SpearHead Conversations Podcast

In this heartfelt Episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado welcomes Milwaukee’s own Will Sanchez. a master barber, entrepreneur, and community builder whose story embodies perseverance, purpose, and family. From cutting hair in his basement to owning a thriving 9000-square-foot barbershop, Will’s journey stands as a powerful testament to resilience and vision.

What began as a creative necessity soon transformed into a calling. Guided by family and local mentors who recognized his potential, Will turned his passion into Legends, a barbershop built on connection, culture, and confidence. Every client who walks through its doors leaves not just looking sharp, but feeling valued and inspired.

Adversity tested his resolve when a devastating fire nearly ended everything he built. But through faith, family, and especially the support of his parents, family, and peers, Will turned loss into motivation. Those trials taught him patience, persistence, and leadership, qualities that continue to define his path today.

Now, Will’s impact reaches far beyond the barber’s chair. He mentors aspiring barbers, promotes financial literacy, and advocates for homeownership, empowering others to create generational wealth and build legacies of their own. His story reminds us that true success isn’t measured by what you achieve, but by how many lives you elevate along the way.

Join host Xavier Mercado for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation with Darlene Piszczek, a visionary businesswoman, community organizer, and lifelong advocate for affordable and supportive housing. In this episode, Darlene opens up about her Milwaukee roots, the early family and foster care experiences that shaped her calling, and the personal journey that fueled her passion for uplifting the underserved.

Together, Xavier and Darlene reflect on her decades-long career dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals facing chronic homelessness and mental illness, work that has transformed lives from South Milwaukee to communities across the nation. Darlene speaks candidly about overcoming systemic barriers, embracing emotional intelligence, and taking the bold step of launching her own company, Rally Services llc, with a mission to make work joyful and life meaningful.

She also shares her role in South Milwaukee’s revitalization, championing public art, inclusive spaces, and community engagement to infuse new vibrancy into the city’s downtown. Listeners will gain insight into her vision for spreading hope through creativity, collaboration, and compassion, along with the timeless lessons she’s learned about leadership, purpose, and leaving a lasting impact.

In this episode, host Xavier Mercado welcomes Maia Puleo, owner of Infinite Gymnastics, which operates locations in Brown Deer and Mequon. Maia reflects on her upbringing and how being raised Buddhist while attending Catholic school shaped her individuality and confidence to stand out. That early awareness of identity became a guiding force throughout her journey.

Maia’s love for gymnastics began at just six years old, evolving from flipping around the house to competing and later coaching. Her dedication and vision eventually led her to purchase Infinite Gymnastics in March 2020, just two days before the COVID-19 shutdown. Despite the uncertainty, Maia’s resilience and creativity allowed her to adapt, lead her team, and continue growing her dream.

Through perseverance and authenticity, Maia turned obstacles into opportunities. She shares how she overcame self-doubt, learned to embrace femininity in leadership, and built a thriving community that values effort and joy over toxic competiviness. Her hard work paid off with the opening of a second Infinite Gymnastics location in 2024.

Maia’s story is one of courage, belief, and purpose. In this inspiring conversation, she reminds listeners that the possibilities for every child, and every dream, are truly infinite.

In this engaging episode, Squire Robinson joins host Xavier Mercado for a captivating conversation that sheds light on the experiences shaping his multifaceted journey. Squire reflects on his beginnings and the determination it took to push past barriers, sharing how his passion for visual art blossomed into a career as an accomplished painter. Through painting, he discovered an expressive outlet that not only allowed him to process life’s challenges but also to celebrate its victories.

Beyond his artistry, Squire opens up about his work as a professional model, offering candid insights into navigating the fast-paced world of fashion while remaining true to his values and individuality. Balancing both paths, he speaks to the lessons and opportunities that arise at the intersection of creativity and professionalism, revealing how each pursuit enriches the other.

Throughout the episode, Squire’s resilience, authenticity, and openness shine through. His candid reflections create an inspiring and thought-provoking dialogue, leaving listeners with valuable takeaways on defining success, embracing challenges, and pursuing passions with purpose.

In this electrifying episode, DJ Breezy, known offstage as Christian Alexander Reyes unleashes the powerful story behind his rise in music. From his earliest days, what began as a love for sound quickly transformed into an unstoppable calling. Fueled by passion, Breezy invested countless hours honing his craft, turning obstacles into fuel, and transforming challenges into stepping stones. What started with spinning tracks at small local gatherings soon snowballed into a journey that carried him onto bigger stages, brighter spotlights, and well-earned recognition.

Breezy breaks down the pivotal moments that defined his career, the setbacks that tested his resolve, the evolution of his bold signature sound, and the milestones that gave him clarity of purpose. He highlights the invaluable role of community and mentorship in navigating an ever-changing industry, emphasizing the power of authenticity, adaptability, and staying true to yourself even when the odds are stacked against you.

DJ Breezy’s story is more than music, it’s a masterclass in perseverance, vision, and courage. Every beat echoes a lesson, every triumph carries wisdom, and every challenge fuels inspiration. Listeners will walk away energized, with a new appreciation for the grind behind the glory, and a spark to chase their own creative dreams with fearless determination.

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado reconnects with the dynamic DJ Sushi Lor for an inspiring and high-energy catch-up two years in the making.

Since their last conversation, Sushi has been making waves nationwide, lighting up festival stages, deepening her community connections, and evolving as both an artist and cultural leader. She opens up about her whirlwind travels, bucket-list milestones, and unforgettable encounters with fans.

The conversation dives into the evolution of the DJ industry, the influence of technology and AI, and the importance of representation as a DJ. Sushi shares the personal side of her journey to, the grounding role of family, especially the joy of bringing her mom along for the ride, and her exciting leap into music production and original tracks.

Filled with laughter, real stories, and practical advice for aspiring DJs, this episode celebrates growth, resilience, and the unifying power of music. Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation and the chance to experience DJ Sushi Lor beyond the turntables.

In this inspiring episode of Spearhead Conversations, we sit down with Stacy Taylor, founder of Women Passionately Pursuing Christ (WPPC). From her Milwaukee roots to a career in oncology nursing shaped by caring for her father, Stacy’s journey is both heartfelt and motivating. Her faith became her anchor through life’s challenges, ultimately inspiring her to take a leap of faith, leaving nursing behind to launch WPPC full-time.

Now active locally, nationally, and internationally in places like Kenya and West Africa, WPPC continues to grow as a ministry helping women and men connect with God’s Word in meaningful, life-changing ways. Stacy shares candidly about the obstacles she faced, taking a leap of faith  to doubt from those closest to her, and how her unwavering faith and mentorship kept her moving forward.

Her story is a powerful reminder of resilience, leadership, and the impact of saying “yes” to a higher calling.

Join us by tuning in! Listen on your favorite podcast platform via SpearheadMke.com. Click one of the podcast icons at the top of the home page or navigate to ‘Audio Podcasts’ in the menu.

On this episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado welcomes Milwaukee’s rising vocal powerhouse, Akira. Born in West Allis, she relocated to New York and Massachusetts before returning home to Milwaukee, shaping a story defined by resilience, growth, and an unwavering passion for the arts.

Akira’s creative journey began with ballet, gymnastics, and even coding camps before she discovered her true calling in music. Influenced by Disney musicals and powerhouse vocalists like Adele, her love for singing flourished at Milwaukee High School of the Arts. Though she initially faced challenges in music theory during college, her determination and talent led her to pursue a degree in Versatile Vocal Performance at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Her single Nobody Else is a dreamy, intimate love song that highlights both her artistry and emotional depth. With this release, Akira establishes herself as a force to be reckoned with, fierce even in her moments of vulnerability.

Now preparing to release her debut album On a Decline, Akira shares valuable insights on self-care, creative discipline, and trusting your own path. She leaves listeners with an inspiring message: don’t wait for the “perfect” moment, embrace your voice, pursue your passion, and create boldly.

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado sits down with rising boxing star Joey Borrero, better known in the ring as “El Hijo de Dios.” Joey’s story is rooted in resilience, faith, and a relentless drive to succeed. Born in Las Vegas and raised in Puerto Rico by his grandparents, he shares how his upbringing shaped both his character and his dream to pursue boxing at the highest level.

Joey reflects on his early struggles in school, the moment his grandfather first brought him to the gym, and the lasting influence of his uncle, Hall of Famer Felix “Tito” Trinidad. From training barefoot in Puerto Rico to capturing the ABF title, his journey highlights the sacrifices, discipline, and perseverance required to climb through the ranks of professional boxing.

Throughout the conversation, Joey speaks candidly about triumphs and setbacks, including the lessons learned from his first professional loss and the pressure of carrying a legendary boxing name. His honesty reveals the balance between athletic ambition and personal growth, as well as the mental toughness needed to stay focused in and out of the ring.

Beyond the sport, Joey emphasizes his role as a father and mentor, striving to inspire both his children and young dreamers in the Puerto Rican community and beyond. This powerful and heartfelt conversation offers an inside look at what it means to chase your passion, overcome adversity, and define success on your own terms.

In this episode, artist Deena Rae Del La Garza joins host Xavier Mercado to share her creative journey, the evolution of her voice, and the importance of community. Originally from Elk Grove, Illinois, Deena recalls how art eclipsed all other childhood interests. Although she studied at the Pacific Northwest College of Art, her path included detours through massage therapy, yoga, and creative gigs that shaped her resilience and expression.

Her breakthrough came after returning to Illinois from L.A. in 2018, when working at Blick reignited her passion for painting. Known for nostalgic still lifes that blend humor and emotion, her work gained traction in Milwaukee, earning her a spot in VAR Gallery’s 30x30 show and a residency at 100% MKE. Pieces like her “Thank You For Nothing” bag reflect personal stories and shared culture.

Deena opens up about battling self-doubt and the role mentorship played in her growth. Now rooted in Milwaukee’s art scene, she’s focused on creating meaningful connections, embracing vulnerability, and inspiring others to explore their creativity without fear.