Brews & Cruise Podcast

This week on the Brews & Cruise Podcast , we’re sitting down with Jeremy Littel , the larger-than-life personality and founder of Kickass Beef Jerky . What started as a small idea quickly turned into a bold brand with a loyal following — and Jeremy takes us inside the entire ride. In this episode, Jeremy opens up about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship , the lessons learned from building...

Buckle up for a lively episode! 🎙 This week, I’m joined in the speakeasy studio by the always-fun Enio Leone and Bella Blank, who made the trip all the way from Michigan. It’s their second visit to Winona, Minnesota—the first was for our wedding two years ago—and this time they went all-in: river days, festival nights, small-town adventures, and plenty of laughs. We swap stories, share life update...

This week at the Speakeasy Studio, we sit down with changemaker John Mullen—founder of the Impact Center in Winona, Minnesota. What started as a simple vision to support local youth has grown into a powerful community hub where kids not only have a safe space to hang out, but also get the academic support, mentorship, and encouragement they need to thrive. John opens up about the inspiration behin...

🔥 The hottest party of the summer is heating up the Speakeasy Studio! On this week’s episode, we’re breaking down SummerSlam with returning fan-favorite Paul Ebner and first-time guest Eli Meyers. We’re serving up bold predictions, shocking upsets, and championship chaos—over a couple of ice-cold Beach Bums (that’s Kona Big Wave meets Mango Cart, in case you didn’t know). 🍻 Will John Cena finall...

Grab a THC drink and settle in—this week, we’re diving deep into the untold, wild history of Winona, Minnesota. Our guest, Joe Hughs, a retired professor and recent Winona transplant, joins us in the studio to share some jaw-dropping stories from the city’s past. From salacious tales of old-school vice and corruption to mysterious murders and forgotten scandals, Joe paints a vivid picture of a Win...

This week on the Brews & Cruise Podcast, we’re joined by the inspiring Tesla Mitchell—host of the brand-new podcast ‘How Life Shapes Us’. In this episode, we get real about the rollercoaster ride of launching a podcast from scratch. From hilarious missteps to unexpected wins, we swap stories on the challenges and triumphs we’ve both faced. Tesla shares the creative spark behind her show, her u...

We’re thrilled to welcome the vibrant and knowledgeable Nicole Severson to the Speakeasy Studio! In this fun and insightful episode, we dive into the world of travel, vacation planning, and the magic of working with a travel advisor. Nicole shares how she takes the stress out of planning unforgettable getaways — and why having a travel expert in your corner can make all the difference, from bookin...

This week, the Speakeasy Studio transforms into something special—an “open-air” lounge under the stars. We welcome back fan favorite and three-time returning guest, Josh Harrison a.k.a. The Godfather. With a couple of fine cigars and top-shelf bourbon in hand, we dive into our first-ever Cigars Under the Stars session. What starts with tasting notes and smoke rings turns into a deeper, unfiltered...

In this week’s episode of the Brews & Cruise Podcast, we sit down with professional wrestler, father, gamer, and survivor — Bryant Dismukes Jr. What starts as a casual conversation over Arizona green tea quickly becomes a powerful deep-dive into one man’s transformation. Bryant shares his story of relocating from the chaos and concrete of Chicago to the quiet, small-town pace of Winona, Minnes...

This week, we’re opening the doors to the Speakeasy Studio for an extra special, joy-filled episode — one that’s equal parts heartfelt, hilarious, and incredibly personal. I’m joined once again by my amazing wife, Stephanie Jacobson, making her third appearance on the show. And this time, we’re also welcoming a very special first-time guest — and our youngest guest ever — our daughter, Lainey Monr...

We’re setting sail into one of the most exciting times of the year — Steamboat Days 2025 — and we’ve got the ultimate insider joining us in the Speakeasy Studio! Stephen Sheehan, President of the Steamboat Days Committee, stops by for a deep dive into everything that’s happening during this year’s festival, and trust us — there’s something for everyone. In this jam-packed episode, Stephen walks us...

Who you gonna cruise with? 👻🚗 This week on The Brews & Cruise Podcast, we’re firing up the sirens and hitting the road with Doug and Savannah Meyer, live from the Speakeasy Studio, for an episode packed with nostalgia, fandom, and serious car geekery. Doug and Savannah are the brilliant minds behind the Ecto Cruise, a Ghostbusters-themed car cruise like no other — and it’s all going down Jun...

This week on the Brews & Cruise Podcast, we’re diving into a story that’s as haunting as it is unforgettable. Joining us in the Speakeasy Studio is Sharon Forst, who recounts a life-altering event that began on September 5, 2011—a day that would forever change her and her family. While spending time along the banks of the Mississippi River, Sharon and her family stumbled upon something that wo...

🎙️ This Week on the Brews & Cruise Podcast: We're back in the cozy glow of the Speakeasy Studio with a returning guest who's bringing both heart and hops—Tim Vodak joins us for a powerful, thoughtful, and refreshingly candid conversation. While sipping on some locally crafted Drink Wisconsinbly Vodka Orange cocktails, Tim opens up about a cause close to his heart: NAMI—the National Alliance on...

On this week’s episode of the podcast, we welcome back a fan favorite and four-time returning guest — and this time, he showed up in serious style, riding his motorcycle all the way from Dubuque, Iowa to the Speakeasy Studio! We fire up the mics and dive deep into the details of our upcoming trip to Sturgis, South Dakota for the legendary 85th Anniversary Sturgis Motorcycle Rally — one of the bigg...

Get ready for our most delicious episode yet! This week on the Brews & Cruise Podcast, we’re serving up something sweet as Jesse Ebner joins me at the cozy Speakeasy Studio for a glass of wine and a mouthwatering conversation. Jesse is the creative force behind Sweet Pea – Cakes & Cookies, her brand-new baking venture that’s already winning hearts (and taste buds). In this episode, Jesse t...

This week at the Speakeasy Lounge, we’re diving headfirst into the fascinating world of body art with none other than professional piercer Casey Morason! Join us as Casey shares his expert insights on all things piercing — from the critical dos and don’ts that every client should know, to the wide range of jewelry styles, materials, and piercing options available today. Whether you’re a piercing n...

This week on the Brews & Cruise Podcast, we’re rolling out the red carpet for a true force of nature—Dylan “Roxi Manacoochi” Kaercher! Broadcasting straight from the Speakeasy Studio, Dylan brings his larger-than-life energy and magnetic personality to share the wild, wonderful, and whirlwind journey that’s defined his life so far. From the spotlight of the drag stage to the hustle of entrepre...

This week on the Brews & Cruise Podcast, we’re turning up the heat because it’s WRESTLEMANIA WEEK — and the energy is off the charts! I’m throwing down in the Speakeasy Studio with none other than Paul Ebner, the powerhouse host of the Still Real To Me podcast, and wrestling superfan Nick Thull for an electrifying episode dedicated to all things WWE. We’re diving headfirst into the chaos, dram...

On this episode of the Brews & Cruise Podcast, we’re posted up in the Speakeasy Studio with a cold Bud Light in hand and a killer guest—Ty Styx. Ty’s a true hustler, and in this conversation, he takes us deep into his journey as a self-made entrepreneur. We kick things off with how he got started in the concrete game, building a business from the ground up—literally—and how that first venture...

🎙️ What is the Crossings Center? This week, I’m joined by Joel Hennessy, Bill Lanik, and Brian Prudoehl of Christian Crossings to dive into their incredible journey of faith, friendship, and community. ✨ From a yellow school bus 20 years ago to building a gathering place for families in the name of God, these men share the funny, heartfelt, and inspiring story behind their mission. 🚀 We’ll talk...

On this week’s episode of the Brews & Cruise Podcast, I’m cracking open some Busch Lights with none other than Shawn Harm at the Speakeasy Studio! Shawn brings some incredible stories from his time in the service, sharing firsthand experiences from overseas—the challenges, the unforgettable moments, and everything in between. You won’t want to miss his unique perspective and the wild situation...

This Week on the Brews & Cruise Podcast: A Thrilling Journey Through Service and Leadership with Steve Baumgart! Get ready for an unforgettable episode as Steve Baumgart joins me at the Speakeasy Studio to share his incredible journey through a life of service, bravery, and leadership. From soaring the skies as a medic in the U.S. Air Force to running into burning buildings as a Chicago firefi...

This week on the Brews & Cruise Podcast, we’re pouring up some THC-infused drinks and diving headfirst into the high-energy, empowering, and often misunderstood world of pole fitness with the one and only Ashley Wagner! Ashley joins us in the Speakeasy Studio to spill all the details on how she got her start in pole fitness, what inspired her to open her own studio, and how this art form goes...

This week on Brews & Cruise, we’re pouring a classic Jack Daniel’s and Diet Coke and settling in with a very special guest—my uncle, Bill Lanik—right here in the Speakeasy Studio! Bill’s love for music started when he was just 10 years old, and that passion led him on an incredible journey spanning decades. From forming his first bands to taking center stage as a lead singer, he’s experienced...