"The Commute" Podcast

Real Quick: This is an extremely special episode. You won't believe Bruce's story or the raffle he is putting on for charity. One of the most generous and humble guys I've ever met, I wish I could do more for him. You'll be just as impressed--believe me.

One at a time...that's how I'll upload the audio from interviews conducted at the video recording of "Don't Stop Tryin'" by the new super group, Rizz & The Believers. Here is Country and Americana Musician, John Salaway, talking with me about the project. Pardon the background noise--there was a LOT going on in the production studio during the event! There will be video to come...although I don't yet know the medium upon which I will present it.

One at a time...that's how I'll upload the audio from interviews conducted at the video recording of "Don't Stop Tryin'" by the new super group, Rizz & The Believers. Here is Troy Luccketta, Jr., talking with me about the project. Pardon the background noise--there was a LOT going on in the production studio during the event! There will be video to come...although I don't yet know the medium upon which I will present it.

One at a time...that's how I'll upload the audio from interviews conducted at the video recording of "Don't Stop Tryin'" by the new super group, Rizz & The Believers. Here is Michael Staertow, of The Guess Who, talking with me about the project. Pardon the background noise--there was a LOT going on in the production studio during the event! There will be video to come...although I don't yet know the medium upon which I will present it.

One at a time...that's how I'll upload the audio from interviews conducted at the video recording of "Don't Stop Tryin'" by the new super group, Rizz & The Believers. Here is Michael Devin (Whitesnake; Lynch Mob), talking with me about the project. Pardon the background noise--there was a LOT going on in the production studio during the event! There will be video to come...although I don't yet know the medium upon which I will present it.

One at a time...that's how I'll upload the audio from interviews conducted at the video recording of "Don't Stop Tryin'" by the new super group, Rizz & The Believers. Here is Peter Keys, of Lynyrd Skynyrd, talking with me about the project. Pardon the background noise--there was a LOT going on in the production studio during the event! There will be video to come...although I don't yet know the medium upon which I will present it.

The end.

Stepping aboard the food truck this week is celebrity chef, Joe Gatto! Chef Joe made a name for himself by cooking everything (EVERYTHING) from scratch--including condiments and (believe it or not) charcoal! He and I are perfectly in sync during this conversation, meaning this is a fabulous and funny conversation to draw you in and not let go!

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute Stepping aboard the school bus this week is a School Superintendent, Robert Drews. But Robert isn't your average ordinary superintendent--he oversees a single-building school district in rural Nebraska! Listen in and learn about the role and duties of a superintendent, but also hear the challenges (and rewards) somewhat unique to a small town setting. A great guest with the heart of a teacher, you will enjoy this conversation!

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT IN THE INTRO! This week, we've got another rock star stepping aboard the tour bus! Form the band Heaven's Edge, guitarist Reggie Wu joins us to talk about the band getting grunged in the early 90s, and how they are making a big comeback with a new album! A guest I completely fell into sync with, Reggie and I have a great conversation and probably a new friendship. Fantastic episode!

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute Joining us this week is a physician who is a specialist in an area of medicine I previously did not know existed! Dr. Emerald Lin is a Physiatrist, and discusses the field in a way that helps to separate it form other medical specialties. Learn along with me as we explore the world of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation!

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute Stepping aboard the tour bus for his second go-around, Michael Staertow joins us to talk about The Guess Who and their upcoming album release, "Plein D'Amour"! Michael is the perfect guest -- funny, engaging, talented, and has something to say. Always a fun and funny sit-down, you will feel the time fly by! Check out the band at www dot TheGuessWho dot com.

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute Joining us on the bus today is social Media Marketing Expert, Cris Cohen! Cris talks about the algorithms and changes made over the years--and then talks about the importance of mining great content from his musical clients. The interview is the key...and we break down the dynamics and mechanics of a great interviewer. A lot for everyone this week!

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute A friend of the show joins us on the bus this week! From The Brandon Fields Experience, rock star Brandon Fields climbs aboard! We have a fantastic conversation about music, touring, and life in general. Brandon is a great guest because he is such a good hang--and enormously talented to boot! Enjoy the reason podcasts exist...

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute Quite a turn we took this week! I wanted to chat with Jack Bergstrom about his 21-day water fast (we will at a later date)...but he is also a high level executive coach, and that was too alluring for me to pass up! We spoke about his philosophy, his background, and some of the interventions he makes to help his clients achieve the goals they set. Absolutely fascinating--and a great guy to boot!

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute What a fantastic interview! Old friend and intensely smart guy, Chris McLernon, steps his rock star self onto the tour bus! He is promoting his two new CDs, Bronson Avenue and Kinell--but the conversation is an incredible dive into what it was like to move to Hollywood in the mid 80s to try to make it in the newly shaped music industry. I can't say enough. You'll see.

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute We've got a rock-star-turned-speaker-turned-author this week, as I interview sandy Gennaro in front of a live audience at the Rock n Pod Expo, 2023!! We were asked to do a live 30-minute interview on the main podcasting stage--and Sandy nailed it! We talked about his career, his speaking gigs, and his book, "Beat the Odds in Business & Life"!

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute Climbing aboard the tour bus today is a musician from a band that shot out of the gate with so much potential--but then got dropped (unceremoniously) by their label (Polygram). Guitarist from the band, Janata, Mike Lustig joins the show! An amazingly interesting chat about the way the industry works, and how so many forces have to work together to make it big. Oh, not to mention: Janata played at Stevie Ray Vaughan's last show EVER. Listen in...

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute Joining us this week is high school and military Strength & Conditioning Coach, Kevin Wisham. Talk about an uplifting guest! When Kevin speaks, you can feel his passion and his integrity. He speaks to the job specifically, but also shares inspiration as he chats globally about the need for strength and conditioning. A great episode.

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute Stepping aboard the tour bus this week is Matthew Whiteman, front man and lead vocalist for the band, AntiSaint. Matthew talks about the struggles in making it as an up-and-coming band, but also details the rewards of moving up each rung of the ladder. A fun guest and an articulate young man, Matthew is an easy hang. Check him out!

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute We feature a rock star on today's show (Steve Blaze from Lillian Axe)--but the conversation goes so much deeper than music or a new video release (both of which are happening). Steve and I philosophize a bit, discussing religion, fate, truth, and kindness. A whopper of an episode, and one of my favorites ever!

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute Climbing aboard the tour bus this week is Mike Conner, songwriter and guitar player for the band, Any Given Sin. Mike talks about the origin of the band, the path they found toward success, and their current tour with Saliva. He also talks a LOT about the state of the industry in 2023. A fantastic (and honest) discussion from a true insider.

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute Continuing our theme of local politics, we have Village Trustee, Brad Meyer stepping aboard the bus today. But brad is more than that--he was the subject of MANY stories from Season 1 of "The Commute". He was my partner in crime for some of the best and worst decisions I've ever made. But history like that cannot be taught--it has to be lived. Live this little piece of our lives today!

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute We've got a HUGE rock star on the show this week for Music Monday! From the platinum-selling band, Halestorm, lead guitarist Joe Hottinger steps aboard the tour bus! Joe talks about the band, their success, and the wild ride that he has been on. A low key guy gives an enormous interview--listen and learn how awesome of a guy he is.

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute Incredible guest this week! Coppersmith, Ernie Estes, climbs aboard the bus to talk about his career in copper rebuilding and restoration for high-end, old mansions. Ernie has the heart of a teacher as he walks listeners through some of the more complex talents and knowledge he has acquired over the years--as well as laughs through some stories of "things rich people do." This is the kind of guest I created the show to meet!

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute Another rock star climbs aboard the tour bus--from the band Autograph, Guitarist and lead singer, Simon Daniels is here! Simon talks about his musical history, going way back to how his father (a classical pianist) inadvertently influenced his son to go into rock and roll. Listen in as we have one of the most free-flowing, easy conversation of all the rock stars I have interviewed. A great guest with a great story!

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute This week, have I got a profession for YOU! remember the Professional Puppeteer, Ed May? For the past few years, he has made his living as a Professional Dungeon master for online gamers playing Dungeons & Dragons! Listen in as he talks about his role, the unique characteristics of the job, and the way he got into it in the first place. A walk down a lane I had never traversed--but super interesting!

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute Happy Music Monday! A real treat this week--Nashville-based guitarist, Tony Higbee climbs aboard the tour bus. He talks about his path through the music industry, winding up as the lead guitarist for Tom Keifer's (Cinderella) Band, and also recently adding duties for the band Brother Cane. A fun and candid guest with a solid resume of success in a tough industry!

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute We continue our look at the responsibilities (and importance) of local politicians today, as County register of Deeds, jan Davis, steps aboard the campaign bus to talk about her position. Anything but mundane, I found it fascinating to talk about the record keeping process--and just how important having a centralized point for real estate (and military records) is to life as a property owner!

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute Gregg Steele Heppner was the architect of much of how Sirius/XM operates today (from a programming standpoint). He was on the team that oversaw the merger between Sirius and XM, and then worked to form the channel line-up (and their content) in the aftermath. A fascinating conversation about a medium that has meant so much to so many people--this is a NOT MISS!

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute Respiratory Therapist, Mike Floros, climbs aboard the bus to talk about his job within a hospital setting. He takes care of children and infants who need help breathing--either because of an emergency situation, going in or out of surgery, or because they are struggling to get a good flow of oxygen. It was hard to listen without thinking about how it feels to NOT be able to breathe, but the information is fascinating!

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute This week, we have the lady responsible for operations on the weekend of a HUGE rock and roll event in Nashville--the Rock n Pod Expo, 2023. Tracy Mcandrew steps aboard the tour bus to discuss the enormity of the event this year...and what she does to contribute to the organization and success each year. Her job requires a tireless commitment to detail--a task for which she is well suited! Listen and WISH you were there! (spoiler alert...you CAN be!)

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute Professional Clogger (clog dancer), Mike Curtis joins the show! He talks describes what clogging is, and then goes through the amazing and wild ride his career has been on since his group, "All That! Clogging" appeared on America's Got Talent a record NINE times! Look them up on all social media platforms and enjoy the spectacle of their product! I promise you will NOT be disappointed! A fabulous guest who does something fabulously unique for a living!

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute Joining us today is Prog Rock wizard, Michael Sciotto (Migliori Amichi & Co). Their new album, "Best of Friends" is out and available for purchase or download. Michael is a fantastic guest, as we plumb the depths of music, musicianship, and his time with Jefferson Starship. These kinds of interviews make me wish for a 2-hour show, but catch him while you can--a thoroughly enjoyable, funny, and warm chat!

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute Not only does Outside Sales Rep, Sean Zingsheim sell an interesting product (Scissor Lifts), but he goes through the A-B-Cs of selling in general. You are going to love the boundless energy and positive disposition of this successful young man. ..and learn a thing or two about how to be successful in ANY industry!

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute Stepping aboard the tour bus today is Rock Star, Jason Bieler! He's got a new album coming out on March 17 ("Postcards from the Asylum"), but the pre-order porthole has just opened up on jasonbieler.bandcamp.com !! You can also check out his new single, Heathens. Jason is one of the wittiest, most fun interviews for any podcaster--and we are fortunate to be welcoming him for the THIRD time on "The Commute"!

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute This was a new one for me--a profession I didn't even know existed until the interview I had with Millwright, DJ MacIntyre. And oh, what an interview it was! Learn about one of the trades that subsumes all the other trades...or as I called it, the Eagle Scout of the blue collar world. A fascinating conversation...

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute On the tour bus for this Music Monday: rock star (Dokken; House of Lords), BJ Zampa! BJ talks about his lifelong interest in the drums, and how it has turned into a career he did not predict. We start out by talking about the album of heavy metal Disney songs he played on, and how it took the country by storm! **In my intro, I forgot to mention Def Leppard--but you'll understand once you listen.

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute Stepping aboard the bus today is Corporate Recruiter and Online coach, Cody Kelly! Cody discusses the launch of his new online coaching service, trying it in to his experience in life and in the world of recruiting employees for companies around the country. An interesting chat into what makes people change bad habits and replace them with healthier ones (both from a personal AND a career standpoint). And excellent interview!

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute Back to Music Monday this week--and with another great rock star from the host's misspent youth! Dr. Steve welcomes Carey Howe, guitarist from the band Leatherwolf (and currently, HailMary). Carey talks about the rise and fall of the bands most successful period, and then talks about the upcoming tour that will reunite the three front men--not performing as HailMary. Steve is in his element, asking all the questions he wishes he could have in 1987!

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute An AMAZING guest this week-- 35-year railroad veteran, Frank Javorsky joins the show! We do a deep dive into the rail industry, while also shedding light on the roles and responsibilities of each member of the train team. Frank discusses changes that corporate pressures have brought to the industry, and gives his thoughts on the future of rail transportation. Quite a guest...and quite a listen!

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute This week, fellow rock and roll podcaster, Michael Brandvold, joins me to talk a little shop. He hosts the enormously popular "Three Sides of the Coin" podcast about all things KISS, and has a ton of experience working with artists and management alike. A great guest and a great interview, Michael shares his thoughts on the industry, starting a show, and what makes for a good listener experience. I'm glad we met--give him a listen!

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute Stepping aboard the bus this week is a unique kind of plumber! Andy Brinkman, who works exclusively underground, joins us to talk about his work installing, repairing, and maintaining sewers under the City of Milwaukee, and also under various subdivisions and buildings in the Wisconsin suburbs. A job you'll never hear about anywhere else!

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute Dr. Steve sets the stage for 2023. No guest this week--but a quick list of upcoming guests and a few shout outs to friends we've made along the way. Not a recap, but a prognostication of exciting things to come!

We end the year on a high "note" (see what I did there?). The Production Manager at Gibson Custom Guitars, Cody Higbee, steps aboard the bus to talk about his role in getting unique guitars into the hands of unique musicians. A good conversation with a new friend, you'll enjoy taking this ride out of 2022!

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute Climbing aboard the tour bus today is an up-and-comer: Dylan Jarvis! Dylan has amazing music to share and an amazing story to tell. Listen in and feel the emotion as he talks about the road he has walked to get to where he's at. I don't know that you'll hear another story like his--or be able to pair it with a guy who is so gracious and so talented. Visit his official website for more info: www.DylanJarvisOfficial.com

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute Stepping aboard the tour bus for the second time, Ron Young joins the show to talk about his new book, Judge This Book By Its Cover." He and I chat about the process, the book itself, and his amazing (both good AND bad) life. From the highest highs to the lowest lows, Ron has quite a story to tell. Listen along and go to Amazon.com to pick up YOUR copy!

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute Stepping aboard the blue collar bus this week is Oil Refinery Chief Operator, Jim Rinard! Jim talks about his duties at the Marathon Oil refinery, and then speaks more broadly about what a refinery does and how one works. And absolutely fascinating conversation about our nation's (our world's? circulatory system and blood supply (oil). I DARE you not to learn something from this episode!

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute To celebrate this season of giving thanks, I've put together a collection of the funniest (or just plain FUNNEST) moments from the 6+ years of doing the show. Thanks to my Patreon sponsors for your continued support--and thanks to everyone for listening!

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute This week, we've got a good one! An ichthyologist (a fish expert) steps aboard the bus to discuss fresh water fish and the overall health of our country's supply. Darrell Bernd has been doing this for over 35 years, and is a fantastic story-teller! Making science simple...that's what we do at The Commute!

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute Stepping aboard our safari bus this week is retired Game Warden, Ken Smith! Ken talks about his responsibilities and some of the day to day adventures of his career--and then gets into talking about some amazingly interesting facts about the animals many of us see every day...and not the big ones (ex: frogs, salamanders, birds). Really, really cool guest--who WILL be back!