Gravel Roads Radio

Episode 60 brings together stories, chaos, and a nearly positive attitude from start to finish. John “Uncle Thud” joined the show live and shared some legendary 30th St. stories, bringing the crew back to simpler times and giving everyone plenty to laugh about. Rowan “Rooster” made his debut holding down a seat, while Dan the Man came through with a big connection by linking the podcast with Jeffer’s super athlete, Bentley. The crew also found time to get into a passionate debate about geese on a golf course, because on Nonsense @ Nine, even geese can become a full-blown argument. Uncle Thud, Rooster’s debut, 30th St. stories, Dan the Man networking, Bentley, golf course geese, simpler times, and almost positivity — this one had it all.

LISTENER DISCRETION ADVISED: Poor attitudes and effort from the crew. We will be better next week.  Episode 59 kicks off with Dan the Man setting the tone in true Dan fashion. The guys sort of talked Father’s Day, touched on Will the Thrill’s birthday from Thursday, and promised there’s more to come on that next week. Max also had himself a classic meltdown about… stuff. You know, the usual. The crew also gave listeners an update on the SISU Backyard Ultra and where things are headed as the event continues to come together. A little bit of everything in this one, exactly how Nonsense @ Nine is supposed to be.

A special night in Cokato as Bill Aho was inducted into the Northstar League Hall of Fame. Lars and Nels Anderson were on the call for the matchup between the Cokato Kernels and Dassel-Cokato Saints, with a steady stream of guests joining them in the booth throughout the night. Mike Enerson, Bill Aho, Eric and Vinnie Pokornowski, Tom Halonen, and Boomer Nelson all stopped by the broadcast. It was more than just a ballgame. It was a night of local baseball history, great stories, and honoring one of the legends of the Northstar League.

Episode 57 started with Dan opening the show, and then… well, things got a little slow. For a minute, it looked like we might be staring down the worst episode in show history. Then Jack Anderson called in and saved the day. From there, the show found its legs. We talked about Bill Aho’s induction into the Northstar League Hall of Fame, Ryan’s day at the Mall of America, and then Vinnie Pokornowski stopped by to keep the momentum rolling with Bill Aho stories, Primeline Asphalt Services talk, and plenty of laughs. This one starts slow, but stick with it — thanks to Jack and Vinnie, it turns into an awesome episode.

Ron took the wheel for Episode 56, and the man absolutely delivered. Dan the Man kicked things off with the open, setting the tone for another classic night of nonsense. The boys talked weather, debated when the show should actually happen, and Ron even let everyone in on a little secret. Max, of course, had another meltdown, because it would not be Nonsense @ Nine without one. Will the Thrill also joined the show to talk graduation foods and Minnesota Wild hockey, bringing the perfect mix of serious sports talk and questionable food takes. Ron hosted. Max melted. Secrets were shared. The weather was discussed far too much. Another great night on Gravel Roads Radio.

After a few weeks off, the Nonsense @ Nine crew returned exactly how you’d expect: a little rusty, a little chaotic, and somehow still on the air. Dan the Man kicked things off with some Harry Potter talk before helping the crew sing happy birthday to Aaron. Max melted down — more than once — and we officially introduced the SISU Backyard Ultra, a race Steve and Ryan are organizing for anyone who thinks running forever sounds like a good idea. The guys also talked steak, recapped the Knapp Open, and tried to shake off the cobwebs after the break. Was it smooth? Not really. Was it Nonsense @ Nine? Absolutely. Featuring: Dan the Man’s Harry Potter opener, birthday singing, multiple Max Meltdowns, SISU Backyard Ultra talk, steak debates, and a Knapp Open recap.

On this episode of Carpfest, the music starts early and keeps rolling late into the night at Spike Halonen’s place. Host Lars Anderson is joined by past GRR Outdoors guests Mike “Spike” Halonen and Tony Fratzke for a laid-back conversation packed with stories, laughs, and all things outdoors. The crew talks Carpfest, recaps Spike’s trapping season, dives into fishing reports and outdoor adventures, and shares the kind of campfire conversations that make northern Minnesota special. Good music, good friends, and plenty of outdoor talk on this episode of Carpfest.

Join us for the official Knapp Open Pregame Show as we set the stage for one of the area’s premier golf events. This year’s pregame coverage features special guest Orrin Grangroth of Knapp Corporate, along with Knapp Open Hall of Famer Bill Aho and Eric Hendrickson, as we look back on tournament history, break down the field, and preview the storylines heading into the event. We also go live from the course for coverage of the mini games with Guy from Stockholm and Rooster Koivisto, bringing viewers closer to the action before tournament play begins. Plus, we welcome Grant Haataja and Bryce Randell to the broadcast and preview all of the teams competing in this year’s Knapp Open. From player interviews to team breakdowns, mini-game coverage, and pre-tournament analysis, the Knapp Open Pregame Show delivers everything fans need before the opening shots are hit.

Episode 52 of Nonsense @ Nine had a little bit of everything — and somehow, even underwear. Dan the Man kicked things off, Will the Thrill got everyone fired up, and Primeline Asphalt Services made podcast history by sending underwear. Max, of course, melted down in classic fashion, while the crew dug into some Knapp Open insight ahead of the big event. Nels Anderson joined the show, we tested the crew with an AI game, and the whole thing stayed perfectly on brand: slightly organized, mostly ridiculous, and exactly what you’d expect from Nonsense @ Nine.

Episode 51 of Nonsense @ Nine brings the perfect mix of small-town summer talk, heated debate, and Gravel Roads updates. Dan the Man kicked things off with some summertime thoughts, which somehow led the crew into a full-blown argument about unmarked police vehicles. Then Mike Koivisto stopped by to talk about the Gravel Roads Sports Network, what’s coming next, and how GRR is growing into more than just nonsense. Summer vibes, strong opinions, and a little look at the future of Gravel Roads Radio — this one has it all.

Episode 50 is packed with classic Nonsense @ Nine chaos. Dan the Man kicks things off with more Harry Potter talk, while Will the Thrill joins by phone to chat Menahga and break down his trip to Florida. The crew also dives into a review of the GRR Outdoors podcast, somehow manages to squeeze 18 holes into 18 minutes, and watches as Max’s Meltdown gets especially heated. Max also pulls off a harmonica fake-out that had everybody fooled, and the episode wraps with a special music segment from Max himself. Another wild night of laughs, stories, and nonsense you won’t want to miss.

Join Gravel Roads Radio Outdoors for a warm, wide-ranging conversation with award-winning wild game chef Hank Shaw — the man behind HuntGatherCook.com and the Substack To The Bone. We dive into Hank’s journey from newspaper reporting and commercial fishing to becoming a trusted voice on cooking venison, preparing offal (yes, really), and turning backyard prairie plantings into wildlife habitat. He shares practical tips on aging and handling deer, how to cook tough cuts like shanks (low and slow!), tricks for judging doneness without a thermometer, and why you shouldn’t grind every tough cut. Hank also walks us through foraging season basics — ramps, nettles, dandelion uses — and offers straightforward, no-nonsense advice for people curious about organ meats, turkey cooking (Jake vs. longbeard), and even oddball species like burbot and carp. The chat is full of memorable hunting stories, kitchen-tested recipes, and the kind of approachable, hands-on wisdom that makes wild foods delicious and accessible. If you’re into hunting, foraging, or just want to get more adventurous in the kitchen with ethically sourced meat, Hank’s tips will up your game. Find Hank at huntgathercook.com, on Instagram at @HuntGatherCook, or read his Substack To The Bone. Grab one of his signed cookbooks (we’ve got three to give away) and get ready to learn how to make the most of every part of the animal — even the parts most folks throw away.

Episode 48 brings the chaos right away as Dan the Man kicks things off with some Harry Potter knowledge before the guys dive into another classic night of laughs, sports talk, and complete nonsense. Nate Hillstrom joins the show again, the conversation turns to golf, and the crew even gives Jack a call along the way. As expected, things spiral into full meltdown territory with just about everyone losing it at some point, but Ryno steals the spotlight with an absolutely elite ad read. It’s another fun, unpredictable episode packed with the kind of moments that make Nonsense @ Nine what it is.

Dan the Man opened the show, then Jeffery Janckila joined in to share old stories from the past. A big chunk of the night was spent reliving Easter at the Andersons and the legendary hiding skills of the Easter Bunny. The guys also talked golf, club fitting, Max had a meltdown, and overall it was just a fun episode.

Dan opened the show and talked camping before debuting his first-ever meltdown. From there, things went wonderfully off the rails when Nate Hillstrom and Tyler Niemela showed up with cheesecake. Nate hopped into the interview seat, Tyler added to the chaos, and we mostly got to our topics… kind of. Easily one of the most chaotic episodes of Nonsense @ Nine yet.

Episode 45 of Nonsense at Nine has a little bit of everything. Dan the Man leads the way with talk about World Down Syndrome Day, the future of the Ron and Steve Show, and of course, some Harry Potter discussion. The crew also gets into the nice weather, spring break, and a full lineup of meltdowns—especially from Steve. Max breaks out the harmonica, Ryan gives his thoughts on the elite burritos at Forget Me Not Cafe, and plenty of other nonsense finds its way into the show. Stick around to the very end for the debut of GRR After Dark.

Episode 44 of Gravel Roads Radio got off to a less-than-smooth start with technical difficulties that lasted so long Dan the Man never even got to kick things off properly. From there, the crew talked about the big “blizzard,” took a trip down memory lane by blind ranking old phy. ed activities from their days at Dassel-Cokato Schools, and witnessed the rarest event of all: Ron actually liked food. They also spent some time practicing for their upcoming Enterprise Dispatch interview, which went about as seriously as you’d expect. Another classic episode full of small-town chaos, laughs, and Gravel Roads nonsense.

Episode 43 of Gravel Roads Radio is a little all over the place… just the way we like it. Dan the Man stopped by and somehow we covered Harry Potter, American Ninja Warrior, and Florida all in one conversation. We also brought Max in for an interview, introduced the brand new segment “Ron Doesn’t Sing,” and took on a blind ranking of cereals. Of course, things got sidetracked when the Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament stole our attention, and it wouldn’t be a full episode without Max’s Meltdown making an appearance. There was also some food talk mixed in there somewhere… probably. A little sports, a little nonsense, a little chaos — pretty standard stuff for Gravel Roads Radio.

From growing up in the Keweenaw and learning the ropes from his older brothers, to unforgettable hunts across Minnesota and out West, Louie takes us on a ride through the moments that shaped him. He shares the story of his first deer, dives into mountain lion hunting in Northern Minnesota on horseback, and breaks down highlights from his recent elk hunt—plus plenty more deer, elk, hare, and bobcat talk in between. If you like real storytelling, and the kind of hunts you replay in your head for years, this episode’s for you.

Episode 41 is pure, unfiltered Nonsense @ Nine — and for the first time ever, Mike Koivisto jumps in to add a fresh dose of chaos to the mix. We hit the state hockey tourney (plus the important stuff… like hair), take a quick detour into a little 30th St, and roll into Moto Max’s Game like we totally had a plan. We did forget to give a What’s In The Box clue… and honestly, we’re not even going to pretend this one was “informative.” It’s kind of a useless episode — but it’s our kind of useless.

Dan the Man kicks things off with elite shark facts, a strong breakfast take (because of course), and the kind of opening that immediately sets the tone: educational. From there, we do what we do best—spend a borderline irresponsible amount of time talking about food, including a full review of the new Dairy Queen breakfast (taste, vibes, and whether it deserves a spot in the small-town morning rotation). Plus: Moto Max’s Game makes its return, Ron sings (yes, it happens), Max’s Meltdown delivers the chaos you came for, and the whole episode stays right in that sweet spot between “why are we talking about this?” and “don’t change a thing.”

Dan the Man joined the show — breaking down Harry Potter takes and the Winter Olympics. In the comments, things heated up with Township Hockey League chatter and Steve’s official announcement that may or may not change small-town hockey forever. Max and Ron recapped their Powder Ridge trip — the runs, the wipeouts, and the food. We talked about the suspiciously nice spring weather in February (is winter over? absolutely not), and somehow pivoted into an important discussion on DQ Breakfast.  Moto Max delivered an update featuring a brand-new game, and we wrapped it all up with Valentine’s Day talk. Magic. Medals. Mud season. Dirtbikes updates. Morning Dairy Queen. Just another completely normal night of Nonsense.

In this episode of Gravel Roads Radio Outdoors, Lars sits down with Mike Tormanen and Larry Tormanen, two guys who know the Boundary Waters Canoe Area as well as just about anyone. Mike alone has made the trip over 90 times, with Larry logging plenty of miles himself, and together they’ve seen just about everything the BWCA has to offer. They share how their trips to the Boundary Waters began, how the experience has changed over the years, and what keeps drawing them back season after season. From favorite entry points and routes, to unforgettable moments on the water, crazy portages, and stories that only come from time spent deep in the wilderness, this episode is packed with classic Boundary Waters storytelling. We talk tradition, preparation, lessons learned the hard way, and the simple magic of unplugging and heading north. Whether you’re a seasoned BWCA vet, planning your first trip, or just love hearing great wilderness stories, this one hits home. Great stories. Timeless trips. Pure Gravel Roads Radio Outdoors. 

This one… is not good. In Ep. 37 we tried to keep up with the slang kids are using these days (rizz, cap, sus, bet, and whatever else made us feel extremely old). Steve gave a quick hockey update, we tossed around some spring break ideas, and Max once again broke out the harmonica—followed by a spirited (and mostly incorrect) attempt to guess what song he was playing. Ruth made her first comment ever (historic moment), Ron did not sing (also historic, in a different way), and we introduced a brand-new game: “What’s in the Box?” We also talked about the weather, because of course we did. Was it our worst episode by far? Probably. Did we still release it anyway? Absolutely. Lower your expectations and press play.

This episode has a little bit of everything—classic chaos, unexpected music, and plenty of Minnesota-level nonsense. Max delivers multiple meltdowns, tackling winter frustrations and dipping a toe into politics, and even breaks out the harmonica. Steve talks about the live cast of the Harry Potter books, the guys check in on the weather (because of course they do), and the crew reviews Obsessed Podcast Episode 68 featuring Ricky Kilpela. They also review ODR Podcast Episode 2 with Nate and Ben Niemela, then jump into a blind ranking of past and present local gas stations—fueling plenty of strong opinions. To top it all off, Abbi Hillstrom calls in with a meltdown of her own, sending the episode out on a perfectly unhinged note. Slightly worse than average podcasting… and proud of it.

Presented by Polar Bear Rinks This week on The ODR Podcast, we’re joined by Nate and Ben Niemela for a deep dive into local outdoor hockey history. The guys share stories from 30th Street, breaking down what made that rink special. We talk outdoor rinks past and present, how some of the oldest ODRs in the area were built, maintained, and survived Minnesota winters, and why they meant so much to the communities around them. From frozen hoses and late-night flooding to unforgettable games and characters, this episode is packed with classic outdoor hockey stories. If you love pond hockey, backyard rinks, or the history behind the game we all grew up playing, this one’s for you. Presented by Polar Bear Rinks.

This episode was pure Nonsense at Nine — everything people tune in for, all in one place. We played the hits and then some. Max had a full-blown meltdown, Ron sang not once but twice (a true double feature), and Carl showed up with elite-tier food that instantly rushed the show to an end.  We did a very Minnesota version of blind ranking, somehow spent serious time discussing bananas, and went way too in-depth on Ryan’s nachos — from ingredients to technique to whether they actually deserve the hype. We wrapped it all up with New Year’s resolutions that were ambitious, questionable, and almost certainly doomed. Unplanned, unpolished, and exactly how Nonsense at Nine is supposed to feel.

In this episode of Gravel Roads Radio Outdoors, we sit down with Tony Fratzke, an avid outdoorsman and seasoned bow hunter who’s spent years chasing elk out west in Montana and Idaho. Tony is one of those guests who can flat-out tell a story—and this episode is packed with them. Tony walks us through how he got into hunting, his bow setups, and what it takes to plan and execute western elk hunts. He shares unforgettable stories from the field, including hunting with pack llamas, a tense encounter with poachers, a heart-pounding close call with a mountain lion, and plenty of local hunting stories closer to home. We also dive into the realities of hunting public land, working with landowners, and the respect and responsibility that comes with being a serious bow hunter. Whether you’re an experienced hunter, thinking about heading west for your first elk hunt, or just love a great outdoors story, this one will pull you in and keep you listening. Great stories. Real experiences. Pure Gravel Roads Radio Outdoors. 🏹🦌

Recorded on December 28th and finally released now… because, well, that’s how this one went 😄 This episode was completely unplanned. Ryan mostly wanted to go drive around in the snow during the half-blizzard, so naturally we drove to the studio and hit record. It’s just Steve, Max, and Ryan—no agenda, no prep, and zero structure. We talk Christmas, make up and play blind ranking games on the spot, and check in on Polar Bear Rinks. There’s plenty of wandering conversation, some questionable decisions, and the kind of chaos that only happens when you don’t plan a thing. We also made a bold promise: we’ll be better at podcasting in 2026. No guarantees, but the intention is there. Unpolished. Unfiltered. Very on-brand. Thanks for riding the gravel roads with us.

It’s Christmas chaos on Gravel Roads Radio. Dan the Man called in, sang with the boys, and dropped Diary of a Wimpy Kid facts. Nate Hillstrom from the Decoys Hockey Club joined the show to talk Township Cup action coming up Sunday. Ryan delivered a solid Polar Bear Rinks update, Steve talked a little hockey, and then… things went off the rails. There was singing (bad), effort (minimal), and preparation (questionable at best). It might be our worst episode ever — but it was overflowing with Christmas spirit, laughs, and classic Gravel Roads nonsense. Hit play, lower your expectations, and enjoy the holiday mess. 🎄🎙️

Episode 30 kicks off with Dan the Man coming in hot with Aquaman facts, the Gravel Boys break into a full-on Happy Birthday sing-along for him. The musical vibes keep rolling as Dan jumps in on Christmas carols and Max breaks out the harmonica, setting the tone for an episode that’s equal parts unhinged and unforgettable. We shift gears into LDC Hockey talk, proudly sponsored by the LDC Alumni Association, with a reminder to get signed up for those alumni games. As if that wasn’t enough to get morale up, Carl came through once again and brought food, officially cementing his status as a show MVP. From there, things spiral—Max melts down over people who treat their pets like family, while Ron has his own meltdown about dry hands (very relatable, very passionate). The crew also dives into outdoor activities, fires off a round of blind rankings, and somehow ends up with Ron shooting a BB gun, because of course he does. It’s loud, it’s random, it’s very Gravel Roads. Buckle up and enjoy Episode 30.

Episode 29 rolled in with absolutely zero preparation… so naturally, it delivered everything you’d expect from a night of pure, unfiltered Gravel Roads chaos. Dan the Man opened the show with whatever thoughts were bouncing around his head, and from there we wandered down every possible detour. We recapped Thanksgiving, debated Black Friday madness, and then — for reasons no one fully understands — Santa himself called the show. Max provided his weekly moment of instability with another legendary meltdown, and Ron capped off the randomness by singing a completely fake song that somehow made sense in the moment. It's loose. It's messy. It’s slightly below average effort at its finest… and exactly what Nonsense @ Nine fans have come to love.

GRR Outdoors – Episode 28: “Boundary Waters Legends” Episode 28 brings three seasoned north-woods storytellers into the studio as Lars Anderson, Davey Halonen, and Mike Koivisto sit down to talk all things Boundary Waters. From wilderness philosophy to the gear they trust, the crew dives deep into what makes the BWCA one of the most iconic places in Minnesota. They swap decades of camping stories—portage mishaps, perfect sunsets, wildlife encounters, and the kind of memories that only come from miles of paddle strokes and campfire nights. The guys even jump into some Boundary Waters trivia, testing each other’s knowledge and adding plenty of laughs along the way. If you love the outdoors, live for the BWCA, or just enjoy good stories told by people who’ve lived them, this episode is a must-listen. Grab a cup of camp coffee and enjoy Episode 28 of GRR Outdoors

Episode 27 set a new GRR record — the longest show in Gravel Roads Radio history — and it was packed from start to finish. Bob Anderson joined in studio with stories from his bike trip to the U.P. and a few legendary tales from 30th Street. Meanwhile, Garrett Impola joined via video for most of the episode to walk us through his cross-country bike adventure and everything he learned grinding across the U.S. Dan kicked things off with some camping tidbits, Will delivered another top-tier Yooper Scoop, and Max… well… Max melted down. Again. Small-town chaos. Big-time stories. One marathon episode.

Featuring: Mike "Spike" Halonen  Come hang out with us like we’re sitting on the tailgate — Spike’s got stories about trapping skunks, beaver hauls, and the strange world of fur markets. Whether you hunt, trap, or just love being outside, this episode is full of laughs, practical tips, and honest talk about seasons, gear, and memorable encounters. Stick around for local trivia, behind-the-scenes trapping tricks, and that classic small-town charm. It’s casual, real, and made for folks who love gravel roads and late-night campfire stories.

Episode 25 fires up with Dan the Man dropping some all-timer Culver’s facts and giving the boys a health and wellness check-in. Then we’re joined by Logan Hyrkas, host of The Obsessed Podcast, who dives into hunting stories, why he started his show, and what drives him to chase the things he can’t stop thinking about. Carl Aho swings through with pizza offerings for his favorite fan club, and from there… things get chaotic fast. Ron melts down. Max melts down. Nobody is safe. Ryan delivers a crowd-pleaser with his “Back in My Day” ad read before the guys break down his elite performance between the pipes as a men’s league goalie. To wrap it all up, Ron sings (yes, really), and the crew delivers some high-quality education on the legend of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Another classic small-town, big-laughs episode of GRR. Buckle up.

In the debut of GRR Outdoors, hosts Davey Halonen and Lars Anderson are joined by Mike Koivisto for a deep dive into all things deer hunting. The trio swap stories about how they first got into the woods, share some favorite hunting memories, and break down this year’s hunting season. The crew even drifts west to touch on a few Wyoming land laws and discuss future plans to bring in more guests to share their own hunting tales. A laid-back, storytelling start to a brand-new GRR series — perfect for anyone who loves the sound of crunching leaves, early mornings in the stand, and small-town hunting talk done right.

Dan the Man returned for a festive “Christmas in November,” while Will the Thrill from the Copper Country made his debut to give us the lowdown on Upper Peninsula sports. We caught up on Jack’s new business venture – jackneedsahouse.com, and once again tipped our hats to our sponsor, Dairy Queen of Cokato. Ron showed up wielding an annoying chicken tool, and Max delivered a full-scale meltdown about Highway 494, sunglasses, and capitalism. The crew circled back to Halloween stories, previewed the upcoming Obsessed Podcast, and teased next week’s taping of the long-awaited Big Brothers episode. Another perfectly average installment of small-town chaos, laughs, and friendship from the GRR gang.

Presented by Dairy Queen of Cokato – the breakfast spot of choice for farmers and blue-collar early risers. Dan the Man kicked things off with some Thanksgiving talk and stories from his new gig at Hobby Lobby. The crew dove into a heated Mud Lake Decoys vs Knapp Men’s League Hockey preview, debated town vs. country trick-or-treating, and witnessed another classic Max meltdown—this time about flies in the car. Carl Aho swung by with Taco Bell, Brad Johnson walked away with a DQ hat, and we wrapped it all up with a look back at the Dassel-Cokato Chargers fall sports season. It’s small-town chaos, caffeine, and community pride—just another day on Gravel Roads Radio

Presented by the Knapp Open Golf Tournament – the official sponsor of Gravel Roads Radio Ep. 21 Presented by the Knapp Open Golf Tournament – the official sponsor of Gravel Roads Radio Ep. 21 Part-Time Jack made his return, and chaos followed. We opened the show battling technical difficulties before diving into the hot debate: with two years and unlimited money and resources, could you make the NFL… or the PGA Tour? The crew had strong opinions, Ron sang his heart out, and Max went nuclear over every store begging you to join their loyalty programs. Chett and Abbi Hillstrom joined us via phone, Tyler Niemela stopped by to talk Mud Lake Decoys hockey, and somehow we managed to hold it all together — barely. It’s unpredictable, off-the-rails, and proudly small-town. In other words, classic GRR. We promise next episode will be better… probably.

Sponsored by the Knapp Open Golf Tournament  It’s a packed episode of Gravel Roads Radio! Nate Hillstrom of the Mud Lake Decoys Hockey Club kicks things off, giving us an update on the squad’s 1–1 start. Ryan delivers what might go down in GRR history as the best ad read ever for our official sponsor — the Knapp Open Golf Tournament. Max has a full-on meltdown about morning radio, we recap Dassel-Cokato Charger fall sports and preview the upcoming playoffs, and somehow never manage to talk about Apple vs Samsung (you’re welcome). Brad Johnson shows up big in the live chat, we get sidetracked by Olive Garden, and the crew surprises Ryan with some birthday gifts. It’s small-town chaos at its finest — powered by the Knapp Open Golf Tournament!

Presented by First National Bank of Cokato It’s another wild one from the Gravel Roads crew! Tyler Niemela joins the Chargers Fan Line… kind of. He called in from a bachelor party and mostly talks about his New York trip and Mudlake Decoy hockey instead of football. Dan the Man breaks down Halloween candy rankings, Ryan starts a full-blown petition to bring Taco Bell back to Cokato, and the Keyword Game makes its glorious return. Meanwhile, Max goes off the rails with an all-time meltdown about steak. It’s small-town comedy, chaos, and community all rolled into one.

Special Episode, Presented by Niemela Productions  In this episode, we’re joined by members of the Mud Lake Decoys Hockey Club — General Manager Nate Hillstrom, Head Coach Tyler Niemela, Captain AJ Niemela, and Assistant Captain Luke Niemela. Together, they share insights on the upcoming season, the team’s culture, and the long-standing Decoys vs. Knapp rivalry that defines local hockey pride. From leadership and preparation to small-town passion for the game, this conversation dives into what makes Men's League hockey so special in Minnesota.  

It’s a full-throttle episode of Gravel Roads Radio! The crew dives deep into Dassel-Cokato Chargers football and the energy of Spirit Week, with a few classic 30th Street stories sprinkled in. Everyone's favorite guest Dan the Man joins to talk inspiration, Harry Potter, and some wild trivia that had everyone laughing. Then Chargers legend Aaron Haataja hops on to break down the team, share memories, and drop some real small-town wisdom. Plus — Ryan debuts a hilarious new ad read, and Max has a full-blown meltdown that just might go down as a GRR classic. 🔥 Chargers pride, laughs, and chaos — it’s all here on Episode 17 of Gravel Roads Radio.

This week on Gravel Roads Radio, we welcomed Grant Haataja of the Knapp Hockey Club to the studio. Grant brought some heat with a hilarious Would You Rather question and shared legendary 30th Street stories that had us all cracking up. We also looked back at other GRR podcasts, reliving some of the highlights while telling even more 30th Street tales. Meanwhile, Jack decided to skip—so naturally, the rest of us made it extra epic. If you like small-town laughs, hockey talk, and stories that only Gravel Roads Radio can deliver, this one’s a must-listen.

Featuring: Davey Halonen, Lars Anderson, Mike Koivisto Hey — come hang with us for a cozy, laugh-out-loud trip back to 30th Street: bunkhouse sleepovers, trampoline launches, stickball scars, hay-bale hustle and midnight adventures fueled by Mountain Dew. This is a warm, messy collection of small-town memories — equal parts nostalgia and “how did we not get hurt?” — perfect for anyone who grew up roaming free and making stories out of nothing.

Presented by Polar Bear Rinks - Scoob and Orrin Grangroth join Host Ryan Koivisto, and special guest Mike Koivisto in Episode 1 of the ODR Podcast.  Pull up a stump — this episode feels like a late-night coffee chat at Scoob's rink. We trade tips on flooding, Zamboni hacks, Metrodome boards, and the kind of prank-filled, boot-hockey nights that make small-town winters legendary. Whether you’ve built a rink or just dream of one, these stories are warm, real, and full of the people and moments that keep coming back every winter. Come skate with us. Need a rink? Polar Bear Rinks can help! 612-619-9923 www.polarbearrinks.com    

Today’s episode was packed with small-town energy and plenty of laughs. Calder Anderson and Dan “the Man” Heinonen joined the table while Max melted down about Menards. We raced through 18 holes in 18 minutes, debated bb guns and airsoft guns, and even got Calder’s girlfriend chiming in with a timely comment. Listeners brought the heat with some solid contributions, Sandy Narr got a little spotlight, and of course we couldn’t skip the Minnesota classic: talking about the weather. We wrapped things up with more food chatter (because what’s a GRR episode without it?).

We finally found out who Adam was… and had him on the show! Plus, Bum from the Bum and Zilly Show dropped by, Ross Halonen’s redemption call came through, and Calder Hayes Hoover Anderson shared some wild 30th Street stories. We even squeezed in a pizza review, witnessed a classic Max meltdown, and wrapped it all up by realizing we forgot to give out the keyword (don’t worry, next week we will). Small-town stories, big laughs, and plenty of chaos—just another day on Gravel Roads Radio.

VIDEO AVAILABLE ON YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/live/hVPRI0OVI_o?si=7rRgokGn2IH4pbDU Pretty much the same as every other episode, but different.  Episode 11 keeps things rolling on the gravel with plenty of listener interaction and community energy. We highlight recent comments from listeners, including a shoutout to Bob Anderson, who chimed in. We also take some time to review the Polar Bear Pod. And of course, no episode would be complete without opening up the Chargers Fan Line.  Max Melted Down.  It’s another mix of conversation, community, and connection—all straight from the gravel roads we call home.