Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast

In this episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, longtime Iowa broadcaster Mike Pace joins me to reflect on a rich, winding journey through radio, television, voiceover work, and now—independent film. Known to many for his work on the Iowa Lottery’s “Spin the Wheel” game show and years of broadcasting in Des Moines, Mike opens up about his latest role in Outro, a new Iowa-made independent film in which he stars as “Roger”—a character that feels strikingly familiar.

We start by going back to the mid-1980s, when Mike had just left a career selling blue jeans out of his car and was slowly rebuilding a creative life in Winterset. Through a mix of lottery gigs, local TV hosting, and hustling voiceover work at $6/hour, he worked his way back into the storytelling world he loved. “I wasn’t Mozart,” Mike says. “But I knew selling pants wasn’t where I belonged.”

The conversation pivots to Outro, which has earned Mike a Best Actor nomination at the Iowa Film Awards. The film, co-written with director Wes Worthing, was inspired by themes from Mike’s own book Dreams and Detours, and follows Roger, a former musician-turned-radio-host struggling with the long shadow of unrealized dreams. “It’s not autobiographical,” Mike insists, “but I do relate to him deeply.” Roger’s battle with retirement, regret, and identity mirrors universal questions many face later in life—especially those who took creative detours.

Mike discusses the unique acting challenges he faced moving from commercials to true cinematic performance. “In film, if you’re self-aware, it won’t be real,” he says, quoting Martin Sheen. Letting go of vanity and embracing vulnerability was key to authentically portraying Roger’s emotional arc.

He also speaks with pride about the collaborative spirit behind the film. The crew, including local talents like Davida Williams, Stephanie Schneider, and Dave Stuck of Radio Garage, brought a no-ego, all-heart approach to the project. “Everyone was in it for the right reasons,” Mike says. “We just wanted to tell a good story.”

We also talk about the Dubuque International Film Festival—where Outro will premiere April 23–27—followed by a Des Moines screening in late May. With additional festival entries in places like Nashville, London, and Cedar Falls, Mike is enjoying a late-career creative renaissance. “We’re not doing this to get rich,” he says. “We’re doing it because we love it.”

Our chat touches on the evolving world of acting, ageism in media, and the push-and-pull of technology, especially the rise of AI in storytelling. Mike is candid but hopeful: “There’s room for AI, but it can’t replicate human inflection or interpretation. At the end of the day, it’s about authenticity.”

Whether you remember Mike from TV, radio, or real estate ads, this conversation reveals a deeper side of a man who never stopped chasing stories—or helping others tell theirs. His journey, and Outro, are both about the power of reflection, reinvention, and finding meaning at any stage of life.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, I sit down with Lanae Strovers, a trailblazing funeral director and founder of The Final Salute, a nonprofit dedicated to honoring unclaimed veterans with proper burials. Lanae shares the unlikely and emotional journey that led her into the world of funeral service—starting with a close friend’s impersonal and disappointing funeral experience that left her searching for a better way.

“I was a bartender and single mom, just getting by,” Lanae recalls. “After my friend’s funeral, which had nothing to do with who he was, I went home, had a couple glasses of wine, and Googled ‘how to become a funeral director.’” That late-night search led to DMACC’s mortuary science program and ultimately to a life of service she never expected.

Lanae opens up about the surprising aspects of her profession, from the clinical precision of embalming and restorative art to the emotional challenges of grief-stricken families. She emphasizes that “the living people are the hard part,” recalling moments when grief turned into misplaced anger—she’s been yelled at, punched, even had shoes thrown at her. Yet, she remains steadfast in her belief that funeral service is a gift: “We give families that one last, beautiful goodbye.”

We dive into the creativity required in modern funeral services—like designing a baseball-themed visitation or granting a man’s final wish to be buried standing up. These aren’t just quirky anecdotes—they're proof of how funeral professionals like Lanae work to make end-of-life celebrations as unique as the lives they honor.

Lanae also shares the remarkable story behind The Final Salute, her effort to locate, claim, and respectfully bury the unclaimed cremated remains of veterans across Iowa. “We’ve laid to rest 70 veterans and their spouses so far,” she says. “Last year alone, we honored veterans from every major U.S. war era—including one from the Civil War.”

She talks about the growing role of women in the funeral industry, her national training work, and her upcoming fundraiser to support The Final Salute’s continued mission. As Lanae puts it, “Being in a basement isn’t where a veteran belongs. They deserve a headstone, a flag, and a final salute.”

This is a conversation that’s both eye-opening and deeply moving—a testament to one woman’s mission to bring dignity, empathy, and even creativity to life’s most difficult moments.

In this episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, host Maxwell sits down with Jared Doerfler, the founder of Hanna Golf, a rising Iowa-based manufacturing company that specializes in custom milled putters. Jared’s story is a remarkable journey of risk, resilience, and craftsmanship—proving that even the wildest ideas can take root and flourish in the heart of Iowa.

A former collegiate golfer at the University of Northern Iowa, Jared shares how his obsession with a specific mallet putter he used in college eventually led him down the unexpected path of becoming a putter maker. Unable to find a putter that felt just right after returning the original to his coach, Jared decided to design his own. He sketched a concept on graph paper, worked with friends to build a prototype, and was instantly hooked on the creative process—even though the first result was, in his own words, “terrible.”

Fueled by a life-altering moment—his father’s retirement following a long battle with MS—Jared quit his job, bought his first CNC milling machine, and taught himself everything he could about the art of milling putters. His garage became his shop, and his passion project evolved into a full-fledged business. Now, with multiple machines and growing demand, Jared's story is as much about personal growth as it is about making putters.

Maxwell and Jared dive deep into what makes a milled putter special—from the material (303 stainless steel) to the subtle art of face milling for feel and sound. Jared explains the difference between casting and milling, emphasizing how the latter allows for a more precise, responsive, and customizable club. His putters are crafted in small batches, milled and finished by hand, and infused with the kind of quality and personality that mass-produced equipment just can’t replicate.

The conversation also explores Jared’s refreshingly honest approach to building Hanna Golf’s brand. With no traditional marketing budget, he has leaned into storytelling, writing a popular golf-and-business newsletter and building a dedicated following through social media. Hanna Golf now ships to 45 states and six countries, and recently collaborated with Bridgestone Golf on a limited-edition Masters-themed release that sold out in minutes.

Beyond the mechanics and marketing, Jared speaks candidly about the support system behind him—his wife, young children, friends, and in-laws. He credits them for making his entrepreneurial leap possible and acknowledges the emotional and physical toll of building a company from scratch.

In a state not traditionally known for golf manufacturing, Jared is creating something special with Hanna Golf. His mission? To become Iowa’s golf company. Whether you're a golfer, a dreamer, or someone standing at the edge of a big life decision, this episode is a reminder that with grit, heart, and a little bit of stubbornness, you can build something meaningful—right in your own backyard.

Learn more at hannagolf.com or follow @hannagolfco on social media.

In this insightful episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, host Maxwell welcomes Justin Brady—creator and host of The Iowa Podcast and founder of the PR firm Cultivate Strategies—for a wide-ranging, caffeinated conversation about the evolving landscape of streaming audio, digital content strategy, authenticity in branding, and the increasingly complex role of AI in storytelling.

The discussion kicks off with a deep dive into the current state of podcasting and digital media. Justin shares how the game has fundamentally changed: simply having a podcast or showing up on major platforms like YouTube, Apple, or Spotify isn’t enough anymore. Audiences are increasingly tuning out generic, promotional content and tuning into authenticity. According to Justin, today’s challenge isn’t how to publish—anyone can do that—it’s how to “out-authenticity” your competition and genuinely deliver value.

Maxwell and Justin unpack what this shift means for small businesses, especially local Iowa brands and mom-and-pop shops. Justin stresses that people don’t want to hear about your product—they want to hear about themselves. He encourages business owners to shift focus away from self-promotion and toward content that resonates with their audience’s interests and problems. Using relatable anecdotes, like a call with an especially helpful bank representative, the duo illustrates how authentic human interaction—even in something as ordinary as customer service—can become powerful content.

The conversation turns toward AI, with Justin offering a nuanced perspective on its use in content creation. Rather than replacing the creative process, he believes AI can actually enhance authenticity when used correctly—as a tool for summarizing, transcribing, or organizing information. But he’s quick to warn that relying on AI to generate original content is a mistake. “If AI is getting in the way of that humanity,” Justin says, “you’re doing it wrong.”

Maxwell and Justin also explore how big brands and marketing agencies are often just as lost in the new digital ecosystem as small businesses. Many are still clinging to outdated tactics, missing the mark by pushing content instead of building real relationships. They touch on the rise of live audio platforms like X Spaces and the slow disruption of Google Search by AI-powered tools like ChatGPT and Grok.

The episode wraps with a discussion on creative storytelling in the age of automation. Whether it's singer-songwriters releasing vinyl to connect with fans, or filmmakers returning to analog methods for a more soulful product, Justin underscores a vital point: tools like AI can support the creative process, but story and human connection must always lead.

Recorded at the IowaPodcast.com studio in Des Moines’ East Village, this episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, content creators, and anyone navigating the noisy world of digital storytelling. Grab your favorite brew and listen in for a grounded yet forward-thinking conversation that blends tech, strategy, and a whole lot of heart.

In this rich and heartfelt episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, Maxwell sits down with singer-songwriter Abbie Sawyer for a deep and wide-ranging conversation about creativity, songwriting, motherhood, and the power of being present in the artistic process. Known for her soulful vocals and layered songwriting, Abbie opens up about the inspirations behind her upcoming album, her creative rituals, and her drive to cultivate immersive experiences—both sonically and sensorially.

The two begin by connecting over Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act: A Way of Being, a book that has profoundly influenced Abbie’s creative mindset. Abbie shares how she and her co-producer used Rubin’s book as a guidepost while recording her new album, Persimmon, aiming to tap into an intuitive, collaborative energy rather than a strictly hierarchical studio process. She talks about music as a form of healing, a way of “naming the unnamable,” and the magic of knowing when a song is finished—whether it arrives as laughter or a sudden sense of clarity.

Listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at Abbie’s unique recording process, which took place in her own living room to preserve the intimacy and emotion of her songs. Collaborating with Gabe from xBk, they recorded digitally and later ran the tracks through analog tape for warmth and texture. The result is a deeply personal album about love, loss, and the fleeting beauty of life, set to release April 25, 2025, with album release shows in Iowa City and Des Moines to follow.

Abbie also talks about her work with The NOLA Jazz Band out of Des Moines, and by simply choosing to say "yes" she landed into an opportunity that would showcase her dimensional vocal talent.

Abbie also shares her passion for botanicals through her handmade brand, Mama Bare Botanicals. She discusses how scent, taste, and touch are intertwined with her creative practices, and dreams up immersive shows where audience members might dab on essential oils tailored to each song. Creativity, for her, isn’t confined to music—it’s a full-body, sensory experience, and a way of engaging with the world.

Maxwell and Abbie dive into the balance between parenting, entrepreneurship, and artistry, exploring the rhythms of creativity and the challenge of switching between “output” and “discovery” modes. They also explore the vulnerability of recording versus performing, the danger of over-editing, and the art of letting a song evolve in real time—sometimes years after its original version.

The episode wraps with a shared love for Iowa’s creative community, from open mics at Mars Café to dreams of a songwriter’s haven like Nashville’s Bluebird Café. Abbie reflects on her start in music—saying “yes” at the right moments—and the joy of being part of Iowa’s evolving music scene.

This episode is a testament to the power of trusting your creative voice, staying open to collaboration, and honoring the everyday magic that fuels authentic artistry. Whether you're a songwriter, a parent, or simply someone trying to carve out space for creativity, Abbie’s story will inspire you to listen inward and create from the heart.

On this episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, Maxwell sits down with renowned Iowa photographer Chris Maharry for an engaging conversation about his 33-year career capturing moments, personalities, and events across the state. From shooting his first wedding as a high school junior to becoming one of the most sought-after photographers in Des Moines, Chris shares how his passion for photography evolved into a lifelong profession.

Chris reflects on his early fascination with cameras, recalling the feel of his first Nikon F3 and how his instinctive ability to frame shots set the foundation for his success. He explains how photography is more than just snapping pictures—it's about building trust, engaging with people, and capturing authentic moments that resonate long after the shutter clicks. His unique presence at events, often donned in his signature bowtie and hat, has become as much a part of the experience as the photos themselves.

Throughout the conversation, Chris discusses the nuances of photographing people in their most natural and expressive states. He shares insights into making subjects comfortable, the importance of respect in photography, and how to strike a balance between formal portraits and spontaneous, candid moments. Listeners will hear fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, including how a simple escalator shot of a prominent Iowa couple became a magazine cover and why some of his most meaningful images come from unposed, fleeting interactions.

Chris and Maxwell also dive into the changing landscape of photography in the digital age. With cameras in everyone’s pockets, what does it take to sustain a career as a full-time professional photographer? Chris candidly discusses the challenges and joys of running his own business, the importance of staying relevant, and why building strong relationships is key to longevity in the industry.

In a particularly intriguing moment, Maxwell pitches an idea for a unique art exhibit featuring top Iowa photographers capturing each other—a concept that sparks Chris’s imagination and leaves listeners wondering if they might just witness a groundbreaking collaboration in the near future.

Whether you're an aspiring photographer, a fan of Iowa's creative community, or someone who simply loves a good behind-the-scenes story, this episode is filled with rich insights, humor, and heartfelt reflections on the power of photography to tell stories, forge connections, and preserve history.

Tune in and discover why Chris Maharry isn’t just taking pictures—he’s capturing Iowa, one frame at a time. Connect with Chris HERE!

On this special edition of Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, The Weekend Pour, Maxwell sits down with three key leaders from Iowa Stage Theatre Company: Artistic Producers Davida Williams and Alex Wendel, along with Development Director Dove Haase. Together, they dive into the company's ongoing evolution, the triumphs and challenges of the past year, and the bold artistic vision driving their upcoming season.

The conversation opens with reflections on Iowa Stage’s recent growth, restructuring, and record-breaking season—both in ticket sales and philanthropic support. They discuss the company’s commitment to nurturing artists while maintaining a strong financial foundation, including their unique Resident Artist Company, which provides paid opportunities for local theater professionals.

Davida and Alex share insights into their collaborative leadership dynamic, explaining how mutual respect and creative synergy help them navigate the complexities of producing live theater. They also highlight the theater’s ISTC Launch initiative, which supports artists in developing their own original works.

Looking ahead, the team previews their much-anticipated 2025 Season Theatre Gala, a celebration of Iowa Stage’s rich theatrical history featuring an impressive lineup of Des Moines’ finest performers. They also provide a sneak peek at the new season, which explores themes of family, identity, and resilience through productions such as Grand Horizons, Torch Song, Shakespeare on the Lawn, and the edgy Buried Child by Sam Shepard.

The conversation also tackles a crucial issue for regional theater: accessibility. Iowa Stage is leading the way with community-sponsored ticketing and pay-what-you-can initiatives, ensuring that live theater remains within reach for a broader audience. They share touching stories of first-time theatergoers experiencing the magic of live performance, thanks to these efforts.

Finally, Maxwell and his guests discuss the challenges of audience engagement, marketing strategies to expand Des Moines’ theater-going population, and the importance of fostering the next generation of actors, designers, and stage managers. Aspiring company members and theater professionals will also find valuable insights into how they can get involved with Iowa Stage through auditions, design roles, and technical positions.

With humor, passion, and deep love for the art form, this episode of The Weekend Pour captures the energy of a theater company on the rise—committed to making bold artistic choices while staying deeply connected to its community.

Tune in and get inspired by the magic of Iowa Stage Theatre Company!

In this episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, I sit down with former Iowa Barnstormer, life coach, and author David Bush for an inspiring conversation about breaking through barriers and living an extraordinary life. From his days on the football field to his journey into business, coaching, and personal development, David shares powerful insights into mindset, motivation, and what it truly takes to reach your full potential.

David and I go way back to the Barnstormers days, and we kick things off with some nostalgic memories—including the unexpected way he landed his first media opportunity. But beyond the football stories, David's real transformation began after his playing career. He talks about his post-football struggles, how he lost 100 pounds, and the lessons he learned about reinventing yourself after major life transitions.

A major theme of our conversation is what David calls the "comfort cave"—a place where people settle for safety instead of pursuing their true calling. He explains why so many people get stuck in unfulfilling jobs or lifestyles, afraid to take risks, and what it takes to break free. “People think they’ll go after their dreams next year, but as they say in The Music Man, ‘too many tomorrows and all you have is a bunch of empty yesterdays,’” David says. That message hits home for anyone who has ever procrastinated on a dream.

David also shares insights from his book, Live an Extraordinary Life, including the six commitments to achieving success and significance. We talk about:

✔️ Discovering your true calling and listening to what inspires you

✔️ How to engage in your dreams even while working a full-time job

✔️ The fear barrier that keeps people stuck in the “comfort cave”

✔️ The difference between motivation and action—and why you need both

✔️ Why so many former athletes (and high-achievers) struggle with identity after their careers end

✔️ The power of faith and belief systems in shaping our future

One of the best moments of our chat? A full-circle story about Kurt Warner—yes, the Hall of Fame quarterback. Years after their Barnstormer days, David reconnected with Kurt, and their sons ended up helping each other in ways they never expected. It’s a testament to the long-lasting impact of relationships and mentorship.

If you’re feeling stuck, uninspired, or unsure of your next move, this episode is packed with real-world wisdom and actionable advice to help you break free from limitations and start climbing new peaks in life.

Get David’s book & resources at TheExtraordinaryLife.com

In this episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, we sit down with the incomparable Jason Walsmith—singer-songwriter, storyteller, and a founding member of The Nadas. With three decades in the Iowa music scene, Jason shares his journey navigating the ever-changing landscape of independent music, from his early days as a young folk-rock musician to finding new ways to make a living through his art.

We dive deep into the realities of being a working musician, sparked by a breakfast conversation Jason had with fellow artist Chip Albright. What does it take to make a sustainable career in music today? Jason offers a brutally honest perspective—highlighting the struggles, the shifting industry, and the financial realities—but ultimately encourages musicians to chase their passion, despite the challenges.

Jason also reflects on his own path, from high school choir to writing songs in college, and how he and his bandmates built The Nadas’ loyal following. He discusses his transition to house concerts and the intimate, story-driven performances that have reinvigorated his love for music. From a pandemic-fueled I'll Play Anywhere Man tour to corporate sponsorships that allowed him to play without financial pressure, Jason’s journey is a testament to resilience and creativity.

We also talk about his storytelling approach—how engaging with audiences makes performances more meaningful—and why young musicians should always say “yes” to opportunities. Plus, we explore whether the Des Moines music scene is experiencing a new wave of creativity and community engagement.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about passion, persistence, and the future of independent music with one of Iowa’s most beloved musicians. Whether you're an aspiring artist or just love a great story, this episode will leave you reflecting on the power of music and storytelling.

Listen now and catch a ride on Jason Walsmith’s musical journey!

Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, recently welcomed Joseph LeValley, a former journalist turned award-winning mystery/thriller author, for a fascinating conversation about his journey into fiction writing. LeValley, who spent seven years as a crime reporter, recounted how his first book idea came to him while covering a murder trial. Though the defendant was ultimately convicted, LeValley found himself daydreaming about the possibility of wrongful conviction—an idea that eventually led to his debut novel, Burying the Lede.

I remember the first time I spoke with Joe about his writing career. It was a surprise to many that he had become a novelist, considering his long tenure in journalism. He admitted that he hadn’t planned on it either. After covering multiple high-profile murder trials, an idea for a novel took root in his mind. However, life took him in a different direction, and for 25 years, his partially written manuscript sat in a drawer. It wasn’t until retirement that he felt the urge to complete what he had started, motivated by an exciting plot twist idea, some friendly workplace teasing, and a personal commitment to write every day until it was finished.

Joe’s discipline in completing Burying the Lede paid off. The book was published by Iowa-based Book Press Publishing and received prestigious awards, including the Canadian Book Excellence Award. He never expected such recognition, and neither did his wife, as he humorously noted. But once the book gained traction, Joe began to wonder: Could he do it again?

His second novel, Cry from an Unknown Grave, took on the harrowing issue of human trafficking. When the topic first caught his attention, he knew very little about it. But as he delved into research, he uncovered shocking truths that turned the subject into a gripping novel. Rather than attempt to solve the global issue within one story, he focused on Tony Harrington—his protagonist—chasing down a specific ring of traffickers in an effort to rescue at-risk victims. The book not only entertained but also educated, earning praise from critics who called it both compelling and important.

During the pandemic, Joe found himself with more time than ever to write. What once took decades now took months, and he soon had three more books completed. He laughingly recalled how Burying the Lede took 33 years, yet Cry from an Unknown Grave took only 33 days. That kind of improvement curve, he joked, is hard to sustain.

One of the most interesting parts of our conversation was how Joe’s journalism background shaped his writing. He credits his ability to write quickly and confidently to his years in the newsroom. But, as he admitted, transitioning to fiction had its challenges—especially writing dialogue. He read extensively and practiced to ensure his characters’ voices sounded authentic. However, as any writer knows, accuracy is just as important as creativity. He learned this firsthand when a reader pointed out that a specific car model mentioned in his first book didn’t actually exist that year. It was a minor detail, but as Joe explained, such errors can pull readers out of the story, making accuracy crucial in any genre.

As Joe’s Tony Harrington series grew, so did his curiosity about publishing at a larger scale. With seven books under his belt, he decided to experiment by writing So Glad She Killed Him, a forthcoming standalone mystery set in Iowa featuring a new detective, Jack Bennigan. Unlike his previous works, this book was written with the intention of pitching it to literary agents and New York publishers. While he’s received mixed responses—including some promising leads—Joe remains grounded, viewing this endeavor as an exciting side project rather than a make-or-break moment.

Of course, the question of Hollywood adaptations inevitably came up. Many readers have told Joe his books would make great movies or TV series, and I wholeheartedly agree. However, Joe doesn’t invest time in pursuing that route, recognizing how long and unpredictable the process can be. He shared an industry insight that, on average, a book-to-screen adaptation takes 12 years to develop. Instead of chasing that dream, he remains focused on writing great stories. If Hollywood comes knocking, so be it.

Before wrapping up, we talked about the evolving landscape of publishing. Joe acknowledged the rise of self-publishing and digital formats, noting that over 4 million books were published last year alone. This saturation makes standing out more challenging than ever. But the looming issue that concerns him the most is AI-generated fiction. He foresees a future where artificial intelligence can churn out novels indistinguishable from human-written ones, creating an ethical and market-based dilemma for authors.

Despite these challenges, Joe remains optimistic. His advice to aspiring writers? Focus on writing the best book you can. While technology and the industry may change, great storytelling will always have a place. That’s wisdom I couldn’t agree with more.

As I reflect on our conversation, I’m reminded of the power of persistence, creativity, and passion. Joe’s journey from journalist to novelist is proof that stories sometimes take years to develop, but when they finally come to life, they can leave an impact far beyond what we ever imagined. If you haven’t yet read his books, I highly encourage you to check them out—you won’t be disappointed.

Find his novels in your local bookstore, on Amazon - or at www.josephlevalley.com.