Brews & Cruise Podcast

What does it take to overcome addiction, rebuild your life, and turn personal struggles into a mission to help others?

On this episode of Brews & Cruise Podcast, host Chris Jacobson sits down with Rick Utley, co-founder of Doc's Recovery House in Rochester, Minnesota, for an honest and inspiring conversation about addiction, recovery, and the power of second chances.

Rick shares his personal journey through addiction and recovery, the challenges he faced along the way, and what inspired him to co-found Doc's Recovery House. We explore how the organization helps individuals struggling with substance use, provides...

💔 6 Years Without My Wife: Grief, Fatherhood & Finding Love Again | Seth Brantner

What happens when you lose the love of your life, but still have children to raise and a future to figure out?

In this emotional and deeply personal episode of the Brews & Cruise Podcast, host Chris Jacobson sits down with Seth Brantner to discuss losing his wife, Erica, and the challenges of navigating grief, raising children, and learning to live and love again.

Six years later, Seth opens up about the guilt, unanswered questions, emotional struggles, and lessons he's learned along the way...

Steve Patterson returns to Brews & Cruise to talk about his campaign for Minnesota Governor and what’s next for the Moderate Majority of Minnesota.

After falling short of the signatures needed to get his name on the ballot, Steve explains what happened, his write-in status, and where the campaign goes from here.

We also dive into what being a political moderate actually means, including Steve’s views on immigration, gun control, marijuana, abortion, taxes, and other issues facing Minnesota.

Plus, Steve opens up about mental health, the stigma around getting help, his concerns with...

Big changes are happening in Winona!

This week on the Brews & Cruise Podcast, we’re joined by Alex from Winona Axe & Arcade, along with Nikos and Felicia from DGE (Dingee Group Enterprises).

We talk about the new ownership at Winona Axe & Arcade, changes coming to the venue, axe throwing, leagues, and what they have planned for the future.

Then we dive into everything happening with DGE — from the 420 Event and Back 2 School Event to The Foodery, the upcoming Y2K Event, November Food Drive, their work with Tree Huggers Cannabis products, and plans surr...

One swing. One perfect shot. $5,000 on the line. ⛳💰

In this episode of the Brews & Cruise Podcast, I’m telling the full story of my first-ever hole-in-one—and the shot just happened to be worth $5,000!

It all happened during a golf tournament supporting Doc’s Recovery House in Rochester, Minnesota, a nonprofit recovery community organization that provides recovery housing, peer support, and resources for people pursuing recovery from substance use disorder.

I take you back to the tee box and walk through the shot, the moment we realized the ball was actually in the cup, the ce...

What’s really happening between the United States and Canada—and what does it look like from both sides of the border? 🇺🇸🇨🇦

Nearly two years after his first appearance, Paul Van Eijl returns to the Brews & Cruise Podcast for a friendly and timely conversation about the changing relationship between two longtime neighbors.

We dive into tariffs and trade, Canada’s reaction to the “51st state” comments, Canadian boycotts of American products, the U.S.–Canada trade deficit, and just how much our two countries actually rely on each other. Paul also breaks down the importance of Canadian resources li...

Cody Zitzner joins the Brews & Cruise Podcast to talk about betting on himself, building a car detailing business, and how much his life has changed along the way.

Cody takes us back to how he got started in car detailing and what it took to turn it into a growing business. We talk about the opportunities that have come his way, the impact social media has had on his business, and the difference between where he was in 2025 and where he is today in 2026.

But this conversation goes well beyond detailing cars.

Cody...

What happens when years of friendship, raising kids together, and a shared creative spirit turn into a business?

This week on the Brews & Cruise Podcast, Katie Pehler LeGere and Brenda Jacobs join us to share the story behind Little House Crafts & Gifts in Winona, Minnesota.

We go back to the beginning of Katie and Brenda’s friendship, talk about raising their families alongside one another, and hear how their journey eventually led them into business together. They also share the history of the unique building that Little House Crafts & Gifts calls home and how the sh...

What’s it really like to chase tornadoes and severe storms across the Midwest? 🌪️

This week on the Brews & Cruise Podcast, Heartland Chasers and Northern Chasers join me to take us inside the world of storm chasing.

We talk about how they got started chasing storms, how they forecast and track severe weather, what a real chase day looks like, and some of the craziest tornado encounters and closest calls they’ve experienced.

We also get into chase busts, nighttime storm chasing, dangerous situations on the road, mistakes new storm chasers make, and what happ...

Jack Hedin joins the Brews & Cruise Podcast to talk about his journey from farmer and business owner to candidate for Minnesota Senate District 26.

Jack shares the story behind Featherstone Farm and gives us a fascinating look at what it actually takes to grow, harvest, package, and ship semi-trailers of fresh vegetables to grocery stores throughout the region. We discuss why so few farms are doing this type of large-scale vegetable production in the Upper Midwest, the challenges of running a farming business, and the lessons Jack has learned through more than 30 years in agriculture.

We...

This week on the Brews & Cruise Podcast, we sit down with Carly Scott, owner of Carly Scott Photography, to talk about turning a passion for photography into a business.

Carly shares how her dad and daughter inspired her journey, what it’s like balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, and why staying authentic has become such an important part of her photography business.

We also talk family photography, pet photography, studio events, memorable client stories, and how Carly’s work has evolved from her first photos to where she is today.

Get to know the pers...

In this episode of the Brews & Cruise Podcast, Chris Jacobson sits down with the founder of Under The Bridge in Winona, Minnesota, to talk about her journey from performing with the Minnesota Timberwolves & Lynx 612 Crew to creating a welcoming space where adults of all experience levels can discover the joy of dance.

Kat shares the story behind Under The Bridge, why confidence matters more than perfection, how dance can positively impact mental health, and what it's really like to own and grow a small business. Whether you're a dancer, entrepreneur, or simply looking for an inspiring conversation...

What does it really take to become a successful radio DJ and wedding DJ?

In this episode of the Brews & Cruise Podcast, host Chris Jacobson welcomes back returning guest Paul Ebner for an inside look at life behind the microphone. Paul shares how he got started in radio, what goes on behind the scenes of a live broadcast, and how the industry has evolved over the years.

The conversation also dives into Paul's thriving wedding and event DJ business, including how he keeps dance floors packed, unforgettable wedding stories, the craziest song requests he's received...

Planning a wedding in 2026? This episode is packed with advice every engaged couple should hear.

Chris Jacobson sits down with professional wedding photographer Sophie Herber to discuss everything from planning the perfect wedding day timeline to what really happens behind the scenes on one of the biggest days of your life.

They also dive into the complete photography process—from the first inquiry to delivering the final gallery—the importance of preserving your memories through printed photographs, and whether hiring a second photographer is worth the investment.

Plus, Sophie shares unforgettable wedding stories, expe...

What does it really take to build a dirt track race car? In this episode of Brews & Cruise, Chris Jacobson sits down with a passionate dirt track racer to discuss building a dirt track race car, the future of dirt track racing, sponsorships, race-day preparation, and the realities of grassroots motorsports.

If you’ve ever wondered what goes into building a competitive race car or where local dirt track racing is headed, this episode gives you an inside look from someone living it every week.

We also step away from the racetrack to talk about hi...

Welcome back to another episode of the Brews & Cruise Podcast!

In this episode, host Chris Jacobson sits down with John Hazelton, a candidate for Winona County Sheriff, for an in-depth conversation about his career in law enforcement, years of experience as an instructor, leadership philosophy, and why he’s running to serve the people of Winona County.

Throughout the episode, John discusses:

What does a Sheriff’s Deputy actually do? What is the role of a County Sheriff?

On this episode of Brews & Cruise Podcast, host Chris Jacobson sits down with Charles Rolbiecki, candidate for Winona County Sheriff, to discuss his career in law enforcement, the responsibilities of a Sheriff’s Deputy, and what it means to serve the people of Winona County.

Whether you’re interested in becoming a police officer, learning how a Sheriff’s Office operates, or getting to know one of the candidates for Winona County Sheriff, this episode offers an inside look at the p...

Samantha Kriesel, owner of Maid You Look Cleaning Co., joins the Brews & Cruise Podcast to share how she built a successful cleaning company, the realities of entrepreneurship, leadership, branding, and growing a small business in the La Crosse and Winona areas.

From growing up on her grandparents' farm to watching her father build his own business, Samantha explains how hard work, perseverance, and community relationships helped shape her entrepreneurial journey. We also dive into what people don't realize about owning a cleaning company, hiring and leading a team, creating a luxury client experience, expanding into new markets...

In this episode of the Brews & Cruise Podcast, host Chris Jacobson sits down with one of the most recognizable voices in Winona—Andy “Wojo” Wojciechowski.

Known for his years of announcing local sporting events, supporting community organizations, and recently being named the 2026 Winona Steamboat Days Harbormaster, Wojo has been at the center of countless memorable moments throughout the community.

We discuss:

✅ Growing up in Winona

✅ How he became “The Voice of Winona Sports”

✅ Memorable games, athletes, and unforgettable moments

✅ Behind-the-scenes stories from the announcer’s booth

✅ Winona’s past, p...

Skincare doesn't have to be confusing. In this episode of Brews & Cruise, Chris Jacobson sits down with esthetician and skin studio owner Hannah Zaborowski to talk about skincare, facials, acne, anti-aging treatments, professional skincare, entrepreneurship, and the biggest skincare myths people still believe.

Whether you're struggling with acne, wondering if facials are worth it, looking for a beginner skincare routine, or simply want healthier skin, Hannah shares practical advice and professional insights that can help you better understand your skin and avoid common mistakes.

Hannah also discusses her journey into esthetics, what inspired her to...

🎙️ Jeremy Littel of Kickass Beef Jerky and Gil Jordan of Uncle Gil’s Barber Shop return for PART 2 of their appearance on the Brews & Cruise Podcast!

In this episode, Chris Jacobson sits down with Jeremy Littel, owner of Kickass Beef Jerky in Winona, Minnesota, and Gil Jordan, owner of Uncle Gil’s Barber Shop, to continue their conversation about entrepreneurship, small business ownership, community involvement, and the experiences that helped shape their success.

Jeremy shares more about the future of Kickass Beef Jerky, the newly opened Winona store, brand growth, and what’s ne...

This week on Brews & Cruise, Chris Jacobson sits down with Jeremy Littel from Kickass Beef Jerky and Gilbert “Gil” Jordan from Uncle Gil’s Barber Shop for one of the most entertaining episodes yet.

Jeremy talks about opening a brand new Kickass Beef Jerky location in Winona, Minnesota, along with the bourbon barrel experience he plans to bring into the store. Gil shares stories from growing up in Chicago, becoming a playground basketball legend, and even playing against future NBA Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett.

The conversation also dives into how Gil became a barber, athlet...

Minnesota politics impacts all of us — from our schools and small businesses to housing, taxes, public safety, and the future of our communities. In this episode of the Brews & Cruise Podcast, host Chris Jacobson sits down with Minnesota State Senate candidate Cherie Johnson for an in-depth conversation about why she decided to run, the issues she’s hearing from constituents across the state, and her vision for the future of Minnesota.

Cherie breaks down what a State Senator actually does, how state government affects everyday life, and the challenges facing both rural and urban communities throughout Minnesota. The...

In this episode, we sit down with Winona's Angels a nonprofit organization helping families in need throughout Winona County, Minnesota. We discuss their mission, community impact, fundraising events, real family stories, and how they are changing lives locally.

If you’re interested in:

✔️ Winona community stories

✔️ Minnesota nonprofits

✔️ Local charity organizations

✔️ Helping families in need

✔️ Community fundraising events

✔️ Inspiring podcast interviews

…this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

🔥 In this episode:

- How Winona's Angels started

What does a Chamber of Commerce actually do—and how does it impact a city like Winona, Minnesota?

In this episode of the Brews & Cruise Podcast, host Chris Jacobson sits down with Christie Ransom, President & CEO of the Winona Area Chamber of Commerce, to break down how the Chamber supports local businesses, organizes major community events, and plays a key role in downtown development and economic growth in Winona, MN.

We dive into popular Winona events like Crazy Days, Parade of Trucks, Streets & Treats, Big Muddy, Leadership Winona, and more, along with the Chamber’s invo...

This week on the Brews & Cruise Podcast, we welcome back a returning guest for the THIRD time—after a previous episode and even a trivia battle appearance.

We dive into what dad life is really like, from the chaos to the best moments, and how becoming a parent changes everything. We also talk about hosting trivia nights at Two Fathoms Brewing—including some of the wildest moments and most competitive teams.

On top of that, we get into how a passion for sourdough turned into a growing business, what it takes to make great bread, and...

Can you really build a successful clothing brand in a small town?

In this episode of Brews & Cruise Podcast, host Chris Jacobson sits down with the two women behind 507 Company, a fast-growing clothing and lifestyle brand based in Winona, Minnesota. What started as a simple idea has turned into a full downtown storefront—and they’re breaking down exactly how they did it.

From the early stages of building a brand to the realities of running a retail business, this episode dives into the challenges, risks, and lessons learned along the way. If you’ve ever t...

What if you didn’t graduate high school… and still became a bank Vice President and successful business owner?

In this episode of the Brews & Cruise Podcast, Chris Jacobson sits down with Terri Klonecki to break down her unconventional path to success. As the 15th child in her family, Terri learned early how to be independent—and that mindset carried her from opening a hair salon at 21 to climbing the ranks in banking and eventually becoming a Vice President at Pigeon Falls State Bank.

Today, she owns Formgraphics, a manufacturing company in Winona, Minnesota, where she qu...

⛳️ With The Masters Tournament week here, this episode couldn’t come at a better time.

Today, we sit down with one of the co-owners of Snowbird Golf, a growing golf apparel and lifestyle brand, to talk about what it really takes to build a brand from scratch. From the initial idea to launching products and growing a following, this is the real story behind starting a golf brand in today’s market.

In this episode, we cover:

• How Snowbird Golf got started

• Turning a golf lifestyle into a business<...

Traveling with a baby… on a cruise?! 😳🚢👶

In this episode of the Brews & Cruise Podcast, Chris and Steph share what it was REALLY like taking their 9-month-old on a cruise vacation—from the airport chaos and flight experience to sleepless nights, diaper blowouts, and everything in between.

If you’re a parent (or soon-to-be parent) wondering what it’s like to travel with a baby, this episode is packed with real, unfiltered stories, lessons learned, and tips we wish we knew before going.

🍻 What We Get Into:

This week on Brews & Cruise Podcast, host Chris Jacobson sits down with two Southern Minnesota business owners who are making an unexpected move—running for Governor of Minnesota.

Steve Patterson, owner of Lansing Corners Bar & Grill and Nature’s Grind Coffee Co, and JT Thompson, owner of Lucky Penny Garage, share their journey from small business ownership into the Minnesota governor race as part of the new political party, the Moderate Majority of MN.

In this episode, we dive into their backgrounds in the bar, coffee, and automotive industries, what led them to enter politics, and...

In this episode of the Brews & Cruise Podcast, host Chris Jacobson sits down with Lacey Korb, a haunted tour guide who shares the eerie history and chilling stories hidden throughout Winona, Minnesota.

From historic homes to century-old cemeteries and the city’s infamous red light district, Winona has a past filled with mystery, tragedy, and unexplained encounters. Lacey takes us behind the scenes of her haunted tours and reveals the stories that many locals have never heard.

During the conversation we explore:

👻 The haunted history of the Bunnell House

🪦 Paranormal legends connecte...

On this week’s episode of Brews & Cruise, host Chris Jacobson sits down with Matt Schroeder, a Winona native whose career journey took him across the country working with major organizations before ultimately returning home.

Matt shares his experiences working in the rapidly evolving worlds of e-commerce, digital media, and home entertainment, including projects involving Amazon, Walmart, NATO, and the United States Postal Service. He also discusses the transition from physical media like VHS and DVDs to today’s streaming platforms, and how technology has reshaped the way we consume entertainment.

Toda...

On this episode of the Brews & Cruise Podcast, host Chris Jacobson sits down with Amy Baker, founder of Tails of Hope, a nonprofit animal rescue that has saved over 3,000 dogs from high-risk situations.

Amy shares the powerful story behind how Tails of Hope began and what inspired her to step into the world of animal rescue. She breaks down the full rescue process—from traveling south to pull dogs from overcrowded shelters, transporting them north, placing them into foster homes, and ultimately helping them find loving forever families.

This conversation goes beyond the highlight reels. Am...

This week on the Brews & Cruise Podcast, we share a powerful comeback story rooted in passion, family, and unfinished dreams.

I sit down with J.R. Larkie, a lifelong musician who has been writing songs and singing since childhood—but like many creatives, life stepped in. Between serving as a volunteer firefighter, coaching baseball, and raising five kids with his amazing wife, music was put on hold.

Everything changed when one simple question from one of his children reignited a fire that never truly went out.

In this episode, J.R. opens up ab...

In this episode I sit down with the founder of Northern Pine Fitness - Matt Browne - for an honest, no-BS conversation about building a healthy lifestyle that actually lasts.

We dive into his fitness origin story — how he got started, what inspired him, and how Northern Pine Fitness grew from an idea into a thriving gym. From certifications and early challenges to lessons learned along the way, this episode pulls back the curtain on what it takes to turn passion into purpose.

We also tackle why most New Year’s resolutions fail by February, the...

In this episode of the Brews & Cruise Podcast, host Chris Jacobson sits down with speed puzzling expert Noelle Marshall to explore the fast-paced world of competitive jigsaw puzzling.

Noelle shares how she discovered speed puzzling, why it has grown in popularity, and what it takes to compete at a high level. From training and time management to family involvement and community, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at a unique and inspiring hobby.

Plus, Chris puts Noelle to the test with a live puzzle challenge — timing her as she assembles a puzzle during the interview. Ca...

In this episode of the Brews & Cruise Podcast, host Chris Jacobson sits down with Matt Tyler, lead singer of Red Dirt Road, along with their roadie Bird, for an honest look at what life is really like on the road.

From nonstop travel and late nights to loading gear and playing show after show, Matt and Bird share behind-the-scenes stories about the grind, dedication, and passion it takes to build a career in music.

They also talk about their upcoming album, their exciting new record deal, and the hard work it...

In this powerful and emotional episode of the Brews & Cruise Podcast, host Chris Jacobson sits down with a local DJ Trivia host, Jason Rusert, who opens up about his journey from being a lifelong introvert to stepping into the spotlight after a recent autism diagnosis.

For most of his life, he stayed quiet, unsure of where he fit in. After finally receiving clarity through his diagnosis, everything began to make sense — the struggles, the silence, and the feeling of being different. Instead of letting it hold him back, he used it to understand himself, build confidence, and fi...

On this week’s episode of the Brews & Cruise Podcast, host Chris Jacobson welcomes Austin Repinski, co-owner of Bacon Salt, into the Speakeasy Studio for a flavorful conversation about turning a love for bacon into a growing food brand.

Austin shares the origin story of Bacon Salt, how the idea came to life, and why bacon flavor has such a loyal following. He takes listeners behind the scenes of owning a product-based business, including marketing, meeting customer demand, traveling to shows, and the real challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship.

The episode also dives into the fu...