Stuff Happens-Below Average Joe

Today we get to sit down and talk with Ryan through his time working with Alive and Running: Iowa and his experiences with mental health overall! I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation, talking about some difficult things but making some lasting memories! I hope you enjoy!

In this episode, I sit down with  Troy Belmer  for an honest and thoughtful conversation about his journey, experiences, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. We talk about challenges, growth, and the realities that often go unseen, highlighting the importance of perspective, resilience, and staying grounded through life’s ups and downs. This conversation offers real insight, practical takea...

In this episode, I sit down with  Kobey Swarts  for an honest and necessary conversation about mental health. Together, we talk about the realities many people carry quietly — the struggles that don’t always show on the outside, the pressure to stay strong, and the importance of speaking up before things feel unbearable. Kobey shares insight, perspective, and real conversation around mental health...

In this episode, I sit down with Kylie, a first responder and nurse, for an honest conversation about mental health on the front lines. Kylie shares what she sees every day in her patients—trauma, crisis, burnout—and how those experiences don’t stay at work when the shift ends. We also talk openly about the mental health challenges first responders and healthcare workers face themselves, including...

In this special introduction to our Mental Health Series, we set the tone for what’s ahead—real conversations, real struggles, and real hope. Before diving into the stories and discussions to come, we take a moment to emphasize the importance of mental health awareness and remind listeners that no one has to face their battles alone. This episode outlines the purpose of the series, what listeners...

In this episode, I talk with  Erin Schmitz , co-founder of the  FIRE Foundation of Northeast Iowa , about their mission to bring full inclusion to Catholic education. Erin shares how FIRE supports schools by funding special educators, paraprofessionals, and adaptive learning tools that help students of all abilities learn together. We dive into the schools they’re partnering with, how the foundati...

In this episode, I sit down with  Ayanna Rost , the Adoption Supervisor at  Cedar Bend Humane Society , to explore the heart of what keeps this incredible organization running. Ayanna shares what day-to-day operations look like behind the scenes, the challenges their team faces, and the passion that drives their mission to connect animals with loving homes. We also dive into the vital role that  d...

In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Schares — owner and operator of Schares Landscaping, and one of the hardest-working guys you’ll ever meet. Raised in Gilbertville, Iowa, Ryan has built a reputation not just for quality landscaping, but for giving back to the community that shaped him. Whether it’s school projects, community spaces, or massive undertakings that demand countless hours, Ryan ste...

Welcome back to part two of the sit down I had with the director of transportation for the Iowa Northland Regional Council of Governments. Nick shares some insights into project he has worked on over the years, some projects that are in the panning stages, budgeting to fund transportation projects, and what has helped him to be successful in not only his career, but life as a whole. Nick is a genu...

In this episode, I sit down with  Nick Fratzke , Director of Transportation for the Iowa Northland Regional Council of Governments (INRCOG). Nick shares his journey — from his upbringing to the path that led him into his leadership role — and gives us a behind-the-scenes look at current and upcoming transportation projects shaping our region. Beyond the logistics, Nick opens up about his personal...

I had the privilege of sitting down with my former priest, Father Huber. In our conversation, Father shares the story of his faith journey, his call to the priesthood, and his thoughts on the Catholic Church in today’s world. Father Huber has always been someone who brings clarity and light to any situation, and this discussion was no exception. In a time when darkness and confusion seem to grow,...

My favorite time of year! It's deer season eve and I can't be more excited! I get a chance to sit down with my hunting buddy, my brother-in-law, and my best friend Dylan to recap some of our favorite hunting stories, our upbringing with hunting, our gear, and everything in between! Join along as we prepare for deer season, 2025!

We get a chance to sit down with a navy veteran, Cody Nieman! Cody talks us through his journey of enlistment, deployment, and everything in between. I really enjoyed talking with Cody about everything he experienced in the military and how that has shaped him into the person he is today. Remember you don't have to wait for Veterans Day to thank a service member, but that should be something you d...

This weekend was a core memory weekend! We got to celebrate all three boys and their birthdays, we enjoyed a lot of family time, and we shared memories. Memories were made and I continue a tradition with the boys that was passed on to me from my grandpa! Make sure to follow, share, and comment with some of your favorites!

On this episode, I sit down with Coach Hogan to talk wrestling, coaching, and life lessons from decades on the mat. We dive into his journey—from jumping straight into coaching after college, to helping build championship programs at Wartburg and Don Bosco. Coach Hogan shares what he’s learned about building relationships with athletes, making practices both challenging and fun, and handling the t...

Tonight we get a chance to sit down with a good friend of mine who has worn a ton of different hats! Tana has started several businesses from the ground up, finding success all along the way! She started a cookie business that took off beyond what she could have imagine, all while starting a family. After that, she ventured into the realm of making creative design shirts, which has been another su...

Tonight we sit down dn talk coaching at a championship level with Braxton. Braxton has been coaching for 12 years, been a part of 3 football state championships, and countless state titles for wrestling! We talk about the highs and lows of coaching, philosophy, and strategies to help create championship level programs! Follow along, subscribe, and spread the word! To the moon!

Tonight I get the honor of interviewing a former teammate of mine who went on to be an All-American two years in college, be inducted into the college hall of fame, and then even continue to chase his dreams to play professional baseball! Nick Stein is a stand up guy with a work ethic that is unmatched. Throughout all of his success he remained humble. Nick was the ultimate team player who reached...

Life can be beautiful, even in the middle of chaos. hopefully this episode can help shed a little light on that for you all and give you a chance to laugh at me, with me, and with yourself in those same scenarios. Oil changes can be challenging, football is unpredictable, and pictures, well they say a picture is worth a thousand words. Join me tonight and let's discuss it all!

Tonight we have one of my best friends on, talking and reminiscing about our friendship over the last 12+ years. We learn some new things about each other and hope you can laugh with us along the way!

We visited family in Wisconsin over the weekend and got a chance to take the boys to a really cool pumpkin patch! They had a blast and we spent almost five hours there. We ate at pizza ranch on the way home and I probably gained 5 pounds there. Shorter episode, with hopefully good one coming up Thursday with a guest speaker!

We have a special episode tonight for a random posting, getting our first guest on the show. Thank you to my brother in law Travis for sitting down and having this conversation with me! leave a comment everyone!

Follow along with me as I give a brief reaction to the missouri Alabama game from Saturday and then transition into all of the life lessons I was lucky enough to experience and hopefully learn from this week. Thanks for tagging along everyone!

The first ever episode of hopefully many to come! Tonight we talk about the Giants and Eagles, a quick preview of the Missouri and Alabama game, the first archery hunt of the year, how I met my wife and how lucky I am to have the family I have! Come along with me on this journey as Stuff Happens