Brews & Cruise Podcast

This week on the Brews & Cruise Podcast, we’re cranking up the heat—literally! My buddy, Eduardo “Eddie” Belica, joins me in the Speakeasy Studio for a one-of-a-kind episode where, for the first time ever, we’re bringing food into the mix. But this isn’t just any meal—we’re diving headfirst into the Hot Ones Challenge! Eddie had the genius (or maybe insane) idea to put our taste buds to the te...

This week on the Brews & Cruise Podcast, we welcome my cousin, Joey “Doey” Schneider, to the Speakeasy Studio for an episode you won’t want to miss. Joey takes us on a journey through his busy, entrepreneurial life—from running his landscaping business to designing custom logo T-shirts, all while juggling a full-time 9-to-5 job. But Joey’s story goes beyond business. He opens up about growing...

🔥 This Week on the Brews & Cruise Podcast 🔥 Buckle up, because this episode is an absolute riot! The most infamous father-son duo, Corey and Rick Schell, crash into the Speakeasy Studio for a wild ride packed with laughs, stories, and some downright hilarious moments. We’re peeling back the curtain on their past—where they grew up, the experiences that shaped them, and, of course, the legend...

This week on the Brews & Cruise Podcast, my lifelong friend ​⁠ Louis Kowalski joins me in the Speakeasy Studio for an episode packed with mezcal, memories, and epic travel stories. Louis, a true digital nomad, has mastered the art of working on the go while exploring the world. He shares incredible tales from his adventures, the fascinating people he’s met, and what it’s really like to live an...

Get ready for an unforgettable episode of Bruise and Cruise Podcast! This week, we’re joined by my father-in-law, Larry Erickson, a man whose 75 years are packed with incredible stories and inspiring adventures. From being on the ground floor of the legendary Mathews Bows to hitting the open road on epic motorcycle trips to Sturgis, Larry’s life has been nothing short of extraordinary. But that’s...

Get ready for an action-packed episode you won’t want to miss! This week, we’re thrilled to have Thor Nystrom joining us virtually at the Speakeasy Studio to dive deep into his football passion. But this isn’t just about the game – Thor is breaking down fantasy drafts and sharing his bold predictions for this year’s NFL draft. We’ll also dissect the wild ride of the recent college football season,...

Step into the exciting world of Cornhole as Caleb Forst joins us at the Speakeasy Studio! With a glass of bourbon in hand, Caleb dives into his newfound passion for the sport, sharing how he got hooked, the strategies that make it so addictive, and the gear that separates casual players from true competitors. But that’s not all—Caleb brings the laughs with outrageous and unforgettable stories from...

Kick off 2025 with a bang! This week, I’m joined in the Speakeasy Studio by Justin Schmitz and returning guest Andrew Elmquist for an epic trivia showdown. In this lively episode, we dive into Justin’s life story, get to know what makes him tick, and enjoy some good-natured banter along the way. From history to sports, cars, and random fun facts, this trivia game will keep you on your toes. Think...

This week on the Brews & Cruise Podcast, we’re wrapping up 2024 with a bang! Allyson Hurley, a dynamic nutrition coach, steps into the Speakeasy Studio to dish on how she’s helping people crush their New Year’s resolutions. Whether it’s smashing fitness goals or overcoming life’s hurdles, Allyson breaks down how personalized coaching can set you up for success. But that’s not all—get to know t...

This week, we’re shaking things up in the Speakeasy Studio with a special guest: Tim Vodak! Tim rolls in with a can of Brandy Old-Fashioned from Drink Wisconsinbly, the iconic brand he proudly represents. We dive into Tim’s journey as an ambassador for multiple companies, uncovering how he turned his passion into a career. Plus, he shares nostalgic stories from his time working at Culver’s, back w...

This week, the Speakeasy Studio heats up as Tom “Babs” Babler rolls in with a cooler full of Busch Lights and a mystery mint chocolate chip desert cocktail to share the story behind The Woodshed, his thriving mobile wood-fired pizza business. From his passion for the culinary arts to the grit it takes to build a business from scratch, Babs opens up about the challenges, triumphs, and everything in...

On this week’s episode of Brews & Cruise, we’re thrilled to welcome Aaron “Ripper” Repinski into the Speakeasy Studio! Join us as Ripper pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to run for political office. From behind-the-scenes strategies to his genuine passion for public service, you’ll get an insider’s perspective on the highs and challenges of the campaign trail. But that’s not all—...

This week, my former student Jake James drops by the Speakeasy Studio for a thrilling deep dive into his journey over the last decade. From racing before he even had a driver’s license to climbing the ranks in various divisions of dirt track racing, Jake shares his passion, grit, and vision for the future. We talk shop about the inner workings of dirt track racing, swap stories, and sip vodka Red...

This week on the Bruise & Cruise Podcast, we’re thrilled to be joined by Luke Braun, checking in from Los Angeles via satellite! Luke, a seasoned Minnesota Vikings analyst and podcaster, has been covering the team from the West Coast for years while hosting several shows focused on the Vikings and the NFL at large. In this episode, we dive into his unique journey as a long-distance fan, his fa...

This week on the Brews & Cruise Podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome writer and author Merle Hanson to the Speakeasy Studio for a laid-back and thought-provoking conversation over a THC soda. Merle takes us on a journey through his life as a storyteller, beginning with how he first discovered his passion for writing and the moments that inspired him to put pen to paper. From his first steps as a...

In this week’s episode, I’m joined by the vibrant and multi-talented Ci Ci Thorn, who brings her entrepreneurial spirit and unexpected athletic prowess to the Speakeasy Studio. Ci Ci recently launched her own hair salon (Salon Ci), and she opens up about the exhilarating journey of building a business from scratch—sharing the real highs, lows, and surprising insights that come with being a local b...

In this week’s episode, we're thrilled to welcome Jon Loomis, an Arizona native with a passion for golf who transformed his love for the game into a groundbreaking business right here in the heart of Minnesota. Jon's journey is a story of grit, adaptation, and entrepreneurial spirit, as he tackles one of the Midwest's greatest challenges: bringing the sunny fairways of Arizona to the snowy north....

In this week’s episode, I sit down with my buddy and restaurant owner, Andre Klonecki, in the Speakeasy Studio for a wild and insightful dive into the life of a business owner. From the high-stakes world of running a restaurant to the crazy events he’s hosted—think midget wrestling, male revues, pro wrestling, and more—Andre shares it all. We talk about the real highs and lows of entrepreneurship,...

In this week’s episode of Bruise and Cruise, we’re excited to welcome the incredibly sharp and hilarious ​⁠Dave Landau to the Speakeasy Studio—virtually! In this fun and engaging interview, we dive deep into Dave’s comedic journey, from his early influences to the pivotal moments that led him into the world of stand-up. We talk about the legendary comedians who inspired his style, the challenges o...

Join us in the Speakeasy Studio as we welcome Paul Van Eijl, an entrepreneur with a passion for hockey and innovation. Paul shares the story behind his game-changing invention: a cutting-edge ice resurfacing machine designed for hockey rinks which cuts the resurfacing process down significantly, and helped him raise $3 million in capital to polish new versions. We also dive into his entrepreneuria...

This week on the Brews & Cruise Podcast, we’re joined by the multifaceted Matt Wagner—artist, mountain biking enthusiast, and pinball aficionado. Matt rides into the Speakeasy Studio on his e-bike, bringing along some of his incredible artwork to share the creative process behind his pieces. We dive into his newfound passion for pinball machines and how it inspired him to create a unique class...

Paul Ebner returns to the Speakeasy studio for a second round, and this time he’s brought along a couple of beers with a special message – they symbolize what I might feel as I prepare for fatherhood! Paul shares some heartfelt advice on becoming a dad, reflecting on the ups and downs of parenting from his own experience. In addition to the fatherhood talk, Paul gives us a sneak peek into his bran...

This week, we’re celebrating big news in the Speakeasy Studio! My wife, Stephanie Jacobson, returns with an incredible announcement: WE’RE EXPECTING A BABY! 🎉 Join us as we dive into the joys (and surprises) of preparing for parenthood, share our thoughts on what lies ahead during Stephanie’s pregnancy, and reflect on our first year of marriage. We also explore healthy pregnancy-friendly foods an...

In this week’s episode of Brews & Cruise, we’re joined by two of the three members of ‘Dying Breed’ —Hunter and Dalton Russeau—live in the Speakeasy Studio. These talented brothers share the story behind how they formed the band, their journey through past projects, and the deep-rooted passion for music that drives them. From the highs of creative collaboration to the challenges they’ve faced...

This Week on the Brews & Cruise Podcast we’re joined by golf enthusiast, Aaron Thurow at the Speakeasy Studio! Aaron shares his passion for the game of golf and gives us a behind-the-scenes look at his travels to some of America’s finest golf courses, alongside family and friends. We dive into his experiences on the greens and the adventures that came with them. Plus, it’s NFL Week 1! Join us...