In this lively episode of Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, presented by Wellabe, Maxwell catches up with his former radio co-host, Amy Sweet, as they share personal stories and dive into the joys and absurdities of everyday life. The conversation begins with Amy's unique fascination with the gory details of her husband’s Achilles surgery, complete with photos that she enthusiastically shares. Maxwell and Amy reminisce about their shared "morbid curiosity" and banter about the unforgettable moments they shared as radio partners. Amy reflects on her journey from radio to podcasting, revealing the challenges and excitement of building her own podcast, The Foolosophers, with a longtime friend. The transition wasn’t without hurdles, but she embraces the chance to connect and engage in conversations that feel genuine and unscripted.

Maxwell and Amy also delve into the evolution of media and how corporate management pressures have transformed the industry. They discuss the impact of shifting from traditional radio to the podcasting "Wild West," where creative freedom and audience connection have taken center stage. This newfound freedom has allowed both hosts to reconnect with people and passions outside of their former structured radio careers.

The conversation takes a sentimental turn as they talk about family, specifically Amy’s daughters and their different personalities and pursuits. Maxwell shares stories of his own family, humorously describing his adventurous, head-first grandson. Their insights about raising independent kids, dealing with life changes, and navigating the emotional rollercoaster of parenthood resonate with warmth and humor.

As they wrap up, Maxwell and Amy reflect on the value of reconnecting with friends, old and new. With their engaging and candid style, the episode captures the spirit of camaraderie and heartfelt humor, a hallmark of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast.

Also - listen to Max & Amy host the Iowa State Fair Podcast!

In this episode of Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, presented by Wellabe, magician and comedian Ben Ulin shares his reflections on a remarkable 36-year career performing at Adventureland. Ulin estimates he’s done over 25,000 shows, captivating audiences of all ages and building a legacy of loyal fans, some spanning three generations. He attributes the sustained success to a mix of humor, audience engagement, and the timeless intrigue of magic, where fans return to try to "figure out" his tricks.

Ulin discusses his comedic approach and his commitment to evolving performances. He engages audience volunteers and tailors each show to the crowd, which can vary widely, from families to daycare groups to teenagers. This variety keeps him engaged and prevents the show from feeling routine. For him, magic is as much about storytelling as it is about illusion, merging his passion for comedy with the craft of magic. Ulin describes his assistants not merely as stage help but as essential, comedic "characters" who bring their own personalities to the act, enriching the show and adding to the humor and spontaneity.

Reflecting on his start, Ulin recalls working in a magic shop and performing local shows while in college. Though he never planned to pursue magic professionally, he eventually realized his mission: to make a living through creativity. Adventureland has allowed him to achieve this, acting as both a consistent venue and a creative “laboratory” for his ever-evolving magic acts.

Maxwell and Ulin also discuss changes in the industry, noting the rise of social media “magic” and Ulin's hope for a renewed appreciation for live, three-dimensional performances. His passion and sense of humor shine as he looks ahead, committed to performing as long as he’s able, hopefully for years to come.

In this episode of Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, Greg Edwards, President and CEO of Catch Des Moines, shared exciting developments for the city. This fall, Des Moines landed two major events that will significantly impact the local economy. The first is the TEAMS Conference, scheduled for 2031. This prestigious event brings together governing bodies of various sports, including Olympic teams and associations. Typically hosted in tier-one cities such as Anaheim, the conference coming to Des Moines is a major win, allowing national planners to experience the city’s venues and attractions firsthand.

Edwards credits the Catch Des Moines sports team for their persistence in securing this opportunity. It involved consistent communication and significant financial commitments, showcasing Des Moines as a growing sports hub. Additionally, the city's success in hosting events like the NCAA tournaments and the upcoming National Senior Games with 14,000 participants further highlights its capability as a sports destination.

Des Moines will also host the 2028 NCAA Division I basketball tournament for the fourth time, a testament to the collaborative efforts of Catch Des Moines, Drake University, and the Iowa Events Center. Their focus on creating memorable experiences for athletes and fans has paid off, with efforts ranging from greeting teams with personalized touches to engaging the local community.

The episode dives into the broader context of Des Moines' growth in sports infrastructure, including new complexes in West Des Moines and Grimes, and the potential for a new soccer stadium. These developments, Edwards notes, position the city as a dynamic location for both large and small events, boosting local businesses and driving economic growth through tourism. With this momentum, Des Moines is on track to remain a competitive player in attracting national events and conventions, making it an increasingly vibrant destination in the Midwest.

In this engaging interview on Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, presented by Wellabe, Iowa country music artist Jason Brown reflects on his journey to becoming a successful musician, shaped by his roots in church music, family influences, and a relentless pursuit of his passion. Jason recalls how his grandmother discovered his talent when he was just four years old, singing hymns in church. She nurtured that talent, and by the time Jason was eight, she gifted him his first guitar, setting him on a lifelong path in music. Jason candidly shares the challenges he faced learning guitar, mentioning the physical pain that discouraged many beginners, but which he overcame with determination.

Brown recounts pivotal moments in his career, such as participating in talent shows in Pleasantville, Iowa, and being invited to perform at county fairs, which introduced him to performing in front of live audiences. Over time, he transitioned from performing in cover bands to leading his own, steadily building a fanbase across the Midwest.

A major turning point came when Jason moved to Nashville in 2014, where he experienced the evolving landscape of the music industry firsthand. He learned valuable lessons about perseverance, maintaining authenticity, the power of sobriety, and the importance of balancing family life with his career. He reflects on the changes in the industry, including the rise of social media and streaming platforms, and how these shifts have impacted traditional music careers.

Looking ahead, Jason expresses his commitment to staying relevant and creating new music while focusing on what truly matters—his family, faith, and connecting with his audience. His journey serves as an inspiring reminder that success is not just about talent, but about resilience, humility, and staying true to one's roots.

On Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, Ben Gislason, play-by-play announcer and Director of Broadcasting and Team Services for the Iowa Wild hockey team, shares the intricacies of his role. Gislason delves into the origins of his hockey journey, and talks about his Minnesota high school, junior hockey, and college hockey years. The discussion shifts to his journey in sports broadcasting, a dream nurtured from childhood as he called mock hockey games with friends. He details the complexity of his dual role at the Iowa Wild, balancing the logistics of team travel with his passion for calling hockey games across various platforms. He explains the unique demands of hockey play-by-play, which he considers more fluid than other sports like baseball or football, which have more pauses between actions. His preparation is meticulous, including creating opponent charts filled with stats and anecdotes to give listeners a deeper connection to the players.

Ben also reflects on the challenges of explaining hockey to newcomers, emphasizing the importance of helping fans understand the nuances of the sport, like offsides and penalties, making his broadcasts accessible to all audiences. He highlights the importance of his background in team services, allowing him to build personal connections with players that enrich his commentary. The conversation concludes with Ben’s long-term goal of calling NHL games, with his sights set on a future in the big leagues while remaining passionate about elevating the game for Iowa Wild fans.

In this episode of Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, Willie Farrell, an Iowa-born comedian, reminisces about his 40-year career in comedy. Willie recounts his start at Spaghetti Works in Des Moines, where his talent quickly garnered attention, even earning comparisons to Freddie Prinze and Tony Danza. Encouraged by his mentor, former KCCI-TV personality, John Pascuzzi, Willie moved to Los Angeles in the early 1980s, where he performed at the Comedy Store and The Improv. However, homesickness and family issues brought him back to Iowa after a year.

Willie reflects on the dynamic comedy scene in Des Moines during the 1980s, with Spaghetti Works becoming a hub for performers. Despite offers to establish a comedy residency in Las Vegas, he chose to remain in Iowa to focus on his family. His local success has seen him perform across major American cities, making a name for himself with his crowd work—a signature style in which he thrives.

Farrell’s stories are punctuated by humorous anecdotes, including encounters with O.J. Simpson, Jessica Simpson, and Lynn Swann. He candidly recounts stories of his family ties to organized crime figures, sharing how his father and uncles were connected to the Chicago mob in the mid-20th century.

Throughout the conversation, Willie emphasizes his love for performing, detailing how he organically writes material and credits his ability to engage audiences in a unique, interactive style. Now performing in both Iowa and Vegas, Willie remains a celebrated Iowa figure in comedy, known for his wit, quick crowd work, and his enduring love for the stage, and dedication to his family and community.

In this captivating episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, presented by Wellabe, Maxwell interviews Robert Warren, the dynamic CEO of Hoyt Sherman Place, about the historic venue’s remarkable success and transformation. Warren reflects on a record-breaking fiscal year, with Hoyt Sherman Place hosting over 100 headline events and bringing in $6 million in ticket sales—more than double what it was when he first arrived in 2015. Warren shares his philosophy on curating the right mix of artists, from musicians and comedians to podcasts and free public events, that have helped Hoyt Sherman thrive and stay relevant in an ever-evolving entertainment landscape.

Listeners will get a behind-the-scenes look at how Warren’s leadership has driven both artistic excellence and financial sustainability. He discusses the venue’s new incentive program that rewards employees for their hard work during busy show weeks, fostering a passionate team dedicated to keeping the historic venue vibrant. Warren also highlights the restoration efforts that have enhanced the space, including backstage improvements that have made Hoyt Sherman more attractive to major touring artists.

Maxwell and Warren dive deep into the venue’s rich history, from its origins in 1923 as a vaudeville-era auditorium to its near-demolition before the formation of the Hoyt Sherman Place Foundation, which saved and revitalized the venue. The conversation also touches on Hoyt Sherman's unique acoustics, which have been praised by legendary artists like Peter Frampton and Ricky Skaggs, and the role of community support in the venue’s continued success.

Whether you’re a fan of the arts, history, or just enjoy hearing about how passion and leadership can transform a cultural institution, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the vibrant world of Hoyt Sherman Place and the people who make it thrive.

In this episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, host Maxwell sits down with Grant Gillon, the 2023 winner of MasterChef, to discuss his journey from a small-town dad in Altoona, Iowa, to national fame as a self-taught culinary star. Grant opens up about what it was like transitioning from being a home cook to navigating the intense spotlight of a hit TV show. He reflects on the months of secrecy after his MasterChef victory, dealing with the sudden influx of attention and the unique pressures that came with turning his name into a brand.

Grant shares how his love for cooking, rooted in home and family, continues to shape his professional path. Despite offers from restaurants and culinary ventures, he made the bold decision to strike out on his own, building a career as a private chef and offering personalized dining experiences. He also discusses the lessons he learned while briefly working in a Des Moines area restaurant, gaining hands-on knowledge of the inner workings of professional kitchens.

In this candid interview, Grant talks about the challenges of balancing fame, family, and passion, all while staying grounded in his Iowa roots. He emphasizes his commitment to remaining in Iowa, where he can raise his family and contribute to the state's growing culinary scene.

Listeners will also get a glimpse of Grant's future plans, his heartwarming cooking sessions with his young son, and the joy he finds in sharing his culinary knowledge with others. Whether you're a fan of cooking shows or simply curious about how one Iowan has turned his dream into a reality, this episode offers an inspiring and down-to-earth conversation with a true Iowa talent.

This epidode is presented by WELLABE. Be Well.