The Water Cooler

This week on The Water Cooler Brainerd Warriors Head Boys Golf Coach Tim Johnson stops by to tell us about his boys' hot start to the season! The guys also got to pick the brain of a REAL NFL Draft expert! Thor Nystrom from SKOR North and the Purple Daily podcast joins the water cooler to give us his in depth thoughts on some of the Vikings draft picks and Undrafted Free Agents! But first we start it all off with highlights from Warrior baseball vs St. Cloud! Another great episode you don't want to miss!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Water Cooler we're talking Brainerd Boys Tennis with Head Coach Garrett Goeden! Logan & JD break down the first round of the NFL Draft, and professional motocross rider Brandon Green stops by to preview the upcoming Brainerd Motocross Series!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Water Cooler the guys give you their thoughts on the Minnesota Twins' recent hot streak! Brainerd Girls Golf Head Coach Karissa Haugen stops by to give us a rundown on this year's squad as they wrap up their first week of competition! And finally spring sports are BACK on The Fan with highlights from Brainerd Softball's home opener doubleheader against St. Cloud! It's an episode you don't want to miss!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Water Cooler, we’ve got a fun crossover episode you won’t want to miss.The guys from the Morning Sports Desk podcast stop by to talk shop as we dive into local high school spring sports, break down storylines and players to watch, and look ahead to a busy season around the lakes area. We also hit the national stage with a discussion on The Masters and take an early look at the upcoming NFL Draft.Plus, Brainerd Warriors Track & Field Head Coach Casey Miller joins the show to talk about how the team is progressing as they wrap up indoor competition and gear up for the outdoor season.Local insight, big-picture sports talk, and a great crossover conversation—this week’s episode has it all.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Water Cooler, we’re joined by two great guests making an impact in the Brainerd community.We catch up with Joel Clough to talk about the Brainerd Sports Boosters and the upcoming Tapped & Corked fundraiser—why it matters, what people can expect, and how it supports local student-athletes.Plus, Shane Riffle from the Brainerd Family YMCA joins the show to highlight everything happening at the Y, from youth sports and programming to the role it plays in keeping the community active and connected.It’s a packed episode focused on community, sports, and the people helping both thrive.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Water Cooler, we sit down with Brainerd alum and College of St. Benedict senior Olivia Tautges to talk about her final collegiate softball season, her family’s incredible run of college athletes, and what’s ahead after graduation. She’s also briefly joined by her former high school coach, Shane Jordan, who adds some great perspective on Olivia’s growth and impact over the years.Plus, we go a little beyond the Lakes Area this week—featuring a clip from Logan’s appearance on the Morning Sports Desk podcast from Sportscow/Hubbard Radio Wadena, where he helped preview the upcoming Minnesota Twins season. It’s a fun crossover that brings even more baseball talk into the mix.Another packed, local-focused episode you won’t want to miss!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Water Cooler, it’s all about great conversations.We sit down with Pequot Lakes Boys Basketball Head Coach Kurt Stumpf, along with team captains Gus Bolz-Andolshek and Owen Krueger, to break down a memorable season, capped off with a section championship and a return trip to the state tournament. From leadership and team chemistry to handling the pressure of postseason play, the guys give a great inside look at what’s made this team special.Plus, we catch up with Robb Kolodziej, head coach of Central Lakes College Clay Target Shooting and an assistant track & field coach at Brainerd, where he works with the pole vaulters. We dive into the growth of clay target shooting, his approach to developing athletes in two very different sports, and what makes both programs unique.Two outstanding interviews, one great episode.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Water Cooler, JD and Logan break down a chaotic week of NFL free agency, hitting the biggest signings, surprising moves, and what they mean for the league heading into the new season. 🏈Later in the show, we’re joined by longtime Brainerd Dispatch sports writer and editor Mike Bialka, who spent nearly 40 years covering local sports. Mike shares stories from his career and reflects on some of the biggest moments and changes he witnessed in the Brainerd Lakes Area sports scene. 📰🎙️Free agency frenzy and local sports history — all on this week’s Water Cooler.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

JD and Logan recap a busy week in local sports on The Water Cooler! This week’s guest is CLC Softball Head Coach Ray Austin as the Raiders prepare for their trip to South Carolina. Plus highlights from Brainerd’s Section Quarterfinal at Elk River, postseason awards for Pierz and CLC athletes, and a full recap of area wrestlers who reached the podium at the State Tournament!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s another packed episode of The Water Cooler!We open at the state wrestling tournament inside Grand Casino Arena, breaking down all the action from the biggest stage — including Brainerd’s return to the team state spotlight and key highlights from the Warriors’ matchups. Plus, we run through standout performances from area wrestlers who made noise throughout the tournament.From there, it’s tournament time on the hardwood. We’ve got highlights from Warrior Girls Basketball’s quarterfinal win over Moorhead and their season-ending semifinal matchup at Elk River — a postseason run that had plenty to unpack.Next up, we recap the Warrior Boys Basketball regular season finale and what it means heading into playoff time.We close the show talking Pequot Lakes Boys Basketball with head coach Kurt Stumpf as the Patriots gear up for another postseason push.Wrestling. Hoops. March momentum. Let’s hit the Water Cooler.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The postseason is here, and this week’s Water Cooler is packed.We sit down with Brainerd Warrior Wrestling Head Coach Andy Pickar to break down the program’s return to the state tournament, the girls who have already punched their tickets to state, and the boys battling to join them. It’s a big moment for Warrior wrestling, and Coach Pickar gives us a full preview of what’s ahead.We also talk with Brainerd Boys Swim & Dive Head Coach Josh McKeag as the Warriors prepare to host the section meet. What does it mean to compete at home, and who has their sights set on state? Coach McKeag walks us through the matchups and the mindset heading into a huge weekend.Plus, Logan and JD mix in some Olympic talk and hit a variety of local sports storylines you won’t want to miss.It’s postseason energy all around — pull up a chair and join us at The Water Cooler.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Championships, history, and a busy week for the Warriors — it’s all on this edition of The Water Cooler.We kick things off with a look at Brainerd’s big-time performances at state, highlighted by a historic Jazz title for the Brainerd Kixsters, plus strong showings on the snow from Warrior Nordic and Alpine skiers.Then it’s onto the mats, where Brainerd wrestling captured the Section 8AAA crown at the Section 8AAA Team Wrestling Tournament, sending the Warriors to the Team State Wrestling Tournament for the first time in nearly four decades.In segment three, Warriors Adapted Floor Hockey Head Coach Todd Person joins us to talk about an undefeated regular season and what’s ahead at state.We close with boys basketball highlights from Tuesday’s matchup with St. Cloud Tech and a quick preview of Saturday’s clash with Elk River.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Water Cooler, we kick things off with highlights from Warrior Girls Basketball as they take down Fergus Falls. Then we’re joined by Cindy Clough to talk all things Brainerd Kixsters dance, including their recent section championships and what the team is building toward next. We also catch up with Pine River-Backus boys basketball head coach Micah Eveland to break down the Tigers’ hot start to the season and his first year at the helm. We wrap things up with Logan and JD making their picks for the Big Game and diving into some of the more fun (and weird) prop bets.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Water Cooler, we’re packed with Warriors action, including highlights from boys and girls hockey and a hard-fought double-overtime boys basketball game against Rocori. We’re also joined by CLC Women’s Basketball Head Coach and Athletic Director Krystal Brodeen to talk about the Raiders’ season, their playoff push, and recent facilities upgrades at CLC. JD and I wrap things up with a look at recent front office changes for the Twins and Vikings and a breakdown of the NFL coaching carousel.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Water Cooler, we pack a lot into one episode, starting with highlights from a massive Warriors girls wrestling quadrangular featuring four top-10 teams in the state, plus a breakdown of Tori Oehrlein officially becoming the all-time leading scorer in Minnesota high school girls basketball history. In the second segment, we talk CLC Raider men’s basketball with Head Coach Jim Russell and catch up with former Warriors Korde Roseman and Eli Tautges on their transition to the college game. We wrap things up with a special tribute to the legendary voice of the Warriors, Mac McDonald, featuring a compilation of Warrior football highlights from the past 30+ years, including some of Mac’s most iconic calls and the program’s most memorable moments.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Water Cooler, we turn our attention to the mats as Brainerd Warriors Wrestling Head Coach Andy Pickar joins us to talk boys and girls wrestling and the success of the program so far this year! Add in Warrior Hockey highlights and Logan and JD firing off their NFL Divisional Round picks, and you’ve got another loaded episode.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of The Water Cooler, we recap a busy week of local sports with highlights from Brainerd Boys Wrestling’s triangular against Rocori and Sartell. We’re also joined by Brainerd Boys Swimming & Diving Head Coach Josh McKeag, who shares insight on the Warriors’ season so far. Later, Pine River–Backus Girls Basketball Head Coach Tucker Sheley stops by to discuss his team’s undefeated start to the year. We close the show with the Logan and JD’s NFL Wild Card Round picks.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Water Cooler JD and Logan sit down with Mya Tautges and Tori Oehrlein for a fun and insightful conversation about growing up together, elite athletic careers, and life beyond the scoreboard. Plus, Warrior Girls Hockey highlights, Warrior Boys Basketball highlights, and Week 18 NFL picks to close out the regular season!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Water Cooler, we make history with our first-ever broadcast of Brainerd Warriors Girls Wrestling! We kick things off with highlights from an exciting home triangular featuring the Warriors, Mora, and Sauk Centre/Melrose. Then, we’re joined by Brainerd Boys Basketball Head Coach Charlie Schoeck to break down the Warriors’ early-season progress and preview a big matchup against Minnetonka. We close out the show with JD and Logan locking in their Week 16 NFL picks as the playoff race heats up.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Water Cooler we start out by taking a look at a wide variety of area teams! Next we dive into Brainerd Warrior highlights from the week. Logan & JD bring it home by making their week 15 NFL Picks!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Water Cooler we've got our biggest guest yet! 6x Minnesota Sportscaster of the Year and 3x regional Emmy winner Dave Lee joins the show & brings stories from his time announcing Gopher Football, Twins Baseball, MSHSL Prep Bowls & more. But first we've got TONS of Warrior Highlights from the week! Finally Logan & JD wrap up the show with their week 14 NFL picks.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Water Cooler, Logan and JD dive into winter hoops with a pair of coaches getting their seasons underway. We start with an interview with Crosby-Ironton Rangers Girls Basketball Head Coach Pete Vukelich as he breaks down his roster, early expectations, and the growth of standout guard Tori Oehrlein. Then we catch up with Brainerd Warriors Boys Basketball Head Coach Charlie Schoeck to preview his squad, discuss key returners, and look ahead to opening-night action. To wrap things up, Logan and JD go head-to-head with their Week 13 NFL picks.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Water Cooler, we open with highlights from the Brainerd/Little Falls Warrior Girls Hockey victory over Detroit Lakes. Then Logan sits down with Warrior Girls Hockey Head Coach Tony Couture to break down the team’s early-season performance. After that, JD and Logan chat with Brainerd Boys Hockey Head Coach Jerr Johnson following their season opener. And to wrap things up, Logan and JD make their Week 12 NFL picks.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of The Water Cooler, we open with highlights from the Brainerd/Little Falls Warrior Girls Hockey team’s 3–1 win in their home opener against Bloomington Jefferson. We’re joined by Brainerd Girls Basketball Head Coach Troy Nelson for a preview of the upcoming season, and Central Lakes College Women’s Basketball Head Coach and Athletic Director Krystal Brodeen checks in to talk about the Raiders’ early-season outlook. Plus, JD and Logan wrap things up with their Week 11 NFL picks.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Water Cooler we're talking Raiders basketball with Coach Jim Russell! We grade Logan's referee test, and make our NFL picks!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Water Cooler we’re talking cross country and more! Brainerd Head Coach Dave Herath joins the show to recap the Warriors’ season, and Zeke Fuhrman from The SportsCow and Hubbard Radio Wadena stops by for a state meet preview. Also, Brainerd Dispatch sports writer and “rival” podcaster Conrad Engstrom joins the show for an in-depth chat on all things local sports. Finally, Logan & JD wrap it up with their Week 9 NFL picks!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s another packed show on The Water Cooler! We’ve got highlights from Brainerd Football’s playoff game, chats with Pillager football coach Paul Clark and Warrior Girls Swimming & Diving coach Dan Anderson, and Logan & JD go head-to-head with their Week 8 NFL picks!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Water Cooler we’ve got Warrior Football highlights and postgame reaction, plus a chat with Mille Lacs Raiders Head Football Coach Austin Hackett. We also catch up with longtime high school football and basketball official Kevin Ruen for some great stories from the field. And of course, Logan & JD wrap things up with their Week 7 NFL picks!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Water Cooler we’ve got another jam-packed show! We kick things off with highlights from Warrior Football and Volleyball before welcoming legendary Brainerd football coach Ron Stolski, who stops by to share some stories about Tony Veith — last week’s guest and fellow Warrior great. Finally, Logan & JD go head-to-head with their Week 6 NFL picks!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Water Cooler it’s all about the hometown Warriors! Logan sits down with Girls Soccer Head Coach Grant Gmeinder to break down their stellar season and look ahead to the playoffs. Then, the guys catch up with Brainerd Hall of Famer Tony Veith for some great stories and memories. And of course, Logan & JD wrap it all up with their Week 5 NFL picks!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Water Cooler, Logan & JD go around the horn with high school football in the Brainerd Lakes Area! Logan chats with longtime Warrior voice Mac McDonald about his 30 years behind the mic, passing the torch—and his recent hole-in-one on the course. The guys also make their Week 4 NFL picks and break down highlights from the Battle for Babe’s Bell!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Water Cooler it's homecoming week! Er, it WAS homecoming week and now we're here to recap it with Warrior Football AND Volleyball highlights! Plus we talk about the Pioneers with Pierz AD David Rocheleau! Finally Logan & JD make their week 3 NFL picks!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Water Cooler Logan & JD sit down with Cindy Clough to talk about the upcoming Warrior Dance season & the huge alumni dance performance at halftime of next week's homecoming football game. They also talk a little bit of running and the homecoming 5K with Warrior legend Justin Grunewald and also talk about his non-profit Brave Like Gabe. And don't forget the football! We have highlights from the Warriors big win over Sauk Rapids and NFL Week 2 picks are made!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

FOOTBALL IS BACK! This week on The Water Cooler, we’ve got highlights from Brainerd’s big win over Duluth East, plus a sit-down with Crosby-Ironton Head Coach Bryan Syrstad to talk Rangers football. Logan also catches up with Brainerd Girls Tennis Head Coach Garrett Goeden, and to top it all off, Logan & JD lock in their NFL Week 1 picks!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Water Cooler high school football is back!! Highlights from the Brainerd Warriors win over Buffalo plus a chat with Pequot Lakes Head Football Coach and Athletic Director Bill Magnuson. JD checks in with Crosby-Ironton volleyball on their expectations for the season, and we talk PGA Tour Americas with the CRMC Championship presented by Northern Pacific Center going on now at Cragun's Legacy Courses!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of The Water Cooler Logan & JD talk Brainerd Warrior football with Head Coach Jason Freed as the team gets ready for the new season! The guys also sit down with Tim Johnson, one of the head course pros at Cragun’s Legacy Courses, to preview the upcoming CRMC Championship golf tournament!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Water Cooler, we’re talking soccer and a little bit of everything else! Brainerd Warriors Boys Soccer Head Coach Nick Weeks and team captain Cole Pop stop by to preview the upcoming season and let us get to know them both on and off the field. We swap stories, share some laughs, and find out what makes this year’s team one to watch. Then we wrap things up with some fantasy football chatter — sleepers, strategies, and maybe a few hot takes you’ll want to remember.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of The Water Cooler Logan & JD go drag racing! The guys had a chance to talk to Trevor and Kendra Larson from Larson Racing as well as Chris Bishop and Jordan DeCosta from Bishop's Performance Motorsports at Brainerd International Raceway! The guys also got to talk Pillager Huskies sports and the upcoming fall season with Pillager High School Activities Director Matt Moen!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to The Water Cooler hosted by Logan Veo and JD Berns! The Water Cooler is your all-access pass to everything sports in the Brainerd Lakes Area and beyond! In the series premiere Logan and JD give some insight into their sports backgrounds, talk Twins trade deadline activity, and sit down for a chat with Brainerd Warriors Activities Director Jack Freeman!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.