Episode 09: Ava McNaughton

Growing up in a non-hockey family in Pennsylvania, Ava McNaughton found her way to the game and eventually all the way to Olympic gold. We talk with the Wisconsin Badgers goaltender about her unlikely hockey journey, winning two NCAA championships, representing Team USA, and where she stores her gold medal.

Featured nonprofit:

Presented by Big Dreamers United

Episode 08: Kitty Dunn

Kitty Dunn spent 33 years on the air at 105.5 Triple M radio in Madison, WI, including five and a half years sharing the airwaves with our own John Urban. We catch up with Kitty to talk about her long run in radio, what it was like working with John, her recent retirement, and her thoughts on the current state of radio.

Featured nonprofit:

Presented by Big Dreamers United

Episode 07: Jim Berkenstadt

On this episode of The One Off Podcast, we sit down with renowned music historian and "Rock and Roll Detective" Jim Berkenstadt. From working with The Beatles on various projects to uncovering some of rock's greatest mysteries, Jim shares incredible stories from his books, The Beatle Who Vanished and Mysteries in the Music: Case Closed.

It's a fascinating conversation filled with Beatles history, rock and roll lore, and the strange, wonderful true stories that make music history so unforgettable.

Learn more about the Rock And Rock Detective's Mysteries in the Music: Case Closed, The Beatle Who Vanished, and his other fantastic books at:

Featured nonprofit:

Presented by Big Dreamers United

Episode 06: SPIN OFF - Helmet Up! Recap & a new Music Video!

In this Spin Off episode, John and Erik look back on the month-long Helmet Up! fundraiser and announce the final total raised to help put helmets on heads. They also preview The Mascot Theory's upcoming music video for "Still Here," sharing the story behind the song and some behind-the-scenes details about the video before its release.

Heartfelt thanks to the fine folks at Culver's for being the presenting sponsor for Helmet Up!

Check out Wheels For Winners: https://wheelsforwinners.org/

The Mascot Theory's new 'Still Here' music video drops on June 10, 2026 at https://themascottheory.com/ 

Presented by Big Dreamers United

Episode 05:  Helmet Up!

In 2021, One Off cohost John Urban took a nasty fall off his bike. Not wearing a helmet, he suffered a serious head injury, knocked unconscious and bleeding on the path.

Along came Nick. A passerby on his own bike, Nick stopped, called 911, and most likely saved John’s life.

On Episode 5 of The One Off Podcast, John meets Nick for the very first time. Together, they revisit that day and everything that followed. We’re also joined by Kim, a Nurse Practitioner from UnityPoint Health - Meriter Hospital, who shares why protecting your head isn’t optional — it’s essential whenever you’re riding a bike, scooter, or skateboard.

Determined to turn a hard lesson into something positive, John and cohost Erik created Helmet Up!—a month-long fundraiser dedicated to providing helmets for kids and families who may not otherwise be able to afford them.

All donations made throughout May will go directly toward purchasing helmets, which will be distributed through two incredible nonprofits: Wheels for Winners and the Goodman Community Center.

If you’d like to contribute, smash the big blue donate button on https://theoneoffpodcast.com/ . Wanna send a big ol' check?? Reach out to us at [email protected] and we’ll help make it happen. At the end of May, we’ll share how many helmets your generosity helped provide.

Along with all the serious stuff, we also get to know Nick a bit better, talk some Milli Vanilli, and celebrate the exciting news that Spring Green, WI, now has a brand-new Kwik Trip  (store no. 1915!).  

Thanks for listening, for supporting, and for helping make a difference. And remember to always Helmet Up!!

• Donations are 100% tax-deductible. We’re grateful to our 501(c)(3) partner, Big Dreamers United, for managing the donation process.

Helmet Up! is presented by Culver's.

Nick Vitale's Polishing Turds podcast - https://www.youtube.com/@polishing_turds

Episode 04: SPIN OFF - Intro Song Challenge & Helmet Up!

In this first Spin Off episode, Erik answers John's Episode 03 challenge to create a full song out of the podcast's intro music. Listen to “AM Static” unveiled in its entirety for the first time. They also tease episode 05 of the One Off, dropping May 5th 2026. It's Helmet Up, a month-long fundraiser to purchase bike helmets for families that might not be able to afford them.

Check out Erik's band, The Mascot Theory, to hear more of his songs: https://themascottheory.com/ 

Presented by Big Dreamers United

Episode 03: John McDermott

A lifetime of doing what you love, blank pages filling up with words, and the overwhelming joy when, finally, the call comes from a large publishing house: “Hi, John. We’d like to publish your novel.” On this episode, author John McDermott reflects on the inner drive that kept him writing for decades, withstanding rejection when it would have been easier to quit, and publishing his first novel at the youthful age of 60.

Featured nonprofit:

The Last Spirits of Manhattan novel is available wherever you buy books, and might we recommend:

Presented by Big Dreamers United

Episode 02: Chris Vos

A Wisconsin kid with a guitar, a restless spirit, and a sound rooted in blues and grit — Chris Vos turned a leap of faith into a Grammy-nominated band. In this episode, he opens up about trusting instinct over industry formulas, the grind behind the glow of success, and why the Midwest imprint never really leaves you — no matter how far the tour bus rolls.

Featured nonprofit:

Give It Back To You deluxe expanded reissue album out now: https://therecordcompany.net/

Presented by Big Dreamers United

Episode 01: Dr. Richard Davidson

We sit down with world-renowned neuroscientist Richard J. Davidson to talk about why meditation doesn’t have to be complicated to make a real difference — and why flourishing isn’t some far-off idea, but something we’re all capable of, right where we are.

Featured nonprofits:

Tergar — transforming hearts and minds by making the ancient wisdom of meditation accessible to the modern world.

Born To Flourish book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Born-to-Flourish/Richard-J-Davidson/9781668066232

Presented by Big Dreamers United

Episode 00: The intro. 

(This thing only happens once, unless it accidentally happens again)