In this episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, Maxwell sits down with Iowa-based singer-songwriter Robert Deitch—a craftsman of lyrics and emotion whose journey from Nashville to the Midwest is as powerful as his music. Together, they unpack Deitch’s latest release, “Bullet Holes”—a haunting, redemptive song about addiction, empathy, and healing. Featuring backing vocals from Mary Gauthier, the track has quickly become Deitch’s most impactful work, amassing thousands of views and deeply personal listener responses from those who have faced addiction themselves.

Robert opens up about the song’s evolution, revealing that it took years and a moment of raw honesty to find its center. “Mary told me, ‘You know what two lines they are—you’re just not being honest yet.’ Once I found that truth, the song revealed itself.” That lyric—“a hurt as deep as the secrets I’ve never told”—became the heartbeat of the song.

Maxwell and Robert trace his remarkable path through Nashville’s songwriting scene, where he wrote with top-tier artists while still living in Iowa, an almost unheard-of arrangement. Deitch describes the hierarchy of the writers’ rooms, the sting of songs “on hold” for stars like Kenny Rogers or Garth Brooks, and the humility that comes from near misses. They also discuss the bittersweet inspiration behind his song “Goodbye Nashville,” a tender farewell to the city he once loved like “the other woman.”

In this episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, Maxwell sits down with two Iowa musical powerhouses — Brandon Findlay and Tina Haase Findlay — to talk about their bold new collaborative project, The Babel Kind, a genre-bending original musical that weaves together love, loss, mystery, and music. What began as an MFA thesis at Lindenwood University has evolved into a fully realized stage work, and now, a live soundtrack recording event that will bring together some of Iowa’s finest musicians and actors on October 19th at Tallgrass Theatre Company in West Des Moines.

As Brandon shares, The Babel Kind began as a collection of vignettes and short stories — until Tina suggested shaping it into a jukebox-style musical using the couple’s extensive song catalog. That spark set everything in motion. The resulting story — set in the fictional Iowa town of Bright Chapel — unfolds as what Brandon describes as “a murder mystery wrapped around a love story in the form of a jukebox musical.” Yet at its heart, it’s a deeply human reflection on love, grief, and the choices that define us.

Tina and Brandon, celebrating 21 years of music and marriage, open up about how their shared songwriting history became the emotional backbone of this new piece. Many of the songs featured in The Babel Kind were written across decades of life together — tunes of hope, heartbreak, and healing that now find fresh meaning within the play’s dramatic arc. “It’s yours, mine, and ours,” Tina says, describing how the songs seemed destined to live again inside this story.

Listeners also get an inside look at the live soundtrack event at Tallgrass Theatre, which blends concert, theatre, and storytelling. The evening will feature live performances of the songs alongside monologues from the play, read by surprise guests from the Des Moines theatre community. Attendees will even become part of the official recording — their presence woven into the album’s live soundscape.

The conversation also touches on deeper creative questions: the enduring power of theatre in an age of artificial intelligence, the intersection between Iowa’s music and theatre scenes, and the importance of human expression in storytelling. Brandon reflects on art’s ability to spark self-discovery: “Art should make us better human beings,” he says. “The only way to do that is to ask ourselves: do we like who we are?”

It’s a soulful and inspiring conversation about creativity, collaboration, and the Iowa artists daring to bring something wholly original to life. Don’t miss the chance to witness it firsthand — or to hear how a love story, a community, and a collection of songs have become something far greater: The Babel Kind.

In this episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, I sit down with Pritesh Patel, the owner of Hotel Pommier in Indianola and Chariton, Iowa. Pritesh’s journey from growing up in a motel to rebranding and revitalizing independent hotels is as much a story of grit as it is of vision.

Pritesh’s family emigrated from the UK to the U.S. in 1999, moving straight into a motel where his parents worked as live-in managers. He recalls helping fold towels and clean rooms on weekends, squeezing in soccer games between laundry runs. His parents later bought their own motels, including the former Apple Tree Inn in Indianola, while instilling in him a relentless work ethic and an appreciation for self-employment.

After college, Pritesh spent a decade in the corporate world before returning in 2019 to take over the family business. He made it clear to his parents that if he was going to run the operation, he needed to be the decision-maker. That shift set the stage for bold moves—taking on significant renovation debt, rebranding the hotel to “Pommier” (French for apple tree), and building a brand identity grounded in community connection.

The conversation covers how COVID-19 hit mid-renovation, with cancellations pouring in from opera fans, sports teams, and events like the Balloon Classic. One loyal guest even paid for a stay they couldn’t take, a gesture that still moves Pritesh. He explains why rebranding was key—not just for marketing but to escape the drag of old online reviews—and how branding exercises shaped the hotel’s guest promise and values.

Pritesh also shares his philosophy on amenities, swapping underused fitness centers for game rooms and patios, and even adding a pickleball court in Chariton that locals can rent. These choices aren’t just about guest experience—they invite the community into the space, creating word-of-mouth ambassadors.

We talk about the economics of running independent hotels, the advantages over chains, and why mid-size Iowa towns are ripe for transformation. Pritesh emphasizes the value of hiring the right people, paying competitive wages, and offering benefits like 401(k) matches to compete with big employers.

As we wrap up, Pritesh reflects on planting his business roots in Iowa: the friendliness, the pace of life, and the community support that makes ambitious projects possible. His story is a testament to blending entrepreneurial courage with a deep respect for place—a combination that’s breathing new life into local hospitality.

On this episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, I sit down with Iowa singer-songwriter Chip Albright—an Americana artist whose journey blends heartfelt songwriting, meaningful gigging, and a deep love for storytelling. Over the last 25 years, Chip has written dozens of songs, performed in spaces ranging from cozy patios to historic theaters, and now, he’s compiled 25 of those songs into a brand-new album. What’s more, he’s packaging each song with a personal story as part of his Substack, “Chip Happens.”

Our conversation begins with his reflections on the gigging life—playing once a week everywhere from retirement homes to venues like XBK Live, Board and Batten in Dallas Center, and even a little country church near Madrid, Iowa. That church, Hopkins Grove, reminded Chip so much of his roots that he walked in unannounced and ended up booking a show. “It was just so Americana and rich,” he says. That spontaneous spirit defines how Chip builds connections—both with venues and with listeners.

Chip shares the emotional payoff of performing live: “When someone comes up to you after a show and tells you your song reminded them of their father or helped them remember their spouse, that’s powerful. That’s the stuff that keeps you going.” Whether it’s his song “Chorito Ridge,” inspired by his grandfather and often played around Veterans Day, or “Carry Us Home,” which brought tears to an audience member in a memory care facility, Chip’s songs are empathetic vignettes—snapshots of life through someone else’s eyes.

The conversation dives into his entrepreneurial side too. With his wife designing the artwork, Chip is releasing a 25-song CD for $25, connecting it to his Substack, where each track will come with an intimate backstory. He sees it as more than merch—it’s an invitation to connect. “If you’re new to me, this CD is a wide sampling of what I do. And if a song grabs you, you can dig deeper.”

We also talk about songwriting craft, handling inattentive audiences, and the bravery it takes to lay your soul bare in noisy environments. “You reward the audience with gratitude,” he says. “People are busy. So when they stop to listen, I’m thankful.”

This episode is a reminder of the value of authentic artistry, resilience in music, and the unmatched power of live connection. Chip Albright’s music isn’t about fame—it’s about finding a moment of truth, one song, and one listener at a time. Learn more at ChipAlbrightMusic.com.

On this episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, I sit down with my sons, Alex and Jon Schaeffer, for a deep, and surprisingly eye-opening, conversation about the world of modern-day card collecting. What started as a fun pastime has evolved into a booming, multi-billion-dollar global industry, blending hobby, business, and nostalgia into one frenzied subculture.

Alex began collecting during the early days of the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020, when he stumbled into the hobby through online “breakers”, enthusiasts who livestream the opening of card packs and sell spots for specific teams. Jon joined in shortly after, intrigued by the opportunity to collect cards of athletes he’s covered through his sports broadcasting career. As I tagged along with them to the Capital City Card Convention, I found myself immersed in a world I never expected: part marketplace, part memorabilia mecca, and part time machine back to my youth.

From discussions about the hottest cards like Caitlin Clark’s exclusive Panini autographs, or a one-of-one Shohei Ohtani, to insider tips on PSA grading, we cover it all. We even talk about the growing influence of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals in college sports and how young athletes are now monetizing their signatures before they even go pro.

Alex shares the thrill (and anxiety) of pulling a high-value Josh Allen downtown dual card and navigating the complex process of grading and selling it. Jon talks about how collecting connects him to athletes he’s covered, and how his wife has started noticing both the joy—and the expense—of the hobby.

It’s not just about money, though. We discuss how the community aspect of collecting—whether trading with other fans, sharing hits on social media, or watching your kids discover it for the first time, keeps the heart of the hobby alive. Along the way, we draw analogies to bourbon hunting, Pokémon scalpers, and even the old-school satisfaction of cardboard and bubble gum.

Whether you’re a longtime collector, a casual fan, or someone who once jammed a Joe Rudi card in your bike spokes, this episode pulls back the foil wrap on a world that’s much more than just sports cards. It’s business, nostalgia, strategy, and joy, all in a single pack.

On this episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, I sit down with Dr. Chris LoRang of Capital Health to dive deep—literally and figuratively—into the world of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). Known for his integrative approach to care, Dr. LoRang breaks down what this advanced healing modality really is, how it works, and why it's making waves in both conventional and functional medicine circles.

As someone who grew up in an osteopathic household and has long embraced chiropractic care, I’ve always been fascinated by holistic healing approaches. So when Chris told me he was adding a hyperbaric oxygen chamber to his clinic, I was intrigued. What followed was a conversation filled with scientific insights, real-world applications, and a few surprising stories—like the 1960s experiment where pigs survived without red blood cells… thanks to a hyperbaric chamber.

Dr. LoRang explains that HBOT is all about increasing oxygen levels in the body by exposing it to high-pressure environments. Under these conditions, oxygen dissolves not just into red blood cells but directly into the blood plasma, saturating the body at the cellular level. The result? Reduced inflammation, enhanced stem cell production, new blood vessel formation, and faster tissue regeneration.

We explore how HBOT is already FDA-approved for several serious conditions—like crush injuries, radiation burns, and wounds that won’t heal—and how its off-label uses are showing promise for everything from concussions to cognitive decline. “It treats the worst of the worst in hospitals and helps the best of the best in professional sports,” Chris says. “And we’re finding it does a whole lot for everyone in between.”

We also talk about the surprising lack of side effects, the growing body of scientific research, and why it’s crucial to consult knowledgeable providers—because not every physician is up to speed on this evolving therapy. Whether you're a high-performance athlete, recovering from surgery, or simply looking to extend your health span, this conversation just might change the way you think about oxygen.

To learn more CLICK HERE.

To learn more about HBOT, visit iowahbot.com or check out hyperbaricexperts.com for deep dives into current research.

In this episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, Maxwell sits down with Ross Edwards, a passionate coach and community leader helping breathe new life into the Raccoon Valley Little League—just as the organization celebrates its 70th year. Ross shares his own journey through the league, starting as a three-year-old in T-ball, forging friendships that would last through high school and beyond. Now 31, he’s returned to the same fields with a renewed mission: to help Raccoon Valley not just survive, but thrive.

Ross reflects on the unique place Little League holds in the lives of children and families, recalling the neighborhood energy of earlier years when parents volunteered in droves and the dugouts buzzed with local pride. But the world has changed—families are busier, costs are rising, and mega sports complexes and for-profit club teams have reshaped the landscape of youth athletics. Raccoon Valley, like many traditional little leagues, faced decline, particularly after the pandemic led to board turnover and organizational struggles.

What began for Ross as a simple offer to coach in 2022 quickly turned into a full-on revival effort. "I just looked around one day and realized nothing had been updated since I played here,” he says. That realization led to a conversation with the league president, a seat on the board, and soon after, his first big fundraiser—a golf outing that raised $7,000 and reinvigorated hope within the league. Since then, Ross has helped lead new initiatives, spearheaded field improvements, and built momentum among families and volunteers.

While Raccoon Valley’s budget can’t match the turf fields and elite travel teams, Ross believes Little League offers something just as valuable: community, accessibility, and the kind of friendships that last a lifetime. He’s watched registration numbers climb in the last few years and credits visible improvements, strong word of mouth, and the enduring appeal of playing ball with neighborhood kids for the growth.

Throughout the conversation, Ross and Maxwell share stories of growing up in Des Moines, of the magic of baseball birthdays, championship dreams, and even coaching the next generation of Sandlot-style players. The episode is a celebration of grassroots sports, the power of volunteerism, and the impact one person can have when they say, “I’ll help.”

Whether you're a former Little Leaguer, a parent of a player, or someone who just loves a good Iowa comeback story, this episode will hit home. As Ross puts it, “I thought I was just signing up to coach. But it turned into something a lot bigger—and better—than I ever expected.”

Click HERE for volunteer opportunities!

In this inspiring episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, I sit down with the talented duo behind the Americana band Weary Ramblers—multi-instrumentalist Kathryn Fox and Iowa folk veteran Chad Elliott—for a heartfelt and revealing conversation on music, risk-taking, and creative connection.

We catch them mid-process at Golden Bear Records, where the sounds of pianist Tanner Taylor float in the background as they work on their second album, Driftwood. Kathryn and Chad share how their collaboration first took root during the pandemic, when mutual admiration via livestreams turned into a creative partnership. What began as Kathryn composing instrumentals for Chad’s visual art projects quickly blossomed into songwriting and performing together—a union grounded in shared vulnerability, musical values, and deep respect.

They recount their very first rehearsal, which took place at Southwestern Community College where Kathryn teaches. She was floored by Chad’s commitment—he had charted and memorized all her songs in advance. “It felt seamless,” she says, recalling the way their harmonies immediately aligned. That musical synergy led to their debut performance at Stephens Auditorium in Ames—diving headfirst into a major venue, a sign of the confidence they had in each other.

Throughout the episode, we explore how both Kathryn and Chad took unconventional paths into full-time music. Kathryn, classically trained in viola, left behind five non-music jobs and a future in orchestral teaching for a more expressive journey, including a world-touring group similar to Celtic Women. Chad, an artist turned musician, left grad school midway to follow a calling that had become too loud to ignore. Both of them embraced risk in pursuit of something more authentic—and never looked back.

We discuss how their co-writing process reveals a "third voice"—a distinct, blended creative identity born from their collaboration. “Neither of us clings to our ideas,” Chad explains, “unless they feel precious to both of us.” This mutual openness gives rise to original songs rich in lyrical and melodic balance, with their latest project featuring 12 co-written tracks steeped in folk, roots, and soul.

The duo also opens up about the realities of making music in today’s streaming economy. They’ve built a devoted following not by chasing algorithms, but by fostering real community. Their recent successful Kickstarter campaign—which offered house concerts, personalized songs, and “Rambler-grams”—demonstrates the strength of their grassroots support. “These people are our family,” says Kathryn. “Some even help us load our gear.”

We talk about songwriting as a daily muscle—how creativity must be nurtured with consistency and curiosity. They encourage emerging artists to stay open, trust their voice, and resist chasing trends. “Authenticity and connection,” Chad notes, “are what truly last.”

Whether discussing classical influences, folk simplicity, or how melodies seem to arrive from beyond, Kathryn and Chad offer a compelling reminder: that when art is rooted in friendship, shared purpose, and fearless exploration, the result resonates far beyond the stage.

In this electrifying episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, I sit down with Iowa DJ legend Jim Bollard—better known across dance floors and DJ booths as DJ Jimmy Jim. For nearly five decades, Jim has been mixing beats, reading crowds, and energizing dance floors, from the disco days of the Joker Lounge in the late ‘70s to today’s hottest college clubs in Iowa City and Ames.

We kick things off reminiscing about how we first connected back in 1987 when I was playing dance records on the radio—a rarity at the time—and Jim called in to share his enthusiasm. That moment sparked a friendship and collaboration that eventually led to “Club Z-93,” one of Des Moines’ first radio dance shows blending live DJ sets with curated mixes.

Jim recounts his journey from spinning vinyl on turntables without pitch control—relying on wordplay and creative segues—to getting his first pair of Technics 1200s (the gold standard for DJs) from an unlikely place: a Big Lots store. His passion for perfecting the craft is clear, whether he’s talking about beatmatching records with live drummers, adjusting for fluctuating BPMs in early disco hits, or understanding the energy flow of a dance floor.

We also explore the evolution of DJ culture, from 12-inch singles and record pools in the ‘70s and ‘80s to modern-day software, mashups, and remixes. Jim shares his insights on what it takes to be a great DJ: not just technical skills, but the ability to read a crowd, manage the emotional arc of a night, and always have a “money” track ready to rescue the vibe.

Now retired from his 34-year day job as an IT programmer, Jim is busier than ever DJing college clubs, weddings, football games, and private events. At 69, he’s a fixture in Iowa City nightlife, earning admiration from college crowds who know exactly when he’s in the booth. He shares stories of students recognizing him on the street and young fans lining up for photos, proving that his passion for music bridges generations.

From vinyl to digital, small-town radio stations to big city clubs, Jim’s story is one of perseverance, adaptation, and joy. This conversation isn’t just for music lovers—it’s for anyone who appreciates the power of staying curious, passionate, and connected to the beat of life.

Connect with him on Instagram @djjimmyjim or email him at [email protected].

In this episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, I sit down with Richard Hurd, a man whose black-and-white “Hurd” commercial real estate signs have become fixtures around town—but whose personal story is far more colorful than most realize. A self-made entrepreneur with deep roots in Des Moines’ south side, he walks us through a journey that begins with flipping cars as a teenager and stretches into building convenience stores and commercial properties across the Midwest.

He opens up about his early years, growing up in a working-class neighborhood during the 1960s and '70s, where fixing up old cars gave him his first taste of profit and pride. “I’d buy a Camaro or SS Impala, trick it out with tires, wheels, and a stereo, then sell it to another kid who wanted something ready to drive,” he recalls. It was a pattern that carried into his next phase: flipping trucks and, eventually, homes.

After a stint in the Air Force as a munitions specialist during the Vietnam War era, his worldview shifted. “I hated the military at the time,” he admits, “but it was the best thing that ever happened to me. You grow up fast when you realize freedom isn’t free.”

Returning to Des Moines, he briefly tried college at Drake before turning to real estate at his father’s suggestion. With guidance and a co-signed loan, he bought and rehabbed his first house—and never looked back. He describes how he tapped into a network of aging property owners, particularly conservative Italian landlords on the south side, to build his rental and flip portfolio.

Then came the major pivot: a meeting with Bill Krause, founder of Kum & Go, that led to a new model of commercial real estate investment—one that would shape his career. “I asked him three questions,” he says. “If the answer to any was no, I’d walk out. But they were all yes. That’s how we got started.”

Today, he partners with brands like Hy-Vee and continues to adapt to market shifts. From building Topgolf to navigating the challenges of post-COVID commercial real estate, his story is one of grit, timing, and relationships.