Beans & Banter

Send us Fan MailSavannah Wood from Good Day Wisconsin on Fox11 joins us for a conversation about how she got into journalism and what live TV is actually like.From starting in a middle school news program to working in local news, she talks about learning to think on her feet, building confidence on camera, and why being real matters more than being perfect. The conversation also gets into early mornings, connecting with people, and the real impact local news can have on small businesses and the community.Unfiltered, a little chaotic, and a solid behind-the-scenes look at local news.Grab a coffee, pull up a chair, and get to know Savannah with us.Support the showConnect with us! [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we sat down with Josh Russell, the guy behind “Dang That’s Awesome.” He built a Wisconsin food/travel TikTok to 7.4M views in 8 months, and he actually explains how he did it without the usual fluff.We get into what’s actually moving the needle on TikTok right now: timing, hooks, why followers aren’t the metric people think they are, and how he turned simple food reviews into real revenue with restaurants and resorts.His backstory’s just as wild. West Virginia, Green Bay, country rap career, touring… now full-time content and photography. It all connects in a way that makes sense once you hear it.We also hit algorithm strategy, posting timing, going live locally, pricing your work, sponsored content without selling out, and yes… chicken wings and the “glazing” situation.Go follow him: @dang.thats.awesomeIf you’re running a business or trying to build something online, this one’s worth your time.Grab a coffee, pull up a chair, and get to know Josh Russell with us.Support the showConnect with us! [email protected]

Send us Fan MailThis is a real one with a guy who took a heat press, about a $1000, and turned it into a full-blown printing and design shop, DotCom Branding.Now he’s running thousands of shirts a week, doing wraps, branding, and anything else that comes through the door. But it didn’t come clean or easy.We get into the chaos of small-town business, scaling from nothing, setbacks like a house fire, and what it actually takes to keep things moving when the work never stops.It’s not polished. It’s just what it looks like when you build it from the ground up and keep it alive.Grab a coffee, pull up a chair, and get to know KC with us. --------------------Check out KC's shop: https://www.facebook.com/dotcomvinyl/Support the showConnect with us! [email protected]

Send us Fan MailShe grew up Amish… and we had a LOT of questions.This one goes from funny stories to some pretty real moments, like what happens when you leave everything you’ve ever known… and people stop listening.We talk about faith, getting cut off, rebuilding life from scratch, and somehow ending up running a successful cleaning business.Grab a coffee, pull up a chair, and get to know more about Miriam with us.Support the showConnect with us! [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we hang out with Representative Elijah R. Behnke. No fluff, no pretending, just real talk.We dig into what it actually means to represent people, not a party. From stadium deals to lake laws, the toughest calls aren’t always the ones you’d expect.Nothing polished. Nothing scripted. Just a straight-up look at how decisions get made when there’s no perfect answer.Grab your coffee, pull up a chair, and get to know Elijah Behnke with us.Support the showConnect with us! [email protected]

Send us Fan MailThis one starts a little all over the place… and somehow lands exactly where it’s supposed to.We sat down with Lindsay Johnson, who’s been behind a lot of what Shawano’s becoming—turning empty storefronts into a place people actually want to hang out.We get into what it really takes to build a small town, why nothing happens as fast as people think it should, and the small stuff that actually moves the needle.There’s a lot in here about backing local, building something that lasts, and figuring it out as you go.And yeah… at some point we veer off into aliens, growing up, and the kind of life choices that don’t always make sense until they do.Grab a coffee, pull up a chair, and get to know Shawano's Downtown Coordinator, Lindsay Johnson.Support the showConnect with us! [email protected]

Send us Fan MailErnie Allen has done a little bit of everything—restaurant floors, bar shifts, years at Chili’s, time with Mission BBQ, and now leading as an Area Sales Manager at Performance Food Group. Not a straight path… and that’s kind of the whole story.We get into the COVID grind, what it really means to care about the people you serve, convincing his southern wife that Wisconsin winters are a good idea, and raising two boys with some structure behind it. Somewhere in there, we talk about why the journey might actually be the point.It’s real, it’s easy, and yeah, there are a few laughs in there too.Grab a coffee, settle in, and meet our guy, Ernie.📍 The MillNew episodes weekly---------------Music provided by Musicbed• My Happiness (Instrumental) - Lonely Benson (MB01BBUHOCJHS4Q)Support the showConnect with us! [email protected]

Send us Fan MailHans is the founder of F.I.R.E. Fitness Camp, which has grown to 21 locations across Wisconsin. But the road there wasn’t exactly smooth.In this episode, we talk about what entrepreneurship actually looks like — the failures, the risks, and the mindset it takes to keep going when things don’t work the first time.We also get into why entrepreneurs often struggle in franchise systems, the biggest mistakes new business owners make, and why starting a business sometimes requires a little bit of insanity.Put down the shovel, grab a coffee, pull up a chair, and take a break with us. We’re happy you’re here. ————————————Find out more about F.I.R.E. Fitness Camp: https://www.firefitnesscamp.comNeed a new go-to protein supplement? Check out Han’s Rehab Supplements Lab: https://www.rehabsupps.comWatch Han’s “The Intensity Podcast”: https://www.youtube.com/@Intensity_Ha...Curious about all the things Han’s has been a part of? Check it out here: https://www.hanshartleben.comFollow Han’s on Instagram (@hans_hartleben): https://www.instagram.com/hans_hartlebenSupport the showConnect with us! [email protected]

Send us Fan MailAfter more than 30 years in law enforcement, Mike thought retirement would be the easy part. Instead, he found himself facing what many officers quietly experience after the badge comes off — the loss of identity, purpose, and the transition into a very different life.Now he’s working to make sure first responders have somewhere to turn when they need support.It’s an honest conversation about the realities of policing, the transition into retirement, and why simply checking in on someone can matter more than we realize.Grab a coffee, pull up a chair, and hang out with us for a bit. We’re grateful you’re here.---------------------------------------------------------------------------Check out the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Death Response (LEDR) program: https://www.wiledr.orgDownload The Guardian App!: App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-guardian-app/id1531897690Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.p47400c38751.app&pli=1Support the showConnect with us! [email protected]

Send us Fan MailAfter nearly three decades in law enforcement, Tony sits down to talk about the road from serving 28 years in Oconto County to finding purpose after law enforcement.He shares stories about camaraderie, tough supervisors, break room humor, and the moments that shaped him on and off the job.This conversation dives into retirement, identity, marriage, and what it feels like to step away from a career that defined you for so long. It is honest, funny, reflective, and real.Grab a cup of coffee, pull up a seat, and hang with us as we introduce you to our friend, Tony.Need insurance? Check out https://insurance-greenbay.com or email Tony at [email protected]. Support the showConnect with us! [email protected]

Send us Fan MailSome episodes are fun.Some are chaotic.And some hit you right in the chest.This one is all three.Jordan joins us to talk about growing up adopted, riding a Greyhound bus from Texas as a kid, losing his mom to addiction, falling headfirst off a concrete wall at 21, and waking up unable to walk or talk.And somehow, through all of that, finding purpose.We talk blind dogs, brain injuries, Sunday school panic attacks, football debates, red string theory, integrity, and why sometimes the worst moments in your life end up becoming the thing that shapes you the most.Oh, and apparently, he had a Doctor Dolittle moment after his accident.Classic.Grab a coffee, pull up a chair, and hang out with us for a bit. Check out Jordan’s non-profit, Joy’s Place Animal Rescue: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577648682835Support the showConnect with us! [email protected]

Send us Fan MailThe first employee we fired... our own daughter.In this episode, we talk early business chaos, tough love, family tension, growth, and what it really looks like to build something with the people you love. This one is messy, honest... and a little unhinged.Grab a coffee, pull up a chair, and sit with us for a bit. We're happy you're here.Support the showConnect with us! [email protected]

Send us Fan MailOur oldest son, Sawyer, joins us for this episode.He’ll connect with anyone who’s military, comes from a blended home, has a stepdad and brother, or knows what it’s like being the oldest. He's a college-age kid finding his footing and building something of his own.He’s a great kid.We’re proud of him.Grab a coffee, pull up a chair, and get to know our cat son, Sawyer.Support the showConnect with us! [email protected]

Send us Fan MailThis is a good one. Pastor Keith Sorlie shares his tender and empathetic heart with us. This conversation centers on obedience, timing, and discovering purpose when life does not go as planned. If you are burned out, questioning your faith, or wondering if it is too late to start something new, this one is for you.Prepare to be inspired by his outlook on life and faith.Grab a cup of coffee, pull up a seat, and sit with us for a while.Support the showConnect with us! [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIt's our first guest! Our podcast girl, Cami, joins us to reflect on her journey from Los Angeles back to the Midwest and the lessons that came with it. This is a conversation about creativity, values, faith, and choosing a different pace.Grab a cup of coffee and hang with us for a little bit.Support the showConnect with us! [email protected]

Send us Fan MailThis week, we’re sitting down to talk about what we’re truly thankful for: our family, friends, community, and the people who helped us get here.Stick around to the end for a listener-only in-store promo 👀 and a reminder that sometimes the hardest seasons end up being the most meaningful.☕ Grab a cup of coffee and hang with us for a bit! Thank you for listening, supporting local, and being part of our community.Support the showConnect with us! [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we talk about small town life, community, and the moments that stick with you.We share stories about Christmas traditions, raising kids in a close-knit town, and what it really means to show up for the people around you (even when life gets messy). It’s honest, sometimes funny, sometimes heavy, and very real.Grab a coffee, settle in, and hang out with us for a bit ☕Support the showConnect with us! [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we dive into the real-life chaos and joy of running a small-town coffee shop while raising a family. From hiring employees (and learning as we go), to building a team we genuinely care about, to navigating the highs and lows of mixing business with family life (for better or worse 😅) - this conversation is honest, funny, and very real.Grab a coffee and hang out with us for a bit!Support the showConnect with us! [email protected]

Send us Fan MailWe are Keith and NiCole Fischer, owners of The Mill in Bonduel, Wisconsin. The Mill is a coffee lounge, bourbon retailer, and boutique. But more than that, it’s a gathering place for numerous people, full of countless stories. Support the showConnect with us! [email protected]