The Winks Thinks Podcast

From Chuck & Winkler, Bart calls up former host Mike Wickett to revisit the "toilet wings" story that continues to follow Bart to this day.

Karl Barth had a well paying job at a Fortune 500 company only to leave it all behind to start a traveling mini-golf business! Bart sits down to talk with the founder of Jack Putt to talk about the transition into leaving a job to start his own business. Plus, how Jack Putt can help out your organization and also, because why not, some AEW Wrestling!

Bart Winkler is joined by his long time friend and go-to awards show handicapper, Popcorn Jake, as they look at the best bets for the 2020 Academy Awards.

Can the boys score themselves one million dollars? They can if they accurately predict all of the 2019-2020 over/under win totals for the NBA's 2019-2020 season! Ryan Horvat and Dave Stein join Bart Winkler as they give their thoughts on the 30 teams battling for the Larry O'Brien trophy. (NSFW)

Bart Winkler checks in at Name Your Card to talk with Rick D'Amore who has been in the card collecting business for a few decades. Inside his shop at 92nd and Bluemound, Rick explains why the cards you collected as a kid aren't worth anything, but how the cards your Dad may have collected are as popular as ever. Plus, Rick explains when to get your cards graded and when to not waste your time. We've all got old baseball cards, but only Bart has a baseball card podcast episode!

Milwaukee-based Mixed martial artist Ode "The Jamaican Sensation" Osbourne joins Bart Winkler before he gets a chance to perform in front of Dana White for a chance at a UFC contract. As you'll hear, Ode has never backed down from a challenge, despite an approach that is different from most fighters! Check it out and cheer him on!

Who are the greatest Packers of all time? Bart talks with Robert W. Cohen of the book "The 50 Greatest Players in Green Bay Packers History" and then discusses the list with his dad, Greg Winkler. The two Winkler boys also take a trip down memory lane as Bart looks to his Dad for fatherly advice on how to raise children as Packers fan.

Kane Pitman is a Bucks fan. Only difference between you and him is that he has spent most of his life watching the team play from his home in Australia. But this year, he's in the States to cover the team and the two Australian players on the Bucks roster. Actually, make that just the one after the Dellavedova trade. In this episode, Kane talks with Bart about how that trade altered his 2018-2019 plans as well as what he hopes his year in America will lead to. Plus, is being a foreigner a benefit or a hinderance when in an NBA locker room? Check the out the podcast if for nothing else his dreamy Australian accent. 

Chuck Freimund and Bart Winkler continue to broadcast from the 12th Annual WSSP Toy Drive and these two interviews are too good not to share on every platform possible. Are we cheating the podcast format? Kind of! But it'll be worth it. Jim Paschke talks about some of the highlights of his broadcast career and his thoughts on the current Bucks squad, and Brian Anderson recaps an incredible Brewers season plus looks ahead to his future. 

Kevin Holden, Sports Director at CBS 58 in Milwaukee, joins Bart to talk about his "Great American Baseball Adventure". Kevin has created a six month, 150 stadium trip where in the span of one summer you could watch at game at every Major League Baseball stadium as well as games throughout the three top levels of the minor league system. He pours many hours of sweat and tears into creating this masterpiece schedule, and then nobody takes the trip! What! Bart and Kevin talk about the origin and the practicality of the trip and Bart also reveals a little too much about some of the similar hobbies he participated in while growing up.

Wisconsin Soccer Hall of Famer Kris Klassen has seen a lot change in the game of soccer since he became the first ever player to sign with the Milwaukee Wave in 1984. Bart and Kris talk about the glory days of indoor soccer as well as the state of soccer in America today. Also covered is Kris' time with the Bavarian Soccer Club and the publishing of his book Soccerrock. A great listen and a few good laughs for any soccer fan!

House of Hardcore 51: Blizzard Brawl is set to take place on Saturday Decemeber 1st, 2018 at the Waukesha County Expo Building and Bart previews the event with Tommy Dreamer and Dave Herro. Herro recalls the story of how Blizzard Brawl (barely) came to be and Dreamer recalls why he wanted to be a part of the annual tradition. Plus, thoughts on the current storylines in the world of wrestling today including discussions on the future of Roman Reigns, the WWE's new overseas model, and the state of independent wrestling as a whole. Check it out!

Bart talks with Eric Nehm of Locked On Bucks and The Athletic about his new book, "100 Things Bucks Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die". Plus, why the Bucks will win 50 games this season, why Giannis is less likely to leave Milwaukee than you think, and why Jabari's tenure as a Buck was over well before the first ACL injury. 

After the Brewers clinch in St. Louis, sportswriter Andrew Wagner hitches a ride with Bart Winkler as they head back to Milwaukee. They recap their thoughts on the Brewers celebration as well as talk shop when it comes to working in the media. Plus, a discussion on the jersey numbers that are and are not retired in Wisconsin sports.

The story behind Silas Young is a complex one, one that maybe had a much darker ending decades ago. But it was wrestling that helped get Silas off the path of drugs and on the path of becoming one of the top performers in Ring of Honor. Hear the story of how commitment to the craft helped him overcome the odds as he talks with Bart Winkler and Cody Grant of 105.7 FM The FAN. Plus, thoughts on the current landscape of wrestling and make sure to hear the promo he cuts on Cody!

Bart talks with Grant Bilse, a 20-year-old student at UW-La Crosse that has broken into the sports talk business by already having his own drive-time show on WKTY. Bart recalls his efforts getting into the business and chats with Grant about making the most of your opportunities, no matter the profession. The two also talk about their time in Western Wisconsin and how that affects their feelings on the other teams in the NFC North. But before all that, Dave Stein from 99.1 WMYX is back to be the sounding board for a story Bart has about a handyman who risked his life to repair Bart's house! 

Bart talks with Ralph Bruno and Maggie Carter of the Original Cheesehead Factory. Find out how Ralph took an the insult of being called a "cheesehead" and turned it into one of the most popular fan products in the state of Wisconsin. Plus, there is a strong connection between cheeseheads and the Green Bay Packers, but the first Cheeseheads were actually sold at County Stadium! Find out which athletes and celebrities have championed the product over the years and if the rumored story of a cheesehead saving someone's life in a plane crash is fact or fiction! Plus, details on how to win a tour of the Original Cheeshead Factory with Bart! 

The United States Men's Soccer Team didn't qualify for the World Cup, but one American still made it to the knockout stage. New Jersey native Mark Geiger joins the Winks Thinks Podcast to recall his experience in Russia. Plus, his thoughts on pro/rel, the MLS style of play, and what he'll do after officiating. 

Bart took 28 days off from alcohol and think he's a hero. Riggs at KISS FM hasn't drank all summer. The two explore how different their daily lives are without drinking, especially in a town where it's a large part of the culture.

Our Green and Gold Football Insider breaks down a different football with Bart Winkler. Michael Cohen talks about changes that can be made in America to make their national team a world power, his background in soccer, and the things that Jurgen Klinsmann did right for the USMNT. Plus, Michael has moved to The Athletic and explains what Packers fans can expect from him on the new site.

If you like Big Brother, this is the podcast for you! If you don't, then check back again later! It's all Big Brother 20 as Bart and Jeff "Polish Pipebomb" Orloski break down the new twists on the new season, the houseguests they like and can't stand, and how the challenge to win the game is tougher than ever.

Liga MX sides C.F. Pachuca and Club Leon battle in the third ever soccer game played at Miller Park. Bart takes you through the week of the event which includes an interview with Milwaukee Brewers COO Rick Schlesinger, Miller Park Head Groundskeeper Michael Boettcher, and select fans that attended the match. 

0:01 Mister Mini Golf of MiniGolfReviews.com talks about taking over the MUSA Putt Putt league, the best courses in the Milwaukee area, and plans for a future indoor facility25:50 Keith Schweda of MKE Fistball tells us about the hidden sport right in our backyard36:27 Producer Dave of 99.1 WMYX and Chuck Freimund of 105.7 FM The FAN talk about what they hate about kickball and kickball players

Former speechwriter for George H.W. Bush as well as one-time Milwaukee radio host Curt Smith talks about his new book "The President and the Pastime" (begins 4:59 mark) Ignoring the cries to #StickToSports, Bart and Curt talk about the connection that baseball has had with the White House throughout America's history. Plus, the line he wrote for Bush 41 that still resonates with Bart to this day as well as his thoughts on championship teams declining invitations to Washington, D.C.. And with the World Cup upon us and the Americans at home, who should we root for? Bart's brother Brock Winkler has narrowed down the list and the two come up with the team they will support (begins 30:11 mark). 

Still furious that the United States Men's National Team did not qualify for a World Cup, Bart looks ahead to soccer's biggest event and wonders how much he'll be invested this time around. His brother and fellow soccer diehard Brock Winkler joins Bart at the 04:30 minute mark. And two coaches from Milwaukee Lutheran, Bryan Oechsner and Oswald Bwechwa Jr. join Bart at the 14:45 minute to have a conversation about their upcoming camp and other ways that youth can get involved in the game without their parents breaking the bank.

Meet "Popcorn Jake"! One of Bart's most frequent guests from his former show stops by to talk about whether or not fans should be able so claim they deserve to watch good basketball, as well as his awful plan to someday own an NBA team. And some inside jokes we hope you find entertaining. Bart gets introspective and tries to figure out what he wants to get out of his podcast with KISS FM's Riggs. And more inside jokes.

Bart Winkler and Producer Dave from 99.1 The Mix talk about the NBA playoffs now that the final four have been set. We all assume it's going to be the Cavs and Warriors again - is that a good thing or a bad thing for the NBA? Plus, they say they are not going to get into the LeBron vs MJ debate, but they obviously do. And some thoughts on the Bucks coaching search.

Good conversation with FAN Producer Jeff Orloski as we debate the success of the 2018 Green Bay Packers draft as well as try to determine if I'm a Packers apologist because I liked it. Plus we discuss the tricky balance in covering the teams we cover while also being critical and talk a little baseball too!

What if right now, all the power in the world went out and was never to come back on? How long before the world would devolve into chaos? Bart's favorite exercise in small talk (inspired by the now cancelled Revolution) is tested on 99.1 The Mix's Elizabeth Kay and 103.7 KISS FM's Riggs. Plus, friend of the podcast Producer Dave tells us about the role playing he and his girlfriend did this weekend (non-sexual).

Prior to my time in sports radio, I worked as a morning show host and music/program director at a small market radio station. How would my music programming strategy work in a larger market? Entercom Top 40 Captain and 103.7 KISS FM / 99.1 THE MIX Program Director Brian Kelly enlightens me on how a radio station should sound and if my techniques would fly in Milwaukee. This one is a good listen for radio nerds!!!

Joining Bart this week is Ramie Makhlouf of The BIG SHOW. With a stand-up comedy career on the side to his job at The FAN, Bart and Ramie explore the comedy influences that have shaped them to this day. Riggs from 103.7 KISS FM returns to talk about why he enjoys jumping out of airplanes, and his co-host Gibbons stops by as well. 

Bart is back from vacation and eager to get the podcast up and running! Guests include Riggs from 103.7 Kiss FM, Producer Dave from 99.1 The Mix, and Chuck & Winkler producer Cody Grant2:18 Which airliner is the worst?8:30 Mentioning Trump on the radio10:31 Why does Dave show up to work so early?14:52 OJ Simpson "confesses" to murder26:22 Conspiracy theories34:14 College Basketball vs The NBA37:58 How many college basketball players can Bart name?41:21 Who do you got in your bracket?44:55 Nathan Graham cameo48:17 Braun Strowman visit recap49:29 Wrestlemania match for John Cena?50:34 More NCAA Predictions

Bart Winkler and Jeff Orloski recap the inaugural season of Celebrity Big Brother which they both feel crowned the wrong champion. The guys break down all the important questions coming out of the finale, including speculation on when James and Brandi are going to hook up! #ButFirst... guess which one of these guys hates Metallica!

Bart Winkler and Jeff Orloski recap Celebrity Big Brother after the second eviction. Plus, who would win a Big Brother competition between The FAN staff?

NSFW: Bart Winkler and Jeff Orloski preview Celebrity Big Brother, the first time that the celebrity format edition will be broadcast in the United States. Who you got - Mark McGrath or Metta World Peace?

The Annual WSSP Toy Drive is nearly underway! Where do all the toys go? Bart and Chuck chat with Carrie Sgarlata about how the toy drive benefits foster homes throughout the Milwaukee area.

Where will the Badgers be ranked when the lastest College Football Playoff Rankings come out? Bart Winkler, Bill "Baby Tausch" Schmid, and Radio Joe Zenzola break down how they think the Top 4 will shake out. Plus, what chance to the Badgers truly have at going undefeated? And if they do win out, could they still miss out of the playoff?

Should sports betting be legal? It's a conversation that has been debated to death but one that could soon be resolved. Brett Smiley of SportsHandle.com joins Bart Winkler to talk about how it may be legal to bet on sports in a stadium near you in the next three years, if not much much sooner.Plus, Bart chats with author of Dueling with Kings, Daniel Barbarisi. The former Yankees beat writer tried his hand at daily fantasy sports and eventually was (quite) successful, but he had to go deep into the world of daily fantasy sharks to do it. But if sports betting is still illegal, how are daily fantasy sports allowed in the first place?Enjoy this podcast with two great guests and make sure to check out SportsHandle.com for updates on the fight to make sports gambling legalized, as well as Daniel Barbarisi's book Dueling with Kings, a great read as the daily fantasy sports calendar heats up!

Bart chats with Brett Smiley of SportsHandle.com about the future of sports betting and how it's only a matter of time before it's not only legal across the country, but embraced by all the major and minor leagues.

Bart chats with Daniel Barbarisi, former Yankees beat writer with the New York times that found himself instead deep in the world of daily fantasy sports. Highlights include how deep Barbarisi was willing to go to cash in and how likely it is that you would be able to do the same.

What more can Bart Winkler and Jeff Orloski say? Big Brother 19 has been terrible. The guys talk about the eviction of Matt, the future of the season, and Bart takes a stab at a Kevin impersonation.

Bart Winkler, Bill Schmid and Cody Grant give their predictions for this weekend's SummerSlam event. Listen as, pun intended, the guys "wrestle" with not only their predictions but the reasons they watch wrestling in the first place (thanks to a terrible build to SummerSlam).

Bart Winkler and Jeff Orloski, along with special guest James Korsmo of Titletown Sound Off, talk about how this season of Big Brother has become too stale and too predictable. The guys map out how they think the season will finish up and debate what can be done to improve this season and future seasons to come.Listen to it now you bunch of meatballs

It's time for another Big Brother edition of the Winks Thinks Podcast! Bart Winkler and Jeff Orlosky recap another wild week in the Big Brother House. Why did Jessica waste her HOH? Could Josh actually win this game? Are Matt and Raven secretly brother and sister? All that and more in this week's episode of the podcast!

Bart Winkler and Jeff "Pipebomb" Orloski recap what has happened on Big Brother 19 up to this point and try to figure out who will end up winning this summer's competition.

Bart Winkler had the chance to chat with Bucks first round pick D.J. Wilson at his introductory press conference. Wilson turned heads with his green three piece suit, but he says he did not buy it because of the Bucks! Check it out!

The FAN staff recaps another WWE pay-per-view as the Smackdown branded Money in the Bank comes to a close. Bart Winkler, Bill "Baby Tausch" Schmid, Cody Grant, and the FAN Podcast debut of Josh Stewart recap the problem with Jinder Mahal's title reign, the urgency needed to get Baron Corbin over, and a preview of what's to come when John Cena returns! (runtime: 31:17)

Bart Winkler, Bill "Baby Tausch" Schmid, and Cody Grant recap the WWE Raw pay-per-view Extreme Rules. Is Samoa Joe the right choice to take on Brock Lesnar? Why can't WWE get the Bayley character to work as well as she did in NXT? And it is time, already, to break up the Hardy Boyz? Plus, the benefits of having Jinder Mahal as the WWE Champion.