Listen Local

School is back, and so are we! On this episode Isaiah and Jacob catch up with Jessica Gangl - the Executive Director of the Brainerd Public Schools Foundation - to talk about all things back-to-school! Among many other conversations, Jessica tells us about some of the projects her and the BPSF have been working on and some of their upcoming events! Other discussions during this episode include Gel...

Well... we've officially hit the fall weather. AND WE'RE HERE FOR IT! On that note, no better time for the Nisswa Fall Festival and Smokin' Hot BBQ Challenge. Just like many of Nisswa's events this one is always a hit. And to talk about it, we have Kalie Jay from the Nisswa Chamber stop by for everything we need to know about Saturday's event. From Medallion Hunts to Bags Tournaments to Live Music...

That's right folks... back to back weeks recording at a golf course and we're all for it! On this episode Isaiah and Jacob are joined by their buddy, and Lakes Jam GM Ken Lacy to talk everything "Jam at the Pit" golf tourney happening this weekend out at the Gravel Pit Golf and Event Center. Also joining the crew on this show is Gravel Pit Owner Chuck Klecatsky. Chick dives into what went into cre...

Hello Listen Local Fam!! Man, do we have a full show for you. CRMC Championship Week is finally here! It is ALL GOLF on this episode as the Listen Local crew heads out to The Legacy at Craguns where this weekend's PGA Canada Tour event will be held. Throughout this episode you'll hear from Craguns Director of Golf Jack Wawro, Executive Director of PGA Tour Canada Scott Pritchard, and even last yea...

Hi everyone, and welcome back to another episode of the Listen Local Podcast. On today's show we do a little bit of Tailgating! That's right, we pulled up to Pequot Lakes Football practice to chat with their Head Coach Bill Magnuson. Among many other topics, the main thing we wanted to catch up with Mags about was the "Gridiron Club" and the push for a massive update to their weight room and train...

ATTENTION LISTENERS.... We have a JAM PACKED weekend in the BLA! First, we have our pal, and today's guest Reese Glover who will be performing at Mn Traders Co on Saturday and Roundhouse on Sunday. Also this weekend: - The Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway. - Our pal Haydn Streeter (coming off his performance at the Nickleback show) will be playing at Dunmires on the Lake....

Holy buckets everyone.... Do we have a jam packed episode for you! It's Cardboard Boat Race weekend at Moonlite Bay , and man is there going to be big things out there this weekend. One of those big things is going to include Levi Lavallee and the Red Bull team. Also, our guy Colton Sturm is going to be offering his services to make this "halftime show" one to remember. You are not going to want t...

Hey Everybody!!! It's Pequot Lakes Street Dance Weekend, and who better to have on this episode than the one and only Wyld Ryce Band who will be performing there Saturday night! That's right, we do some catching up with Johnny and Vicki Palmer. The Listen Local crew chats with them about everything from how the band was formed to being "local BLA celebrities," to the importance of music within the...

Hello Listeners!! Hope you all had a great week, and man do we have a weekend full of live music in the BLA. One of those spots you'll have to stop by is Roundhouse Brewery for their " Nashville in Nisswa " event. On this episode Isaiah, Colton and Jacob stop out there to chat with Roundhouse President Mark Lelwica to discuss not only that show - and where to get tickets - but also how their summe...

Hello Listen Local Fam! Hope you had a great 4th of July week, and do we have a super fun one for you today! The guys head over to Emily Kaye Bridal to chat with owner Emily Beutz. Among many other topics she tells us about how the idea of the Bridal shop came about, why she felt it was the right time to open this business, and how over the years Brainerd has become THE SPOT for weddings. Also, no...

Live from a WINDY Ernies on Gull . On this episode the Listen Local guys ventured over to Ernies to chat with owners Chris and Mike Foy about 4th of July weekend. Also, not only did they talk about the events over the next few days - which you can find here in the latest Woods to Water Blog - but they began their search for the best burger in the BLA. Head Chef Tower Kruse came on the show to disc...

Happy Northern Soul Grand Opening Day everyone! Today is the day the Grand View Lodge officially opens up the Brainerd Lakes Area's newest restaurant, Justin Sutherland's Northern Soul Smokehouse at The Preserve. The Iron Chef America winner, and Top Chef contestant tells us all about how he got into that industry, what some of his top TV moments have been, the decision to partner with Grand View...

HARDY. Night. Is. Here! Yes... If you are wondering, Isaiah is ok, but to say he's ecstatic would be an understatment! On today's update episode the Listen Local and Lakes Jam Podcast crew talks about: - Recap of Skillet and Rock Night - Recap of Rock Night in the Zoo - Smiles for Jake's Director Sarah Smith joins the show - Various Friday activities and events - Eric Perkins joins the show - Dail...

ATTENTION: Rock Night is Here people! Main Stage Music kicks off at 3pm, with the headliner Skillet set to begin around 10pm. On today's update episode the Listen Local and Lakes Jam Podcast crew talks about: - Recap of Wednesday night (performances and atmosphere) - A Zoo update (and creativity of the campers) - The daily Tips of the Day - Various Thursday activities and events - All of the "non-...

Campers are moving in! The first night of music is upon us! That means the Main Stage has to be complete, and it is all ready to go! That also means the Listen Local crew had to snag Tommy Vee who is the Production Manager for Lakes Jam. Tommy tells us what the setup has been like, some of his favorite shows to work and how excited he is for this year's Lakes Jam. After Tommy heads out, the guys t...

We're getting soooo close people! Only 1 day away from kickoff to all Lakes Jam festivities starting Wednesday night. Our Listen Local and Lakes Jam Podcast crews will be providing updates EVERY DAY. On this first "Live from Lakes Jam" show we talk about everything you need to know before getting out to BIR. Everything from the new wristbands to the correct passes to the list of events. So tune in...

It's ALMOST TIME!!! Lakes Jam is one week away, and what an episode do we have for you today! First, we catch up with Puddle of Mudd founder and lead singer Wes Scantlin. We chat with him about everything from how the band got started to the keys to staying relevant and popular for over 30 years! Also, Ken and the Lakes Jam Podcast crew is joined by Kristi Copham who is the owner of BIR . Kristi t...

Hello from the SMOKEY BLA... On this super unique and one of a kind episode the Listen Local crew heads to Blue Ox Barber Co. to chat with Owner Josh Schueller and Barber Beth Ailie! During the show you may hear buzzing in various spots as both Colton and Isaiah are getting their haircut from Beth and Josh. Some of the many topics discussed on this episode are: •The backstory of Blue Ox Barbe...

Good Morning Listen Localers! With school officially out, that means summer is now definitely upon us. The events, the tourists, the lakelife, the golfing... it's all here! Also, there has been some big news in the BLA business world over the past week, from Marine Max & Nisswa Marine purchasing C&C Boatworks to the area's most recognized towing company Turner Towing being sold to Collins...

It is officially June everyone, and you know what that means... It's Lakes Jam Month!!!! But, before we get to that, the Listen Local crew stops by the BRAND NEW BLA Restaurant, Lakes Tavern ! Now, as you'll hear in this episode, there is A LOT of background construction noise as this team is working day and night to get this place up and running ASAP. Speaking of that construction, Lakes Tavern w...

Happy Memorial Day Weekend to all of our Lakes Jam Listeners! Ken and the crew had a blast on this episode as they caught up with local Brainerd Lakes Area musician Haydn , as well as Eryk Haapajoki (Hopper) who is the Director of Partnerships with Lakes Jam. Between the jammin' from Haydn and Lakes Jam updates from Ken and Hopper this is definitely an episode you won't want to miss! Also, make su...

Happy Memorial Day Weekend everyone! Wow do we have a jam-packed show for you today. On this episode we dive into everything to do over the Holiday weekend, including where to watch live music, where to golf, and more! Plus... our pal, and Nashville Recording Artist Anderson Daniels was in town with some friends and family, so he found time to stop by the show. You may have heard him on the show a...

It finally happened! Mike Foy, co-owner of Main Street Ale House, Ernies on Gull and Dough Bros Woodfire Pizza, found time in his crazy schedule to join Listen Local. An episode almost two years in the making definitely lived up to the hype! The guys talk about everything from Mike's background (graduating from Brainerd High School) to what led him and his brother - and business partner - Chris to...

That's right people, the time has come... The Grand Opening of the much anticipated Pequot Lakes Splash Pad is upon us. On Thursday, May 25th our guest on today's show, Jenni Gonczy, will be apart of the ribbon cutting. As heard on previous episodes, Jenni has been the driving force behind the splash pad and dives into what this whole process has been like. Thanks to Jenni, who was also voted Volu...

Hi Listen Localers! Hope you all had a great week. On this episode we go remote as the LL crew takes over the Getaway which was the host for this week's Brainerd Chamber Business After Hours. Co-hosting this business was also Lakes Area Heroes, so this whole recording location worked out wonderful for Isaiah. Also this week, Lizzie Aydt of the Brainerd Jaycees joins the show to talk all about this...