Episode 195: Chad Vandegriffe – From Backyard Soccer to the World Stage

Join us for an inspiring conversation with professional soccer player Chad Vandegriffe! Chad shares his journey from kicking a ball around as a kid to competing at the highest levels of the sport. He opens up about his early days in soccer, the nerves and excitement of trying out for pro teams, and what it’s like to win major awards and travel the world as an athlete.

Chad dives into the lessons he’s learned about the intricacies of the game, the stories behind his impressive jersey collection, and the realities of getting older as a player. Whether you’re a lifelong soccer fan or just love a good underdog story, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and inspiration.

In this episode:

• Chad’s introduction to soccer as a kid
• The challenges of pro team tryouts
• Winning awards and traveling the globe
• Learning the deeper strategies of the game
• Collecting jerseys and the stories behind them
• Navigating the ups and downs of a long career
• Advice for young athletes and more!

Listen now and get inspired by Chad’s passion, perseverance, and love for the beautiful game.

In this episode of Passion Pod, I sit down with Wisconsin’s former Lieutenant Governor, Mandela Barnes, for an inspiring and candid conversation.

Mandela shares his backstory and the pivotal moments that shaped his political journey, from growing up in Milwaukee to becoming the state’s first Black lieutenant governor. He opens up about his favorite memories campaigning alongside Barack Obama, Kamala Harris, and Governor Tony Evers, offering behind-the-scenes stories and insights you won’t hear anywhere else.

We also dive into what Mandela is working on now, his thoughts on term limits, and his vision for the future of Wisconsin and beyond. Whether you’re passionate about politics or just love a good story, this episode is packed with inspiration, wisdom, and a few laughs along the way.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you enjoyed this episode!

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Episode 193 – Benjamin Percy: Writing Legends, From Wolverine to Star Wars

This week, Chris sits down with Benjamin Percy—a powerhouse storyteller whose pen brings iconic characters to life. Ben writes the legendary Wolverine and Punisher comics for Marvel, crafts stories for Star Wars, and even dives into the world of Predator comics. He’s also the mind behind several acclaimed novels and the director of a chilling horror short film.

Tune in as Ben shares his creative process, what it’s like shaping the destinies of fan-favorite heroes, and how he balances writing for comics, novels, and film. Whether you’re a comic book superfan, a Star Wars enthusiast, or just love a good story, this episode is packed with inspiration, behind-the-scenes tales, and creative wisdom.

Don’t miss:

• How Ben approaches writing for legendary franchises
• His journey from novelist to comic book writer
• Stories from the set of his horror short film
• Advice for aspiring writers and storytellers

Hit play and get inspired by one of the most dynamic voices in modern storytelling!

Get to know Fullermoe, the creative force behind some of the most iconic streetwear merch in the game! In this episode, Chris Johnson sits down with Fuller to talk about his journey from up-and-coming designer to working with major stars like Lizzo, Childish Gambino, New Found Glory, Miley Cyrus, Wu Tang Clan, 21 Savage, Gucci Mane, Eminem, and more.

Fuller shares:

How he developed his one-of-a-kind streetwear style

The wild stories behind designing merch for music legends

What it’s really like collaborating with A-list artists

His creative process and inspiration

Tips for aspiring designers looking to break into the merch world

And so much more!

Whether you’re a streetwear enthusiast, music fan, or just love hearing creative journeys, this episode is packed with inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories you won’t want to miss.

Episode 191: Comrade Tripp

In this episode, Chris sits down with comedian Comrade Tripp for a candid and hilarious conversation about his journey into the world of comedy. Comrade shares how he got his start, his lifelong love for Pokémon, and how going viral online gave his career a major boost. They also dive into his pivotal role in growing the comedy scene in Minnesota and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

Whether you’re a comedy fan, a Pokémon enthusiast, or just love a good underdog story, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in this episode!

Tune in for laughs, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes stories from one of Minnesota’s rising comedy stars.

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Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and check out more episodes at passionpod.org!

#ComradeTripp #PassionPod #Comedy #MinnesotaComedy #Pokemon #GoingViral

🎨 Passion Pod Ep. 190: Brent Schoonover — The TRUTH about Drawing for Marvel! 🦸‍♂️

Join Chris Johnson for an exclusive interview with acclaimed comic book artist Brent Schoonover! In this episode, Brent pulls back the curtain on the comic book industry and shares his incredible journey from discovering comics as a kid to drawing for some of the biggest names in the business.

Tune in to hear Brent discuss:

His introduction to comics and early inspirations

Earning a college degree in comic book illustration

Drawing Toy Story comics and how that opened new doors

Breaking into DC and Marvel, and what it’s really like working for them

Creating his own comic book series, Devil’s Highway

Designing iconic cereal box art for Count Chocula

How comic book artists actually get paid (the real truth!)

Why the Incredible Hulk is his all-time favorite superhero

And so much more behind-the-scenes insight!

Whether you’re a comic book fan, aspiring artist, or just love a great creative story, you won’t want to miss this deep dive into the world of comics with Brent Schoonover.

🎬 Episode 189: Making Movies in the Midwest with Ramon Swift Sloan

In this inspiring episode of Passion Pod, host Chris Johnson sits down with Milwaukee-based independent film director Ramon Swift Sloan. Together, they dive into the unique challenges and rewarding triumphs of making movies in Wisconsin and the greater Midwest—far from the glitz of Hollywood.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Ramon Swift Sloan’s journey as an independent filmmaker in Milwaukee, WI
• The realities and opportunities of producing films in the Midwest
• Practical tips for aspiring filmmakers and creatives looking to break into the industry
• How community, resourcefulness, and passion fuel Ramon’s projects and success

Whether you’re a film buff, a creative, or just love stories about people pursuing their passions, this episode delivers real insights and inspiration from the heart of the Midwest film scene.

🔗 Discover more:

Listen and watch on all platforms: passionpod.org

👕 Shop exclusive merch: passionpod.org/merch

💡 Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/passionpod

📸 Instagram: @passionpod

🎥 TikTok: @passionpodofficial

#IndependentFilm #MidwestMovies #RamonSwiftSloan #WisconsinFilm #PassionPod #FilmmakerInterview #Podcast

What does it take to keep pushing the boundaries in snowboarding? In this episode, pro snowboarder Joe Sexton opens up about his journey from riding handrails to running Public Snowboards, his role as Competition Director for the Red Bull Heavy Metal snowboard contest series, and what goes into creating legendary events. Joe also shares his favorite snowboarding videos, the scariest trick he’s ever landed, and the stories that shaped his career.

BabyJake: “Cigarettes On Patios” — The Untold Story | Passion Pod

In this exclusive episode of Passion Pod, host Chris Johnson sits down with BabyJake, the genre-blending artist behind the viral hit “Cigarettes On Patios.” Discover the real story behind the song, the creative journey that led to its success, and what inspires BabyJake’s unique sound.

🎤 What you’ll hear in this episode:

The inspiration and meaning behind “Cigarettes On Patios”

BabyJake’s musical journey and rise to fame

Behind-the-scenes stories from writing and recording the hit

Insights into BabyJake’s creative process and influences

Advice for aspiring musicians and songwriters

Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering BabyJake, this episode is packed with exclusive stories, music industry insights, and creative inspiration.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring interviews with artists, musicians, and creators who are turning their passions into careers.

Listen to more episodes: https://passionpod.org

🎨 Lucas Beaufort: Skateboarding Has Taken Me All Over the World to Paint | Passion Pod Ep. 186

In this episode of Passion Pod, host Chris Johnson welcomes Lucas Beaufort—an internationally recognized artist, skateboarder, and muralist whose passion for skateboarding has inspired a creative journey across the globe. Lucas shares how skateboarding became the foundation for his art, leading him to paint murals in cities worldwide and collaborate with top skate brands.

🛹 What you’ll hear in this episode:

Lucas Beaufort’s journey from skateboarding to becoming a global artist

How skate culture continues to inspire his artwork and collaborations

Stories and lessons from painting murals around the world

The intersection of art, travel, and the skateboarding community

Advice for aspiring artists and skaters

Insights into Lucas’s creative process and philosophy

🌟 About Passion Pod:

Passion Pod features inspirational stories from unique guests who’ve built careers around what they love. Hosted by Chris Johnson, each episode delivers creative insights, motivational stories, and practical tips for dreamers, entrepreneurs, and artists.