What does it take to transform an abandoned, raccoon-infested restaurant into a thriving physical therapy practice? For Victor, it's the same determination that helped him navigate the journey from running a small fish and chips stand in Kenya to building a successful life in America.

In this honest, wide-ranging conversation, Victor opens up about the power of male friendship circles that provide essential emotional support. Every Friday night, he connects virtually with college friends scattered across the country—a ritual that's become a lifeline through job losses, family challenges, and even the painful loss of his mother to cancer. "It's more like a therapeutic session for guys," Victor explains. "As men, we don't talk about our emotions...unless we're sitting down actively griping about it."

Victor's commitment to giving back shines through his work with the Gladys  Organization, named after his mother. The foundation focuses on renovating a school in his mother's Kenyan village, replacing leaky roofs and broken windows to create better educational opportunities. His passion for this work reflects a deep connection to his roots, despite having lived in America longer than in Kenya.

The conversation takes humorous turns as Victor shares parenting adventures—from the extortionate tactics kids use when dad is distracted by friends to the frustration of teaching parents technology. "My kids give me a hard time about technology," he laughs, describing how his children's impatience contrasts with his desire to learn.

From struggling through Midwest winters without proper boots to becoming a naturalized citizen in 2007, Victor's story exemplifies the immigrant experience at its most inspiring. "I've put in my sweat and this country has been very good to me," he reflects, embodying the spirit of possibility that continues to drive his journey forward.

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Tim Goehl's story is one of redemption through amplifiers and power chords. After spending 22 years in Austin where his band Carbide nearly signed to Prosthetic Records before addiction derailed his dreams, Tim found himself back in Quincy, Illinois with a clean slate and a commitment to sobriety.

When he arrived three and a half years ago, the local music scene was virtually nonexistent. A chance encounter with an old friend's touring band needing a show sparked what would become Midwest Monster Promotions—a labor of love that has now produced over 35 events and breathed life into a dormant musical community. "I turned my addiction from drugs to music," Tim shares, "because when I tried to do both, the drugs took the music away from me."

Now working at a drug rehabilitation center by day while promoting shows and playing in five different bands by night (including his "stoner core" outfit Juggernaut Agenda), Tim has discovered that his second chance at music is sweeter than the first. He's built a DIY empire complete with handmade stages, local business sponsorships, and connections to bands from New York to Indiana. His upcoming fourth annual Metal Fest will feature 22 bands over two days, showcasing the incredible talent he believes is overlooked simply because of geography.

Whether you're a metal enthusiast or simply appreciate stories of transformation and perseverance, check out Timothy's band Juggernaut Agenda this Saturday in Macomb, IL with Sustenance and Pursuit. Witness firsthand how one man's commitment to sobriety and music is reshaping the cultural landscape of the Midwest, one power chord at a time.

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What happens when you trade Hollywood's corporate machine for the creative freedom of the Midwest? Filmmaker Kyle Remminga reveals his journey from editing yoga DVDs and network commercials to creating the award-winning indie horror anthology "Killanois" in Western Illinois.

Walking through a park during the pandemic, Kyle witnessed a massive production spending a fortune to film two people sitting on a bench. That moment crystallized his frustration with the industry: "I could film six features on that." So he packed up his Hollywood knowledge, returned to his Midwestern roots, and assembled a team of passionate local collaborators.

"Killanois" connects four distinct horror stories through a psychopathic host character (brilliantly portrayed by Brandon Watts) who has kidnapped viewers, threatening them with a brick unless they listen to his twisted tales. The anthology format—inspired by classics like John Carpenter's "Body Bags"—allowed Kyle to finally realize short film concepts he'd been developing for over a decade.

The local community in Macomb embraced the project enthusiastically, with municipal leaders, business owners, and talented locals contributing to make the film possible. This collaborative spirit resulted in "Killanois" winning "Best First Time Filmmakers" at the Hot Springs International Horror Film Festival.

Catch a screening of "Killanois" in Macomb or Galesburg this April, and visit cubeofjustice.com to support their Kickstarter campaign for "Curebreed"—their ambitious next project aimed at creating professional film jobs in Western Illinois and establishing the region as a hub for independent filmmaking.

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The underground metal scene has experienced a remarkable revival since the pandemic, and bands like Pursuit are at the forefront of this resurgence. Guitarist Henry joins us to discuss how this three-piece outfit from Fargo, North Dakota is carving their path through relentless touring and musical evolution.

Henry reveals the band's fascinating sonic journey from their thrash metal beginnings to their current sound heavily influenced by grindcore legends like Napalm Death. "We trim the fat," he explains, describing their philosophy of crafting concise, impactful songs rather than indulging in technical excess. This approach has become central to their identity as they've refined their songwriting process.

What makes Pursuit particularly interesting is how they've transformed potential limitations into strengths. As a three-piece, they've developed a symbiotic relationship between instruments where guitar and bass occupy distinct sonic territories while creating a massive, cohesive sound. Their pragmatic approach to touring—typically spanning 6-11 days while balancing day jobs—offers valuable insights for emerging bands about sustainable growth and realistic goal-setting.

Don't miss Pursuit on their upcoming Midwest tour, including a stop at The Ritz in Macomb on April 12th, where they'll be joined by Sustenance from Georgia and Juggernaut Agenda from Quincy, llinois. Experience firsthand the raw energy and evolving sound of this promising band as they continue building toward turning their passion into a sustainable career.

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A brewing revolution hits Galesburg, IL as six bands unite for an extraordinary night of music, community, and yes—wrestling. Discover how a simple Facebook post evolved into "Midwest Mania," a multi-genre showcase happening April 19th at Reserve Artisan Ales.

What happens when musicians who've known each other for decades finally share one stage? Magic. The Stone Doves kick things off with their youthful take on classic rock, followed by Flabber Gaster's distinctive funk-core sounds. Liberty Street brings emotional hardcore with a decade of chemistry, while SoColossal delivers high-energy hip-hop reggae fusion. The People Next Door adds psychedelic jam rock, and A Sight Beyond closes with their self-described "doomy psychedelic stoner sludgy alternative metal."

Beyond the music lies something special—a genuine neighborhood of artists supporting each other rather than competing. "It's strength in numbers," one musician explains, highlighting how this collaborative spirit enables original music to thrive in smaller communities. These aren't just bands; they're friends who've watched each other grow, sometimes playing in multiple projects, stepping in when others need help, and celebrating their collective musical journey.

Reserve Artisan Ales offers the perfect backdrop with its craft beer selection, food options from their kitchen and Shaw Daddies food truck, and unique spaces allowing WrestleMania to play between sets on projector screens. Some performers might even channel their inner WWE superstars with wrestling-inspired attire.

Mark your calendar for this all-ages event starting at 5:30pm (doors at 5pm). Free admission with donations encouraged. Whether you come for the diverse musical lineup, the craft beer, the wrestling atmosphere, or the powerful sense of community—Midwest Mania promises an unforgettable night showcasing the vibrant, interconnected music scene that continues to thrive in the heart of Illinois.

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What happens when you force the most reluctant person in the room to be the center of attention? That's exactly what we discover in this milestone 100th episode celebration, where host Travis finds himself in the unusual position of answering questions instead of asking them.

Travis's siblings—Jes and Seth—masterminded this special takeover episode, compiling an extensive questionnaire designed to reveal the man behind the microphone. From childhood memories and family secrets to philosophical musings and zombie apocalypse strategies, no topic is off-limits as they probe for answers that listeners have never heard before. The rapid-fire format quickly establishes a playful yet surprisingly insightful rhythm, with family dynamics on full display as stories unfold about childhood antics, teenage rebellions, and the occasional sibling betrayal.

Between questions about favorite foods (pizza) and childhood fears (snakes), something more meaningful emerges—a genuine philosophy about connection and curiosity that has sustained the podcast through 100 episodes. As Travis explains, the show was never about becoming another hunting podcast, sports show, or celebrity interview program. Instead, it became a platform for exploring whatever makes people passionate, whatever "stirs them up inside." From discussions about sobriety journeys and snowboarding adventures to music deep-dives and outdoor experiences, the podcast has remained uncommitted to any single niche while staying deeply committed to authentic conversation.

Ready to hear what makes our host tick? Dive into this special celebration episode and discover why, after 100 conversations about other people's passions, this podcast continues to bring people together through genuine connection rather than polished performance. And maybe, just maybe, you'll finally learn whether Travis would rather fight a chimpanzee or wear short shorts to an 80s party.

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Who doesn't love the chaos of college bowl season? Dive into our latest episode of Dial the Wild as we tackle the often-overlooked thrill of non-playoff bowl games. Joined by the ever-entertaining Kenny, Seth, Marcus, and our sports-agnostic buddy Ty, we navigate through this unpredictable landscape with our annual bowl game pick'em. Between Seth's well-earned work bonus and Twist the Blade's new single release, and Marcus's exciting family addition, there's plenty to celebrate amidst our spirited debates. We provide more than just scores and stats; we bring you the heartwarming—and sometimes hilarious—stories that make these games unforgettable. Our panel's personal anecdotes and humorous insights make each bowl game feel like a chapter in a gripping novel, and we can't wait to share that experience with you.

But it wouldn't be college football without a look at the quirks and controversies that come with it. We chat about everything from the impact of the playoff system on traditional bowls to the surprising venues like Fenway Park, and even the mixed feelings around teams like Liberty University. With each prediction, our camaraderie shines through, reminding us—and hopefully you—why these games mean so much. So grab your favorite drink, settle in, and join us for a celebration of college football’s wildest time of year, and don't forget to catch our upcoming live show in Moline!

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Join us for a captivating conversation with returning guest Jesica and our friend Amber Davis as we explore the exhilarating twists and turns of Amber's adventurous life. From her origins in Cleveland, Amber has embraced a nomadic lifestyle, sharing her journey from the high-pressure world of Division I athletics at Loyola University in Chicago to the vibrant streets of Denver. Discover how Amber transitioned from a computer science path to exploring the cannabis industry in Oregon, with key lessons in minimalism and non-conformity that reshaped her outlook on life.

Amber's story is one of transformation and passion, where structured sports training met the unexpected thrill of professional snowboarding. Listen as she opens up about the challenges of being a self-funded athlete and the creative avenues she's pursued for mentorship and coaching. She shares the importance of resilience, community, and the unwavering support from mentors in her quest for success on the slopes.

As we delve into the essence of personal growth and community, Amber and Jes reflect on the significance of connecting with diverse friends and the role of support systems like coaches who believe in us. This episode is a heartfelt tribute to those who uplift and inspire us to chase our dreams, underscoring the value of having fun, setting boundaries, and celebrating achievements along the way. Whether you're an athlete, a dreamer, or simply looking for inspiration, Amber's story offers a refreshing reminder of the power of belief and the joy of pursuing one's true passion.

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Have you ever found yourself at a crossroads, where the path to a healthier life seems daunting yet profoundly necessary? Join us in an intimate and candid conversation with special guest Zach Caywood as we uncover the transformative power of sobriety and rediscover the joy of music. As we reminisce about the concerts that shaped our youth, from the electrifying riffs of Killswitch Engage to the emotional resonance of A Day to Remember, Zach and I share our journey of overcoming addiction and reigniting our passion for the electric guitar. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of personal growth, where music becomes not just a soundtrack but a lifeline.

Zach opens up about a pivotal Thanksgiving that marked the beginning of his sober journey, setting the stage for a renewed focus on creative expression. We delve into how music legends like Randy Rhoads and Dimebag Darrell have inspired a unique blend of melodies that speak to both mellow and hardcore audiences, with a focus on embracing the beauty of "happy mistakes" in the creative process. This journey isn't just about music; it's about finding new purpose and the therapeutic nature of artistic endeavors.

We also explore how the digital age affects personal values, with social media often challenging our sense of integrity. In a world that sometimes prioritizes materialism, we emphasize the importance of staying true to oneself. Join us as we share the unexpected ways pets can influence sobriety, the calming ritual of coffee, and the ongoing battle with anxiety and temptation. Connect with Zach on YouTube and Instagram to follow his inspiring journey, and discover how our shared experiences can provide a sense of community and support for those navigating similar challenges.

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