The Groove Life Podcast

This week on The Groove Life Podcast, we sit down with Draya, co-owner of The Neighborhood Pub, which she runs alongside her husband, Jeremy. For the past eight years, they’ve built more than just a neighborhood hangout—they’ve created a place centered around community, connection, and giving back. As a fellow dreadhead, Draya fits right in with the Groove Life vibe as we talk about life, business...

This week on The Groove Life, we welcome Jaime Siefken, President and General Manager of Cedar Ridge Distillery. Since 2010, Jaime has helped lead one of Iowa’s most respected distilleries as it celebrates 20 years of operation. We talk bourbon, baseball, music, Star Wars, and what it takes to build a lasting legacy. A fun conversation filled with great stories, laughs, and insight. Welcome to The...

This week on the Groove Life Podcast we had Desiree DeMaria, owner of The District CR, as our guest. This Cajun Creole/Italian inspired restaurant is about to dive into a new era and Desiree is excited to embrace a new beginning. She adheres so faithfully to her family traditions, that her mother tastes the meat sauce weekly to make sure she stays true to her great great grandma’s recipe. It’s a f...

Episode 116 is a special one for us — somehow marking the 100th episode with just Mikah and Shane behind the mics together. This episode we sit down with longtime friends Brady and Kari Buresh, whose families became connected with ours when our daughters met at seven years old. Brady and Kari share stories from years of traveling the country in their van “Piper,” chasing live music, festivals, and...

Welcome to the debut episode of Groove Sessions: Local Eats! We headed to HIP-STIR in Marion and sat down with head chef Tim Oathout for an easygoing conversation over some seriously stellar dishes from the menu. We talk passion for cooking, his love for having other people cook for him and experiencing new flavors firsthand, and what drives someone to constantly chase great food. Tim is thoughtfu...

On this episode of The Groove Life Podcast, we sit down with Otmane Benjilany—better known as “O”—owner of O’s Grill. A devoted family man, O puts his family first in everything he does. Now known for his authentic Mediterranean cuisine, his journey started slinging hot dogs out of a college town food truck. His dream has now grown into a thriving brick-and-mortar—turning hustle into a brand and b...

On this episode of the Groove Life Podcast, we sit down with Lucas Blekeberg — a multi-instrumentalist freelancing through pure creativity. From orchestras to rock ‘n’ roll, he keeps a packed schedule while constantly exploring new musical lanes. When he’s not creating, Lucas recharges by immersing himself in nature, drawing inspiration and balance from the outdoors. Fueled by imagination and a pa...

On this episode of The Groove Life Podcast our guests are John and Candi Davidson, co-owners of The Martini Lounge, a new restaurant in the NewBo District of Cedar Rapids. Candi, a baker and creative mind behind their martinis, shares the joy of building something new and giving back to the community. John, working full-time in aerospace defense, balances contributing to national security while he...

In this episode, we sit down with Jeanne (“Martini Jeanne”) and Paul Matthews, the family behind The Uptown Snug—a one-of-a-kind pub and coffee shop experience in Uptown Marion. Paul shares how his Irish roots, years playing rugby in Cedar Rapids, and a vision for authentic pub culture helped shape the Snug into what it is today. Jeanne—aka Martini Jeanne—the steady force behind the scenes, gives...

On this episode of The Groove Life Podcast, we welcome back Greg Stoll — Cedar Rapids’ own Midnight Smoker. Greg first joined us two years ago, and since then his barbecue journey has grown from NewBo City Market to a beautiful brick-and-mortar spot in downtown Cedar Rapids. Greg starts his days early, tending the smokers and feeding our city with incredible BBQ. He shares how music protects his m...

This week on The Groove Life Podcast, we sit down with local country musician Mike Flack. Mike opens up about his deep family roots in music and how those rich dynamics shaped not only his sound, but his life. From growing up surrounded by music to now sharing the stage with his own son, it’s a full-circle journey. His band Outlaw 4 brings that same raw, honest energy to every show — and you can f...

This week on The Groove Life Podcast, we sit down with Jeff and Megan Nelson. Jeff calls himself a freelance drummer—he goes where the groove is needed—and when he’s not behind the kit, he’s helping people reach their goals as a realtor. He’s also an accomplished pianist and enjoys coaching his daughter at the keys. Megan spent years bartending before making the move to working at a diner, where s...

This week, we sit down with Scott Wilson, Executive Director of NewBo City Market, and Associate Director Nolan Henkle. Scott brings fresh energy just three months into the role, while Nolan shares his longtime passion for the market and Cedar Rapids community. We talk about NewBo as an inclusive space where startups can grow and thrive, and the excitement building for spring and summer 2026. Plus...

In this episode, we sit down with David and Sonny Lunsford to talk creativity, relationships, and new beginnings. Shane’s brother and former bandmate in Cedar Rapids’ alternative rock band "All But Screaming", David shares his leap into a new musical chapter including an upcoming piano album written after just one year of playing. Sonny opens up about their own creative journey, including the magi...

This week on The Groove Life Podcast, we sit down with Jordan Bergren — animator, musician, and lifelong groove-chaser. Jordan shares thoughts on chasing new ideas while feeling the pull to dust off some old grooves that still deserve some love. We also talk about an exciting new chapter: owning a house on the river and the ongoing quest to turn it into a true home. A laid-back conversation about...

This week on The Groove Life Podcast, we sit down with John and Taylor Lillibridge, the owners of Goldfinch Tap & Eatery. John and Taylor always push themselves to try new things, explore bold flavors, and build something meaningful through food. Their passion doesn’t stop at the kitchen, though — they’re huge lovers of Christmas, giving back, and finding ways to support the community that sup...

To usher in the holiday spirit we enjoyed some boozy apple ciders with our guests, Tatum Calderwood and Molly Owen. These two are the talented actresses who play Elsa and Anna in Theatre Cedar Rapids’ captivating production of Frozen! We discussed how life is driven by cats, community and a good cup of coffee. You really don’t wanna miss this show (the pod and the musical)! Welcome to The Groove L...

In this episode, Shane sits down with local entrepreneur Jade Luter, a powerhouse who has owned and operated multiple restaurants and bars across the Cedar Rapids area. Jade is a true Jeep girl at heart — loud, fast, and unapologetically driven — and she brings that same energy into everything she builds. Jade shares what it takes to lead from the trenches, build successful businesses, and stay gr...

In this episode of The Groove Life Podcast, we sit down with John Schultz — professional classical musician, educator, owner of Schultz Strings, and a member of the Cadence String Quartet. From performing to teaching, John’s passion lies in helping people of all ages persevere in their musical journey. A true collaborator within the Cedar Rapids arts community, he brings a fresh and inspiring pers...

In this episode of The Groove Life Podcast, we hang out with Lincoln Ginsberg — a talented music producer, musician, and songwriter who’s all about creating a great “Vibe” both on and off the stage. Lincoln is proud of his Russian and Brazilian heritage, as well as how it influences his creativity. We talk about his passion for music and what life looks like two years into marriage — learning, gro...

We had to travel 1800 miles to capture these magical moments with Team Lunsford on the 100th episode of the Groove Life Podcast. We talked about “home town” grooves, experienced sibling banter, and fought for the biggest laugh. It's always so easy and entertaining for us to be together. We believe you will find connection with this episode. Welcome to The Groove Life, a bi-weekly podcast from one...

In this episode, we sit down with Maya Gönlübol and Jeremiah Kasner Gönlübol, the husband-and-wife duo behind Kismet Coffee & Bloom in Cedar Rapids. What started as a high school connection became a shared vision—blending the warmth of fresh-roasted coffee with the beauty of flowers. They share how Kismet is creating comfort, connection, and community today, and their hopes for the future. Wel...

This week on The Groove Life Podcast, we’re joined by Evan Stock and Drake Wilson, two of the three founding members of the Evan Stock Band. Built on a strong friendship formed in high school, their band has taken them from small-town roots to unforgettable nights on the road. Get ready for wild stories of chaotic gigs, relentless touring, and “infernal situations” that tested their grit but made...

On this episode of the Groove Life Podcast, we’re joined by Brandon Hills, founder of Hivemind CVLT Fitness, a virtual fitness program focused on mindset and transformation. Brandon shares his powerful story, dives into the value of consistency over perfection, and why your past doesn’t have to define your future. It’s an honest and motivating conversation that will challenge how you think about g...

We’re hanging out with the power couple Jesse Sauerbrei and Emily Davis on this week’s episode of the Groove Life Podcast. Jesse is the owner of the iconic Lincoln Winebar, recently featured in The New York Times, and Emily brings her energy and insight as the Customer Relations Specialist at Lil’ Drug Store Products. We dive into the value of being intentional about who you surround yourself with...