Brews & Cruise Podcast

Hi

Day 2 of our Sturgis adventure was nothing short of epic! 🚴‍♂️✨ While we spent a little less time on the bikes, the scenery more than made up for it. We rolled out of Winner, SD and cruised straight into the jaw-dropping Badlands—those views were unreal! 🏜️ From there, we made a pit stop at the legendary Wall Drug (and yes, hit up our very first Harley store of the trip 🏍️).

Next up, we pointed our bikes toward Sturgis, winding our way through historic Deadwood and into Lead before finally landing at our cozy AirBNB. But the fun didn’t stop there—oh no. 🍻 Tha...

On day one of our Sturgis trip, the three of us set out on an epic ride to Sturgis, with our first stop landing us halfway in Winner, South Dakota. Justin hit the road a day earlier, rolling out of Dubuque, Iowa, while Brett and Chris fired up their bikes in Winona, Minnesota. The crew finally linked up in Stewartville, Minnesota, and from there the adventure was officially on.

Day one was all about the ride—just miles of open road and throttle therapy. Along the way, we carved through some beautiful scenery, highlighted by the unforgettable mo...

This week on the Brews & Cruise Podcast, we’re sitting down with Jeremy Littel, the larger-than-life personality and founder of Kickass Beef Jerky. What started as a small idea quickly turned into a bold brand with a loyal following — and Jeremy takes us inside the entire ride.

In this episode, Jeremy opens up about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the lessons learned from building a business in a competitive industry, and the creativity (and hustle) it takes to stand out. He shares how a moment of viral success on social media transformed Kickass Beef Jerky into a ho...

Buckle up for a lively episode! 🎙

This week, I’m joined in the speakeasy studio by the always-fun Enio Leone and Bella Blank, who made the trip all the way from Michigan. It’s their second visit to Winona, Minnesota—the first was for our wedding two years ago—and this time they went all-in: river days, festival nights, small-town adventures, and plenty of laughs.

We swap stories, share life updates, and relive the best moments from a jam-packed stay you won’t want to miss.

Drink: Water (LOL!)

This week at the Speakeasy Studio, we sit down with changemaker John Mullen—founder of the Impact Center in Winona, Minnesota.

What started as a simple vision to support local youth has grown into a powerful community hub where kids not only have a safe space to hang out, but also get the academic support, mentorship, and encouragement they need to thrive.

John opens up about the inspiration behind the Impact Center, the real challenges he’s faced along the way, and the incredible transformations he’s witnessed in the lives of young people.

This...

🔥 The hottest party of the summer is heating up the Speakeasy Studio! On this week’s episode, we’re breaking down SummerSlam with returning fan-favorite Paul Ebner and first-time guest Eli Meyers. We’re serving up bold predictions, shocking upsets, and championship chaos—over a couple of ice-cold Beach Bums (that’s Kona Big Wave meets Mango Cart, in case you didn’t know). 🍻

Will John Cena finally lose his title? Who’s poised to steal the spotlight? And yes, you heard that right… Jelly Roll is stepping into the ring for the very first time—and we’ve got thoughts. 👀

Grab a THC drink and settle in—this week, we’re diving deep into the untold, wild history of Winona, Minnesota. Our guest, Joe Hughs, a retired professor and recent Winona transplant, joins us in the studio to share some jaw-dropping stories from the city’s past.

From salacious tales of old-school vice and corruption to mysterious murders and forgotten scandals, Joe paints a vivid picture of a Winona you’ve never heard about. Think you know this quiet river town? Think again.

It’s history with a buzz—literally. Don’t miss this fascinating, funny, and sli...

This week on the Brews & Cruise Podcast, we’re joined by the inspiring Tesla Mitchell—host of the brand-new podcast ‘How Life Shapes Us’.

In this episode, we get real about the rollercoaster ride of launching a podcast from scratch. From hilarious missteps to unexpected wins, we swap stories on the challenges and triumphs we’ve both faced. Tesla shares the creative spark behind her show, her unique approach to storytelling, and how her gear setup stacks up against ours (spoiler: it’s surprisingly different).

Expect candid conversations, plenty of laughs, and a behind-the-scenes look at the messy...

We’re thrilled to welcome the vibrant and knowledgeable Nicole Severson to the Speakeasy Studio! In this fun and insightful episode, we dive into the world of travel, vacation planning, and the magic of working with a travel advisor. Nicole shares how she takes the stress out of planning unforgettable getaways — and why having a travel expert in your corner can make all the difference, from booking to boarding to beachside cocktails.

Plus, we bust some common myths about travel advisors and uncover surprising perks you didn’t know you were missing. Whether you’re dreaming of your nex...

This week, the Speakeasy Studio transforms into something special—an “open-air” lounge under the stars. We welcome back fan favorite and three-time returning guest, Josh Harrison a.k.a. The Godfather. With a couple of fine cigars and top-shelf bourbon in hand, we dive into our first-ever Cigars Under the Stars session.

What starts with tasting notes and smoke rings turns into a deeper, unfiltered conversation about fatherhood, life lessons, and the kind of wisdom only a Godfather can offer—especially when he’s the one guiding my daughter, Lainey.

This episode is smooth, strong, and full o...

In this week’s episode of the Brews & Cruise Podcast, we sit down with professional wrestler, father, gamer, and survivor — Bryant Dismukes Jr. What starts as a casual conversation over Arizona green tea quickly becomes a powerful deep-dive into one man’s transformation.

Bryant shares his story of relocating from the chaos and concrete of Chicago to the quiet, small-town pace of Winona, Minnesota — a move that marked the beginning of a personal evolution. We talk about his early days in the wrestling world, the grind of independent promotions, and what it really takes to entertain a crowd wh...

This week, we’re opening the doors to the Speakeasy Studio for an extra special, joy-filled episode — one that’s equal parts heartfelt, hilarious, and incredibly personal.

I’m joined once again by my amazing wife, Stephanie Jacobson, making her third appearance on the show. And this time, we’re also welcoming a very special first-time guest — and our youngest guest ever — our daughter, Lainey Monroe Jacobson, also lovingly known as Lil’ Brew.

This episode dives deep into the world of pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and the emotional rollercoaster of becoming parents. We talk about what it was like prep...

We’re setting sail into one of the most exciting times of the year — Steamboat Days 2025 — and we’ve got the ultimate insider joining us in the Speakeasy Studio! Stephen Sheehan, President of the Steamboat Days Committee, stops by for a deep dive into everything that’s happening during this year’s festival, and trust us — there’s something for everyone.

In this jam-packed episode, Stephen walks us through the full lineup of events happening all week long. From live music in the beverage garden featuring some incredible bands, to the classic carnival rides and games lighting up the riverfron...

Who you gonna cruise with? 👻🚗

This week on The Brews & Cruise Podcast, we’re firing up the sirens and hitting the road with Doug and Savannah Meyer, live from the Speakeasy Studio, for an episode packed with nostalgia, fandom, and serious car geekery. Doug and Savannah are the brilliant minds behind the Ecto Cruise, a Ghostbusters-themed car cruise like no other — and it’s all going down June 6–8.

What exactly is the Ecto Cruise? Imagine a convoy of fans driving through town in meticulously customized vehicles modeled after the legendary Ecto-1 from the Ghostbusters films — flashing lights...

This week on the Brews & Cruise Podcast, we’re diving into a story that’s as haunting as it is unforgettable.

Joining us in the Speakeasy Studio is Sharon Forst, who recounts a life-altering event that began on September 5, 2011—a day that would forever change her and her family. While spending time along the banks of the Mississippi River, Sharon and her family stumbled upon something that would shock the nation: a mysterious bag, later dubbed “Baby Angel.”

What was inside? A discovery so chilling and heartbreaking it captured headlines and ignited speculation for over a decade...

🎙️ This Week on the Brews & Cruise Podcast: We're back in the cozy glow of the Speakeasy Studio with a returning guest who's bringing both heart and hops—Tim Vodak joins us for a powerful, thoughtful, and refreshingly candid conversation.

While sipping on some locally crafted Drink Wisconsinbly Vodka Orange cocktails, Tim opens up about a cause close to his heart: NAMI—the National Alliance on Mental Illness. But this isn’t just a high-level overview. Tim dives deep into the work being done right in our backyard, through the Winona, Minnesota chapter of NAMI, and why grassroots advocacy ma...

On this week’s episode of the podcast, we welcome back a fan favorite and four-time returning guest — and this time, he showed up in serious style, riding his motorcycle all the way from Dubuque, Iowa to the Speakeasy Studio!

We fire up the mics and dive deep into the details of our upcoming trip to Sturgis, South Dakota for the legendary 85th Anniversary Sturgis Motorcycle Rally — one of the biggest, wildest, and most iconic biker gatherings in the world. We talk about everything from the route we’re taking, to the towns we’ll roll throu...

Get ready for our most delicious episode yet!

This week on the Brews & Cruise Podcast, we’re serving up something sweet as Jesse Ebner joins me at the cozy Speakeasy Studio for a glass of wine and a mouthwatering conversation. Jesse is the creative force behind Sweet Pea – Cakes & Cookies, her brand-new baking venture that’s already winning hearts (and taste buds).

In this episode, Jesse takes us behind the scenes of her passion project turned side hustle. From childhood memories of baking with family to the leap into launching her own business, she shares the he...

This week at the Speakeasy Lounge, we’re diving headfirst into the fascinating world of body art with none other than professional piercer Casey Morason! Join us as Casey shares his expert insights on all things piercing — from the critical dos and don’ts that every client should know, to the wide range of jewelry styles, materials, and piercing options available today. Whether you’re a piercing newbie or a seasoned collector of body mods, Casey breaks down everything you need to know to keep your piercings looking fresh and feeling great.

But that’s just where the conver...

This week on the Brews & Cruise Podcast, we’re rolling out the red carpet for a true force of nature—Dylan “Roxi Manacoochi” Kaercher! Broadcasting straight from the Speakeasy Studio, Dylan brings his larger-than-life energy and magnetic personality to share the wild, wonderful, and whirlwind journey that’s defined his life so far.

From the spotlight of the drag stage to the hustle of entrepreneurship, Dylan is the definition of a modern-day Renaissance human. As the fabulous Roxi Manacoochi, he’s wowed audiences with unforgettable performances—but that’s only one glittering facet of his story. Dylan is also a passio...

This week on the Brews & Cruise Podcast, we’re turning up the heat because it’s WRESTLEMANIA WEEK — and the energy is off the charts! I’m throwing down in the Speakeasy Studio with none other than Paul Ebner, the powerhouse host of the Still Real To Me podcast, and wrestling superfan Nick Thull for an electrifying episode dedicated to all things WWE.

We’re diving headfirst into the chaos, drama, and spectacle of WrestleMania — breaking down the full match card, delivering bold predictions, and reliving our all-time favorite WrestleMania moments that still give us goosebumps. Whether you’re a lif...

On this episode of the Brews & Cruise Podcast, we’re posted up in the Speakeasy Studio with a cold Bud Light in hand and a killer guest—Ty Styx.

Ty’s a true hustler, and in this conversation, he takes us deep into his journey as a self-made entrepreneur. We kick things off with how he got started in the concrete game, building a business from the ground up—literally—and how that first venture laid the foundation (pun intended) for everything that came after.

From there, Ty walks us through his surprising leap into the world...

🎙️ What is the Crossings Center?

This week, I’m joined by Joel Hennessy, Bill Lanik, and Brian Prudoehl of Christian Crossings to dive into their incredible journey of faith, friendship, and community.

✨ From a yellow school bus 20 years ago to building a gathering place for families in the name of God, these men share the funny, heartfelt, and inspiring story behind their mission.

🚀 We’ll talk about:

✔️ How it all started in the heart of a small Minnesota town

✔️ The challenges & triumphs they’ve faced along the way

✔️ Their singing caree...

On this week’s episode of the Brews & Cruise Podcast, I’m cracking open some Busch Lights with none other than Shawn Harm at the Speakeasy Studio!

Shawn brings some incredible stories from his time in the service, sharing firsthand experiences from overseas—the challenges, the unforgettable moments, and everything in between. You won’t want to miss his unique perspective and the wild situations he encountered during his time in uniform.

But that’s not all! Shawn is also one of the top 125 axe throwers in the world, and he’s gearing up...

This Week on the Brews & Cruise Podcast: A Thrilling Journey Through Service and Leadership with Steve Baumgart!

Get ready for an unforgettable episode as Steve Baumgart joins me at the Speakeasy Studio to share his incredible journey through a life of service, bravery, and leadership. From soaring the skies as a medic in the U.S. Air Force to running into burning buildings as a Chicago firefighter, Steve’s experiences are nothing short of heroic.

But his story doesn’t stop there! After years of saving lives, Steve took on a new challenge—leading an entire...

This week on the Brews & Cruise Podcast, we’re pouring up some THC-infused drinks and diving headfirst into the high-energy, empowering, and often misunderstood world of pole fitness with the one and only Ashley Wagner!

Ashley joins us in the Speakeasy Studio to spill all the details on how she got her start in pole fitness, what inspired her to open her own studio, and how this art form goes far beyond what most people think. We’re breaking down the history of pole fitness, the myths and misconceptions surrounding it, and the strength—both physical and mental...

This week on Brews & Cruise, we’re pouring a classic Jack Daniel’s and Diet Coke and settling in with a very special guest—my uncle, Bill Lanik—right here in the Speakeasy Studio!

Bill’s love for music started when he was just 10 years old, and that passion led him on an incredible journey spanning decades. From forming his first bands to taking center stage as a lead singer, he’s experienced the thrill of performing in front of packed crowds, the camaraderie of life on the road, and the challenges of keeping the music alive while balanc...

This week on the Brews & Cruise Podcast, we’re cranking up the heat—literally! My buddy, Eduardo “Eddie” Belica, joins me in the Speakeasy Studio for a one-of-a-kind episode where, for the first time ever, we’re bringing food into the mix. But this isn’t just any meal—we’re diving headfirst into the Hot Ones Challenge!

Eddie had the genius (or maybe insane) idea to put our taste buds to the test with some mouthwatering chicken wings from Nosh Scratch Kitchen in Winona, Minnesota. But we didn’t stop there. We’re also drenching them in a fiery lineup of...

This week on the Brews & Cruise Podcast, we welcome my cousin, Joey “Doey” Schneider, to the Speakeasy Studio for an episode you won’t want to miss.

Joey takes us on a journey through his busy, entrepreneurial life—from running his landscaping business to designing custom logo T-shirts, all while juggling a full-time 9-to-5 job. But Joey’s story goes beyond business. He opens up about growing up with a hearing disability, the obstacles he faced, and the resilience it took to defy the odds.

Tune in to hear how Joey turned his challenges into motivation...

🔥 This Week on the Brews & Cruise Podcast 🔥

Buckle up, because this episode is an absolute riot! The most infamous father-son duo, Corey and Rick Schell, crash into the Speakeasy Studio for a wild ride packed with laughs, stories, and some downright hilarious moments.

We’re peeling back the curtain on their past—where they grew up, the experiences that shaped them, and, of course, the legendary dynamic that makes them such a powerhouse pair. But that’s just the beginning…

Things really heat up when we throw them into a rapid-fire Q&A session filled...

This week on the Brews & Cruise Podcast, my lifelong friend ​⁠ Louis Kowalski joins me in the Speakeasy Studio for an episode packed with mezcal, memories, and epic travel stories.

Louis, a true digital nomad, has mastered the art of working on the go while exploring the world. He shares incredible tales from his adventures, the fascinating people he’s met, and what it’s really like to live and work remotely.

But that’s not all—we take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, reminiscing about our 30+ years of friendship, from our preschool days to now. Expect...

Get ready for an unforgettable episode of Bruise and Cruise Podcast!

This week, we’re joined by my father-in-law, Larry Erickson, a man whose 75 years are packed with incredible stories and inspiring adventures. From being on the ground floor of the legendary Mathews Bows to hitting the open road on epic motorcycle trips to Sturgis, Larry’s life has been nothing short of extraordinary.

But that’s not all—Larry taught himself to play guitar and now performs at events, and he’s here to share not only his story but also his music. In fact, he’s...

Get ready for an action-packed episode you won’t want to miss!

This week, we’re thrilled to have Thor Nystrom joining us virtually at the Speakeasy Studio to dive deep into his football passion. But this isn’t just about the game – Thor is breaking down fantasy drafts and sharing his bold predictions for this year’s NFL draft.

We’ll also dissect the wild ride of the recent college football season, talk all things Minnesota Vikings, and relive some of our favorite football-watching memories from childhood. Think Thor nailed the college football championship winner? Tune...

Step into the exciting world of Cornhole as Caleb Forst joins us at the Speakeasy Studio! With a glass of bourbon in hand, Caleb dives into his newfound passion for the sport, sharing how he got hooked, the strategies that make it so addictive, and the gear that separates casual players from true competitors.

But that’s not all—Caleb brings the laughs with outrageous and unforgettable stories from his days as a pizza delivery driver. You won’t believe the wild, unpredictable moments that come with delivering pies!

And don’t miss our spirited debate...

Kick off 2025 with a bang!

This week, I’m joined in the Speakeasy Studio by Justin Schmitz and returning guest Andrew Elmquist for an epic trivia showdown.

In this lively episode, we dive into Justin’s life story, get to know what makes him tick, and enjoy some good-natured banter along the way.

From history to sports, cars, and random fun facts, this trivia game will keep you on your toes. Think you could hold your own against these two?

Tune in to test your knowledge and see who earns the ulti...

This week on the Brews & Cruise Podcast, we’re wrapping up 2024 with a bang! Allyson Hurley, a dynamic nutrition coach, steps into the Speakeasy Studio to dish on how she’s helping people crush their New Year’s resolutions. Whether it’s smashing fitness goals or overcoming life’s hurdles, Allyson breaks down how personalized coaching can set you up for success.

But that’s not all—get to know the story behind the coach as Allyson shares how she met her husband eight years ago and the secrets to their epic Florida getaways that keep them recharged and...

This week, we’re shaking things up in the Speakeasy Studio with a special guest: Tim Vodak! Tim rolls in with a can of Brandy Old-Fashioned from Drink Wisconsinbly, the iconic brand he proudly represents.

We dive into Tim’s journey as an ambassador for multiple companies, uncovering how he turned his passion into a career. Plus, he shares nostalgic stories from his time working at Culver’s, back when his family owned a franchise in Winona, Minnesota.

Tim was honored as Winona, Minnesota’s 2023 Volunteer of the Year, a prestigious title awarded by the Chamber...

This week, the Speakeasy Studio heats up as Tom “Babs” Babler rolls in with a cooler full of Busch Lights and a mystery mint chocolate chip desert cocktail to share the story behind The Woodshed, his thriving mobile wood-fired pizza business.

From his passion for the culinary arts to the grit it takes to build a business from scratch, Babs opens up about the challenges, triumphs, and everything in between.

But there’s more to Babs than just pizza—hear about his other surprising interests and his ambitious plans for the future.

It’s a flavor...

On this week’s episode of Brews & Cruise, we’re thrilled to welcome Aaron “Ripper” Repinski into the Speakeasy Studio!

Join us as Ripper pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to run for political office. From behind-the-scenes strategies to his genuine passion for public service, you’ll get an insider’s perspective on the highs and challenges of the campaign trail.

But that’s not all—Ripper also shares his love for river life as he takes us on a journey through his work as a Mississippi River tour guide in Winona, Minnesota, blend...