Podcasts about evansville

Send us Fan MailWondering what it takes to start a pop culture convention from scratch? In this episode, Matt Grisham, the mastermind behind Evansville RaptorCon and HorrorCon, reveals the chaotic, hilarious, and sometimes heartbreaking reality of the convention world.The Days of Grimm crew sit down with Matt Grisham to discuss the origins of Evansville's premier pop culture and horror conventions. Matt shares wild behind-the-scenes stories, from losing a massive payout to the boxer Butterbean due to a contract misunderstanding, to navigating the tragic, sudden passing of voice actor Mark Dodson during a convention weekend. We also dive into Matt's previous career traveling the country as a stage hypnotist and magician, the logistics of booking huge voice actors and horror icons like the cast of Terrifier, and why keeping conventions focused on local vendors is the ultimate key to success. This episode is for anyone fascinated by event production, pop culture, and the gritty behind-the-scenes work of building a community from the ground up.If you are a fan of comic conventions, horror movies, or just want to hear the unfiltered truth about event production, this episode is packed with invaluable lessons. It strips away the glamour to reveal the high-stakes, problem-solving reality of hosting thousands of people and major celebrities. Viewers will walk away with a newfound appreciation for the event organizers who make pop culture magic happen.If you enjoyed this deep dive into the convention world, be sure to hit that subscribe button, leave a comment with your favorite con memory, and share this episode with a fellow pop culture fan!TIMELINE: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Welcoming Matt Grisham00:04:34 - The Origins of RaptorCon and Expanding to HorrorCon 00:08:53 - Death of the Week: Epic Universe Roller Coaster Tragedy 00:16:47 - The Butterbean Contract Misunderstanding 00:23:49 - Bringing the Cast of Terrifier to Evansville 00:30:41 - Hosting Panels with Legendary Voice Actors 00:44:40 - Why Conventions Need to Prioritize Local Vendors 00:51:11 - Matt's Wild Career as a Magician and Hypnotist 01:02:08 - The Tragic Passing of Mark Dodson at a Convention 01:07:38 - Matt's Darkest Moment and Overcoming Burnout 01:11:09 - Upcoming Dates for RaptorCon and HorrorConThe Raptor Con Link:https://www.theraptorcon.com/Evansville Horror Con Link:https://www.evansvillehorror.com/[The Days Grimm Podcast Links]- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheDaysGrimm- Our link tree: linktr.ee/Thedaysgrimm- GoFundMe account for The Days Grimm: https://gofund.me/02527e7c [The Days Grimm is brought to you by]Sadness & ADHD (non-medicated)

This week on the Drive Thru, Jim reviews AEW Redemption! Plus Jim reviews WWE Unreal, continues his list of the Top 20 Wrestlers In Their 20s in 1994, and talks about Evansville, wrestler tattoos, and much more! Thanks to our episode sponsors: ULTRA: Don’t sleep on @ultrapouches. New customers get 15% Off with code JCE at takeultra.com! #UltraPouches #ad WILLIE'S REMEDY: Order now at drinkwillies.com and use code JCE for 20% off your first order + free shipping on orders over $95, and enjoy life in the high country. Send in your question for the Drive-Thru to: CornyDriveThru@gmail.com Follow Jim and Brian on Twitter: @TheJimCornette @GreatBrianLast Merch! https://arcadianvanguard.com/ Join Jim Cornette's College Of Wrestling Knowledge on Patreon to access the archives & more! https://www.patreon.com/Cornette Subscribe to the Official Jim Cornette channel on YouTube! http://www.youtube.com/c/OfficialJimCornette Visit Jim's official site at www.JimCornette.com for merch, live dates, commentaries and more! You can listen to Brian on the 6:05 Superpodcast at 605pod.com or wherever you find your favorite podcasts!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Drive Thru, Jim reviews AEW Redemption! Plus Jim reviews WWE Unreal, continues his list of the Top 20 Wrestlers In Their 20s in 1994, and talks about Evansville, wrestler tattoos, and much more! Thanks to our episode sponsors: ULTRA: Don’t sleep on @ultrapouches. New customers get 15% Off with code JCE at takeultra.com! #UltraPouches #ad WILLIE'S REMEDY: Order now at drinkwillies.com and use code JCE for 20% off your first order + free shipping on orders over $95, and enjoy life in the high country. Send in your question for the Drive-Thru to: CornyDriveThru@gmail.com Follow Jim and Brian on Twitter: @TheJimCornette @GreatBrianLast Merch! https://arcadianvanguard.com/ Join Jim Cornette's College Of Wrestling Knowledge on Patreon to access the archives & more! https://www.patreon.com/Cornette Subscribe to the Official Jim Cornette channel on YouTube! http://www.youtube.com/c/OfficialJimCornette Visit Jim's official site at www.JimCornette.com for merch, live dates, commentaries and more! You can listen to Brian on the 6:05 Superpodcast at 605pod.com or wherever you find your favorite podcasts!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Evansville man is facing several charges after he tried to outrun police in a stolen truck. An Indianapolis man is behind bars, accused of stealing a dog.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beth Folz, Executive Director and Sarah Inman, Marketing and PR for Habitat for Humanity of Evansville in Friday morning with a fabulous breakfast and word about house number 650 coming soon! Want to volunteer for one of the best and most rewarding organizations in the Tri State? Click and hear Sarah at the Celebrity Microphone tell you all about it!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The head of the Immigrant Welcome & Resource Center, Ely Sena-Martin, describes the group's work and the state of immigration in the US, Indiana, and Evansville. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indiana State Police are investigating the death of a police officer. Two men are facing charges following a shooting in Evansville.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when the local open mic scene becomes unbearable to deal with? You start your own show. In this episode of The Days Grimm Podcast, local stand-up comedians Jason Bell and Nich Bass stop by the studio to discuss taking over the Evansville comedy scene with their new venture, Comedy Underground.Brian Michael Day and Thomas Grimm  sit down with the comedy duo to talk about the gritty reality of starting in stand-up comedy. The guys share hilarious and incredibly dark stories from their pasts, exploring how trauma can become a comedian's greatest asset on stage. Jason opens up about his unconventional upbringing living in the basement of an escort service, and how he turned his family's dark history of suicide and tragic accidents into a successful stand-up routine. Nich shares the story of his first time performing at Damsel's after years of privately writing jokes in a notebook.The group also reacts to this week's "Death of the Week," a bizarre hammer throw accident at a Colorado track meet. Later, they complain about difficult open mic crowds and explain why they launched their new monthly show in the basement of the Clover Club. If you are interested in the mechanics of writing jokes, handling a tough room, or just want to hear the unvarnished truth about grinding in a local comedy market, this episode delivers.This episode provides a raw, unfiltered look into the reality of the local comedy grind. It highlights the resilience required to get on stage, fail, rewrite, and eventually take control of your own destiny. Aspiring comedians will find immense value in hearing how Nich and Jason navigated bad rooms and hostile crowds to create a better platform for themselves and their peers.If you enjoyed this look into the local comedy scene, be sure to like this video, subscribe to The Days Grimm Podcast, and share it with a friend. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, and support live, local comedy!TIMELINE : 00:00:00 - Introduction of Nich Bass and Jason Bell00:11:25 - Death of the Week: Colorado Hammer Throw Incident00:20:50 - Growing up in Chandler and Evansville00:24:16 - Jason's childhood living beneath an escort service00:36:15 - Nich's first time doing stand-up at Damsel's00:40:36 - Jason's first time doing stand-up at Spanky's00:46:15 - Using intense family trauma for dark comedy material00:54:01 - Reviewing the Clover Club and its unique atmosphere01:10:05 - The process of polishing jokes and pushing boundaries01:16:04 - The Dark Moment: Dealing with disrespectful open mic crowds[The Days Grimm Podcast Links]- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheDaysGrimm- Our link tree: linktr.ee/Thedaysgrimm- GoFundMe account for The Days Grimm: https://gofund.me/02527e7c [The Days Grimm is brought to you by]Sadness & ADHD (non-medicated)

Happy Monday! Deena Talbert  joins Janice and topics today include our worthy Savior, upcoming events in Evansville, a miraculous local story, conversion always follows conviction, sin distorts, the Gospel restores and more. CHECK OUT SHARI HOUSE'S NEW BOOK! Her Story Silhouettes: Volume 2 is now available for preorder.  Janice's books What Do I Have to Lose? Books 1 and 2   are available! The complete set is just $25. Check it out at FaithMusicRadio.com. Today also features A Word of Encouragement with Vicky Mutchler, and CW Today with Loretta Walker and Renewing Your Health with Dana Ellison Be sure to subscribe to this podcast and please share this podcast with your friends so we may be an encouragement to them through the music and programming on Faith Music Radio. Music is brought to you by Faith Music Missions. Learn more here >>> https://www.faithmusicmissions.org Eleven2One Facebook  Eleven2One on Instagram Faith Music Radio is a listener supported Christian station.

Big budget or no budget — what matters is how you steward it. In this episode, Hannah Augustine sits down with Melanie Ringle, a 10+ year KidMin veteran and self-proclaimed "thrifting" expert, to talk about stewarding your kids' ministry budget with creativity and intention. Melanie shares her top strategies for planning ahead, building a team of deal-hunters, and getting maximum mileage out of every dollar. Don't miss this practical and encouraging episode!Stretch your budget with a free sample of The Park curriculum at parklearning.com. 

An Evansville woman leaves the scene of an accident after injuring a child. A Henderson County Sheriff’s deputy is facing several criminal charges.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Boys invade the much discussed Decker Tavern for lively conversation, a great in-house crowd and the best fish in the area.  B3 is written directed and produced by  Nathanyal Byler, Todd Lancaster, Mike DeCoursey, Brent Dalrymple and Brian Emmons and is a production of the Empulse Podcast Network.  Thanks to our sponsors Justin Scherer and the Burkhart Insurance Agency, Golf Plus in Evansville, Fair Shake w/ Brian Emmons, Home and Harvest Realty and  usually recorded at Red Bones Bar and Grill. 

Comparison is a thief of joy — and so is trying to run before you've learned to crawl. Charlie Alcock (Good Days with Eddy and Charlie, youth pastor track leader at this year's KidzMatter Conference) and Hannah Augustine dig into how leaders can grow at their own pace, help their teams do the same, and build real partnerships between kids' and youth ministries.Save 25% when you preorder Spy U, the 2027 VBS theme from Answers in Genesis, at AnswersVBS.com (offer valid until January 10th, 2027). Get your FREE Youth Leader tickets to The KidzMatter Conference at thekidzmatterconference.com with the code YOUTH2KM.

James 5 EMBRACEEVV.COM

In I’m on the road in a 16 foot Penske truck  I’m doing this show from a hotel room in Cheyenne, Wyoming  friend Of The Show Ken Grossman joins me and my undisclosed beautiful travel companion Music by D.A.D ? Donate to the show – Rock and Roll Geek Friends And Family Membership Thanks to Ralph Miller for the $125 Penske truck donation Thanks to Dan Gerawan for the $100 Penske Donation Donate on Venmo Dan Gerawan – $100 Concerned Donation John Morgan – $50 Hang In There Bud Kirk Crawford – $50 Tim Schall – $50 Rockbottom Rob Giglio – $25 Gregg Brofer – $20 Blake Johnston – $20 Todd Cunningham – $10 Danny Borden – $5 Steven Cohen $5 Richard Fusey – $4.44 Richard Fusey – $6.66 Bruce McMillan – $3 (Venmo donation id is @Michael-Butler-11) PATREON DONORS Joe Pawlak – $16.66 Kirk Crawford – $12.77 Patrick Shanahan – $10 Brian Springer – $8 Jon Scott – $8 Michael Street – $7.50 Dave Slusher – $5.55 Robert Harvey – $5 Chiaki Hinohara – $5 MedakiMetal on Instagram Jamie Jefford – $5 Erik Klein – $5 Paul Smith – $5 Justin Lefkowitz – $5 Steve Trice – $5 James Shapiro – $5 Martin Clawley – $5 Nadi Itani – $5 Eric Stowell – $4 Mike Hellyer – 4 pounds Mark Mazzel – $3 Adrian Boschan – $2 Amelia Bowen – $2 RnR Pleeb – $1.42 3Legs4wheels – $1 Arne Stach – $1 Paypal Donors Richard Strom – $20 Dave Franco – $20 Steven Laperriere – $20 Bradley Lisko – $10 William Bealle – $10 Ralph Miller – $10 School Of Podcasting – $10 Jason Shepard – $10 Jeff and Cheri Thieleke – $10 Christopher Del Grande – $5 Jayce Lesniewski – $5 Benjamin Mueller – $5 Jon Tennis – $5 Rachel Rosenberg – $5 Vincent Crimi – $5 Gregg Long – $5 Peter Spark  $5 Andrew Howe – $5 John Ofenloch – $5 Chad Kiffmeyer – $2 Dave Alexander – $2 Adam Croft – $2 Kai Matsuda – $2 Lasse Satvedthagen – $2 Brian Grattidge – $2 William Moffett – $2 Deborah Dreyfus – $2 Show Transcript  0 00:00:06 From San Francisco, California, this is the Rock and Roll Geek Show. This is the story of my rock and roll butler. Welcome to the Rock and Roll Geek Show. 00:00:23 My name is Michael Butler. Thanks a lot for joining me. I really appreciate it. 00:00:26 Today is Wednesday, July 13th, 2026. It’s 5-12 when I’m recording this episode. I am in Cheyenne, Wyoming. 00:00:37 We’re at a place called Little America. I’m with the beautiful, undisclosed person and friend of the show, Ken Grossman. Hey, Michael. 00:00:45 Hey, Ken. I saw Ken back in, when did we play Denver? June? 00:00:54 June of last year. Sometime last year, we played the Grizzly Rose in Denver, Colorado and Ken showed up along with a couple other friends of the show came as well. JB Skulls showed up and somebody else showed up too. 00:01:12 Nice to see you, Ken. You made a two-hour drive all the way to Cheyenne, Wyoming. Hey, just to see you, man. 00:01:18 I really appreciate it. It’s nice to see friends of the show. Long time. 00:01:22 You’re looking good. Oh, thanks. Yeah. 00:01:25 How old are you? What are you, 35? Something like that? 00:01:27 We’re actually the same age, believe it or not. I told him, he got here about the same time we did and he recognized the Ryder truck. It’s not Ryder, the Penske truck. 00:01:36 I’m in a Penske truck driving across the country all the way. We’re on I-80 the entire way. We left San Francisco, got on I-80. We have been on I-80 the entire time, so it’s going to go I-80 all the way to New York, 00:01:51 an undisclosed location in New York. If you are in I-80 anywhere along that route, anywhere east of Cheyenne, Wyoming and would like to meet up, friends, rockandrollgeek at gmail.com or hit me up on the Facebook or Instagram. 00:02:11 I would love to have a beer with you. We are having a fine … What are we drinking here? 00:02:15 Modelo. Fine Modelo’s and the koozie. Kim’s got the Yeti knockoff koozie. I got the extra-tough soft koozie and beautiful undisclosed, Raquel has also a purple Yeti 00:02:30 knockoff koozie as well from Walmart. Take a sip of this fine Modelo. Cheers. 00:02:37 Cheers. Ah, so we were in … Where were we last night? 00:02:44 Not Elko. We were in Evansville. Evanston. 00:02:47 Evanston, Wyoming in the middle of nowhere. We were going to look for a dive bar and there was no Uber, but the guy at the front desk, we stayed at the … Something or other by Win Comfort Inn or something like that. 00:03:08 Anyway, it was a very nice Indian gentleman. No offense to Indian gentlemen, but when I looked in, the lobby was a little bit dirty and the Indian gentleman was eating curry or something and I got a little bit scared. There was going to be a shitty hotel, but it was a nice … It wasn’t bad and he was 00:03:25 a very nice man. He said, well, there’s a taxi service that’ll take you anywhere. Toss 10 bucks anywhere you want to go. 00:03:34 I said, okay, that sounds good. We went up to the room, brought our stuff up and said, we want to go to Spanky’s Bar. Do you know where Spanky’s Bar is? 00:03:41 Yeah, I know where it is. It’s the female taxi driver, but I got to tell you, we’re closing at nine and it was 8.15, so we said, all right, I guess we got to drive the Penske truck. 00:03:55 I really don’t want to get pulled over for drunk driving in a Penske 16-foot truck. That would suck. As we’re pulling out of the hotel, or I should say motel, it’s more like a motel, whatever, we’re pulling out of the motel and about 100 feet past the driveway, we saw the Highway 30 or Highway 80 saloon. 00:04:17 Tavern. Tavern, whatever. Oh, there it is. We drove the Penske truck back to the hotel, slash motel, parked and walked to the saloon 00:04:27 or whatever it was called. We’re looking at places. Where are we going to stop? 00:04:32 Where are we going to stop? We don’t know where we’re going to stop. We had no idea. 00:04:35 I said, oh, I guess I’m going to have to blow Chris Grossman off. Not blow him, but blow him off. I didn’t want to do that. Why don’t we make it an easy drive and drive to Cheyenne and I’ll tell Ken, hey, maybe 00:04:54 we can meet halfway or somewhere. This bartender was there and she saw us looking for places and we were kind of getting cranky with each other and kind of arguing about where we were going to stay. If I piss her off, Raquel, I start getting really bummed out and I start crying in public. 00:05:10 I didn’t want to piss her off. The bartender came up and she says, oh, were you guys … She knew we were traveling. 00:05:15 She gave us some pointers. She told us to stay in Cheyenne. We booked a place called Little America in Cheyenne. 00:05:23 You go down, you’re driving down the freeway and you see $1 ice cream cones. It’s kind of like a Buc-ee’s. All these Buc-ee’s ads. 00:05:33 Have you ever been to Buc-ee’s? Have you ever been to Buc-ee’s, Ken? We have a Buc-ee’s. 00:05:36 Oh, you have a Buc-ee’s up here? We have one. We haven’t seen it yet. 00:05:39 It’s probably about 50 miles from here. If you’ve never been to Buc-ee’s, have you been to Buc-ee’s, Raquel? No. 00:05:44 I don’t know it. Buc-ee’s is the … It’s like Disneyland of truck stops. 00:05:48 It is amazing. It is so cool. It’s kind of like Buc-ee’s. 00:05:54 I don’t know where I was going with this. Anyway, we said, oh, Little America. I guess we’re staying at a place called Buc-ee’s. 00:06:00 We pull into this place. It’s a resort. I mean, it’s really nice. 00:06:03 There’s a golf course here and it’s a really nice lobby. The girls were dressed in Western. They have the uniform. 00:06:10 Wrangler. The uniforms are Wrangler denim outfits. They’re cute girls. 00:06:14 They’re younger. Maybe they look like they were 18 years old, but, Ken, I don’t know what you’re into. We all wish. 00:06:22 Cute girls. We all wish. So here we are in the room of the Little America Resort and met Ken Grossman. 00:06:34 It’s nice to see Ken again and we’re going to have a couple of beers. So I just figured I would check in and say goodbye. And Ken, anything you’re not very talkative on this thing. 00:06:46 Ken’s a little… Are you microphone shy? Yes. 00:06:50 So should we put the word out for you on the dating apps? You know Chris Cappell. I don’t know if you know Chris Cappell. 00:06:56 I know of him. He’s the king of the dating apps and he’s always getting all kinds of girls from the dating apps. So if any hot girls out there are looking for a good looking guy in the Denver area. 00:07:09 Really handsome. Beautiful eyes. The seal of approval from Raquel. 00:07:15 Hazel. They’re really beautiful hazel eyes. Long lashes. 00:07:20 Really gorgeous. He’s got a brand new camper as well. You can go glamping with Ken Grossman. 00:07:31 All right, friends. Thank you for this. Thank you for joining us. 00:07:33 Thank you for listening to this update. Oh, I also want to thank Dan Garawan. Sent me a Penske truck donation. 00:07:40 Thank you, Dan Garawan. $100 Penske truck donation. The Penske truck costs five grand, including the insurance. 00:07:47 So I appreciate the help, Dan Garawan. I will talk to you tomorrow, friends. We’re not going to talk to him tomorrow? 00:07:56 Yeah. Yeah, yeah. No, no, no. 00:07:58 Yeah, yeah, yeah. I’ll talk to you tomorrow, friends. In keeping with the road shows, you know, the songs with road in the title, I’m going 00:08:06 to play, how about The Road Below Me from D.A.D.? 00:08:12 Thanks for listening, friends. Rockandrollgeek.com. 00:08:15 Ken Grossman, thanks for coming, friend. We’re going to go to a place called the Crown Bar and have some drinks and some food. It’s either that or the Rooster Saloon. 00:08:25 What is it? Redwood. The Redwood Saloon. 00:08:28 I don’t know what the fuck it’s called. The Redwood Saloon or the Rooster Saloon. I think we’re going to try the Crown Bar, and if that sucks, we’ll head to the Rooster Saloon. 00:08:37 Ken’s going to drive us because we don’t want to drive the Penske truck. There’s not room for three in the truck. Well, you’d have to sit in the middle. 00:08:46 I don’t want to sit in the back. All my shit in the back of a Penske truck, friends. Still made it without getting pulled over or knocked wood. 00:08:55 Here’s D.A.D., rockandrollgeek.com, rockandrollgeek.gmail.com is how you can find me. 00:08:59 How can we reach you, Ken? Are you on the Instagrams or anything? I am not. 00:09:02 I get booted off of Facebook. For doing what? Somebody hacked my account, so they booted me off. 00:09:09 Huh. They boot you off for somebody hacking your account? Yup. 00:09:12 How does that work? That’s okay. Do they put pictures? 00:09:15 I have no idea what they did. Yeah. I didn’t want to be on there anyway. 00:09:19 Ken Grossman can’t be found on social media. I’m not a social guy. I will connect you to Ken Grossman, ladies. 00:09:26 rockandrollgeek.com, rockandrollgeek.gmail.com. 00:09:29 Find me on the Facebook, R&R Geek. Find me on the Twitter, R&R Geek. Find me on the Instagram, rockandrollgeek, don’t ask. 00:09:36 Someday I will tell you Rock Al’s Instagram, but I’m not going to do it just yet. That’s about it, friends. I’ll talk to you tomorrow. 00:09:44 Here’s D.A.D.The post Road Trip in a Penske Truck day 3 – Cheyenne Wyoming first appeared on The Rock and Roll Geek Show.

An Evansville man is finally arrested after leading deputies on a car chase twice in the same day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dylan Rexing is back with news that IU basketball finally returns to Evansville against Western Kentucky October 25 at the Ford Center! (Want to catch a selfie with the national championship trophy? Click to hear how Dylan can hook you up with that, too!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kids are hungry for heroes — and too often, culture hands them fictional ones instead of the real, flesh-and-blood believers whose stories can shape their faith for a lifetime. In this episode, Hannah Augustine sits down with New York Times best-selling author Ellen Vaughn to talk about her children's biography, Elisabeth Elliot: The Brave Girl Who Chose to Love, and why stories like Elisabeth's still matter for kids today.Get your copies of The Brave Girl Who Chose to Love at thegoodbook.com. Visit rnow.me/kidzmatter and try out God's Kids, the latest kids' ministry curriculum from Right Now Media, for free.

The Boys take the show on the road to the Vault in Petersburg and the conversation is as hot as the pizza. Soccer, WNBA, Bosse Field, Holiday rankings and a whole lot more.    B3 is written directed and produced by  Nathanyel Byler, Todd Lancaster, Mike DeCoursey, Brent Dalrymple and Brian Emmons and is a production of the Empulse Podcast Network.    Thanks to our sponsors Justin Scherer and the Burkhart Insurance Agency, Golf Plus in Evansville, Fair Shake w/ Brian Emmons, Home and Harvest Realty and  usually recorded at Red Bones Bar and Grill. 

Joel Nash, Senior Vice President of Youth & Pre-Professional Soccer at USL joins Josh Duder to talk about his life-long love for the beautiful game. The former player for University of Evansville is now one of the key members of the USL leadership team, growing the pre-professional level of soccer in the United States.

Is fun a distraction from real ministry — or the doorway into it? Hannah sits down with Kayla Fowler (Team Lead for Hyfi, Lifeway's next-gen curriculum) to unpack why fun isn't optional in kids' ministry — it's foundational. If you've ever wondered whether the games and goofiness "count" as real ministry, this conversation will change how you see it.Visit KidsGoBible.com to learn more about the GO! Bible and to get your free curriculum resources. For a free trial of Hyfi by Lifeway, visit myhyfi.com.

James 5 +++ EMBRACEEVV.COM

Send us Fan MailComedian Paul Bragin is back in the studio for his lucky-number-seven appearance, and the wheels come off almost immediately. This week on The Days Grimm Podcast, Brian, Thomas, and producer Corey turn a simple "deaths of the month" check-in into a no-topic-is-safe deep dive that somehow connects a horse-racing legend, a paramount principle of Jewish law, and a dictator's 1987 plan to breed cows the size of dogs. If you like your comedy podcast unscripted, unfiltered, and wildly off the rails, you found the right episode.From there it only escalates: the crew debates whether a pig heart transplant counts as kosher (turns out there's a real answer), digs into the melanin-peptide tanning trend and the surprising cancer research behind it, and settles into a heated greatest-director argument over Christopher Nolan's upcoming Odyssey. You'll get the real backstory of how Henry Ford "borrowed" the assembly line from Toyota, a field guide to Amish Rumspringa, and a passionate case for why Waffle House needs to come to Evansville — fights and all.Recorded in the Days Grimm studio in Evansville, Indiana, this episode closes with Paul's report from his longest-ever clean stand-up set, a tour through the chaos of the Evansville Watch local-news feed, and a stack of local plugs you'll actually want to hit. Grab a Four Roses (hopefully one day a sponsor), subscribe, and settle in.If this one made you laugh, do us a favor: smash that Subscribe button, ring the bell so you never miss a Tuesday drop, and drop a comment below telling us your hottest take from the episode. New episodes of The Days Grimm Podcast every week — and hey, Four Roses, our DMs are open.

Illinois has strengthened its protections for LGBTQ people in recent years. But just across the border, the picture looks different: Iowa has stripped gender identity from its civil rights law, Missouri's Supreme Court has upheld a ban on gender-affirming care for minors, and Indiana's governor has declared June "Nuclear Family Month." All of it comes as a new U.S. Supreme Court ruling allows states to exclude transgender women and girls from female sports teams — and as national polling shows support for LGBTQ rights slipping from its peak. We talk with LGBTQ advocates from across the region — in the Quad Cities, St. Louis, and Evansville, Indiana — about what's changed, how their communities are adapting, and what Pride means as the political climate shifts.

We're wrapping up Pride Month with a Patreon Picks for The Rocky Horror Picture Show! We'll give a history of the show, try to figure out what it's supposed to be about, and we may have accidentally created a new Star Wars character! Grab our TCTGY Pride Merch, with proceeds benefiting River City Pride in Evansville, IN!www.ComingtoGetYouMerch.comSupport "They're Coming to Get You" on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/TheyreComingtoGetYou 

If you've ever stood in front of a room full of kids and felt the chaos creeping in, this episode is for you. Hannah Augustine sits down with Steve Bloom, executive producer of The Park Curriculum, to talk through practical strategies for large group ministry — from classroom management and behavior challenges to putting the right leaders in the right seats. Steve brings 16 years of kids ministry experience and a refreshing honesty about what actually works (and what doesn't) when you're leading elementary kids in a large group environment.Visit parklearning.com to check out The Park's sample lesson today! And get 25% off your KidMin Academy tuition with the code PODCAST at kidminacademy.com, or email support@kidzmatter.com to try a FREE class.

A radio doc from the June 27 Fair Shake.  Take a little different look at a story that changed America.  B3 is written directed and produced by Todd Lancaster, Mike DeCoursey, Brent Dalrymple and Brian Emmons and is a production of the Empulse Podcast Network.  Thanks to our sponsors Justin Scherer and the Burkhart Insurance Agency, Golf Plus in Evansville, Fair Shake w/ Brian Emmons, Home and Harvest Realty and recorded at Red Bones Bar and Grill. 

Two people were arrested after a shooting on Evansville's north side. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#willardlibrary #ghosthunting #hauntedlibrary Join us on Patreon for ZERO ADS ALWAYS! www.patreon.com/hauntedcitypodcastThe Willard Library in Evansville, Indiana is one of the most haunted buildings in America, and tonight we found out why. After hours, with the doors locked and the ghost cams rolling, we went looking for the legendary Gray Lady... and something started talking back.What we captured in this investigation is some of the wildest spirit interaction we have ever documented. A child spirit begged us to spin and run with him through the stacks. A voice clearly told one of us to "SPIN FOR ME" in a whisper the whole live stream heard. And in the final moments, a spirit guided us straight to a Record of Death, page 30, and helped spell out the name of a child who died of cholera in Columbia, South Carolina in July of 1861.Built in the late 1800s, the Willard Library was the dream of Willard Carpenter, who poured nearly his entire fortune into it and died before it ever opened. His wife passed just nine months later. Legend says his daughter Louise, furious at being left out of the will, never left the building at all. For over a century, staff, police, and visitors have reported the Gray Lady drifting through the genealogy department, a dark shadow figure no one can identify, and a playful child spirit who just wants someone to find him.In this episode:The history of Willard Carpenter and the family curse behind the hauntingThe active staircase where the Gray Lady and a young boy have been seenThe genealogy floor and the famous shadow figure photographed by policeA solo sit in total darkness that pushed us to our limitThe "spin and run" game with a child spirit named BillyThe record of death moment that left the whole team speechlessThis was one of the most intense and interactive nights of our entire run. Watch to the end. You will not believe the last ten minutes.Subscribe to The Most Haunted City on Earth for new ghost hunts, paranormal investigations, and deep dives into the most haunted locations in America. Hit the bell so you never miss an episode, and drop a comment telling us what YOU heard.#WillardLibrary #GrayLady #GhostHunting #Paranormal #HauntedLibrary #EVP #GhostHunters #TheMostHauntedCityOnEarth #Evansville #Indiana #Haunted #RealGhosts #ParanormalInvestigation #ShadowFigure

All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome the team from Rock Steady Boxing as guests to the show.   About Ryan Cotton, President/CEO:   Ryan Cotton currently serves as President & CEO for Rock Steady Boxing. His involvement with the organization started in 2009 when he served on the Board of Directors for a decade. Although he serves all RSB boxers around the world, his favorite RSB boxer was his father who was a Parkinson's fighter until his last days.   Ryan's education is in physical therapy where he had a 22-year clinical career before moving into his role at RSB. He holds a Masters in Physical Therapy from the University of Evansville, and a Doctorate in Health Science from the University of Indianapolis.   About Chris Timberlake, Director of Education & Training Rock Steady Boxing:   Chris has been with Rock Steady since 2006 and currently serves as the Director of Training and Education at RSB developing and delivering training in the RSB method to new coaches around the world. She is a caregiver to Tom, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2000, and understands all too well the needs of people struggling with Parkinson's.   Having trained hundreds of people with Parkinson's as well as being immersed as a care partner has given Chris a uniquely intimate perspective on how to battle this disease. She is a Certified Personal Trainer through the American College of Sports Medicine and her personal experience is an instrumental part of Rock Steady's "Cornerman" support.   About Sandra Benton, RSB Boxer, Retired business owner and hairstylist:   Sandra Benton was a business owner for 48 years working as a hairstylist and retiring at age 67. She was diagnosed with PD in April of 2023 and started RSB in July of that year.   About Jim Lindgren, RSB Boxer, Retired reporter and editor:   Jim Lindgren had a career as a newspaper reporter and editor for 25 years before becoming an editor for a market research company and retiring 2 years ago at age 66. He was diagnosed with PD at the age of 61.   About Rock Steady Boxing (RSB):   Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with Parkinson disease through a specialized, non-contact boxing-based fitness program developed to specifically address the symptoms of Parkinson disease. Founded in Indianapolis in 2006, RSB is built on the belief that individuals with Parkinson's can fight back against the progression of their disease through rigorous, targeted exercise   The RSB program is multimodal and incorporates boxing techniques, strength training, balance work, and cognitive challenges to address the motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's. Backed by growing evidence that high-intensity exercise can slow symptom progression, RSB has become a leader in exercise-based approaches to managing the disease.   Today, Rock Steady Boxing supports a global network of more than 800 affiliate programs that deliver its training in local communities, including gyms, rehabilitation centers, and community organizations. Through comprehensive coach training, ongoing education, and a strong support system, RSB ensures that its programs are accessible, adaptable, and effective for individuals at all stages of Parkinson's. Beyond physical improvements, the organization fosters a powerful sense of community and empowerment among participants, helping them build confidence, connection, and resilience.   As it continues to expand its reach, Rock Steady Boxing remains committed to its mission of enabling people with Parkinson's to live healthier, more active lives.

The boys are free of an itinerary and ready to riff. Dal looks like a rockstar, Todd is in full Red Sox regalia, Deco's back from Florida and Bryno is itching to podcast.  Oh yeah and we bore Todd with some wrestling talk on the 30 year anniversary of AUSTIN 3:16 B3 is written directed and produced by Todd Lancaster, Mike DeCoursey, Brent Dalrymple and Brian Emmons and is a production of the Empulse Podcast Network.  Thanks to our sponsors Justin Scherer and the Burkhart Insurance Agency, Golf Plus in Evansville, Fair Shake w/ Brian Emmons, Home and Harvest Realty and recorded at Red Bones Bar and Grill. 

She had a million dollars in her account and she was convinced she'd lose her house by the end of the month. That's not a financial problem. That's grief lying. And if you don't know how to recognize it, you'll either rush your client into decisions she'll regret, or lose her trust entirely.Episode SummaryIn this episode, Brandon L. Hayes, CFP, founder of Compass Financial Group and author of You're Not Alone, shares what 26 years of working almost exclusively with widows has taught him about grief and financial decision-making. Brandon's perspective is personal: he lost his father at 13 and watched a trusted advisor help his family stay financially whole. That experience became a calling. He breaks down why the traditional planning process doesn't fit widows, what grief lies look like in practice, which financial landmines to watch for in the first months after a loss, and how advisors and adult children can support without taking over. This is essential listening for any advisor who works with clients navigating the widow transition.About Brandon L. HayesBrandon L. Hayes, CFP, is the founder of Compass Financial Group in Evansville, Indiana, where he has specialized in working with widows for over 26 years. His calling began at age 13 when his father passed away, and he witnessed firsthand the stabilizing impact a trusted financial advisor had on his family. Brandon is the author of You're Not Alone, a guide he describes as a ministry and a mission: walking widows through the financial decisions that can't wait and the ones that can, in plain language. The financial advisor who helped his mother through that season is now Brandon's own client.What We CoverWhy the financial planning process, with its timelines and checklists, is structurally incompatible with grief, and what advisors can do insteadThe concept of grief lies and why even high-net-worth clients can believe they're about to go brokeThe only things that actually need to happen in the first days after a spouse dies, and why everything else can waitRiver widows vs. root widows: two grief patterns that determine how quickly clients make decisionsHow to uncover hidden benefits including accidental death policies, club memberships, and digital accounts that can add thousands or hundreds of thousands to a settlementHow adult children can cross the line from helpful to harmful, and what healthy family support actually looks likeThe organized crime schemes targeting widows, including a scam that ended with criminals physically walking off a porch with $150,000 in goldResources MentionedYou're Not Alone by Brandon L. Hayes: Amazonynabook.com, Brandon's book website with free resources and chapter overviewConnect with Brandon HayesWebsite: www.ynabook.comEmail: brandon@ynabook.comPhone: 800-967-5250Firm: Compass Financial Group, Evansville, IndianaSupport the show

We're jumping on the hype train and covering the biggest surprise hit of the year: Obsession! We'll talk about the past work of director Curry Barker, show our love for guys going through a divorce, and try to recover from just how terrifying this movie actually is!Grab our TCTGY Pride Merch, with proceeds benefiting River City Pride in Evansville, IN!www.ComingtoGetYouMerch.com 

What if the real problem in your kids' ministry isn't a lack of volunteers — it's that you can't keep the ones you have? In this episode of the KidzMatter Podcast, Hannah Augustine shares a sneak peek inside a KidzMatter PRO April coaching call featuring three KidMin Academy students: Dave, Rose, and Christi. All three are dedicated kids' ministry leaders at their local churches, and they bring raw, real insight into what has kept them committed to kids' ministry for the long haul — and what leaders can do to care for and retain their teams.Visit thegoodbook.com and use the code KIDZMATTER to get 30% off the Seek and Find Bible Series, now through July 31st, 2026! Get your free trial of KidzMatter PRO at kidzmatter.com/pro.

He arrived in America with faith and a vision. What Alfonso Vidal built from there is the kind of story that reminds you the American dream is still very much alive — and still very much worth fighting for. In Part 2, Alfonso picks up where we left off — planting roots in Evansville, Indiana, building a thriving manufacturing company from the ground up, and serving his adopted state under three governors. Then COVID hit, and everything he had built was gone. He didn't look for someone to blame. He started over — deliberately, in the blue collar world, building a franchise-based business alongside the service workers and tradespeople often left out of the story. Alfonso also shares his perspective on the current political landscape in Venezuela, and what he believes his journey has prepared him to do next.   Episode Highlights: 01:15 Entrepreneur Roots 04:05 Work and Family 06:18 Covid Business Crash 10:06 Giving Back Mission 11:45 Politics and Community 16:12 Destiny and Calling 20:36 How to Connect with Alfonso Vidal Show Links:  TheVidalPerspective.com

Artspeak Radio, Wednesday, June 17, 2026, 9am -10am CST, 90.1fm KKFI Kansas City Community Radio, streaming live audio www.kkfi.org Producer/host Maria Vasquez Boyd welcomes Tom Mardikes, Jon Robertson, and Scott Preston. Sound Mandala is a one-of-a-kind immersive audio experience where 100 independent loudspeakers surround you—sound moving around you, above you, and through you. This isn't surround sound. It's something altogether different, carefully crafted by sound designers who spend hours mixing each piece moving the sound around you, above you, and beneath you. Audio becomes a physical environment you can step inside – you feel it as much as you hear it. We call it a Mecca concept — you can't stream it, download it, or replicate it anywhere else. You have to be there. TOM MARDIKES & JON ROBERTSON- Sound Mandala Summer 2026 runs June 10 – August 1 presented at Unicorn Theatre; tickets on sale May 1 Sound Mandala is back and this summer, it's bigger than ever. The groundbreaking immersive audio experience returns to the Unicorn Theatre's Jerome Stage June 10 through August 1, 2026, with three original programs that push the boundaries of what sound can do to a room and to the people inside it. Tickets at www.soundmandala.org/experience. Sound Mandala's summer run coincides with Kansas City's moment on the world stage as a 2026 FIFA World Cup host city and overlaps with the KC Fringe Festival, positioning it as a must-see cultural destination for international visitors and locals alike. At the heart of the experience: a custom-built array of 100 independent loudspeakers surrounding audiences on all sides — above them, beside them, moving through them. Programs are complex mixes of recording done by our artists, using their original tracks. "This is an experience that simply cannot be duplicated anywhere else," said creator and founder Tom Mardikes. "To experience it, you have to be there." Sound Mandala made its public debut at the 2024 KC Fringe Festival, where over 9 days more than 800 people experienced the installation. The creative team draws from artists and designers affiliated with UMKC Conservatory's Sound Design MFA program, and the project has grown from the research of UMKC professor Tom Mardikes over many years. Sound Mandala Institute, Inc. is a Kansas City–based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For history, technology, and more: www.soundmandala.org THE 2026 PROGRAMS Signal&Soul | June 10 – August 1 The flagship variety program, and Sound Mandala at its most kaleidoscopic. Roughly 50 minutes, 10 pieces, zero filler. Signal&Soul collides original music, theatrical performance, beatboxing, spoken word, and unexpected reinvention into a single, propulsive arc. Featured works include The Missionary by acclaimed KC artist Krizz Kaliko; an original composition by Austen Schober; a video game collage from Jacob Souders and Paul Vedros; a Chekhov vignette performed by Vanessa Severo; beatboxer Luke "Skippy" Harbur of musicbyskippy; MU by audio artist Rev. Dwight Frizzell; a new piece by Jon Robertson; and a Sound Mandala reimagining of the Beatles' "Tomorrow Never Knows" that has to be heard to be believed. Indie Spotlight from Challenger Artists | June 20 – August 1 Five bands. Two songs each. Original multi-track recordings mixed into an immersive system that will change how you hear them. Challenger Artists has assembled a remarkable roster for this approximately 60-minute set conceived specifically for the Sound Mandala environment. Featuring: Mini Trees, the indie-alt pop project of LA-based songwriter Lexi Vega, whose 2025 headline tour sold out venues coast to coast; Brooklyn duo TOLEDO; Valley Boy, whose collaborators include Sabrina Carpenter, Dua Lipa, and Troye Sivan; Midwest four-piece Post Sex Nachos, whose track "SOS" climbed to the SiriusXM Alt Nation Top 6; and Chicago indie act Capital Soiree, featured on Spotify's Fresh Finds editorial playlists. Unicorn Theatre | Jerome Stage 3828 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64111 Tom Mardikes has worked on over 250 professional productions nationwide as Sound Designer for Kansas City Repertory Theatre (formerly Missouri Rep), the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, the Dallas Theatre Center, Syracuse Stage, Coconut Grove, the Roundabout, Buffalo Studio Arena, the Alley Theatre, Great Lakes Theatre Festival, Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park and Shakespeare Santa Cruz. Jon Robertson A Kansas City-based sound designer and composer, honed his skills during the pandemic to improve online audio collaboration. In 2021, he co-created the audio tool, Tutti Remote, facilitating global audio syncing for performers. His work spans theatrical productions, films, and radio plays, earning recognition at festivals like New Music Gathering and KC Fringe. An educator at heart, Jon currently teaches at the University of Evansville and boasts degrees from UMKC and the University of Arizona. Jon has been working with the Sound Mandala since 2015. The Sound Mandala is a new way of listening to recorded sounds, in a room full of loudspeakers arranged in a matrix allowing for a wide variety of sound distribution and motion. In the auditory domain, the Sound Mandala imitates the visual trick of film motion by placing dozens of loudspeakers into a space organized into a matrix of lines and rows, then dividing, or spreading a sound along these lines and rows to create a sinuous ‘motion' of sound. This summer the Sound Mandala will present a new show at the Unicorn Theatre as well as joining the KC Fringe Festival 2026, featuring a 100-loudspeaker channel system in the Jerome black box theatre seating 40 people. We refer to the Sound Mandala as a ‘Mecca-concept'----you must go there to have the experience. As this invention becomes commercialized and we experiment with visual images, this Mecca-concept will be a decided advantage to a film presenter---an advantage movie theatres do not enjoy today. The Sound Mandala experience cannot be duplicated in the home or in a car. When You Walk In... • An Acoustic Sanctuary: You'll step into an intimate theater environment wrapped in an array of dozens of individual loudspeakers. • Perfect Sound, Every Seat: Unlike standard concert venues or movie theaters where the best sound is only in the exact center, the Sound Mandala is designed so that every seat is the best seat in the house. • A Journey for the Senses: You will sit back, relax, and let custom-composed music, vivid soundscapes, and acoustic narratives wash over your senses and move right through you. SCOTT PRESTON-The Traveling Hippo is a children's book that encourages family travel traditions, featuring a narrator and seven characters who guide families in taking a stuffed hippo on vacation to create memories. The book, which includes a travel log and illustrations by Preston's daughter, Lilly, is part of a larger "Hippo Universe" that includes merchandise like plushies and trading cards, and it aims to be more than just a story but a family activity. Key aspects of the book and tradition: • Concept: Families bring a stuffed hippo on trips, using the book as a guide and a travel journal to record their adventures. • Characters: The story features a narrator, Hammy the bird, and other characters that help explain the tradition. • Family involvement: The project is a family affair, with Preston's daughter Lilly doing illustrations and his son helping with the website. • Origin: The tradition started with the author's own children using a hippo from a discount store on their trips. • Merchandise: The "Hippo Universe" includes the book, plush toys, and other items, with plans for more books and products. • Awards: It was a finalist in the 2026 Next Generation Indie Book Awards.

Happy Father's Day as we get together with Bill Paxton and an ax! We're finally covering Frailty! We'll talk about how the ax got named Otis, try to keep our cool with all the Matthew McConaughey sexiness, and try to be more assertive while getting an oil change!Grab our TCTGY Pride Merch, with proceeds benefiting River City Pride in Evansville, IN!www.ComingtoGetYouMerch.com

How do you build a children's ministry from scratch — or step into one and make it better? In this special collaboration between the KidzMatter Podcast and the Cross Formed KidMin Podcast, hosts Hannah Augustine, Hunter Williams, and Tim Beilhartz give you a practical, theology-grounded roadmap for starting strong.Whether you're brand new to kids ministry or a veteran who needs to get back to basics, this episode is packed with frameworks you can apply right away.Visit https://crossformedkids.com/podcast/ to listen to the Cross Formed Kidmin Podcast!

The Boys are back at table 4 for an offseason workout AND make their 1st video pod that will be up soon.  The Toddfather, Dal, Deco & Bryno discuss what they've been doing so far this summer, what profession they could do after just watching it on video and a whole lot more.   B3 is written directed and produced by Todd Lancaster, Mike DeCoursey, Brent Dalrymple, Brian Emmons and Nathanyel Byler  and is a production of the Empulse Podcast Network.  Thanks to our sponsors Justin Scherer and the Burkhart Insurance Agency, Golf Plus in Evansville, Fair Shake w/ Brian Emmons, Home and Harvest Realty and recorded at Red Bones Bar and Grill. 

Evansville is offering to replace lead pipes in some west side neighborhoods at no cost. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're heading back to the Overlook Hotel and watching the Director's Cut of DOCTOR SLEEP! We'll talk about book/movie differences (like nerds), talk shit about JK Rowling, and discuss a new innovative way of shooting a comedy special!Grab our TCTGY Pride Merch, with proceeds benefiting River City Pride in Evansville, IN!www.ComingtoGetYouMerch.com 

The 2026 KidzMatter Conference is launching its first-ever Youth Pastor Track, and in this episode, Charlie Alcock explains what you'll learn and how it differs from traditional conference teaching. Instead of copying tactics, you'll discover the biblical principles that unify all ministries and practical ways to implement them in your unique context. Use the code YOUTH2KM for up to five free youth leader tickets at https://www.kidzmatterconference.com/. Get Charlie's book, Full Circle, on Amazon.

Just a quick reminder that I will be at The Rod Locker in Evansville Indiana for their Customer Appreciation Event Saturday, June 6 from 9am - 5pm CT!   If you're anywhere near Indiana, the sales and deals alone will be worth the trip! I'm looking forward to seeing you all there!   Address: The Rod Locker  500 N. Congress Ave. Evansville, IN 47715 Time: Saturday, June 6 from 9am - 5pm CT

We're kicking off Pride Month by covering the unlikely LGBTQ+ film The Babadook! We'll discuss how The Babadook became a Pride icon, learn some fun things about Koalas, and try to figure out if we finally understand the movie!        Grab our TCTGY Pride Merch, with proceeds benefiting River City Pride in Evansville, IN!www.ComingtoGetYouMerch.comSupport "They're Coming to Get You" on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/TheyreComingtoGetYou

Just signed up to serve in kids' ministry? This is the essential starter episode. Hannah Augustine and Corey Jones walk through everything new volunteers need to know—from building authentic relationships with kids to safety protocols that protect everyone. Learn why your role matters, how to show up powerfully, and what it really takes to disciple the next generation. Perfect for your first Sunday and beyond.Save 25% for your entire order with code PODCAST26 at highvoltagekids.com (offer ends July 31, 2026).

#ghosthunting #horrortok #creepy Something is standing behind that couple. And it's been waiting.Welcome to another Ghost Caught on Camera edition of The Most Haunted City on Earth. This week, Madison, Chris, and JT break down two videos that are hard to shake.First up: a happy couple films themselves in front of their new home... completely unaware that something is watching from behind the door. A shadowy figure with no facial features except two glowing eyes slowly peers around the frame... then vanishes. Is it a prank, a mask, AI? Or something non-human that was already there before they moved in?Then: a man who's lived with a very active basement for two years finally catches his heavy, solid oak door opening and closing on camera... all by itself. His reaction says it all.We also dig into a growing conversation: with AI making it easier than ever to fake paranormal footage, are we dismissing real experiences too quickly?ANNOUNCEMENT: We just wrapped an investigation at the Willard Public Library in Evansville, Indiana — and the footage drops in June. Patreon gets it first, ad-free. Join the community at www.patreon.com/hauntedcitypodcast.com

At 41 years old, with no woodworking background and tools made from hot-glued blocks of wood, Craig Hedges won a YouTube scholarship that changed the trajectory of his entire family's life. In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger sits down with Craig Hedges, the new owner of Goliath Hardwoods in Evansville, Indiana. Craig's story starts with a $250 check from a YouTube woodworker's scholarship fund, a circular saw, a jigsaw, and a drill. What began with cornhole boards made alongside his wife and four kids eventually grew into pen turning, laser engraving, craft shows, and ultimately the purchase of a nearly 30-year-old hardwood retail business that was days away from closing its doors forever. You'll hear about how Craig and his family funded a trip to Disney World entirely from cornhole board sales, and the car ride home where the kids declared they were done making them. You'll hear about how he discovered Goliath Hardwoods as a customer, watched the sale fall through multiple times with other buyers, and negotiated an owner-financed deal that let the business pay for itself from day one. Craig also shares how he inherited a loyal customer base, kept the existing staff, and immediately went to work building a social media presence from scratch with his son Ian behind the camera. You'll also hear about the incredible historic restoration project that landed on Craig's doorstep, resurfacing 130-plus-year-old flooring from the old Cargis building to be installed in 121 new apartments. Craig talks about his plans to create custom wood urns with military branch scroll work for local funeral homes, his vision for a dedicated maker space, and the heartwarming story of helping a pair of newlyweds build their first dining table in his shop. Jennifer and Craig also dig into sourcing strategies for small retailers, from Facebook Marketplace finds to building relationships with larger local suppliers, and how to use social media to stop the scroll and find the wood you need. Chapters 00:00 Meet Craig Hedges: From YouTube Scholarship to Business Owner 05:56 Buying Goliath Hardwoods and Keeping a Legacy Alive 10:05 Building a Social Media Strategy from Scratch 11:46 The Historic Cargis Building Flooring Restoration 18:01 Custom Urns, Maker Spaces, and Creative Revenue Streams 25:50 Sourcing Wood as a Small Retailer 34:19 Challenges, Community, and the Power of Just Trying The Woodpreneur Podcast brings stories of woodworkers, makers, and entrepreneurs turning their passion for wood into successful businesses - from inspiration to education to actionable advice. Hosted by Steve Larosiliere and Jennifer Alger  For blog posts and updates: woodpreneur.com See how we helped woodworkers, furniture-makers, millwork and lumber businesses grow to the next level: woodpreneurnetwork.com Empowering woodpreneurs and building companies to grow and scale: buildergrowth.io Connect with us at:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sawmillsnearme/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woodpreneurnetwork/ Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/woodpreneurnetwork Join our newsletter: https://substack.com/@woodpreneurnetwork You can connect with Craig at: https://goliathhardwoods.com/ https://www.instagram.com/goliath_hardwoods/ https://www.facebook.com/goliathhardwoods/

Send us Fan MailIf you enjoyed this deep dive into the music industry, make sure to subscribe to the channel and leave a comment below with your favorite part of the conversation!From his roots in Evansville to building a career in Colorado and back again, DJ Wills joins The Day's Grimm to discuss the reality of the music industry. In this episode, Wills breaks down the grind of being an entertainer, the evolution of his sound, and the essential role of branding for independent artists.We dive into the highs and lows of his journey, exploring how he transitioned from a local music enthusiast to a professional DJ, and why he eventually chose to return to his hometown. Wills shares raw insights into the challenges of social anxiety, the necessity of discipline in a creative career, and his upcoming plans for animated projects and live sets. Whether you are an aspiring producer, a local music fan, or just looking for an honest conversation about the hustle, this episode covers the practical side of turning a passion into a sustainable career.KEY TOPICS COVERED:The importance of branding and marketing over raw popularity in the modern music scene.How DJ Wills transitioned from a local enthusiast to a professional DJ.Challenges of managing social anxiety while performing in the public eye.The role of discipline in maintaining a long-term music career.Why networking with the right people—not just other stars—is critical for growth.Managing multiple creative projects and the importance of saying no to preserve your brand.Insights into moving cities to pursue a career and eventually returning home.The evolution of music distribution and how artists adapt to industry changes.NOTABLE QUOTES:"It's all about branding guys, not popularity. I swear. And just be good at what you do." — Wills"It's pointless to be talented and be great at something if you don't have the discipline." — Wills"I am the brand. I know how I impact these people. I'm not Michael Jackson, but I do have people cry. I have people give me money." — WillsTIMELINE: 00:00 — Intro 00:03 — DJ Wills Joins The Day's Grimm 04:12 — Growing up in Evansville and Early Musical Memories 09:38 — High School Culture and Finding Music 19:26 — The Shift to Home Production and Engineering 24:00 — How "Wills" Got His Name 28:49 — Thoughts on Rap Beefs and Music Business 36:12 — Sampling, DJing, and Copyright Realities 42:30 — Moving to Colorado and the Music Scene 56:12 — Returning to Evansville and Future Projects 1:19:37 — Overcoming the Desire to Quit 1:26:33 — Final Thoughts and Where to Follow[The Days Grimm Podcast Links]- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheDaysGrimm- Our link tree: linktr.ee/Thedaysgrimm- GoFundMe account for The Days Grimm: https://gofund.me/02527e7c [The Days Grimm is brought to you by]Sadness & ADHD (non-medicated)

Hannah Augustine and Sarah Carroll share the hard-won lessons they wish they'd known when they started leading, as well as some of the biggest mistakes young leaders make in ministry. If you're a young leader, a kids pastor, or you're mentoring emerging leaders, this conversation will help you navigate the unique challenges of ministry leadership at any age and set you up for sustainable impact.Visit https://www.kidminroadmap.com/ to get started with their free, comprehensive discipleship strategy today.

Live from the University of Evansville campus and the Shanklin Theatre, where Rami Malek once trod the boards… One True Podcast welcomes Alex Vernon for an interview recorded live in front of a captive audience of students, faculty, and community members in Evansville, Indiana, as he discusses his magnificent new biography of Tim O'Brien, Peace Is a Shy Thing: The Life and Art of Tim O'Brien.Vernon explains his process of how to write a true biography, O'Brien's life and relationship to the Vietnam War, what distinguishes O'Brien's style as a writer, the enduring power of some of his greatest work, and much more. It is a generous, penetrating Q&A session with the world's preeminent O'Brien scholar.Vernon – who has previously joined One True Podcast for a discussion of Hemingway and War, as well as an episode devoted to “Soldier's Home” – lends his essential perspective to this essential contemporary writer.** Special thanks to the UE students for their insightful questions at the end, and to the wizardry of sound designer Jon Robertson for his assistance. ** Episode BibliographyTim O'Brien works mentioned:Going After CacciatoIf I Die in a Combat ZoneIn the Lake of the WoodsThe Things They CarriedOther works mentioned:Five-volume biography of Hemingway by Michael Reynolds (The Young Hemingway, Hemingway: The Paris Years, Hemingway: The Homecoming, Hemingway: The 1930s, Hemingway: The Final Years)