Midwest Legends

This week on Midwest Legend’s Podcast the baseball legends continue with Jack Morris! Jack takes Russell through the highlights of his hall of fame worthy baseball career, including when he learned his famous split ball, coming home to the Twins, and memorable stories with manager Tom Kelly. Jack talks fondly of his teammates and their historic wins. 

Did you know after he won the world series in ’84 Jack rode in a helicopter to go pick up pizzas from Domino’s? It’s a true story. Make sure to tune into this episode for more incredible stories from Jack Morris!

Welcome back to the Midwest Legends Podcast for Tom Kelly Pt. 2! This week, Tom takes Russell through his journey of becoming a renowned baseball manager. Although Tom claims he was just thinking about how “not to get fired,” throughout his first managing stint with the Twins in ’87, it’s clear there’s much more genius in his management style then he lets on. Enough genius to lead to the Twins winning it all that very season! 

Tune in to hear from Tom about why he prioritizes defense, his iconic conversation with Jack Morris before the 10thinning, a surprising story about Kirby Puckett, and much more!

This week on the Midwest Legends Podcast, Russell welcomes the legendary Tom Kelly to the pod! Tom Kelly may have had just a short stint in Graceville, Minnesota before moving to New Jersey, but little did he know he would be a Midwesterner again, becoming a legendary manager for the Minnesota Twins. Growing up with a father who was also a pitcher, Tom learned to always keep his spikes clean regardless of how busy he was playing multiple games as a kid. When Tom made it to the big leagues it was both exciting and overwhelming playing with legends like Olivia and Carew. 

Tom Kelly is full of sage advice like “If you work hard at whatever you’re doing, I think you fit in anywhere,” and stories about his transition to a manager of the Twin’s historic baseball franchise. Tune in to this week’s episode and then catch Part 2 to hear all of Tom’s incredible World Series stories! 

This week on the Midwest Legends Podcast, Russell sits down with Minnesota native and legendary musician Charlie Parr! Charlie takes Russell back to his childhood in Austin, Minnesota where he begrudgingly did farm work, drew dinosaurs all over his father’s record collection, and eventually became obsessed with learning to play the guitar. After moving to the Twin Cities, Charlie became immersed in the music scene and prioritized music above all else. From living on a dinky town three seasons porch, to studying philosophy, to helping his community members, Charlie’s life has been anything but linear and he loves it that way. 

Tune in to hear Charlie’s take on the pros and cons of touring, the transformative nature of music, and how the Midwest has too many musical legends to count…

This week on the Midwest Legends Podcast Russell sits down to talk with the Minnesota and Twins baseball legend Kent Hrbek! Kent grew up just about a mile from the old Twins stadium and fondly remembers watching the lights from his childhood bedroom… fast forward a couple years and he’s a real deal Twins player! Kent discusses his baseball legacy including his two World Series wins and opens up to Russell about his father’s ALS diagnosis. Kent reflects on his impressive career and reminds everyone that baseball is “just a game” at the end of the day.  

And that play everyone still talks about with Kent and Ron Gant? He tells Russell what really happened… you don’t want to miss this one!

This week on the Midwest Legends Podcast, musician, producer, and Doomtree crew member Aaron Mader (AKA Lazerbeak) joins Russell to dive into his experience coming up in the vibrant Minneapolis music scene. From growing up in Hopkins, Minnesota with a day job as a pizza delivery driver to working with big names in the music industry like Lizzo, Trampled By Turtles, POS, Doja Cat, and many more, Lazerbeak knows that the Midwest music industry is truly unique. 

Tune in to hear how he accidentally named himself after a Transformer and (almost) lost 7k in the trash…

MVP and All-Star baseball legend Christian Yelich joins Russell this week on the Midwest Legends Podcast! Christian Yelich’s legendary status goes without saying. From being the first member of his family to play baseball to becoming the face of MKE baseball, Christian has already made history and he’s just getting started.

Don’t miss Christian’s take on Giannis heading to Miami, the iconic Cubs rivalry, and what he thinks makes Milwaukee so special!

Former NHL Player, Olympian, and Minnesota legend, Lou Nanne joins Russell on this week’s Midwest Legends episode! Lou has years of impressive accomplishments under his belt. Known as “the Godfather of Hockey,” although he would argue that title actually belongs to John Mariucci, Lou has undoubtedly made an impact on the hockey world. Coming from a small Canadian town, playing at the U of M, going from player to General Manager of the North Stars, attending the Olympics, and supporting his family along the way, Lou has just about done it all on and off the ice. 

Tune in to hear Lou’s behind the scenes account of what actually happened during the historic 1980s Olympics with Herb Brooks and what the movie ‘Miracle’ got right and wrong…

The legendary Packers player Leroy Butler is back again for part two! This week, Leroy goes behind the scenes of his anxiety inducing draft experience when his dream of becoming an NFL player finally came true at the same time he realized he has no idea where Green Bay is. Leroy talks Russell through his accidental creation of the now iconic Lambeau Leap and his disbelief that a US President didn’t know what it was…

Don’t miss Leroy’s journey full of emotional moments, amazing accomplishments, and an enduring sense of humor throughout it all! 

This episode was so good, it had to be a two-parter! You may know him as the inventor of the Lambeau Leap or for his run in the iconic Puntrooskie play, but in this week’s Midwest Legends episode Leroy takes Russell back in time to his life before the Packers. Leroy grew up with everything stacked against him. He grew up in the projects in Duval County, Florida, was raised by a hardworking single mother, and had a physical disability where he couldn’t run or jump like the other kids. None of that stopped him from achieving his biggest goal: playing in the NFL.

Tune in to hear this amazing journey of overcoming the odds from the entertaining and joyful perspective of Leroy Butler! 

Midwest Legend? More like international legend! This week, star hockey player Laila Edwards gives Russell the inside scoop on her amazing journey from growing up in Ohio playing on the boy’s hockey team to winning gold at the 2026 Olympics in Milan. Laila takes us behind the scenes of the Olympics, sharing how she overcame the nerves to clinch the win over the iconic Canadian rivals in the game that had everyone on the edge of their seats. Not only has Laila cemented herself as a force on the UW Badgers Women’s Hockey team, but also as a great friend, leader, and Chipotle-lover off the ice. Tune in to hear what happened when another Cleveland Heights local, Travis Kelce, heard Laila’s family needed some extra help getting to the Olympics…

You won’t want to miss this episode! 

Former Minnesota Vikings linebacker and current sideline analyst Ben Leber joins Russell to discuss his journey from a multicultural childhood in Iowa to a professional NFL football player.

Ben talks about his supportive family, including two older brothers who inspired him to try football and how coaches along the way shaped the player he later became. After a trying rookie season in college, Ben reached a turning point where he chose to keep going despite the challenges of higher expectations. From that moment on, he’s embraced an incredible football career. 

From the highs and lows of draft night to the legendary teammates he met along the way, Ben Leber tells Russell the inside scoop and the honest truths about his time in the NFL. 

Noah Bakken, a motocross expert who is no stranger to performing impressive feats on two wheels, sat down with Russell to talk all things speed and spectacle.

Noah Bakken remembers his childhood growing up in a family of motorcycle lovers fondly. Despite his first ride on a PW50 when he was just three ending with him hitting a swing set, he fell in love with all thing’s motocross. Noah tells Russell all the behind the scenes of his most viral motocross tricks, including his awe-inspiring train jumping videos and his popular “Coffee Run” videos, with the third one already in the works! He and Russell discuss the trials of mastering such a dangerous sport, including two broken femurs. Noah remembers his win at Monster Jam as a highlight in his career, celebrating with his entire family. There’s no telling what he will accomplish in the motocross world next!

Tune in to hear Noah’s journey to becoming a Midwest motocross star with some twists and turns along the way. 

Welcome to Midwest Legend’s third dial-in special. Jared from Wisco Dive Bars sat down with Russell to react to 3 listener submitted stories.

Featuring stories from Lindsay, Dan, and Nate

CJ Ham recently retired from the NFL after 10 seasons playing for the Vikings, and he sat down with Russell to talk about where his love for football started and where it’s taken him.

CJ Ham remembers dropping out of Augustana’s fall training camp for three days. He was one of many freshman players who quit, but he can’t remember the head coach telling anyone else to come back if they changed their mind. This wasn’t the only time others saw CJ Ham’s potential, and he’s quick to express his gratitude to those who supported him throughout his career. He and Russell discuss how the competitiveness required to succeed in football can become unhealthy, with team losses being twisted into personal failure. CJ Ham shares how he keeps his mindset in check with the help of his faith.

Tune in to hear stories about CJ being recruited in an alley to play football, his love of skateboarding, and that time he thought his career was over after the NFL draft.

Football Designed by Spencer Young - Forever Young Designs

For Promise, the road to landing a morning show on Hot 105.7 FM wasn’t easy, but it was a labor of love. He sat down with Russell to talk about how his passion carried him through the long hours and late nights.

From hosting a college radio show to becoming the voice Milwaukee woke up to, Promise spent years honing his craft. Hosting gigs are scarce, and while that scarcity helped fuel his hunger to learn, it also brought plenty of pressure. Russell and Promise find common ground here, with Russell sharing how he once felt pressure to conform to the identity of a “big city lawyer.” Promise is quick to give credit to those who supported him, while also knowing his worth: “If I waited for people to give me my flowers, I’d be under them.”

Tune in to hear stories about Promise interviewing Ice Cube, working nights in radio while still managing a 9–5, and his unexpected journey into stand-up.

Ryan Ruebl’s entrepreneurial spirit collided with his love for Wisconsin and 'Meanwhile In Wisconsin' was born. He stopped by the Midwest Legends studio to talk with Russell about America’s Dairyland.

Ruebl knows his way around a fish fry, and he’s got tips and recommendations, but his lips are sealed on the best fishing spots. He and Russell bond over their love for the Packers, and joke about sitting next to football fans who've had a few at Lambeau Field.

Tune in to hear stories about a life-changing Kwik Trip partnership, Ruebl’s earlier entrepreneurial hustles, and the creation of his signature Cheddka. If you don't already know what Cheddka is, any guesses?

Mason Crosby's sixteen-year run with the Green Bay Packers was fueled by his commitment to be present and available to his teammates. Newly retired, he sat down with Russell Nicolet to reflect on the memories that defined his history-making NFL career.

As a kicker, Crosby became adept at balancing “hurry up and wait” with the intense, barely-over-a-second window most kickers have to launch the ball. His first year as a Packer was Brett Favre’s last, and he and Russell share stories from that era, with the added perspective of Favre having recently appeared on Midwest Legends.

Tune in to hear stories about Aaron Rodgers’s pranks, a meaningful moment with Charles Woodson, and the realities of stepping away from the NFL’s structured schedule and back into everyday life.

Call 866-MW-LEGND for a chance to have your story played on a future dial-in episode!

On the second Midwest Legends dial-in episode, Russell Nicolet and Jared Schutz are back, reacting to three more handpicked stories live on the mic. We set up 866-MW-LEGND so that our listeners could tell their stories, and boy have we had fun listening to them. Enjoy stories about someone chewing on a rattlesnake rattler (the full story is somehow less horrifying and also more horrifying than you might expect), a quick errand that turned into a two hour adventure, and an armadillo prank that made the news.

Featured callers: Tim from Washington, Colin from Iowa, and Gordon from Alabama

Got a Midwest story you love telling at the dive bar, tailgate, or around the campfire? Dial 866-MW-LEGND and leave us a voicemail!

Chris Kanan probably knows more about lawns than most people do, but he does anything but gatekeep. He sat down with Russell in the Midwest Legends studio to talk about his journey and get into the weeds of keeping a lawn looking tidy.

Chris explains how a brief stint studying architecture led to a focus in landscape architecture, with a chief focus on lawns: “Everyone was always looking at the grass.” While Chris acknowledges the “keeping up with the Joneses” aspect of lawn care, he and Russell share stories of neighborly connections kept strong through the shared pursuit of a healthy lawn.

Tune it to hear stories about Chris’s legendary grandpa, the finer points of lawn beer etiquette, and how women are showing men up when it comes to cultivating lush landscapes.

Brett Favre is a Mississippi kid who became a larger than life figure in Green Bay and an NFL icon. He sat down with Russell to talk about the moments that came before, during, and after his legendary run.

Brett was once told he wouldn’t play more than three years. When he officially retired in 2011, he had a twenty-year legacy behind him. That legacy was fueled by many things, including tough love from his father and a strong steady desire to get on the field and play. He and Russell discuss key Packers players throughout history, and Brett reminisces on the days when he ran the wishbone formation.

Tune in to hear stories about how Brett played through a hangover in college, what his jersey retirement was like, and the time his dad fell off a roof.

Jim McMahon is in the Midwest Legends hotseat this week, but it’s nothing he can’t handle.

McMahon walks Russell about the highs and lows of his career, which spanned seven NFL teams, two Super Bowl wins, and injuries that could’ve ended most careers. Along the way, McMahon and Russell bond over their love of football and the reverence they hold for some iconic football players.

Tune in to listen to the stories about a life-threatening injury with a miraculous recovery, how McMahon used headbands to give back, and how a false report on him led to a hotel bomb threat.

Andrea Boehlke’s love for Wisconsin has stayed strong, even as her career took her to New York and Los Angeles. While she spent plenty of time interviewing celebrities, today she’s the one with the inside scoop.

A three-time competitor on Survivor, Boehlke revisits the cover story she and her mom created to comply with the NDA she received after being selected for the show while still in college.

She and Russell bond over farm life and talk about the relentless work ethic that guides farmers from sunup until sundown. They also find common ground in approaching touchy conversations, whether Russell is in a deposition or Andrea was on the red carpet.

Tune it to hear more stories about the pressures of red-carpet reporting, what it’s really like being on Survivor, and how Wisconsin differs from the East Coast.

Gilbert Brown made a name for himself on the Green Bay Packers defensive line, and he stopped by the studio to talk with Russell about the experiences that defined his career.
No matter the story, Brown always brings plenty of humor and heart. He’s happy to revisit everything from his iconic Gravedigger dance to the origins of his famous Gilbert Burger, and he and Russell bond over their shared love for the Packers. They talk about the mystique of Lambeau Field, and Russell fondly recalls sitting on top of the family van, back when the only obstacle to getting a peek at the action was a tarp-covered chain link fence.
Tune in to hear how Brown claimed the number 93, what makes his mom legendary, and why filming a pickles commercial went hilariously wrong.

Call 866-MW-LGND for a chance to have your story played on a future dial-in episode!

On the first Midwest Legends dial-in episode, Russell Nicolet shares hosting duties with previous guest Jared Schutz.

We set up 866-MW-LGND so that our listeners could tell their stories, and boy have we had fun listening to them. For this episode, we handpicked three stories for Russell and Jared to react to, live on the mic.

Enjoy stories about midnight bar shenanigans, peak Packer Pride, and a photo with Kid Rock that did not survive the night.

Featured Callers:

Lenny from Minnesota

John from California

Ed from Michigan

Got a Midwest story you love telling at the dive bar, tailgate, or around the campfire?

Dial 866-MW-LEGND and leave us a voicemail!

Matthew Golden is a first-round draft pick, lightning-fast wide receiver, and now a Midwest Legends guest.

At just 22 years old, Matthew has worked hard, gained a lot of perspective, and he's not even as old as the history he is making. It’s been 23 years since Green Bay’s home team chose a wide receiver as their first round pick, and he says that draft night “will stick with me for the rest of my life.” He shares the lessons he’s learned, the advice he'd pass on to younger players, and his love for Packers Nation: “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

Tune in to hear who Matthew considers a true legend, the superpower he’d choose if he had one, and the unexpected moment on Lake Michigan that quickly became a story to remember.

This week’s guest, Billy Doucette, better known as Billy Deuce, admits he’s terrible at ending conversations, so it’s a good thing Midwest Legends actually has a runtime.

Billy has grown up all over the country, and that “foot in both worlds” perspective has given him plenty of material and earned him quite a following online and in person. He and Russell bond over their shared love of Kwik Trip and Chris Farley, who Billy selects as his Midwest Legend. You’ll want to hear all the stories Billy has from sharing a car and touring with comedian (and notable Midwest Legends guest) Charlie Berens. Tune into this episode to learn more about unpleasant hotel visits, a basement alligator named Chompers, and more.

Die-hard Packers superfan Matt Ramage sits down with Russell Nicolet to talk about his favorite team and more.

Matt fondly remembers growing up in a home where every Packers game was an event that could see uncles placing bets on anything they could think of. He and Russell reminisce on childhoods spent outdoors, and the reverence that the Packers and Lambeau Field have in Green Bay. Learn more about how Matt grew his online following, and his very wholesome answer for who comes to mind when he think of Midwest Legends.

Richard Lorbach, the man behind “Drink Wisconsinbly,” joins Russell Nicolet to share stories about growing up in the Midwest and talk about watching his homegrown brand take off.

Richard and Russell bond over their shared love for Wisconsin, childhoods spent outdoors, and the communities and friendships that form at local dive bars. Now 13 years strong, the Drink Wisconsinbly Pub is a staple in the Deer District, but its reach extends far beyond that. Even though the brand maintains in-state and out-of-state fame, Richard does his best to keep a low profile on social media, earning a self-aware chuckle from Russell. You’ll want to hear Richard’s story of the rowdy night at the Drink Wisconsinbly Pub before the sixth game of the 2021 NBA Finals.

Music: “All the Good Stuff” by Charly Twins — Licensed via Artlist (License #ce25me)

Every dive bar has at least one story to tell, and thanks to Jared Schutz, those stories and the bars themselves are reaching a wider audience.

Jared and Russell discuss dive bar charm, quirks, and maybe most importantly: etiquette. He shares the memories he’s made and hidden gems he’s discovered along the way (check out his interactive “bar map” online). Since starting his journey in 2022, Jared has traveled across Wisconsin, built a loyal following, and learned a thing or two about what makes a dive bar great.

You may have seen him win Cutthroat Kitchen, compete on Super Chef Grudge Match, Beat Bobby Flay, and Hell's Kitchen, but today, Adam Pawlak is in front of the camera as a guest, not a chef.

Chef Adam discusses how a job at a pizzeria at the early age of 14 led to a career in the restaurant industry that many know him for today. Russell shares his own experience working in the restaurant industry, and the two discuss what makes a restaurant great. Pawlak gives his take on Midwestern dishes, as well as plenty of mouth-watering inspiration for those who are eager to try something new. Food is a universal language, and Pawlak is always ready to teach and inspire.

Alex Wehrley talks with Russell Nicolet about cabin life, Wisconsin accents, and everything in between.

Wisconsin will always be home sweet home for Alex. She shares childhood memories from her grandparents’ retirement farm, and Russell notes that for some Midwest folks, “taking it easy” in retirement can mean taking on more work. Alex also sets the record straight on the realities of farm life and how social media sugarcoats the early mornings and long hours. Together, the two trade bar stories, including the time patrons mistook Russell for a preacher. It’s a conversation full of warmth, humor, and Midwest charm that feels like home.

Russell sits down with Myles Montplaisir, better known as the “You Betcha Guy,” for a laugh-filled look at their Midwest experiences. From listening to legendary stories at dive bars to reminiscing on blue-collar workplaces packed with camaraderie, the two revisit fond memories that have plenty of Midwest charm. Though many assume Myles hails from Wisconsin, he’s here to set the record straight by sharing stories about his childhood in Fargo, North Dakota. You’ll hear about “raft burn,” summer trips to Detroit Lakes, and wild tubing rides with his dad at the wheel. Together, Russell and Myles reflect on why Midwesterners take pride in their roots, their work, and their people.

Richie and Bre, from Milwaukee Uncut, dropped by the Midwest Legends studio to chat with Russell about the city they all love and the state they call home.

Through their work in Milwaukee Uncut, Richie and Bre make Wisconsin’s landmark city a more exciting place to live, work, and grow up in. On this episode, they get the chance to talk about their own Wisconsin upbringings and joke about the Midwest experiences Richie hasn't tried, or is just avoiding, for as long as he can. You’ll hear stories about interesting characters they've met and standout places they've come across, including businesses with eyebrow-raising names. It's an interview you won't want to miss out on, as they swap stories with Russell along the way.

Ed Bieber (known as “Ed The Diver”) and Christie B dove their way into Midwest fame, but came up to the surface to share their story with Russell Nicolet.

In this episode, learn how a mission to clean up the waterways of the Midwest began with Ed retrieving lost fishing lures for his kids. Since then, Ed and Christie B have joined forces, cleaning up trash and returning the treasures they find to their rightful owners. They do it all, and they’re not afraid of the not-so-glamorous work that can come with it. Together, they share their collaborations with local groups, the finds that have mystified them, and the ones that led them to call law enforcement. They’ve been across the Midwest, featured on CBS National News, and now they’re here to give you the inside scoop.

Acclaimed artist Ike Wynter joins the show, telling Russell about all the fascinating places his artwork has taken him.  

Russell shares how a partnership with the Brewers turned into a once-in-a-lifetime special moment with his dad, while Ike talks about his work with the NFL Draft, Mike Tyson, and the one client that became “the hardest no of my life.” Together they trade hunting stories—including the unforgettable doe that made its way into Wynter family lore. 

Get ready for easygoing, unfiltered storytelling that feels like you just pulled up a chair at the local bar with your friends. 

Hey there! Midwest Legends is not a show about Paul Bunyan, Babe the Blue Ox, or Sasquatch, but you will hear lots of great stories from the modern-day doers and dreamers leaving their mark on the Midwest. Each episode, one of these folks shares part of their journey with host Russell Nicolet. If you haven’t heard of them before, Midwest Legends is here to introduce you.

In our first episode, host Russell Nicolet swaps stories with comedian Charlie Berens, with plenty of laughs and “can you believe that?” moments. 

Russell let us in on a power move he uses during legal depositions, Charlie shares the tale of his grandpa’s wild doctor’s visit, and Russell confesses to the fishing lure injury he was too embarrassed to take to the ER. 

Get ready for easygoing, unfiltered storytelling that feels like you just pulled up a chair at the local bar with your friends.  

Hey there! Midwest Legends is not a show about Paul Bunyan, Babe the Blue Ox, or Sasquatch, but you will hear lots of great stories from the modern-day doers and dreamers leaving their mark on the Midwest. Each episode, one of these folks shares part of their journey with host Russell Nicolet. If you haven’t heard of them before, Midwest Legends is here to introduce you.

Hey there! Midwest Legends is not a show about Paul Bunyan, Babe the Blue Ox, or Sasquatch, but you will hear lots of great stories from the modern-day doers and dreamers leaving their mark on the Midwest. Each episode, one of these folks shares part of their journey with host Russell Nicolet. If you haven’t heard of them before, Midwest Legends is here to introduce you.