Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast

In this episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, I sit down with Pritesh Patel, the owner of Hotel Pommier in Indianola and Chariton, Iowa. Pritesh’s journey from growing up in a motel to rebranding and revitalizing independent hotels is as much a story of grit as it is of vision.

Pritesh’s family emigrated from the UK to the U.S. in 1999, moving straight into a motel where his parents worked as live-in managers. He recalls helping fold towels and clean rooms on weekends, squeezing in soccer games between laundry runs. His parents later bought their own mo...

On this episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, I sit down with Iowa singer-songwriter Chip Albright—an Americana artist whose journey blends heartfelt songwriting, meaningful gigging, and a deep love for storytelling. Over the last 25 years, Chip has written dozens of songs, performed in spaces ranging from cozy patios to historic theaters, and now, he’s compiled 25 of those songs into a brand-new album. What’s more, he’s packaging each song with a personal story as part of his Substack, “Chip Happens.”

Our conversation begins with his reflections on the gigging life—playing once a week everywhere from...

On this episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, I sit down with my sons, Alex and Jon Schaeffer, for a deep, and surprisingly eye-opening, conversation about the world of modern-day card collecting. What started as a fun pastime has evolved into a booming, multi-billion-dollar global industry, blending hobby, business, and nostalgia into one frenzied subculture.

Alex began collecting during the early days of the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020, when he stumbled into the hobby through online “breakers”, enthusiasts who livestream the opening of card packs and sell spots for specific teams. Jon joined in shortly after, intrigued by the op...

On this episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, I sit down with Dr. Chris LoRang of Capital Health to dive deep—literally and figuratively—into the world of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). Known for his integrative approach to care, Dr. LoRang breaks down what this advanced healing modality really is, how it works, and why it's making waves in both conventional and functional medicine circles.

As someone who grew up in an osteopathic household and has long embraced chiropractic care, I’ve always been fascinated by holistic healing approaches. So when Chris told me he was adding a hyperb...

In this episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, Maxwell sits down with Ross Edwards, a passionate coach and community leader helping breathe new life into the Raccoon Valley Little League—just as the organization celebrates its 70th year. Ross shares his own journey through the league, starting as a three-year-old in T-ball, forging friendships that would last through high school and beyond. Now 31, he’s returned to the same fields with a renewed mission: to help Raccoon Valley not just survive, but thrive.

Ross reflects on the unique place Little League holds in the lives of children and fa...

In this inspiring episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, I sit down with the talented duo behind the Americana band Weary Ramblers—multi-instrumentalist Kathryn Fox and Iowa folk veteran Chad Elliott—for a heartfelt and revealing conversation on music, risk-taking, and creative connection.

We catch them mid-process at Golden Bear Records, where the sounds of pianist Tanner Taylor float in the background as they work on their second album, Driftwood. Kathryn and Chad share how their collaboration first took root during the pandemic, when mutual admiration via livestreams turned into a creative partnership. What began as Kathryn compos...

In this electrifying episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, I sit down with Iowa DJ legend Jim Bollard—better known across dance floors and DJ booths as DJ Jimmy Jim. For nearly five decades, Jim has been mixing beats, reading crowds, and energizing dance floors, from the disco days of the Joker Lounge in the late ‘70s to today’s hottest college clubs in Iowa City and Ames.

We kick things off reminiscing about how we first connected back in 1987 when I was playing dance records on the radio—a rarity at the time—and Jim called in to share...

In this episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, I sit down with Richard Hurd, a man whose black-and-white “Hurd” commercial real estate signs have become fixtures around town—but whose personal story is far more colorful than most realize. A self-made entrepreneur with deep roots in Des Moines’ south side, he walks us through a journey that begins with flipping cars as a teenager and stretches into building convenience stores and commercial properties across the Midwest.

He opens up about his early years, growing up in a working-class neighborhood during the 1960s and '70s, where fixing up old car...

In this episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, longtime Iowa broadcaster Mike Pace joins me to reflect on a rich, winding journey through radio, television, voiceover work, and now—independent film. Known to many for his work on the Iowa Lottery’s “Spin the Wheel” game show and years of broadcasting in Des Moines, Mike opens up about his latest role in Outro, a new Iowa-made independent film in which he stars as “Roger”—a character that feels strikingly familiar.

We start by going back to the mid-1980s, when Mike had just left a career selling blue jeans out o...

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, I sit down with Lanae Strovers, a trailblazing funeral director and founder of The Final Salute, a nonprofit dedicated to honoring unclaimed veterans with proper burials. Lanae shares the unlikely and emotional journey that led her into the world of funeral service—starting with a close friend’s impersonal and disappointing funeral experience that left her searching for a better way.

“I was a bartender and single mom, just getting by,” Lanae recalls. “After my friend’s funeral, which had nothing to do with who he was, I went...

In this episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, host Maxwell sits down with Jared Doerfler, the founder of Hanna Golf, a rising Iowa-based manufacturing company that specializes in custom milled putters. Jared’s story is a remarkable journey of risk, resilience, and craftsmanship—proving that even the wildest ideas can take root and flourish in the heart of Iowa.

A former collegiate golfer at the University of Northern Iowa, Jared shares how his obsession with a specific mallet putter he used in college eventually led him down the unexpected path of becoming a putter maker. Unable to find a...

In this insightful episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, host Maxwell welcomes Justin Brady—creator and host of The Iowa Podcast and founder of the PR firm Cultivate Strategies—for a wide-ranging, caffeinated conversation about the evolving landscape of streaming audio, digital content strategy, authenticity in branding, and the increasingly complex role of AI in storytelling.

The discussion kicks off with a deep dive into the current state of podcasting and digital media. Justin shares how the game has fundamentally changed: simply having a podcast or showing up on major platforms like YouTube, Apple, or Spotify isn’t enough...

In this rich and heartfelt episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, Maxwell sits down with singer-songwriter Abbie Sawyer for a deep and wide-ranging conversation about creativity, songwriting, motherhood, and the power of being present in the artistic process. Known for her soulful vocals and layered songwriting, Abbie opens up about the inspirations behind her upcoming album, her creative rituals, and her drive to cultivate immersive experiences—both sonically and sensorially.

The two begin by connecting over Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act: A Way of Being, a book that has profoundly influenced Abbie’s creative mindset. Abbie shares h...

On this episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, Maxwell sits down with renowned Iowa photographer Chris Maharry for an engaging conversation about his 33-year career capturing moments, personalities, and events across the state. From shooting his first wedding as a high school junior to becoming one of the most sought-after photographers in Des Moines, Chris shares how his passion for photography evolved into a lifelong profession.

Chris reflects on his early fascination with cameras, recalling the feel of his first Nikon F3 and how his instinctive ability to frame shots set the foundation for his success. He ex...

On this special edition of Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, The Weekend Pour, Maxwell sits down with three key leaders from Iowa Stage Theatre Company: Artistic Producers Davida Williams and Alex Wendel, along with Development Director Dove Haase. Together, they dive into the company's ongoing evolution, the triumphs and challenges of the past year, and the bold artistic vision driving their upcoming season.

The conversation opens with reflections on Iowa Stage’s recent growth, restructuring, and record-breaking season—both in ticket sales and philanthropic support. They discuss the company’s commitment to nurturing artists while maintaining a strong financial founda...

In this episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, I sit down with former Iowa Barnstormer, life coach, and author David Bush for an inspiring conversation about breaking through barriers and living an extraordinary life. From his days on the football field to his journey into business, coaching, and personal development, David shares powerful insights into mindset, motivation, and what it truly takes to reach your full potential.

David and I go way back to the Barnstormers days, and we kick things off with some nostalgic memories—including the unexpected way he landed his first media opportunity. But beyo...

In this episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, we sit down with the incomparable Jason Walsmith—singer-songwriter, storyteller, and a founding member of The Nadas. With three decades in the Iowa music scene, Jason shares his journey navigating the ever-changing landscape of independent music, from his early days as a young folk-rock musician to finding new ways to make a living through his art.

We dive deep into the realities of being a working musician, sparked by a breakfast conversation Jason had with fellow artist Chip Albright. What does it take to make a sustainable career in musi...

Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, recently welcomed Joseph LeValley, a former journalist turned award-winning mystery/thriller author, for a fascinating conversation about his journey into fiction writing. LeValley, who spent seven years as a crime reporter, recounted how his first book idea came to him while covering a murder trial. Though the defendant was ultimately convicted, LeValley found himself daydreaming about the possibility of wrongful conviction—an idea that eventually led to his debut novel, Burying the Lede.

I remember the first time I spoke with Joe about his writing career. It was a surprise to many that he h...

In a lively and humorous episode of Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, Maxwell sits down with Iowa-born comedian Scott Long to discuss his unique and often unpredictable career in stand-up comedy. From performing for Amish communities to corporate gigs and fundraisers, Scott shares his experiences with candid storytelling and self-deprecating wit, making for a compelling conversation.

The episode kicks off with Scott recounting one of the most unusual gigs of his career—a comedy performance booked by an Amish group. Initially unaware of their Amish background, Scott describes the surprise he felt when he learned the truth just a we...

In this episode of Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, longtime broadcaster Maxwell sits down with the legendary retired KCCI-TV news anchor, Kevin Cooney. With a career spanning decades in Iowa’s media landscape, Kevin shares what life has been like since stepping away from the anchor desk—spoiler alert: it involves a lot of biking, grandkids, and new creative pursuits.

The conversation kicks off at Chain and Spoke, a unique bike shop and coffeehouse in Des Moines, where Kevin reflects on his love for cycling. He shares his excitement for snow biking and laments the recent lack of winter snow...

On "The Weekend Pour", a special edition of Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, Maxwell sits down with Annette Hacker, Vice President of Strategy and Communications at the Food Bank of Iowa, for an enlightening conversation about food insecurity and the crucial work being done to combat hunger across the state.

Annette provides an eye-opening look into the vast reach of the Food Bank of Iowa, which serves 55 of Iowa’s 99 counties, covering an expansive 30,000 square miles. With a distribution network of 700 partner agencies—including pantries, meal sites, shelters, residential facilities, and school pantries—the organization plays a pivotal role in fee...

The Drake Relays are more than just a track and field event; they’re a celebration of community, athleticism, and history that spans over a century. In a revealing conversation on Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, Drake Relays Director Blake Boldon shared the immense effort and dedication required to pull off this monumental event, along with his vision for its future.

With just three months to go before the relays, Boldon described the intensity of preparation as "all-consuming." Days often stretch from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., leaving little time for personal needs like meals or even hydration. Desp...

In this episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, Maxwell sits down with legendary Des Moines radio personality Jimmy Wright, whose remarkable 37-year career in the market—35 of them at a single station—has cemented his status as a cornerstone of local broadcasting. The two reflect on Jimmy’s journey, beginning with his early days at Buena Vista College, where the encouragement of a professor and a serendipitous internship opportunity opened doors to his lifelong passion for radio.

Jimmy shares vivid memories of his ascent in the industry, recalling pivotal moments like his start at KDWZ, his tenure at Q-102...

In this engaging episode of Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, Maxwell sits down with Neil Pond, a former Iowa resident and a freelance national entertainment writer and editor. With a career spanning decades in the country music industry, Neil reflects on his fascinating journey, beginning with his time at Country America Magazine in Des Moines and extending to his dynamic career as a writer, editor, and drummer in Nashville.

Neil shares his experience working at Music City News in Nashville before moving to Iowa to join Meredith Corporation, where he played a pivotal role in connecting the Country America...

In this engaging episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, Maxwell sits down with Kipper McGee, a former Iowa radio manager, digital media consultant, and author of Brandwidth: How Big Broadcasting Is Missing the Mediamorphosis. Together, they delve into the rapid technological, economic, and cultural shifts impacting the radio industry and its future in the digital age.

McGee reflects on radio's transformation, highlighting how technological advancements—from transistor radios to smartphones—have altered the way audiences consume audio content. He explains how streaming, podcasts, and platforms like TikTok and YouTube have not only fragmented audiences but also shifted advert...

In this special "Weekend Pour" episode of Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, Maxwell sits down with Abe Goldstein, a multifaceted Iowan known for his community involvement and accordion skills, to share the fascinating story of how he became a spokesperson for WELLABE.

Abe humorously recounts his journey, starting as a loyal customer who received a marketing packet addressed “Well, Abe” after the company rebranded. Mistaking it as a personalized joke, Abe embraced the moment, sharing a playful social media post donning WELLABE-branded gear. To his surprise, this led to an official offer to represent the company online.

Thro...

In this episode of Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, Maxwell chats with Terry Rich, an Iowa native whose journey from a college math major to a cable TV pioneer and entrepreneur is as compelling as it is inspiring. Terry recounts his early days in cable television, starting as a producer-director in Des Moines when the industry was just taking root. Hired by the legendary Bill Riley, Terry began door-to-door sales to promote the novel concept of cable TV—learning to embrace rejection and cultivate an entrepreneurial spirit.

Terry reflects on the rapid growth of the industry, likening it to th...

In a special Christmas episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, Maxwell sits down with Father Michael Amadeo, Pastor of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Des Moines, for a heartfelt conversation exploring the timeless story of Christmas and its deeper meaning. Father Amadeo eloquently draws parallels between ancient Bethlehem and modern-day Iowa, reflecting on how God’s choice of a humble town for the birth of Jesus underscores a message of divine closeness to the lowly and forgotten.

Father Amadeo provides rich insights into the biblical narrative, emphasizing the humanity and faith of Mary and Joseph. He recounts Mary...

In this special edition of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, “The Weekend Pour,” Maxwell dives deep into the fascinating world of Iowa’s music and concert photography with the legendary Mark Lage. Known for his uncanny ability to capture the raw emotion and energy of live performances, Mark’s work has graced local publications, magazines, and album covers, creating a visual legacy of Iowa’s vibrant music scene.

With a career spanning decades, Mark recounts his journey from acing a single college photography class at Grand View to amassing over 144,000 photos in the last six years alone. He shares how h...

In this episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, Maxwell sits down with director William Rock and actor Stephanie Schneider to explore their journey of creating the upcoming independent film, Jury of Her Peers. Set in rural Iowa in 1900, the film is inspired by a real-life axe murder and the subsequent trial of a farm wife accused of killing her husband. The filmmakers weave a compelling narrative of isolation, friendship, and resilience while capturing the social dynamics of the early 20th century.

William Rock shares the genesis of the project, tracing its roots to a chance discovery of th...

On "The Weekend Pour" - a special edition of Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast - Maxwell sits down with Matt Roberts, Chief Planning Officer at Syverson Strege, to discuss crucial year-end tax and financial planning strategies. (*More about Matt, and a recap of our conversation with additional useful information is below!)

With the December 31st deadline looming, Matt emphasizes the importance of proactive planning, particularly for charitable giving. He explains the thresholds for deductions and highlights tools like donor-advised funds for flexible, impactful giving.

The conversation also delves into preparing for potential tax code changes in 2025, offering ac...

On this episode of Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, Maxwell sits down with Luke Dickens, the charismatic owner of Vinyl Cup Records and Marv’s Record Shop. A self-made entrepreneur with a passion for vinyl, Luke shares the fascinating journey that led him from a basement startup to managing four thriving record stores and collaborating with legendary musicians.

The conversation dives into the modern resurgence of vinyl, its tactile appeal, and the challenges posed by skyrocketing production costs. Luke offers a candid perspective on the state of the industry, balancing the niche appeal of vinyl with the broader dominance of...

In this episode of Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, Maxwell sits down with mother-and-son playwright duo Karen Schaeffer and Alex Schaeffer to discuss their unique collaboration on the upcoming comedy A Murder for Christmas, set to open December 6th, 2024, at the Amana Performing Arts Center with TKM Productions. The two share a dynamic back-and-forth, full of humor and insight, revealing how their partnership evolved and their creative process flourished.

The idea for their collaboration emerged during the COVID lockdown when Alex, inspired by years of “what if” playwriting musings, was encouraged by Karen to take action. The pair spent mont...

In this engaging episode of Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, Maxwell sits down with accomplished Iowa cabaret and club singer, musical theatre actor, and Noce resident performer, Gina Gedler. The conversation dives deep into Gina’s impressive career, her approach to music and performance, and her unique journey in balancing professional artistry with a rich personal life.

Gina reflects on her extensive repertoire, admitting she’s lost count of how many songs she knows and performs, ranging from jazz standards to country hits. She shares insights into her transition from theatre to cabaret, explaining how rehearsals evolved over time as s...

On Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, Maxwell interviews the talented and multifaceted Napoleon Douglas, an Iowa native, Drake University graduate, and international actor, singer, and entrepreneur. As Artistic Director of Pyramid Theatre Company, Iowa's only Black theater, Douglas reflects on his journey from Roosevelt High School to his current roles as a creator and innovator in the arts.

The conversation begins with Maxwell recalling casting Douglas in Superior Donuts, a pivotal moment in his life. Douglas shares how this experience inspired him to pivot from studying molecular biology to fully embracing his artistic passions. Despite initial uncertainty about industry...

In this special Veterans Day 2024 episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, Maxwell sits down with two distinguished Iowans: singer-songwriter Chip Albright and Iowa VFW Commander Michael Young, both with deep connections to the U.S. Marine Corps. The first half of the episode features Chip Albright, an Iowa-based musician inspired by his grandfather’s courageous service as a Marine during World War II. Albright’s grandfather fought in pivotal Pacific battles, including Guadalcanal and the harrowing assault on Chorito Ridge in Guam, where he was wounded multiple times. Inspired by family stories and a cherished book of handwritten notes from h...

In this lively episode of Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, Maxwell catches up with his former radio co-host, Amy Sweet, as they share personal stories and dive into the joys and absurdities of everyday life. The conversation begins with Amy's unique fascination with the gory details of her husband’s Achilles surgery, complete with photos that she enthusiastically shares. Maxwell and Amy reminisce about their shared "morbid curiosity" and banter about the unforgettable moments they shared as radio partners. Amy reflects on her journey from radio to podcasting, revealing the challenges and excitement of building her own podcast, The Foolosophers, with a...

In this episode of Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, magician and comedian Ben Ulin shares his reflections on a remarkable 36-year career performing at Adventureland. Ulin estimates he’s done over 25,000 shows, captivating audiences of all ages and building a legacy of loyal fans, some spanning three generations. He attributes the sustained success to a mix of humor, audience engagement, and the timeless intrigue of magic, where fans return to try to "figure out" his tricks.

Ulin discusses his comedic approach and his commitment to evolving performances. He engages audience volunteers and tailors each show to the crowd, which ca...

In this episode of Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, Greg Edwards, President and CEO of Catch Des Moines, shared exciting developments for the city. This fall, Des Moines landed two major events that will significantly impact the local economy. The first is the TEAMS Conference, scheduled for 2031. This prestigious event brings together governing bodies of various sports, including Olympic teams and associations. Typically hosted in tier-one cities such as Anaheim, the conference coming to Des Moines is a major win, allowing national planners to experience the city’s venues and attractions firsthand.

Edwards credits the Catch Des Moines sports te...

In this engaging interview on Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, Iowa country music artist Jason Brown reflects on his journey to becoming a successful musician, shaped by his roots in church music, family influences, and a relentless pursuit of his passion. Jason recalls how his grandmother discovered his talent when he was just four years old, singing hymns in church. She nurtured that talent, and by the time Jason was eight, she gifted him his first guitar, setting him on a lifelong path in music. Jason candidly shares the challenges he faced learning guitar, mentioning the physical pain that discouraged many...