As one of the owners of 4 By 4 Brewing Company, Derek Shimeall is a part of a new scene in the Springfield Missouri area, as the number of local breweries & taphouses begin to multiply in number. In this conversation Derek explains the company philosophies, how it all came to pass and how he was willing to allow me a venue for this very podcast based on similar outlooks on what we're trying to offer. If craft beer and local business is your jam, you're gonna wanna hear about how it all came to pass. Cheers!

Katie Mooneyham brings a perspective to our social media landscape that is oftentimes lacking as we delve into the mud-slinging personal attacks and staunch political stances. She's well informed, a voracious consumer of information and news and offers up critical thinking skills that guide her thought processes. Today we cover a wide range of topics, from murder podcasts to conservation to dating philosophies. I really enjoyed our time, and I think you'll enjoy this hour!

She's a small business owner, wife, mom and transplant from the Great Northwest. As the owner/operator of Trailer Perk Coffee, Amber Ottoson can often be seen toting her trailer to various events, Farmer's Market and all over town, creating some of the most delicious beverages you might have enjoyed. But like many of us, she faces the challenges of a modern-day marriage, striking that balance and effectively pursuing her passions. Enjoy a VERY insightful conversation!

For Episode #21 I though we'd mix it up accordingly: you turn 21 you buy a drink, so I headed to Copper Run Distillery in Walnut Shade and visited with Brandon Moore, who's not only the musician providing the soundtrack for my podcast, he's one of the distillers there. He asked if we could flip the script and interview me for a different take on the show, which felt odd, but was a fun way to spend an hour in the rickhouse over some whiskey, some live guitar pickin' and good times!

He's one of the most loyal, hard-working, devoted people I know. A small business owner, a family man in a BIG way and an all-around genuine individual. He's been through life in a way that might leave some salty, but contrary to that, he's a passionate, grateful, relentlessly authentic dude and just as real as anyone I've ever met. Take a listen to a gentle, strong man give you an honest look at his own journey; it'll inspire the hell out of you!

Ryan Mulcahy is yet another of the Renaissance Men of The Greater Springfield Area. He's called Bingo games, worked as a camp counselor and played drums barefoot in a band for 12 years. He and his wife Dacy now own & operate the very popular The Rogue Barber Company. With the smoothest voice around, he was willing to spend some time with me at 4 By 4 Brewing Company, where we wasted an afternoon laughing, telling stories and just enjoying a wandering conversation about all KINDS of things. Enjoy!

Jeff Weeks is a fellow firefighter, casual musician, father and husband, but he's also working on something much bigger than meets the eye. Although he owns Hot Fusion screen printing, he's thrown himself into a project he's called "Fight For It" where the shirts they're making are about raising awareness about causes that desperately need more attention. Tune into an fun conversation with an awesome friend!

If you listen to Q102 here in Springfield Missouri, you know the voice of Shadow. In today's conversation she brings her own brand of kick-ass confidence to 4 By 4 Brewing Co. to sit down over some delicious pints and we wander around a decade of friendship, how she got into radio, the proper pronunciation of "cilantro", busting each other's chops and just having a good time laughing at one another.

He's thoughtful, wicked smart and after a lifetime of interesting endeavors just wants it quiet while he concocts some of the best beer I've ever tasted. He's Chris Shaffer, THE brewer of 4 By 4 Brewing Co., which not only sponsors this podcast, but churns out some amazing brews. "The Growler" can usually be found in this giant laboratory whipping out a delicious blend of science and art, but I got to divert him for an hour. Enjoy a conversation with someone I've come to call a friend!

Michael Harris is a tour de force of love & compassion. She founded Grey Matters Fund (@GreyMattersSWMO) after enduring brain cancer herself. Married to the boy she met in 4th grade after a few long diversions, she is Queen Bee of The Church of Skatan. Michael loves PBR and Hamm's beer, her children, her community and all of us who feel lost in this world. I'm grateful for her friendship, grateful for her time, & stoked that she and Troy have opened their home to wayward souls like mine. Enjoy!