Talkin' with Tonka

On this episode of Talkin’ with Tonka, we kick off Season 3 with Kurt Gibson, aka Kurteousy, back in the co-host chair! Joining us is special guest Jimmy 6, as promised from Episode 2 of Season 2, for a long-awaited year check-in. We’ll dive into how 2024 has treated him and what exciting plans he has for 2025. Plus, huge congratulations to Kurt on the news of his third baby on the way this Memori...

On this episode of Talkin' with Tonka, I sat down with Pete—or as many of you know him, Sheffield Shuffler on social media. We dive into his time in Chicago, the story behind his unique nickname, his experiences as a dad, and his dreams for the next five years. Tune in for an inspiring and comedic chat! @SheffieldShuffler @Talkinwithtonka @DJTonka_

On this episode of Talkin' with Tonka, Chase U and I sit down with Allyson, Marketing Director at Vault Brewing, and John Barchard, Owner of Monetize Philly, to dive into the origins of Chase U Lot Lager . What started as a lighthearted partnership for social media content evolved into a full-fledged collaboration on an exciting new beer. Between laughs, friendly banter, and behind-the-scenes stor...

On this episode of Talkin’ with Tonka, I sit down with Joe Perri, cohost of *The Skinny with Joey Merlino* podcast. We dive into Joe’s journey to sobriety, celebrating 8 years sober, and discuss his decision to leave the car business after a decade to pursue podcasting with Joey Merlino. Tune in for this insightful conversation and more!

On Episode 17 we're back from summer vacation with special guest co host @Nuggetonair in the iHeart radio studio with Chuggs from @WTTWPodcast.  We talk about how their podcast and page started and how it grew into what you see today on instagram, also how it was also almost taken from them in the beginning.  Social media is crazy and we get into that as well.  Chuggs and I both agree there should...

On Episode 16 were back in the Shoedio and I sat down with a old friend Anthony Cataldi, owner and operator of Studio 27.  Anthony talks bout how he went from designing business card for coworkers to brand marketing for big events like The Big Dill.  We dive into the fitness, personal and spiritual parts of life as well and how it helped him find himself.  Make sure you follow him on socials and h...

On this episode of Talkin with Tonka were back in the Shoedio with Casey Pitocchelli owner of Rare Vintage.  Casey started collecting early on with his Dad and you'll hear that's where it all began for him and even his sister.  Rare Vintages instagram will take you back in time with some of the items Casey picks up and he even gives away a little secret on how to do it.  His 5 year plan is awesome...

On this episode of Talkin' with Tonka, Season 2 Episode 14 co host Chris Woods (Pain with a Purpose) and I sit down with Owner and Creator of Teach One Feed One, Darnell Hinton.  We learn how slices of pizza turned into giving a deserving woman a car!  Darnell having gone through recovery himself is pushing to help others do the same with positive encouragement, weather its a scholarship or a simp...

On Episode 13, Season 2 of Talkin' with Tonka I sit down for another Shoedio Session with Chris Woods, the creator of the podcast, " Pain with a Purpose".  Chris has been an advocate for addiction recovery for quite some time because he's been through it himself as you'll hear in the podcast and understands that some times it takes multiple attempts.  Now, Chris is 10 years sober and not looking b...

On Episode 12 - Season 2 of Talkin' with Tonka I sit down on location at Barstool Sansom St with its Co-GM Catherine Murphy.  Catt and I talk about how she went from singing in musicals in her younger years to how she got started in nightlife.  We also discuss how the company she works for encourages woman to go into managerial roles, something she loves to see and be a part of.  If you ever stop...

On this episode of Talkin' with Tonka, Season 2 Episode 11 I sat down with the woman behind the scenes over at Lochels Bakery, Kathleen Lochel.  We talk about everything from where Lochels Bakery started and even were Kathleen went to high school, which was the same as me, Go Truman Tigers!  You'll also learn what their top selling items are, and it may shock you!  Make sure you follow them on Ins...

On this episode of Talkin' with Tonka I sit down with my cousin, owner and operator of Studio Reign, Reign Alimenti.  As we showcase women in small business this month, it was only right I sit down with a family member who knew what she wanted and went after it.  Reign talks about how her love for makeup at a young age turned into a thriving business now at just 25 years old.  Listen in on how she...

On this episode of Talkin' with Tonka I sit down with owner and operator of Nova Cosmetic/General Practice Dentistry, Dr. Lana Waibel.  We learn about how she wanted to move to America at a young age, learning all she could and finally making the journey from Russia at the age of 20.  She didn't stop there, her inspiring story is proof if you work and dream hard enough, anything can happen. @Nova....

On Episode 8 of Season 2, were back in the Shoedio with Cohost DJ Quigs. Quigs and I sit down with his "sister" Felicia Punzo.  Felicia tells how she got started singing and it wasn't how you'd expect.  She also started a podcast we talk about her plans for that and how she balances life with it all being a new mom.  Make sure y'all follow her and subscribe to her Podcast "The City Buzz". @TheCity...

On Episode 7 of Season 2, I was on location at Johnny's Pizza in Bryn Mawr to sit dow with Stephen Gill, owner of Mammoth Sauce Co.  Stephens story doesn't start as a hot sauce guru, but more of a hobby of just trying new things.  We talk about how each hot sauce in his line up and how each one was brought to life.  Make sure you follow the on all their socials and check out their website! Links a...

On Episode 6 of Season 2 I sat down with Joe, Owner and Operator of Past to Present Vintage in South  Jeremy.  We learn the back story of Joe and his love for vintage, where his retail journey began to his present day owning his own story. You'll hear stories how his interest for vintage clothes and accessories started and how he made it into a successful career.  As promised if you would like to...

On this episode of Talkin' with Tonka I sit down with the owner and operator of LB Cuts, Luis Bravo.   Luis and I have known each other a long time so you'll hear us go back and fourth about the old times, the different shops he's been at and more importantly how his story begins.  Luis also share a part of his live some people may not know about, an inspiration story to say the least.  Make sure...

On Episode 4 of Season 2 I sit down with owners and creators of Boom Box Philly, Aaron and Josh.  We talk about their background, more importantly how they met and how this idea even came to be.  During this episode you learn a lot about the duo the created this giant boom box that you can actually rent for events.  Make sure you follow them and see how they can be apart of your next event. @BoomB...

On episode 3 of Season 2, I sat down with owners of Alpha Phlyte Fitness, John Bennett and Keith Longenecker.  We dive in to their history on how they met and how they made a dream of owning a dream a reality.  They also have high aspirations for the future form the gym, the apparel and their supplements.  There is a hidden hashtag to use when sharing this episode so make sure you listen closely! ...

On Episode 2 of Season 2 of Talkin' with Tonka, Kurt and I sit down to catch up with a past guest Jimmy 6 (James Myer).  Jimmy was on Episode 2 of Season 1 and we put in our calendars this date to record a yearly recap.  This episode did not disappoint. Jimmy has come a long way since last year and his goals and aspirations for 2024 is something to look forward to, so much so that Kurt, Jimmy and...

On Season 2 debut of Talkin' with Tonka CoHost John Bennett and I sit down with owner and founder of Vision + Fitness and Love Fit, Charles Knowles Jr.  We ask the motivation behind his ventures, how it started and even the story behind the name Vision + Fitness.  Charles speaks about his passion to help create a family with his business' and how important everyones health and well being is to him...

On episode 38 of Talkin' with Tonka cohost Mike and I sit down with Joe Ferraro owner and trainer at Pride Fit Training in the heart of Northern Liberties.  We talk to Joe about the venture that brought him from his garage to a 2500ft space!  Joe tells us about his background as a Mens Physique competitor, physical therepy and more importantly training athletes and normal every day people like Mik...

On episode 37 of Talkin' with Tonka cohost Doug aka Chase U sit down with Johnny Bisceglie owner of Johnny's Pizza.  In this episode you hear from the man himself that the passion for making pizza gave him the drive to learn from a couple of the best to do it in his eyes.  We talk about what makes his pizza different then others not he main line and you will never guess who texts Johnny his order,...

On Episode 36 of Talkin' with Tonka I sit down with Enzo Siciliano owner and founder of Boxing on Broad.  We talk about how a bad situation turned into an opportunity, how his parents molded him into the man he is today and also how this sport saved his life. Make sure you Like, comment, share and rate on your streaming platforms its always appreciated! @boxingonbroad @talkinwithtonka @DJTonka_ 

On Episode 35 Kurt and I sit down with DJ Duo Menace Cartel (Dennis and Mike).  We talk about how they came to be, the trials and tribulations that came with it.  The brother bond is apparent in this episode and you'll hear why.  We talk about Kurts Phirst Fridays and what its about; also what the night was like when Menace jumped on the set with him.  As always thanks everyone for your continued...