PODCAST · society
Get Deep Podcast
by Aaron Jones and Wes Otto
Join Aaron Jones and Wes Otto on the Get Deep Podcast as they sit down with the people shaping Southern Minnesota and beyond, sharing their journeys, hard-earned lessons, and the moments that matter most.Part of the Connect Podcast Network, the show brings long-form, real conversations that go beyond surface-level stories—offering insight, perspective, and a deeper look at the people driving our region forward.Proudly supported by our sponsors—Vanderberg Clean, Community Bank, and Chankaska Creek Winery and Distillery—whose support helps make these conversations possible.
Episodes
-
Ep154 Julie Tesch
Julie Tesch: Coming Home to Rural Minnesota In this episode of the Get Deep Podcast, we sit down with Julie Tesch, President and CEO of the Center for Rural Policy & Development, for a personal conversation about agriculture, leadership, adversity, and the future of rural Minnesota. Julie takes…
more -
Ep153 Dan Vance
Dan Vance: From Tragedy to Storytelling, and a Life Spent Understanding People In this episode of the Get Deep Podcast, we sit down with Dan Vance, former editor of Connect Business Magazine, ghostwriter, syndicated columnist, and mental health therapist, for a remarkable conversation about the...
-
Ep 152 Christine & Randy Lantinen
Christine & Randy Lantinen: Sweet Success, Big Risks, and the Business Behind Maud Borup In this episode of the Get Deep Podcast, we sit down with Christine and Randy Lantinen, owners of Maud Borup, one of Minnesota’s largest candy and gourmet food manufacturers. Today, the company generates more...
-
Ep151 Jesse Hicks
In this episode of the Get Deep Podcast, we sit down with Jesse Hicks, the new President and Chief Advancement Officer of Loyola Catholic School, for a conversation about leadership, faith, football, fundraising, and coming home. Jesse’s story starts in the halls of Loyola, where he was once a...
-
Ep150 Jeremy Thomas
In this episode of the Get Deep Podcast, we sit down with Jeremy Thomas, owner of Unique Classic Cars and Unique Marine in Mankato, for a conversation about cars, risk, nostalgia, and building a business around things people truly care about. Jeremy shares how Unique Classic Cars grew from a…
more -
Ep149 Megan Hoogland
Megan Hoogland: Art, Identity, and the Evolution of Tattoo Culture In this episode of the Get Deep Podcast, we sit down with Megan Hoogland, nationally recognized tattoo artist and owner of Mecca Tattoo in Mankato, for a conversation about artistry, identity, and building a career in an industry...
-
Ep148 Emily Giddings
Emily Giddings: Curiosity, Confidence, and the Business of Feeling Better In this episode of the Get Deep Podcast, we sit down with Emily Giddings, founder of Giddie Skin Med Spa, for a conversation that goes well beyond skincare. From a homeschooled upbringing to a passion for travel—and even...
-
Ep147 Josh Vanderberg
Josh Vanderberg: Building a Business Leaders Can Trust In Episode 147 of the Get Deep Podcast, we sit down with Josh Vanderberg—President and CEO of Vanderberg Clean and a second-generation leader in Southern Minnesota’s janitorial industry. Josh’s story begins in Mankato, learning the business...
-
Ep146 Sheryl Meshke
Sheryl Meshke: Leading America’s Dairy Cooperative, One Block of Cheese at a Time In this episode of the Get Deep Podcast, we sit down with Sheryl Meshke—President and CEO of AMPI (Associated Milk Producers Inc.), the nation’s largest farmer-owned dairy cooperative specializing in American-style...
-
Ep145 Justin Montemurno
Justin Montemurno: Systems, Strategy, and the Power Behind the Power In this high-voltage episode of the Get Deep Podcast, we sit down with Justin Montemurno—a Southern Minnesota native whose journey from wrench-turning teen to global infrastructure strategist is anything but ordinary. Justin...
-
Ep144 Rachel Wilke & Molly Jones
Rachel Wilke & Molly Jones: Breaking Cycles and Building “Therapy is Cool” In this personal and powerful episode of the Get Deep Podcast, we sit down with Rachel Wilke and Molly Jones—licensed therapists and co-founders of Therapy is Cool, a Mankato-based mental health practice focused on helping...
-
Ep143 Ritchie Schaefer
Ritchie Schaefer: Hive Minds, Bee Drama, and the Rise of B2B Honey In this episode of the Get Deep Podcast, we sit down with Ritchie Schaefer—beekeeper, entrepreneur, and founder of B2B Honey. A Mankato native with a love for agriculture, Ritchie takes us deep into the world of bees, hives, and...
-
Ep142 Paul Bunkowske
Paul Bunkowske: A New Chapter Shaped by Collecting and Community In this heartfelt episode of the Get Deep Podcast, we sit down with Paul Bunkowske—the founder of Bunk’s Card Corner, Mankato’s go-to destination for sports cards, Pokémon, Disney memorabilia, and more. Paul shares his honest and...
-
Ep141 Colleen VanBlarcom
Colleen VanBlarcom: McDonald’s Operator, Legacy Builder, and Culture Champion In this episode, we sit down with Colleen VanBlarcom—owner/operator of 11 McDonald’s restaurants across Southern Minnesota. With a career spanning four decades and roots in one of McDonald’s most storied family…
more -
Ep140 Ashley & Nick Rehder
Ashley and Nick Rehder, Founders of Ruby Ranch Barn: Join us for a conversation with Ashley and Nick Rehder, founders of Ruby Ranch Barn, a nine-acre property just east of Pemberton, Minnesota, where education and community meet in fresh, hands-on ways. In this episode, Ashley and Nick share...
-
Ep139 Art Westphal
Art Westphal: Coaching Legend and Advancement Leader at Bethany Lutheran Join us for an in‑depth conversation with Art Westphal, a cornerstone of Bethany Lutheran College athletics and institutional advancement. Over decades, Art has shaped programs as head coach of both baseball and men’s...
-
Ep138 Jenna Fromm
Jenna Fromm: CEO of Palmer Bus Service and Community-Focused Leader Climb aboard for a conversation with Jenna Fromm, a second-generation owner and the driving force behind Palmer Bus Service. From cleaning bus floors as a teenager in St. Clair to co-leading a fleet that spans communities across...
-
Ep137 Allen Eskens
On this episode of the Get Deep Podcast, we sit down with Allen Eskens, Mankato’s own best-selling author and former criminal defense lawyer. Allen shares how his years in the courtroom shaped his storytelling, the discipline it takes to master the craft of writing, and the real-life...
-
Ep136 Jenny Barnes & David Hruska
Jenny Barnes & David Hruska: Life, Loss, and “Dam Pie” at the Rapidan Dam Store In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with siblings Jenny Barnes and David Hruska—second-generation owners of the beloved Rapidan Dam Store. Known far and wide for their famous “Dam Pie,” Jenny and David reflect on a...
-
Ep135 Andy Donahue
Andy Donahue: Minnesota State Director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Join us for a conversation with a statewide leader who has dedicated his career to supporting small businesses. Andy’s journey has taken him from his early days at Wells Fargo, to serving as a regional SBDC...
-
Ep134 Tim Johnson
Tim Johnson: Owner/Operator of High Spirits Liquor and Hooligan’s Neighborhood Pub, cornerstones of Mankato’s local retail and hospitality scene. Join us for a conversation with a local entrepreneur who has spent years creating spaces where people gather, connect, and make memories. Tim shares…
more -
Ep133 Tom Miller
Tom Miller: memorial sculptor and owner of Monuments by Miller. Join us for a conversation with a master craftsman whose work is etched into the very fabric of Mankato! Tom reflects on his path as a sculptor and storyteller—shaping stone and legacy alike. As one of the most visible artists in the...
-
Ep132 Mike McGowan
Mike McGowan: third-generation owner of McGowan Water Conditioning and longtime volunteer firefighter. Join us for a conversation with a hometown business owner who’s been keeping Southern Minnesota’s water clean for over 70 years. Mike breaks down his sink-or-swim journey stepping into the...
-
Ep131 Carter Person
Carter Person: co-owner of Cork & Key, and partner in the ATOM hospitality group! Join us for an expansive conversation with seasoned entrepreneur Carter Person. With deep roots in a family dedicated to hospitality and community, Carter shares what it was like growing up in the family business —...
-
Ep130 Nicole Panko
Nicole Panko: owner of Ember Wellness Studio! Join us for a conversation rooted in health and wellness - at the heart of our community! Nicole’s entrepreneurial experience extends beyond her current venture, and we were so engaged with how her previous business successes led her to creating the...
-
Ep129 Jeff Holmin
Jeff Holmin: our local award-winning taxidermy expert and owner of North Star Taxidermy! Join us for an unforgettable conversation with our guest this week, who shares with us how his appreciation for the natural world at a young age translated into a robust career in taxidermy. Fully embracing a...
-
Ep128 Shane Bowyer
Shane Bowyer: professor of management at MSU Mankato and local community pillar! Our guest this week has an incredible range of expertise in the business sector; overseeing the Northwoods League Baseball Franchise as a general manager, owner of the Sports Institute training facility, and so much...
-
Ep127 Tim Huebsch
Tim Huebsch: Solutions Manager of Global Business Solutions at General Mills! Join us for an immersive conversation with a corporate industry leader! From our guest’s roots in rural Southern Minnesota, his early interest in tech, and his quick career ascension, our guest’s engaging manner of...
-
Ep126 Della Schmidt
Della Schmidt: President and Chief Executive Officer for Greater Mankato Growth! Join us for an in-depth conversation with a community champion who has built a legacy supporting regional growth. With an impressive record in Southern Minnesota, Della has such a wealth of knowledge for navigating...
-
Ep125 Joe Holtmeier
Joe Holtmeier: owner of Holtmeier Construction, Dirt Merchant Inc, and Pentagon Materials! Join us for a winning conversation with a Southern Minnesota community pillar! This multi-faceted entrepreneur takes us through the ins and outs of a legacy in construction. From unexpected collaborations…
more -
Ep124 Jim & Lauren Parejko
Jim & Lauren Parejko - owners of LocAle Brewing Company! Join us for an engaging conversation with this husband-and-wife entrepreneurial team! With craft brewing on the rise, our guests this week offer incredible insider expertise into the local market and common misconceptions regarding the...
-
Ep123 Matt Scharping
Matt Sharping - owner of Phenom Genetics Inc, co-owner of Sankey Pro Rodeo, and connoisseur of all things rodeo! Join us for a wild ride this week with our champion guest Matt Sharping. From authentic living to entrepreneurship, Matt takes us through his transformative journey into all aspects of...
-
Ep122 April Graff
April Graff: dietitian and author! Join us for an engaging conversation with our new favorite nutritional expert. Our guest this week has a wealth of experience in the heath and wellness arena. With a focus on a practical lifestyle approach and joy through eating well, April shares her most…
more -
Ep121 Jen Stuvek
Jen Stuvek: owner of Aurora Chiropractic! Join us for an incredible story of education, health and wellness in our community. Jen shares how she realized some of her longterm goals as a chiropractic doctor early on in her career, and her truly serendipitous journey to Mankato. From her upbringing...
-
Ep120 Jordan Smith
Jordan Smith: owner of JD Manufacturing, and Storm Equipment! Join us for a deep dive into all things landscaping, snow management, entrepreneurship and the Mankato community. From growing up in an aviation family to his earliest roots in the landscaping business, Jordan has a wealth of…
more -
Ep119 Jon "JP" Jamieson
Jon "JP" Jamieson - owner and founder of JP Fitness! Join us for a remarkable conversation centered around health and mindful living with our guest. We were so engaged with his balanced approach, as JP explained what first attracted him to fitness as a business and his earliest memories of family...
-
Ep118 Justin & Jenna Rinehart
Justin & Jenna Rinehart: owners of Nicollet Bike and Ski! Join us for an unforgettable ride with two incredible entrepreneurs in our community. Justin & Jenna share how they channeled their passion for the great outdoors into a profitable business serving the sports and recreational needs right...
-
Ep117 Bill Bartz & Emily Knudsen
Bill Bartz and Emily Knudsen: owners of Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm! Join us for an unforgettable conversation with our new favorite restaurateurs. From their original concept to the experience that the pizza farm has become, we were so engaged with our guests’ humor and savvy business sense....
-
Ep116 Kelly McIntee
Kelly McIntee: business and life mindset coach! Join us for a holistic conversation spanning grief, purpose and all roads leading to relationships. Kelly’s outlook on life is dual focused - big picture dreams combined with fully appreciating the in-between moments. This attitude has led her to a...
-
Ep115 Jonathan Scarfpin
Jonathan “Sharkfin” Scarfpin: co-owner of Harvesting Technology! Join us for an in-depth conversation covering the usage and future of ethanol, the huge benefit it provides to rural communities - and renewable energy as a whole. Jonathan does an incredible job breaking down a multi-faceted…
more -
Ep114 Amy & Mike McQuery
Amy & Mike McQuery: co-owners of Half Pint Brewing Company! Join us for an unforgettable conversation with the two entrepreneurs that helped spearhead Minnesota’s very first farm brewery and taproom. Their journey to craft brewing is anything but typical; from the couple’s upbringing and their...
-
Ep113 Emily Thiesse
Emily Thiesse: head coach of Women’s Basketball at MSU Mankato (National Championship winners!) Join us for a wide-ranging conversation, starting with Emily’s earliest memories of the game with her father (a former basketball coach) and her journey to MSU’s winning 2023-24 season. From sports...
-
Ep112 Jared Day
Jared Day: co-founder and COO of Gigli and Nuleev! Join us for an engaging conversation spanning Jared’s growing wealth of entrepreneurial expertise. From building a brand from the ground up, the incredible benefits of collaborating, and the challenge of reinventing the wheel, we loved hearing…
more -
Ep111 Tim Flynn
Tim Flynn - “Master Tim” - owner of Kato Karate! Join us as Tim shares his mission of peace through self-defense. From his earliest experiences of being bullied, Tim explains how the early breakdown of self-confidence can have lifelong mental, emotional, and even physical effects. His unique...
-
Ep110 Ted Marti
Ted Marti: president of August Schell Brewing Company in New Ulm! Ted’s roots in the brewery run deep; from his earliest memories of playing on the company grounds as a child to his first challenges as president, our guest and his family have kept the tradition alive (and thriving). Join us as…
more -
Ep109 Tim Murray & Myron Erstad
Tim Murray & Myron Erstad: community leaders and entrepreneurial experts! Join us for an incredibly open and honest conversation with two of our new favorite mentor figures. From intense involvement in 40+ startup opportunities to the journey to sobriety journey, we were thoroughly captivated by...
-
Ep108 Maria Brown
Maria Brown: third generation fine jewelry vice president and co-owner at Exclusively Diamonds! A Mankato native with deep roots in the community, Maria’s connections are astounding. Our guest shares how growing up in a highly successful entrepreneur family shaped how she sees the essential role…
more -
Ep107 Cate DeBates
Cate DeBates: principal and chief strategy officer at NAI North Star, partner to boutique hotels Arch + Cable and Hotel Alexander! Join us for an incredible conversation with skillful entrepreneur Cate. From her earliest memories moving all over the country to her most recent ventures in the…
more -
Ep106 John Couchot
John Couchot: Vice President of Alcohol Operations at Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery and Distillery! Woodchucks. California. Biotech. NDAs. Kids. Micro-roasting. Chupacabras. Nike beer. Ed Hardy. From his first brewing experiences at the age of 15 to his journey to Minnesota, our guest this week…
more -
Ep105 Pete Matejcek
Pete Matejcek: owner and president of Schmidt Siding and Window! Meeting the needs of the client in their own home is a responsibility that Pete accepts as a vocational calling. With a deep-rooted passion for exceeding the client’s needs, our guest has established himself as a key figure in the...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Join Aaron Jones and Wes Otto on the Get Deep Podcast as they sit down with the people shaping Southern Minnesota and beyond, sharing their journeys, hard-earned lessons, and the moments that matter most.Part of the Connect Podcast Network, the show brings long-form, real conversations that go beyond surface-level stories—offering insight, perspective, and a deeper look at the people driving our region forward.Proudly supported by our sponsors—Vanderberg Clean, Community Bank, and Chankaska Creek Winery and Distillery—whose support helps make these conversations possible.
HOSTED BY
Aaron Jones and Wes Otto
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Get Deep Podcast have?
Get Deep Podcast currently has 154 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Get Deep Podcast about?
Join Aaron Jones and Wes Otto on the Get Deep Podcast as they sit down with the people shaping Southern Minnesota and beyond, sharing their journeys, hard-earned lessons, and the moments that matter most.Part of the Connect Podcast Network, the show brings long-form, real conversations that go...
How often does Get Deep Podcast release new episodes?
Get Deep Podcast publishes regularly with 154 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Get Deep Podcast?
You can listen to Get Deep Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Get Deep Podcast?
Get Deep Podcast is created and hosted by Aaron Jones and Wes Otto.
URL copied to clipboard!