Rockford Buzz: The Podcast

Jake is out on the farm with Tim and Addie from Barnstormer Distillery! They JUST successfully funded their Kickstarter, but it was brand new at the time of this recording. We talk about how a pilot became a farmer and distiller and what Tim and Addie hope to bring to the Rockford community. So sit back with a glass of your favorite Barnstormer spirit and enjoy this lovely little chat.

Josh has always had an entrepreneurial spirit. But it was a moment of crisis that propelled him into Rockford Rides. What started as a way to earn some cash while his Uber license was in limbo ended up being a whole adventure. Jake and Josh sit and talk about business ownership, starting an adventure, and the crazy things in life that kicked us down that path.

What started as a way to keep Anthony out of trouble grew into a small business. Jake and Anthony discuss nerd things, life lessons, and how a hobby can grow into a passion and later a business.

The number 5 is there for a reason! Why? You're going to have to listen and find out. Jake and Levi talk about how a passion for coffee led to opening a bar in the stateline. 

Liz and Randy have one of the most unique stores in Rockford. Hands down! What's even more unique is that it started as a neighborhood haunted house inside their garage one Halloween, several years ago.Liz and Randy have taken their love for the macabre and turned it into a store that has to be seen, not heard. Hear about their journey and inspiration for Wolf Hollow and go pay them a visit!

Pat's journey to becoming the owner of Octane can be best described as "full circle" with a dash of crazy thrown in. Pat started as a dishwasher at the restaurant he now owns. So how does someone go from a part-time dishwasher to owning a restaurant having never gone to culinary or business school? The short answer is "hustle". The long answer is inside this episode. Bon Appetit! 

From a passion for music to a Rockford staple. Skyler Davis has been part of the local resurgence in vinyl records. But Skyler was into vinyl before vinyl was cool (again). So what inspired Skyler to open such a unique store in Rockford? And on Charles street of all places? Listen and learn about the crazy adventure that has led to the Culture Shock we all know and love today!

How does someone go from professional body builder to counselor to public speaker on mental health? Kevin Polky of KP counseling and Jake talk about Kevin's journey, his philosophy, and his mindset that has seen him through his incredible journey. Buckle up!

Austin turned a side-gig into a business. It didn't happen over night, but Austin kept at it and has grown a truck and trailer to a team operating in Rockford and Madison. Austin and Jake discuss his journey and how a chance job grew into a business.

Brent & Jake sit down in Brent's brand new location. Brent took over the business his dad started and has since grown it into a household name. We talk about his personal and business journey to take All Seasons from his parent's garage to the new place we're sitting at now.

You might guess that Tracey's main love is insurance, but you'd be wrong. Tracey and Jake dive into the world of insurance and her plan for world domination.

If you know much about Jake, you know that he codes. So when he found that John LiCausi of Internet Marketing Experience owns a web development company and DOESN'T CODE, he was more than curious. Jake and John dive into what has propelled John's success and allowed him to survive and thrive in a fiercely competitive industry.

A (minor) construction project sends Josh and Jake out to the car... But that doesn't damper our excitement to talk about tacos and bringing a new genre of restaurant to the Rockford region.

Jake and AnnMarie sit down to talk about the history of Discovery Center Museum and what they're doing to make learning fun. Avoiding spoilers, but DC was created by a small group of ladies wanting to make something amazing for the children of Rockford. 40 years later and they're still on that mission! Fueled by the amazing community of Rockford, DC is now recognized as one of the nation's BEST children's museum. Join us for a walk down memory lane and a peek into the future with Discovery Center Museum.

Hulsebus Chiropractic has been in Rockford since before Cherryvale Mall! Jake and Dr. Brant sit down to discuss his grandfather's story, Palmer School, and giving back to the community through his clinic.

Little known fact about Rockford. We are a PREMIERE outdoor adventure city in our region. There is so much to do outdoors! So in this episode, Jake sits down with Kevin Versino from Rocktown Adventures to discuss kayaking, snow shoeing, the Rock River, and a whole lot more.

It's short and sweet! Jake and his special guest say thanks and give you the heads up on a new format for the podcast that kicks off in 2021!

Rockford is in the full swing of the holiday season. The city is all lit up with Christmas light displays. If you haven't heard, there's also a decorating contest! This week, we talk about some of our favorite decorations and where you can go to see pretty lights all around town!   Are you decorating your home this year?   Hit play and come hang out with us. Coffee drinking is suggested. Follow Rockford Buzz on social media: Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/TheRockfordBuzz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockfordBuzz/ "Rockford Buzz" Apple and Android Mobile Apps Grab some Rockford Buzz Merch: http://shop.rockfordbuzz.com Become a Rockford Buzz Backer: https://rockfordbuzz.com/backer

We recorded this podcast on Monday. Jake said there wouldn’t be snow. GUESS WHAT ROCKFORD WOKE UP TO ON TUESDAY?! Blame Jake. On a brighter note, there are two great holidays this week. Thanksgiving and Small Business Saturday. We are so thankful for our listeners and followers and for our local business community here in Rockford. This year, more than ever, we all need a little more support. Hit play and come hang out with us. Coffee drinking is suggested. Follow us on social media: Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/TheRockfordBuzz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockfordBuzz/ "Rockford Buzz" Apple and Android Mobile Apps Grab some Rockford Buzz Merch: http://shop.rockfordbuzz.com Become a Rockford Buzz Backer: https://rockfordbuzz.com/backer

Jake is moving, shows off SWAG CAT, and also decides to tell Courtney live on the podcast that he has new ideas (which you know is always scary). Then, Jake has 5 Tips for supporting local this holiday season!   Special mentions: Winnebago Buy Local, Bella Luna Bakery, Halo Cupcake, Prairie Street Brewing Co., Sugar Britches, Dairyhaus, Culture Shock, Butler's Emporium, Wolf Hollow, Top Cut Comics, Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens    Hit play and come hang out with us. Coffee drinking is suggested.   Follow us on social media: Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/TheRockfordBuzz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockfordBuzz/   "Rockford Buzz" Apple and Android Mobile Apps   Grab some Rockford Buzz Merch: http://shop.rockfordbuzz.com Become a Rockford Buzz Backer: https://rockfordbuzz.com/backer

On Veterans Day, we want to take the time to thank the men and women who have put their lives on the line for our country. We also wanted to highlight some museums and organizations that you can donate to and learn more from. Special Mentions: Midway Village Museum, Veterans Memorial Hall, Veterans Drop In Center, Circle of Change   Holocaust museum mentioned: https://www.ilholocaustmuseum.org/   Hit play and come hang out with us. Coffee drinking is suggested.   Follow us on social media: Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/TheRockfordBuzz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockfordBuzz/   "Rockford Buzz" Apple and Android Mobile Apps   Grab some Rockford Buzz Merch: http://shop.rockfordbuzz.com Become a Rockford Buzz Backer: https://rockfordbuzz.com/backer

This week, the world is conspiring against Courtney. Thankfully, art brings joy - and that happens to be our topic of the week. We have a fantastic art community here in Rockford. We chat about filmmaking, writing, visual arts, performance arts, and more.   Hit play and come hang out with us. Coffee drinking is suggested. Follow us on social media Instagram: @TheRockfordBuzz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockfordBuzz/ "Rockford Buzz" Apple and Android Mobile Apps Grab some Rockford Buzz Merch Become a Rockford Buzz Backer

This week, Jake has some exciting news to share! Then we have a chat about the importance of taking care of your mental health - especially in years like this one. Hit play and come hang out with us. Coffee drinking is suggested. Visit https://www.psychologytoday.com/us to find a therapist near you! Follow us on social media Instagram: @TheRockfordBuzz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockfordBuzz/ "Rockford Buzz" Apple and Android Mobile Apps Grab some Rockford Buzz Merch Become a Rockford Buzz Backer

Jake has quite the story about a long trek around Lake Geneva with Leah. That sparked a conversation about what it means to take time to slow down in life and really be present. Life around us may be stressful, but we can all still have moments where we take a step back and be mindful of being present with those around you or with just yourself! Hit play and come hang out with us. Coffee drinking is suggested. Follow us on social media Instagram: @TheRockfordBuzz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockfordBuzz/ "Rockford Buzz" Apple and Android Mobile Apps Grab some Rockford Buzz Merch Become a Rockford Buzz Backer

What have we been up to lately? Fall, pumpkin-y goodness and movie marathons, mostly! We also get interrupted part of the way through by a car alarm   We all have homework this week! Yours, dear listener, is to watch In the Tall Grass and report back how you feel about this very weird movie! Message us here Facebook or send us an Instagram DM! Hit play and come hang out with us. Coffee drinking is suggested. Follow us on social media Instagram: @TheRockfordBuzz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockfordBuzz/ "Rockford Buzz" Apple and Android Mobile Apps Grab some Rockford Buzz Merch Become a Rockford Buzz Backer

The Greater Rockford Area has been placed under new dining guidelines due to COVID-19. We chat about what those are and how you can support your favorite local restaurants. Support isn't always tied to opening up your wallet, although that's step number 1 if you are able to. Hit play and come hang out with us. Coffee drinking is suggested. Follow us on social media Instagram: @TheRockfordBuzz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockfordBuzz/ "Rockford Buzz" Apple and Android Mobile Apps Grab some Rockford Buzz Merch Become a Rockford Buzz Backer

WE HAVE A WINNER!!! Or... WE HAVE . . . WINNERS! Congrats to Johnny Pamcakes, The Norwegian, and Stockholm Inn! Rockford has chosen y'all as the best places to grab breakfast here in town!   This week, with us being firmly cemented in the season of fall, we talk about why we love the season so much and some of our favorite fall activities.   Hit play and come hang out with us. Coffee drinking is suggested. Follow us on social media Instagram: @TheRockfordBuzz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockfordBuzz/ "Rockford Buzz" Apple and Android Mobile Apps Grab some Rockford Buzz Merch Become a Rockford Buzz Backer

Upon discovering frozen Capri pizza at Woodmans, we couldn't go another week without talking about our love for pizza. Especially local pizza! What is your favorite local pizza joint? How about your favorite toppings? Sorry in advance if this episode makes you hungry. Hit play and come hang out with us. Coffee drinking is suggested. Follow us on social media Instagram: @TheRockfordBuzz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockfordBuzz/ "Rockford Buzz" Apple and Android Mobile Apps Grab some Rockford Buzz Merch Become a Rockford Buzz Backer

Do you enjoy walking, hiking, or wheeled activities (biking, skating, etc.)? Rockford is a great city for it. We have so many path systems, and it keeps improving. There’s a lot of exploring to be done. If you like this cooler fall weather, this is the perfect time for you to get out there and check out the paths! https://winnebagoforest.org/ https://rockfordparkdistrict.org/trails Hit play and come hang out with us. Coffee drinking is suggested. Follow us on social media Instagram: @TheRockfordBuzz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockfordBuzz/ "Rockford Buzz" Apple and Android Mobile Apps Grab some Rockford Buzz Merch Become a Rockford Buzz Backer

Gather ‘round as we chat about our passion - COFFEE. Mornings. . . afternoons . . . evenings . . . are all better with life juice. It just so happens that we have wonderful local coffee shops and roasters here in Rockford and we love them deeply. What’s your caffeinated drink of choice? Let us know!   Hit play and come hang out with us. Coffee drinking is suggested.   Follow us on social media Instagram: @TheRockfordBuzz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockfordBuzz/ "Rockford Buzz" Apple and Android Mobile Apps Grab some Rockford Buzz Merch Become a Rockford Buzz Backer

Downtown Rockford is a beautiful place to be. Over the last decade or so, we’ve been able to watch the revitalization. This week, we chat about that and what else we are looking forward to seeing in the future! Hit play and come hang out with us. Coffee drinking is suggested. Follow us on social media Instagram: @TheRockfordBuzz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockfordBuzz/ "Rockford Buzz" Apple and Android Mobile Apps Grab some Rockford Buzz Merch Become a Rockford Buzz Backer

In the first half of this episode, Jake blames Courtney for his recent migraine. Then we geek out over camera equipment which leads to the topic about how we live in such a naturally beautiful city. Rockford isn't called The Forest City for no reason! Hit play and come hang out with us. Coffee drinking is suggested. Follow us on social media Instagram: @TheRockfordBuzz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockfordBuzz/ "Rockford Buzz" Apple and Android Mobile Apps Grab some Rockford Buzz Merch Become a Rockford Buzz Backer

Blackhawks hockey is back. F1 is back. We have a short Sports Corner before diving in to talking about Rockford Day! It's coming up this Saturday. While, it make look a bit different this year, there are still plenty of ways to support local! Hit play and come hang out with us. Coffee drinking is suggested. Follow us on social media Instagram: @TheRockfordBuzz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockfordBuzz/ "Rockford Buzz" Apple and Android Mobile Apps Grab some Rockford Buzz Merch Become a Rockford Buzz Backer

Jake is back from his vacation and did, in fact, have a crazy new plan. As expected. We have some new life news and chat about looking ahead to move our lives forward. Hit play and come hang out with us. Coffee drinking is suggested. Follow us on social media Instagram: @TheRockfordBuzz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockfordBuzz/ "Rockford Buzz" Apple and Android Mobile Apps Grab some Rockford Buzz Merch Become a Rockford Buzz Backer

Courtney is back from the middle of the woods, so we chose to talk about the importance of taking a chance to disconnect for awhile. But, there is injury news too because Jake is Jake. He may not be the only one who got injured this week though. . . Hit play and come hang out with us. Coffee drinking is suggested. Follow us on social media Instagram: @TheRockfordBuzz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockfordBuzz/ "Rockford Buzz" Apple and Android Mobile Apps Grab some Rockford Buzz Merch Become a Rockford Buzz Backer

Did you know there are a lot of outdoor adventures to be had in Rockford, the Forest City?! Shocking, I know! With the weather being much more manageable coming up, we decided to talk about some of our favorite outdoor activities. Plus Jake has yet another injury story. Courtney’s brain turns on only halfway through the episode. Enjoy! Hit play and come hang out with us. Coffee drinking is suggested. Follow us on social media Instagram: @TheRockfordBuzz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockfordBuzz/ "Rockford Buzz" Apple and Android Mobile Apps Grab some Rockford Buzz Merch Become a Rockford Buzz Backer

Sick of Skype recordings? Us too. This week we are back in the studio and have a lot of stories to tell. From learning to dress like a librarian to monsters to brain infections. What else would you expect from us?   Hit play and come hang out with us. Coffee drinking is suggested.   Follow us on social media Instagram: @TheRockfordBuzz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockfordBuzz/   "Rockford Buzz" Apple and Android Mobile Apps   Grab some Rockford Buzz Merch   Become a Rockford Buzz Backer

This week, Courtney speaks absolute madness into the universe, we talk about some of Jake's video projects, and take a look forward to Phase 4! Hit play and come hang out with us. Coffee drinking is suggested. Follow us on social media Instagram: @TheRockfordBuzz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockfordBuzz/ "Rockford Buzz" Apple and Android Mobile Apps Grab some Rockford Buzz Merch   Become a Rockford Buzz Backer

It's Pride Month! Places are reopening, Jake had a birthday, and he managed to not hurt himself while riding his bike. We have some spoilers for upcoming videos as well as some hints about our.... merch shop! Check it out! http://shop.rockfordbuzz.com/rockfordbuzz/shop/home Hit play and come hang out with us. Coffee drinking is suggested. Follow us on social media Instagram: @TheRockfordBuzz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockfordBuzz/ "Rockford Buzz" Apple and Android Mobile Apps

Black Lives Matter. It should be as simple as that. We talk a bit about new wave of the movement and how we need to be better going forward. We hear you. We stand with you. We need to do our part to keep the conversation moving. Some great organizations to check out: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialRockfordYouthActivism/ https://www.facebook.com/NAACP-Rockford-Branch-361106260569200/ https://www.facebook.com/100STRONGCOMMUNITYSAFEHOUSE/ https://www.facebook.com/womensmarchrockford/ You can reach out to us at info@rockfordbuzz.com Hit play and come hang out with us. Coffee drinking is suggested. Follow us on social media Instagram: @TheRockfordBuzz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockfordBuzz/ "Rockford Buzz" Apple and Android Mobile Apps

We are back this week with some more quarantine news and updates. We have both bought some new video equipment and are excited to get back out into a somewhat normal routine. Hit play and come hang out with us. Coffee drinking is suggested. Follow us on social media Instagram: @TheRockfordBuzz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockfordBuzz/ "Rockford Buzz" Apple and Android Mobile Apps

Check out this week's podcast to learn how Jake avoided an exploding laptop and how Courtney ended up with sore hands because of her stairs. Who says quarantine can't be full of fun and excitement?! Hit play and come hang out with us. Coffee drinking is suggested. Follow us on social media Instagram: @TheRockfordBuzz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockfordBuzz/ "Rockford Buzz" Apple and Android Mobile Apps

This week, we are still quarantined. We have both managed to injure ourselves in ridiculous ways. Things are going swimmingly. Check it out to catch up with us! Hit play and come hang out with us. Coffee drinking is suggested. Follow us on social media Instagram: @TheRockfordBuzz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockfordBuzz/ "Rockford Buzz" Apple and Android Mobile Apps

We are clearly still in quarantine, but we are taking on new hobbies in order to get us through! We also take some time to catch up and talk about how the good ole Quarantine 2020 is going. Hit play and come hang out with us. Coffee drinking is suggested. Follow us on social media Instagram: @TheRockfordBuzz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockfordBuzz/ "Rockford Buzz" Apple and Android Mobile Apps

Do you remember life before social-distancing and self-isolation? I might not either if there wasn’t audio and video evidence. That’s when this was recorded. We have reached the 4th and FINAL episode of our Ask Us Anything series! Thank you all so much again for sending in your questions and interacting with us. Enjoy! Q1: What would your perfect Rockford Day be like? - anonymous Q2: Brian Weavel - We want to know what a normal day is like for you wonderful people at Rockford Buzz Q3: Brant Hulsebus - What is the strangest thing you have encountered at a location site for recording a segment for Rockford Buzz? Q4: Jodi May - You’ve worn a rubber duck, a boa, many other costumes: What would you like to dress up as that you haven’t already? Q5: Brant Hulsebus - If ROCKFORD Buzz had an animal mascot what animal would it be? Q6: Joshua Berven - How long does it take to shoot a 30 second commercial? How many takes do you have to do on average? Q7: Brittany Drane - How about them llama farms? Do you get anxious filming, and how do you overcome it if you do?   Hit play and come hang out with us. Coffee drinking is suggested. Follow us on social media Instagram: @TheRockfordBuzz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockfordBuzz/ "Rockford Buzz" Apple and Android Mobile Apps

This week is a bit different. We had to record remotely from our separate homes due to the shelter-in-place ruling. There's still plenty to talk about including the launch of our new website, surviving quarantine, and Jake embarrassing himself. . . again. Hit play and come hang out with us. Coffee drinking is suggested. Follow us on social media Instagram: @TheRockfordBuzz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockfordBuzz/ "Rockford Buzz" Apple and Android Mobile Apps

*Don't worry, this was filmed weeks ago. We are, indeed, social distancing. But we could use some fun right now, eh? Here's part 3 of our Ask Us Anything Podcast series!   Q1 - Is it true the IceHogs may leave Rockford? - @jerryrudolphiii on Instagram   Q2 - What is the backstory on Rockford Buzz? I feel like you’ve been living in my facebook feed for years but I don’t know the whole story - anonymous   Q3 - What is your favorite coffee shop in Rockford and what is your go-to drink? - Erin at Stateline Kids   Shoutout to the other wonderful folks mentioned in this episode: Meg's Daily Grind, Wired Cafe', Katie's Cup, Rockford Roasting Company, Drew Eurek, Katherine Leigh Designs, The Canine Crunchery, Inc., Bath & Body Fusion, Emily Henderson Photography, LLC   Hit play and come hang out with us. Coffee drinking is suggested. Follow us on social media Instagram: @TheRockfordBuzz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockfordBuzz/ "Rockford Buzz" Apple and Android Mobile Apps

Hop in your rocket ship and join us as we talk about space travel, getting rich, and if we could build Rockford into a vertical city that reaches outer space. Hit play and come hang out with us. Coffee drinking is suggested. Follow us on social media Instagram: @TheRockfordBuzz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockfordBuzz/ "Rockford Buzz" Apple and Android Mobile Apps

Nick (Daddy Brickhead) of The Brickhead Family was kind enough to re-join us on the Rockford Buzz Podcast. Last time he came on, we messed up and lost the footage! Not this time! Hear what The Brickhead Family is as well as their podcast Ghost Freak'n Talk'n. If you like LEGO or The Paranormal, you need to check these guys out! The Brickhead Family: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvytuhxe52Up2XQ82BGLQ5Q Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Thebrickheadfamily/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrickheadfamily/ Merch: https://shop.spreadshirt.com/TheBrickheadFamily/ Ghost Freak'n Talk'n: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbe7S5cIN9kSzBthwQFJ0CA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ghostfreakntalkn Podbean: https://ghostfreakntalkn.podbean.com/ Hit play and come hang out with us. Coffee drinking is suggested. Follow us on social media Instagram: @TheRockfordBuzz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockfordBuzz/ "Rockford Buzz" Apple and Android Mobile Apps

For the first time in awhile, we are back with a normal episode of Rockford Buzz the podcast. No interview. No Ask Us Anything. Instead you can hear what we've been up to, how to properly survive a dinosaur attack, and wielding axes. Hit play and come hang out with us. Coffee drinking is suggested. Follow us on social media Instagram: @TheRockfordBuzz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockfordBuzz/ "Rockford Buzz" Apple and Android Mobile Apps

This week, Gaby from YouRock Experience joined us to chat about her past year following her passion into making YouRock a reality. It was exactly a year ago today that she launched, and great things have happened - with the best yet to come! She's working hard to spread positivity here in Rockford, so definitely check her out and give her a follow. YOU ROCK! Follow YouRock: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourockvibes815/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourockvibes815/   Hit play and come hang out with us. Coffee drinking is suggested. Follow us on social media Instagram: @TheRockfordBuzz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockfordBuzz/ "Rockford Buzz" Apple and Android Mobile Apps