Become a Patron!
Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute

Father Mark Mannion joins the show to talk about the life of a Catholic priest. This was a really interesting chat for me back in 2017. I grew up Catholic--but really didn't know much about what it was like to be a priest. Fr. Mark is forthright and generous with his insights; a positive ambassador for Catholicism.

The Commute

Catholic Priest, Fr. Mark Mannion

Become a Patron!
Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute


FINALLY! I have been looking for a professional puppeteer for several years--and now we have one boarding the bus! Ed May joins the show to talk about the skills it takes to be a puppeteer, the path he walked to actually do it for a living, and stories from his time working with the Jim Henson company and The Muppets. A fun, funny, and furiously fast interview--you're going to love it!

Professional Puppeteer, Ed May

Become a Patron!
Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute

Are you ready if disaster strikes? Be it man-made or natural, bad things happen once in awhile. Suzanne Sherman joins the show this week to talk about preparedness training--the things you need to know when you have to take care of yourself. You can't always rely on others, and that's where simple survival techniques can be the difference between stressing out and feeling covered. A great show!

Survivalist/Prepper, Suzanne Sherman

Become a Patron!
Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute

This week, we've got a good one! An ichthyologist (a fish expert) steps aboard the bus to discuss fresh water fish and the overall health of our country's supply. Darrell Bernd has been doing this for over 35 years, and is a fantastic story-teller! Making science simple...that's what we do at The Commute!

Ichthyologist, Darrell Bernd

Become a Patron!
Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute


Stepping aboard the blue collar bus this week is Oil Refinery Chief Operator, Jim Rinard! Jim talks about his duties at the Marathon Oil refinery, and then speaks more broadly about what a refinery does and how one works. And absolutely fascinating conversation about our nation's (our world's? circulatory system and blood supply (oil). I DARE you not to learn something from this episode!

Oil Refinery Chief Operator, Jim Rinard

Become a Patron!
Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute

Climbing aboard the tour bus today is an up-and-comer: Dylan Jarvis! Dylan has amazing music to share and an amazing story to tell. Listen in and feel the emotion as he talks about the road he has walked to get to where he's at. I don't know that you'll hear another story like his--or be able to pair it with a guy who is so gracious and so talented. Visit his official website for more info: www.DylanJarvisOfficial.com

Rising Country Music Artist, Dylan Jarvis

Become a Patron!
Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute

Stepping aboard the tour bus for the second time, Ron Young joins the show to talk about his new book, Judge This Book By Its Cover." He and I chat about the process, the book itself, and his amazing (both good AND bad) life. From the highest highs to the lowest lows, Ron has quite a story to tell. Listen along and go to Amazon.com to pick up YOUR copy!

Rock Star & Author, Ron Young

We end the year on a high "note" (see what I did there?). The Production Manager at Gibson Custom Guitars, Cody Higbee, steps aboard the bus to talk about his role in getting unique guitars into the hands of unique musicians. A good conversation with a new friend, you'll enjoy taking this ride out of 2022!

Production Manager at Gibson Custom Guitars, Cody Higbee

Become a Patron!
Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute

Dr. Steve sets the stage for 2023. No guest this week--but a quick list of upcoming guests and a few shout outs to friends we've made along the way. Not a recap, but a prognostication of exciting things to come!

New Year, 2023!!!!

Become a Patron!
Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute

Stepping aboard the bus this week is a unique kind of plumber! Andy Brinkman, who works exclusively underground, joins us to talk about his work installing, repairing, and maintaining sewers under the City of Milwaukee, and also under various subdivisions and buildings in the Wisconsin suburbs. A job you'll never hear about anywhere else!

Sewer Plumber, Andy Brinkman

Become a Patron!
Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute

This week, fellow rock and roll podcaster, Michael Brandvold, joins me to talk a little shop. He hosts the enormously popular "Three Sides of the Coin" podcast about all things KISS, and has a ton of experience working with artists and management alike. A great guest and a great interview, Michael shares his thoughts on the industry, starting a show, and what makes for a good listener experience. I'm glad we met--give him a listen!

Rock n Roll Podcaster, Michael Brandvold

Become a Patron!
Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute

An AMAZING guest this week-- 35-year railroad veteran, Frank Javorsky joins the show! We do a deep dive into the rail industry, while also shedding light on the roles and responsibilities of each member of the train team. Frank discusses changes that corporate pressures have brought to the industry, and gives his thoughts on the future of rail transportation. Quite a guest...and quite a listen!

Train Conductor, Frank Javorsky

Become a Patron!
Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute

Back to Music Monday this week--and with another great rock star from the host's misspent youth! Dr. Steve welcomes Carey Howe, guitarist from the band Leatherwolf (and currently, HailMary). Carey talks about the rise and fall of the bands most successful period, and then talks about the upcoming tour that will reunite the three front men--not performing as HailMary. Steve is in his element, asking all the questions he wishes he could have in 1987!

Rock Star (Leatherwolf), Carey Howe

Become a Patron!
Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute

Stepping aboard the bus today is Corporate Recruiter and Online coach, Cody Kelly! Cody discusses the launch of his new online coaching service, trying it in to his experience in life and in the world of recruiting employees for companies around the country. An interesting chat into what makes people change bad habits and replace them with healthier ones (both from a personal AND a career standpoint). And excellent interview!

Corporate Recruiter/Online Coach, Cody Kelly

Become a Patron!
Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute

On the tour bus for this Music Monday: rock star (Dokken; House of Lords), BJ Zampa! BJ talks about his lifelong interest in the drums, and how it has turned into a career he did not predict. We start out by talking about the album of heavy metal Disney songs he played on, and how it took the country by storm! **In my intro, I forgot to mention Def Leppard--but you'll understand once you listen.

Rock Star (Dokken; House of Lords), BJ Zampa

Become a Patron!
Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute

This was a new one for me--a profession I didn't even know existed until the interview I had with Millwright, DJ MacIntyre. And oh, what an interview it was! Learn about one of the trades that subsumes all the other trades...or as I called it, the Eagle Scout of the blue collar world. A fascinating conversation...

Millwright, DJ MacIntyre

Become a Patron!
Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute

Not only does Outside Sales Rep, Sean Zingsheim sell an interesting product (Scissor Lifts), but he goes through the A-B-Cs of selling in general. You are going to love the boundless energy and positive disposition of this successful young man. ..and learn a thing or two about how to be successful in ANY industry!

Outside Sales Rep (Aerial Work Platforms), Sean Zingsheim

Become a Patron!
Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute

Stepping aboard the tour bus today is Rock Star, Jason Bieler! He's got a new album coming out on March 17 ("Postcards from the Asylum"), but the pre-order porthole has just opened up on jasonbieler.bandcamp.com !! You can also check out his new single, Heathens. Jason is one of the wittiest, most fun interviews for any podcaster--and we are fortunate to be welcoming him for the THIRD time on "The Commute"!

Rock Star (Saigon Kick; Soto/Bieler), Jason Bieler

Become a Patron!
Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute

Professional Clogger (clog dancer), Mike Curtis joins the show! He talks describes what clogging is, and then goes through the amazing and wild ride his career has been on since his group, "All That! Clogging" appeared on America's Got Talent a record NINE times! Look them up on all social media platforms and enjoy the spectacle of their product! I promise you will NOT be disappointed! A fabulous guest who does something fabulously unique for a living!

Professional Clogger, Mike Curtis

Become a Patron!
Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute

Joining us today is Prog Rock wizard, Michael Sciotto (Migliori Amichi & Co). Their new album, "Best of Friends" is out and available for purchase or download. Michael is a fantastic guest, as we plumb the depths of music, musicianship, and his time with Jefferson Starship. These kinds of interviews make me wish for a 2-hour show, but catch him while you can--a thoroughly enjoyable, funny, and warm chat!

Prog Rock Star (Migliori Amichi & Co), Michael Sciotto

Become a Patron!
Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute

Respiratory Therapist, Mike Floros, climbs aboard the bus to talk about his job within a hospital setting. He takes care of children and infants who need help breathing--either because of an emergency situation, going in or out of surgery, or because they are struggling to get a good flow of oxygen. It was hard to listen without thinking about how it feels to NOT be able to breathe, but the information is fascinating!

Respiratory Therapist, Mike Floros

Become a Patron!
Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute

Gregg Steele Heppner was the architect of much of how Sirius/XM operates today (from a programming standpoint).  He was on the team that oversaw the merger between Sirius and XM, and then worked to form the channel line-up (and their content) in the aftermath. A fascinating conversation about a medium that has meant so much to so many people--this is a NOT MISS!

Frmr GM and VP of Sirius/XM, Gregg Steele Heppner

Become a Patron!
Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute

This week, we have the lady responsible for operations on the weekend of a HUGE rock and roll event in Nashville--the Rock n Pod Expo, 2023. Tracy Mcandrew steps aboard the tour bus to discuss the enormity of the event this year...and what she does to contribute to the organization and success each year. Her job requires a tireless commitment to detail--a task for which she is well suited! Listen and WISH you were there! (spoiler alert...you CAN be!)

Rock n Pod Guest Liason, Tracy McAndrew

Become a Patron!
Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute

Happy Music Monday! A real treat this week--Nashville-based guitarist, Tony Higbee climbs aboard the tour bus. He talks about his path through the music industry, winding up as the lead guitarist for Tom Keifer's (Cinderella) Band, and also recently adding duties for the band Brother Cane. A fun and candid guest with a solid resume of success in a tough industry!

Rock Star (Tom Keifer Band; Brother Cane), Tony Higbee

Become a Patron!
Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute

We continue our look at the responsibilities (and importance) of local politicians today, as County register of Deeds, jan Davis, steps aboard the campaign bus to talk about her position. Anything but mundane, I found it fascinating to talk about the record keeping process--and just how important having a centralized point for real estate (and military records) is to life as a property owner!

Register of Deeds, Jan Davis

Become a Patron!
Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute

This week, have I got a profession for YOU! remember the Professional Puppeteer, Ed May? For the past few years, he has made his living as a Professional Dungeon master for online gamers playing Dungeons & Dragons! Listen in as he talks about his role, the unique characteristics of the job, and the way he got into it in the first place. A walk down a lane I had never traversed--but super interesting!

Professional Dungeon Master (Dungeons & Dragons), Ed May

Become a Patron!
Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute

Another rock star climbs aboard the tour bus--from the band Autograph, Guitarist and lead singer, Simon Daniels is here! Simon talks about his musical history, going way back to how his father (a classical pianist) inadvertently influenced his son to go into rock and roll. Listen in as we have one of the most free-flowing, easy conversation of all the rock stars I have interviewed. A great guest with a great story!

Rock Star (Autograph), Simon Daniels

Become a Patron!
Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute

Continuing our theme of local politics, we have Village Trustee, Brad Meyer stepping aboard the bus today. But brad is more than that--he was the subject of MANY stories from Season 1 of "The Commute". He was my partner in crime for some of the best and worst decisions I've ever made. But history like that cannot be taught--it has to be lived. Live this little piece of our lives today!

Village Trustee, Brad Meyer

Become a Patron!
Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute

Incredible guest this week! Coppersmith, Ernie Estes, climbs aboard the bus to talk about his career in copper rebuilding and restoration for high-end, old mansions. Ernie has the heart of a teacher as he walks listeners through some of the more complex talents and knowledge he has acquired over the years--as well as laughs through some stories of "things rich people do." This is the kind of guest I created the show to meet!

Coppersmith, Ernie Estes

Become a Patron!
Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute

We've got a HUGE rock star on the show this week for Music Monday! From the platinum-selling band, Halestorm, lead guitarist Joe Hottinger steps aboard the tour bus! Joe talks about the band, their success, and the wild ride that he has been on. A low key guy gives an enormous interview--listen and learn how awesome of a guy he is.

Rock Star (Halestorm), Joe Hottinger

I'm giddy this week because a rock 'n roll icon steps onto the bus: Jeff Pilson, bass player for the run of Dokken's success in the 1980s, and more recently (15 years or so), the bass player for the power group, Foreigner! He talks deep into music life with me, as we visit bands, lifestyles, and an era that will surely inspire many wonderful memories for ALL listeners!!

Rock Star (Dokken; Foreigner), Jeff Pilson

A legend in the annals of rock n roll... From Grand Funk Railroad, songwriter, guitarist, and lead singer, Mark Farner steps onto the tour bus! A different flavor of this episode -- Mark delves into his farm, his family, and growing up in Michigan. A wonderful look at the man behind the wizard... tune in and learn about the private side of a music hall-of-famer!

Rock Star (Grand Funk Railroad), Mark Farner

Another amazing guest!!! From the Go-Go's, Kathy Valentine steps aboard the tour bus to talk about her recent book, a memoir titled, "All I Ever Wanted", and about her incredible life and career. Some surprises and some revelations, as she discusses some of the painful details and events that affected her life, alongside the successes and triumphs! An amazing interview of an amazing lady. Truly an epic episode!

Rock Star (The Go-Go's), Kathy Valentine

The biggest star to step aboard the Hollywood Tour Bus, Steve Schirripa joins us to chat about his career, The Sopranos (Bobby Baccalieri), Blue Bloods (Anthony Abetemarco), his childhood, and anything else we can think of. An interview to drop everything to hear, you will enjoy the honesty and humility of such a big star. Quite a moment for the show; join me and bask in it!

Actor (The Sopranos/Blue Bloods), Steve Schirripa

One of the biggest names to ever step aboard the tour bus – Mark Slaughter – brings his A-Game as we talk about his career, his charity (St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital), and his perspective on music, personalities, and life. A great guy and an incredible guest, Mark is a musician you can absolutely respect!

Rock Star (Slaughter), Mark Slaughter

A weekly podcast focusing on interesting jobs and the interesting people doing them. A sprinkle of humor and a smatter of IQ - Dr. Steve brings the inside scoop on "How does it work?"

"The Commute" ...with Steve Olivas

Pinned to spotlight

Popular tracks