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This was a new one for me--a profession I didn't even know existed until the interview I had with Millwright, DJ MacIntyre. And oh, what an interview it was! Learn about one of the trades that subsumes all the other trades...or as I called it, the Eagle Scout of the blue collar world. A fascinating conversation...

Millwright, DJ MacIntyre

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On the tour bus for this Music Monday: rock star (Dokken; House of Lords), BJ Zampa! BJ talks about his lifelong interest in the drums, and how it has turned into a career he did not predict. We start out by talking about the album of heavy metal Disney songs he played on, and how it took the country by storm! **In my intro, I forgot to mention Def Leppard--but you'll understand once you listen.

Rock Star (Dokken; House of Lords), BJ Zampa

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Stepping aboard the bus today is Corporate Recruiter and Online coach, Cody Kelly! Cody discusses the launch of his new online coaching service, trying it in to his experience in life and in the world of recruiting employees for companies around the country. An interesting chat into what makes people change bad habits and replace them with healthier ones (both from a personal AND a career standpoint). And excellent interview!

Corporate Recruiter/Online Coach, Cody Kelly

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Back to Music Monday this week--and with another great rock star from the host's misspent youth! Dr. Steve welcomes Carey Howe, guitarist from the band Leatherwolf (and currently, HailMary). Carey talks about the rise and fall of the bands most successful period, and then talks about the upcoming tour that will reunite the three front men--not performing as HailMary. Steve is in his element, asking all the questions he wishes he could have in 1987!

Rock Star (Leatherwolf), Carey Howe

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An AMAZING guest this week-- 35-year railroad veteran, Frank Javorsky joins the show! We do a deep dive into the rail industry, while also shedding light on the roles and responsibilities of each member of the train team. Frank discusses changes that corporate pressures have brought to the industry, and gives his thoughts on the future of rail transportation. Quite a guest...and quite a listen!

Train Conductor, Frank Javorsky

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This week, fellow rock and roll podcaster, Michael Brandvold, joins me to talk a little shop. He hosts the enormously popular "Three Sides of the Coin" podcast about all things KISS, and has a ton of experience working with artists and management alike. A great guest and a great interview, Michael shares his thoughts on the industry, starting a show, and what makes for a good listener experience. I'm glad we met--give him a listen!

Rock n Roll Podcaster, Michael Brandvold

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Stepping aboard the bus this week is a unique kind of plumber! Andy Brinkman, who works exclusively underground, joins us to talk about his work installing, repairing, and maintaining sewers under the City of Milwaukee, and also under various subdivisions and buildings in the Wisconsin suburbs. A job you'll never hear about anywhere else!

Sewer Plumber, Andy Brinkman

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Dr. Steve sets the stage for 2023. No guest this week--but a quick list of upcoming guests and a few shout outs to friends we've made along the way. Not a recap, but a prognostication of exciting things to come!

New Year, 2023!!!!

We end the year on a high "note" (see what I did there?). The Production Manager at Gibson Custom Guitars, Cody Higbee, steps aboard the bus to talk about his role in getting unique guitars into the hands of unique musicians. A good conversation with a new friend, you'll enjoy taking this ride out of 2022!

Production Manager at Gibson Custom Guitars, Cody Higbee

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Climbing aboard the tour bus today is an up-and-comer: Dylan Jarvis! Dylan has amazing music to share and an amazing story to tell. Listen in and feel the emotion as he talks about the road he has walked to get to where he's at. I don't know that you'll hear another story like his--or be able to pair it with a guy who is so gracious and so talented. Visit his official website for more info: www.DylanJarvisOfficial.com

Rising Country Music Artist, Dylan Jarvis

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Stepping aboard the tour bus for the second time, Ron Young joins the show to talk about his new book, Judge This Book By Its Cover." He and I chat about the process, the book itself, and his amazing (both good AND bad) life. From the highest highs to the lowest lows, Ron has quite a story to tell. Listen along and go to Amazon.com to pick up YOUR copy!

Rock Star & Author, Ron Young

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Stepping aboard the blue collar bus this week is Oil Refinery Chief Operator, Jim Rinard! Jim talks about his duties at the Marathon Oil refinery, and then speaks more broadly about what a refinery does and how one works. And absolutely fascinating conversation about our nation's (our world's? circulatory system and blood supply (oil). I DARE you not to learn something from this episode!

Oil Refinery Chief Operator, Jim Rinard

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To celebrate this season of giving thanks, I've put together a collection of the funniest (or just plain FUNNEST) moments from the 6+ years of doing the show. Thanks to my Patreon sponsors for your continued support--and thanks to everyone for listening!

2022 Thanksgiving Spectacular! (best of)

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This week, we've got a good one! An ichthyologist (a fish expert) steps aboard the bus to discuss fresh water fish and the overall health of our country's supply. Darrell Bernd has been doing this for over 35 years, and is a fantastic story-teller! Making science simple...that's what we do at The Commute!

Ichthyologist, Darrell Bernd

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Stepping aboard our safari bus this week is retired Game Warden, Ken Smith! Ken talks about his responsibilities and some of the day to day adventures of his career--and then gets into talking about some amazingly interesting facts about the animals many of us see every day...and not the big ones (ex: frogs, salamanders, birds). Really, really cool guest--who WILL be back!

Game Warden (ret.), Ken Smith

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The bus gets a little holier this week, as we welcome Methodist Pastor, Chris Thompson on board! Chris talks candidly about the path toward becoming a pastor, the responsibilities of the position, and the career arc for those who are "called" (which he also explains). An enlightening episode, and one that you will be glad you heard!

Methodist Pastor, Chris Thompson

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Joining us on the campaign bus today is County Commissioner, Kathie McClanahan! Kathie does an amazing job talking about how important local politics are to your town and your immediate well-being. She also details the inside story of campaigning, surviving the election, and taking office for the first time. Find out what these folks ACTUALLY do--and get involved!

County Commissioner, Kathie McClanahan

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Joining us today is Community Theater Director, Rick Welchans! Rick has a ton of experience with community theater for the past several decades--but more importantly, directed ME in The Headless Horseman of sleepy Hollow! Be sure to stream live on Saturday night, October 29, 2022 (6pm, CDT). It will be found on WQMV.com. For now, learn about the process of acquiring a script, managing auditions, and perfecting the performance!

Community Theater Director, Rick Welchans

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Stepping aboard the tour bus for another dazzling Music Monday is Indie Recording artist, Kurt Wagner. Kurt's band, Lambchop, has been around for thirty years and has done extremely well in Europe. Listen as Kurt talks about their rise to European fame, how he has survived as a part of the Indie scene, and how proud he is of his new album, "The Bible." A fun, funny, and supremely talented guest!

Indie Rock Star (Lambchop), Kurt Wagner

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Making his second appearance on the show, Candle maker, Pete Evick, climbs aboard the bus to bring a little elegance and a better overall smell to the joint! He talks about starting and running his successful company--but even more interesting is his knowledge of the candle making process. It's not as simple as you would believe! An episode that will have you in disbelief--and more impressed when you smell a candle scent wafting throughout your house...

"The Commute" Podcast

"The Commute" Podcast

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