Everyone Has A Story - With Chad Jagotka

With over 170 million views and counting of his "Dry Bar" comedy special, Stand Up Comedian Brad Upton gets recognized even on a leisurely walk through his neighborhood.  Yet he has still stayed grounded.  And he even has time to coach high school track, as he has every year for over thirty years.  Brad and I discuss his time as an elementary school teacher, and his decision to get on stage for the first time.  He was an absolute joy to talk with, and I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did.

Joining me on this episode of the podcast is father, keynote speaker, and master dog trainer Hector Hernandez.  Hector was a Marine, and began training dogs when he was still in high school.  He travels the county as a keynote speaker, and his talents are in high demand.  We had a wonderful conversation.

Joining me on the latest episode of the podcast is the one and only Dennis Neubacher.  He is a husband, father, grandfather, Air Ambulance Pilot, and a truly wonderful man.  Completely engaging, and quite honestly...the easiest man to have a conversation with.  Those of you from the Metro Detroit area will recognize his voice.  As he has guided all of us around traffic problems since the early 80's.  From WJR, to WXYZ Channel 7, to his current post at WWJ News Radio 950.  I thoroughly enjoyed every second I had to speak with Dennis.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!!!

Joining me on this episode of the podcast is my arch nemesis Tom E. Thompson!  Tom is a stand up comedian, husband, father, and has a degree in clinical psychology.  He was a football legend in his high school days, and now lights up stages all across the U.S. with his comedy!  We ramble about comedy, current events, and eventually get to Tom's story.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Bill is the owner of "The Grove" Comedy Club in Lowell, Arkansas.  But Bill's story begins in southwest Arkansas.  His journey takes him to the U.S. Army, and then as an executive for "The Boy Scouts of America."  But that's just the beginning.  Listen to Bill tell us about being an executive with Walmart, and then venturing out on his own.  All before he even opened his club.  Bill and his family have grown "The Grove" to be a nationally recognized comedy club in just over five years!!  His story is wonderful, and I think you will enjoy it just as much as I did!!

Joining me on this episode is Nurse extraordinare Sheri Schmidt. From going up with both parents in the military, to being a single mom while putting herself through nursing school.  All while still working at the same time.  Sheri gives a first count perspective of being an emergency room nurse during the pandemic.  All the stress and anxiety of the unknown, and how people can be captivated by fear.  This was a great conversation, and she even found my stupid humor enjoyable!!

On this episode of the podcast I am joined by Charles "Chuck" Barbieri.  Chuck grew up in Allen Park, MI and joined the Army.  Upon returning home he joined the Detroit Police Department.  Raising through the ranks to eventually retire as a Precinct Commander.  Chuck has had many ups and downs throughout his journey.  Loosing his wife, and high school sweetheart in a terrible accident, only to loose his second wife to a heart attack.  Chuck is a lover of a fine cigar, and for some odd reason a devout Detroit Lions Fan!  I hope you enjoy listening to this conversation as much as I did having it!

Andrew White is a retired Detroit Police Sergeant who spent the bulk of his career working Narcotics Street Enforcement.  Andrew is a Veteran of the US Army, a doting Husband, Father, and Grandfather!  And he has a legendary music palette!  

On this episode of the podcast, my guest is Jerry Schommer.  Jerry is the father of a dear friend from High School.  Jerry is a retired school teacher with a wonderful story.  From being a new teacher in Southwest Detroit, to trying out to be the Detroit Tigers everyday batting practice pitcher, to joining the Peace Corps and meeting the love of his life.   I hope you enjoy this story as much as I did!!!

George is a retired Detroit Police Assistant Chief.  He joined the department at a young age, and through the years moved his career along while going to college, and raising a beautiful family.  He is a charismatic and engaging man.  And he also happens to be my old boss!!