Bus is presented by Explore Minnesota (www.exploreminnesota.com). Ben and Joey welcome back Iowa Wild GM, Mike Murray, to the podcast to talk all things ’23-’24 roster. Mike runs ...
Ridin’ The Bus is presented by Explore Minnesota (www.exploreminnesota.com). He’s Iowa’s loudest guy in the locker room and no one loves scoring goals more than this guy. Wild forward Adam ...
Ridin’ The Bus is presented by Explore Minnesota (www.exploreminnesota.com). After wrapping up a stellar rookie season, Iowa Wild defenseman Daemon Hunt hops on the bus to talk about his love ...
Ridin’ The Bus is presented by Explore Minnesota (www.exploreminnesota.com). A bit of a different episode this week as the Iowa Wild annnounced that Brett McLean has become the 5th Head Coach in team history. Ben is out sick, so Joey sat down with the new “Bench Boss” to get his thoughts on the new role in the organization, his visions for the team and the best sushi spot in Des Moines.
Ridin’ The Bus is presented by Explore Minnesota (www.exploreminnesota.com). The tenth anniversary season is officially over… and what a season it was. Ben and Joey recap the year talking favorite moments, biggest goals, Iowa’s vacant head coach position and more. The guys also have their first recurring guest, Dakota Mermis, who heads out on the golf course with Ben and Joey. The captain shares plenty from the previous season, including some hilarious stories from the room, how he digested the year, who he’d never let babysit his kids from the team and tons more. Disclaimer, the golf segment is a better view than a listen, so head to our Youtube page to watch Joey chase his ball through the woods.
Ridin’ The Bus is presented by Explore Minnesota (www.exploreminnesota.com). 9th Overall Pick of Minnesota in 2020 and current Iowa center Marco Rossi hops on the bus. He shares his joy for pranks, traveling around Europe as a young player born in Austria, his kinship and competitive streak with fellow first-rounder, goaltender Jesper Wallstedt and plenty more. Ben and Joey catch up on why the Wild are one of the hottest teams in the AHL in March and the guys need some help on their next podcast bet.
Ridin’ The Bus is presented by Explore Minnesota (www.exploreminnesota.com). Current AHL rookie leading scorer and AHL all-star Sammy Walker hops aboard to talk living the Minnesota high school hockey dream, being a daredevil, his musical pursuits and more. Ben has by far his worst podcast performance to date, and Joey makes sure to let him know just how bad it was… in comical fashion. The episode finishes with a pitch to watch the guys’ podcast bet from November, where Joey paid up and strapped on the pads to face Wild players in a shootout.
Ridin’ The Bus is presented by Explore Minnesota (www.exploreminnesota.com). Iowa Wild rookie goaltender, Jesper Wallstedt, hops aboard for a wonderful chat. Topics include: moving away from home at 15 years old, achieving his goal as the highest drafted Swedish goalie ever, how his grandma played a huge role in his hockey career, being pestered by Marco Rossi and much more. Plus, Ben and Joey recap Joey’s stint in goal for a shootout in practice against the team.
Ridin’ The Bus is presented by Explore Minnesota (www.exploreminnesota.com). Iowa Wild forward, Ty Ronning, joins the show to talk his first AHL hat trick, cooking tips, best bus movies and ...
Ridin’ The Bus is presented by Explore Minnesota (www.exploreminnesota.com). Iowa General Manager (and MN Wild Hockey Ops Director) Mike Murray hops on with Ben and Joey for a terrific chat ...
Ridin’ The Bus is presented by Explore Minnesota (www.exploreminnesota.com). Former Iowa Wild forward Landon Ferraro climbs aboard with Ben and Joey to share some fabulous stories both funny and sentimental. ...
Ridin’ The Bus is presented by Explore Minnesota (www.exploreminnesota.com). Former Iowa Wild assistant coach and current Minnesota Wild assistant coach, Brett McLean, hops on the bus to tell some fantastic ...
Ridin’ The Bus is presented by Explore Minnesota (www.exploreminnesota.com). For the 10th episode, it’s time to hear from someone who’s been with Iowa for all nine (soon to be 10) ...
Ridin’ The Bus is presented by Explore Minnesota (www.exploreminnesota.com). It’s the Iowa Wild on a stick! This week’s episode goes on location from the Iowa Wild Booth at the Iowa ...
Ridin’ The Bus is presented by Explore Minnesota (www.exploreminnesota.com). The Iowa Wild promotion schedule is out… Ben and Joey take a peek inside what it’s like delivering a promotional schedule ...
Ridin’ The Bus is presented by Explore Minnesota (www.exploreminnesota.com). Ben and Joey provide a few hints at some new promotions for the upcoming tenth anniversary season and break down World ...
Ridin’ The Bus is presented by Explore Minnesota (www.exploreminnesota.com). Ben fulfills his penance for poor picks in the MLB Home Run Derby, while Joey gloats. They also look into some ...
Ridin’ The Bus is presented by Explore Minnesota (www.exploreminnesota.com). Plenty of free agency news to breakdown between Iowa and Minnesota. Ben recaps spending the week in St. Paul for Minnesota’s ...
Ridin’ The Bus is presented by Explore Minnesota (www.exploreminnesota.com). After a week off last week, Ben and Joey check back in after the Independence Day holiday and share favorite family ...
Ben, Joey and Mitch travel down memory lane with goaltender Alex Stalock. Stalock shares stories about playing for his hometown team, camping in a Nor’easter, his time playing in Iowa and much ...
Ben, Joey and Mitch dive into the career and family life of current Wild defenseman Dakota Mermis. Mermis chats with the guys about the birth of his first child, his ...
Iowa Wild Director of Broadcasting and Team Services, Ben Gislason, Director of Marketing, Community Programs & Events, Joey Goldstein and Manager of Media Relations, Mitch Courtney give you a view of ...