Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast

In this episode of Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, Greg Edwards, President and CEO of Catch Des Moines, shared exciting developments for the city. This fall, Des Moines landed two major events that will significantly impact the local economy. The first is the TEAMS Conference, scheduled for 2031. This prestigious event brings together governing bodies of various sports, including Olympic teams and associations. Typically hosted in tier-one cities such as Anaheim, the conference coming to Des Moines is a major win, allowing national planners to experience the city’s venues and attractions firsthand.

Edwards credits the Catch Des Moines sports team for their persistence in securing this opportunity. It involved consistent communication and significant financial commitments, showcasing Des Moines as a growing sports hub. Additionally, the city's success in hosting events like the NCAA tournaments and the upcoming National Senior Games with 14,000 participants further highlights its capability as a sports destination.

Des Moines will also host the 2028 NCAA Division I basketball tournament for the fourth time, a testament to the collaborative efforts of Catch Des Moines, Drake University, and the Iowa Events Center. Their focus on creating memorable experiences for athletes and fans has paid off, with efforts ranging from greeting teams with personalized touches to engaging the local community.

The episode dives into the broader context of Des Moines' growth in sports infrastructure, including new complexes in West Des Moines and Grimes, and the potential for a new soccer stadium. These developments, Edwards notes, position the city as a dynamic location for both large and small events, boosting local businesses and driving economic growth through tourism. With this momentum, Des Moines is on track to remain a competitive player in attracting national events and conventions, making it an increasingly vibrant destination in the Midwest.

In this engaging interview on Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, Iowa country music artist Jason Brown reflects on his journey to becoming a successful musician, shaped by his roots in church music, family influences, and a relentless pursuit of his passion. Jason recalls how his grandmother discovered his talent when he was just four years old, singing hymns in church. She nurtured that talent, and by the time Jason was eight, she gifted him his first guitar, setting him on a lifelong path in music. Jason candidly shares the challenges he faced learning guitar, mentioning the physical pain that discouraged many beginners, but which he overcame with determination.

Brown recounts pivotal moments in his career, such as participating in talent shows in Pleasantville, Iowa, and being invited to perform at county fairs, which introduced him to performing in front of live audiences. Over time, he transitioned from performing in cover bands to leading his own, steadily building a fanbase across the Midwest.

A major turning point came when Jason moved to Nashville in 2014, where he experienced the evolving landscape of the music industry firsthand. He learned valuable lessons about perseverance, maintaining authenticity, the power of sobriety, and the importance of balancing family life with his career. He reflects on the changes in the industry, including the rise of social media and streaming platforms, and how these shifts have impacted traditional music careers.

Looking ahead, Jason expresses his commitment to staying relevant and creating new music while focusing on what truly matters—his family, faith, and connecting with his audience. His journey serves as an inspiring reminder that success is not just about talent, but about resilience, humility, and staying true to one's roots.

On Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, Ben Gislason, play-by-play announcer and Director of Broadcasting and Team Services for the Iowa Wild hockey team, shares the intricacies of his role. Gislason delves into the origins of his hockey journey, and talks about his Minnesota high school, junior hockey, and college hockey years. The discussion shifts to his journey in sports broadcasting, a dream nurtured from childhood as he called mock hockey games with friends. He details the complexity of his dual role at the Iowa Wild, balancing the logistics of team travel with his passion for calling hockey games across various platforms. He explains the unique demands of hockey play-by-play, which he considers more fluid than other sports like baseball or football, which have more pauses between actions. His preparation is meticulous, including creating opponent charts filled with stats and anecdotes to give listeners a deeper connection to the players.

Ben also reflects on the challenges of explaining hockey to newcomers, emphasizing the importance of helping fans understand the nuances of the sport, like offsides and penalties, making his broadcasts accessible to all audiences. He highlights the importance of his background in team services, allowing him to build personal connections with players that enrich his commentary. The conversation concludes with Ben’s long-term goal of calling NHL games, with his sights set on a future in the big leagues while remaining passionate about elevating the game for Iowa Wild fans.

In this episode of Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, Willie Farrell, an Iowa-born comedian, reminisces about his 40-year career in comedy. Willie recounts his start at Spaghetti Works in Des Moines, where his talent quickly garnered attention, even earning comparisons to Freddie Prinze and Tony Danza. Encouraged by his mentor, former KCCI-TV personality, John Pascuzzi, Willie moved to Los Angeles in the early 1980s, where he performed at the Comedy Store and The Improv. However, homesickness and family issues brought him back to Iowa after a year.

Willie reflects on the dynamic comedy scene in Des Moines during the 1980s, with Spaghetti Works becoming a hub for performers. Despite offers to establish a comedy residency in Las Vegas, he chose to remain in Iowa to focus on his family. His local success has seen him perform across major American cities, making a name for himself with his crowd work—a signature style in which he thrives.

Farrell’s stories are punctuated by humorous anecdotes, including encounters with O.J. Simpson, Jessica Simpson, and Lynn Swann. He candidly recounts stories of his family ties to organized crime figures, sharing how his father and uncles were connected to the Chicago mob in the mid-20th century.

Throughout the conversation, Willie emphasizes his love for performing, detailing how he organically writes material and credits his ability to engage audiences in a unique, interactive style. Now performing in both Iowa and Vegas, Willie remains a celebrated Iowa figure in comedy, known for his wit, quick crowd work, and his enduring love for the stage, and dedication to his family and community.

In this captivating episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, Maxwell interviews Robert Warren, the dynamic CEO of Hoyt Sherman Place, about the historic venue’s remarkable success and transformation. Warren reflects on a record-breaking fiscal year, with Hoyt Sherman Place hosting over 100 headline events and bringing in $6 million in ticket sales—more than double what it was when he first arrived in 2015. Warren shares his philosophy on curating the right mix of artists, from musicians and comedians to podcasts and free public events, that have helped Hoyt Sherman thrive and stay relevant in an ever-evolving entertainment landscape.

Listeners will get a behind-the-scenes look at how Warren’s leadership has driven both artistic excellence and financial sustainability. He discusses the venue’s new incentive program that rewards employees for their hard work during busy show weeks, fostering a passionate team dedicated to keeping the historic venue vibrant. Warren also highlights the restoration efforts that have enhanced the space, including backstage improvements that have made Hoyt Sherman more attractive to major touring artists.

Maxwell and Warren dive deep into the venue’s rich history, from its origins in 1923 as a vaudeville-era auditorium to its near-demolition before the formation of the Hoyt Sherman Place Foundation, which saved and revitalized the venue. The conversation also touches on Hoyt Sherman's unique acoustics, which have been praised by legendary artists like Peter Frampton and Ricky Skaggs, and the role of community support in the venue’s continued success.

Whether you’re a fan of the arts, history, or just enjoy hearing about how passion and leadership can transform a cultural institution, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the vibrant world of Hoyt Sherman Place and the people who make it thrive.

In this episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, host Maxwell sits down with Grant Gillon, the 2023 winner of MasterChef, to discuss his journey from a small-town dad in Altoona, Iowa, to national fame as a self-taught culinary star. Grant opens up about what it was like transitioning from being a home cook to navigating the intense spotlight of a hit TV show. He reflects on the months of secrecy after his MasterChef victory, dealing with the sudden influx of attention and the unique pressures that came with turning his name into a brand.

Grant shares how his love for cooking, rooted in home and family, continues to shape his professional path. Despite offers from restaurants and culinary ventures, he made the bold decision to strike out on his own, building a career as a private chef and offering personalized dining experiences. He also discusses the lessons he learned while briefly working in a Des Moines area restaurant, gaining hands-on knowledge of the inner workings of professional kitchens.

In this candid interview, Grant talks about the challenges of balancing fame, family, and passion, all while staying grounded in his Iowa roots. He emphasizes his commitment to remaining in Iowa, where he can raise his family and contribute to the state's growing culinary scene.

Listeners will also get a glimpse of Grant's future plans, his heartwarming cooking sessions with his young son, and the joy he finds in sharing his culinary knowledge with others. Whether you're a fan of cooking shows or simply curious about how one Iowan has turned his dream into a reality, this episode offers an inspiring and down-to-earth conversation with a true Iowa talent.

In this episode of Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast "Weekend Pour," Maxwell sits down with two key players in the Greater Des Moines' home-building scene: Dan Knoup, Executive Officer of the Home Builders Association of Greater Des Moines, and Kirk Mickelson, owner of KRM Custom Homes. Recorded on-site at KRM's stunning home in this year’s HomeShowExpo 2024, the trio dives into the ins and outs of the custom home-building industry, the current real estate market, and the evolution of Des Moines’ residential landscape.

The conversation begins with an inside look at the HomeShowExpo2024, held in the scenic Shadow Creek West neighborhood in Clive, where both Dan and Kirk explain the year-long planning process that goes into showcasing Des Moines’ finest homes. Kirk discusses the design philosophy behind the beautiful home they’re sitting in, which he built to prioritize both family living and large-scale entertaining. With features like a spacious kitchen, a panoramic view, and smart home technology, the home stands as a testament to the craftsmanship KRM Custom Homes is known for.

Dan and Kirk also touch on the challenges builders face in today’s housing market, including rising costs, labor shortages, and regulatory hurdles. They discuss how these issues impact both builders and potential homeowners, especially those looking to break into the market. The episode also explores the HomeShowExpo 2024 as an "idea factory," where attendees can gather inspiration for their own homes, whether they're building new or planning a remodel.

From the future of the Des Moines housing market to advice for aspiring builders, this episode offers a comprehensive look at what goes on behind the scenes in the home-building industry, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in real estate, construction, or design.

In this episode of Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, Maxwell interviews singer-songwriter Patricia Holly, whose musical journey to success began by simply having fun on TikTok. Initially, she gained followers by making satirical videos of the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard trial. Her humorous take on the courtroom antics struck a chord, and she quickly built a following.

What sets Patricia apart is her authenticity. She emphasizes how she started creating content because she enjoyed it, not because she had a grand plan to go viral. This passion for creativity—whether through acting, filmmaking, or music—has shaped her career. Patricia discusses how she had previously ventured into filmmaking, writing, producing, and starring in a film called Sucks to Suck, a satirical take on a vampire struggling at the job of being a vampire. Though it didn’t gain widespread attention, the experience taught her about the balance between passion projects and commercial appeal.

Patricia discovered that consistency and doing what you love are key to finding an audience, especially on platforms like TikTok. Once she gained traction, she shifted her focus to singing and songwriting, a passion that had always been part of her creative identity. She even gained representation from a TikTok agency, which helped her participate in viral singing competitions.

Patricia shares the humbling experience of independently releasing her EP's and receiving support from her followers. She reflects on the importance of hard work, not just viral success. With her unique voice and dedication, Patricia continues to grow her career, all while staying true to her roots in Iowa.

This insightful interview showcases Patricia’s blend of creativity, perseverance, and authenticity, serving as a guide - and inspiration - for artists navigating today’s digital landscape.

In this emotional episode of Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, Maxwell interviews MaryBeth Meyer, who shares the powerful story of her son James’s battle with cancer. James, now a healthy second-grader, was diagnosed with bilateral Wilms tumor, a rare kidney cancer, when he was just 15 months old. MaryBeth recounts the initial shock of the diagnosis and the overwhelming fear and uncertainty that followed. Despite the challenges, she emphasizes how their family chose to see the beauty in their community's support rather than asking, "Why us?" She describes the kindness of their pastor, who drove from Minnesota to pray outside their hospital room, and the many friends and family who offered assistance.

MaryBeth also discusses the financial struggles that come with a childhood cancer diagnosis, including the unexpected costs of medical bills, travel, and everyday expenses. She highlights the significant role that the Pinky Swear Foundation played in their lives by providing financial support, allowing them to focus on James's recovery without the burden of financial stress. MaryBeth shares the story of Mitch, a young cancer patient who inspired the creation of the foundation after he used his own savings to help other families in need.

Through this conversation, listeners gain a deep understanding of the emotional and practical challenges faced by families dealing with childhood cancer. MaryBeth's story is a testament to resilience, community, and the impact of organizations like Pinky Swear, which continue to provide crucial support to families in their darkest hours. She offers hope and inspiration to other families facing similar struggles - emphasizing the importance of giving and receiving help during difficult times.

In this episode of the Iowa CoffeeCast, Maxwell sits down with Iowan, Andy Elliott, SVP of Country Promotion with Red Street Records, who made a significant career shift to pursue a passion for promoting country music. Andy shares the story of his journey from behind the microphone, as a popular Iowa radio host and program director, to finding his way to Nashville as a record promoter with several major labels for artists like Carrie Underwood, Garth Brooks, Neon Union, Ryan Larkins, among others. He discusses the challenges and rewards of that transition, including the process behind lifting the voices and careers of some of the most creative singer-songwriters in the country music industry.

Andy reflects on the impact of his years in radio, including his connection to Maxwell in the early years of his radio aspirations. Maxwell and Andy also delve into the broader landscape of Iowa's music scene, highlighting the opportunities and hurdles for local musicians. Andy’s story is not just about a career change but about following one’s passion and staying true to oneself, a theme that resonates throughout the conversation.

Throughout the episode, Andy’s down-to-earth nature and love for his craft shine through, making this a must-listen for fans of country music and anyone interested in the stories behind the music and how to make a career in Nashville.