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Featuring: Kody Green aka The Schizophrenic Hippie (motivational speaker, podcaster, author of Minds Over Meetings).

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In this conversation, we get into what it really takes to tell stories that hit hard: earning trust, walking into uncomfortable places, staying safe, and keeping your humanity when the internet only wants the “craziest clip.” Tommy’s got that rare mix of curiosity + courage, and I think you’re going to leave this episode feeling fired up to chase the stories you’re meant to tell.

If you’re into documentaries, investigative storytelling, or just hearing how someone builds something massive by following their obsession—this one’s for you.

Watch the full episode, and let me know your favorite moment in the comments.

Subscribe for more Passion Pod interviews with people who turned their passion into a real-life career.

Listen to Passion Pod on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.

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We also get into the behind-the-scenes reality of Ink Master: auditions, casting, producer strategy, what it’s like living on set, how the critiques are filmed, how much contestants get paid, and why “doing great tattoos” isn’t enough to survive reality TV. Clean shares his favorite and least favorite Ink Master tattoos, what he wishes the show rewarded artistically, and how TV fame changed the kinds of clients he attracts.

Plus: Clean talks about selling Golden Skull Tattoo in Las Vegas (and passing it to his son), building the Chrome Gypsy Compound in Kewanee, Illinois (a school turned into a tattoo shop/bar/arcade/event space), and his goal to turn it into a must-see art destination.

Featured Guest: Clean Rock One

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In this episode, we get into what it was really like competing on Ink Master, the very first tattoo Mark ever did on someone, and the path that led him into the industry in the first place. Mark also shares how he got hired to work for Jimmy Buffett, what it took to open his own shop, and how he developed his signature “Tropi Style” tattoos—pulling inspiration from traditional Japanese design and translating it into something uniquely his.

We also talk about how Ink Master changed his life, what he’s learned from decades of tattooing, and the mindset it takes to keep evolving as an artist.

In this interview, Corey shares the full journey: his first dunk at 12 years old, becoming a college dunk star, the moment he dropped the ball in the NCAA dunk contest, and how he ultimately got drafted by the Harlem Globetrotters. We also get into what he learned from Globetrotter legends, world records, his all-time favorite Globetrotters, catching an alley-oop from Snoop Dogg, surprising a kid with cancer, and the wildest moments from traveling the world.

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Leon also shares why he took a gap semester to focus on content full-time, what he’s learned from generating billions of views, and the strategies he uses to turn attention into real audience growth.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What makes content go viral (and how to repeat it)
• How to convert views into followers
• Sponsorship + monetization lessons from early wins
• Practical growth strategies you can apply to your own social media

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Featured guest: David Errigo Jr.

We talk about:

• How ERB started (early YouTube + Maker Studios era)
• Writing and production process (quality over quantity)
• Collaborations with T-Pain, Weird Al Yankovic, Snoop Dogg, Key & Peele, Skrillex and more
• Touring, burnout, budgets, and what it takes to keep creating at a high level
• Favorite stories from the booth and the set

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Featured guests: Epic Lloyd & Nice Peter (Epic Rap Battles of History)

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Follow and subscribe for more inspiring interviews with passionate creators and artists!

Milwaukee rap artist 414 Big Frank has been lighting up the internet with his viral songs, dance videos, and big personality. His breakout hit “Backpack” put him on the map in 2022, and his latest single “There It Is” has already racked up over 2,000,000 streams on Spotify in just a few months.

In this episode of Passion Pod, Frank opens up about his wild journey so far — from clocking in (and stealing from) Walmart to becoming one of Milwaukee’s most recognizable rap voices. We dive into:

• How he found the beat for “Backpack” on YouTube and why he still has to split the money
• The story behind “There It Is” and going viral on social media
• His favorite celebrity encounters and Milwaukee rappers
• His most memorable performances and music videos
• Losing his Instagram account and getting arrested after committing a crime on IG Live
• The origin of the ski goggles he always wears
• What makes Milwaukee rap different from everywhere else

If you love authentic come-up stories, Midwest rap, and unfiltered honesty, this episode is for you.

If you’re a fan of Charlie Berens, Midwest humor, stand-up comedy, or honest conversations about what it really takes to build a creative career, you’ll get a ton out of this episode.

In this inspiring episode of Passion Pod, host Chris Johnson sits down with David Tiefenthaler—a dedicated fisherman, 7th grade English teacher, and long-time content creator from Wisconsin. David, known online as T Fish, has spent nearly a decade sharing his fishing adventures and expertise with the world.

After completing an incredible challenge of catching 50 different fish species in Wisconsin, David is now on a bold new mission: to catch 1,000 unique species of fish on camera, creating a video for each one. His journey blends education, adventure, and a deep love for the outdoors, offering both tips for fellow anglers and stories that spark curiosity about the natural world.

In this episode, David opens up about:

How an injury shifted his passion from running to fishing

The origins of his content creation journey

His favorite fish to catch (and why!)

Memorable fishing stories and lessons learned along the way

The challenges and excitement of setting—and chasing—big goals

Whether you’re a fishing enthusiast, an aspiring creator, or just love a great story about following your passion, this episode is for you!

In this episode of Passion Pod, we sit down with Sam Demma, a world-traveling Canadian youth keynote speaker who has delivered hundreds of speeches to inspire and empower young people across the globe. Sam is the author of the self-help book Empty Your Backpack, a must-read for young adults looking to unlock their potential, and he’s just released his first children’s book, Be Someone’s Taco.

Join us as Sam shares his most memorable moments on stage, the life lessons he’s learned from speaking to diverse audiences, and how his perspective on life and success has evolved over the last few years. We dive into why success looks different for everyone, the importance of self-discovery, and the power of making a positive impact—no matter your age.

Tune in for heartfelt stories, practical advice, and a fresh take on what it means to live a life full of purpose and passion.

Discover how Mike hustled his way into a writing career, taking every job he could find, and hear about his early influences—including a unique friendship with Justin Vernon of Bon Iver. Mike opens up about the inspiration behind his new book, Improbable Mentors, and the surprising story of why he turned down an invitation to appear on the Oprah show.

The conversation also dives into Mike’s relationship with PBS Wisconsin, where he crafts original comedy content, and his personal picks for favorite artists and music venues across the Midwest. From laughter to life lessons, this episode is packed with heartfelt stories and creative inspiration.

Tune in for:

• Growing up on a Wisconsin farm
• Mike’s first steps into writing and storytelling
• Building a career by saying yes to every opportunity
• Friendship and collaboration with Justin Vernon
• Behind the scenes of Improbable Mentors
• Turning down the Oprah show
• Creating comedy for PBS Wisconsin
• Midwest music, venues, and more

Join Chris Johnson as he sits down with Eric Clark and Tyler Mieden, the passionate duo behind the Okayest Hunter brand. In this episode, Eric and Tyler open up about their very first hunting experiences and the serendipitous way they met, leading to the birth of a brand that celebrates authenticity in the hunting community.

Discover the story behind Eric’s "Where to Hunt" app and how it evolved into a podcast, plus the surprising impact of online shaming that inspired the Okayest Hunter movement. The conversation gets real about the power of positive messages from fans who finally feel seen and supported, thanks to Okayest Hunter’s mission.

Expect plenty of laughs as Eric and Tyler share their funniest hunting mistakes, poke fun at industry gimmicks, and reflect on the joy of not taking themselves—or hunting—too seriously. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoorsman or just love a good story about turning challenges into community, this episode will leave you inspired to embrace your own “okayest” moments.

Tune in for:

• First hunting stories & how Eric and Tyler met
• The evolution from app to podcast
• How online shaming sparked a movement
• Messages from fans who found confidence through Okayest Hunter
• Gimmicks, goofs, and the funniest hunting mistakes
• And much more!

Kelly, a Sheboygan, Wisconsin native, first picked up a bowling ball at age 3, but it wasn’t until a coworker at McDonald’s convinced her to join the middle school team that her true bowling journey began. Despite a rocky start, Kelly’s relentless practice paid off—culminating in a high school state championship and a standout collegiate career at UW Whitewater, where she was named D3 Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year.

But the path wasn’t always smooth. After her worst season as a junior, Kelly nearly walked away from the sport. Instead, she started a bowling Instagram to rediscover the fun, connected with new coaches, and made a stunning comeback her senior year. Now, as a full-time pro bowler, she’s turning heads on the lanes and online.

In this episode, we dive deep into:

• Kelly’s early years and the unlikely McDonald’s moment that brought her back to bowling
• The grind from middle school beginner to high school state champ
• College bowling highs and lows: awards, setbacks, and comebacks
• Living with and caring for her grandparents while chasing her dreams
• How hating to be bad at anything fueled her growth
• Getting sponsored by Kwik Trip and navigating funny online comments
• Bowling through the pandemic (including some epic Wii Bowling)
• The astonishing comeback that changed her pro career trajectory
• Almost becoming an insurance agent—and why she didn’t
• Using social media jobs to level up her own brand
• What it really means to be a professional bowler
• How to choose the right bowling ball, and so much more

If you’re into stories of perseverance, reinvention, and chasing your passion—this episode is for you. 🎳

We dig into:

• Early days: falling in love with disc golf at summer camp
• The Gary Vee book that inspired his content journey
• Quitting corporate IT to chase the dream
• Building The Disc Golf Guy brand and podcast (10+ years running)
• Helping pioneer live disc golf coverage and media standards
• Favorite memories traveling the world for the sport
• The patience, resilience, and community that made it all possible

If you care about turning passion into a career—or you’re part of the disc golf community—this one’s packed with insight, heart, and history.

In this episode, Chris sits down with Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Grant Anderson for an inside look at the highs, lows, and unforgettable moments of his baseball journey. Originally from Texas, Grant opens up about growing up with his twin brother—also a pro ballplayer—and the sibling rivalry and support that shaped his early years.

Grant shares his favorite memories from high school and college baseball, the thrill of being drafted by the Seattle Mariners, and the tough moments that nearly made him walk away during his time with the Texas Rangers. He talks about the life-changing trade to the Brewers, how the coaches in Milwaukee have helped him elevate his game, and why the support of his family has been the key to his perseverance.

Hear what makes this Brewers team so special, plus Grant’s favorite memories from his career so far. Whether you’re a baseball fan or just love a good underdog story, this episode is packed with inspiration, behind-the-scenes insight, and heartfelt moments.

In this episode, Chris sits down with Cristian Strehlow, the creative force behind some of the most recognizable lo-fi and instrumental beats on the internet. With over 680 million streams across his various aliases, Cristian’s music has become the backdrop for countless TV shows—including major hits like RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Cristian shares how his journey began in Milwaukee and how a pivotal track on Chillhop in 2018 became his big break, opening doors to collaborations and opportunities across the globe. Now based in California, Cristian reflects on building a career in music, the evolution of the lo-fi genre, and what it’s like hearing his work on television.

Tune in for insights on creative hustle, the power of streaming, and what it takes to stand out in today’s music industry!

Hansel opens up about his childhood in Chicago, including the traumatic experience of being jumped and beaten so badly he was put into a coma. He shares the challenges of moving to Green Bay, facing racism in school and the community, and the struggles that led him down a path of selling drugs and serving prison time.

This episode dives deep into Hansel’s story of resilience—finding his first job as a felon at a gas station, graduating from beauty school, and building his business from the ground up by handing out business cards to every customer who walked through the door. Hansel’s raw honesty and determination will inspire anyone who’s ever faced adversity or dreamed of a second chance.

Tune in for an unforgettable conversation about redemption, hustle, and the power of believing in yourself—no matter where you start.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with professional soccer player Chad Vandegriffe! Chad shares his journey from kicking a ball around as a kid to competing at the highest levels of the sport. He opens up about his early days in soccer, the nerves and excitement of trying out for pro teams, and what it’s like to win major awards and travel the world as an athlete.

Chad dives into the lessons he’s learned about the intricacies of the game, the stories behind his impressive jersey collection, and the realities of getting older as a player. Whether you’re a lifelong soccer fan or just love a good underdog story, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and inspiration.

In this episode:

• Chad’s introduction to soccer as a kid
• The challenges of pro team tryouts
• Winning awards and traveling the globe
• Learning the deeper strategies of the game
• Collecting jerseys and the stories behind them
• Navigating the ups and downs of a long career
• Advice for young athletes and more!

Listen now and get inspired by Chad’s passion, perseverance, and love for the beautiful game.

Mandela shares his backstory and the pivotal moments that shaped his political journey, from growing up in Milwaukee to becoming the state’s first Black lieutenant governor. He opens up about his favorite memories campaigning alongside Barack Obama, Kamala Harris, and Governor Tony Evers, offering behind-the-scenes stories and insights you won’t hear anywhere else.

We also dive into what Mandela is working on now, his thoughts on term limits, and his vision for the future of Wisconsin and beyond. Whether you’re passionate about politics or just love a good story, this episode is packed with inspiration, wisdom, and a few laughs along the way.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you enjoyed this episode!

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This week, Chris sits down with Benjamin Percy—a powerhouse storyteller whose pen brings iconic characters to life. Ben writes the legendary Wolverine and Punisher comics for Marvel, crafts stories for Star Wars, and even dives into the world of Predator comics. He’s also the mind behind several acclaimed novels and the director of a chilling horror short film.

Tune in as Ben shares his creative process, what it’s like shaping the destinies of fan-favorite heroes, and how he balances writing for comics, novels, and film. Whether you’re a comic book superfan, a Star Wars enthusiast, or just love a good story, this episode is packed with inspiration, behind-the-scenes tales, and creative wisdom.

Don’t miss:

• How Ben approaches writing for legendary franchises
• His journey from novelist to comic book writer
• Stories from the set of his horror short film
• Advice for aspiring writers and storytellers

Hit play and get inspired by one of the most dynamic voices in modern storytelling!

Fuller shares:

How he developed his one-of-a-kind streetwear style

The wild stories behind designing merch for music legends

What it’s really like collaborating with A-list artists

His creative process and inspiration

Tips for aspiring designers looking to break into the merch world

And so much more!

Whether you’re a streetwear enthusiast, music fan, or just love hearing creative journeys, this episode is packed with inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories you won’t want to miss.

In this episode, Chris sits down with comedian Comrade Tripp for a candid and hilarious conversation about his journey into the world of comedy. Comrade shares how he got his start, his lifelong love for Pokémon, and how going viral online gave his career a major boost. They also dive into his pivotal role in growing the comedy scene in Minnesota and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

Whether you’re a comedy fan, a Pokémon enthusiast, or just love a good underdog story, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in this episode!

Tune in for laughs, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes stories from one of Minnesota’s rising comedy stars.

—

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#ComradeTripp #PassionPod #Comedy #MinnesotaComedy #Pokemon #GoingViral

Join Chris Johnson for an exclusive interview with acclaimed comic book artist Brent Schoonover! In this episode, Brent pulls back the curtain on the comic book industry and shares his incredible journey from discovering comics as a kid to drawing for some of the biggest names in the business.

Tune in to hear Brent discuss:

His introduction to comics and early inspirations

Earning a college degree in comic book illustration

Drawing Toy Story comics and how that opened new doors

Breaking into DC and Marvel, and what it’s really like working for them

Creating his own comic book series, Devil’s Highway

Designing iconic cereal box art for Count Chocula

How comic book artists actually get paid (the real truth!)

Why the Incredible Hulk is his all-time favorite superhero

And so much more behind-the-scenes insight!

Whether you’re a comic book fan, aspiring artist, or just love a great creative story, you won’t want to miss this deep dive into the world of comics with Brent Schoonover.

In this inspiring episode of Passion Pod, host Chris Johnson sits down with Milwaukee-based independent film director Ramon Swift Sloan. Together, they dive into the unique challenges and rewarding triumphs of making movies in Wisconsin and the greater Midwest—far from the glitz of Hollywood.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Ramon Swift Sloan’s journey as an independent filmmaker in Milwaukee, WI
• The realities and opportunities of producing films in the Midwest
• Practical tips for aspiring filmmakers and creatives looking to break into the industry
• How community, resourcefulness, and passion fuel Ramon’s projects and success

Whether you’re a film buff, a creative, or just love stories about people pursuing their passions, this episode delivers real insights and inspiration from the heart of the Midwest film scene.

🔗 Discover more:

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#IndependentFilm #MidwestMovies #RamonSwiftSloan #WisconsinFilm #PassionPod #FilmmakerInterview #Podcast

In this exclusive episode of Passion Pod, host Chris Johnson sits down with BabyJake, the genre-blending artist behind the viral hit “Cigarettes On Patios.” Discover the real story behind the song, the creative journey that led to its success, and what inspires BabyJake’s unique sound.

🎤 What you’ll hear in this episode:

The inspiration and meaning behind “Cigarettes On Patios”

BabyJake’s musical journey and rise to fame

Behind-the-scenes stories from writing and recording the hit

Insights into BabyJake’s creative process and influences

Advice for aspiring musicians and songwriters

Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering BabyJake, this episode is packed with exclusive stories, music industry insights, and creative inspiration.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring interviews with artists, musicians, and creators who are turning their passions into careers.

Listen to more episodes: https://passionpod.org

In this episode of Passion Pod, host Chris Johnson welcomes Lucas Beaufort—an internationally recognized artist, skateboarder, and muralist whose passion for skateboarding has inspired a creative journey across the globe. Lucas shares how skateboarding became the foundation for his art, leading him to paint murals in cities worldwide and collaborate with top skate brands.

🛹 What you’ll hear in this episode:

Lucas Beaufort’s journey from skateboarding to becoming a global artist

How skate culture continues to inspire his artwork and collaborations

Stories and lessons from painting murals around the world

The intersection of art, travel, and the skateboarding community

Advice for aspiring artists and skaters

Insights into Lucas’s creative process and philosophy

🌟 About Passion Pod:

Passion Pod features inspirational stories from unique guests who’ve built careers around what they love. Hosted by Chris Johnson, each episode delivers creative insights, motivational stories, and practical tips for dreamers, entrepreneurs, and artists.

Born in Yemen and raised in Ethiopia before moving to Minnesota at 15, Ali shares his incredible journey from discovering stand-up comedy on late-night TV to performing globally. We dive into his roots in Minneapolis, his ties to Eau Claire, and how his first open mic experience sparked his passion for comedy.

Ali opens up about performing clean sets, playing quirky characters at college parties, and the importance of creating art for the right reasons. Whether you’re a comedy fan or simply looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with laughs, heartfelt moments, and plenty of wisdom.

Tune in for an unforgettable conversation with one of comedy’s rising stars!

Trevor first discovered his love for theatre while still in high school growing up in Texas. After graduating he went to college for theatre before eventually attending film school in Los Angeles. His initial goal was to get into voice acting, but while he was still in school his professor recommended that he consider suit acting instead due to his unusually tall (6 foot 7 inches) and slender build. Peaking his curiosity Trevor reached out to the legendary suit actor Doug Jones through a simple DM on Instagram and miraculously Doug responded and agreed to a meeting that turned into a conversation lasting over 3 hours long. Taking Doug's advice Trevor found himself meeting make up artists and participating in Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios. Things snowballed from there and he has since acted in international ad campaigns for Amazon, been featured in trailers for American Horror Story, wore a Wookie suit in Disney's Mandalorian 2, became a monster in Smile 2, and played his most iconic role of the Xenomorph in Alien Romulus.

In this episode we discuss a shared love for thePackers, hosting a podcast during the pandemic, meeting the team at Legacy Effects, becoming the Amazon Yeti, working on the set of Star Wars, taking arguably the most iconic creature role ever for Alien Romulus, and much more.

Everything started for Jarvis when he came across a skyline photo online that was shot with an iPhone. An android user at the time, Jarvis said up his money and knew he had to get an iPhone for himself. He immediately poured himself into photography driving to Chicago every day he could to take photos of abandoned buildings, skylines, gritty alleyways, puddles, and anything else that caught his eye. People quickly took notice and he began to build a following on Instagram using the hashtag #iphoneonly . He was even a featured photographer that Instagram itself interviewed and promoted.

After about a year of shooting exclusively with his iPhone his mom bought him his first DLSR. From there both his skills and his career truly blossomed. His first big break came when he was hired by Visit California to hit the road and capture the beauty of Northern California's parks and mountains. Not long after that he found himself shooting photos for My Helsinki to help promote tourism to Finland.

Jarvis has travelled the world shooting photos for many large organizations, but he has also done extensive work in the the product photography and portrait space for massively successful brands like Under Armour, Jordan Brand, Stella Artois, and more.

In this episode we discuss Jarvis's photography journey from his humble iPhone beginnings to capturing cycling trip in the Czech Republic, and so much more. He also opens up about how he built his career and gives a ton of valuable insight and advice that any photographer, or creative in general, could benefit from.

In the episode we discuss his rough childhood in Minneapolis, his mom marrying someone she met on Yahoo chat, moving out of the city, discovering his love for the outdoors, experiencing racism, being awarded scholarships, getting hired by The North Face to create content, being awarded over $5,000 worth of ice climbing gear, becoming friends with the legendary Mt. Everest climber Dom Mullins, flying to Washington to create content for Zig Zag Climbing, building real relationships online, dealing with burnout, best climbing movies, dream places to go climbing, and so much more.

In this interview we discuss the hectic schedule of a new reporter, hosting the championship parade for the Atlanta Braves, learning from his idol Ryan Seacrest, intentionally losing his southern accent, separating personal beliefs to share unbiased news, public speaking advice, viral TikTok moments, favorite rappers, and much more.

You've likely seen their faces on social media as their videos have reached millions of views and their social media platforms have skyrocketed over the last year. What most people don't know is the story of how they got there.

In this episode we discuss the origin story of Milwaukee Uncut, early entrepreneurship mistakes, proposing on social media, going viral at tailgate parties, Giannis Antetokounmpo showing up at their studio, favorite guests they've had, giving back to the community, and much more.

Timmy grew up in the Twin Cities playing basketball obsessively until he came to the realization in high school that at 5 foot 8 his dreams of playing in the NBA weren't realistic and decided to go to college for business like so many others. While attending UW Madison his mental health slowly got worse and worse as the reality of what his life after school would look like started to set in. He knew he didn't want to be working in an office staring at a computer screen the rest of his life, but he didn't know what to do about it. As his internship came to an end he had a meeting with his boss Dave that changed everything.

He expressed to Dave his longing to build something he was proud of, his dream of traveling the world, and his desire to help people. Dave listened and told Timmy "You can't do that. It's time for you to grow up."

After that Timmy knew he had to make a change. He wrote up a contract with himself promising to chase his dreams and signed it. the following 3 years were a whirlwind that's honestly hard to believe. In search of a mentor he met Charlie Rocket and joined his team traveling the country making dreams come true. Through the power of social media they reached over a billion views, changed thousands of lives, donated millions of dollars, worked with countless celebrities including Oprah, MGK, Aloe Blacc, Gary Vee, Steve Harvey, and many more.

Timmy felt that he had found the secret and won the video game of life, until he got the worst phone call of his life. His close friend Chris, who was also one of the major investors behind what they were doing had tragically died at the age of only 33. It was a wake up call that Timmy didn't know he needed. While he had lived his dreams over those few years, he also neglected his family, his relationships, his mental health, and more. He knew he could no longer work 7 days a week with Charlie and the rest of the team and moved back in with his parents in Minnesota while he figured out his next move.

Since then he has laid the groundwork for Dreamer State University. He's become a youth keynote speaker traveling the country in a van inspiring kids to listen to their hearts and pursue the lives they've always dreamed of. He's already impacted thousands of kids, but he's still just getting started.

One day an idea came to him that changed everything. He searched online and found a list of "Top 10 rappers in Minnesota" and sent them all his Soundcloud page through Twitter with all his beats for them to listen to. Prof liked what he heard and 6 months later their first collaboration song "President" released. It's been over a decade since then and Willie's role has evolved from producing songs once in a while to being Prof's full time DJ. Willie also contributes heavily to the creative direction for a lot of Prof's music videos, tour sets, social media content, and more.

In this episode we discuss his journey towards a full time career in music, becoming Prof's DJ by accident, favorite music producers, industry lessons he's learned, drinking habits on tour, hanging out with Redman, and much more.

Since then Nate has become a Milwaukee celebrity with his photos/videos reaching millions of views through not just his Instagram (@natevomhof 25.6k followers) , but from all the major clients he has worked with including Top Chef, Harley Davidson, Visit Milwaukee, The Brewers, and many more.

In this episode we discuss dropping out of college, starting a rap crew, building a music scene, working factory jobs, getting laid off during the pandemic, going back to school as a parent working full time, becoming a professor, starting the BIPOC Wisconsin Birding Club with his academic advisor, writing his first book, diversity in the birding community, accessibility to green spaces, obscure bird facts, how to look at life, building a life based around your passions, and much more.

After her song Meant To Be that she wrote and recorded with her friend Charlie Oriain went viral on TikTok opportunities opened up for her in a big way. In fact, her first ever show was performing at the iconic SXSW festival in Austin, TX. Shortly after she was asked to open for Tom Odell for his "the monsters tour" and found herself performing for thousands of new fans every night.

Since then she has headlined her own tours around the world, but one thing hasn't changed. She's still just making music with her friends.

In this episode we discuss studying music in Europe, the Minnesota music scene, befriending her favorite band, exploring different genre's of music, finding ways to laugh through the pain, getting signed to a record label, touring the world performing music, the ebbs and flows of being a full time musician, performing a sold out show at First Ave, her friendship with fellow Minnesota music artist Landon Conrath and much more.

Lazerbeak is mostly known as a hip hop music producer, but he actually got his start by playing the guitar as a kid. In fact his high school band was so successful that they got signed by a label and were touring before they even graduated. At that point, he thought he was going to be a rockstar.

Life happens though, and instead of being a rich and famous rockstar he found himself working at a movie theater and borrowing money from his mom to buy a beat machine from Guitar Center so that he could make rap music with his friends. Those friends eventually became Doomtree and changed the culture of hip hop music in the Midwest forever.

Lazerbeak has had a long career full of highs and lows, but still manages to make a living from music to this day. In this episode we discuss his experience making Lizzo's first album, forming Doomtree with his friends, working for free, producing a song for Doja Cat in 3 hours, making albums for each of his 3 kids, running a record label from his living room, delivering pizzas until he was 30, his new solo album that's coming this Spring, and much more.

Bryan was on the "regular" path for success in America. He graduated from college, moved to San Fransisco, and got a desk job making the most money he ever made in his life. The only problem was that it didn't make him happy. After a couple of years working at his desk he told me his "soul felt rotten" and that he knew something had to change. He began taking acting classes and got involved with his local theatre. As his skill progressed so did the opportunities that came his way.

Then one fateful day he got laid off from his job and the choice of where to take his life became clear. He got a job as a server at a sushi restaurant and worked his butt off pursuing his dream to become a full time actor. It took years of auditioning and being turned down before he was offered his current role of Orpheus on the National Tour of Hadestown, but he finally made his dreams come true.

In this episode we discuss the challenges of tour life, developing relationships with cast members, being real on social media, peanut M&Ms, personal and professional development, being an independent music artist, making music videos with friends, and much more.

In this episode we discuss the origins of his shoebox art, doing commission work for huge brands, inspiring kids to create, valuing your work, investing in your craft, loving what you do, learning how to become a pro, favorite sneakers, thinking outside the box, and much more.

Ike has lived a very full life from touring the country with his band, to making dreams come true with the Dream Machine Foundation, to becoming a full time woodworking artist, and more. Despite how incredible his life looks like from the outside, he's battled with serious mental health struggles and speaks openly about his experience to help others feel less alone.

In this episode we discuss connecting with fans through music, meeting his heroes, building a multi million dollar junk removal business, dropping everything and moving to California for a dream job opportunity, battling depression, creating meaningful connections, making art with purpose, and much more.

Speedy has played 9 seasons with the Globetrotters and slowly worked his way up the ranks within the organization to his current place as a team leader, 3rd quarter showmen, court general, and PR representative. He even has his official jersey for sale at all their games as well as online.

In this episode we discuss his life as a Harlem Globetrotter, traveling to over 40 countries around the world to play basketball, inspiring kids, donating hundreds of turkeys for Thanksgiving in his community, his coaching business Underdawgs Basketball, creating Lonnie Young Summer League basketball in his hometown, learning how to be a sidekick, being ready for opportunities when they present themselves, responding to every DM he gets, and much more.

In this episode we discuss sober living, becoming an independent artist, surrounding yourself with the right people, writing honest music, being vulnerable with others, overcoming adversity, giving back, and much more.

A lot has happened since our first interview. She's acted in her first feature film, performed for Saturday Night Live, joined the team at American High, graced the red carpet with Chelsea Peretti, and much more. Still only 23 years old, she's just getting started...

SonReal's earlier albums consisted mostly of rap songs, but as his career evolved so did his sound. In 2017 he released his first acoustic song "My Friend" which had initially underwhelming results across streaming platforms. However, as his career grew and he released more acoustic/folk music his audience continued to grow and to this day "My Friend" has become one of his biggest hits. Throughout his career SonReal has bent genres and released songs that could be considered, folk, rap, hip-hop, pop, and more.

Feeling the urge to write more rap music again, he created his first primarily rap album in years titled "All Things Aside" which released August 16th, 2024.

We first met and recorded an interview back in March of 2023. Since then we have both seen our careers grow and felt compelled to record this follow up interview the day after his show in St. Paul, Minnesota during his latest North American tour.

In this episode we discuss his latest album, performing on stage, writing new music, choosing to become an independent artist, collaborating with friends, staying true to your vision, not being too precious, connecting with fans, and much more.

After connecting with Ha Ha Clinton Dix on Twitter he started making content with him online. Then, when Matt started his podcast, The Matt Ramage Show, Ha Ha Clinton Dix drove to Matt's house to be the first ever guest and record it in person. From there Matt's show and online presence continued to grow and so did his relationship with the team. Since then he's had about a dozen players on as guests, gotten sponsored by midwest brands including Kwik Trip, and even was the celebrity umpire for the Packers annual fundraiser softball game. Don't say anything about him nearly crying when Aaron Rodgers yelled at him for making the wrong call though!

In this episode we discuss favorite Packers moments, life lessons from players, getting signed to an agency, interviewing Charlie Berens, making clothes he actually wants to wear, getting roasted online, playing to your strengths, and much more.

In this episode we discuss what schooling/qualifications you need to become a meteorologist, being a first round draft pick, building a brand new station, moving to where the job is, working at 2am, handling weather emergencies, growing with social media, a quickly evolving industry, combatting misinformation, spreading positivity, and much more.

BabyJake has since left Republic Records, and Los Angeles, to become an independent artist living and making music in Nashville. Over the last few years he has been steadily putting out new music and developing as both an artist and a person. His sound has went from indie rap, to pop, to 70's rock, to alternative rock and more.

His latest album titled Beautiful Blue Collar Boy is available to stream on all platforms. It showcases his diverse music styles and brings a raw emotion that stands out in today's music.

We recorded this interview backstage before his recent performance on Friday, October 25th at 7th St. Entry in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

In this episode we discuss how his music developed, healthy addictions, learning from past mistakes, how to grow a core fanbase, performing live, finding yourself, life goals, music industry misconceptions, new music, touring on a budget, and much more.

He secured his first teaching job in the fall of 2019 and got to teach for about 5 months before the pandemic shut down everything. Dalton had to adapt, and with his computer skills became a leader among his teaching team as they adjusted to virtual learning.

Since then he has published 4 books, started his Northern Nerd brand, built an audience of over 100,000 followers across his social media platforms, got married, became a father, and more.

In this episode we discuss small town life, having boundaries, best places to camp, writing poetry, going viral, the responsibilities of teachers, organizing events, building community, juggling passions, and much more.

Khary and his good friend Abhi the Nomad recently released a 6 song EP together titled Icarus. Abhi announced his farewell tour and Khary took to the road with him to travel the country and spread their music. We recorded this interview backstage before his performance at the Fine Line in Minneapolis on October 6th, 2024.

In this episode we discuss musical inspirations, getting back into skateboarding, his friendship with Abhi, performing for himself first, favorite anime shows, living in a recording studio, an upcoming full length album, his new EP with Abhi the Nomad, and much more.

His first big project was a one day mural job when he painted the Packers Fence, a 70 feet wide by 6 feet tall fence located just across the street from Lambeau Field. Every year since he has repainted the fence with a new Packers design, but that's not all. So far he has painted custom cleats for a dozen of the Packers players that have been worn in nationally televised games, created a whole clothing line, painted dozens of other murals throughout the midwest, and more.

We recorded this episode outside in Zane's backyard, but unfortunately the sun chose to get right in our faces during parts of this interview. Still, we had a great time discussing how he came to Green Bay, his love of street art, other favorite artists of his, how to get hired for mural work, painting custom cleats, his experience on the Cripescast with Charlie Berens, using AI to schedule his time, painting a mural with 500 other people, and much more.

In this interview we discuss juggling family life and travel, building a career "brick by brick", his favorite Nate Bargatze story, late night appearances, viral social media moments, his lifelong memory at Red Rocks, genres of stand up comedy, personal branding and more.

I first met Wayne when we recorded an interview in his home back in the winter of 2021. We immediately hit it off and still to this day his episode is one of my all time favorites. We since have kept in touch and remained friends. He recently was on a tour and performing in Wisconsin. He reached out to me to see how far away I was and if I wanted to get together and catch up. It was a little over a 3 hour drive to go see him, but we were able to make it work and decided it would be a good excuse to record a follow up episode while we were at it. I highly recommend listening to our first interview as we reference quite a bit during this one.

In this interview we discuss his new tv show he's pitching, his newfound love of motivational speaking, the benefits of traveling the world, collecting no's, impactful mindset shifts, finding mentors, getting out of your own way, and much more.

When I say on this show that I end up becoming friends with a lot of the guests I really do mean it and you can see it in this interview.

Thanks for watching!

In this interview we discuss how she got her start, getting her first big commission, how she blew up on social media, why affordable art is so important, which other artists inspire her, how to make a living as an artist, and much more.

In this episode we discuss what makes diver bars so great, entrepreneurship, juggling multiple jobs, getting his own vodka brand, the community of Wisconsin influencers, spreading positivity, designing his own clothing, and much more.

Greg dropped out of high school and moved to California to chase his dreams of being a pro skateboarder. It didn't take long for that dream to become a reality. Throughout his career Greg had pro models on Illenium, Krooked, Almost, and Darkstar before creating his own line of skateboards that are now sold in Walmart locations worldwide. Greg has had numerous video parts and won nearly every major skateboard contest on the planet throughout his twenties. He was one of the first pro skateboarders to branch out of the skateboard industry and rode for major corporate brands including Toyota, Visa, Rockstar, K-Swiss, and more. Eventually his window as a top pro began to close he turned to entrepreneurship and became even more successful. He now stays busy with his dozens of properties, businesses, his tv show on Fuel TV, and more.

We recorded this episode at Billy Duece's studio in Milwaukee on a recent trip back home for Greg. What was meant to be a one hour visit turned into 3 hours of conversation on and off the mic.

In this episode we discuss his transition into entrepreneurship, investing at a young age, his plans to teach others, his new documentary, top skateboarding moments, the school of life, giving back, how to negotiate with brands, and why it's all worth it.

In this episode we discuss new music, how he coulda been Eminem, his relationship with Timbaland, flying first class, spending $100,000 last year on DoorDash, biggest regrets, collecting Jordans, spending $600,000 on a music video, and more.

In this episode we share Richie's life story from posting his first YouTube video he shot in his driveway, to recently signing an NIL deal with Kwik Trip. Richie also offers us a ton of insight behind social media, content creation, strategy, tips, misconceptions, and more.

Kevin's career hasn't been as glorious as some might assume however. Cross country skiing certainly has it's place in the midwest culture, but the sport is still very niche in the United States. That translates to not only a more difficult road to become internationally competitive, but it also makes it much harder for a professional skier like himself to make a sustainable living. In this episode we discuss growing up in the midwest, moving to Norway to ski with his heroes, fundraising to make his career possible, vlogging with his gold medalist girlfriend Maja Dahlqvist, competing in the Olympics during the pandemic, and much more.

Beth performed for the first time in Eau Claire, WI at The Plus on June 9th for Clear Water Comedy and was gracious enough to let me interview her backstage before her performance. In this episode we discuss California living, how her life changed after her comedy special on Netflix came out, learning from past mistakes, what it really looks like to write for tv shows, how she creates her comedy specials, what to expect when you see her perform live, and much more.

Friday August 16th will features the best in throwback hip hop including Pelly, Ka Lia Universe, Bubba Sparxxx, Mike Jones, Trick Daddy, Yung Joc, Twista, Ginuwine, and T.I..

Saturday August 17th will feature another great year of emo/pop punk bands including Amber Pacific, Emery, Secondhand Serenade, Anberlin, Hawthorne Heights, Story of the Year, and Yellowcard.

In this episode we discuss what goes on behind the scenes to make music festivals possible, stories for Reverb 2023, why 2024 will be even better, what music festivals bring to a community, why live music is so important, and much more.

Emily and her mom drove all the way out to Eau Claire, WI to record her first ever podcast interview on the Passion Pod. In this episode we discuss small town living, being a stay at home mom, her online origin story, finding ways to give back, going viral online, where she gets all her ideas, hiding gift cards around town, her tv show dreams, and so much more.

In this episode we discuss the origin of his online persona, how he navigates the challenges of a life without consistent income, finding the right sponsors, the development of his music career, his music and life inspirations, and much more.

This episode is truly a special one and was years in the making. Tune in and get inspired to chase your dreams.

In this episode we discuss growing up in a trailer park, dealing with knee surgeries, experimenting with drugs, graduating from college, moving to Europe, making money illegally as a comedian, getting deported from Germany, going viral on social media, why we aren't so different after all, and what makes it all worth it.

In this episode Corey shares his story for the first time in a long form interview. We discuss what makes Wisconsin so special, why Wisconsinites have such pride for their state, how he is able to make such high quality apparel for so cheap, how he juggles the different sides of his business, how he grew on social media so fast, why building relationships online is so important, and much more.

@imjarons is a Wisconsin based viral content creator known for his character he portrays when he wears his insta360 camera. Not many people know the actual Jaron so he agreed to come do an exclusive interview on the Passion Pod. The only other interview that Jaron has done in the past was also on the Passion Pod, but he first time around we had just met that day and Jaron admitted to being super nervous and wanted to record another. Recently his following on Instagram more than doubled to over 950,000 followers. Since our last interview we added 2 more camera angles, started taking YouTube more seriously, and so it just felt right for Jaron to tell his story again to his new audience.

In this interview he shares his internet origin story, why he still works a HVAC job full time, getting engaged, growing 100k+ followers per month, building a career on Instagram, learning from Wyatt Eiden, challenges of not having proof of income, why so many people fail, and we even do a rapid fire of questions. Tune in and help us blow up!

In this episode we discuss his relationship with Charlie Berens, being a career musician, stand up comedy, making viral youtube videos, his VHS tape obsession, imposter syndrome, and much more.

In this episode we talk about recent life, performing for the troops overseas, dad life, living in Wisconsin, his list of favorites, crushin cans, recording new music, social media struggles, and much more.

In this episode we discuss early inspirations from watching cartoons, juggling day jobs, working for Nickelodeon, writing for tv shows, performing around the country, playing the drums with her music idols, and so much more.

In this episode we discuss living in the midwest, chasing your dreams, interviewing celebrities, negotiating contracts, overcoming mistakes, navigating an evolving industry, and so much more.

Chris and Sam dive into the world of comedy, share hilarious anecdotes, and discuss the passion behind the punchlines. From Sam's early days in stand-up to the triumphs and challenges of a comedic career, this episode is a rollercoaster ride of humor and heart.

Sam Tallent, known for his razor-sharp wit and unique comedic style, brings his A-game to the Passion Pod studio. Discover the inspirations behind his comedic genius, the ups and downs of life on the comedy circuit, and the moments that shaped him into the hilarious performer we know and love. Sam even opens up about his experience on @joerogan and a little known fact about @WillSmith that could only come from working with him directly...

Whether you're a comedy enthusiast or just in need of a good laugh, this episode is a must-listen! So, grab your headphones, hit play, and get ready to LOL with Chris Johnson and the incomparable Sam Tallent on the latest edition of the Passion Pod. Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share the laughter with your friends – because everyone could use a little more comedy in their lives! 🤩🎉

#PassionPod #ComedyGold #SamTallent #ChrisJohnson #LaughOutLoud #PodcastFun #ComedyMagic ✨

In this interview we discuss how to make a career as a content creator, how to get leverage brand deals, staying true to your values, navigating a unique personal life, how to build an audience, and much more.

Reza the Illusionist has appeared on many major programs including Duck Dynasty, MTV, NBC, FOX, PBS Netflix, Penn and Teller, and many more.

In the episode we discuss his troubled past, what led to that fateful night, why he was sentenced to prison time, how he handled prison life, what changes need to be made to the prison system, how to become a male model, the power of social media, the limitations people place upon themselves, and much more.

In this episode we discuss how to start a brand, what tool are available to solo entrepreneurs, how to build a clientele, how to make custom apparel, what design tools are available, how to generate consistent sales, and so much more.

Walker has always been a creative mind and eventually published his first book titled "Top of Mason" in 2020. His most recent novel titled "Off Clark" came out at the end of 2020 and is available to ship worldwide. He also co founded his own company called

"Old Friends" that began as a small brand selling hats and t shirts. Old Friends has now evolved into a brand that focuses on fitness and helping skaters stay in tip top shape with their physical therapy and exercise routines designed specifically for skaters by skaters.

In this episode we discuss all of this and much more.

In this episode we discuss dropping out of college, building a career as a comedian, touring the country, how to start a podcast, the life of an entertainer, and much more.

In the episode we discuss his musical background, writing his first song, Spotify playlists catapulting his career overnight, making music with his friends, navigating business and relationships, and much more.

In this episode we discuss growing up in a musical family, being classically trained as a percussionist, how the band Phony PPL formed, where his name Maffyuu came from, similarities between fighting games and playing music, how to learn new skills from YouTube, how to stay on the same page as a band, getting cosigned by celebrities, performing for Quincy Jones, and so much more.

In this episode we discuss how to form a band, how to come up with a good name for a band, how to improvise when performing live, how to maintain a band when the members live in different places, how to balance work life and touring, how to find your own sound, and much more.

In this episode we discuss growing up with a rockstar, struggling with your identity, work life balance, being a self taught creative, cold calling clients, how to stay ahead of trends, how to go viral, why touring full time isn't always the goal, how to build a name for yourself, and much more.

In this episode we discuss growing up somewhere that you don't fit in, tattoo apprenticeships, wanting to be a rockstar, what hard work looks like, and how you go from $5 haircuts on a military base to $115 haircuts for movie stars.

In this episode we discuss how to grow on TikTok, how to get a manager, how to find acting jobs, working at Ace Hardware, how to go viral, how to make a career on social media, and much more.

In this episode we discuss what it takes to be a full time artist, ceramics residencies, getting a graduate degree, how to apply for art grants, side hustles, and the life of someone pursuing their passions.

Shoutout to @visualdirt for making this connection

This episode is brought to you by Downtown Eau Claire Inc. (DECI)

In this interview we discuss how they first met, the difference between a producer and beat maker, why having a good DJ matters, walking with integrity, performing at Sound Set, working at call centers, opening a recording studio, influencers vs. performers, and much more.

In this interview we discuss making the Olympic trials as a hurdler in college, playing around with turntables for the first time, how he met Bubba Sparxxx, his musical influences, missing the old Kanye West, club hits vs. radio hits, getting official remixes with rock legends like Def Leppard, and much more.

In this episode we discuss how their music has evolved over the years, parenting pre teens, writing new music, an upcoming album, the state of the music industry, and why it's all worth it.

In this episode we discuss how their music has evolved over the years, writing new music, an upcoming album, the state of the music industry, and why it's all worth it.

In this interview we discuss technical difficulties on stage, how they became friends and bandmates, playing for massive crowds across Asia, most memorable experiences along the way, and more.

In this interview we discuss which songs are his favorite to perform, juggling parenting and touring, the resurgence of emo music, longevity in the music industry, which rockstars he still fans out on, obscure tee shirts, and more.

In this episode we discuss the band's hiatus, switching up their singer to Matty Mullins, creating new music during the pandemic, the current state of the music industry, advice for young musicians, being fully committed to music, staying grounded, and more.

As the day was winding down I spotted them eating some tacos in the lounge backstage and asked if I could sit and join them. After a few minutes of chatting we decided we should just hop on the mic and record ourselves before All Time Low's performance started to end the night.