Podcasts about minnesota podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2023 14:18

Welcome to another episode of the Makers of Minnesota Podcast! Host Stephanie Hansen sits down with Robert Lillegard, the mastermind behind Duluth's Best Bread, in today's installment. Stephanie recently visited Art in Bayfront Park in Duluth and indulged in some of the incredible breads and pastries. Join them as they dive into the history of Duluth's Best Bread, learn about the baking industry, and explore the unique collaborations they have been working on with local breweries and cideries. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and discover the secrets behind Duluth's most beloved bakery. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stephaniehansen.substack.com/subscribe

art bread makers duluth bayfront park minnesota podcast

Duluth's Best Bread - Season 5 Episode 32

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2023 14:18

Welcome to another episode of the Makers of Minnesota Podcast! Host Stephanie Hansen sits down with Robert Lillegard, the mastermind behind Duluth's Best Bread, in today's installment. Stephanie recently visited Art in Bayfront Park in Duluth and indulged in some of the incredible breads and pastries. Join them as they dive into the history of Duluth's Best Bread, learn about the baking industry, and explore the unique collaborations they have been working on with local breweries and cideries. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and discover the secrets behind Duluth's most beloved bakery. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stephaniehansen.substack.com/subscribe

art bread makers duluth bayfront park minnesota podcast

Wet Dog (Season 5 Episode 31)

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2023 10:34

Welcome back to another exciting episode of Makers of Minnesota! In today's episode, we dive into the world of pet products and meet a company that is making a splash in the industry. Say hello to Wet Dog, an online retailer that offers high-quality pet products and gives back to dog rescues with every purchase. We'll hear from Heather Johnson, the sales and marketing expert behind Create it's Wet Dog shampoo, as she shares insights into the challenges of the competitive shampoo market and the importance of sourcing ingredients locally. Plus, we'll discover how Wet Dog is expanding its brand and gaining traction in the marketplace. So, grab a comfy spot for you and your furry friend because this episode is all about pampering our pets and celebrating the special bond we share with them. Let's get started with "Wet Dog"!SHOW TRANSCRIPT FOLLOWS:Stephanie [00:00:12]:Hello, everybody, and welcome to the makers of Minnesota Podcast, where we talked cool people doing cool things and there's nothing cooler than your pets, right? Everybody's crazy about their dogs and their cats. I was just on a trip for 10 days away from my dog, and I got home, and he has not stopped, like, being by my side ever since. I think I'm giving them a complex because I keep leaving. But I am here at Heather Johnson, and she's from the company Create it. She does sales and marketing for a product that specifically for pets called Wet Dog. Hello, Heather. Thanks for joining us.Heather Johnson [00:00:48]:Hello. Thank you for having me.Stephanie [00:00:50]:So what do you think it is about pets and dogs in particular that we are so obsessed and have to buy, like, all these fancy products for them.Heather Johnson [00:01:03]:well, I think it's 1st and foremost the unconditional love. Pets just brings so much joy to us, and we wanna give them everything we can because they're they're just so loving to us, and they really enhance our lives.Stephanie [00:01:17]:Don't you think too? Like, I don't know. Maybe it's just because I had a dog for 18 years that died, and then I rescued another dog. And this dog is fairly, I'm just gonna say needy. not in a bad way. He just really likes me and really wants to be with me all the time, and my other dog was a lot more independent. And I also think like COVID, we spent 2 years with our free animals. And in a lot of instances, they were our only people that we interacted with or not people, but they just gave us so much joy during a time. Many of us spent a lot more time outdoors with our pets. It just really feels like coming out of COVID, people's pets mean more to them than ever.Heather Johnson [00:02:00]:Yeah. Definitely. I know the you know, you have extra bonding time. You're sitting on the couch. You're watching TV with them. there was a lot more walks going on. just a lot more time to, kind of enrich their lives with our presence as well.Stephanie [00:02:18]:Can you tell me a little bit about formulation about wet dog products in particular and why, it's cool that they're made here. I love that that they're made in Minnesota. But what is it like? I I don't even know, like, some people don't even wash their dogs, right? They just either take them to a salon or once a year, they get thrown into the lake?Heather Johnson [00:02:42]:Yeah. well, our our pet product is super cool. well, because we have flower power in it. And that just simply is the essence of rescue remedy. So during the bath, people get anxious too because we're not used to bringing our pet to the bathroom. And so they kind of feed off of that. So it's relaxing for both the pet owner and for the pet.Stephanie [00:03:04]:And you've got a shampoo, a conditioner. And is there another type of spray too?Heather Johnson [00:03:09]:Yep. We have a detangling spray and it's, like, a skin conditioner as well. So it helps for dry itchy or flaky skin.Stephanie [00:03:17]:When you have pets, like, how often should you be bathing them?Heather Johnson [00:03:23]:well, that's gonna depend upon your pets. Sometimes you have a guy that loves to get outside and roll around in the dirt and mud and just kind of be adventurous. those pets are product is safe to use on them as much as you'd like. because it is all natural. we've taken out all of the parabens sulfates, peanut wheat, gluten, and dye. And, so again, it's safe for your pet to use every day. It has a very high quality of oatmeal protein, so it's excellent for their skin and their coat. and then you could just have a guy that's real, you know, wants to be a laptop. I think at your own discretion, if you notice, like, that wet dog smell, maybe you might want to consider a bath. and those little, you know, we call it a spa day and make it real special for them.Stephanie [00:04:11]:Oh, that's cute. I never thought about that giving the old Stanley a spa day, but I suppose why not? Exactly. Is there a competition? Is this a competitive market this product?Heather Johnson [00:04:24]:I would say that shampoo in general is kind of competitive. It's kinda hard to, you know, reinvent the wheel for shampooing, so to say, But what really makes us stand out is that our product is a 100% sourced in the United States. as you know, in the United States, we have very standards when it comes to, what goes into products that we use on our body or and or consume. So you're guaranteed that you're gonna have nothing but high quality ingredients, and you're going to be supporting, aStephanie [00:04:59]:family owned business in the United States and in Minnesota. So when you are going into your sales and marketing pitch, like, is it do you try to get this product on, like, you know, more boutique stores, or are you, like, trying to get it into the pet smarts of the world? And how challenging is it for a small business to compete with, you know, some of the bigger guys?Heather Johnson [00:05:23]:well, we're we're in the process of of doing a lot of marketing locally, we have partnered with, Jerry SUPERVALU. So we're working in local, family owned businesses at this time. but, yeah, it is a competitive market. And, you know, making yourself stand out is you know, something that you have to work on daily. You have to build trust with the consumer, and you have to back your you have to, you know, every day go out and, and give the best, the best to everybody. Or otherwise, you know, if you lose trust, you're not gonna make it very far.Stephanie [00:06:01]:Right. And is there other like product lines or extensions that you guys have explored? Or I love it that you're at Jerry super value. They do a really good job of supporting Minnesota makers. And, they're a great family business as well. But Can you, like, is it hard to get traction, or can you get traction with a couple of products and then expand the line, or is the goal really to just get this these three items in as many stores as possible?Heather Johnson [00:06:30]:you know what? We're always looking at growing our brand. we're always looking at, you know, what what do our pets need, you know, things evolve and, and we kind of we want to keep a pulse on the industry so that we can be competitive in the marketplace. So I would say we're always looking to grow. We're always looking to improve our And, you know, with that in mind, you know, we keep our eyes wide open in the industry. So we can, again, be competitive.Stephanie [00:07:00]:What's your biggest marketing challenge so far?Heather Johnson [00:07:04]:Oh, gosh. Our biggest marketing challenge so far I would say is, just really getting the word out, to all the people, not just in Minnesota, is growing our, our product brand throughout the United States. and by doing that, we have started working with, USA Made products. we're talking right now with the army and the air force reserves to be in their PX stores for American May products, as well as in the New York market. We're in the made in the USA store, which is pretty cool.Stephanie [00:07:40]:Yeah. That is cool. when you think about just how different it is like because you're not really marketing to dogs. You're marketing to the families of dogs. Is it women or men or who's your primary target?Heather Johnson [00:07:55]:Oh gosh. I think it's pretty equal between, men and women. it you would be surprised when we're at the state fair and that that civilian, that it's across the board. Anybody who loves their pet has a ton of questions for us. They wanna know about our product line, and they will spend 10 more dollars on their pet every single time if it's for the best interest of their pet.Stephanie [00:08:21]:Yeah. Probably more than they would spend on themselves in some cases.Heather Johnson [00:08:26]:Absolutely. I have definitely seen that.Stephanie [00:08:29]:Is the pet pavilion a sales opportunity for you, or do you use it as marketing or both?Heather Johnson [00:08:35]:I would say both. We've been, at the Minnesota State Bear sinceStephanie [00:08:40]:2012.Heather Johnson [00:08:43]:we see a lot of repeat people that will come in that have to show us pictures of their pet every year, where they've been with their pet every year. And so the connection with everybody in Minnesota is fantastic. we love getting out and shaking hands and, you know, meeting everybody and hearing their pet stories. And then, of course, we all take the opportunity to sell our product and get it in the hands of, pet parents everywhere so that they can go home and, again, do the spa day with their fur baby.Stephanie [00:09:13]:If people wanna try a wet dog right now besides Jerry's, what's the best way for them to get it?Heather Johnson [00:09:20]:they can go online wet dashdog.com, and they can order from us. What's super cool about that is that with every online order, we give 5% back to a dog rescue every month. this month, it's pause for pause. and like I said, so if you order directly from us, we do give back to at charities. And also, you can find a list of all of our, retail partners on our social media as well as on our website.Stephanie [00:09:51]:I love it. And what's your social media handle so people can follow you guys?Heather Johnson [00:09:55]:It is Wet Dog, w e t d o g.Stephanie [00:09:58]:Okay. Simple is that. Alright. How's that? Yeah. Well, I'm excited. I'm gonna check out your products. Hopefully, I'll get a chance to get by your booth at the Fair. get to face to face. Yes. Yes. thank you for reaching out, and thanks for being a Minnesota maker. We're excited about it.Heather Johnson [00:10:17]:Thank you so much. I was so happy to be here and meet you today.Stephanie [00:10:20]:For sure. Thanks, Heather.Heather Johnson [00:10:21]:Thank you.Stephanie [00:10:22]:Okay. Bye bye.Stephanie's Dish Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stephaniehansen.substack.com/subscribe

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Wet Dog (Season 5 Episode 31)

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2023 10:34

Welcome back to another exciting episode of Makers of Minnesota! In today's episode, we dive into the world of pet products and meet a company that is making a splash in the industry. Say hello to Wet Dog, an online retailer that offers high-quality pet products and gives back to dog rescues with every purchase. We'll hear from Heather Johnson, the sales and marketing expert behind Create it's Wet Dog shampoo, as she shares insights into the challenges of the competitive shampoo market and the importance of sourcing ingredients locally. Plus, we'll discover how Wet Dog is expanding its brand and gaining traction in the marketplace. So, grab a comfy spot for you and your furry friend because this episode is all about pampering our pets and celebrating the special bond we share with them. Let's get started with "Wet Dog"!SHOW TRANSCRIPT FOLLOWS:Stephanie [00:00:12]:Hello, everybody, and welcome to the makers of Minnesota Podcast, where we talked cool people doing cool things and there's nothing cooler than your pets, right? Everybody's crazy about their dogs and their cats. I was just on a trip for 10 days away from my dog, and I got home, and he has not stopped, like, being by my side ever since. I think I'm giving them a complex because I keep leaving. But I am here at Heather Johnson, and she's from the company Create it. She does sales and marketing for a product that specifically for pets called Wet Dog. Hello, Heather. Thanks for joining us.Heather Johnson [00:00:48]:Hello. Thank you for having me.Stephanie [00:00:50]:So what do you think it is about pets and dogs in particular that we are so obsessed and have to buy, like, all these fancy products for them.Heather Johnson [00:01:03]:well, I think it's 1st and foremost the unconditional love. Pets just brings so much joy to us, and we wanna give them everything we can because they're they're just so loving to us, and they really enhance our lives.Stephanie [00:01:17]:Don't you think too? Like, I don't know. Maybe it's just because I had a dog for 18 years that died, and then I rescued another dog. And this dog is fairly, I'm just gonna say needy. not in a bad way. He just really likes me and really wants to be with me all the time, and my other dog was a lot more independent. And I also think like COVID, we spent 2 years with our free animals. And in a lot of instances, they were our only people that we interacted with or not people, but they just gave us so much joy during a time. Many of us spent a lot more time outdoors with our pets. It just really feels like coming out of COVID, people's pets mean more to them than ever.Heather Johnson [00:02:00]:Yeah. Definitely. I know the you know, you have extra bonding time. You're sitting on the couch. You're watching TV with them. there was a lot more walks going on. just a lot more time to, kind of enrich their lives with our presence as well.Stephanie [00:02:18]:Can you tell me a little bit about formulation about wet dog products in particular and why, it's cool that they're made here. I love that that they're made in Minnesota. But what is it like? I I don't even know, like, some people don't even wash their dogs, right? They just either take them to a salon or once a year, they get thrown into the lake?Heather Johnson [00:02:42]:Yeah. well, our our pet product is super cool. well, because we have flower power in it. And that just simply is the essence of rescue remedy. So during the bath, people get anxious too because we're not used to bringing our pet to the bathroom. And so they kind of feed off of that. So it's relaxing for both the pet owner and for the pet.Stephanie [00:03:04]:And you've got a shampoo, a conditioner. And is there another type of spray too?Heather Johnson [00:03:09]:Yep. We have a detangling spray and it's, like, a skin conditioner as well. So it helps for dry itchy or flaky skin.Stephanie [00:03:17]:When you have pets, like, how often should you be bathing them?Heather Johnson [00:03:23]:well, that's gonna depend upon your pets. Sometimes you have a guy that loves to get outside and roll around in the dirt and mud and just kind of be adventurous. those pets are product is safe to use on them as much as you'd like. because it is all natural. we've taken out all of the parabens sulfates, peanut wheat, gluten, and dye. And, so again, it's safe for your pet to use every day. It has a very high quality of oatmeal protein, so it's excellent for their skin and their coat. and then you could just have a guy that's real, you know, wants to be a laptop. I think at your own discretion, if you notice, like, that wet dog smell, maybe you might want to consider a bath. and those little, you know, we call it a spa day and make it real special for them.Stephanie [00:04:11]:Oh, that's cute. I never thought about that giving the old Stanley a spa day, but I suppose why not? Exactly. Is there a competition? Is this a competitive market this product?Heather Johnson [00:04:24]:I would say that shampoo in general is kind of competitive. It's kinda hard to, you know, reinvent the wheel for shampooing, so to say, But what really makes us stand out is that our product is a 100% sourced in the United States. as you know, in the United States, we have very standards when it comes to, what goes into products that we use on our body or and or consume. So you're guaranteed that you're gonna have nothing but high quality ingredients, and you're going to be supporting, aStephanie [00:04:59]:family owned business in the United States and in Minnesota. So when you are going into your sales and marketing pitch, like, is it do you try to get this product on, like, you know, more boutique stores, or are you, like, trying to get it into the pet smarts of the world? And how challenging is it for a small business to compete with, you know, some of the bigger guys?Heather Johnson [00:05:23]:well, we're we're in the process of of doing a lot of marketing locally, we have partnered with, Jerry SUPERVALU. So we're working in local, family owned businesses at this time. but, yeah, it is a competitive market. And, you know, making yourself stand out is you know, something that you have to work on daily. You have to build trust with the consumer, and you have to back your you have to, you know, every day go out and, and give the best, the best to everybody. Or otherwise, you know, if you lose trust, you're not gonna make it very far.Stephanie [00:06:01]:Right. And is there other like product lines or extensions that you guys have explored? Or I love it that you're at Jerry super value. They do a really good job of supporting Minnesota makers. And, they're a great family business as well. But Can you, like, is it hard to get traction, or can you get traction with a couple of products and then expand the line, or is the goal really to just get this these three items in as many stores as possible?Heather Johnson [00:06:30]:you know what? We're always looking at growing our brand. we're always looking at, you know, what what do our pets need, you know, things evolve and, and we kind of we want to keep a pulse on the industry so that we can be competitive in the marketplace. So I would say we're always looking to grow. We're always looking to improve our And, you know, with that in mind, you know, we keep our eyes wide open in the industry. So we can, again, be competitive.Stephanie [00:07:00]:What's your biggest marketing challenge so far?Heather Johnson [00:07:04]:Oh, gosh. Our biggest marketing challenge so far I would say is, just really getting the word out, to all the people, not just in Minnesota, is growing our, our product brand throughout the United States. and by doing that, we have started working with, USA Made products. we're talking right now with the army and the air force reserves to be in their PX stores for American May products, as well as in the New York market. We're in the made in the USA store, which is pretty cool.Stephanie [00:07:40]:Yeah. That is cool. when you think about just how different it is like because you're not really marketing to dogs. You're marketing to the families of dogs. Is it women or men or who's your primary target?Heather Johnson [00:07:55]:Oh gosh. I think it's pretty equal between, men and women. it you would be surprised when we're at the state fair and that that civilian, that it's across the board. Anybody who loves their pet has a ton of questions for us. They wanna know about our product line, and they will spend 10 more dollars on their pet every single time if it's for the best interest of their pet.Stephanie [00:08:21]:Yeah. Probably more than they would spend on themselves in some cases.Heather Johnson [00:08:26]:Absolutely. I have definitely seen that.Stephanie [00:08:29]:Is the pet pavilion a sales opportunity for you, or do you use it as marketing or both?Heather Johnson [00:08:35]:I would say both. We've been, at the Minnesota State Bear sinceStephanie [00:08:40]:2012.Heather Johnson [00:08:43]:we see a lot of repeat people that will come in that have to show us pictures of their pet every year, where they've been with their pet every year. And so the connection with everybody in Minnesota is fantastic. we love getting out and shaking hands and, you know, meeting everybody and hearing their pet stories. And then, of course, we all take the opportunity to sell our product and get it in the hands of, pet parents everywhere so that they can go home and, again, do the spa day with their fur baby.Stephanie [00:09:13]:If people wanna try a wet dog right now besides Jerry's, what's the best way for them to get it?Heather Johnson [00:09:20]:they can go online wet dashdog.com, and they can order from us. What's super cool about that is that with every online order, we give 5% back to a dog rescue every month. this month, it's pause for pause. and like I said, so if you order directly from us, we do give back to at charities. And also, you can find a list of all of our, retail partners on our social media as well as on our website.Stephanie [00:09:51]:I love it. And what's your social media handle so people can follow you guys?Heather Johnson [00:09:55]:It is Wet Dog, w e t d o g.Stephanie [00:09:58]:Okay. Simple is that. Alright. How's that? Yeah. Well, I'm excited. I'm gonna check out your products. Hopefully, I'll get a chance to get by your booth at the Fair. get to face to face. Yes. Yes. thank you for reaching out, and thanks for being a Minnesota maker. We're excited about it.Heather Johnson [00:10:17]:Thank you so much. I was so happy to be here and meet you today.Stephanie [00:10:20]:For sure. Thanks, Heather.Heather Johnson [00:10:21]:Thank you.Stephanie [00:10:22]:Okay. Bye bye.Stephanie's Dish Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stephaniehansen.substack.com/subscribe

covid-19 united states tv new york dogs simple minnesota pets makers px heather johnson wet dog minnesota podcast

Nosh Posh (Season 5 Episode 30)

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2023 20:10

On today's episode, we dive into snack foods with Nosh Posh. With a focus on unique and healthy products, Tatiana Freeman brings her passion for Bi-POC and Women-owned businesses into an innovative snack vending machine, corporate gift box, and snack subscription business. We will explore her experiences with social media, the importance of resilience and resourcefulness, and the plans for expansion and partnerships. Stay tuned for an exciting and inspiring episode of Makers of Minnesota with Nosh Posh's Tatiana Freeman.SHOW TRANSCRIPT FOLLOWS:Stephanie [00:00:12]:Hello, everybody, and welcome to the makers of Minnesota Podcast where we talk to cool people doing cool things, And this cool thing I saw for the very first time at Modern Well. I saw it at Modern Well. I walked in the door. I'm a monthly contributor there. And the first thing I noticed was this cool new space age looking vending machine called Nash Pache, and I'm here today with Tatiana Freeman, and she is the founder of Nash Posh. And I have to say the cool vending machine aside What a great concept to help Minnesota makers and BIPOC and women owned businesses get exposure by helping group them together into something that is more than the sum of their individual parts. Thanks for being here today.Tatiana Freeman [00:00:59]:Yeah. So excited, to be here, and thank you for connecting with me.Stephanie [00:01:03]:Yeah. How did you think of this idea?Tatiana Freeman [00:01:07]:so I was actually working in housing at the neighborhood house, which I really enjoyed that work, But I wanted something different. I was working in an office during COVID, and I just realized going back into the office space was not for me. and so I was, you know, kind of in transition. I was like, okay, what am I gonna do now? Like, I can't go back to sitting at a desk, 9 toStephanie [00:01:29]:5.Tatiana Freeman [00:01:30]:and so I was actually and I know this is, like, not the impressive story that life people, I feel like, hope to hear, but I was at home, and it was dinner time, and I typically eat out pretty regularly, but, you know, spending 30 to 50 bucks, you know, every night for a salad was, like, not something I wanted to do. And so I was like, I just want a salad and why is it so hard? Like, why do I have to go to a restaurant to get a good quality salad? I went to the next day. I was just like, I'm just gonna start a business. I'm gonna, you know, connect people with the type of foods I wanna eat. And I started doing all this research and the rest of his history. SoStephanie [00:02:05]:-- And you kinda settled in on snacks and particular. And you have snack boxes that you can ship to people, you have subscription boxes, the vending machine, and then You have specific types of snacks in these boxes, so get more into the methodology of why you pick what you pick.Tatiana Freeman [00:02:25]:Sure. So, I knew when I first started, we were actually looking at doing, like, a convenience store concept. And so we're gonna host a pop up, get interest in that. but finding a venue was really hard. and so we started doing tabling and people were consistently asking for how they access the product. and so that's how we created the snack box.Speaker C [00:02:45]:and so we've kind of made some tweaks toTatiana Freeman [00:02:47]:it over the last year and a half or so, but essentially, the target market right now is meeting boxes because we have a lot of corporate clients that wanna have, you know, tasty treats, especially in the morning that aren't pastries. And so we have, like, a morning tailored option that has, like, breakfast cookies, bars in it. And then we have, like, our favorite box that our favorite box that has some of our life best sellers in it. And essentially, like, you can have that shipped to your home or your work, and so that you can have access to those snacks without having to go to Costco or Target. and they're fun. A lot of products that we carry are not things that you would typically see. So I really enjoy, like, you know, scouring Instagram and constantly researching and testing all these new products to bring them all together for, NashBot shoppers.Stephanie [00:03:33]:Can you give me an example of some of the items in your favorites box? that are just one in different?Tatiana Freeman [00:03:40]:Sure. So we have our simply fruit bites. I don't know if a lot of people are familiar, but they make gum. and so they also create, like, different, candy items. And so they create this really nice fruit bite that's similar to, like, a fruit snack but way better. we also have the pit corn cheese balls in there, which if you're a big, you know, crunchy snack cheese ball person, they're favorites, kids like them, then there would also be like a bar in there typically. So like Blender bombs has a really nice selection of different flavors.Stephanie [00:04:10]:With all those different kinds of snacks that you pick and the research that you do, what are the characteristics that you're looking for from a vendor? we have a lot of makers that listen to this program, and maybe they would be a candidate for you.Speaker C [00:04:23]:Yeah. So I would say we've been really fortunate that, all the products seem to visually kind of fit well together. And so a lot of times people assume that I create them, and so it's really nice in terms of packaging and the see the colors and everything that it all kind of fits together because I want it to be synonymous with the brand. But other than that, we're looking for products that don't use artificial ingredients that are kind of niche. They can be kind of re, like, you know, innovative favorites. So maybe you take something that people are familiar with, but maybe you use different flavor profiles. we also like to appeal to people that have some dietary restrictions. So vegan, you know, paleo, kosher, some of those things that, just kind of create access for more people. But at the core, we wanna just make sure they're not using artificial ingredients, you know, if it can be organic, great. and then just trying to take that health aspect into consideration what type of ingredients are they using? No, you know, preservatives and so I think for us looking into the future, I definitely wanna, start sharing more information about the nutrition ingredients so that people are just better educated on how to snack well as well?Stephanie [00:05:34]:You have many different types of way to enter the business model. Right? You have the subscription box, you have meeting boxes. do you do like a holiday box too? Is that something that you're interested in? And then I'm specifically to 2 in the vending machine itself. Like, whether you bought one off the rack or whether you founded it.Speaker C [00:05:54]:Sure. So, we do have a holiday box last year was the 1st year we did it, and it went really well. and so that should be coming out in November and will be available through January. And so that's a great client gift. I think that, you know, a lot of people have their go to for who they purchase gifts from. And so we're really excited to kind of be more visible when people are looking at, you know, sending their clients, gifts, friends, and family. in terms of vending, So it was actually really tricky. I was actually gonna go with another company that had more of a refrigerator style configuration. but looking at snacks that didn't really make sense. and so we ended up, my uncle actually sent me the link for discount vending, and so they customized the machine, they wrap it in our design, and they can also, you know, custom fit product, the machine to fit the products that we carry. So that's been really great, because you think that just looking at a machine, everything is gonna work well and smooth. but that's not always the case. So being able to, like, send them the products and make sure that everything bins well has been really helpful.Stephanie [00:06:58]:And how many of these do you have around the Twin Cities and are you in other markets too?Speaker C [00:07:03]:Yeah. We're only currently in Minneapolis, right now. So we have 6 machines, and there are one at each of Coco's locations, the wilderness, modern well, FinnLab and then lucky shots pick a ball club.Stephanie [00:07:18]:Oh, and so co working is obviously a big piece to your business. Also, the pandemic in some respects might have helped you because people are still having all these Zoom meetings. And there's nothing exciting about a Zoom meeting, but a snack box makes it a little bit more.Speaker C [00:07:34]:Yeah. So, that was kind of the reason I went with the co working as the you know, the access point just because I knew we were in this changing work environment. And so I said, well, if you're not at home, you're likely gonna be kinda seeking out these coworking spaces. And so we've been really fortunate, you know, in the twin cities to build those relationships. And so I wanna continue to expand in the co working space, but then also start kind of moving towards more sporting facilities and luxury apartments.Stephanie [00:08:01]:Oh, that makes total sense. Now you were in an incubator group. that kinda helped with your launching. Can you talk a little bit about that experience?Speaker C [00:08:09]:Yeah. So I've kind ofTatiana Freeman [00:08:11]:I've kind of beenSpeaker C [00:08:12]:a part of a lot of the program locally, everything from, you know, women venture to NDC, META. but I did participate in lunar, which I think was probably the most beneficial program that I've done. And I would say just the name recognition that Looner has in the 20 cities is always super helpful as well as the 101 coach that you receive. I think that, you know, it's a network that you build and you can kind of come back to throughout your journey. And so that's also been really helpful. And then lately, I've been kind of plugging in with naturally MN. I went to the event the other day at, FinLab, and it was such a great experience. So you kinda have be strategic with your time in terms of, like, if I'm gonna go to something feeling like I'm getting value out of it. And so it's always rewarding. you know, if you can either connect with other founders or just get really useful information.Stephanie [00:09:03]:Can you tell me some people are knowledge seekers, which I think I would put you in that category. And then other people kind of try to figure it out themselves and go to the knowledge as the second piece. They wanna figure it out themselves first. What is it about being a knowledge seeker and what have you learned from networking with all these different types of groups? Have you gotten financing? Have you been able to make your journey to where you're trying to go move along faster?Speaker C [00:09:32]:Yeah. So I I've, I adopted kind of the mantra early on that if I could get someone to do something for me for less than what I would pay myself to do that. And so, you know, when you start running a business, I had no idea what I was doing. And so it's it's a lot of stress for me because I'm a person that wants to do well at things, but I knew that it didn't make sense to throw energy at things. I had no idea what is doing. So I did get a bookkeeper pretty early. I did bring on social media support pretty early. and so sometimes you just have to have that their real moment with yourself and say, I don't know what I'm doing. This is not my lane. And so to bring on the kind of support that you need to kind of carry that for you, but I'd say you always have to be willing to pivot and seek out additional resources because you cannot do it all on your own. And so I think really important to just con to continuously ask for support and not be afraid of saying, hey. I need help. and then also kind of piggybacking with other founders in terms of like, how can we help one another and and share even if it's just a text like, hey, I know Kobe co, Tasha, from Kobe co and I share resource time because you can't watch every newsletter and you can't go to every program. So just kinda building your network as well in terms of other founders and sharing what you find and and kinda bouncing ideas off of each other is always really, really helpful for me.Stephanie [00:10:58]:I think social media is a hard thing for people to outsource because you can do it yourself. really anyone can. And there are certain people that are better at it. Some people just feel like, oh, I gotta post. What Like, at what point were you like, okay, I know I'm gonna have to pay someone to do this for me well, but that, even though, like, I can't it's like hard to track. Like, you sold this bag of snacks from this post, but what made you decide to outsource that piece in particular?Speaker C [00:11:32]:Yeah. So I'm not a social media person. I mean, I post, semi regularly. I don't really use my my personal page anymore. I've kind of just transition to kind of focusing on the business, but I knew it wasn't something that was, like, natural to me. And so we brought on support pretty early because again, we were looking hosting an event. And so building like the awareness, you know, creating the name recognition was huge. and Honestly, it can be an expensive thing that you can't really see tangible results from, but you have to keep pushing that ball up the hill. And so I spent a lot of money you know, the 1st year, just monthly having someone do that. And some people would say, don't do it. Just do it yourself, but as a founder, you have so many things to do. that just wasn't the top of my list or something that I felt like was a strength. So that's why I, you know, made the decision to outsource. And, I mean, I bootstrapped, so This was money out of my own pocket that I spent, you know, paying someone else when I wasn't even getting paid, just because I thought I would be more valuable for the brand.Stephanie [00:12:37]:How many years have you been in business? A little over 2. A little over 2. And are you paying yourself yet? No. which is, you know, not uncommon, and I guess that's kinda why I asked because it takes a while Sometimes it takes people anywhere from 3 to 5 before they kind of start to pay themselves. and you have to just keep moving forward and figuring out the resources that you need. And you'll get there, but it does just take a while. And I like people to hear that because you have to save up some money or have some resources in order to take this journey. It's not for the faint of heart.Speaker C [00:13:16]:No. And, I mean, when I started it, I'm a person that's, like, by any means necessary. Like, we're gonna get this done. And so if that meant working 3 jobs, like, that's what it took. and so it wasn't like, you know, a fun thing to do, but, like, getting funding is so difficult. And so, you know, you get all excited. You have this do. You run to everyone. You plug in the resources. And most of the time, you're gonna be told no early on. And so I just didn't allow that to be, you know, something that tried me, it was like, okay. Well, I need $2000. I can earn $2000. So just continuously being, you know, resilient through You're gonna be frustrated. You're not gonna know what you're gonna do, but you figure it out.Stephanie [00:13:56]:Was, women venture or media or some of those places you mentioned helpful in establishing financing?Speaker C [00:14:03]:I would say women venture has been really good in terms of, like, events. we do their, women mean business marketplace every year. That's always fun. I really love Leanne as a leader of that organization. We didn't get any funding from them. we did get a grant in partnership with META. I think it was to elevate together, and I feel like META is added a lot of value as well in the the last year just in terms of we did the hackathon through 3M, some other other programming. So, While it hasn't necessarily always been direct funding, I I try to stay plugged into, you know, every organization because sometimes it's an event or you can, you know, leverage someone that you know there for recommendations, which I think in terms of building your clientele, the referral business is always like a key piece. And so that's kinda what we're getting back to now is who can I connect to to make you know, an intro for me to kinda, you know, build our business and our clientele.Stephanie [00:15:02]:People that are listening to this story they can help you? Like, are there things that top of mind that you need help with? Like, people could contact you if they wanna have a machine in their office space? What other kinds of things are you looking for that if people are listening, have resources they can connect you with?Speaker C [00:15:19]:Yeah. So I'd say our first priority is gonna be hiring an inventory support specialist, and so being able to kind of offload some of the tasks that I'm still doing, and inventory management is key. and then also if you know, you know, a small to medium sized business, 20 to a 100 employees looking for snacks in their space, whether that's a meeting box, or our workplace snack program. we are definitely interested in, expanding the number of locations we serve. and then, again, co working really would be nice to add, you know, probably 4 to 5 machines over the next year. and so super excited about doing that. We have a new catering partner So that's on the horizon. Tell me about that. Yeah. So we'll be working with Chopped and served. and so I'm super excited about that. Amani and I have been kind of connecting, modern world's owner, Julie is the one who actually connected us because I was like, I don't know who to connect with, what rest on to go to. I did know who was FEMA or BIPOC owned. and so that was really nice to check-in with Julian and say, hey, do you know someone? and so we'll be, doing a tasting actually at modern wall for that in the next month. And then we'll kind of test out those prepared items probably at 3 of our locations before that we expand into allStephanie [00:16:33]:6. So these are gonna be taking you in a different direction, which is more, fresh ingredient type?Speaker C [00:16:42]:Yeah. So, I knew I always wanted that, especially in coworking. especially Minnesota where you might be locked inside for half the year. and so we've slowly been adding things. We had Galliant Tiger's Uncrustable Sandwich. we have life juices, cold pressed juice, and then we also have sunny. it's like an adult adult style lunchable. And so we'll be kind of adding like a grain bowl, some egg bites, those sort of things just to kind of give some more substantive items So that once you get to your space, you don't have to leave or DoorDash. and so I'm really excited to find, you know, a great partner that shares the values that I have and then gonna really pay attention to innovative and quality ingredients.Stephanie [00:17:25]:And can those items go in your same existing machine profile with the packaged goods?Speaker C [00:17:30]:Yeah. So, we're kinda modeling some of the packaging off ofStephanie [00:17:34]:1Speaker C [00:17:34]:of the, microwavable grain bowls that we have that's typically along the bottom. So, again, fingers crossed. You hope that everything will bend. We'll do a lot of testing, and that's why we're gonna kinda slowly roll it out. but I want people to, be able to go to the machine and get a full meal essentially and feel, you know, like, wow, I didn't, you know, have to bring anything today and, like, I didn't have to stop in Donald's or spend forty bucks for lunch. So I'm really excited, to be able to kind of continue to add value with what we offer.Stephanie [00:18:06]:Let me give you just a thought, these media companies. So the TV stations, the radio stations, they end up having people that are working 24 hours and can't in a news cycle, like, let's say something there's a storm or something's happening, people can't leave. So that would be a good resource. The, I work at 3 different media companies, and the lunchroom offerings at most are pretty sad. So this could be like a perfect type of, person to carry something that has some fresh items in it.Speaker C [00:18:41]:Cool. That's a great oh, and I have another thing that I'm noodling. I'm looking to do something with movie theaters. because I feel like every time I take my daughter out, like, the snacks are so depressing. so there are any theaters, you know, that I would love to partner so that we can do a snack pack. I'm so excited to start working on that and to launch that next summer.Stephanie [00:19:03]:Oh, yeah. Cause man theaters is local. And there's the Minnesota film, board or Minnesota, what is it, International Film Festival, someone owns the San Anthony Maine group, and that's Schoquel, and they are all invested in international and diverse filmmaking. So that could be a good fit for you. Okay. well, great. It was super nice to talk to you. I really am excited about your products. I will keep my eye on the modern well machine to see what's new and interesting. but it's been great to talk to you and you have a lot of great energy around this and I wish you the most success.Speaker C [00:19:43]:Thank you so much for having me.Stephanie [00:19:45]:Yeah. Thanks, Tatiana, and we'll talk soon. Alrighty. Okay. Bye bye.Speaker C [00:19:49]:Bye.Stephanie's Dish Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stephaniehansen.substack.com/subscribe

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Nosh Posh (Season 5 Episode 30)

Relegation Fantasy Football

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2023 20:10

On today's episode, we dive into snack foods with Nosh Posh. With a focus on unique and healthy products, Tatiana Freeman brings her passion for Bi-POC and Women-owned businesses into an innovative snack vending machine, corporate gift box, and snack subscription business. We will explore her experiences with social media, the importance of resilience and resourcefulness, and the plans for expansion and partnerships. Stay tuned for an exciting and inspiring episode of Makers of Minnesota with Nosh Posh's Tatiana Freeman.SHOW TRANSCRIPT FOLLOWS:Stephanie [00:00:12]:Hello, everybody, and welcome to the makers of Minnesota Podcast where we talk to cool people doing cool things, And this cool thing I saw for the very first time at Modern Well. I saw it at Modern Well. I walked in the door. I'm a monthly contributor there. And the first thing I noticed was this cool new space age looking vending machine called Nash Pache, and I'm here today with Tatiana Freeman, and she is the founder of Nash Posh. And I have to say the cool vending machine aside What a great concept to help Minnesota makers and BIPOC and women owned businesses get exposure by helping group them together into something that is more than the sum of their individual parts. Thanks for being here today.Tatiana Freeman [00:00:59]:Yeah. So excited, to be here, and thank you for connecting with me.Stephanie [00:01:03]:Yeah. How did you think of this idea?Tatiana Freeman [00:01:07]:so I was actually working in housing at the neighborhood house, which I really enjoyed that work, But I wanted something different. I was working in an office during COVID, and I just realized going back into the office space was not for me. and so I was, you know, kind of in transition. I was like, okay, what am I gonna do now? Like, I can't go back to sitting at a desk, 9 toStephanie [00:01:29]:5.Tatiana Freeman [00:01:30]:and so I was actually and I know this is, like, not the impressive story that life people, I feel like, hope to hear, but I was at home, and it was dinner time, and I typically eat out pretty regularly, but, you know, spending 30 to 50 bucks, you know, every night for a salad was, like, not something I wanted to do. And so I was like, I just want a salad and why is it so hard? Like, why do I have to go to a restaurant to get a good quality salad? I went to the next day. I was just like, I'm just gonna start a business. I'm gonna, you know, connect people with the type of foods I wanna eat. And I started doing all this research and the rest of his history. SoStephanie [00:02:05]:-- And you kinda settled in on snacks and particular. And you have snack boxes that you can ship to people, you have subscription boxes, the vending machine, and then You have specific types of snacks in these boxes, so get more into the methodology of why you pick what you pick.Tatiana Freeman [00:02:25]:Sure. So, I knew when I first started, we were actually looking at doing, like, a convenience store concept. And so we're gonna host a pop up, get interest in that. but finding a venue was really hard. and so we started doing tabling and people were consistently asking for how they access the product. and so that's how we created the snack box.Speaker C [00:02:45]:and so we've kind of made some tweaks toTatiana Freeman [00:02:47]:it over the last year and a half or so, but essentially, the target market right now is meeting boxes because we have a lot of corporate clients that wanna have, you know, tasty treats, especially in the morning that aren't pastries. And so we have, like, a morning tailored option that has, like, breakfast cookies, bars in it. And then we have, like, our favorite box that our favorite box that has some of our life best sellers in it. And essentially, like, you can have that shipped to your home or your work, and so that you can have access to those snacks without having to go to Costco or Target. and they're fun. A lot of products that we carry are not things that you would typically see. So I really enjoy, like, you know, scouring Instagram and constantly researching and testing all these new products to bring them all together for, NashBot shoppers.Stephanie [00:03:33]:Can you give me an example of some of the items in your favorites box? that are just one in different?Tatiana Freeman [00:03:40]:Sure. So we have our simply fruit bites. I don't know if a lot of people are familiar, but they make gum. and so they also create, like, different, candy items. And so they create this really nice fruit bite that's similar to, like, a fruit snack but way better. we also have the pit corn cheese balls in there, which if you're a big, you know, crunchy snack cheese ball person, they're favorites, kids like them, then there would also be like a bar in there typically. So like Blender bombs has a really nice selection of different flavors.Stephanie [00:04:10]:With all those different kinds of snacks that you pick and the research that you do, what are the characteristics that you're looking for from a vendor? we have a lot of makers that listen to this program, and maybe they would be a candidate for you.Speaker C [00:04:23]:Yeah. So I would say we've been really fortunate that, all the products seem to visually kind of fit well together. And so a lot of times people assume that I create them, and so it's really nice in terms of packaging and the see the colors and everything that it all kind of fits together because I want it to be synonymous with the brand. But other than that, we're looking for products that don't use artificial ingredients that are kind of niche. They can be kind of re, like, you know, innovative favorites. So maybe you take something that people are familiar with, but maybe you use different flavor profiles. we also like to appeal to people that have some dietary restrictions. So vegan, you know, paleo, kosher, some of those things that, just kind of create access for more people. But at the core, we wanna just make sure they're not using artificial ingredients, you know, if it can be organic, great. and then just trying to take that health aspect into consideration what type of ingredients are they using? No, you know, preservatives and so I think for us looking into the future, I definitely wanna, start sharing more information about the nutrition ingredients so that people are just better educated on how to snack well as well?Stephanie [00:05:34]:You have many different types of way to enter the business model. Right? You have the subscription box, you have meeting boxes. do you do like a holiday box too? Is that something that you're interested in? And then I'm specifically to 2 in the vending machine itself. Like, whether you bought one off the rack or whether you founded it.Speaker C [00:05:54]:Sure. So, we do have a holiday box last year was the 1st year we did it, and it went really well. and so that should be coming out in November and will be available through January. And so that's a great client gift. I think that, you know, a lot of people have their go to for who they purchase gifts from. And so we're really excited to kind of be more visible when people are looking at, you know, sending their clients, gifts, friends, and family. in terms of vending, So it was actually really tricky. I was actually gonna go with another company that had more of a refrigerator style configuration. but looking at snacks that didn't really make sense. and so we ended up, my uncle actually sent me the link for discount vending, and so they customized the machine, they wrap it in our design, and they can also, you know, custom fit product, the machine to fit the products that we carry. So that's been really great, because you think that just looking at a machine, everything is gonna work well and smooth. but that's not always the case. So being able to, like, send them the products and make sure that everything bins well has been really helpful.Stephanie [00:06:58]:And how many of these do you have around the Twin Cities and are you in other markets too?Speaker C [00:07:03]:Yeah. We're only currently in Minneapolis, right now. So we have 6 machines, and there are one at each of Coco's locations, the wilderness, modern well, FinnLab and then lucky shots pick a ball club.Stephanie [00:07:18]:Oh, and so co working is obviously a big piece to your business. Also, the pandemic in some respects might have helped you because people are still having all these Zoom meetings. And there's nothing exciting about a Zoom meeting, but a snack box makes it a little bit more.Speaker C [00:07:34]:Yeah. So, that was kind of the reason I went with the co working as the you know, the access point just because I knew we were in this changing work environment. And so I said, well, if you're not at home, you're likely gonna be kinda seeking out these coworking spaces. And so we've been really fortunate, you know, in the twin cities to build those relationships. And so I wanna continue to expand in the co working space, but then also start kind of moving towards more sporting facilities and luxury apartments.Stephanie [00:08:01]:Oh, that makes total sense. Now you were in an incubator group. that kinda helped with your launching. Can you talk a little bit about that experience?Speaker C [00:08:09]:Yeah. So I've kind ofTatiana Freeman [00:08:11]:I've kind of beenSpeaker C [00:08:12]:a part of a lot of the program locally, everything from, you know, women venture to NDC, META. but I did participate in lunar, which I think was probably the most beneficial program that I've done. And I would say just the name recognition that Looner has in the 20 cities is always super helpful as well as the 101 coach that you receive. I think that, you know, it's a network that you build and you can kind of come back to throughout your journey. And so that's also been really helpful. And then lately, I've been kind of plugging in with naturally MN. I went to the event the other day at, FinLab, and it was such a great experience. So you kinda have be strategic with your time in terms of, like, if I'm gonna go to something feeling like I'm getting value out of it. And so it's always rewarding. you know, if you can either connect with other founders or just get really useful information.Stephanie [00:09:03]:Can you tell me some people are knowledge seekers, which I think I would put you in that category. And then other people kind of try to figure it out themselves and go to the knowledge as the second piece. They wanna figure it out themselves first. What is it about being a knowledge seeker and what have you learned from networking with all these different types of groups? Have you gotten financing? Have you been able to make your journey to where you're trying to go move along faster?Speaker C [00:09:32]:Yeah. So I I've, I adopted kind of the mantra early on that if I could get someone to do something for me for less than what I would pay myself to do that. And so, you know, when you start running a business, I had no idea what I was doing. And so it's it's a lot of stress for me because I'm a person that wants to do well at things, but I knew that it didn't make sense to throw energy at things. I had no idea what is doing. So I did get a bookkeeper pretty early. I did bring on social media support pretty early. and so sometimes you just have to have that their real moment with yourself and say, I don't know what I'm doing. This is not my lane. And so to bring on the kind of support that you need to kind of carry that for you, but I'd say you always have to be willing to pivot and seek out additional resources because you cannot do it all on your own. And so I think really important to just con to continuously ask for support and not be afraid of saying, hey. I need help. and then also kind of piggybacking with other founders in terms of like, how can we help one another and and share even if it's just a text like, hey, I know Kobe co, Tasha, from Kobe co and I share resource time because you can't watch every newsletter and you can't go to every program. So just kinda building your network as well in terms of other founders and sharing what you find and and kinda bouncing ideas off of each other is always really, really helpful for me.Stephanie [00:10:58]:I think social media is a hard thing for people to outsource because you can do it yourself. really anyone can. And there are certain people that are better at it. Some people just feel like, oh, I gotta post. What Like, at what point were you like, okay, I know I'm gonna have to pay someone to do this for me well, but that, even though, like, I can't it's like hard to track. Like, you sold this bag of snacks from this post, but what made you decide to outsource that piece in particular?Speaker C [00:11:32]:Yeah. So I'm not a social media person. I mean, I post, semi regularly. I don't really use my my personal page anymore. I've kind of just transition to kind of focusing on the business, but I knew it wasn't something that was, like, natural to me. And so we brought on support pretty early because again, we were looking hosting an event. And so building like the awareness, you know, creating the name recognition was huge. and Honestly, it can be an expensive thing that you can't really see tangible results from, but you have to keep pushing that ball up the hill. And so I spent a lot of money you know, the 1st year, just monthly having someone do that. And some people would say, don't do it. Just do it yourself, but as a founder, you have so many things to do. that just wasn't the top of my list or something that I felt like was a strength. So that's why I, you know, made the decision to outsource. And, I mean, I bootstrapped, so This was money out of my own pocket that I spent, you know, paying someone else when I wasn't even getting paid, just because I thought I would be more valuable for the brand.Stephanie [00:12:37]:How many years have you been in business? A little over 2. A little over 2. And are you paying yourself yet? No. which is, you know, not uncommon, and I guess that's kinda why I asked because it takes a while Sometimes it takes people anywhere from 3 to 5 before they kind of start to pay themselves. and you have to just keep moving forward and figuring out the resources that you need. And you'll get there, but it does just take a while. And I like people to hear that because you have to save up some money or have some resources in order to take this journey. It's not for the faint of heart.Speaker C [00:13:16]:No. And, I mean, when I started it, I'm a person that's, like, by any means necessary. Like, we're gonna get this done. And so if that meant working 3 jobs, like, that's what it took. and so it wasn't like, you know, a fun thing to do, but, like, getting funding is so difficult. And so, you know, you get all excited. You have this do. You run to everyone. You plug in the resources. And most of the time, you're gonna be told no early on. And so I just didn't allow that to be, you know, something that tried me, it was like, okay. Well, I need $2000. I can earn $2000. So just continuously being, you know, resilient through You're gonna be frustrated. You're not gonna know what you're gonna do, but you figure it out.Stephanie [00:13:56]:Was, women venture or media or some of those places you mentioned helpful in establishing financing?Speaker C [00:14:03]:I would say women venture has been really good in terms of, like, events. we do their, women mean business marketplace every year. That's always fun. I really love Leanne as a leader of that organization. We didn't get any funding from them. we did get a grant in partnership with META. I think it was to elevate together, and I feel like META is added a lot of value as well in the the last year just in terms of we did the hackathon through 3M, some other other programming. So, While it hasn't necessarily always been direct funding, I I try to stay plugged into, you know, every organization because sometimes it's an event or you can, you know, leverage someone that you know there for recommendations, which I think in terms of building your clientele, the referral business is always like a key piece. And so that's kinda what we're getting back to now is who can I connect to to make you know, an intro for me to kinda, you know, build our business and our clientele.Stephanie [00:15:02]:People that are listening to this story they can help you? Like, are there things that top of mind that you need help with? Like, people could contact you if they wanna have a machine in their office space? What other kinds of things are you looking for that if people are listening, have resources they can connect you with?Speaker C [00:15:19]:Yeah. So I'd say our first priority is gonna be hiring an inventory support specialist, and so being able to kind of offload some of the tasks that I'm still doing, and inventory management is key. and then also if you know, you know, a small to medium sized business, 20 to a 100 employees looking for snacks in their space, whether that's a meeting box, or our workplace snack program. we are definitely interested in, expanding the number of locations we serve. and then, again, co working really would be nice to add, you know, probably 4 to 5 machines over the next year. and so super excited about doing that. We have a new catering partner So that's on the horizon. Tell me about that. Yeah. So we'll be working with Chopped and served. and so I'm super excited about that. Amani and I have been kind of connecting, modern world's owner, Julie is the one who actually connected us because I was like, I don't know who to connect with, what rest on to go to. I did know who was FEMA or BIPOC owned. and so that was really nice to check-in with Julian and say, hey, do you know someone? and so we'll be, doing a tasting actually at modern wall for that in the next month. And then we'll kind of test out those prepared items probably at 3 of our locations before that we expand into allStephanie [00:16:33]:6. So these are gonna be taking you in a different direction, which is more, fresh ingredient type?Speaker C [00:16:42]:Yeah. So, I knew I always wanted that, especially in coworking. especially Minnesota where you might be locked inside for half the year. and so we've slowly been adding things. We had Galliant Tiger's Uncrustable Sandwich. we have life juices, cold pressed juice, and then we also have sunny. it's like an adult adult style lunchable. And so we'll be kind of adding like a grain bowl, some egg bites, those sort of things just to kind of give some more substantive items So that once you get to your space, you don't have to leave or DoorDash. and so I'm really excited to find, you know, a great partner that shares the values that I have and then gonna really pay attention to innovative and quality ingredients.Stephanie [00:17:25]:And can those items go in your same existing machine profile with the packaged goods?Speaker C [00:17:30]:Yeah. So, we're kinda modeling some of the packaging off ofStephanie [00:17:34]:1Speaker C [00:17:34]:of the, microwavable grain bowls that we have that's typically along the bottom. So, again, fingers crossed. You hope that everything will bend. We'll do a lot of testing, and that's why we're gonna kinda slowly roll it out. but I want people to, be able to go to the machine and get a full meal essentially and feel, you know, like, wow, I didn't, you know, have to bring anything today and, like, I didn't have to stop in Donald's or spend forty bucks for lunch. So I'm really excited, to be able to kind of continue to add value with what we offer.Stephanie [00:18:06]:Let me give you just a thought, these media companies. So the TV stations, the radio stations, they end up having people that are working 24 hours and can't in a news cycle, like, let's say something there's a storm or something's happening, people can't leave. So that would be a good resource. The, I work at 3 different media companies, and the lunchroom offerings at most are pretty sad. So this could be like a perfect type of, person to carry something that has some fresh items in it.Speaker C [00:18:41]:Cool. That's a great oh, and I have another thing that I'm noodling. I'm looking to do something with movie theaters. because I feel like every time I take my daughter out, like, the snacks are so depressing. so there are any theaters, you know, that I would love to partner so that we can do a snack pack. I'm so excited to start working on that and to launch that next summer.Stephanie [00:19:03]:Oh, yeah. Cause man theaters is local. And there's the Minnesota film, board or Minnesota, what is it, International Film Festival, someone owns the San Anthony Maine group, and that's Schoquel, and they are all invested in international and diverse filmmaking. So that could be a good fit for you. Okay. well, great. It was super nice to talk to you. I really am excited about your products. I will keep my eye on the modern well machine to see what's new and interesting. but it's been great to talk to you and you have a lot of great energy around this and I wish you the most success.Speaker C [00:19:43]:Thank you so much for having me.Stephanie [00:19:45]:Yeah. Thanks, Tatiana, and we'll talk soon. Alrighty. Okay. Bye bye.Speaker C [00:19:49]:Bye.Stephanie's Dish Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stephaniehansen.substack.com/subscribe

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Relegation League Podcast Trailer

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2023 1:30

The official love-child of English premier League and Fantasy Football! In our corner of the fantasy universe, we've created a league of 16 owners fighting tooth and nail to turn their fledgling franchises into dynasties!

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United Goods (Season 5 Episode 28)

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2023 15:57

Welcome back to Makers of Minnesota! Today, we have a special guest, Christie Johnson, the creative mind behind United Goods. Christie is a talented artist who shares her passion for illustration and collaboration in her work. Christie's journey in the art world has been filled with surprises and successes, from her notebook filled with ideas to her unique artwork that can't be found in big box stores. Tune in as we delve into her story, from her beginnings in greeting cards and event design to her participation in the Stone Arch Bridge Festival, where she connects with a community of fellow artists. We'll also explore Christie's love for drawing people's houses, pets, and landmarks while maintaining creative control over her prints. Stay tuned for an inspiring conversation with Christie Johnson, the creative force behind United Goods.SHOW TRANSCRIPT FOLLOWS:Stephanie [00:00:12]:Hello, everybody, and welcome to the makers of Minnesota Podcast where we talk to cool people doing cool things. And today, I'm talking to Christie Johnson, and her company is called United Goods, and your company is a funny name because it doesn't sound at all like what it is that you do. Did you ever get that from anyone? I haven't,Christie Johnson [00:00:31]:because it fits more than what it was when first began, which was red shoes 26. Okay. I love this. So,Stephanie [00:00:39]:Christy, will you explain how you describe your company? Because you're an artist, you're a designer, and I have a couple of your pieces. And I just want I know when you describe it that people listening will know who you are.Christie Johnson [00:00:53]:So I make, what I call state icons. They're little, framed illustrations that focus on the US landmarks. So I draw anything from the really well known to the quirky ones that only the locals would know.Stephanie [00:01:10]:So, like, the Corn Palace.Christie Johnson [00:01:13]:Right. That's one. I have that one. Yep. First Avenue, you know, Paul and Babe and then some dive bars and things that have been closed for years that people miss. So they like to, you know, have that little reminisce moment when they see it hanging in there. Yes. I think I have the Monte Carlo.Stephanie [00:01:33]:That's on my dad's dresser. And he has since passed, but his wife keeps it on the dresser because that's where they met. we have First Avenue that someone gave me as a gift. You're just you really capture with your illustrations, the essence of a lot of these places. How did you get started originally?Christie Johnson [00:01:54]:I worked for a while at Minneapolis St. Paul magazine.Stephanie [00:01:57]:Oh, you did? I did I meet you there? I don't think so.Christie Johnson [00:02:02]:in special sections. So I did, writing and editing for the, advertising sections. And a coworker of mine, hired me to do her wedding invitations because I used to do a lot of that kind of thing. And, then after I left, she reached out to see if I could draw some they're, called they're little table cards, like escort cards, They were doing teacher in the wedding issue of the magazine. And I said I had never done them, but I would dream up with some concepts and send her ideas. So, I came up with this couple getting married in Minneapolis, and they were gonna have a Minneapolis themed wedding. So I drew these teeny little illustrations of spoon, bridge, and cherry, and the Fauci, and things like that. And I just really love drawing them, so I just kept doing it even after that hit the newsstands and everything.Stephanie [00:02:56]:So how long have you had this business?Christie Johnson [00:03:00]:It'll be 20 years in October. Wow.Stephanie [00:03:04]:And did you ever think, like, when you started doing illustration that this would be, like, a business versus just like a hobby?Christie Johnson [00:03:13]:No. I was doing greeting cards And like I said, a lot of the event and wedding stationery, so that was kind of the track I was rolling down and enjoying it lot of logos and branding and stuff too. So I was just sort of doing that as my main gig and then the illustration stuff on the side. And I said, I would never ever do art shows because that seemed like so much work, but I had a bunch of friends that did them. So I thought I'll just try one and see how it goes. And I did them for, well, I still do pop ups and things like that. But so, yeah, it snowballs. Yeah. And they became a business because people like them, I like drawing them, and it just kept growing and growing. I was doing art shows in other states, so then I would draw things from those states. And it throughout of Minnesota to be all US?Stephanie [00:04:02]:Yes. So you start with an illustration, and then do you make multiples. How do you tell me about your process?Christie Johnson [00:04:11]:Yeah. I draw everything with a mouse. So their digital illustration to begin with. And I actually draw them at the small size that they're printed, the finished product. I've always drawn really small ever since I was a little kid. So that was just sort of natural. And, so, yeah, I draw them with a mouse on the computer and then I print them from my home studio. I, like, have the control of the colors and everything. And then my parents make the little wood frames for them. So they think so, you know, and I collect them from them in shoe boxes. That's how we transfer the product back and forth. And then I, so I put my little prints in the frames, and then they're complete. How did that process of them making the frames begin? Well, I went to a big box store when first started because I was like, there's no way I'm gonna find frames for this small print. So I thought I was gonna have to make them bigger, but I did find a little frame that I liked, but then as it grew, the business kind of grew the that store couldn't keep up with me. I was driving around all over the twin cities trying to buy all the frames that they had on the store shelves. So I was frustrated by that and mentioned it to my dad who was just a part time for fun woodworker, and he was a electrical engineer by trade. And so he said, I'll try to make them for you, and it took off from there. They're still making them for me. My dad retired from his job.Stephanie [00:05:43]:like, 10 years ago now, but, I keep him very, very busy, and my mom hand paints every single one. Okay. I love this. So in their retirement, it's given them, like, something to stay active. And, I mean, that's so important. Right?Christie Johnson [00:05:59]:Sure. Yeah. Most things they like it. Most some things they don't.Stephanie [00:06:04]:Yeah. And plus communication with their daughter and helping her seed. That's so sweet. I love that part of your story.Christie Johnson [00:06:10]:It's so it's important to me that everything is handmade. I always wanted that, but I just thought I would never ever find anybody to make them. So good old dad. Yeah. Now do you ever beer fromStephanie [00:06:24]:landmarks into, like, I don't know, pets or other types of illustrations?Christie Johnson [00:06:30]:Yeah. I have done that over the years and only just recently started kind of advertising that I do it. so I'll draw people's houses. I really like doing that. And then pets have been something I've been doing. it's expanded a little bit into, like, I did a TV show landmark series last year and then a few movie landmarks. So that's something I might continue to do. And then every once in a while, I do something just that I want to draw pop culture, maybe, like, Bernie Sanders at the inaugurationStephanie [00:07:04]:and things like that. Yeah. And sitting in the chair with the mittenChristie Johnson [00:07:08]:looking miserable. Yeah.Stephanie [00:07:11]:Yeah. I love all that, and that's I think part of what makes your stuff so unique. too is there's amongst all of your landmarks. There's always like a little bit of a wink and a nod and a little bit of humor in some of it, which I really appreciate.Christie Johnson [00:07:24]:Yeah. I have people at shows say, oh, these are so cute. Oh, maybe I shouldn't say that. And I say, no. They're cute. It's fine. Yeah.Stephanie [00:07:32]:And it's also one of the things that I liked about it. It's an entry point price point. like it's not super expensive. So I think people get really wound up. First of all, one of the things I like to do, and this is a weird thing about me, but I like to walk around at night and look in people's windows. Now, I don't like to walk right up to their window and people, Thomas, but when I'm walking, I just like, look, and I like when people have lights on, I like to see, like, there are decorations, and I'm always stunned that people don't have more art on their walls. They're very, They might have photographs, but they real very few people have art, which I'm all about the art. Yeah. So I like the you're giving people an entry point that maybe feels accessible to them.Christie Johnson [00:08:17]:Yeah. It's the small size makes them fit just about anywhere too. So you don't have to commit to hanging it on the wall. Either you can just set it on a desk or a bookshelf or something. just have that little reminder of a place that you love or a funny story from your past or something. So, yeah, they're kind of a little gateway drug to figure art.Stephanie [00:08:39]:Now that this is a business, is it different? Because I feel like for me, you know, cooking and food has started as a hobby, and now that's becoming a business for me. And it feels different. Does it feel different for you?Christie Johnson [00:08:56]:I think I still have so much, creative freedom with what I'm drawing. I get requests a lot. I have a notebook that's filled with ideas from shows that I do still go through and, check something off if I've drawn it. But I do have so much freedom still that it doesn't really feel too much of a a job but there are some days when I'm doing, like, the business y stuff. Or if I've got to prep a hundred frames for an art show that weekend or something, then it kind of gets a little more sluggish, but for the most part, I still feels like fun. Now United goods, you your your first name was 2 red shoes, did you say? It was red shoes 26. It was my, nickname in college. I played softball in college, and I wore red cleats, so they called me red shoes. and my Jersey number for many, many, many years is 26. So I just crammed them together. Yep. It weird name, but eventually I thought Well, I have this United States connection. I like collaborating with people, so uniting. In that way, because I've made a few products with other, small businesses, which has been fun and something I really like to do. and then the goods just sort of kept it open in case things expanded. So since it's digital, I can print on so many different things. So that's where that name came from.Stephanie [00:10:20]:Okay. because tell me about a collaboration that you liked. You mentioned you've done some. Yeah. I'm,Christie Johnson [00:10:26]:with a woman who lives in Chanhassen, she does pet memorial candles. She is Nellie Goods. Nellie Designs. Nellie's studio. Oh my gosh. I I'm she's gonna kill me. I'm just screwing up the name. so we collaborated on a Paul and babe candle. so we'd sold those for many years, and I just sort of phase those out, probably right before the pandemic, I think. And I sold my very last one that I still had laying around at the at Arta World.Stephanie [00:11:00]:Oh, wow. And on your website, I'm imagining that you have all these items Is do you maintain your own website or for small businesses that can be a real challenge? So how does that work for you?Christie Johnson [00:11:13]:Yeah. I do control my own website at Shopify, so it's pretty easy plug and play even for somebody who's not super techie. so I update it as much as I can with where I'm going to be and new items that I have. It kinda acts as my catalog if people wanna see Since I have over 500 illustrations, it's kind of a good place I can just send them.Stephanie [00:11:37]:Was there any that you've drawn that really resonated with people that you were surprised by? LetChristie Johnson [00:11:44]:me think. Yeah. I have had a few over the years that have surprised me a little bit. I did one that comes right to mind was I did a contest at a show 1 year where could put an idea in a drawing, and I would pick it and draw it. And, it was the arches at Saint Thomas. There's this little archway that's known as a place where you, like, have a first kiss or something like that kissing under the art. So I drew that one, for her and just put it on the website just to see if anybody else would like it. And, yeah, that one has been more popular than I thought. And the terrorist chairs at the mat at Madison, University of Wisconsin Madison. I'd never heard of them. A friend suggested that I draw them, and that one is one of my top 5 most popular. Terrace chairs. Yeah. They're these really cool iconic metal chairs that are out on this, bar seating area by the water. And anybody who went to school there is just in love with these chairs. So that's been really fun. Oh, that's funny. My sister went there, so I'll have to ask her about that. I'm sure she knows about the chairs. Yeah. And just how, like, people see art in the regular every day is something that appeals to me. Yeah. And that's what I like about what I'm doing. You know, you can find a print of the Eiffel Tower, you know, just about any big box store, but where are you gonna find one of Matt's bar? Yeah. Exactly.Stephanie [00:13:14]:you do any food illustrations?Christie Johnson [00:13:16]:I have done a few, things like that. Yeah. That's something that would be really fun me. Anything I can draw small I wanna do? Yeah. That's so great. Well, maybe I'll think of something for you and we'll collaborate because it sounds like,Stephanie [00:13:30]:super fun And I just love I just love art. Like I just came off. I work on the Stone Arch Bridge Festival, and we just came off of that. It was yesterday. It was the last day. And There's just something so heart filling about being amongst a community of artists that are working so hard putting their blood, sweat, and tears into these pieces coming outside, setting up these tents braving the elements, the weather, the people. And you know, then the people walking through and looking for different pieces and It just really makes my heart full that that still happens in a place like Minneapolis where it's a big city. It's hard to put a festival on that attracts a hundred thousand people in the middle of a functioning city, but yet it does and it happens and everybody has a great experience, and then they go home. And it's just so weird that all of that happens in a span of like 4 days. And then when it's all done, you can't even tell that it happened.Christie Johnson [00:14:30]:They're wild, well oiled machines. The shows done in Minnesota are so seamless. All the volunteers that help out are so good. Yeah. I like doing all of those shows,Stephanie [00:14:44]:on that side of it, just seeing the well oiled machine and all the pieces coming together. Yeah. It's cool. Yeah. And it's just fun for people to be exposed to art and my sister bought something this weekend, and I don't think of my sister as an arp buyer. So when she came and showed me this thing that she bought, that really spoke to her and I could see why one that she held it up. I was just like, oh, this is so great.Christie Johnson [00:15:08]:Yeah. Introducing her to something she maybe didn't even know she liked. Yes. Exactly.Stephanie [00:15:14]:Well, Christy, it's great to talk with you. The company is United Goods. You can find her iconic art on her website. Unitedgoodsusa.com is where you can find her art. You can also find her on Instagram, she's a great follow. I've enjoyed following you and seeing what you're working on and seeing the picture of your dad on Father's Day was cute too. Who makes your frames? I loved it. Thank you. He's adorable. Yeah. He really is. So thanks for being on the program, and good luck. Thank you so much, Stephanie. Okay. We'll talk soon. Bye bye.Stephanie's Dish Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stephaniehansen.substack.com/subscribe

United Goods (Season 5 Episode 28)

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2023 15:57

Welcome back to Makers of Minnesota! Today, we have a special guest, Christie Johnson, the creative mind behind United Goods. Christie is a talented artist who shares her passion for illustration and collaboration in her work. Christie's journey in the art world has been filled with surprises and successes, from her notebook filled with ideas to her unique artwork that can't be found in big box stores. Tune in as we delve into her story, from her beginnings in greeting cards and event design to her participation in the Stone Arch Bridge Festival, where she connects with a community of fellow artists. We'll also explore Christie's love for drawing people's houses, pets, and landmarks while maintaining creative control over her prints. Stay tuned for an inspiring conversation with Christie Johnson, the creative force behind United Goods.SHOW TRANSCRIPT FOLLOWS:Stephanie [00:00:12]:Hello, everybody, and welcome to the makers of Minnesota Podcast where we talk to cool people doing cool things. And today, I'm talking to Christie Johnson, and her company is called United Goods, and your company is a funny name because it doesn't sound at all like what it is that you do. Did you ever get that from anyone? I haven't,Christie Johnson [00:00:31]:because it fits more than what it was when first began, which was red shoes 26. Okay. I love this. So,Stephanie [00:00:39]:Christy, will you explain how you describe your company? Because you're an artist, you're a designer, and I have a couple of your pieces. And I just want I know when you describe it that people listening will know who you are.Christie Johnson [00:00:53]:So I make, what I call state icons. They're little, framed illustrations that focus on the US landmarks. So I draw anything from the really well known to the quirky ones that only the locals would know.Stephanie [00:01:10]:So, like, the Corn Palace.Christie Johnson [00:01:13]:Right. That's one. I have that one. Yep. First Avenue, you know, Paul and Babe and then some dive bars and things that have been closed for years that people miss. So they like to, you know, have that little reminisce moment when they see it hanging in there. Yes. I think I have the Monte Carlo.Stephanie [00:01:33]:That's on my dad's dresser. And he has since passed, but his wife keeps it on the dresser because that's where they met. we have First Avenue that someone gave me as a gift. You're just you really capture with your illustrations, the essence of a lot of these places. How did you get started originally?Christie Johnson [00:01:54]:I worked for a while at Minneapolis St. Paul magazine.Stephanie [00:01:57]:Oh, you did? I did I meet you there? I don't think so.Christie Johnson [00:02:02]:in special sections. So I did, writing and editing for the, advertising sections. And a coworker of mine, hired me to do her wedding invitations because I used to do a lot of that kind of thing. And, then after I left, she reached out to see if I could draw some they're, called they're little table cards, like escort cards, They were doing teacher in the wedding issue of the magazine. And I said I had never done them, but I would dream up with some concepts and send her ideas. So, I came up with this couple getting married in Minneapolis, and they were gonna have a Minneapolis themed wedding. So I drew these teeny little illustrations of spoon, bridge, and cherry, and the Fauci, and things like that. And I just really love drawing them, so I just kept doing it even after that hit the newsstands and everything.Stephanie [00:02:56]:So how long have you had this business?Christie Johnson [00:03:00]:It'll be 20 years in October. Wow.Stephanie [00:03:04]:And did you ever think, like, when you started doing illustration that this would be, like, a business versus just like a hobby?Christie Johnson [00:03:13]:No. I was doing greeting cards And like I said, a lot of the event and wedding stationery, so that was kind of the track I was rolling down and enjoying it lot of logos and branding and stuff too. So I was just sort of doing that as my main gig and then the illustration stuff on the side. And I said, I would never ever do art shows because that seemed like so much work, but I had a bunch of friends that did them. So I thought I'll just try one and see how it goes. And I did them for, well, I still do pop ups and things like that. But so, yeah, it snowballs. Yeah. And they became a business because people like them, I like drawing them, and it just kept growing and growing. I was doing art shows in other states, so then I would draw things from those states. And it throughout of Minnesota to be all US?Stephanie [00:04:02]:Yes. So you start with an illustration, and then do you make multiples. How do you tell me about your process?Christie Johnson [00:04:11]:Yeah. I draw everything with a mouse. So their digital illustration to begin with. And I actually draw them at the small size that they're printed, the finished product. I've always drawn really small ever since I was a little kid. So that was just sort of natural. And, so, yeah, I draw them with a mouse on the computer and then I print them from my home studio. I, like, have the control of the colors and everything. And then my parents make the little wood frames for them. So they think so, you know, and I collect them from them in shoe boxes. That's how we transfer the product back and forth. And then I, so I put my little prints in the frames, and then they're complete. How did that process of them making the frames begin? Well, I went to a big box store when first started because I was like, there's no way I'm gonna find frames for this small print. So I thought I was gonna have to make them bigger, but I did find a little frame that I liked, but then as it grew, the business kind of grew the that store couldn't keep up with me. I was driving around all over the twin cities trying to buy all the frames that they had on the store shelves. So I was frustrated by that and mentioned it to my dad who was just a part time for fun woodworker, and he was a electrical engineer by trade. And so he said, I'll try to make them for you, and it took off from there. They're still making them for me. My dad retired from his job.Stephanie [00:05:43]:like, 10 years ago now, but, I keep him very, very busy, and my mom hand paints every single one. Okay. I love this. So in their retirement, it's given them, like, something to stay active. And, I mean, that's so important. Right?Christie Johnson [00:05:59]:Sure. Yeah. Most things they like it. Most some things they don't.Stephanie [00:06:04]:Yeah. And plus communication with their daughter and helping her seed. That's so sweet. I love that part of your story.Christie Johnson [00:06:10]:It's so it's important to me that everything is handmade. I always wanted that, but I just thought I would never ever find anybody to make them. So good old dad. Yeah. Now do you ever beer fromStephanie [00:06:24]:landmarks into, like, I don't know, pets or other types of illustrations?Christie Johnson [00:06:30]:Yeah. I have done that over the years and only just recently started kind of advertising that I do it. so I'll draw people's houses. I really like doing that. And then pets have been something I've been doing. it's expanded a little bit into, like, I did a TV show landmark series last year and then a few movie landmarks. So that's something I might continue to do. And then every once in a while, I do something just that I want to draw pop culture, maybe, like, Bernie Sanders at the inaugurationStephanie [00:07:04]:and things like that. Yeah. And sitting in the chair with the mittenChristie Johnson [00:07:08]:looking miserable. Yeah.Stephanie [00:07:11]:Yeah. I love all that, and that's I think part of what makes your stuff so unique. too is there's amongst all of your landmarks. There's always like a little bit of a wink and a nod and a little bit of humor in some of it, which I really appreciate.Christie Johnson [00:07:24]:Yeah. I have people at shows say, oh, these are so cute. Oh, maybe I shouldn't say that. And I say, no. They're cute. It's fine. Yeah.Stephanie [00:07:32]:And it's also one of the things that I liked about it. It's an entry point price point. like it's not super expensive. So I think people get really wound up. First of all, one of the things I like to do, and this is a weird thing about me, but I like to walk around at night and look in people's windows. Now, I don't like to walk right up to their window and people, Thomas, but when I'm walking, I just like, look, and I like when people have lights on, I like to see, like, there are decorations, and I'm always stunned that people don't have more art on their walls. They're very, They might have photographs, but they real very few people have art, which I'm all about the art. Yeah. So I like the you're giving people an entry point that maybe feels accessible to them.Christie Johnson [00:08:17]:Yeah. It's the small size makes them fit just about anywhere too. So you don't have to commit to hanging it on the wall. Either you can just set it on a desk or a bookshelf or something. just have that little reminder of a place that you love or a funny story from your past or something. So, yeah, they're kind of a little gateway drug to figure art.Stephanie [00:08:39]:Now that this is a business, is it different? Because I feel like for me, you know, cooking and food has started as a hobby, and now that's becoming a business for me. And it feels different. Does it feel different for you?Christie Johnson [00:08:56]:I think I still have so much, creative freedom with what I'm drawing. I get requests a lot. I have a notebook that's filled with ideas from shows that I do still go through and, check something off if I've drawn it. But I do have so much freedom still that it doesn't really feel too much of a a job but there are some days when I'm doing, like, the business y stuff. Or if I've got to prep a hundred frames for an art show that weekend or something, then it kind of gets a little more sluggish, but for the most part, I still feels like fun. Now United goods, you your your first name was 2 red shoes, did you say? It was red shoes 26. It was my, nickname in college. I played softball in college, and I wore red cleats, so they called me red shoes. and my Jersey number for many, many, many years is 26. So I just crammed them together. Yep. It weird name, but eventually I thought Well, I have this United States connection. I like collaborating with people, so uniting. In that way, because I've made a few products with other, small businesses, which has been fun and something I really like to do. and then the goods just sort of kept it open in case things expanded. So since it's digital, I can print on so many different things. So that's where that name came from.Stephanie [00:10:20]:Okay. because tell me about a collaboration that you liked. You mentioned you've done some. Yeah. I'm,Christie Johnson [00:10:26]:with a woman who lives in Chanhassen, she does pet memorial candles. She is Nellie Goods. Nellie Designs. Nellie's studio. Oh my gosh. I I'm she's gonna kill me. I'm just screwing up the name. so we collaborated on a Paul and babe candle. so we'd sold those for many years, and I just sort of phase those out, probably right before the pandemic, I think. And I sold my very last one that I still had laying around at the at Arta World.Stephanie [00:11:00]:Oh, wow. And on your website, I'm imagining that you have all these items Is do you maintain your own website or for small businesses that can be a real challenge? So how does that work for you?Christie Johnson [00:11:13]:Yeah. I do control my own website at Shopify, so it's pretty easy plug and play even for somebody who's not super techie. so I update it as much as I can with where I'm going to be and new items that I have. It kinda acts as my catalog if people wanna see Since I have over 500 illustrations, it's kind of a good place I can just send them.Stephanie [00:11:37]:Was there any that you've drawn that really resonated with people that you were surprised by? LetChristie Johnson [00:11:44]:me think. Yeah. I have had a few over the years that have surprised me a little bit. I did one that comes right to mind was I did a contest at a show 1 year where could put an idea in a drawing, and I would pick it and draw it. And, it was the arches at Saint Thomas. There's this little archway that's known as a place where you, like, have a first kiss or something like that kissing under the art. So I drew that one, for her and just put it on the website just to see if anybody else would like it. And, yeah, that one has been more popular than I thought. And the terrorist chairs at the mat at Madison, University of Wisconsin Madison. I'd never heard of them. A friend suggested that I draw them, and that one is one of my top 5 most popular. Terrace chairs. Yeah. They're these really cool iconic metal chairs that are out on this, bar seating area by the water. And anybody who went to school there is just in love with these chairs. So that's been really fun. Oh, that's funny. My sister went there, so I'll have to ask her about that. I'm sure she knows about the chairs. Yeah. And just how, like, people see art in the regular every day is something that appeals to me. Yeah. And that's what I like about what I'm doing. You know, you can find a print of the Eiffel Tower, you know, just about any big box store, but where are you gonna find one of Matt's bar? Yeah. Exactly.Stephanie [00:13:14]:you do any food illustrations?Christie Johnson [00:13:16]:I have done a few, things like that. Yeah. That's something that would be really fun me. Anything I can draw small I wanna do? Yeah. That's so great. Well, maybe I'll think of something for you and we'll collaborate because it sounds like,Stephanie [00:13:30]:super fun And I just love I just love art. Like I just came off. I work on the Stone Arch Bridge Festival, and we just came off of that. It was yesterday. It was the last day. And There's just something so heart filling about being amongst a community of artists that are working so hard putting their blood, sweat, and tears into these pieces coming outside, setting up these tents braving the elements, the weather, the people. And you know, then the people walking through and looking for different pieces and It just really makes my heart full that that still happens in a place like Minneapolis where it's a big city. It's hard to put a festival on that attracts a hundred thousand people in the middle of a functioning city, but yet it does and it happens and everybody has a great experience, and then they go home. And it's just so weird that all of that happens in a span of like 4 days. And then when it's all done, you can't even tell that it happened.Christie Johnson [00:14:30]:They're wild, well oiled machines. The shows done in Minnesota are so seamless. All the volunteers that help out are so good. Yeah. I like doing all of those shows,Stephanie [00:14:44]:on that side of it, just seeing the well oiled machine and all the pieces coming together. Yeah. It's cool. Yeah. And it's just fun for people to be exposed to art and my sister bought something this weekend, and I don't think of my sister as an arp buyer. So when she came and showed me this thing that she bought, that really spoke to her and I could see why one that she held it up. I was just like, oh, this is so great.Christie Johnson [00:15:08]:Yeah. Introducing her to something she maybe didn't even know she liked. Yes. Exactly.Stephanie [00:15:14]:Well, Christy, it's great to talk with you. The company is United Goods. You can find her iconic art on her website. Unitedgoodsusa.com is where you can find her art. You can also find her on Instagram, she's a great follow. I've enjoyed following you and seeing what you're working on and seeing the picture of your dad on Father's Day was cute too. Who makes your frames? I loved it. Thank you. He's adorable. Yeah. He really is. So thanks for being on the program, and good luck. Thank you so much, Stephanie. Okay. We'll talk soon. Bye bye.Stephanie's Dish Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stephaniehansen.substack.com/subscribe

Soul Grain (Season 5 Episode 24)

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2023 17:24

On this episode of Makers of Minnesota, host Stephanie speaks with Liza Jackson and Sylvia Williams, founders of Soul Grain. The pandemic led to an increase in new ideas and people in packaged goods, with social media playing a big role. The conversation focuses on their granola flavors which are a unique and healthier alternative to sugary products. The granola has a light, crispy crunch, and a unique Lemon Meringue High flavor, made with THC with more flavors in development. They also discuss the challenges of working with a partner in business and choosing granola flavors based on their cultural backgrounds. Lastly, the episode explores the importance of taste and the difficulties of making THC products taste good. Listen in for a fascinating conversation about the packaged goods industry and the creation of Soul Grain.Stephanie's Dish Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Stephanie [00:00:13]:Hello, everybody, and welcome to the makers of Minnesota Podcast, where we talk to cool people doing cool things. I'm here with Lisa Jackson and Sylvia Williams, and they are the owners of Soul Grain, LLC. Soul Grain is a granola product and talk about fantastic packaging. Welcome to the program, you guys.Liza Jackson [00:00:34]:Thank you. Thank you for having us.Sylvia Williams [00:00:36]:Yeah.Stephanie [00:00:37]:How did the whole granola idea start? Which one of you had it first?Liza Jackson [00:00:44]:Actually, I think it was a combination, actually. We started with bars. We shifted to granola. But I'm lisa. I'm a nutritionist. Sylvia is a pastry chef. So we wanted to combine our interest and come up with super interesting flavors that are inspired by both of our cultures and background.Stephanie [00:01:02]:So tell me a little bit about that and how the granola is different than some of your traditional flavors.Sylvia Williams [00:01:09]:Well, for these granola flavors, we decided to dig into our cultural backgrounds and grab something, some flavors that you might find at our grandmother's house or something. So we chose banana pudding, which is anytime you go to a cookout or anything like that, you're going to have some banana pudding. Thanksgiving, we're always going to have a sweet potato casserole. And then we used the flavors of the Caribbean for our cocoa, mango, and spice. Paradise has grains of paradise in it. And that is a spice that's commonly used in North African cooking, which is part of Lisa's ancestry.Stephanie [00:01:55]:So you guys, just for those of you that are listening, lisa and Sylvia are African American, thus talking about the culture and specific to where these flavors are coming from. I didn't realize that there weren't really these flavors on the market in a granola setting. But they're not. No.Liza Jackson [00:02:19]:That's where we come in.Stephanie [00:02:20]:Yeah. I guess because I'm white, I don't think about other cultures in terms of flavor profiles. And maybe we've learned to associate maybe hot things with the Latina culture, and there's, like, hot chili and some of those flavors that you'll see there. But I am really excited to try different flavors and experience food from different cultures. How has it been received?Liza Jackson [00:02:49]:Oh, my God. We had an amazing response. Banana pudding is our best seller. But all of them, really everybody's really loving them.Stephanie [00:02:58]:They're so different and really feel different in the flavor profile and more interesting. Way more interesting.Liza Jackson [00:03:06]:Way more interesting than you're a pumpkin spice granola. Right. So we wanted to make the granola business a little more interesting.Stephanie [00:03:14]:How has it been? Your packaging is really great. Which one of you guys worked on the logo?Sylvia Williams [00:03:22]:Yes. We came up with an idea, and then we contacted our friend Troy Gua, who is an artist who's known kind of wildly throughout this area, specifically because he makes a Prince doll, and he's real big on social media. So he came to our attention, and we became friends. And so I contacted him with our ideas, and he created this amazing logo.Stephanie [00:03:51]:It is an amazing logo. And now that you talk about the Prince doll, I know exactly what you're talking about because I think he's coloring book and some other things and clearly is Soul Grain a play on the Soul Train?Sylvia Williams [00:04:04]:Yeah.Liza Jackson [00:04:05]:Soul Train and Whole grain with soul, right?Stephanie [00:04:08]:Exactly. That's so great. I love it. Okay, so you decide that you're going to make this product. Did you right away start out in a commercial kitchen or did you go to a distributor?Liza Jackson [00:04:19]:We started in our kitchen, actually with a cottage food license and then made our step up to a commercial kitchen.Stephanie [00:04:26]:It's interesting because before the Pandemic Cottage Foods license were pretty limited and I think the amount that you could sell was like 7500, and now you can sell up to 75,000 and still have a cottage food license. And I don't know that people know that.Sylvia Williams [00:04:44]:Oh, wow.Liza Jackson [00:04:45]:We didn't know that.Sylvia Williams [00:04:49]:I think so. Also, just to be able to make it on a scale that we needed to make it, we had to be in a commercial kitchen because my oven can only make so much granola.Stephanie [00:04:59]:Yeah, exactly. So where's your commercial kitchen now?Sylvia Williams [00:05:03]:It's called Water's Edge Kitchen and it's in Maplewood. It's a gluten free kitchen because we're a gluten free product.Stephanie [00:05:10]:Are you finding a lot of camaraderie in the kitchen, too? Is that kind of an unexpected bonus of being in the commercial kitchen? Sure.Liza Jackson [00:05:18]:Amazing makers in there.Sylvia Williams [00:05:23]:I'm sorry?Stephanie [00:05:24]:I said I think you learn a lot from other makers.Sylvia Williams [00:05:27]:Absolutely.Stephanie [00:05:29]:When you thought about how you're going to bring this product to market, what were your steps and what did you think the market was and has that turned out to be the market?Liza Jackson [00:05:40]:Well, we knew the market, obviously, the granola market is very crowded, so that's why we came up with the different flavor profile first and then thought we would enter the market that way.Stephanie [00:05:51]:And how do you get the word out? Do you go to markets? Do you work with a distributor? Do you cold call grocery stores and food co ops yourself? Well.Sylvia Williams [00:06:07]:We'Ve had a lot of success just when we approach the stores and they try our product and we've gotten a lot of success that way, and it's just kind of been snowballed. And we go to another store and then some stores have called us.Stephanie [00:06:26]:How many stores are you in right now?Sylvia Williams [00:06:29]:We are in two kowalski. We're getting ready to expand to the rest of them. We're in Regions Hospital and their gift shop, and we are at Camden Foods.Liza Jackson [00:06:43]:The airport store.Stephanie [00:06:44]:Yes.Liza Jackson [00:06:45]:We are soon to be in a lot of places that we can't quite say yet.Stephanie [00:06:51]:I understand.Liza Jackson [00:06:53]:But we're definitely growing and that's super exciting. It's still just the two of us, so we try on the scale strategically.Sylvia Williams [00:07:01]:Yes.Stephanie [00:07:01]:Do you have other full time jobs as well?Liza Jackson [00:07:06]:Yes, I do.Stephanie [00:07:10]:Okay. So have you guys distributed the division of labor to be like, okay, this will be your area, this will be my area, or are you collaborating, kind of, on all those decisions?Liza Jackson [00:07:21]:I mean, we call it out, but I think things kind of naturally fall in place, which is, I think, beautiful about our relationship. It kind of just happens.Stephanie [00:07:28]:How long have you guys been friends? You're very relaxed about this whole thing, which I love. Oh, yeah.Liza Jackson [00:07:34]:We've been friends for, what, over 14 years now?Sylvia Williams [00:07:36]:Yeah.Stephanie [00:07:37]:Okay. So you kind of figure out, you know, what each other's strengths and weaknesses are. But in when you run a business, that's harder. Have you come up against any stumbling blocks? Like, I ran a business with my husband, and, boy, did I learn a lot about working together. Not always favorable, I got to admit.Liza Jackson [00:07:55]:So far, we've been great.Sylvia Williams [00:07:56]:Honestly.Liza Jackson [00:07:57]:We had no hurdles on that part.Stephanie [00:07:59]:Right.Liza Jackson [00:07:59]:The hurdles are the business, but not in our relationship now.Sylvia Williams [00:08:03]:Yeah. We just perfectly work together in sync. And it's the weirdest thing because there's never been an issue, and I don't foresee any issues.Stephanie [00:08:16]:That is a little weird, but amazing. How do you guys get people to sample your products?Sylvia Williams [00:08:24]:We visit stores and we do samplings. Yes.Stephanie [00:08:27]:And once we know that once people sample a product, the likelihood of them buying it I think I heard once it was as high as if you're good at it, 30%. If you're okay at it, it's still as high as, like, 20%. Has that been your experience?Sylvia Williams [00:08:44]:I would venture to say that our response has been greater than that. As soon as people taste our granola, it's so unique. It's unique in flavor and in texture because it has a really light crunch as opposed to a hard it's very crispy as opposed to really hard crunch. So when I go to the stores and we do these pop ups, usually I would say nine times out of ten, people will buy the granola.Stephanie [00:09:12]:I love it.Liza Jackson [00:09:14]:We sell out for sure at all the events we've done.Stephanie [00:09:16]:Is there any fruit in yours?Liza Jackson [00:09:20]:Any what?Stephanie [00:09:21]:Fruit.Liza Jackson [00:09:22]:We have two flavor that don't have fruit or nuts.Stephanie [00:09:25]:Okay.Liza Jackson [00:09:26]:And obviously cocoa. Mango has mango.Stephanie [00:09:29]:Oh, yeah, obviously. Sorry, I forgot about that one.Sylvia Williams [00:09:34]:But Neutral Nelly doesn't have fruit or nuts for anybody who has sensitivities. And Spice Paradise has nuts but no fruit.Stephanie [00:09:43]:Okay. So kind of a mix. Were you big granola eaters yourselves before you ventured into this product?Liza Jackson [00:09:53]:I don't like granola. I like mine, though. I like ours. Seriously? I'm from France originally, and it's not a big thing there. And when I came to the US. I don't know, I never got into it until we created this product. Now I'm a big granola fan. So grain granola.Stephanie [00:10:13]:And do they have musli in France? Yeah, a little bit different.Liza Jackson [00:10:19]:So different.Stephanie [00:10:20]:Yeah. When you go and you look at your event profile, do you do any events that aren't in grocery stores? Like, are you doing any markets? Are you doing any tasting and sampling out and about in the community?Sylvia Williams [00:10:37]:We've done a few. We just did a vegan festival in New Jersey. We don't have anything on the docket right now.Liza Jackson [00:10:46]:We have one coming up. It's like a little outside market, but it's for a realtor company.Sylvia Williams [00:10:52]:Yeah.Liza Jackson [00:10:52]:So we do stuff like that. Okay.Stephanie [00:10:57]:So people will try your granola because the flavor what do you want them to know about your company? Just about you. Are there people that you are finding along the way that have been helpful to you or what kind of resources do you need moving forward?Liza Jackson [00:11:15]:What kind of resources do we need? I mean, obviously, as most small business, capital is becoming an issue, but we're going to work through that, hopefully. What was the other question? Sorry?Stephanie [00:11:31]:Is there anything you want people to know about you? Like, from a standpoint? Do you need help with social media? Do you need help with connections? If people are listening to this podcast and like the granola and want to help spread the word, what can they do to help?Liza Jackson [00:11:46]:All of the above.Sylvia Williams [00:11:47]:Yeah.Liza Jackson [00:11:47]:Right.Sylvia Williams [00:11:48]:We are really new at this and we are very passionate about what we're doing, but we're also learning as we go, so we would love any help, any resources would be lovingly appreciated.Stephanie [00:12:05]:Yeah. And have you had inventory issues? Because it's hard to when you're starting out, trying to get capital, your product is probably a little expensive because of the nuts and the fruit, so having enough capital to make enough and then freshness can be an issue, too.Liza Jackson [00:12:22]:That's a good part about granola. Right. It has a shelf, the life of six to nine months. So we haven't ran into that because we sell out pretty quickly. Oh, that is get to that.Stephanie [00:12:32]:All right, well, I'm going to keep my ears peeled and if I know anybody, because I welcome you guys to the space. We have so many new people that have come into packaged goods since COVID right. Because a lot of people got rejuvenated and thought about new ideas and they had the time because we weren't necessarily going into work, so people had the time to think of new products. And I would think social media has been a traditional big platform for granola makers. Is that a big platform for you?Liza Jackson [00:13:08]:We try. Right. It's just us doing it. So I'm not great at social media. That would be a great help. We could use as far as marketing, but not too much as far as social media.Stephanie [00:13:20]:So just getting it in people's mouths is what it sounds like.Sylvia Williams [00:13:23]:Yeah.Stephanie [00:13:24]:And your packaging is lovely, which helps.Liza Jackson [00:13:27]:Thank you.Stephanie [00:13:28]:Yeah. All right. Are there other products that you guys are both jazzed about that you've seen that when you're out and about that, you're like, oh, I just love that person so and so.Liza Jackson [00:13:40]:Let me think. We're so focused on our own right now, honestly, right? Like, blinders on. I can't think of a new yeah, we have a new product, and you can cut that out if it's not appropriate. But that's hemp infused. We have a granola hemp infused. That's amazing.Stephanie [00:14:00]:Okay, so let's talk about that because it's legal, and hemp has been legal for some time now. We're into more consumables. So if you eat hemp granola, what is the effect that you would feel in most cases?Sylvia Williams [00:14:15]:Well, it is THC. So it's a 3.25 ounce bag, and it has 20 milligrams of THC in it. We tell our newbies to start with a quarter of the bag, and it has a very calming, relaxing feel to it. We have some clients who suffer from some ailments, some cancer patients, and some I have a client who has Ms, and she takes it, and it helps with her muscle twitches, and it helps her to sleep. And I have another friend who has trouble eating, and it helps him with his appetite. And everybody says it doesn't necessarily make you sleepy, but when you do go to sleep, you sleep like a baby. So we created this granola with these health benefits in mind for people who wanted something healthier than a gummy or some of the sugar laced. So we wanted to provide something that was healthy and also had these benefits with them as well. So we just have one flavor. It's called Lemon Meringue High, and we're going to develop some more flavors here shortly.Stephanie [00:15:32]:Well, that's super unique and really on trend and very valued in the marketplace right now. People are really hopping on the THC products, and taste is a big part of that. Right. They have to taste good, and it is hard to get some of them to taste good. Some of the seltzers just taste like dank bong water, if I'm being perfectly exactly.Liza Jackson [00:15:54]:That's what I was going to say for sure. So that's what we wanted to create something that tastes good. There's no aftertaste. You can't taste or smell it at all. THC at all. It tastes amazing. And it has no high fructose corn sugar. They really put high fructose corn syrup. They usually put in gummies and things like that. So it's clean and healthy.Stephanie [00:16:14]:I love it.Sylvia Williams [00:16:15]:Delicious. And people have a problem stopping. That's why I only put 20 milligrams in the bag, because I can eat a whole bag and be a okay. And most people can eat 20 milligrams and be okay, but you got to be careful when you're eating it, because.Stephanie [00:16:32]:I'm the person that would eat the whole bag and be catatonic for 4 hours, not a big THC consumer. So maybe I will be over time. I don't know. It's all new to me, too. Well, it's been super nice to talk to you. Soul Grain. And the product looks great. Tastes great. I'm excited to have you guys on the scene. Hopefully, I'll run into you at a pop up before too long and consider coming out to Stone Arch Bridge Festival next year, because that's a market that I do with folks and some of the vendors that I have. It's the market that kind of launched them. So I'll look forward to connecting with you guys next year.Sylvia Williams [00:17:09]:Okay, that sounds good.Stephanie [00:17:11]:All right, we'll talk to you soon. Thanks, ladies.Sylvia Williams [00:17:13]:Thank you. Bye. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stephaniehansen.substack.com/subscribe

Soul Grain (Season 5 Episode 24)

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2023 17:24

On this episode of Makers of Minnesota, host Stephanie speaks with Liza Jackson and Sylvia Williams, founders of Soul Grain. The pandemic led to an increase in new ideas and people in packaged goods, with social media playing a big role. The conversation focuses on their granola flavors which are a unique and healthier alternative to sugary products. The granola has a light, crispy crunch, and a unique Lemon Meringue High flavor, made with THC with more flavors in development. They also discuss the challenges of working with a partner in business and choosing granola flavors based on their cultural backgrounds. Lastly, the episode explores the importance of taste and the difficulties of making THC products taste good. Listen in for a fascinating conversation about the packaged goods industry and the creation of Soul Grain.Stephanie's Dish Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Stephanie [00:00:13]:Hello, everybody, and welcome to the makers of Minnesota Podcast, where we talk to cool people doing cool things. I'm here with Lisa Jackson and Sylvia Williams, and they are the owners of Soul Grain, LLC. Soul Grain is a granola product and talk about fantastic packaging. Welcome to the program, you guys.Liza Jackson [00:00:34]:Thank you. Thank you for having us.Sylvia Williams [00:00:36]:Yeah.Stephanie [00:00:37]:How did the whole granola idea start? Which one of you had it first?Liza Jackson [00:00:44]:Actually, I think it was a combination, actually. We started with bars. We shifted to granola. But I'm lisa. I'm a nutritionist. Sylvia is a pastry chef. So we wanted to combine our interest and come up with super interesting flavors that are inspired by both of our cultures and background.Stephanie [00:01:02]:So tell me a little bit about that and how the granola is different than some of your traditional flavors.Sylvia Williams [00:01:09]:Well, for these granola flavors, we decided to dig into our cultural backgrounds and grab something, some flavors that you might find at our grandmother's house or something. So we chose banana pudding, which is anytime you go to a cookout or anything like that, you're going to have some banana pudding. Thanksgiving, we're always going to have a sweet potato casserole. And then we used the flavors of the Caribbean for our cocoa, mango, and spice. Paradise has grains of paradise in it. And that is a spice that's commonly used in North African cooking, which is part of Lisa's ancestry.Stephanie [00:01:55]:So you guys, just for those of you that are listening, lisa and Sylvia are African American, thus talking about the culture and specific to where these flavors are coming from. I didn't realize that there weren't really these flavors on the market in a granola setting. But they're not. No.Liza Jackson [00:02:19]:That's where we come in.Stephanie [00:02:20]:Yeah. I guess because I'm white, I don't think about other cultures in terms of flavor profiles. And maybe we've learned to associate maybe hot things with the Latina culture, and there's, like, hot chili and some of those flavors that you'll see there. But I am really excited to try different flavors and experience food from different cultures. How has it been received?Liza Jackson [00:02:49]:Oh, my God. We had an amazing response. Banana pudding is our best seller. But all of them, really everybody's really loving them.Stephanie [00:02:58]:They're so different and really feel different in the flavor profile and more interesting. Way more interesting.Liza Jackson [00:03:06]:Way more interesting than you're a pumpkin spice granola. Right. So we wanted to make the granola business a little more interesting.Stephanie [00:03:14]:How has it been? Your packaging is really great. Which one of you guys worked on the logo?Sylvia Williams [00:03:22]:Yes. We came up with an idea, and then we contacted our friend Troy Gua, who is an artist who's known kind of wildly throughout this area, specifically because he makes a Prince doll, and he's real big on social media. So he came to our attention, and we became friends. And so I contacted him with our ideas, and he created this amazing logo.Stephanie [00:03:51]:It is an amazing logo. And now that you talk about the Prince doll, I know exactly what you're talking about because I think he's coloring book and some other things and clearly is Soul Grain a play on the Soul Train?Sylvia Williams [00:04:04]:Yeah.Liza Jackson [00:04:05]:Soul Train and Whole grain with soul, right?Stephanie [00:04:08]:Exactly. That's so great. I love it. Okay, so you decide that you're going to make this product. Did you right away start out in a commercial kitchen or did you go to a distributor?Liza Jackson [00:04:19]:We started in our kitchen, actually with a cottage food license and then made our step up to a commercial kitchen.Stephanie [00:04:26]:It's interesting because before the Pandemic Cottage Foods license were pretty limited and I think the amount that you could sell was like 7500, and now you can sell up to 75,000 and still have a cottage food license. And I don't know that people know that.Sylvia Williams [00:04:44]:Oh, wow.Liza Jackson [00:04:45]:We didn't know that.Sylvia Williams [00:04:49]:I think so. Also, just to be able to make it on a scale that we needed to make it, we had to be in a commercial kitchen because my oven can only make so much granola.Stephanie [00:04:59]:Yeah, exactly. So where's your commercial kitchen now?Sylvia Williams [00:05:03]:It's called Water's Edge Kitchen and it's in Maplewood. It's a gluten free kitchen because we're a gluten free product.Stephanie [00:05:10]:Are you finding a lot of camaraderie in the kitchen, too? Is that kind of an unexpected bonus of being in the commercial kitchen? Sure.Liza Jackson [00:05:18]:Amazing makers in there.Sylvia Williams [00:05:23]:I'm sorry?Stephanie [00:05:24]:I said I think you learn a lot from other makers.Sylvia Williams [00:05:27]:Absolutely.Stephanie [00:05:29]:When you thought about how you're going to bring this product to market, what were your steps and what did you think the market was and has that turned out to be the market?Liza Jackson [00:05:40]:Well, we knew the market, obviously, the granola market is very crowded, so that's why we came up with the different flavor profile first and then thought we would enter the market that way.Stephanie [00:05:51]:And how do you get the word out? Do you go to markets? Do you work with a distributor? Do you cold call grocery stores and food co ops yourself? Well.Sylvia Williams [00:06:07]:We'Ve had a lot of success just when we approach the stores and they try our product and we've gotten a lot of success that way, and it's just kind of been snowballed. And we go to another store and then some stores have called us.Stephanie [00:06:26]:How many stores are you in right now?Sylvia Williams [00:06:29]:We are in two kowalski. We're getting ready to expand to the rest of them. We're in Regions Hospital and their gift shop, and we are at Camden Foods.Liza Jackson [00:06:43]:The airport store.Stephanie [00:06:44]:Yes.Liza Jackson [00:06:45]:We are soon to be in a lot of places that we can't quite say yet.Stephanie [00:06:51]:I understand.Liza Jackson [00:06:53]:But we're definitely growing and that's super exciting. It's still just the two of us, so we try on the scale strategically.Sylvia Williams [00:07:01]:Yes.Stephanie [00:07:01]:Do you have other full time jobs as well?Liza Jackson [00:07:06]:Yes, I do.Stephanie [00:07:10]:Okay. So have you guys distributed the division of labor to be like, okay, this will be your area, this will be my area, or are you collaborating, kind of, on all those decisions?Liza Jackson [00:07:21]:I mean, we call it out, but I think things kind of naturally fall in place, which is, I think, beautiful about our relationship. It kind of just happens.Stephanie [00:07:28]:How long have you guys been friends? You're very relaxed about this whole thing, which I love. Oh, yeah.Liza Jackson [00:07:34]:We've been friends for, what, over 14 years now?Sylvia Williams [00:07:36]:Yeah.Stephanie [00:07:37]:Okay. So you kind of figure out, you know, what each other's strengths and weaknesses are. But in when you run a business, that's harder. Have you come up against any stumbling blocks? Like, I ran a business with my husband, and, boy, did I learn a lot about working together. Not always favorable, I got to admit.Liza Jackson [00:07:55]:So far, we've been great.Sylvia Williams [00:07:56]:Honestly.Liza Jackson [00:07:57]:We had no hurdles on that part.Stephanie [00:07:59]:Right.Liza Jackson [00:07:59]:The hurdles are the business, but not in our relationship now.Sylvia Williams [00:08:03]:Yeah. We just perfectly work together in sync. And it's the weirdest thing because there's never been an issue, and I don't foresee any issues.Stephanie [00:08:16]:That is a little weird, but amazing. How do you guys get people to sample your products?Sylvia Williams [00:08:24]:We visit stores and we do samplings. Yes.Stephanie [00:08:27]:And once we know that once people sample a product, the likelihood of them buying it I think I heard once it was as high as if you're good at it, 30%. If you're okay at it, it's still as high as, like, 20%. Has that been your experience?Sylvia Williams [00:08:44]:I would venture to say that our response has been greater than that. As soon as people taste our granola, it's so unique. It's unique in flavor and in texture because it has a really light crunch as opposed to a hard it's very crispy as opposed to really hard crunch. So when I go to the stores and we do these pop ups, usually I would say nine times out of ten, people will buy the granola.Stephanie [00:09:12]:I love it.Liza Jackson [00:09:14]:We sell out for sure at all the events we've done.Stephanie [00:09:16]:Is there any fruit in yours?Liza Jackson [00:09:20]:Any what?Stephanie [00:09:21]:Fruit.Liza Jackson [00:09:22]:We have two flavor that don't have fruit or nuts.Stephanie [00:09:25]:Okay.Liza Jackson [00:09:26]:And obviously cocoa. Mango has mango.Stephanie [00:09:29]:Oh, yeah, obviously. Sorry, I forgot about that one.Sylvia Williams [00:09:34]:But Neutral Nelly doesn't have fruit or nuts for anybody who has sensitivities. And Spice Paradise has nuts but no fruit.Stephanie [00:09:43]:Okay. So kind of a mix. Were you big granola eaters yourselves before you ventured into this product?Liza Jackson [00:09:53]:I don't like granola. I like mine, though. I like ours. Seriously? I'm from France originally, and it's not a big thing there. And when I came to the US. I don't know, I never got into it until we created this product. Now I'm a big granola fan. So grain granola.Stephanie [00:10:13]:And do they have musli in France? Yeah, a little bit different.Liza Jackson [00:10:19]:So different.Stephanie [00:10:20]:Yeah. When you go and you look at your event profile, do you do any events that aren't in grocery stores? Like, are you doing any markets? Are you doing any tasting and sampling out and about in the community?Sylvia Williams [00:10:37]:We've done a few. We just did a vegan festival in New Jersey. We don't have anything on the docket right now.Liza Jackson [00:10:46]:We have one coming up. It's like a little outside market, but it's for a realtor company.Sylvia Williams [00:10:52]:Yeah.Liza Jackson [00:10:52]:So we do stuff like that. Okay.Stephanie [00:10:57]:So people will try your granola because the flavor what do you want them to know about your company? Just about you. Are there people that you are finding along the way that have been helpful to you or what kind of resources do you need moving forward?Liza Jackson [00:11:15]:What kind of resources do we need? I mean, obviously, as most small business, capital is becoming an issue, but we're going to work through that, hopefully. What was the other question? Sorry?Stephanie [00:11:31]:Is there anything you want people to know about you? Like, from a standpoint? Do you need help with social media? Do you need help with connections? If people are listening to this podcast and like the granola and want to help spread the word, what can they do to help?Liza Jackson [00:11:46]:All of the above.Sylvia Williams [00:11:47]:Yeah.Liza Jackson [00:11:47]:Right.Sylvia Williams [00:11:48]:We are really new at this and we are very passionate about what we're doing, but we're also learning as we go, so we would love any help, any resources would be lovingly appreciated.Stephanie [00:12:05]:Yeah. And have you had inventory issues? Because it's hard to when you're starting out, trying to get capital, your product is probably a little expensive because of the nuts and the fruit, so having enough capital to make enough and then freshness can be an issue, too.Liza Jackson [00:12:22]:That's a good part about granola. Right. It has a shelf, the life of six to nine months. So we haven't ran into that because we sell out pretty quickly. Oh, that is get to that.Stephanie [00:12:32]:All right, well, I'm going to keep my ears peeled and if I know anybody, because I welcome you guys to the space. We have so many new people that have come into packaged goods since COVID right. Because a lot of people got rejuvenated and thought about new ideas and they had the time because we weren't necessarily going into work, so people had the time to think of new products. And I would think social media has been a traditional big platform for granola makers. Is that a big platform for you?Liza Jackson [00:13:08]:We try. Right. It's just us doing it. So I'm not great at social media. That would be a great help. We could use as far as marketing, but not too much as far as social media.Stephanie [00:13:20]:So just getting it in people's mouths is what it sounds like.Sylvia Williams [00:13:23]:Yeah.Stephanie [00:13:24]:And your packaging is lovely, which helps.Liza Jackson [00:13:27]:Thank you.Stephanie [00:13:28]:Yeah. All right. Are there other products that you guys are both jazzed about that you've seen that when you're out and about that, you're like, oh, I just love that person so and so.Liza Jackson [00:13:40]:Let me think. We're so focused on our own right now, honestly, right? Like, blinders on. I can't think of a new yeah, we have a new product, and you can cut that out if it's not appropriate. But that's hemp infused. We have a granola hemp infused. That's amazing.Stephanie [00:14:00]:Okay, so let's talk about that because it's legal, and hemp has been legal for some time now. We're into more consumables. So if you eat hemp granola, what is the effect that you would feel in most cases?Sylvia Williams [00:14:15]:Well, it is THC. So it's a 3.25 ounce bag, and it has 20 milligrams of THC in it. We tell our newbies to start with a quarter of the bag, and it has a very calming, relaxing feel to it. We have some clients who suffer from some ailments, some cancer patients, and some I have a client who has Ms, and she takes it, and it helps with her muscle twitches, and it helps her to sleep. And I have another friend who has trouble eating, and it helps him with his appetite. And everybody says it doesn't necessarily make you sleepy, but when you do go to sleep, you sleep like a baby. So we created this granola with these health benefits in mind for people who wanted something healthier than a gummy or some of the sugar laced. So we wanted to provide something that was healthy and also had these benefits with them as well. So we just have one flavor. It's called Lemon Meringue High, and we're going to develop some more flavors here shortly.Stephanie [00:15:32]:Well, that's super unique and really on trend and very valued in the marketplace right now. People are really hopping on the THC products, and taste is a big part of that. Right. They have to taste good, and it is hard to get some of them to taste good. Some of the seltzers just taste like dank bong water, if I'm being perfectly exactly.Liza Jackson [00:15:54]:That's what I was going to say for sure. So that's what we wanted to create something that tastes good. There's no aftertaste. You can't taste or smell it at all. THC at all. It tastes amazing. And it has no high fructose corn sugar. They really put high fructose corn syrup. They usually put in gummies and things like that. So it's clean and healthy.Stephanie [00:16:14]:I love it.Sylvia Williams [00:16:15]:Delicious. And people have a problem stopping. That's why I only put 20 milligrams in the bag, because I can eat a whole bag and be a okay. And most people can eat 20 milligrams and be okay, but you got to be careful when you're eating it, because.Stephanie [00:16:32]:I'm the person that would eat the whole bag and be catatonic for 4 hours, not a big THC consumer. So maybe I will be over time. I don't know. It's all new to me, too. Well, it's been super nice to talk to you. Soul Grain. And the product looks great. Tastes great. I'm excited to have you guys on the scene. Hopefully, I'll run into you at a pop up before too long and consider coming out to Stone Arch Bridge Festival next year, because that's a market that I do with folks and some of the vendors that I have. It's the market that kind of launched them. So I'll look forward to connecting with you guys next year.Sylvia Williams [00:17:09]:Okay, that sounds good.Stephanie [00:17:11]:All right, we'll talk to you soon. Thanks, ladies.Sylvia Williams [00:17:13]:Thank you. Bye. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stephaniehansen.substack.com/subscribe

51. JERRY LUCKHARDT RETURNS!

Band in Minnesota

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2023 50:59

We are so excited to welcome Jerry Luckhardt back to the Band in Minnesota Podcast! Jerry is the founder of Band in Minnesota and we spend time reminiscing about the origins of the program and learning about what he's currently up to. Spoiler alert: he's super busy with all his duties at the University of Minnesota, and with both the Medalist Concert Band and the Encore Wind Ensemble! This episode features shout-outs to several amazing Minnesota band directors, including Brady Krusemark, Ryan Anderson, Tara Michlitsch, and John Greene. We discuss and celebrate the music of Adrian Sims, Tommy Wu, Kevin Day, and Julie Giroux. Also hear about amazing programs by The Medalist Band, including their free summer band camp for rising 6th-grade students and the Earl Benson Concerto Contest. Join hosts Brad Mariska and Erin Holmes for a very special episode, in which the past meets the present! We are so glad to have Jerry back!

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'Reconnecting with the human': Minnesota podcast tackles humanity, womanhood and Islam

North Star Journey

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2023 11:06

Wednesday evening into Thursday is the beginning of Ramadan. It is a holy month when observers fast from sunrise to sunset and turn inward to pray, reflect and spend time with loved ones. The creators of the podcast The Digital Sisterhood hope to help people do just that. The show focuses on the stories of Muslim women in a space where religion, faith and community mix with topics like like sexual assault and suicide. But the episodes are also full of happier and lighter moments like love and Twitter comments. Since the show first launched back in 2021 it's drawn a huge international audience. At the end of last year, the podcast had more than 10 million downloads. Season three is due to be released. Woodbury, Minn.-based Muna Scekomar is producer, editor and one of the founders of the show. MPR News host Cathy Wurzer talked with her ahead of Ramadan on Wednesday. Celebrating Ramadan? Here's a list of events across Minnesota This is such a holy time in the Muslim world. What's on your mind heading into this time?I think it's a wonderful opportunity to reset and to take a pause from the drone of everyday. Everybody's hustling, trying to get something done for themselves. But this is a time to look within, and one of the things I'm focusing on really is to re-center back into the fact that we're human beings in a world that is confusing and our guidance comes from our one true God. So really reconnecting with the Quran is my mission.Were you surprised when the first season dropped, right in time for Ramadan, and a lot of millennial and Gen Z Muslims found it? What were your goals then?It was really interesting because I randomly picked that date because I'm quite a perfectionist, and I just needed a date to get out of my head and put something out there. And so when we picked that date, it happened to be the first Friday of Ramadan and everybody in Islam, you know, everybody tunes into the more spiritual side, the less side that's about enjoyment and more on being aware and conscientious about our purpose.So they found this to be a platform that was telling stories and really in-depth, vulnerable human stories that captured their interest in forced them — also challenged them — also to look within. So I think that it was a beautiful marriage and a merger that we are going to continue the tradition of from now on.There is this beautiful and raw vulnerability in the podcast. How does that happen?Cadar Mohamud, who is the host, comes from a very empathetic place where it's like existing to care about others. I like to say at her core she's a sister, so it comes from that. She really brings it into the podcast, and when she's speaking you hear the fact that she cares about you as an individual. And everybody says this where it's like, “I feel like I've known you for a very long time.” That was our first conversation. And it was beautiful that she carries that on. You reached out to Cadar on Instagram. How did that go?I was like, “Hey, I love your vibe. I love your energy. It seems we really aligned and can we hop on a call?”It was really out-of-character for me. I'm not the type of person who just reaches out, but it was it was about me just putting myself out there and not letting perfectionism getting in the path of my creativity and just finding the people. Because you cannot do anything without people without people who support you. There's nobody who gets to anywhere, walking it alone. So it was me reaching out and God really wrote it that we were the ones who created this beautiful, beautiful platform. And so many other women across the globe have joined the creation and the production of it. I know you understand and MPR News understands more than anyone how much work goes into producing radio and telling stories.You touch on some topics that might be considered taboo in many cultures. Was this ever a concern?I think what's taboo for us as human beings is to be imperfect. And I think a lot of times media, social media, this perfectionist world — it continues to foster that. And so for us is more about reconnecting with the human, reconnecting with the fact that you know, we're not perfect, regardless of how much we try to show it. And let's stop putting that ideal out there as the way to go and let's set the ideal as a person who's struggling we're human beings you know, experiencing life for the first time. So let's go back and focus on that. And let's try to understand it together. And one of the things is that oftentimes — and it's not unique to just Muslims — but when it comes to faith and the conversation of being faithful and being a human being, oftentimes that conversation is approached with a sense of judgment: “Oh, you should be holy or better than.” But Islam was sent for the broken. It was sent for the weak, and we really try to bring that back into our conversations.By the end of 2022 you had 10 million listeners, and the podcast has topped UK charts and is doing well across the globe. How do you measure success?I think for me, one of the things as I've always said is: 2020, the year before I worked on anything, was the most successful year in my life.Because oftentimes, the world calls us to measure success by how many people clap for us, and how many people validate you or value your work.But 2020 was the year where I paused and I started to value myself as just a human. I used to really suffocate myself, because I was like, “Oh, you're a filmmaker that hasn't produced films. You're a producer that hasn't produced.”There were so many things eating me alive and there was the moment when I said, “I am valuable merely by existing, merely by being and I'm just going to take this — whatever is around me — and I'll start valuing people that way, not because of how entertaining I may be or how much I've produced.”We're in a world of like productivity, productivity, productivity, but maybe just the experience of trying to be a better person — that is valuable. So when it came to the numbers and everything, it's completely shocking. I always say I'm still processing it. I think it's gonna take me another 10 million years to process it. But it's beautiful. It's beautiful. The show is called The Digital Sisterhood and I'm glad you're getting people together in person. What's that like?It's phenomenal. It's life transforming. It's one of the most warming experiences to just be in a space where so many people feel love, have healed in some capacity by the work that you do, the work that you are honored to and selected to be a custodian of.There's so many people that are part of the team. Beautiful Light Studios is precious to my heart and The Digital Sisterhood team as well is doing so well and bringing people together.Taking the Sisterhood from digital to physical is just — I don't even know how to put into words. It was a phenomenal event. That was just put together with collaboration in the UK. First time I went to the UK with a modest vision, but it was just so phenomenal. It keeps reiterating to me: We're all just human beings trying to survive life. and let's do it without judgement.

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'Reconnecting with the human': Minnesota podcast tackles humanity, womanhood and Islam

Minnesota Now

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2023 11:06

Wednesday evening into Thursday is the beginning of Ramadan. It is a holy month when observers fast from sunrise to sunset and turn inward to pray, reflect and spend time with loved ones. The creators of the podcast The Digital Sisterhood hope to help people do just that. The show focuses on the stories of Muslim women in a space where religion, faith and community mix with topics like like sexual assault and suicide. But the episodes are also full of happier and lighter moments like love and Twitter comments. Since the show first launched back in 2021 it's drawn a huge international audience. At the end of last year, the podcast had more than 10 million downloads. Season three is due to be released. Woodbury, Minn.-based Muna Scekomar is producer, editor and one of the founders of the show. MPR News host Cathy Wurzer talked with her ahead of Ramadan on Wednesday. Celebrating Ramadan? Here's a list of events across Minnesota This is such a holy time in the Muslim world. What's on your mind heading into this time? I think it's a wonderful opportunity to reset and to take a pause from the drone of everyday. Everybody's hustling, trying to get something done for themselves. But this is a time to look within, and one of the things I'm focusing on really is to re-center back into the fact that we're human beings in a world that is confusing and our guidance comes from our one true God. So really reconnecting with the Quran is my mission. Were you surprised when the first season dropped, right in time for Ramadan, and a lot of millennial and Gen Z Muslims found it? What were your goals then? It was really interesting because I randomly picked that date because I'm quite a perfectionist, and I just needed a date to get out of my head and put something out there. And so when we picked that date, it happened to be the first Friday of Ramadan and everybody in Islam, you know, everybody tunes into the more spiritual side, the less side that's about enjoyment and more on being aware and conscientious about our purpose. So they found this to be a platform that was telling stories and really in-depth, vulnerable human stories that captured their interest in forced them — also challenged them — also to look within. So I think that it was a beautiful marriage and a merger that we are going to continue the tradition of from now on. There is this beautiful and raw vulnerability in the podcast. How does that happen? Cadar Mohamud, who is the host, comes from a very empathetic place where it's like existing to care about others. I like to say at her core she's a sister, so it comes from that. She really brings it into the podcast, and when she's speaking you hear the fact that she cares about you as an individual. And everybody says this where it's like, “I feel like I've known you for a very long time.” That was our first conversation. And it was beautiful that she carries that on. You reached out to Cadar on Instagram. How did that go? I was like, “Hey, I love your vibe. I love your energy. It seems we really aligned and can we hop on a call?” It was really out-of-character for me. I'm not the type of person who just reaches out, but it was it was about me just putting myself out there and not letting perfectionism getting in the path of my creativity and just finding the people. Because you cannot do anything without people without people who support you. There's nobody who gets to anywhere, walking it alone. So it was me reaching out and God really wrote it that we were the ones who created this beautiful, beautiful platform. And so many other women across the globe have joined the creation and the production of it. I know you understand and MPR News understands more than anyone how much work goes into producing radio and telling stories. You touch on some topics that might be considered taboo in many cultures. Was this ever a concern? I think what's taboo for us as human beings is to be imperfect. And I think a lot of times media, social media, this perfectionist world — it continues to foster that. And so for us is more about reconnecting with the human, reconnecting with the fact that you know, we're not perfect, regardless of how much we try to show it. And let's stop putting that ideal out there as the way to go and let's set the ideal as a person who's struggling we're human beings you know, experiencing life for the first time. So let's go back and focus on that. And let's try to understand it together. And one of the things is that oftentimes — and it's not unique to just Muslims — but when it comes to faith and the conversation of being faithful and being a human being, oftentimes that conversation is approached with a sense of judgment: “Oh, you should be holy or better than.” But Islam was sent for the broken. It was sent for the weak, and we really try to bring that back into our conversations. By the end of 2022 you had 10 million listeners, and the podcast has topped UK charts and is doing well across the globe. How do you measure success? I think for me, one of the things as I've always said is: 2020, the year before I worked on anything, was the most successful year in my life. Because oftentimes, the world calls us to measure success by how many people clap for us, and how many people validate you or value your work. But 2020 was the year where I paused and I started to value myself as just a human. I used to really suffocate myself, because I was like, “Oh, you're a filmmaker that hasn't produced films. You're a producer that hasn't produced.” There were so many things eating me alive and there was the moment when I said, “I am valuable merely by existing, merely by being and I'm just going to take this — whatever is around me — and I'll start valuing people that way, not because of how entertaining I may be or how much I've produced.” We're in a world of like productivity, productivity, productivity, but maybe just the experience of trying to be a better person — that is valuable. So when it came to the numbers and everything, it's completely shocking. I always say I'm still processing it. I think it's gonna take me another 10 million years to process it. But it's beautiful. It's beautiful. The show is called The Digital Sisterhood and I'm glad you're getting people together in person. What's that like? It's phenomenal. It's life transforming. It's one of the most warming experiences to just be in a space where so many people feel love, have healed in some capacity by the work that you do, the work that you are honored to and selected to be a custodian of. There's so many people that are part of the team. Beautiful Light Studios is precious to my heart and The Digital Sisterhood team as well is doing so well and bringing people together. Taking the Sisterhood from digital to physical is just — I don't even know how to put into words. It was a phenomenal event. That was just put together with collaboration in the UK. First time I went to the UK with a modest vision, but it was just so phenomenal. It keeps reiterating to me: We're all just human beings trying to survive life. and let's do it without judgement.

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Patti's Granola (Season 5 Episode 8)

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2023 19:57

I enjoy granola, whether it's homemade by my friend Chaz or purchased at Kowalskis Market, like Patti's Granola and Nuts, which I featured on this week's Makers of Minnesota Podcast.Stephanie's Dish Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stephaniehansen.substack.com/subscribe

nuts makers chaz granola minnesota podcast

Patti's Granola (Season 5 Episode 8)

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2023 19:57

I enjoy granola, whether it's homemade by my friend Chaz or purchased at Kowalskis Market, like Patti's Granola and Nuts, which I featured on this week's Makers of Minnesota Podcast.Stephanie's Dish Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stephaniehansen.substack.com/subscribe

nuts makers chaz granola minnesota podcast

Episode 49: Sylvie Bigar & Morgan Baum

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2023 25:04

In Cassoulet Confessions, Sylvie travels across the Atlantic from her home in New York to the origin of cassoulet – the Occitanie region of Southern France. There she immerses herself in all things cassoulet: the quintessential historic meat and bean stew. From her first spoonful of cassoulet, Sylvie Bigar is transported back to her dramatic childhood in Geneva Switzerland. Not only did she discover the deeper meaning of her ancestral French Cuisine but she found the family stew that saved her soul. Sylvie takes us on a journey of Cassoulet with words and recipes.Morgan Baum, from the gallery and pottery studio of Clay Coyote in Hutchinson, Minnesota, partnered with Sylvie to make her the perfect cassole. Listen to the Makers of Minnesota Podcast episode about her cookery from season 4 here. Together they will share their story at Alliance Francais with a conversation moderated Panel discussion with Sylvie Bigar, Vincent Francoual, and Morgan Baum.Moderator Lynne Rossetto KasperCassoulet tasting- made by Chef Raymond Espuche!Ticket price: $60 - price includes entrance fee, Sylvie Bigar's book, and cassoulet tasting Tickets are $60 and can be had by calling 612-332-0436 or here Monday, February 27thStephanie's Dish Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.*Contains Affiliate links Get full access to Stephanie's Dish Newsletter at stephaniehansen.substack.com/subscribe

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Episode 49: Sylvie Bigar & Morgan Baum

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2023 25:04

In Cassoulet Confessions, Sylvie travels across the Atlantic from her home in New York to the origin of cassoulet – the Occitanie region of Southern France. There she immerses herself in all things cassoulet: the quintessential historic meat and bean stew. From her first spoonful of cassoulet, Sylvie Bigar is transported back to her dramatic childhood in Geneva Switzerland. Not only did she discover the deeper meaning of her ancestral French Cuisine but she found the family stew that saved her soul. Sylvie takes us on a journey of Cassoulet with words and recipes.Morgan Baum, from the gallery and pottery studio of Clay Coyote in Hutchinson, Minnesota, partnered with Sylvie to make her the perfect cassole. Listen to the Makers of Minnesota Podcast episode about her cookery from season 4 here. Together they will share their story at Alliance Francais with a conversation moderated Panel discussion with Sylvie Bigar, Vincent Francoual, and Morgan Baum.Moderator Lynne Rossetto KasperCassoulet tasting- made by Chef Raymond Espuche!Ticket price: $60 - price includes entrance fee, Sylvie Bigar's book, and cassoulet tasting Tickets are $60 and can be had by calling 612-332-0436 or here Monday, February 27thStephanie's Dish Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.*Contains Affiliate links Get full access to Stephanie's Dish Newsletter at stephaniehansen.substack.com/subscribe

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Willa's Oat Milk (Season 5 Episode 4)

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2023 32:05

A message from Stephanie about the Makers of Minnesota Podcast. Please upgrade your subscription to the paid version ($5 a month or $50 for the year) to get future Makers of Minnesota podcast video episodes along with your free audio file. Stephanie's Dish Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Willa's Oat Milks has a simple mission: to create oat milk that tastes as good as it is good for you and Mother Earth. The company prides itself on the taste of its products and the sustainability of its zero-waste packaging. Willa's is based in Minnesota, and what started as a plan to distribute to co-working environments was upended when Covid hit. It was a happy accident as they retooled their marketing strategy and distribution.Find Willa's at your favorite co-ops and these locations and consider the health benefits of Oat Milk by adding it to coffee, traditionally cream-based soups, or these muffins. Find other recipe ideas for Willa's here.HEARTY BANANA NUT MUFFINSIngredients* 2 cups oat flour, gluten-free flour, or almond flour* 2 tsp. baking powder* 1 tsp. cinnamon* 1/2 tsp. baking soda* 1/2 tsp. nutmeg* 1/4 tsp. salt* 2-3 ripe bananas* 1 cup brown sugar, packed* 1/3 cup Willa's Oat Milk* 2 eggs or your egg substitute of choice* 4 tbsp. butter or vegan butter, unsalted and melted* 1.5 tsp. vanilla extract* 1/2 cup chopped walnuts* 1/4 tsp. cinnamonInstructions Here…Stephanie's Dish Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stephaniehansen.substack.com/subscribe

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Willa's Oat Milk (Season 5 Episode 4)

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2023 32:05

A message from Stephanie about the Makers of Minnesota Podcast. Please upgrade your subscription to the paid version ($5 a month or $50 for the year) to get future Makers of Minnesota podcast video episodes along with your free audio file. Stephanie's Dish Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Willa's Oat Milks has a simple mission: to create oat milk that tastes as good as it is good for you and Mother Earth. The company prides itself on the taste of its products and the sustainability of its zero-waste packaging. Willa's is based in Minnesota, and what started as a plan to distribute to co-working environments was upended when Covid hit. It was a happy accident as they retooled their marketing strategy and distribution.Find Willa's at your favorite co-ops and these locations and consider the health benefits of Oat Milk by adding it to coffee, traditionally cream-based soups, or these muffins. Find other recipe ideas for Willa's here.HEARTY BANANA NUT MUFFINSIngredients* 2 cups oat flour, gluten-free flour, or almond flour* 2 tsp. baking powder* 1 tsp. cinnamon* 1/2 tsp. baking soda* 1/2 tsp. nutmeg* 1/4 tsp. salt* 2-3 ripe bananas* 1 cup brown sugar, packed* 1/3 cup Willa's Oat Milk* 2 eggs or your egg substitute of choice* 4 tbsp. butter or vegan butter, unsalted and melted* 1.5 tsp. vanilla extract* 1/2 cup chopped walnuts* 1/4 tsp. cinnamonInstructions Here…Stephanie's Dish Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stephaniehansen.substack.com/subscribe

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#113 - One of us did The Vasectomy Challenge

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2023 120:01

This podcast has covered absolutely everything without fear and with courageous humor. It takes a real set of (decorative) balls to say and do some of the things we have over the years, and damnit, when we say it is time to start telling jokes to your doctor during your vasectomy, we mean it! Stick around for this extended version and find out everything you never wanted to know about the joys of a modern vasectomy (hint, your buddies are lying to you, we are your only true friends).But first, learn the conspiracy behind poisoned fish, how to NOT operate a fish house, how fat is too fat to go to Disney World, and as a special treat, a surprise game of "Pulling things from his Booty"Looking for trusted THC/CBD products? We ALL are... this Minnesota based company, Simply Crafted, has everything you could need! Use our coupon code to get 20% off and help support the show!Coupon Code: THEBIGPAIRhttps://www.simplycraftedcbd.com/?ref=TheBigPair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Support the show directly at:https://streamlabs.com/thebigpair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬-----Check these location to find more of The BIG Pair! -----▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Website▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Everything you need to know about The BIG Pair! ➤ https://www.thebigpair.com/▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Youtube▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Check out hilarious highlights from episodes here ➤ https://www.youtube.com/thebigpair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Discord▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Interact with The BIG Pair and the community ➤ https://discord.gg/nAmJD8w4dF▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Twitch▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Come by and interact live when they are live ➤ https://www.twitch.tv/thebigpair Support the show

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#109 - Andrew Tate Arrested & 2023 predictions!

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2023 111:29

Remember, if you need a calendar change to engage in self improvement, you have already lost the war, grab those chips and settle in...yes, both bags are just fine. Did Andrew Tate stage his arrest, will the world know if he did? Who really has small dick energy, and why doesn't Malc keep show notes? All this and more on this New Year, New Me (v 2.0) of TheBIGPair!Looking for trusted THC/CBD products? We ALL are... this Minnesota based company, Simply Crafted, has everything you could need! Use our coupon code to get 20% off and help support the show!Coupon Code: THEBIGPAIRhttps://www.simplycraftedcbd.com/?ref=TheBigPair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Support the show directly at:https://streamlabs.com/thebigpair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬-----Check these location to find more of The BIG Pair! -----▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Website▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Everything you need to know about The BIG Pair! ➤ https://www.thebigpair.com/▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Youtube▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Check out hilarious highlights from episodes here ➤ https://www.youtube.com/thebigpair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Discord▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Interact with The BIG Pair and the community ➤ https://discord.gg/nAmJD8w4dF▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Twitch▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Come by and interact live when they are live ➤ https://www.twitch.tv/themalcmanSupport the show

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#103 - Elon Musk Shuts Down Twitter & The Saddest Thanksgiving

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2022 100:11

Do you ever wonder if the world is just going to devolve into 2 separate species? Not even so much along the lines of a H.G. Wells book, but more along the lines of Idiocracy, but with the top 10% of IQ holders serving in the same capacity a farmer does for an outside dog? We go over the sad realities as they exist in our world, the collapsing human condition, and take a look at the failed reality that Twitter has become. Heavy doses of comedy, satire, and self-indictment abound. Looking for trusted THC/CBD products? We ALL are... this Minnesota based company, Simply Crafted, has everything you could need! Use our coupon code to get 20% off and help support the show!Coupon Code: THEBIGPAIRhttps://www.simplycraftedcbd.com/?ref=TheBigPair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Support the show directly at:https://streamlabs.com/thebigpair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬-----Check these location to find more of The BIG Pair! -----▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Website▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Everything you need to know about The BIG Pair! ➤ https://www.thebigpair.com/▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Youtube▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Check out hilarious highlights from episodes here ➤ https://www.youtube.com/thebigpair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Discord▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Interact with The BIG Pair and the community ➤ https://discord.gg/nAmJD8w4dF▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Twitch▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Come by and interact live when they are live ➤ https://www.twitch.tv/themalcmanSupport the show

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#101 - Elon Lets The "N" Word Soar to 500% on Twitter and Midterm Predictions

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2022 102:54

Join us this week as we take a look at the joys of Elon's efforts to Make Twitter Great Again, the rules of the struggle that is hunting on public land, and we stake our names and solemn honor on predictions for the 2022 midterm elections. Get it now while its hot and before the reality of the midterms is set in stone (no worries, it will take the DNC a few days to secure the steal) to ensure we dont edit this so we don't seem like fools.Looking for trusted THC/CBD products? We ALL are... this Minnesota based company, Simply Crafted, has everything you could need! Use our coupon code to get 20% off and help support the show!Coupon Code: THEBIGPAIRhttps://www.simplycraftedcbd.com/?ref=TheBigPair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Support the show directly at:https://streamlabs.com/thebigpair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬-----Check these location to find more of The BIG Pair! -----▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Website▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Everything you need to know about The BIG Pair! ➤ https://www.thebigpair.com/▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Youtube▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Check out hilarious highlights from episodes here ➤ https://www.youtube.com/thebigpair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Discord▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Interact with The BIG Pair and the community ➤ https://discord.gg/nAmJD8w4dF▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Twitch▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Come by and interact live when they are live ➤ https://www.twitch.tv/themalcmanSupport the show

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#100 - The Story of the Porn in the Backpack (The BIG Pair Origins)

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2022 154:03

This is an episode you don't want to miss, granted, you don't want to miss any of the others either, but if you had to miss one, this isn't that one.The foundation of a friendship that is tested vigorously during each and every episode is revealed during this counseling session that we are calling episode 100, as well as a deep dive into several fan favorite segments; Like a Rock and From His Booty.Viewer mail, dangerous Halloween candy, Malc does his impersonation of Prime Minister Trudeau (We are not Canadian, but those of you watching the video should get the reference), Booty reaches a level of drinking that leads to the revelation of way too many embarrassing personal stories, and we take a look back at both the past 99 issues, and revisit the best alternative for original name suggestions for this podcast. Join us as we celebrate episode 100 and all the pomp and circumcision that goes with it. If this is your first time stopping by here, check out all past episodes on your favorite podcast app, and all our socials at theBIGPair.comLooking for trusted THC/CBD products? We ALL are... this Minnesota based company, Simply Crafted, has everything you could need! Use our coupon code to get 20% off and help support the show!Coupon Code: THEBIGPAIRhttps://www.simplycraftedcbd.com/?ref=TheBigPair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Support the show directly at:https://streamlabs.com/thebigpair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬-----Check these platforms and other on our webpage to find more of The BIG Pair! -----▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Website▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Everything you need to know about The BIG Pair! ➤ https://www.thebigpair.com/▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Discord▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Interactive offline community here! ➤ https://discord.gg/nAmJD8w4dF▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Twitch▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Come by and interact live when they are live ➤ https://www.twitch.tv/themalcmanSupport the show

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#99 - Is Kanye Finally getting Cancelled? & Ethan Klein Holocaust Comments

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2022 89:59

Oh baby, the foreplay is about to end and we finally bust our BIG Pair through to triple digits!But before we get to that, make sure to get in on the best episode yet where we deep dive into all the joys of Kanye West, Ethan Klein, and Malcolm single handily saves Infowars.com with the smartest tax advice Alex Jones will hear all year long. Take a look behind the curtain to see the truth behind the poor quality of American education and its connection to the increased censorship we see all around us. Finally, in a shocking revelation...Booty admits he may be a conspiracy theorists. If you can believe it.If this is your first time stopping by here, check out all past episodes on your favorite podcast app, and all our socials at theBIGPair.comLooking for trusted THC/CBD products? We ALL are... this Minnesota based company, Simply Crafted, has everything you could need! Use our coupon code to get 20% off and help support the show!Coupon Code: THEBIGPAIRhttps://www.simplycraftedcbd.com/?ref=TheBigPair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Support the show directly at:https://streamlabs.com/thebigpair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬-----Check these platforms and other on our webpage to find more of The BIG Pair! -----▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Website▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Everything you need to know about The BIG Pair! ➤ https://www.thebigpair.com/▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Discord▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Interactive offline community here! ➤ https://discord.gg/nAmJD8w4dF▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Twitch▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Come by and interact live when they are live ➤ https://www.twitch.tv/themalcmanSupport the show

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#98 - Biden Pardons Weed Offenders & The BIG Pair Argue Free Speech... Again...

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2022 92:03

Your government is lying to you and it never puts your best interests first! Wait, should we be allowed to talk like that? Is it safe, is it reasonable? At what point should the government decide what we can and cannot say, should there be any regulation, and what does it look like as time passes should that regulation take hold? We explore LGBTQ bills as presented in Virginia, the ongoing public debate around Kanye West, Trump and Alex Jones, and make best on honoring the title of this episode... Subscribe and download right now before we run afoul of the regulation we talk about, and looking at this becomes a thought crime!If this is your first time stopping by here, check out all past episodes on your favorite podcast app, and all our socials at theBIGPair.comLooking for trusted THC/CBD products? We ALL are... this Minnesota based company, Simply Crafted, has everything you could need! Use our coupon code to get 20% off and help support the show!Coupon Code: THEBIGPAIRhttps://www.simplycraftedcbd.com/?ref=TheBigPair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Support the show directly at:https://streamlabs.com/thebigpair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬-----Check these platforms and other on our webpage to find more of The BIG Pair! -----▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Website▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Everything you need to know about The BIG Pair! ➤ https://www.thebigpair.com/▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Discord▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Interactive offline community here! ➤ https://discord.gg/nAmJD8w4dF▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Twitch▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Come by and interact live when they are live ➤ https://www.twitch.tv/themalcmanSupport the show

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#97 - Elon Forced to Buy Twitter Because...

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2022 81:07

Download this one now, because you might not have time once the nukes get to flying around. This episodes kicks off with a deep dive into the realities of absolute freedom of speech versus whatever the system we have now is called. Finally, we take a close look on the importance of using a moderate amount of intelligence when attempting to cheat at a fishing contest versus outright stuffing of the fish with bowling balls.If this is your first time stopping by here, check out all past episodes on your favorite podcast app, and all our socials at theBIGPair.comLooking for trusted THC/CBD products? We ALL are... this Minnesota based company, Simply Crafted, has everything you could need! Use our coupon code to get 20% off and help support the show!Coupon Code: THEBIGPAIRhttps://www.simplycraftedcbd.com/?ref=TheBigPair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Support the show directly at:https://streamlabs.com/thebigpair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬-----Check these platforms and other on our webpage to find more of The BIG Pair! -----▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Website▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Everything you need to know about The BIG Pair! ➤ https://www.thebigpair.com/▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Discord▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Interactive offline community here! ➤ https://discord.gg/nAmJD8w4dF▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Twitch▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Come by and interact live when they are live ➤ https://www.twitch.tv/themalcmanSupport the show

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#96 - Hurricane of Equity & HollyWood Hunks BJ List

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2022 100:20

This episode has a little something for everything, but the first thing you must do is download and subscribe right away! Now that the hard work is out of the way, join us as we dig into the issues of biological women being pushed out of their own locker room for daring to offend a trans woman that decided she wants to play volleyball too, we delve in to EXACTLY what "Equity" is (hint, it is not what you think, not even close), and a list of folks in Hollywood that Malc, well....you can read the title.If this is your first time stopping by here, check out all past episodes on your favorite podcast app, and all our socials at theBIGPair.comLooking for trusted THC/CBD products? We ALL are... this Minnesota based company, Simply Crafted, has everything you could need! Use our coupon code to get 20% off and help support the show!Coupon Code: THEBIGPAIRhttps://www.simplycraftedcbd.com/?ref=TheBigPair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Support the show directly at:https://streamlabs.com/thebigpair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬-----Check these platforms and other on our webpage to find more of The BIG Pair! -----▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Website▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Everything you need to know about The BIG Pair! ➤ https://www.thebigpair.com/▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Discord▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Interactive offline community here! ➤ https://discord.gg/nAmJD8w4dF▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Twitch▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Come by and interact live when they are live ➤ https://www.twitch.tv/themalcmanSupport the show

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#95 - Imminent World War 3 & Twitch Bans Gambling

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2022 98:45

You have the easiest choice of your busy day, and of course, it is best to download this episode right now, literally in the middle of reading this sentence, as opposed to your other choice of waiting until you have read the description.Today, we are faced with a great challenge. One that will require global cooperation and reliance on shared resources. What I'm talking is clearly none other than the Nyquil Chicken challenge. As we cover this challenge, the biggest problem we see across the spectrum is the lack of quality cookware, so we must urge all of you, if you choose to cook chicken in cold medicine, please choose a proper pan, or consider a crookpot nyquil chicken challenge. New in the world this week is the continued threat of global annihilation. We review this threat alongside the likely outcomes should a battlefield nuclear device be deployed in the Ukraine conflict, as well placement of responsibility for kids gambling away their lunch money (and parents mortgage payment) on Twitch. A reflection on the clear failure of the defund the police movement, and other creative ways white folks can trade their white guilt for failed policies. Finally, if you haven't checked your local Craigslist used DVD listings, you might want to, some interesting people you can learn more about on this episode of TheBIGPair Podcast!Looking for trusted THC/CBD products? We ALL are... this Minnesota based company, Simply Crafted, has everything you could need! Use our coupon code to get 20% off and help support the show!Coupon Code: THEBIGPAIRhttps://www.simplycraftedcbd.com/?ref=TheBigPair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Support the show directly at:https://streamlabs.com/thebigpair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬-----Check these platforms and other on our webpage to find more of The BIG Pair! -----▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Website▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Everything you need to know about The BIG Pair! ➤ https://www.thebigpair.com/▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Discord▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Interactive offline community here! ➤ https://discord.gg/nAmJD8w4dF▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Twitch▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Come by and interact live when they are live ➤ https://www.twitch.tv/themalcmanSupport the show

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#94 - It's Not About a Black Little Mermaid...

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2022 75:01

WWG1WGA...If you know what that means, you should download this right away, if you don't know what that means, you should download this episode anyway and find out. This week we delve briefly into the resurrection of the Qanon choose-your-own-adventure, solve the problems of the US education system, and examine the crazy beliefs of your average 50 year old woman in America today. But first, do you hate debating where to spend the 3 minutes a day you spend not furiously looking up the latest Maitland Ward click bait article to actually commit to a single new story and call yourself well read? We do too, so this week we bring to you, dear listeners, the biggest set of tits you have seen on a man teaching shop class, the global crisis of the Little Mermaid being black, and the open admission of collaboration between the Biden Administration and social media companies.Looking for trusted THC/CBD products? We ALL are... this Minnesota based company, Simply Crafted, has everything you could need! Use our coupon code to get 20% off and help support the show!Coupon Code: THEBIGPAIRhttps://www.simplycraftedcbd.com/?ref=TheBigPair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Support the show directly at:https://streamlabs.com/thebigpair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬-----Check these platforms and other on our webpage to find more of The BIG Pair! -----▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Website▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Everything you need to know about The BIG Pair! ➤ https://www.thebigpair.com/▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Discord▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Interactive offline community here! ➤ https://discord.gg/nAmJD8w4dF▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Twitch▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Come by and interact live when they are live ➤ https://www.twitch.tv/themalcmanSupport the show

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#93 - Pod Save The Queen

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2022 84:26

If you miss this episode, man, I don't even know if we can be friends. This is an important episode, after all, how often does a Queen that has ruled for 70 years die that YOU get to hear about on TheBIGPair? More importantly than a dead Queen, if you are in the market to buy a house, there is zero reason to not buy one from Malcolm, each home comes with a little something extra, just a special reward for you, the buyer. Find out all this and more on this weeks episode of The BIG Pair!Looking for trusted THC/CBD products? We ALL are... this Minnesota based company, Simply Crafted, has everything you could need! Use our coupon code to get 20% off and help support the show!Coupon Code: THEBIGPAIRhttps://www.simplycraftedcbd.com/?ref=TheBigPair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Support the show directly at:https://streamlabs.com/thebigpair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬-----Check these platforms and other on our webpage to find more of The BIG Pair! -----▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Website▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Everything you need to know about The BIG Pair! ➤ https://www.thebigpair.com/▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Discord▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Interactive offline community here! ➤ https://discord.gg/nAmJD8w4dF▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Twitch▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Come by and interact live when they are live ➤ https://www.twitch.tv/themalcmanSupport the show

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#92 - Canadian Call Signs & Malcolm in the Outdoors

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2022 92:41

If you are no where, and lack a point of reference as to where you are, can you ever really be sure you are in the middle of it? Have any of you amateurs at home ever though that you could do a better job at the awkward intros we do every week? Well, find out for yourself when some complete rookies, powered only by handles of Ron, give it a shot this week on the BIG Pair!There are evil forces at work in the world this week, from robot dogs destroying competing electronics, to your fridge telling you that you are fat enough today and it won't be opening any more till you go jogging, there is a brave new world in front of us.Join us in our great debate with Air Marshall Dennis "Dick Lips" Levinski over what will tolerated as a call sign in Canada, and what might hurt a feeling.Looking for trusted THC/CBD products? We ALL are... this Minnesota based company, Simply Crafted, has everything you could need! Use our coupon code to get 20% off and help support the show!Coupon Code: THEBIGPAIRhttps://www.simplycraftedcbd.com/?ref=TheBigPair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Support the show directly at:https://streamlabs.com/thebigpair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬-----Check these platforms and other on our webpage to find more of The BIG Pair! -----▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Website▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Everything you need to know about The BIG Pair! ➤ https://www.thebigpair.com/▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Discord▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Interactive offline community here! ➤ https://discord.gg/nAmJD8w4dF▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Twitch▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Come by and interact live when they are live ➤ https://www.twitch.tv/themalcmanSupport the show

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#91 - Biden 10k Student Loan Forgiveness Breakdown

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2022 90:55

Have you ever given someone $10,000 and had them tell you it was a bad idea? If so, you should be Malc's president, as your cognitive skills are likely a much needed attribute that is currently lacking. Join us for absolutely honest and unabashed debate and opinion on the 10k student loan forgiveness, Booty's prediction for what the future holds for Trump, and a nice oral description of what goes on for the single fan at the Oakland A's games...All this and more on Episode 91!Looking for trusted THC/CBD products? We ALL are... this Minnesota based company, Simply Crafted, has everything you could need! Use our coupon code to get 20% off and help support the show!Coupon Code: THEBIGPAIRhttps://www.simplycraftedcbd.com/?ref=TheBigPair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Support the show directly at:https://streamlabs.com/thebigpair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬-----Check these platforms and other on our webpage to find more of The BIG Pair! -----▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Website▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Everything you need to know about The BIG Pair! ➤ https://www.thebigpair.com/▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Discord▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Interactive offline community here! ➤ https://discord.gg/nAmJD8w4dF▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Twitch▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Come by and interact live when they are live ➤ https://www.twitch.tv/themalcmanSupport the show

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#90 - Malc's Hollywood Hunk BJ List & The FBI Cuts Booty's Power

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2022 79:49

The forever war against the BIG Pair podcast continues by the elements of the deep state that are aligned against Trump, Booty, and freedom lovers the world over! Well, either that or Booty forgot to pay his power bill for a second straight week. Malc goes so deep in the closet he is bumping into Christmas ornaments, and the best ever version of Hot or Not: Politics this week on TheBIGPair!If you have ever wondered which Hollywood male leads Malcolm would take in the mouth? I know I sure have been, fun fact, his list is shockingly shorter than I thought it would be. Malc and Booty share their win of the week, discussion ensues regarding the warrants of Mar-A-Lago, and the great plan to forgive student loans is interrupted by the deep state again. Download this episode right away, and tune in next week to find the thrilling conclusion to the truth behind student loan debt.Looking for trusted THC/CBD products? We ALL are... this Minnesota based company, Simply Crafted, has everything you could need! Use our coupon code to get 20% off and help support the show!Coupon Code: THEBIGPAIRhttps://www.simplycraftedcbd.com/?ref=TheBigPair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Support the show directly at:https://streamlabs.com/thebigpair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬-----Check these platforms and other on our webpage to find more of The BIG Pair! -----▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Website▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Everything you need to know about The BIG Pair! ➤ https://www.thebigpair.com/▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Discord▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Interactive offline community here! ➤ https://discord.gg/nAmJD8w4dF▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Twitch▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Come by and interact live when they are live ➤ https://www.twitch.tv/themalcmanSupport the show

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#89 - Trump & Booty Raided by the FBI!

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2022 97:06

Will Trump make it, will Booty? Will the T-Rextion? Does the world really want to know? What happens in an episode where Malcom is left without the clear host of the show and needs to shoulder the burden on his own is a great mystery to all, especially the individual tasked with doing these episode write ups! Bonus content available towards the end of the episode, with special surprise guest. If you are debating whether or not to download this episode, right now is the right time to download it, this description is likely to change after the episode has actually been listened to by the person who writes these, which is probably, maybe, not Booty. If you are still thinking about this, the time to act is now! download this episode, think for yourselves, and reclaim the freedom we all deserve. Looking for trusted THC/CBD products? We ALL are... this Minnesota based company, Simply Crafted, has everything you could need! Use our coupon code to get 20% off and help support the show!Coupon Code: THEBIGPAIRhttps://www.simplycraftedcbd.com/?ref=TheBigPair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Support the show directly at:https://streamlabs.com/thebigpair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬-----Check these platforms and other on our webpage to find more of The BIG Pair! -----▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Website▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Everything you need to know about The BIG Pair! ➤ https://www.thebigpair.com/▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Discord▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Interactive offline community here! ➤ https://discord.gg/nAmJD8w4dF▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Twitch▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Come by and interact live when they are live ➤ https://www.twitch.tv/themalcmanSupport the show

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Tony Liebert previews the Gophers Football Season

GopherHole Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2022 24:32

Tony Liebert sits down with Nadine Babu after Gopher football practice to talk about the upcoming season.

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#88 - Alex Jones Pays & Your Local County Fair

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2022 83:03

Do you like free speech? Nobody else does either...why not just sue someone when they say something you don't like? Wait, you don't think its right to sue people because they said bad words? Good, then you are at the right place for some common sense, conversation, and facts about the Alex Jones and the Sandy Hook situation. Above and beyond all that, find a new reason to avoid your county fair like the open air Shopko that it actually is (*Midwestern reference, if you don't know what a Shopko is, we still want you here).Looking for trusted THC/CBD products? We ALL are... this Minnesota based company, Simply Crafted, has everything you could need! Use our coupon code to get 20% off and help support the show!Coupon Code: THEBIGPAIRhttps://www.simplycraftedcbd.com/?ref=TheBigPair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Support the show directly at:https://streamlabs.com/thebigpair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬-----Check these platforms and other on our webpage to find more of The BIG Pair! -----▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Website▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Everything you need to know about The BIG Pair! ➤ https://www.thebigpair.com/▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Discord▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Interactive offline community here! ➤ https://discord.gg/nAmJD8w4dF▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Twitch▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Come by and interact live when they are live ➤ https://www.twitch.tv/themalcmanSupport the show

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#87 - Navy Drag Show & The Official Recession

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2022 86:42

Imagine MacArthur looking over the bow of the Missouri, having just ended WWII, and demanding all the troops appear on deck for a nice drag queen dance show about inclusion....Having a hard time? Us too! Join us this week as we tear into the new naval tradition of mandatory drag shows, the truth behind the trans-economy, and the unveiling of a BIG pair of announcements.Looking for trusted THC/CBD products? We ALL are... this Minnesota based company, Simply Crafted, has everything you could need! Use our coupon code to get 20% off and help support the show!Coupon Code: THEBIGPAIRhttps://www.simplycraftedcbd.com/?ref=TheBigPair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Support the show directly at:https://streamlabs.com/thebigpair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬-----Check these platforms and other on our webpage to find more of The BIG Pair! -----▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Website▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Everything you need to know about The BIG Pair! ➤ https://www.thebigpair.com/▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Discord▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Interactive offline community here! ➤ https://discord.gg/nAmJD8w4dF▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Twitch▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Come by and interact live when they are live ➤ https://www.twitch.tv/themalcmanSupport the show

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#86 - Biden Covid Truth & Chappelle Banned From 1st Avenue

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2022 82:20

A goofy thing happened this episode...Malc made points to such a degree that it may have converted Booty to his way of thinking, indeed a historical milestone for the podcast. Download this highly topical episode, get a full helping of Rogan discussing killing homeless people, the Dave Chapelle cancellation tour continues, Jen Psaki is the hottest press secretary in the last 2 years, and get your full audio helping of Nancy Pelosi's tits - You will regret it, we promise you!Support the show :https://streamlabs.com/thebigpair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Website▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Everything you need to know about The BIG Pair! ➤ https://www.thebigpair.com/▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Discord▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Interactive offline community here! ➤ https://discord.gg/nAmJD8w4dF▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Twitch▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Come by and interact live when they are live ➤ https://www.twitch.tv/themalcman▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Facebook▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Interact with The BIG Pair and the community ➤ https://www.facebook.com/TheBIGPair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Rumble▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Come by and interact live when they are live ➤ https://rumble.com/c/c-869037Support the show

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#85 - Boomers Blaming Millennials

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2022 84:56

Don't you love to be blamed for the greed of boomers, working to suck the system dry of every last penny? If you do, you will love this episode...if you don't, you will love this episode as well. In a rant-heavy treat of an episode you get the quality bitching you have come to expect without any of the news you need! Download it today!Support the show here:https://streamlabs.com/thebigpair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Website▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Everything you need to know about The BIG Pair! ➤ https://www.thebigpair.com/▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Discord▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Interactive offline community here! ➤ https://discord.gg/nAmJD8w4dF▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Twitch▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Come by and interact live when they are live ➤ https://www.twitch.tv/themalcman▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Facebook▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Interact with The BIG Pair and the community ➤ https://www.facebook.com/TheBIGPair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Rumble▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Come by and interact live when they are live ➤ https://rumble.com/c/c-869037Support the show

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#82 - Trailer Park Trolling & Lawyer Power Moves

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2022 85:52

How often do you find yourself daydream about how life really is for the BIG Pair in their daily adventures? Does Malc really not own any shirts with sleeves, is the whole V-Neck thing a joke with Booty...are they serious about making this into something? Find out all that and MORE on this weeks episode. Take a nice behind the scenes look at how we live our lives, what we do with our free time, and which one of us has a fake beard outside of the show (hint: you are using the wrong meaning of the word beard, except you...you understood it). Malc talks about selling his house and Booty shows him the joy of being surrounded with his own people in the worlds most scenic trailer park, Learn the secrets of how to impart power moves on your lawyer, and the best reason to marry women that know how to throw a punch.Download it now and grow a pair!Support the show (https://streamlabs.com/themalcman/tip)▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Website▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Everything you need to know about The BIG Pair!➤ https://www.thebigpair.com/▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Youtube▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Check out some sketches & highlights➤ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCno49HqpL3fl-UZdeC3bsaA▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Discord▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Interactive offline community here!➤ https://discord.gg/nAmJD8w4dF▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Twitch▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Come by and interact live when they are live➤ https://www.twitch.tv/thebigpair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Facebook▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Check out some sketches & highlights➤ https://www.facebook.com/TheBIGPair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Twitter▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Check out our Cancellable Tweets here➤ https://twitter.com/TheBigPairPodSupport the show

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#75 - Our Love Language, Chappelle Attacked, & Roe V Wade Overturned

Minnesota Vikings - Wobcast

Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2022 89:06

You want to show your love for the Big Pair right? Download this right away, find out how to be a tender lover to Booty, how to not tackle Chappelle, and join the shocked outrage over women's right by a group that cannot decide what exactly a woman is.Join TheBIGPair as we embark on a journey of self discovery down the wire coat hanger aisle in an attempt to, once again, solve all the problems of the world through frank discussion. Support the show (https://streamlabs.com/themalcman/tip)▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Website▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Everything you need to know about The BIG Pair!➤ https://www.thebigpair.com/▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Youtube▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Check out some sketches & highlights➤ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCno49HqpL3fl-UZdeC3bsaA▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Discord▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Interactive offline community here!➤ https://discord.gg/nAmJD8w4dF▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Twitch▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Come by and interact live when they are live➤ https://www.twitch.tv/themalcman▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Facebook▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Check out some sketches & highlights➤ https://www.facebook.com/TheBIGPair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Twitter▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Check out some sketches & highlights➤ https://twitter.com/TheBigPairPod▬▬▬▬▬▬▬TikTok▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Check out some sketches & highlights➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@themalcman?la...▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Instagram▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Check out some sketches & highlights➤ https://www.instagram.com/themalcmanSupport the show

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MVP: ESPN's Jordan Reid Joins To Talk About Vikings Combine Needs | Episode 133

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2022 28:00

Viking Entertainment Network's Gabe Henderson meets up with an old friend, ESPN's Jordan Reid, to talk about the purpose of the NFL Combine, what the Vikings can use the event for during their evaluation process and which positions Jordan feels the Vikings can focus on in the 1st Round of the Draft. Tatum Everett and Producer Jay Nelson discuss the Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O'Connell press conferences, as well as the hot Viking talkers coming out of the Combine this week. All of this and more is on Episode 133 of the Minnesota Podcast.

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MVP: ESPN's Jordan Reid Joins To Talk About Vikings Combine Needs | Episode 133

Minnesota Vikings Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2022 28:00

Viking Entertainment Network's Gabe Henderson meets up with an old friend, ESPN's Jordan Reid, to talk about the purpose of the NFL Combine, what the Vikings can use the event for during their evaluation process and which positions Jordan feels the Vikings can focus on in the 1st Round of the Draft. Tatum Everett and Producer Jay Nelson discuss the Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O'Connell press conferences, as well as the hot Viking talkers coming out of the Combine this week. All of this and more is on Episode 133 of the Minnesota Podcast.

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MVP: ESPN's Jordan Reid Joins To Talk About Vikings Combine Needs | Episode 133

Minnesota Vikings - Wobcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2022 28:02

Viking Entertainment Network's Gabe Henderson meets up with an old friend, ESPN's Jordan Reid, to talk about the purpose of the NFL Combine, what the Vikings can use the event for during their evaluation process and which positions Jordan feels the Vikings can focus on in the 1st Round of the Draft. Tatum Everett and Producer Jay Nelson discuss the Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O'Connell press conferences, as well as the hot Viking talkers coming out of the Combine this week. All of this and more is on Episode 133 of the Minnesota Podcast.

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#62 - Would You Pay to End Racism?

This, That, and the Other Thing

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2022 84:06

The BIG Pair launch into the best solution they have come up with since free pickups in exchange for passive eugenics. Hold on to your seats and pony up your subscription fees, The BIG Pair actually wind up with a viable solution to end Racism, Affirmative Action, Cancel Culture, and MORE!Support the show (https://streamlabs.com/themalcman/tip)▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Website▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Everything you need to know about The BIG Pair!➤ https://www.thebigpair.com/▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Youtube▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Check out some sketches & highlights➤ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCno49HqpL3fl-UZdeC3bsaA▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Discord▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Interactive offline community here!➤ https://discord.gg/nAmJD8w4dF▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Twitch▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Come by and interact live when they are live➤ https://www.twitch.tv/themalcman▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Facebook▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Check out some sketches & highlights➤ https://www.facebook.com/TheBIGPair▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Twitter▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Check out some sketches & highlights➤ https://twitter.com/TheBigPairPod▬▬▬▬▬▬▬TikTok▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Check out some sketches & highlights➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@themalcman?la...▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Instagram▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Check out some sketches & highlights➤ https://www.instagram.com/themalcmanSupport the show (https://streamlabs.com/themalcman/tip)

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Spooky Minnesota Podcast (Trailer)

Spooky Minnesota Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2021 0:54

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mitchell-armstrong-grundy/support

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This, That, and Koo Koo Kanga Roo

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2021 61:24

Whoopty whoop!! This episode Danielle and Stephanie welcome the musical duo [and fellow bestest friends] Bryan and Neil of Koo Koo Kanga Roo! They chat about the guys home state of Minnesota, the history of the band, and how they come up with those monster moves to help get yo body movin'. Listen in as they discuss everything from superheroes, food unfavorites, upcoming tours and much more. So get yourself an ice cold lemonade and enjoy this super fun episode!Find Koo Koo Kanga Roo here:IG: @kookookangarooTwitter: @kookookangarooWebsite: KooKooKangaRoo.comPodcast: Banter BuddiesNew album, Slow Clap, available now!!Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

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S.S. Minnesota Podcast (Pilot) - WCCO Hates PJ Fleck

S.S. Minnesota

Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2021 57:18

Stephen Strom and Eric Strack launch their new podcast, S.S. Minnesota, under the minnesotasportsfan.com umbrella!Today's topics:- WCCO hit piece on PJ Fleck- Twins season over?- No Deal for ARod- Wild playoff run- Random MN player

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#2 Frank Pennachio -Minnesota Made Podcast

Minnesota Made Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2021 26:36

In this episode of the Made in Minnesota Podcast, our host Jason Webb sits down with Frank Pennachio. The guys discuss risk management for clients, the importance of mentors and more!

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GopherHole Podcast 106 - Gophers Guru Daniel House breaks down Spring Ball

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2021 47:13

Gophers guru Daniel House spoke with GopherHole's Nadine Babu about all things Gopher football. Strengths, weaknesses, the unknown...he covers it all!

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Gophers Guru Daniel House breaks down Spring Ball

GopherHole Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2021 47:13

Gophers guru Daniel House spoke with GopherHole’s Nadine Babu about all things Gopher football. Strengths, weaknesses, the unknown...he covers it all!

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GopherHole Podcast 105 - Kendal Shell weighs in on the Ben Johnson hire

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2021 35:31

Nadine and Kendal talked about the Ben Johnson hire, and what many don't know about him.

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GopherHole Podcast 104 - Kendal Shell on the (likely) Gophers Search

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2021 56:11

Kendal Shell breaks down 10+ possible Gophers Coaching options with Nadine Babu. Spoiler....there are a lot of good choices. Supported by Aquarius Home Services (https://aquariushomeservices.com/)

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GopherHole Podcast 103 - Abe Woldeslassie on searching and mentoring in college basketball

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2021 48:09

On the latest GopherHole podcast, Macalester College Head Coach Abe Woldeslassie talked to Nadine Babu about searching and mentoring in college basketball. Supported by Aquarius Home Services (https://aquariushomeservices.com/)

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GopherHole Podcast 102 - Al Nolen doing big things off the court

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2021 41:02

Al Nolen has started a foundation to help higher-risk youth on their journey to overcome emotional trauma, social isolation, and economic hardships. Doing bigger things off the court than he even did on the court!Supported by Manscaped (https://www.manscaped.com/ – Use Promo Code “GOPHERHOLE” for 20% off and FREE shipping) & Aquarius Home Services (https://aquariushomeservices.com/)

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GopherHole Podcast 101 - Shannon Brooks, Suicide Survivor and the impact he's making

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2021 43:39

Former Gophers running back, Shannon Brooks, talked to Nadine Babu about his organization, Suicide Survivor & how he's letting people know that they matter. Supported by Manscaped (https://www.manscaped.com/) – Use Promo Code “GOPHERHOLE” for 20% off and FREE shipping!

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GopherHole Podcast 100 - Legendary Gopher Blake Hoffarber on GopherHole's 100th episode

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2021 47:32

Gopher favorite, Blake Hoffarber joined Nadine Babu on the podcast to talk about his playing days, life after being a Gopher...and how often he gets asked about "The Shot." Supported by Manscaped (https://www.manscaped.com/) – Use Promo Code “GOPHERHOLE” for 20% off and FREE shipping!

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GopherHole Podcast 99 - Scott Dochterman previews the battle for Floyd

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2020 39:41

Scott Dochterman joined GopherHole's Nadine Babu to talk about the battle for Floyd, Iowa's off season issues, and how COVID is impacting college football. Thanks to State Farm Agent Tony Hoaglund (https://www.champlininsurance.com)(The Vendetta by Stefan Kartenberg (c) copyright 2018 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/JeffSpeed68/58628 Ft: Apoxode)

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GopherHole Podcast 98 - Thomas Barber, Gopher Royalty

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2020 30:45

The Barber Family is known as royalty in the Gopher family. Thomas joins Nadine Babu to talk about Gameday, his playing days, what players will have a breakout year, and life after graduating. Thanks to State Farm Agent Tony Hoaglund (https://champlininsurance.com/)

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GopherHole Podcast 97 - Darrell Thompson on Sid, Gameday, Covid and Gopher Football

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2020 35:51

Gopher Legend, Darrell Thompson, joined GH's Nadine Babu for the podcast this week. He talked about another legend, Sid Hartman, and what it was like to be a player and media member with him, along with Gameday, the Gophers, and the recent cuts at the U. Thanks to State Farm Agent Tony Hoaglund (https://champlininsurance.com/)

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GopherHole Podcast 96 - Hassan Mead

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2020 30:15

Gophers track and field superstar talks about the importance of T&F, not only at the U, but for the community, state and country.https://www.facebook.com/groups/634286233941618/permalink/635088480528060/Thanks to State Farm Agent Tony Hoaglund (https://champlininsurance.com/) (The Vendetta by Stefan Kartenberg (c) copyright 2018 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/JeffSpeed68/58628 Ft: Apoxode)

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GopherHole Podcast 95 - The evolution of Jack Brewer

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2020 36:26

After speaking at the RNC many questions arose about Jack Brewer. Former employee and Gophers basketball manager Al Nennig talked to Nadine about his evolution. Thanks to State Farm Agent Tony Hoaglund (https://champlininsurance.com/) (The Vendetta by Stefan Kartenberg (c) copyright 2018 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/JeffSpeed68/58628 Ft: Apoxode)

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GopherHole Podcast 94 - Heather Rule on Covid, Covid, and more Covid affecting sports

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2020 41:39

Heather Rule sat down with Nadine Babu to talk about Rashod Bateman's departure & the likelihood of a Gophers season and how this pandemic is affecting all sports. (The Vendetta by Stefan Kartenberg (c) copyright 2018 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/JeffSpeed68/58628 Ft: Apoxode)

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GopherHole Podcast 93 - Andre Hollins goes from beloved Gopher to international hoops, to Carlson MBA (hopefully)

Barbershop Talk South Minnesota

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2020 47:31

Andre Hollins sat down with GopherHole's Nadine Babu to talk about his playing days, live overseas, being in a relationship with Rachel Banham, and his possible next steps... a grad assistant and Carlson MBA. (The Vendetta by Stefan Kartenberg (c) copyright 2018 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/JeffSpeed68/58628 Ft: Apoxode)

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Barbershop Talk South Minnesota Podcast- Times Are A Changing In District 26? Candidates Aleta Borrud and Randy Brock

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2020 75:54

Join us for the voice of the these two amazing candidates, Aleta Borrud and Randy Brock, as they speak to the their campaigns in District 26 and why you should vote for them.

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GopherHole Podcast 92 - Scott Dochterman breaks down why colleges MUST play football this year

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2020 44:43

The Athletic's Scott Dochterman joins Nadine Babu to talk about why college football is so essential, what players think about playing this fall, and the controversy going on in Iowa City. (The Vendetta by Stefan Kartenberg (c) copyright 2018 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/JeffSpeed68/58628 Ft: Apoxode)

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GopherHole Podcast 91 - Troy Bell on hoops, racism, finances, and more

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2020 74:00

Minnesota native, Troy Bell, sat down with Nadine Babu and was an open book. Nothing was off limits...his Gopher offer, growing up, how to not go broke, and much more.

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GopherHole Podcast 90 - Kendal Shell encourages people to not be complicit and speak up

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2020 67:36

Former Gophers basketball player joined Nadine Babu on a special GopherHole podcast to talk about the death of George Floyd, what he's doing to impact the community, and what we call can do about this systemic problem.

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GopherHole Podcast 89 - Building in the Trenches! Gophers Weekend Recruiting Recap

Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2020 33:04

Daniel House joins Nadine Babu on the latest GopherHole Podcast to talk about how Fleck and company cleaned up this past weekend!

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GopherHole Podcast 88 - Carly Thibault-DuDonis: Associate Head Coach Gophers Women's Basketball

Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2020 27:34

Jared Hines was joined by Carly Thibault-DuDonis. Carly talked about growing up in the Midwest before moving out east, her love for basketball in a basketball obsessed family and how blessed she is to work with Lindsay Whalen on a daily basis.

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GopherHole Podcast 87 - Daniel Oturu proves that Gophers can get to the NBA

Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2020 38:52

Mike Sherels gave Nadine Babu an in-depth and honest interview on his life at Minnesota, his health journey & the likelihood of going back to coaching.(The Vendetta by Stefan Kartenberg (c) copyright 2018 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/JeffSpeed68/58628 Ft: Apoxode)

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GopherHole Podcast 86 - Mike Sherels, More than a Coach

Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2020 76:25

Mike Sherels gave Nadine Babu an in-depth and honest interview on his life at Minnesota, his health journey & the likelihood of going back to coaching (The Vendetta by Stefan Kartenberg (c) copyright 2018 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/JeffSpeed68/58628 Ft: Apoxode)

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GopherHole Podcast 85 - Gopher Baseball Stories with John Anderson

Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2020 49:08

Daniel House was joined by Minnesota baseball coach John Anderson. "14" updated fans on the program and shared Gopher Baseball memories. You won't want to miss the classic stories he shared about the 1970s era of Gopher Baseball

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GopherHole Podcast 84 - Gophers in the Draft and Recruiting Mayhem!

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2020 33:57

Daniel House joined Nadine Babu to talk about the Gophers #5 recruiting class in the nation, as well as where he sees where the Minnesota draft prospects will end up.(The Vendetta by Stefan Kartenberg (c) copyright 2018 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/JeffSpeed68/58628 Ft: Apoxode)

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GopherHole Podcast 83 - Gophers Spring Practice Analysis

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2020 26:08

Daniel House sat down with Nadine Babu at the last Gophers spring practice before Covid-19 to talk about individual performances and the outlook for the Gophers in 2020. (The Vendetta by Stefan Kartenberg (c) copyright 2018 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/JeffSpeed68/58628 Ft: Apoxode)

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GopherHole Podcast 82 - Rodney Smith Thrives on Preparation

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2020 48:50

Rodney Smith was a star running back at the University of Minnesota, breaking the app purpose yards record that was held by Gophers legend, Darrell Thompson. As he prepares for the NFL Draft next week he talks about who's influenced him, his experience at the U, and how preparation will get him to the next level in whatever he pursues.

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GopherHole Podcast 81 - Four-Star Gophers Commit Steven Ortiz Jr.

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2020 11:02

Daniel House caught up with Steven Ortiz Jr., one of the highest-rated defensive back commits in Gopher Football history. Why did he choose Minnesota without visiting campus? Learn more about the newest commit!

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GopherHole Podcast 80 - Whalen on recruiting during COVID-19 and much more.