Listen Local

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...

Hi Everybody! Another week, another episode of great guests! This may very well be our longest episode yet. First, we catch up with our friend, and Senior Director of Sales and Marketing at Grand View Lodge , ANNND most importantly the better-half of our pal and Sponsor Andy Vantreese! Denise talks to us about how she got into the resort and hospitality industry, traveling around the country with...

Welcome back Lakes Jam Listeners! Fun show today as Ken and the crew catch up with Radio Personalities Bill Satre of B93.3 in Brainerd and Paul Thomas of 102.9 The Wolf in the Twin Cities! Among many other topics Bill and PT tell us about some of their best Lakes Jam memories, plus PT talks about the Midwest CMO and Livin Foundation. Also on this episode, local BLA band Wayside stops by and play s...

Hello everyone and wow do we have a show for you today! On today's episode we catch up with our pal Anderson Daniels who is nominated for not 1, not 2, not 3, but FOUR categories at this year's Midwest CMO Awards. We dive into everything "Midwest Country Music Organization," and which of the nominations he's most proud of. Plus, he tells us what he's been up to since we last spoke, and where in th...

Happy Easter Weekend! On this episode Isaiah and Colton man the ship while Jacob calls-in from his trip to Grand View Lodge South aka Tanque Verde Ranch in Arizona. The guys talk about this weekend's events, including where they will be enjoying the holiday weekend, and some restaurants in the BLA where you can find an Easter Brunch. It's also Masters Weekend! Always a treat when big sporting even...

Happy Friday everyone! Hope you all had a wonderful week. We have a great episode for you! First, we recap the events of the past couple of weeks in the Lakes Area, then we get right to our Guest, Brian Lehman. Over the couple decades in the BLA, Brian has been the Mayor of Nisswa, owned a business consulting agency, worked many years at the Chamber and even was Jacob's summer league baseball coac...

We break out the music in Episode 3! Up-and-coming country artist Jacob Borgstrom (Brainerd Lakes native) joins the show to tell us about how he got into music, some events he has coming up, and even performs a couple of songs on the show! Also, Ken and the crew catch up with Travis Banks, who is in charge of talent aquisition for Lakes Jam. He dives into everything that goes into locking in artis...

That's right people, there is just soooo much happening in the BLA right now! On this episode we talk more current events and happenings than usual. Topics that include: *St. Paddy's Day *LOTS of Minnesota Vikings News... Including the Adam Thielen's departure *It's Minnesota State High School Tourney time for Hockey, Basketball, Wrestling and more! *Upcoming and new events coming to the BLA in th...

Hello everybody! Hope you are all doing well, and enjoying the snow that seems to never stop falling in this wonderful state of ours. This episode is ALL ABOUT the preparation for the upcoming Crosslake St. Paddy's Parade happening Saturday March 18th. Crosslake Chamber Director Cindy Myogeto tells us everything we need to expect at this year's parade. We also hear from Boyd Lodge owner Mike Schwi...

Happy Monday everyone!!! First off, we wanted to let everyone know that this isn't your traditional Listen Local episode. This show was all about (well mostly about) why we missed putting out a podcast last week! Colton was in Costa Rica with his wife Natalia as they went to visit the place where their coffee beans actually come from! Isaiah and Jacob on the other hand, were chillin on the beaches...

Ye Olde Pickle Factory & the Nisswa Jubilee That is right people, it FINALLY happened! We have officially recorded a show from The Pickle with the LEGEND Terry Wallin! Plus, not only did we have Terry, but another local celeb Nisswa's Citizen of the Year, Tina Foster ! On this episode, we dive into everything Nisswa Jubilee, including this year's schedule and Terry and Tina's top Jubilee memor...