That's So Rad!

In this episode, Travis is joined by Rhonda Douglas who shares about their unlikely friendship through her discovering a YouTube video of his brother's traumatic brain injury story several years ago. Rhonda would regularly make 6 hour round trip visits in the same day to see Jeremy. They reminisce on this and talk about Jeremy's inspiring recovery from a traumatic brain injury in 2009. Rhonda shar...

In this episode of "That's So Rad Podcast," host Travis is joined by his friend Eron Benjamin for a lively conversation. They explore the unexpected twists and turns of life through Eron's experiences in caregiving, coaching, and his time as a college mascot. Eron shares humorous anecdotes throughout as well as inspiring and insightful commentary . Eron shares about his journey of going from a Chi...

In this episode of the That's So Rad Podcast, host Travis is joined by his daughter Joelle, who shares her unique experiences growing up as the only girl among four brothers. They discuss this formative dynamic, Joelle's journey in high school volleyball, and the lessons learned from family caregiving, particularly in relation to her grandpa and uncle. Joelle reflects on the importance of resilien...

In this episode of That's So Rad Podcast, host Travis welcomes his friend Seth Teegarden, who Travis worked alongside as a house parent for kids in foster care at a children's home in SC. They talk more about that experience together. Seth shares stories about endurance racing (including competing in Ironman races) and lessons gained from his experiences working in ministry. Here's a snapshot of s...

In this episode of "That's So Rad Podcast," Travis is joined by his amazingly rad wife, Jess Vangsnes. Together, they delve into their personal journey (sharing how they met), discussing the dynamics of their marriage, parenting five children, and their shared passion for creativity and adventure. Jess shares her experiences with overcoming learning challenges and how they shaped her diverse skill...

In this episode of That's So Rad Podcast, host Travis reconnects with his friend and high school classmate, Isaac Schaan. Up until recently, the two hadn't talked since graduation in 1998. They make up for lost ground going deep and wide in this conversation. Here's a snapshot of things they cover in this jam packed episode: Shared experiences growing up in the small farming town of Rugby, North D...

In this episode of "That's So Rad Podcast," hosts Travis and Everett Conaway engage in a cool conversation about creativity, friendship, and the power of music. They delve into the story of the "Feetar", a custom instrument designed by Everett for Travis's brother Jeremy, who suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2009. The Feetar, crafted from reclaimed wood, allows Jeremy to play music despite his...

In this heartfelt episode of That's So Rad Podcast, host Travis is joined by his son Dre who's on the podcast as part of a Father's Day gift to his dad. The two share some fun dad and son banter to kick things off. Dre then opens up and shares about his unique journey from foster care to adoption. The conversation explores Dre's experiences growing up in a biracial family, the challenges and trium...

In this episode of That's So Rad! Podcast, host Travis reconnects with his high school classmate Tom Heilman, exploring their shared memories from growing up together in Rugby, North Dakota. Travis and Tom haven't talked since graduation in 1998! They discuss the importance of curiosity, the impact of small-town life, and the values of community and hard work gained from farm work. The conversatio...

In this episode of That's So Rad podcast, host Travis Vangsnes interviews his friend Danny Smith. This episode is loaded up! They discuss the impact of working with kids in foster care and the lessons learned from those experiences. The conversation also touches on nostalgia, particularly around a love of station wagons (Travis' "grocery getter"), humor, and having fun. Danny shares about his jour...

In this episode of That's So Rad podcast, host Travis and guest Damon Luke explore their friendship and reflect on the impact of upbringing on personal growth. The two also talk about the significance of family support, and the challenges faced during childhood, particularly in the context of growing up in the Bronx without a father figure. The conversation highlights themes of resilience, creativ...

In this episode of That's So Rad podcast, host Travis reunites with his friend Jeff Elden, exploring their shared experiences in St. Louis and their work in mental health. They talk beards, punk and ska music, "t-shirts with a twist" parties, and share funny stories and memories working together at a mental health agency near St. Louis. The conversation highlights the importance of humor, authenti...

In this energetic kick-off episode of 'That's So Rad', host Travis reunites with his old high school classmate, Brett Henry after nearly 30 years. They haven't talked prior to this since their graduation in 1998! Travis and Brett share funny high school memories, talk everything from facial hair to North Dakota accents, and discuss the uniqueness of growing up in North Dakota and how their upbring...

In this trailer episode, Travis shares his vision for That's So Rad! podcast. He shares how one of the key antidotes in an era of so much much anger, polarization, disconnection, and epidemics of anxiety and loneliness is finding meaningful connection with each other as humans. That's exactly what this podcast attempts to do. That's So Rad! he shares is about learning from others and through their...