Get Deep Podcast

In this episode of the Get Deep Podcast , we sit down with Jesse Hicks, the new President and Chief Advancement Officer of Loyola Catholic School, for a conversation about leadership, faith, football, fundraising, and coming home. Jesse’s story starts in the halls of Loyola, where he was once a student himself. He reflects on the people, values, and experiences that shaped him during those formati...

In this episode of the Get Deep Podcast , we sit down with Jeremy Thomas, owner of Unique Classic Cars and Unique Marine in Mankato, for a conversation about cars, risk, nostalgia, and building a business around things people truly care about. Jeremy shares how Unique Classic Cars grew from a small lot with just a handful of vehicles into a nationally respected classic and specialty car operation,...

Megan Hoogland: Art, Identity, and the Evolution of Tattoo Culture In this episode of the Get Deep Podcast , we sit down with Megan Hoogland, nationally recognized tattoo artist and owner of Mecca Tattoo in Mankato, for a conversation about artistry, identity, and building a career in an industry that transformed dramatically around her. Megan shares her early entry into tattooing while still livi...

Emily Giddings: Curiosity, Confidence, and the Business of Feeling Better In this episode of the Get Deep Podcast , we sit down with Emily Giddings, founder of Giddie Skin Med Spa , for a conversation that goes well beyond skincare. From a homeschooled upbringing to a passion for travel—and even raising buffalo—Emily has always followed her curiosity. That same mindset shows up in how she’s built...

Josh Vanderberg: Building a Business Leaders Can Trust In Episode 147 of the Get Deep Podcast , we sit down with Josh Vanderberg—President and CEO of Vanderberg Clean and a second-generation leader in Southern Minnesota’s janitorial industry. Josh’s story begins in Mankato, learning the business from his grandparents, founders of Sharon’s Cleaning Service in the 1970s. But early in this episode, h...

Sheryl Meshke: Leading America’s Dairy Cooperative, One Block of Cheese at a Time In this episode of the Get Deep Podcast , we sit down with Sheryl Meshke—President and CEO of AMPI (Associated Milk Producers Inc.), the nation’s largest farmer-owned dairy cooperative specializing in American-style cheese. From humble beginnings on a Good Thunder farm to leading an operation that markets 10% of the...

Justin Montemurno: Systems, Strategy, and the Power Behind the Power In this high-voltage episode of the Get Deep Podcast , we sit down with Justin Montemurno—a Southern Minnesota native whose journey from wrench-turning teen to global infrastructure strategist is anything but ordinary. Justin shares his story of growing up in St. James, tinkering with engines, learning from uncles, and developing...

Rachel Wilke & Molly Jones: Breaking Cycles and Building “Therapy is Cool” In this personal and powerful episode of the Get Deep Podcast , we sit down with Rachel Wilke and Molly Jones—licensed therapists and co-founders of Therapy is Cool , a Mankato-based mental health practice focused on helping children, families, and entire generations heal. Rachel and Molly share their winding paths into...

Ritchie Schaefer: Hive Minds, Bee Drama, and the Rise of B2B Honey In this episode of the Get Deep Podcast , we sit down with Ritchie Schaefer—beekeeper, entrepreneur, and founder of B2B Honey. A Mankato native with a love for agriculture, Ritchie takes us deep into the world of bees, hives, and honey with a mix of science, passion, and raw honesty. Ritchie’s path to business ownership was anythin...

Paul Bunkowsk e : A New Chapter Shaped by Collecting and Community In this heartfelt episode of the Get Deep Podcast, we sit down with Paul Bunkowske—the founder of Bunk’s Card Corner, Mankato’s go-to destination for sports cards, Pokémon, Disney memorabilia, and more. Paul shares his honest and powerful journey from struggling with alcoholism to finding purpose and community through sobriety. Rec...

Colleen VanBlarcom: McDonald’s Operator, Legacy Builder, and Culture Champion In this episode, we sit down with Colleen VanBlarcom—owner/operator of 11 McDonald’s restaurants across Southern Minnesota. With a career spanning four decades and roots in one of McDonald’s most storied family lineages, Colleen shares what it takes to lead a growing, values-driven organization under the Golden Arches. F...

Ashley and Nick Rehder, Founders of Ruby Ranch Barn: Join us for a conversation with Ashley and Nick Rehder, founders of ⁠Ruby Ranch Barn⁠ , a nine-acre property just east of Pemberton, Minnesota, where education and community meet in fresh, hands-on ways. In this episode, Ashley and Nick share about their journey building Ruby Ranch from a dream into a space for connection and experiential learni...

Art Westphal: Coaching Legend and Advancement Leader at Bethany Lutheran Join us for an in‑depth conversation with Art Westphal, a cornerstone of Bethany Lutheran College athletics and institutional advancement. Over decades, Art has shaped programs as head coach of both baseball and men’s basketball, led as athletic director, and now pours his passion into advancing the college mission as a Senio...

Jenna Fromm: CEO of Palmer Bus Service and Community-Focused Leader Climb aboard for a conversation with Jenna Fromm, a second-generation owner and the driving force behind Palmer Bus Service. From cleaning bus floors as a teenager in St. Clair to co-leading a fleet that spans communities across Minnesota, Jenna’s journey is rooted in faith, family, and fierce dedication to safety and service. In...

On this episode of the Get Deep Podcast , we sit down with Allen Eskens, Mankato’s own best-selling author and former criminal defense lawyer. Allen shares how his years in the courtroom shaped his storytelling, the discipline it takes to master the craft of writing, and the real-life experiences—and daydreams—that fuel his imagination. We also talk about his breakout first novel, The Life We Bury...

Jenny Barnes & David Hruska: Life, Loss, and “Dam Pie” at the Rapidan Dam Store In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with siblings Jenny Barnes and David Hruska—second-generation owners of the beloved Rapidan Dam Store. Known far and wide for their famous “Dam Pie,” Jenny and David reflect on a childhood spent along the Blue Earth River, the family legacy they inherited, and the joy of servi...

Andy Donahue: Minnesota State Director of the Small Business Development Center ( SBDC ). Join us for a conversation with a statewide leader who has dedicated his career to supporting small businesses. Andy’s journey has taken him from his early days at Wells Fargo, to serving as a regional SBDC director in Wisconsin, and ultimately back to his hometown of Duluth to lead Minnesota’s SBDC network....

Tim Johnson: Owner/Operator of High Spirits Liquor and Hooligan’s Neighborhood Pub , cornerstones of Mankato’s local retail and hospitality scene. Join us for a conversation with a local entrepreneur who has spent years creating spaces where people gather, connect, and make memories. Tim shares his journey of building and running successful businesses, the unique relationships that have shaped his...

Tom Miller: memorial sculptor and owner of Monuments by Miller. Join us for a conversation with a master craftsman whose work is etched into the very fabric of Mankato! Tom reflects on his path as a sculptor and storyteller—shaping stone and legacy alike. As one of the most visible artists in the region, he shares the stories behind some of Mankato’s most iconic monuments, including the Winter War...

Mike McGowan: third-generation owner of ⁠⁠ McGowan Water Conditioning and longtime volunteer firefighter. Join us for a conversation with a hometown business owner who’s been keeping Southern Minnesota’s water clean for over 70 years. Mike breaks down his sink-or-swim journey stepping into the family business—navigating generational pressure while carving out a path of his own. From water systems...

Carter Person: co-owner of Cork & Key, and partner in the ATOM hospitality group! Join us for an expansive conversation with seasoned entrepreneur Carter Person. With deep roots in a family dedicated to hospitality and community, Carter shares what it was like growing up in the family business — giving us an honest breakdown of the rewards and challenges of working closely alongside relatives....

Nicole Panko: owner of Ember Wellness Studio! Join us for a conversation rooted in health and wellness - at the heart of our community! Nicole’s entrepreneurial experience extends beyond her current venture, and we were so engaged with how her previous business successes led her to creating the community at Ember. From her own journey to healthier living to the lessons she’s learned from testing h...

Jeff Holmin: our local award-winning taxidermy expert and owner of North Star Taxidermy! Join us for an unforgettable conversation with our guest this week, who shares with us how his appreciation for the natural world at a young age translated into a robust career in taxidermy. Fully embracing a trade (and art form) that most would find difficult to perform, we loved hearing Jeff’s unique perspec...

Shane Bowyer: professor of management at MSU Mankato and local community pillar! Our guest this week has an incredible range of expertise in the business sector; overseeing the Northwoods League Baseball Franchise as a general manager, owner of the Sports Institute training facility, and so much more right here in our community. Join us as Shane takes us through his most memorable experiences, and...

Tim Huebsch: Solutions Manager of Global Business Solutions at General Mills! Join us for an immersive conversation with a corporate industry leader! From our guest’s roots in rural Southern Minnesota, his early interest in tech, and his quick career ascension, our guest’s engaging manner of storytelling kept us thoroughly riveted. Tim also has impressive entrepreneurial record; his attitude of hu...