In this powerful and emotional episode of the Brews & Cruise Podcast, host Chris Jacobson sits down with a local DJ Trivia host, Jason Rusert, who opens up about his journey from being a lifelong introvert to stepping into the spotlight after a recent autism diagnosis.

For most of his life, he stayed quiet, unsure of where he fit in. After finally receiving clarity through his diagnosis, everything began to make sense — the struggles, the silence, and the feeling of being different. Instead of letting it hold him back, he used it to understand himself, build confidence, and find his voice.

Today, he hosts DJ Trivia nights around the area, bringing people together, creating community, and standing behind a microphone he once never imagined himself holding.

This conversation dives into autism awareness, mental health, late diagnosis, personal growth, confidence building, and what it’s really like to go from the background to the spotlight.

If you’ve ever felt out of place, misunderstood, or unsure of who you are — this episode is for you.

🎙️ Real people. Real stories. Real growth.

DJ Trivia

https://www.djtrivia.com

Sponsor

Jacobson Real Estate Co.

https://jacobsonrealestatecompany.com

Brews & Cruise Podcast

https://brewsandcruisepodcast.com

On this week’s episode of the Brews & Cruise Podcast, host Chris Jacobson welcomes Austin Repinski, co-owner of Bacon Salt, into the Speakeasy Studio for a flavorful conversation about turning a love for bacon into a growing food brand.

Austin shares the origin story of Bacon Salt, how the idea came to life, and why bacon flavor has such a loyal following. He takes listeners behind the scenes of owning a product-based business, including marketing, meeting customer demand, traveling to shows, and the real challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship.

The episode also dives into the fun side of the brand—creative ways to use Bacon Salt, exploring the different flavors, and the novelty gifts that have helped the company stand out.

Whether you’re a foodie, aspiring entrepreneur, or just someone who believes bacon makes everything better, this episode delivers inspiration, insight, and plenty of flavor.

Bacon Salt

https://baconsalt.com

Sponsor

Jacobson Real Estate Co.

https://jacobsonrealestatecompany.com

Brews & Cruise Podcast

https://brewsandcruisepodcast.com

What started as a simple custom soap idea in 2018 has turned into a full-scale family business.

In this episode of the Brews & Cruise Podcast, host Chris Jacobson sits down in the Speakeasy Studio with husband-and-wife entrepreneurs Aaron and Missy Brooks, founders of 1924 Custom Soapery in Sparta, Wisconsin.

Over the past seven years, Aaron and Missy have grown their brand far beyond bars of soap—expanding into skincare, shampoo, laundry products, pet care, and more. They share the real story behind that growth: the late nights, the slow seasons, the learning curves, and the consistency it took to turn a side project into a thriving small business.

🔥 In this episode, we dive into:

• How 1924 Custom Soapery began
• Expanding from soap into full personal and home care product lines
• Building a brand while still working full-time jobs
• Turning a small business into a true family operation with their two sons
• Balancing entrepreneurship, marriage, and parenthood
• Lessons learned from seven years of growth, mistakes, and momentum

Aaron and Missy open up about what most people don’t see—the behind-the-scenes grind of entrepreneurship, the trial and error, and the mindset required to keep showing up when progress feels slow.

If you enjoy small business stories, family-run brands, Midwest entrepreneurs, and honest conversations about building something from the ground up, this episode is for you.

🍻 Tune in, get inspired, and hear what it really takes to grow a business from scratch.

1924 Custom Soapery

https://shop1924.com/?srsltid=AfmBOordW6lwDsoojb11fKLxU26MWlhCnI-6Qdw_HCdxCYPBX00bQiEd

Sponsor Jacobson Real Estate Co.

https://jacobsonrealestatecompany.com

Brews & Cruise Podcast

https://brewsandcruisepodcast.com

In this episode of the Brews & Cruise Podcast, Max Ruff and Brandon Emmons join me in the Speakeasy Studio for an honest conversation about addiction, sobriety, and rebuilding life after rock bottom.

Max shares his journey through addiction and what it’s taken to maintain over a decade of sobriety, while Brandon opens up about navigating recovery in his first year clean. Together, they reflect on the downward spiral that led them to rock bottom—and the turning point that changed everything.

Through faith, finding God, and committing to personal growth, both men have restored their health, rebuilt their lives, and rediscovered purpose.

This episode explores:

• Addiction and recovery
• Long-term sobriety vs early recovery
• Faith and spiritual transformation
• Hitting rock bottom and starting over
• Hope, healing, and second chances

A powerful, honest conversation for anyone in recovery, supporting a loved one, or looking for inspiration to start the new year with perspective and purpose.

Sponsor

Jacobson Real Estate Co.

https://jacobsonrealestatecompany.com

Brews & Cruise Podcast

https://brewsandcruisepodcast.com

From Sobriety to the Kitchen: Building Average Dad Cooking

In this end-of-year episode of the Brews & Cruise Podcast, Brandon Osburn of the Average Dad Cooking Channel joins the Speakeasy Studio for an honest and inspiring conversation about rebuilding life one day—and one meal—at a time.

Brandon shares his journey through sobriety and fitness, how cooking became an outlet for creativity and healing, and how being a dad of three led him to create the Average Dad Cooking Channel. What started as simple, relatable meals for his family has grown into a loyal online community and brand built on authenticity—not perfection.

We dive into fatherhood, discipline, content creation, brand partnerships, and what’s next for the Average Dad Cooking Channel, while keeping it real about setbacks, consistency, and showing up every day.

If you’re a parent, a creator, or someone looking for motivation and perspective heading into the new year, this episode will hit home.

🎧 Pour a drink, press play, and finish the year with a conversation about purpose, progress, and finding joy in the everyday.

Average Dad Cooking Channel

https://linktr.ee/TheAverageDad?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

Sponsor

Jacobson Real Estate Co.

https://jacobsonrealestatecompany.com

Brews & Cruise Podcast

https://brewsandcruisepodcast.com

What does it really take to launch a marketing campaign that captures attention — and what happens when it suddenly takes on a life of its own?

On this episode of the Brews & Cruise Podcast, Cynthya Porter joins the Speakeasy Studio for a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation about marketing strategy, storytelling, and the pressure that comes with viral success. Cynthya shares her journey in marketing, the award-winning work she’s been recognized for, and how strategic thinking plays a bigger role than most people realize.

We dive deep into the now-infamous “Miami of Minnesota” campaign — how it was created, why it exploded online, and what most people don’t know about what happened after it went viral.

The conversation also turns to current events in Winona, as Cynthya offers insight into the ongoing Boathouse Restaurant controversy, discussing messaging, perception, and the realities of navigating public opinion when emotions run high.

This episode blends marketing expertise, local insight, and honest conversation you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you’re into branding, viral campaigns, or understanding the stories behind the headlines, this is a must-listen.

Drink: Truly Seltzer

Cynthya Porter

https://www.cynthyaporter.com

Miami of Minnesota

https://www.miamiofminnesota.com

Sponsor

Jacobson Real Estate Co.

https://jacobsonrealestatecompany.com

Brews & Cruise Podcast

https://brewsandcruisepodcast.com

This week, Dan Wilson joins me in the Speakeasy Studio for a timely conversation about the future of housing in Winona, Minnesota.

We dive into the real challenges facing our local housing market — from affordability and availability to zoning and long-term community growth. Dan shares his perspective on what’s working, what isn’t, and what needs to change to ensure Winona remains a place people can afford to live, work, and raise a family.

Beyond housing policy, Dan opens up about his personal background and what led him into public service, offering listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the person behind the platform.

We also look ahead to what’s next, as Dan explains why he’s running for the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2026, what motivates him, and how he hopes to serve the community moving forward.

If you care about housing, local leadership, and the future direction of Winona, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Dan Wilson for House

https://www.danwilsonforhouse.com

Sponsor

Jacobson Real Estate Co.

https://jacobsonrealestatecompany.com

Brews & Cruise Podcast

https://brewsandcruisepodcast.com

In this week’s episode, Paul Ebner joins me to break down everything surrounding John Cena’s final WWE match and the end of one of the most iconic careers in wrestling history. We dive deep into Cena’s upcoming retirement match, the latest WWE rumors, and our predictions for who will become John Cena’s final opponent in the ring.

Paul and I also reveal our Top 5 John Cena moments of all time, highlighting his greatest matches, unforgettable promos, championship wins, surprise returns, and the career-defining moments that made Cena a global WWE superstar. From his debut, to the “Doctor of Thuganomics” to his biggest WrestleMania performances, we revisit the moments fans still search for today.

This episode is packed with WWE analysis, career highlights, and speculation surrounding Cena’s last match—perfect for wrestling fans, WWE news followers, and anyone tracking WWE 2025 storylines, WWE retirement matches, or John Cena career highlights.

If you’re looking for a full breakdown of John Cena’s final chapter with maximum insight, nostalgia, and fan-driven predictions, this episode delivers.

Drink: Stone Cold IPA

Sponsor Jacobson Real Estate Co.

https://jacobsonrealestatecompany.com

Brews & Cruise Podcast https://brewsandcruisepodcast.com

Buckle up, because this week’s episode is a wild ride from the casino floor to the car lot and everywhere in between! Joey Terhune joins me inside the Speakeasy Studio to share his journey—from dealing cards in Waterloo, Iowa, to selling cars in Colorado, to becoming a finance manager in the Dahl Auto organization right here in the Midwest.

Joey breaks down just how intricate and skill-heavy it is to become a certified casino dealer, and then dives into the world of automotive finance—what he does, how he helps customers, and what really goes into the packages and protections offered when you buy a vehicle.

And of course… Joey being Joey, we couldn’t get through the episode without some absolutely hilarious impressions and plenty of laughs. His energy, storytelling, and humor make this episode fun, fast-paced, and incredibly enjoyable—while still giving listeners a deeper look into how the car sales industry truly works.

If you love great stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and a whole lot of personality, this is one you won’t want to miss! 🚗🎲

Drink: The Wiseman

Joey Terhune - Dahl Honda

https://www.dahlhondaonalaska.com/about-us-2/staff/

Sponsor Jacobson Real Estate Co. https://jacobsonrealestatecompany.com

Brews & Cruise Podcast https://brewsandcruisepodcast.com

One year after his first appearance, Andre Klonecki returns to share the incredible story of losing the Blackhorse to a devastating fire—and the determination it took to rebuild from nothing. Andre opens up about the emotional journey, the behind-the-scenes challenges, community support, and the work that’s bringing the Blackhorse back stronger than ever. He also addresses circulating rumors and sets the record straight in this honest, inspiring conversation.

A must-listen episode for anyone who loves comeback stories, small-business journeys, and real human resilience.

Sponsor:

Jacobson Real Estate Co.

https://jacobsonrealestatecompany.com

Brews & Cruise Podcast

https://brewsandcruisepodcast.com