At 13, he's already an accomplished archer, an avid gamer, a lover of science and also one of my two favorite people in the whole world; he's Max, my second-born son, and one of the kindest kids I've ever known. On the 4th of July we sat down over some Crystal Lite and had a laugh over the funny stuff as well as taking a moment to delve into subjects as serious as gun control and school bullying. It's a short one, but it's worth a listen. Enjoy!

Elyse Riley is a one-woman powerhouse of energy. From her work as a Sheriff's Deputy to Realtor/business owner, her tireless advocacy for the LGBQT+ Community and at-risk homeless youth, her passion for dog rescue and local charity work, there aren't too many fires Elyse doesn't have an iron in, yet she still finds time to be a wife, rugby player and dedicated friend. She's hilarious, loyal, witty and one of my best friends, even IF she is a cop. Enjoy!

Former Navy SEAL, CIA case officer and current Springfield Firefighter Jeff Butler is a man who's worn many hats in many parts of the world. He sits down with Uli to talk about his training in the military, his family legacy in the SEALs, the importance of Benny Hinn as the world's greatest televangelist/actor, why he likes hoppy beers and learning how to speak Italian in the CIA. Tune in for a random conversation about how he got here, and what he's learned along the way.

In her professional life, Jen Davis is an absolute success; she's the number one Buyer's Agent in units sold nation-wide in the Keller Williams Realty. What's her story? How did she get there? In a word....kindness. That kindness professionally transcends into her personal life as well, which is why she's absolutely one of my favorite people and a genuine friend. Always willing to help, and always with a smile, Jen makes everyone around her want to be a better person and grateful for it.

He is an owner, athlete and coach of Crossfit Springfield. He was in a boy band back in the day. A man of faith and a father trying to reconcile his own path, Jeremy Mhire is a complex and captivating interviewee and today he s willing to go deeper than all of those things in a conversation about what drives him and how he maps his path. We even delve into the notion of redemption for a secular soul, so it goes deep quicker than we thought it might. Enjoy a glimpse into a great exchange!

Sitting down with Katie Clouse is always an adventure in conversation. From navigating life as a business owner, to single-parenthood and the pitfalls of dating in a today's day and age, we never run out of things to spin out on. She's wicked witty and a perfect guest for this show. Warning, though....it's got adult language and themes. Enjoy a fun trip with an awesome friend!

If you like what you're hearing, please leave a review. Also check out my blog at www.halfpastawesome.com for essays & the like!

Dave Hines is an on-air talent for US 97 and works in LA as a voiceover artist in addition to working on shows such as Nikki Sixx's "Sixx Sense" and "The Steve Harvey Morning Show". This is a long-form, fun conversation!

Links:

Shaun Munday "Remember My Name":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kKBurLDU8o

Dave Hines Cover of "Remember My Name":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59kSJYVQGPA&feature=youtu.be

The Highway Incident Essay by Uli:

https://halfpastawesome.com/2017/11/18/a-split-second-of-grace/

In this wide-ranging conversation with another firefighter, Uli & Scott Deckard begin another of their forays into living in the present & how to approach life from a thoughtful mindset. For 18 years they've been friends, and in this time when people can come and go from your life with the click of a button, to have a connection that's outlasted marriages, career & personal highs and lows is a testament to the power and value of your closest friends. Enjoy the first in this series with one interesting dude.

Although he holds no official title, Darrell Parker's casually referred to as "The Mayor Of Everywhere" based on the fact that wherever he goes, he's never met a stranger, and is THE FACE of optimism. He's faced his share of adversity, however, and in this conversation, he talks about how he's rebounded from tragedy by pushing forward, always. Together with his wife Sheila, they are a powerhouse of positivity and make everyone's day.

http://halfpastawesome.com/2016/09/16/for-every-man-a-sheila/

With an annual budget of $366 million, approximately 2300 full & part time employees, the City of Springfield, Mo. is overseen by Greg Burris, City Manager. We met up in his office and sat down to talk about his personal and professional challenges, the next chapter of his story, the disconnect that social media presents and his all-time favorite concerts he's attended (hint: we have the same favorite). A City Firefighter interviews the City Manager and another genuine conversation ensues.