Unfiltered: Revealing tactics to meet life's demands

Matt wears a lot of hats. The thing one about Matt is he transfers all his passion into whatever hat he is wearing. This conversation is about getting to know what drives him to do this, what life experiences have shaped him along the way (like receiving his first Peterson birding field guide!), and what the future is for him and the city he serves. One thing about Matt is that he is confident in what he believes and thinks. This does not leave him closed off and stubborn, he is still willing to take in new info and learn, but what he knows he is willing to act on, and there are many who never quite reach that stage of being confident enough about ANYTHING to talk about it let alone act on it. This makes for an interesting conversation because Matt can explain at depth about what he is convicted about in life! Tune in to see and hear what Matt brings to the table.

It was a privilege to do this episode with Iowa State Senator Jesse Green (District 14) over this Thanksgiving week! It became evident within the first 5 minutes what kind of a person he is. Jesse has a strong belief system and his faith influences everything he does. If you were interested in local and state politics and the direction it is going, I would rest assured with people like Jesse involved, he will never forget why he's there, why he was elected. He was a strong will to serve people. All of them. Anybody and everybody. He's there to empower us, the people, to be able to help ourselves. He would give a fish to someone in need in a heartbeat but his long term agenda involves teaching anybody who wants to learn how to fish in as many areas as possible and provide opportunities for growth and wealth.  Specific topics we touched involve School educational savings accounts, aka - Vouchers The future of state income tax (going away!?) His experience with the E-15 bill Dynamics within the Senate and House, and how they interact with the GovernorHis outlook on federal politics and who our next president could beOverall this was a fantastic experience and it created a thirst to interview more politicians, Republicans and Democrats alike, to have deep meaningful conversations, so we the people can stay in the know about what's going on with our homeland.  

Ever heard the quote, "jack of all trades, master of none?" Did you know there was more at the end of the saying?  It actually goes, "Jack of all trades, master of none, better than being a master of one." The saying can be used for many different points of context, but in this case, Schyler Bardole is on his way to being a jack of all trades and a master of many.  He farms with his family on their heritage farm (150 years in the same family), as well as with his wife's century farm, raises Scottish Highland cattle, pigs, bees, not to mention his 2 boys with a third kid on the way.  He always is a follower of current world events, and in this episode shares what he has learned about the world and its people, and the direction we are going.  His insights are fascinating, sure enough so it is not farfetched in the future you'll see him with a podcast of his own.  We could have several hours long, but enjoy this episode with a great guest.  

Bryce Hoyle is a guy who could accomplish just about anything he wants to.  It goes beyond just talent and skill, the ability to succeed and grow requires being self motivated and relying on principles of effort and fortitude, and Bryce shares his story of where his resilience comes from and formative experiences that shaped the way.  Life changes fast, in todays day and age with technology and now the emergence of tech and AI, it's only going to change faster and more often.  This isn't something to be apprehensive about but to embrace and handle as well as possible.  Hearing Bryce talk about the principles that have guided him so far, makes me confident there is a way to stay level headed in a world increasingly gone crazy.  

Mary Pedersen, nurse practitioner extraordinaire.  As balanced, level headed, logical and brilliant of a practitioner as they come.  Want a clinician to shoot it straight? Ask Mary.  Want someone who cares about you and your health? Look for Mary. She's got practical health advice they won't lead you astray, and she's in the thick of it with a growing family, fitting in tons of activities while balancing her and her husbands career without losing their minds. In a world were stress tries to rule the roost and stoke the rat race Mary comes in balanced (and glowing, the podcast room lighting was giving her an extra glow).  It's time to cut to the chase and get real with health. It ain't about how you look. It ain't even about how you feel. It's about how you function. Tune in to get the scoop.Subscribe for more podcasts and clips of the best moments!

With the Greene County Community School District is Superintendent Brett Abbotts! We dug into Mr Abbotts, his background and journey from growing up in Canada to running the schools here in Jefferson, Iowa. Not only this but he "schooled me" on topics like the voucher program installed recently in Iowa, and how tax dollars get distributed to the school, specifically local dollars.  He is also passionate about football and golf, occasionally sandwiches get wagered on football games and as a Patriot fan he casually trashed the Vikings (my favorite team, GO Vikes!) but Mr. Abbotts is for sure the man to beat on the golf course, and he tells an interesting story about a student who has risen up to try and take him down.  Mr. Abbotts has completely convinced me the schools are heading in a phenomenal direction.  He is both goal orientated and relationship focused, an often tough balance to handle but he is finding ways to do it.I loved his answer to questions about his goals for this school year, though his answer about a perfect world "utopian" goal is especially memorable - He spoke about each kid being confident in their learning, and elevating our district to an elite status, one where people want to come here and you are certainly proud to have graduated from here. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Mr Abbotts and hope you enjoy this in depth conversation about school matter and beyond.  

As someone who has a career out of chasing and reporting stories, Doug Burns has stories that a 1 hour podcast doesn't have time to contain. This includes how as a reporter he has gotten access to interview several high ranking politicians, INCLUDING a former POTUS. A decorated and seasoned journalist, Doug Burns also talked in depth about his experience being adopted, and while still not knowing his birth parents, he has peace and contentment about both his past and who he currently is.  He wasn't the only member of his family who was adopted, as he also has a Vietnamese sister.Being a journalist during times like the present that can be, on occasion, tumultuous and controversial, Doug talks about how his exposure to different races and cultures has been an advantage, and what he is doing in the present to promote racial wellness for anyone who is willing to engage in that conversation.  Listen in and comment your impressions as we dive into a conversation with Doug Burns, Herald newspaper VP and journalist. 

Since the podcast began nearly 18 months ago, Chris Deal has been on the wish list for guests.  His list of accomplishments and accolades would require LOTS of time to tell, he's been places, and done things, including a year long education trip to Uganda, so I was ecstatic he joined us and let us take a peek into what motivates him to achieve and add to his family legacy.  He's been a part of several high-level projects that may not have gotten off the ground without some of his engineering expertise, not to mention he's also part of the hugely successful and regionally known Deal's Orchard family that has built an amazing environment and experience.But with someone who is a high achiever, I thoroughly enjoyed learning things about him like that he likes baseball. The Lord of the Rings. And he considers himself the "world's worst multi-tasker."  He's parenting three young kiddos, and he DOESN'T claim to have parenting figured out, but he's picked the qualities he wants to teach his kids, like how to work hard and problem solve, in order to give them the tools to be successful on their own accord one day.  Chris is exceptionally talented but equally humble.  Anyone would do well to listen and heed his words as he talks through;-Success tactics, -Learning through failure and embracing it, -Not quitting but learning through problem solving,AND the history of Deal's Orchard, dating back to Chris' great-grandfather who moved to Greene County and planted trees, and how the family persevered through the storms of 1940 that could've ended the orchard, but thankfully didn't! Tune in and comment on what sticks out to you!

It took less than 5 minutes talking with Brent Gerzema, the Greene County School District Technology Director, to see that he;1) has next level intellect, 2) is a down-to-earth gentlemen who cares about the future of his community and the potential wellness, support, and opportunities they can experience,3) Also loves the Minnesota Vikings, so you know he has a heart of gold.  After a deep tech discussion about where technology can go from today as it continues to develop at amazing speeds, we shifted into an intrinsic conversation about what schools and kids need most to thrive.  "Opportunities and support... I want them to have opportunities to discover who they are..." Working in schools and being willing to guide kids along the path of life is one of the most noble jobs you can choose. Brent provides tremendously valuable insight to what motivates and excites kids today.Kids are the future!  Part of a community's job is to help provide opportunities for young humans to find and discover success for themselves!Listen to Brent break down what's going well in schools for students and what new opportunities they have in today's modern world.

Josh Monthei joins the cast and dives into the world of music. He stopped me in my tracks one day when we saw each other in passing with a statement like, "Music is the only real version of time travel we have..."  Which as I have pondered.... has proven to be truthful.   How many tunes, melodies or jingles can you think of that transports you back to a time or a place that was significant to you? I can still remember playing "Can't You Hear Me Knocking" by the Rolling Stones on GUITAR HERO with my family taking turns strumming when I was no older than middle school age.  And the song "You Make Beautiful Things Out of Dust," by Gungor during a worship session in the years spent at chiropractic school was a transformational moment in my life.If you listened to a playlist of songs from a decade ago, it doesn't take much before the memories of when and where you've heard the song before starts flooding your brain.  This can be a powerful thing, even something that can help a person heal or move on from something that was tragic. Playing, listening, and feeling the music is part of life for Isaak as well, exemplified by his experience at the Gran Ol Opry in Nashville, the Mecca of music legends in the USA.  Same for Josh Monthei and for many people in his circle of influence - which has lead to him BOTH leading worship music for his local church (The Sanctuary) and rocking out as a guitar player and singer in a band (Dirt Road Divide).  They played at the 2021 Bell Tower Festival, and are returning for an encore performance on Saturday night for the 2022 Festival, downtown at the foot of the courthouse in Jefferson - be sure to check that out and be transferred to another time with the music !!

This Power Hour was rather deep as the fellas are joined by fellow Jeffersonian Josh Ballard, who runs the show from behind the computer with his tech expertise.We hit on our impressions of late.  Including;-Isaak's trip to Nashville & the legendary music community that lives there-When most people say is the best decade of their life -Order and Chaos - as described by Jordan Peterson -What behavior lobsters have that teaches us about our human brain. -"Increased anxiety is associated with the absence of structured habits."-Chaos always wants to pull us out of balance, our mission is to find ways to return to balance, so as to be able to continue on the path living out our passions and reaching goals.

Aubrey Rossmanith -- Christ follower

Karen Shannon could be in the running for one of the kindest people on earth. But you don't get to be that way without often going through some sort of adversity, and coming out the other end with perspective.  I was not ready to hear the intensity of, and was rather surprised by the stories of Karen's life to date.  How she got to Jefferson from her Mt Ayr hometown, how she returned to Jefferson from a time in North Carolina, how she persevered through unfruitful past relationships, and how she didn't retaliate in kind when a warring sibling hit her in the face with handful of manure, all resembles a miraculous path.  And Jefferson should be thankful she has landed here, because her spirit of volunteerism and the projects she has been involved have measurably enhanced the local community, and will indeed continue to do so.If you were looking for a role model, your search can stop. She's right here.

John Michael Sawhill is a perfect example of someone who has big vision that was never limited by a small town upbringing.  He has an inspiring mindset of striving for exceptionalism and breaking through perceived limitations, always going for self-growth. We love talking with people who have done things outside of ordinary, via travel, adversity, pursuit of passions, etc, and John Michael is the perfect example of all this as he tells stories of his journey through a collegiate football career, banking profession, and now entrepreneurial pursuits including ownership of SKYZONE in Des Moines and other similar family focused fun locations around the U.S.  This is a must listen for anyone who seems themself as a leader, manager, visionary, or simply someone who wants max out what life can offer us in today's age.

First we get into our shared experience climbing a 14,000 foot mountain in Colorado, a difficult yet attainable accomplishment with the right mindset and unwillingness to quit, as well as why drinking raw milk is GOOD for you, plus other success and growth topics.  Then, if you didn't know the origins of how Iowa and the rest of the midwest raises corn and beans for the world, this is the episode for you.  As a midwesterner, I feel a responsibility to know how Iowa makes seed, which gets planted by farmers, and produced into crop that keeps humanity and its livestock fed and happy.Josh paints the picture of how's it's done and his part in the process as a district sales manager for seed and other farming supply needs.Tune in and enjoy!

Philip, Isaak, and Lyndsey have possibly our most flagship podcast episode,, expressing what we most believe in. We believe in constructive conversation - debate without offense.  We believe it's better to live convicted and committed to your beliefs of life, vs someone who lives on the fringe, not committing to anything, leaving them passionate about nothing.  We like things in the areas of culture, media, books, relationships, activities, exercise, that builds us up, helps us grow, challenges us, stretches us into a better version of ourselves. If you don't give yourself opportunities to grow, can you experience life to its fullness?

Ken Wilson makes his return once more to the Unfiltered Podcast!  We catch up up with Dr Ken since his last appearance on episode 7.  As a chiropractor and a family man with three kids with his wife Cami, Ken Wilson is always working to be better than he was yesterday.  He is constantly listening, reading, and learning from multiple resources and he gives us a dose of what he knows about being the best you can be, how to create habits, and how to push through our perceived limitations. Tune in for another motivating conversation with Isaak, Lyndsey, and Dr Ken. 

Megan Carman talks with Philip and Lyndsey, and brings a unique perspective to the table as we talk about our tornado/derecho experiences, in addition to where modern day technology will take us in the coming future decades (beyond imagination....!?), and growing up living life through our youthful "rebellious" stages, but now she shares what she has learned about what is truly important.  Perspective is gained through listening to Megan break down pivotal moments in her journey and tells what helps her define success and continue to grow day by day!

Who knew a small town kid from East Greene County would have a hand in building and guarding nuclear weapons in the military overseas?  His stint in the military was part of his plan to "get out of dodge" and see some of the world, but ultimately always knew he'd be returning to the farm for a life in production.  Steve expresses a passion to serve, as he now serves as Greene County school board president, which is just one of several committees he has served on.  We dive into public education and what he has learned and observed from being on the school board, after hearing about Steve's jobs from scooping poop for a vet, building houses, building bombs, and his farming career and many other stories from Steve. 

Bob Hamilton talks about his career path from starting college as a veterinarian, to engineering construction and concrete, all the way back to returning to Iowa, and delivers what has guided him onto a successful path.We discover what his true passion is today, his business connection to the founder of the Buffalo Bills football team, and the legacy the Hamilton family has built starting in 1976.

The second season of Unfiltered is here!  The next 16 episodes will come this fall, and the guys talk about what they've been through over the summer, what's coming for the fall, and more stories about the difference between life as a "townie" and life "in the country."

Austin Krause, an athletic trainer with a Masters degree, and Luke Winkelman, a seasoned paramedic with a Captain rank both reveal how they handle intense situations and have persevered to be successful.Both impressively work with people in pain on a regular basis, and have the burden and privilege of playing a role in their return to health. Relationships, health, and career, are discussed as we see the value in being prepared to do your best yet embracing getting things wrong at time, and actually achieving failure without consequences as you push yourself to grow and learn from experiences.

Our devastatingly handsome guest this week is Austin Yoder, our farthest traveling guest so far coming from Indiana, talks about what is noticeably different between our two midwest states and why "piece rate" is an important term, defining Indiana's manufacturing base vs Iowa's agricultural base.  This episode took a turn into deep conversation about the cultural drift seemingly evident in society today, and the distinct differences between different eras in time while we also try to foresee where the drift is going next. BALANCE becomes a key topic as we dig into an equation of how to create positive change, growth, and success, with the key equation components being Beliefs, Habits, and Results.  This episode represents the heart and soul of the mission of the Unfiltered Podcast as we peel back the layers covering what we do each day, and analyze the things that benefit or hinder what we actually want to experience in life.  Tune in and comment your highlight of this episode! 

Isaak and Philip sit down and have an entertaining chat about the things that have struck them in the recent weeks of life and study including:-Talking about wedding week for the future Wangler couple-A recap of Isaak's bachelor party -The need for balance in life in order to consistently reach goals-Growing from an "identity of victimhood" into being an "Executor"-How to create culture from different types of leadership -and lots more interesting topics!

When your best friends come to town how do you entertain them? Put 'em on the podcast!  These two guests are gentlemen of the highest caliber, extremely talented to the point of being finalists on America's Got Talent in 2013 along with the rest of their family.  They tell stories of their basketball-spinning, unicycle riding, world traveling history and experiences that have shaped them.  You might remember them from when they came to Jefferson for the 2019 Bell Tower Festival, but when they are home-based, Isaiah is a doctor of chiropractic, and Caleb is a master craftsman and entrepreneur based out of Brookings and Elkton, South Dakota.  Topics reached into are health and the difference between reactive and proactive medicine, who an influential historical figure was for us (persons mentioned were Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Teddy Roosevelt, and James J Braddock), and the path to becoming great, the 10,000 hour principle, and being a Guinness world record holder for spinning the most basketballs at one time! This episode is can't miss!

From a $7.26 earning paper route to owner operator of a local business and other investment opportunities, Aaron Schroeder tells us of his humble and meager beginnings, and how his work ethic and drive to HUSTLE and work has ushered in success for the present day. He speaks of the lessons he learned that has helped him maintain balance in career and relationships, and in an in depth discussion of how as a funeral director  he comforts and counsels families of people who have lost loved ones. Listen in for an amazing round table of life lessons and stories!

Megan Carman comes to the studio with Philip, Isaak, and Lyndsey and starts the episode off on a culturally relevant health talk, establishing timeless wisdom useful for building health and establishing inspiration for why health should be nurtured and protected vs neglected and allowed to slip away.Then, Megan has us all laughing harder than ever as she tells the story of delivering kid #1 for her and her husband (Andy), just one month ago.  Her jovial spirit is intoxicating as she describes her journey and ways she's grown through life and now the first season of motherhood.She also talks through the value of cutting out superficial "small talk" and "stage of life questions" and instead how asking tactful and intentional questions like "What are you excited about in life at the moment?"can create awesome connections normally missed as we move from task to task in life's busy seasons.Tune in for more stellar insights from Megan and the podcast squad!

Brooke Tanya continues our string of powerful women dropping knowledge with the fellas as she breaks down what a life and career in psychology and mental health & rehabilitation!She includes a tremendous experience about the moment her career path was confirmed that it was right for her when she was with a patient who gave her a revelation of freedom, in addition to how she and her team of practitioners analyzes to discover how to develop trust and rapport in the most difficult of doctor-client situations, and delivers her information in a way that anyone can understand and pick out incredibly important skills for handling life with the highest degree of skill. 

Bonnie Silbaugh joins with Isaak, Philip, and Lyndsey and talks about how she manages all her hats, business owner, wife, mother, family member, Christian and more.  She reminisces some key moments in life including camper stories, when they lived in a camper while their house was being built, do's and don't of business owning, and some cringey old Facebook posts as we envision the way social media operated a decade ago versus the way we use it now.  She brings principles forth to the conversation such as "money follows mission," how budgeting their finances has opened up opportunities for travel and fun and didn't actually restrict their way of living, and how the book The Life Changing Magic of Tidying up and the movie The Shack were both influential on her!  Listen in to hear more of Bonnie's bubbly and joyous personality and stories about why she is who she is.

Audrey Hinote talks deep on health of MINDSET, how to grow and how to take limitations off your own growth - why no one ever really "arrives" and how continual growth often requires fixating on the truth of the matter at hand, while maintaining a balance of adaptability - which means being flexible to change, and not getting married to certain "rules" that may keep you safe and secure for a time, but overall don't create opportunities to develop or experience what life can offer.  She reveals the wisdom from Carol Dweck's book simply called "Mindset," and tells stories about life, raising four kids, and how her own mindset has adapted over time through many learning experiences. One of my favorite things she brought to the table was tweaking the phrase, "because I say so," when interacting with a kiddo or student to "why wouldn't you want to do that."  This allows for a dialogue to open, that encourages a kid's curiosity and asking questions, instead of the possibility of shutting down conversation, and rerouting curiosity into something less productive. Tune in to hear Audrey dig into MINDSET!

Ken Wilson is a chiropractor extraordinaire and entrepreneur from Minnesota, with a ton of experience helping doctors grow their practice to new heights.  Ken goes deep on his doctoral experience and what experiences, both high and low, that he's had, leading to big personal and professional growth, all while being a family man with his wife and three kids under 5 years old.  One knowledge bomb he drops is about the progression of stress from panic, into depression, and then inaction, and how "aggressive patience" can disrupt the built up stressor that often plagues people in today's society.  Ken also defines a term called "Normal is Brilliant," bringing deep principles to the nature of your genius body, that we often take for granted.  When it works right, we often don't notice how brilliant and amazing that is, we only notice when symptoms arise and disrupt normal function. Listen in to hear his top health tip beyond using chiropractic, and the top lessons he's learned since earning his doctorate, not to mention influential movies and books that left an impact on him!!

Tim Heisterkamp, certified financial planner, talks about wealth management, and how the habits of saving money and preserving wealth are generally the same amongst those who ave been successful.  He drops useful foundational knowledge such as; money isn't evil, the love of money is.  Money is AMORAL, meaning it itself has no moral value until it takes on the morality of its user.  It is up to you what character money takes on.  Surprising to me, he mentions how the #1 motivating factor to create healthy wealth habits is FEAR, based on self-preservation and survival, which makes people live within their means vs overextend themselves with money they don't have.  WISDOM, and understanding the money habits that creates exponential growth is the second most motivating factor in his experience, once you know, you can't unknow true knowledge.  After that, it's up to you to apply it.  That is when knowledge becomes wisdom. Principles mentioned include:-Save 10% of what you make -Delay instant gratification - don't go in debt to buy too many expensive things-Understand the exponential compounding growth of money via interest, and how much more interest can work for you when you start saving as soon as you can. -Understand different retirement accounts and how more than one can help you, such as "tax deferred" accounts vs "after tax" accounts (Tim calls them "tax never accounts" because they aren't taxed upon withdrawal like tax deferred accounts are).-AUTOMATE your savings.-JUST START, don't despise meager beginnings, start with $25/month if you can. -LOTS MORE.Tune and turn it up!

So what do you do for fun?  Around here, we podcast.  Bonus/Visitor edition #1 features my mother-in-law from Brookings, South Dakota, where we discuss her and her family's days traveling the country selling furniture and her own personal hand made craft creations, all while raising 7 kids, all while homeschooling them from kindergarten on, all while managing to DESTROY the perception that homeschoolers are awkward or anti-social, as all 7 seven have gone on to be high-achievers and role models of work ethic.  If you are curious about homeschooling and how Karen can spot a homeschooler a mile away, or about a family dynamic with 7 kids and 70+ cousins is like, this 50 minute session is for you! What is some of the top advice we gathered from Karen for raising kids, homeschool or public school?1) Set boundaries/parameters and have consequences for when the boundaries are crossed.2) "Readers make great leaders" - encourage reading as much as possible3) Allow slotted time for both work AND play 4) Don't be concerned about being overwhelmed5) RELAX, as parents, don't fret about the decision you make. Keep growing forward.6) Don't compare yourself to other parents or your kids to other kids 7) Discipline your kids towards opportunity. i.e. Too much tv? Removing tv time = time to learn new things such as the guitar, as was the way with the Nelson boys. 8) "If its not prompt obedience its not obedience."9) Focus on the 3 R's: Reading, wRiting, and aRithmetic. 10) Kids in the birth order have different character traits, and often have distinct needs and desires.  Letting them pick out a book, or some other source of entertainment/engagement can often direct you to what their interests actually are, even though they may be hard to see at a young age. Tons more to pull from this episode, enjoy!

Isaak and Philip talk through pop culture and movies, such as Titanic, that have lessons and truths within them, while continuing to dig into the 4 common areas of life.  We key in on how to make choices that help you move closer to the destination you want to reach in life, and tactics to counter pitfalls that derail your direction and ultimately leads you to an undesired destination.  

Justin Robbins goes deep with Isaak and Philip, digging into the day-to-day cattle industry and his custom "butcher box" business he started during 2020 in addition to talking about how his high school son has become elite and highly ranked in Iowa wrestling at a young age.  He has been able to find a way to fuel the fire naturally present in his high schooler to be the best he can be, both in academics and athletics, and has discovered how to empower his son to make his own decisions and goals, all while trusting him to make the right ones, revealing wisdom such as "you fight the little battles along the way, so you don't have to fight the big ones." Not only this but Justin has been able to persevere through hardships of life and has found ways to keep growing and improve himself, in order to better serve his family and his passions in life. 

Philip and Isaak go deep on the 4 key common areas of life; Health, Relationships, Career/Calling/Passion in Life/ and Resources (Time, Energy, Money).  They dig into how they manage each one, and what has helped each area thrive, and not derail the other three by consuming too much energy and life.  Tune in and analyze how you manage each area, and how you might be able to improve and grow for a full life experience.

Episode 2 brings the Heisterkamp siblings back to their hometown to dig into their relationship as kids vs now as adults, in addition to what it's like parenting multiple littles under 5-6 years old, the dynamic of living in a small town vs the city, and more. Tune in for a deeply relational talk and pull wisdom from a sibling reunion.

We go into the purpose of the podcast and the chief topics that are common to all people that we aim to  reveal deep revelation from with each episode: Health, relationships, Career/Pursuits of life, and resources (Time, Energy, Money).  Isaak and Philip talk about how to maintain balance in life and how to prioritize the chief areas without letting one dominate overs, and derail your flow from day-to-day.  Tune in for gold nuggets and wisdom revealed from life's experience.