Overlord of Unconventional Cookies, Witney Nielsen joins me in studio to share her unconventional path of packing up her first car a 2001 Toyota Echo and heads to California. Upon returning home to North Dakota she narrowly avoids flying off a bridge. Witney opens up about the origins of the Cookie Haus a creative space filled with vintage Pyrex, clowns, and My First Car cookies. We discuss the return of the beloved Lil Cannoli mascot, hosting a quinceañera for a Lady named Mo, and the exciting announcement of Unconventional Cookies’ nationwide shipping launch.

and starting fires.

Have a memorable first car story or just want to reach out for more info? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at [email protected]

While in Minneapolis I sit down with bassist extraordinaire Noah Schafer a seasoned player with credits in bands like Toxic Shock Syndrome, Bonesaw, War On God, The Funeral And The Twilight, and many more. Noah and I trade chairs and reflect on our time playing music and touring together.  He shares memories of his first car, a 1990 Mazda MPV, and we exchange stories about life on the road including bike wrecks, icy 360s on the interstate, and navigating the punk scene as a vegetarian. Equal parts nostalgia, noise, and near-death experiences. 

This week on the show I'm joined by Justin Cancilliere, the radio host of ParaTruth: Reborn. Justin kicks things off by reminiscing about his first car a 1989 Toyota Corolla that met an untimely end in New Jersey. From there we discuss his journey into the world of podcasting including some of his personal paranormal experiences.  We also get into some intriguing discussions about cryptids, conspiracy theories, and the pros and cons A.I. Justin opens up about his time joining Dakota Media Access and bringing his expertise to the table. 

ParaTruth: Reborn

Have a memorable first car story or just want to reach out for more info? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at [email protected]

Musician and educator James McMahon finally comes by the studio to share some stories of his beloved 1986 Pontiac Parisienne Station Wagon, complete with classic wood paneling. James reflects on the formative years that shaped his musical journey with family road trips from Idaho to North Dakota and early days of his first band Speak Easy. He opens up about how music theory unlocked a whole new world of creativity and how growing up alongside three equally musical brothers didn’t breed competition but mutual inspiration. After making the move to Bismarck he found his calling in teaching and 22 years later he’s still at it bringing a heartfelt approach to music education. We also get a glimpse into his time with local BisMan favorite Fat Dad, collaborating with his brother in The McMahon Bros, and his new project The Peace Garden Collective. Whether he's coaching tennis, performing on stage, teaching the next gen, or being a proud grandpa, James continues to create and carve out a little time for clarity and self-reflection.

Have a memorable first car story or just want to reach out for more info? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at [email protected]

Singer songwriter Mike Swenson has a gift for music and a curse for vehicles. His first car begins with a 79 Chevy pickup careening downhill after failed brakes. Then his vehicle's luck gets worse from there with blown engines, spontaneous fires, and rabbits turning his car into a snack. We vent about the agony of backing up trailers, the unpredictable highs and lows of gig life, and trace Mike’s musical roots back to a home filled with music growing up. Mike just keeps rolling with a smile, grateful for every chance he gets to share his music no matter how many vehicles he has to bury along the way.

Have a memorable first car story or just want to reach out for more info? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at [email protected]

David Martel is a longtime friend and legendary musician who joins me in the studio for a ride through his life and career. We kick things off with a tale about his cool dorky '81 Chevy Chevette and dive deep into his roots of growing up as a farm kid in a small town where boredom was beat by pulling sleds with his car, blowing up G.I. Joes, and smashing guitars. A born entertainer, David always knew he wanted to make people laugh, think, and feel, and even got his start by making quirky home videos. David takes us through his musical evolution by sharing stories from his time with bands like Little Devious Me, Gypsy Foot, Anonymous Phenomenon, and Artificial AI's. Above all, David is driven by the desire to create something entirely his own, hoping his work will inspire others to break free and do the same.

Darren King's '85 (½) Mercury Lynx was a perfect first car for his upright bass to ride shotgun.  That Lynx caught air, caught fire, and even caused a bit of a stir at a retirement home. From a young age his dad immersed him in sports, literature, music, and culture, setting the stage for a lifelong artistic journey. After watching a documentary on R&B, funk, and soul, became enamored with the groove of the bass guitar. Darren shares stories of joining the Air Force, playing gigs across the globe, and inspiring the next gen as a music teacher.

Singer songwriter and word nerd Sonda Sauers joins me for some laidback conversation. How very trusting of her to leave the keys to her '92 Pontiac Grand Am on a soda machine for friends to borrow. So it's easy to see how she was so warmly welcomed into the music scene after moving back to Bismarck,ND. Sonda shares some of her story of journaling since a kid, being a community organizer,  and running a half-marathon. We chat about her creative alter ego, Mz Mondegreen, showing off her passion for words. Plus, we bond over our mutual love of camping and escaping humanity. 

Make them a bassline they can't refuse.

GreenBoots at Laughing Sun Brewing with Harsh Light Saturday June 7th. Www.facebook.com/GreenBootsInc/

The SwenTones www.Facebook.com/theswentones/

Have a memorable first car story or just want to reach out for more info? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at [email protected]

In this episode, I sit down for a cup of joe and a deep conversation with my uncle D.W. Groethe a true cowboy of the arts. A ranch hand by trade and a poet singer-songwriter by calling, D.W. shares stories from a life lived off the beaten path. He may have never technically owned a car, but his first ride was a 66 Dodge van fully outfitted with a fridge, cabinets, and a bed. As lifelong musician he eventually traded in the band life for the simplicity of a single acoustic guitar going solo with his songs and stories. He opens up about the joy and grit of being a traveling musician while never chasing fame but doing what he does best. From performing at the prestigious Kennedy Center to playing small town festivals and cozy small room shows, D.W.'s journey is a testament to the power of music and poetry of a well worn road.

https://www.loc.gov/item/2021687784/

Have a memorable first car story or just want to reach out for more info? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at [email protected]