Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast

In this episode of the Iowa CoffeeCast, Maxwell sits down with actor and magician, Patrick Albanese, known for his role in the long-running show "Triple Espresso," in which he has performed over 3,800 times. The comedy is remembered, historically, as Iowa's longest-running professional show at Des Moines Performing Arts' Temple Theatre. The conversation begins with Patrick sharing the remarkable experience of returning to the stage after a four-and-a-half-year hiatus. Despite the time away and script changes, he seamlessly stepped back into the role.

The discussion then shifts to the adaptation of "Triple Espresso" into a 90-minute, no-intermission format, tailored for smaller theaters and a modern audience that appreciates a more streamlined experience. Patrick reflects on the challenges of cutting beloved comedic material to fit the new format but acknowledges the benefits of a tighter, more focused show.

Maxwell and Patrick explore the origins of his journey into the performing arts, tracing it back to his childhood fascination with magic—a passion that provided a unique connection with his father. This early interest in magic eventually led him to the renowned Magic Castle in Los Angeles, where he honed his skills and made valuable industry connections. A chance encounter at the Magic Castle eventually led to his involvement with "Triple Espresso," marking the start of a significant chapter in his career.

The conversation also touches on the importance of seizing opportunities, even when they seem small or insignificant. Patrick shares insights on the value of persistence and the willingness to take risks, drawing on his own experiences of working for minimal pay and embracing unexpected paths that ultimately led to fulfilling and successful outcomes.

As the episode wraps up, there is hope and anticipation for a revival of "Triple Espresso" in Des Moines, potentially offering a new generation the chance to enjoy this beloved show, just as previous generations have.

In this episode of Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, Paul Despenas details his Grandfather's journey from Greece to Mason City in the 1920s, driven by the promise of jobs at a cement plant. Despite an injury that ended his grandfather's work there, the family thrived by diversifying into produce.

Paul's father, a Navy veteran, transitioned from jewelry sales to selling the novel product of aluminum siding in the early 1950s. Dissatisfied with the inconsistent quality of installations by his employers, he founded his own company to ensure complete control over the work, ensuring customer satisfaction and upholding his values of honor and truth, a concept rooted in the Greek term "philotimo."

The Despenas family maintained a strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit, simultaneously running restaurants and the exterior remodeling business called Midwest Construction. Paul's father instilled the importance of integrity and customer satisfaction in his children, principles that guided their approach to business. When the family's restaurant was displaced by a new mall in the 1980s, they shifted focus entirely to home improvement, adding products like replacement windows.

Paul emphasized the importance of treating employees like family, leading to low turnover and long-term staff retention. This family-oriented approach extended to their business practices, ensuring quality work and maintaining customer trust. This ethos of taking pride in their work and ensuring customer satisfaction has sustained their success for over 66 years.

Interestingly, Paul's life also intersects with the music industry through his connection with the Iowa-based, world famous metal band, Slipknot, where he applied his sales skills to merchandizing for the band around the globe. This experience highlights his adaptability and commitment to excellence in diverse fields. Despite these ventures, Paul's primary dedication remains to his family's home improvement business, continuing the legacy of hard work and integrity established by his forebears.

Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast features a heartwarming and insightful interview with Al Downey, a 96-year-old Playhouse legend. Al and his wife, Ruth, sat down over coffee with Maxwell and he shared his incredible life story, starting with his birth in 1928 in Ottumwa, Iowa, delivered by his midwife grandmother. He recounts his early years, moving between Chicago and Ottumwa, and the challenges he faced growing up, including his father's illness and death when Al was just ten.

Al's recollections paint a vivid picture of his childhood, marked by his brother's teasing and his family's struggles during the Great Depression. Despite these hardships, Al found solace in music and theater, beginning his love for jazz in Chicago, influenced by his aunts' connections to legendary musicians like Duke Ellington. He also talks about the significant impact of his piano teacher, Mr. Fry, who nurtured his musical talents.

Al's high school years in Ottumwa were marred by racial prejudice, with the drama club refusing to cast black students in significant roles. Nevertheless, Al persevered, working backstage and participating in theater productions despite the discrimination he faced. After high school, he moved to Chicago, where he worked in a suit factory before being drafted into the Army during the Korean War. In the Army, he served as a company clerk and dispatcher, demonstrating his adaptability and resilience.

Post-military life saw Al return to Chicago, working at the post office and facing personal challenges, including a failed marriage. Eventually, he moved to Des Moines, Iowa, where he became deeply involved in the local theater scene, particularly the Des Moines Playhouse. Al's dedication to theater over the decades, both on and off stage, earned him a legendary status in the community.

Al reflects on the significant changes in racial attitudes over the years, particularly in Des Moines, and shares humorous anecdotes from his time in the theater. His vibrant storytelling and positive outlook on life, despite the many adversities he has faced, make this interview a truly inspiring listen. Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast continues to highlight the rich tapestry of human experiences, showcasing individuals like Al Downey who have made significant contributions to their communities.

Welcome to Maxwell’s Iowa Coffee Cast! In this episode, Maxwell features Brooks Reynolds, co-founder of the Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival and operator of JR’s South Pork Ranch at the Iowa State Fair. Brooks shares his family’s deep-rooted history with the fair, dating back to the 1950s when his uncles sold radios and chickens. He describes his venture into selling lobster rolls at the fair, a bold move that paid off with high sales and popularity, thanks to sourcing from Get Maine Lobster.

Brooks recounts his lobster fishing trip to Maine with Chef Heith Sheeley to ensure quality and authenticity. They initially sold around 300 lobster rolls, increasing in subsequent years, showcasing the dish’s success despite initial skepticism. He also delves into the logistical challenges of preparing and storing food for the fair, managing to serve thousands of people daily.

The conversation touches on JR’s new fair food item, the Party Ball, and the complexities of running multiple bars and food stations. Brooks shares his experiences of running large-scale events, including the Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival’s expansion to places like Keystone, Colorado, and internationally to Iceland and Japan.

Maxwell and Brooks discuss the importance of community and collaboration among restaurateurs and concessionaires, emphasizing teamwork and support. Brooks attributes his drive and energy to his unique upbringing, with influences from his parents’ involvement in charity and travel.

In conclusion, Brooks reflects on his journey and the satisfaction of contributing to the Iowa State Fair, fostering a sense of family and teamwork among his staff.

AND don't miss Maxwell and friend, Amy Sweet as they co-host the brand new Iowa State Fair Podcast - available wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts!

In the latest episode of Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, Maxwell sits down with Keith Brown, a long-time Iowa resident and multi-talented musician. Keith shares fascinating stories from his extensive music career, including his early days performing with bands like The Shillings and The Pillars, and his experiences recording and engineering.

Keith recounts his first gig at 13, where his nervousness was palpable but ultimately led to a successful performance. He reminisces about the formative influence of The Beatles, his journey from learning guitar to forming his first band, and the excitement of playing at local pool parties.

One highlight of Keith’s career was his unexpected encounter with Brian Wilson from The Beach Boys. Brian, intrigued by the idea of recording on a farm, visited Keith's studio in Fort Dodge. The secrecy of Brian’s visit added an element of intrigue, and a memorable moment occurred when Brian spontaneously joined Keith's band for a gig, acting as their light technician.

Keith’s band, Locust, gained some recognition, and he shares the challenges and successes of recording their debut album. Despite the band's eventual dissolution, Keith’s passion for music continued as he moved into producing and recording for other artists. He worked with notable names like Greg Brown, Leon Redbone, and The Hawks, contributing significantly to their successes.

Keith also discusses his transition to managing his own recording studio, Crystal Sound, and the challenges of reopening after the 1993 flood. Despite setbacks, he maintained a thriving business, working with high-profile clients like Wells Fargo, Disney, and McDonald's.

Throughout the podcast, Keith’s humility and dedication to his craft are evident. He credits much of his success to the influence of Brian Wilson and the collaborative spirit of the Iowa music scene. The episode concludes with Maxwell praising Keith’s contributions to Iowa’s rich musical heritage and encouraging listeners to support the Iowa Rock and Roll Music Association.

In this episode of Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, Maxwell hosted Dr. Bryan Hall, a licensed Mental Health Counselor and Clinic Director at Ellie Mental Health in Clive, Iowa, for an in-depth conversation about contemporary anxiety issues among adults, particularly related to family and work. Dr. Hall highlighted that many of his clients' anxieties stem from past experiences, shaping their responses to current stressors. He identified a common theme of compounded stress from both home and workplace environments, which creates a "double whammy" effect, making it hard to separate and manage stress from each area.

Maxwell and Dr. Hall discussed how stress often spills over from work to home and vice versa, complicating efforts to alleviate it. They emphasized the importance of supportive relationships, yet acknowledged the risk of couples turning against each other under stress. Dr. Hall noted that some couples bond over shared complaints about work and family, but he warned against getting stuck in a cycle of negativity. While a bit of venting can be healthy, constant commiseration can reinforce a victim mentality, leading to an unhealthy dynamic.

The conversation also touched on social media's role in reinforcing negative behaviors, where groups form around shared complaints, potentially exacerbating feelings of victimization. Dr. Hall pointed out the importance of balancing commiseration with positive interactions and problem-solving to avoid deepening the negativity cycle.

Maxwell brought up the unique challenges faced by younger adults entering the workforce, particularly post-COVID. Dr. Hall observed that this generation might struggle with resilience due to a lack of social interaction during formative years and a cultural shift towards overprotection. He emphasized the importance of building resilience through real-world experiences and supportive relationships, noting that while many young adults show dedication and motivation, they often face heightened anxiety and imposter syndrome.

The episode concluded with a light-hearted discussion on the nature of psychological disorders and the concept of social mimicry. Dr. Hall affirmed the importance of authenticity in relationships and the workplace, stressing that trust and understanding are key to managing interpersonal stress. Overall, the episode offered valuable insights into managing anxiety and maintaining healthy relationships amidst life's stressors.

In this episode of Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, Maxwell meets with Scott Reister, an Iowa television sports journalist, at the Urbandale Public Library to discuss Scott's debut novel, Baseball Spy. This juvenile mystery novel, which is selling well on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, originated from Scott's childhood fantasy while playing baseball, where only a great hit or play will save the world! The conversation dives into how Scott’s children have been excited and supportive of his writing journey, witnessing firsthand the dedication it took to bring his story to life over six years.

Scott shares how the writing process involved reading to his kids at bedtime, writing late into the night, and continuously refining the story with the help of local librarians who provided crucial feedback. He describes the thrill of seeing his book materialize and the joy it brought to his family.

The novel, set in Washington, D.C., follows 14-year-old Zane Mitchell, who must uncover a cyber spy among his Little League teammates to prevent a devastating attack. Scott elaborates on the intricate plot and character development that went into the book, highlighting its appeal to young readers and baseball enthusiasts alike.

The discussion also touches on Scott's process for managing his time between his demanding job and writing, emphasizing the importance of consistent, small efforts inspired by the motivational book The Slight Edge. He credits his progress to meticulous planning and the support of his community and literary agent who helped secure a publishing deal with Young Dragons Press. Scott reveals plans for future books in the series, Football Spy and Basketball Spy, slated for release in the next two years.

Maxwell and Scott wrap up by discussing the evolving landscape of sports journalism and the challenges posed by social media. Scott's enthusiasm for storytelling, both on television and in his novels, shines through as he invites listeners to join his journey and support his work. The episode ends with a call to action for listeners to engage on social media and attend upcoming book signings.

This episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast features an engaging conversation with Aviana Gedler, a talented jazz vocalist from Des Moines. Aviana, known for her impressive jazz performances, shares her journey from growing up in Iowa to studying jazz vocal music in Boston. She discusses her early influences, including her brother and high school jazz choirs, which sparked her love for jazz. Her dedication to the genre led her to pursue vocal jazz performance at the New England Conservatory.

Aviana recently achieved second place in the 2024 Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition, a testament to her burgeoning talent. During the podcast, she describes her fascination with the complexity of jazz, her passion for ear training, and her progression from classical music to jazz. Aviana also highlights her musical versatility, playing multiple instruments such as piano, viola, and oboe, although she now focuses primarily on singing.

Maxwell and Aviana delve into the differences between classical music and jazz, emphasizing jazz's improvisational nature and its roots in African American musical traditions. Aviana expresses her admiration for contemporary jazz vocalists like Cyrille Aimée and Icelandic vocalist, Laufey, who have influenced her style. She also acknowledges the classic jazz legends like Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald.

Aviana shares her experiences teaching music, her gap year teaching at Central Iowa Music Lab, and assisting classes at Arrow Academy of Music. She discusses the supportive jazz community in Des Moines, which has provided her with numerous performance opportunities and a nurturing environment to grow as an artist.

Looking ahead, Aviana is focused on gaining more performing experience and possibly pursuing a graduate program that emphasizes ensemble playing. She finds joy in performing, improvising, and connecting with other musicians, which she believes is central to jazz.

Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast provides a platform for Aviana to share her story, musical journey, and aspirations. Listeners are encouraged to follow her career and look out for her performances, particularly in Des Moines and potentially in larger jazz scenes across the country.

Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, hosted by Maxwell Schaeffer, debuts with a candid conversation with his former radio morning partner, Amy Sweet. The duo previously hosted the popular Max and Amy morning show on WHO radio, only to be abruptly let go in early March of 2024. They were informed of their termination during a routine meeting, which turned out to be a scripted HR dismissal. Despite exceeding the ratings goals given to them months prior, positive listener feedback and support, and continuing successful advertiser relationships, they were provided no specific reason for the termination of their employment. In their conversation, they express their theories for why this happened. Maxwell and Amy recall the absurdity of their termination day and the perceived lack of foresight regarding how their dismissal would impact their co-workers, given their multiple roles and contributions. They expressed frustration with the new program director's vision, which clashed with their decades-long genuine, community-oriented broadcasting approach in the Des Moines market. The program director's insistence on fabricated opinions and provocative debate did not align with their longtime values or, as they perceive, the station's morning show heritage.

Reflecting on their forced departure, Maxwell and Amy discuss the impact on their personal lives. Both acknowledge relief from the stressful work environment before this change and the positive shift in their well-being since leaving the station. Maxwell mentions improvements in his health, while Amy appreciates the time spent with her family. They find solace in their faith and belief that good people find good opportunities. The conversation touches on the broader issue of the radio industry's struggles, with large companies facing financial difficulties and frequent layoffs. Despite their disappointment and the shock of their careers being interrupted, Maxwell and Amy remain hopeful and resilient, exploring new opportunities and cherishing the positive changes in their lives since their unexpected career shift.