Average Joe and Friends Podcast

My friend Bobby is the guy who has all the hobbies you wish you had, and some you didn't even know existed. He is a family man, a great friend, a "southside kid", a collector of things and a whole lot more. We dive into to High Tequila and Bourbon talk, Custom 1911 Handguns, Poker Chips, Cigars, Pipes, and a bunch more. This guy is awesome.

Follow him at Instagram: @Bobby_Bourbon5535 to see some cool pics of what he is into

Darrin has built a massive following in the Chicagoland Burger scene with his "A Biker Dude" smashburgers. Using high quality meat, bun, and seasoning he makes himself, you really cant get a better Smashie than this one. He also has a large youtube following taking a deep dive into some iconic Chicago spots. But there is a lot more to the man behind the Blackstone. What an amazing and interesting guy to have a conversation with.

Check out his channel. https://www.youtube.com/@UCTzt__HD4nXxwqo46Q4dmFQ

My friend Katie Carrier is so badass. She is the Associate Director of the IL Craft Brewers Guild, and the Queen of the Festival of Barrel Aged Beers in Chicago. She is such a key player in Illinois craft beer, but also, a wife, a mom, and a real real good human.

FOBAB tickets are still available for Nov 22nd and 23rd at the Credit1Union Arena.

https://www.universe.com/events/2024-festival-of-wood-barrel-aged-beer-tickets-Z7W984

My friend Char Dawg sits down with me for a little chat about her journey and path through life and the Chicago Craft Beer scene in which she plays a massive role. Being a part of major Chicagoland Breweries like Mikerphone and Solemn Oath, and helping put on massive events in the community like Smells like a Beer Fest and FOBAB, the festival of Barrel Aged Beers.

Solemn Oath Brewing

Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/STc24gTeQEc

Yo, my friend Jim is wild. Owns and runs funeral home, Check. Almost dies every vacation he goes on, Check. Has a Fish Tank cleaning Business as a side hustle, Check. Owns a Maine Coon Cat, Check. DO yourself a favor and listen. And if you or a love one plans on dying soon, please give him a call. He can even get your cremated without fire.

Farkas Funeral Home: https://www.farkasfuneralhome.com/

The man behind the art in my podcast studio, John Horn joins me for a little conversation about caregiving for a friend, his journey to state championships, being recruited for college as an offensive lineman, and when his NFL dream came to an end. If you want him to paint you something, hit me up, and we will try to get him to do it.

Meet my old friend Mike Fumagalli. Mike seems like an average suburban dude, but spend some time with us in our conversation, and you will quickly see this guy has had more curveballs thrown at him than the average Joe. Mike is a dose of inspiration, an amazing storyteller, and an insanely generous human.

I encourage you to check out the Clear Ribbon Project that Mike is a part of. https://www.clearribbon.com/

What a breath of fresh fall football air it was to talk to my old friend Mike Fosnaugh. He is the host of First and Ten with Foz, and Admin of the massive Facebook page Chicago Bears Fan 4 Ever. https://www.facebook.com/CBF4E He chased his dream to be a hobbyist and he is living that dream one Bear Down Sunday after another.

Not too often you get to talk to someone who plays profession baseball. Meet Brett Johnson. I first came across Brett when he was helping coach during the offseason for Illinois Dynasty Travel Baseball. He helped as a hitting instructor for my sons 11U Baseball team. Very cool to hear the path that led him to baseball, and to get some inside stories on life in the minor leagues.

Oh Yeah, check out his inside the park Homerun from the AAA Diamondbacks affiliate, Reno Aces, this past season. So sick. https://www.milb.com/reno/video/brett-johnson-hits-a-three-run-inside-the-park-homer

I sat down with my friend Nate Kren who has seen a done a lot, and the dude tells a great story.  He is fireman by trade, an ex College Baseball player, a father, a musician, an accountant, and all around DAWG.