The Chills Podcast

Jessica Freeburg turned childhood experiences seeing ghosts into a thriving author platform with nearly 20 years of writing experience and 14 published books exploring paranormal legends, ghost stories, and dark history. As co-host of Darkness Radio and a certified mindfulness coach, Jessica shares how she built her business by writing what she knows, embracing the creepy and unexplained stories most people avoid. In this episode, she reveals her strategy for producing 3–4 narrative nonfiction books per year with co-writer Natalie Fowler by transforming real newspaper reports of paranormal encounters into compelling short stories using Google Docs and color-coded spreadsheets. Jessica also discusses how she built an audience before her first book deal by starting a ghost hunting group of creative professionals, the haunted family heirloom that caused unexplainable activity in her home, and how her creative retreats blend mindfulness, art, writing, and ghost hunts to help people tap into their most human trait: creativity. If you've ever felt your weirdest experiences or deepest passions couldn't become a business, this episode proves that building a platform around what makes you different can lead to a fulfilling and profitable career.

Bill Gschwind lost a $2M equipment rental business in his 40s, then went to law school at 48. Now he runs Minnesota Construction Law Services, spending 50% of his day as a business consultant because he learned most legal problems are really communication failures. He shares "the gauntlet" every entrepreneur runs, why contractors build millions but keep pennies, and why entrepreneurship is the loneliest place in the world. His philosophy: "Keep them with inspiration after they come out of desperation." For contractors and entrepreneurs who need an advisor who's actually walked the walk. 

Running a business often means becoming an accidental HR expert, and for many founders, that’s where overwhelm sets in. In this episode, Nicki Leritz, founder of People Solutions Hub, shares how her 20+ years in corporate HR led her to fractional consulting, and why small businesses often outgrow their people systems faster than they realize. We discuss when to seek HR support, the warning signs founders shouldn’t ignore, and how people-first HR can reduce risk and support sustainable growth.

What if getting laid off four times was the best thing that ever happened to your career? In this episode, we talk with Kevin Remde, owner of CMIT Solutions West Metro, about career reinvention, entrepreneurship, and why cybersecurity is critical for small and midsize businesses. Kevin shares his journey from music student to Microsoft evangelist to business owner, and how each setback led to new opportunities, while breaking down cyber threats, cloud security, AI risks, and what it really takes to leave the corporate world and build something of your own.

This conversation explores the musical journey of Jon Stunn Magnuson, delving into his early influences, the rise of his band Avalanche, and the evolution of the local metal scene. The discussion also covers his experiences with various bands, including tribute acts, and reflections on a long career in music, highlighting the challenges and joys of being a musician.

Takeaways

·         The importance of early musical influences in shaping a career.

·         The local metal scene in St. Paul was vibrant and influential.

·         Avalanche played a significant role in the local music community.

·         Tribute bands have evolved significantly over the years.

·         Musicians often transition through various styles and bands throughout their careers.

·         The balance between personal life and music can be challenging.

·         Collaboration with friends in music can lead to unexpected opportunities.

·         The music industry has changed, impacting how bands operate today.

·         Passion for music often persists despite the challenges of aging.

·         Reflecting on a long career can provide valuable insights for future endeavors.

In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Munneke, VP of Fan Experience for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx and the only original employee still with the franchise since 1988. Jeff takes us behind the scenes of professional sports to share how unforgettable game-night experiences are built for 19,000+ fans, why sports is ultimately a people business, and the leadership lessons he’s learned over nearly four decades in the NBA.

In this episode, MOOV Rideshare CEO Murid Amini shares how he went from Starbucks barista and U of M engineering student to launching Minnesota’s first local rideshare alternative as Uber and Lyft threatened to leave. He breaks down raising $250K for permits, attracting 800 drivers in month one, and building the highest-paying, community-focused rideshare in the Twin Cities. A must-listen for anyone curious how a local startup takes on billion-dollar giants.

Minnesota storyteller and Star Tribune contributor Brandon Ferdig joins us to unpack the state’s growing cultural divides, from the new flag controversy to dropping education rankings, and why both sides are mirroring each other more than they admit. We explore his reporting on homeless encampments, the gray wolf debate, and what growing up in northern Minnesota taught him about identity and nuance. Brandon also shares his early Bitcoin journey, the cultural impact of blockchain, and his upcoming trip to D.C. to brief U.S. Senators. A conversation about unity, complexity, and why the middle ground matters now more than ever.

Diana Grundeen never planned on becoming a landscape designer, she just wanted to skip a boring science class. That detour turned into a 30-year career building pollinator-friendly yards and helping homeowners rethink how they want to live outside. In this episode, we dive into the art of residential landscape design, from her “speed-dating your yard” consultation process and the rise of the pollinator movement to why most patios are too small, how lawns-to-legumes programs work, and the emotional payoff of seeing a yard in a completely new way.

Deborah Everson, co-founder of Everson Retail, shares how she went from an IT project manager to running and transforming a family hardware store into a thriving boutique-style business. After selling it following 56 years in the family, she reflects on legacy, exit planning, and helping other entrepreneurs let go of their businesses without losing their purpose.