The Garage Mind

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Local 710 president and longtime Teamster Del Schaefer joins host Del Tony to trace his path from UPS loader and steward to business agent and president, and explain how mentorship, member relationships, transparency, and financial preparation shape union leadership. The conversation also cover...

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Is Short Barrel Cigar Batch Number Four worth its roughly $90 price tag? Tony puts this finished bourbon to the test, tasting through dark cherry, fig, cocoa, cinnamon, and a finish that keeps evolving in the glass. He explores what makes the bottle distinctive: a blend of more than 350 handpic...

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Garage Mind — AI, bourbon finds, and where AI is headed Tony and Bryan start with bourbon, then get into a lively debate about AI, automation, and whether the technology is moving faster than society can keep up. Along the way, they discuss hard-to-find bottles, whiskey prices, data centers, pr...

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Curiosity, discipline, and a few brutal wake-up calls built Tracy Brinkmann’s life and business philosophy. In this conversation, he reveals how a military childhood, a hard fall into addiction, and a painful family tragedy reshaped everything, and why those detours ultimately became the founda...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION - Ready to publish What does a lifetime in the Teamsters really buy you? Dan Pascual has the answer—and it starts with a hard-earned pension, strong benefits, and the kind of retirement many workers hope to achieve. Tony Ortiz sits down with the retired Cisco Foods veteran and Local 710 member for a candid conversation about union history, strong contracts, and why understandin...

Union Marketing Is Broken—Here’s How to Fix It | Sean Allen How can unions reach a new generation of workers? Sean Allen, president of Chicago Local 21 Bricklayers and creator of Union Proud Warrior, joins Tony to share how a bold message and community-first approach helped build an audience of 175,000 followers across platforms. A second-generation Teamster, Tony brings his own blue-collar perspe...

Excel warehouse technician Alberto joins Tony to share how frustration over low wages, costly healthcare, safety concerns, and expanding job duties led workers to organize with Teamsters Local 710.Alberto explains how he helped build support for the union campaign, securing 19 signed authorization cards in just two weeks. He and Tony discuss the realities of warehouse work, management’s cross-trai...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION — Ready to publish The bourbon bubble may be changing, but the real story is bigger than hype: it is about community, taste, and finding your own path. Jay, better known as Woodford Bourbon Guy shares how a neglected garage, a $150 back bar, and a COVID-era project turned into a one-of-a-kind bourbon hangout, a massive collection, and a content brand built on authenticity. Tony...

[EPISODE DESCRIPTION - Ready to publish] In a world where voices are often drowned out, Rod Duff and Tony dive deep into the heart of the middle class, offering powerful insights on the struggles and triumphs of everyday Americans. This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling unheard or caught in the chaos of societal division. Rod Duff passionately explores the challenges facing the middle cl...

[EPISODE DESCRIPTION - Ready to publish] In a world where hard work often goes unnoticed, Tony sheds light on the unsung heroes of the working class—the ones who keep our lives running smoothly yet remain invisible. This heartfelt episode is a powerful reminder of the appreciation we often overlook in our daily grind and a call to recognize the value of every worker’s contribution. Tony opens up a...

The people who taught you how to work, read a room, and carry yourself in hard situations may have given you the most important skills you’ll ever use - and you may never have thanked them. Tony turns a simple garage conversation into a direct challenge: call the person who built you. This short, real-talk episode hits the kind of lesson most of us feel but rarely say out loud. Tony reflects on th...

Gold Star Ride: 563 Families, 166,000 Miles, and the Mission to Remember Anthony Price, also known by his road name Token Squid, shares how a lifetime on Harley-Davidson motorcycles became a national mission to support Gold Star families. This conversation covers the origin of Gold Star families, the practical help his foundation provides, and the unexpected generosity he has encountered from stra...

A viral strike, a company with billions in revenue, and a local that refuses to be pushed around - Local 179 lays out exactly why this fight at IKEA matters far beyond one warehouse. Chris Richter and Tony Seminari break down the contract battle, the wage gap, the protection of rights language, and the kind of leadership that turns a picket line into a movement. This episode gets into the real mec...

On this episode of The Garage Mind Podcast, Tony sits down with Bryan Blackmon for an honest conversation about addiction, homelessness, recovery, spirituality, and rebuilding life after rock bottom. Bryan shares the turning points that changed everything and the mindset that helped him choose a better future. A powerful story about resilience, second chances, and personal growth.

Saturday morning cartoons, Christmas nostalgia, and a few hilarious detours into Santa trauma, cereal, and the weird magic of being a kid. Tony and Lauren turn this one into a warm, funny, memory-filled conversation that hits anyone who grew up waiting for the theme song to start. Tony kicks things off with the shows and characters that shaped a generation - Ninja Turtles, DuckTales, Power Rangers...

Unlock the secrets of ethical persuasion in marketing with Thomas, the Happy Tribes leader! In this episode of GarageMind, Thomas shares his transformative journey from computer scientist to a pioneer in neuromarketing, revealing how understanding the brain can elevate your business strategies. If you're a marketer, entrepreneur, or anyone looking to influence decisions effectively, this conversat...

Football fever is back, and there's no better way to kick off the season than with a deep dive into the world of the Chicago Bears. In this electrifying episode of the Garage Mind Podcast, host Tony shares his passion for the game, revealing the excitement surrounding the Bears' preseason opener. As a lifelong fan, he transports you to Soldier Field, where nostalgia and anticipation collide, ignit...

Garage Mind: 703 and 710 Strike Stories, Unity, and First-Contract Lessons Tony is joined by Brian and Johnny Scianna, a business agent with 703, to break down a six-week strike that was really a year and a half in the making. They cover what it takes to win a first contract, why unity matters, and how communication, education, and member involvement shape every step of a labor fight. In this epis...

Disney on a budget is not only possible, it might actually be the smartest way to do it. Tony and his wife break down whether staying at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort is worth it, what the transportation really feels like, and why the so-called “entry level” option could change the way you book every future trip. They compare the real-world pros and cons of staying on property, from the cold, con...

Most entrepreneurs stumble into success in unexpected ways—like Leanne Linsky, who turned her passion for comedy into a groundbreaking online platform just as the world shifted online. When COVID made traditional comedy gigs impossible, she created Plausible: a no-hassle, all-in-one virtual stage that empowers comedians to perform, grow, and earn on their own terms—without the gatekeeping of algor...

Loyalty is a rare, powerful virtue—yet most people misuse or misunderstand it entirely. Tony unpacks the true meaning behind loyalty, exposing how watered-down definitions have created a culture of superficial support and betrayal. If you've ever wondered why genuine loyalty feels so scarce and how to identify those who truly stand by you, this episode will change the way you see your relationship...

Who are you really? And what truly brings you joy beyond the surface? Tony's latest solo episode dives deep into self-discovery, blending raw honesty with inspiring insights that resonate with anyone questioning their purpose. In a heartfelt reflection, Tony explores how fighting for others stems from fighting within himself — whether in the boxing ring or union halls. He shares stories of communi...

Most people dream of a career that makes a real difference—and Eric Robinson did just that twice: from the pulpit to the front lines of the FBI. His journey from Baptist pastor to celebrated FBI agent proves that with resilience, adaptability, and a passion for justice, you can live a life truly worth telling. In this episode, Eric shares some of his most intense and inspiring stories, revealing h...

When corporate greed goes too far, workers are the ones forced to pay the price. In this episode, Tony sits down with union drivers and warehouse workers to expose what really happens when companies cut corners, weaken contracts, and put profits ahead of people. From strike language that protects employees from unfair layoffs to the power of solidarity on the ground, this conversation reveals the...

local 710 Teamsters VS Accel Entertainment Most people underestimate the brutal reality faced by security and contract workers in Illinois’ billion-dollar gambling industry. Keegan, a seasoned terminal operator and active union member, pulls back the curtain on two years of fierce negotiations with a corporate giant, revealing a story of greed, danger, and resilience. In this eye-opening episode,...