Carlos Figueroa & Michael Hammer

Park Bench Perspectives

Society EN ↓ 28 episodes

Park Bench Perspectives is a conversation-driven podcast about making sense of the world without pretending to have all the answers. Hosted by Carlos Figueroa and Michael Hammer, two childhood friends who grew up in St Louis Park, MN =. Each episode feels like sitting down on a park bench—no scripts, no hot takes for the sake of it—just thoughtful discussion, honest questions, and a willingness to challenge assumptions. It’s not about being right. It’s about thinking better.

Be sure to visit the podcast's website and support the creator: www.buzzsprout.com

Author

Carlos Figueroa & Michael Hammer

Episodes

Restaurants, Robberies, and Pig Roasts 30.03.2026 24:27

Send Comments and Feedback Fan Feedback, St. Louis Park Food Memories, and Pig Roast Stories Mike Hammer and Carlos Figueroa open the episode by reading early listener feedback, including a Minneapolis commenter questioning whether Hammer is the real 1984 graduate, which they clarify by distinguishing him from an older Mike Hamer. They discuss how suggestions are expanding their focus beyond their...

Welcome to Park Bench Perspectives 22.03.2026 24:21

Send Comments and Feedback Welcome to Park Bench Perspective: Old Friends, St. Louis Park, and Making Sense of the World Carlos Figueroa and Mike Hammer introduce their show, “Park Bench Perspective,” describing it as a thoughtful conversation between two lifelong friends rather than a hot-take format, starting with memories of growing up in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. They discuss the town’s sense...

Stirrups, Smorgasbords, and St. Louis Park 22.03.2026 31:23

Send Comments and Feedback In this episode Minnesota March weather and the false promise of spring Why baseball and spring were inseparable growing up Meeting before kindergarten at Elliott Elementary Little League, Cub League, Babe Ruth, and neighborhood baseball memories Kite flying across from Elliott and the legend of razor-blade kite wars Opening Day rituals, stirrups, and looking right in a...