SpearHead Conversations Podcast

In this vibrant episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado engages in a compelling dialogue with the talented hip-hop artist Dominique Howard also known as Mo City. Originating from the dynamic streets of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Mo City sheds light on his latest album "Milwaukee W.I.," delving into the deeply personal inspirations behind his tracks and the city that has profoundly influ...

In a captivating episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado engages in a profound dialogue with Kevin Silva, a gifted Latino music producer with roots in Puerto Rico and a burgeoning presence in Milwaukee's music landscape. Silva shares the gripping trajectory of his musical journey, starting from his remarkable ability to play the movie theme music at the tender age of four by ear, t...

Join host Xavier Mercado on this exhilarating episode of Spearhead Conversations as we delve into the vibrant world of reggaeton with Milwaukee's dynamic duo, Gego Y Nony. Discover how these talented brothers, with roots stretching from Puerto Rico to the heart of the Midwest, are transforming the reggaeton scene with their clean, exhilarating sound and powerful narratives drawn from real-life exp...

Join Xavier Mercado for an exciting episode of *Spearhead Conversations* as he chats with the talented photographer Randolla, owner of ‘Wave Factory MKE.’ Randolla shares his journey from high school to becoming a renowned lifestyle photographer, leaving behind a business degree for his passion. Discover how he captured the attention of stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Travis...

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, we are introduced to Mocha Harris, a dedicated host and influential figure within Milwaukee's cultural landscape. Her journey, highlighted in this engaging conversation, revolves around her leadership in organizing Milwaukee Day events and her unwavering commitment to her hometown's community. Through her platform, MkE (Milwaukee) Expanded, Mocha not onl...

In this compelling episode of "SPEARHEAD CONVERSATIONS," we sit down with Danny Rivera from the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office to explore his life story and his journey into law enforcement. Listeners will be captivated by Danny's initial hesitation to join the police force due to hiring delays, followed by his transformative experience at the six-month training academy. He shares insights into...

In this captivating episode of "SPEARHEAD CONVERSATIONS," host Xavier Mercado engages in a riveting discussion with the charismatic Noel G, unveiling the intricacies of Noel's journey through the highs and lows of Hollywood. With anecdotes from iconic sets such as 'Training Day' and 'Fast and the Furious,' Noel provides an intimate glimpse into his favorite projects, accompanied by heartfelt behin...

Tune in to the latest episode of SPEARHEAD CONVERSATIONS with host Xavier Mercado featuring the talented Alesha Marie. In this episode, Alesha shares her musical journey, delving into the moment she discovered her passion and its profound emotional impact. Xavier discusses with Alesha her artistic background and how her experiences shaped her path along her musical journey. Alesha opens up about h...

In the recent episode of SPEARHEAD CONVERSATIONS featuring David Kelly, we delve into his journey in music and fashion design. David's career soared when his merchandise sold out at a pivotal show, catapulting his songs to top spots on music charts. He sees his work as a therapeutic outlet and is currently making waves with monthly music videos and innovative projects. Grounded in his roots, David...

Join Xavier Mercado on this captivating episode of SPEARHEAD CONVERSATIONS as we welcome back the versatile Johnny Rivera, affectionately known by his stage name Johnny Riv. Hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Johnny brings forth the fruits of an inspiring year filled with musical evolution. Raised in Wheeling, Illinois, by Mexican immigrant parents, Johnny was immersed in a tapestry of musical inf...

In this episode of SPEARHEAD CONVERSATIONS, host Xavier Mercado sits down with Angela Mencia, a financial representative from Northwestern Mutual. As a dedicated advocate for financial literacy and a single mother successfully creating and running her own business, Angela shares her insights on how to pave a path to success without relying on handouts. From her humble beginnings in inner-city Milw...

In this compelling episode, host Xavier Mercado delves deep into the life and career of the multifaceted director, editor, and filmmaker Brandon Champ Robinson. Hailing from Milwaukee and having made the bold move to Los Angeles, Champ shares his journey from financial struggles and diverse job experiences to achieving remarkable success in the entertainment industry. The episode explores Champ’s...

In this impactful episode, host Xavier Mercado engages in a profound conversation with special guest J Matt, an entrepreneur and social media coach. J Matt shares a wealth of knowledge and personal anecdotes, particularly targeting aspiring entrepreneurs in the city. He emphasizes the power of networking and recounts personal stories of navigating the challenges of self-employment. Moreover, J Mat...

In this captivating episode, host Xavier Mercado delves into the world of traditional art with Milwaukee's own Cole Kluesner. A portrait artist with a deep respect for the blend of personal expression and community support, Kluesner shares his journey from a young artist influenced by comic book art and a nurturing first-grade teacher to his current status as a renowned creator with a flair for re...

In the latest episode of Xavier Mercado engages in a heartfelt dialogue with Callie Chiroff. Their conversation delves into Callie's poignant journey, centering on her son Theo's battle with congenital heart disease. From Theo's dramatic premature delivery to a challenging heart surgery at 32 weeks, Callie narrates the emotional rollercoaster that culminated in the heartbreaking decision to let hi...

On this insightful episode, Spearhead host Xavier Mercado delves into the life and music of the multifaceted artist Corey Pieper. Born and raised in Milwaukee with deep Hawaiian roots, Corey's unique musical style blends pop, rap, and island melodies—attributes that have earned him widespread recognition in his hometown. He has been immersed in music since performing his first rap at a middle scho...

In this captivating episode host Xavier Mercado explores the life and achievements of Nas Musa, the entrepreneur and founder behind the popular Milwaukee eateries Casablanca and Moosas on Bradford Beach. Embarking on an extraordinary journey guided by his father, Nas Musa has successfully turned his family's legacy into a thriving business, managing two Casablanca locations on Brady Street and Bro...

In this episode of SPEARHEAD CONVERSATIONS, Xavier Loki/Ferno Martin, a versatile audio engineer and cinematographer from Milwaukee, reflects on his childhood, emphasizing how early skit creation on flip phones set the stage for his storytelling passion. He discusses his self-taught audio engineering journey and the influence of his Norse mythology-inspired alter ego, 'Loki/Freno,' on his artistic...

In this new inspirational episode, Spearhead dives into an enlightening discussion with Jasmine Tyler, an influential figure in the community across the country. As the Founder of Keep Your Head Up Society, Tyler's journey is a testament to resilience and transformation. From navigating childhood trauma to forging a career in music and advocacy, she embodies perseverance and the power of determina...

In this engaging episode of SPEARHEAD CONVERSATIONS, we immerse ourselves in the realms of entertainment, production, and artist development alongside the multi-talented SirQuinton Gladney, a prominent figure in Milwaukee's entertainment scene. As the founder of 'Best of the Best TV,' SirQuinton underscores the significance of visual aesthetics, a lesson gleaned from his connections at the Art Ins...

In this deeply moving episode, Spearhead engages in a heartfelt conversation with talented musician Dak Dubois. Set within Dak's cozy recording space, they explore Dak's musical journey from his early performances as a teen to his recent April project. Reflecting on Dak's inspirations from the vibrant Milwaukee music scene and classic rock, they also touch on poignant life moments, notably the imp...

In this raw and revealing episode of 'SPEARHEAD CONVERSATIONS' Xavier engages in a conversation with the enigmatic Curtis Miller, renowned as American Illusion, a maverick in the art world. American Illusion delves into his philosophy that art embodies authentic feeling, embracing spontaneity over imitation, and venerating symbolism touching upon themes like duality, the essence of money, and the...

In episode of Spearhead Conversations, Xavier Mercado warmly welcomes Katy Murphy, a resilient single mother and the proprietor of Four One Four Nutrition, to share her profound journey from adversity to triumph. Together, they explore Katy's personal struggles, including her mother's battle with cancer and her experience as a teenage mother. Despite facing early challenges, she candidly discusses...

In this impactful episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado engages in a profound discussion with guest Byron Thompson, a prominent figure in the sober community and Regional Partnerships Manager at ‘The Phoenix’, a national non-profit organization advocating recovery through positive engaging activities. Hailing from Chicago's south side, Thompson recounts his journey from his first...

In this episode, Spearhead engages in a compelling conversation with DJ Sushi Lor, a self-made name in Milwaukee's music scene. Despite parental expectations of a medical career, Sushi Lor pursued a different path, sharing her journey from juggling work and studies to earning a master's in educational leadership. This episode delves into Sushi Lor's love for music, showcasing her DJ experiences at...