Many of us have passions that started when we were young. However, not many of us have the opportunity to test our hobbies out in a potential money-making scenario. David Hackbarth got his crack at just 10 years old working for his brother’s business, and since then, he’s gone on to DJ over 1300 weddings.On this episode of The GoGedders Podcast, you’ll hear how David started and grew his own business, take a peek behind the curtain of the wedding industry, and hear a few stories about the unexpected things that can happen when you’re out on a gig.

As COVID continues to progress across the country, we wanted to know how local businesses were handling the constantly changing world around them. On this episode, we'll talk to a number of local leaders from diverse companies who are impacted by the outbreak. We'll cover how business models have shifted — in some cases majorly, and into completely different industries — and what companies are doing to keep employees and customers safe. You'll also learn steps essential businesses are taking to stop the spread of the virus, and hear about many unexpected silver linings.

Many people are adjusting to home workspaces while working remotely during COVID-19. Earlier this week, our host Richie Burke appeared on the Build High Performing Teams Podcast with Anna Oakes.In this episode, they’ll cover anxiety in the workplace, performance-based environments, how to effectively communicate with colleagues, and how to take advantage of this unprecedented situation.

It’s been a crazy couple of weeks in Milwaukee. From the Bucks cruising with the NBA’s best record to the season being postponed indefinitely, restaurants and bars going from fully-functional to takeout and delivery only, small business owners and corporations alike being hit hard, and many more struggles — it’s tough to know how to handle it all.So what do we make of all this? Lucky for us, MMAC President Tim Sheehy was nice enough to come on the show on short notice to shed some light on the situation. During our talk, Tim let us know what’s going on behind the scenes and gave some advice to corporations, small business owners, and the rest of us Milwaukeeans. Listen in to learn about how to handle COVID in both the coming weeks and months.

There’s a lot of uncertainty in the air right now. What’s to come? What actually is COVID-19? With all the confusion about, we’re happy to bring you this timely episode of The GoGedders Podcast with Dr. Malika Siker to shed some light on the situation. Along with answering a few listener-submitted questions, we’ll touch on what the virus is, and what to do if you have symptoms. We’ll also cover how COVID is spread, social distancing, handling the virus for your family, the workplace, and more.Further reading, recommended by Dr. Siker:Cdc.gov (National)Who.int (Global)Dhs.wi.gov (Wisconsin)Ourworldindata.org 

It sure is hard to believe 100 episodes have flown by. It feels like just yesterday that a new-to-podcasting Richie Burke sat in front of a lone Amazon shotgun mic recording the first batch of GoGedders episodes.Since then, the show has come a long way. We've sat down with inspiring guests and discussed a huge array of topics, having a lot of fun and making improvements along the way. The podcast has also served as a catalyst for GGMM, presenting opportunities to work with fantastic national and local brands alike.To celebrate our 100th episode, we've compiled a few clips that we feel encompasses what The GoGedders is all about. Guests have told touching stories, opened up about tough subjects, and shared plenty of laughs. The podcast has become a showcase for real Milwaukee people to highlight the good they’re doing in the community, and we couldn’t be more proud of that.Without further ado, we hope you enjoy the 100th episode featuring clips from Judge Derek Mosley, Sidney Moncrief, Jackie Hermes, Ane Ohm, Rashi Khosla, Chuck Swoboda, Danika Tramburg (Miss Wisconsin, USA), Gabi Suliga (Miss Milwaukee), and Lori Mendelson.

The craft beer industry has experienced a proper explosion over the last few years. With all the new growth, it’s easy to forget about Milwaukee’s staples.You may not know this, but Sprecher Brewing Co. is actually Wisconsin’s oldest craft brewery. Recently, the award-winning craft brewery changed hands, and the new leadership is ready to take Sprecher to new heights. In this episode, Richie sits down with Sprecher’s three new co-owners, Sharad Chadha, Jim Kanter, and Andy Nunemaker, to talk everything Sprecher — past, present, and especially future.You’ll also hear about how Sprecher markets and distributes products quickly, the ever-changing beverage industry, and the Sprecher team’s goal to become a global brand.

Last week, I‌ hesitantly made a Facebook post about my anxiety. I‌ was inspired by all of the responses and questions the post received, so I‌ felt compelled to put it out on the podcast.You can only dive so deep on social media, and I‌ can use myself as an example for anyone dealing with a similar situation. Two and a half years ago, I‌ had a full-blown panic attack when the plane I‌ was on stalled on the tarmac. It changed my life in several ways; routine tasks and activities like elevators, going to crowded events, and flying now sparked anxiety. After being in and out of therapy, discovering breathwork techniques, and working to create a new version of myself, I finally flew medication-free for the first time since the initial panic attack. This podcast goes deep into my history with anxiety and the methods I use to get better. I‌ think anyone can apply these to mental (and sometimes even physical) health issues they’re going through themselves.

The Mongol Rally has been described as “the craziest motoring adventure on the planet”, and for good reason. This 10,000-mile journey spans from London, England to Ulan Ude, Russia and passes through twenty countries on the way. Ralliers team up, buy a tiny, crappy car sight-unseen with a smaller-than-one-liter engine, and send it. So, what kind of lunatics would set out on such a journey? Milwaukeeans looking for a hell of an adventure. Charlie Hawks, Henry Sanders, and Ben Selig teamed up to conquer this seemingly-infinite route through Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. It was a tough venture, but when it was all said and done, they’d learned quite a bit about the world and themselves, and they were happy they did it.To hear the whole story right from the horses’ mouths, tune into this episode of The GoGedders Podcast. Host Richie Burke sat down and recorded live at Milwaukee’s Rotary Club with our three adventurers, Charlie, Henry, and Ben, to talk about their journey and what they learned along the way. You’ll hear on-the-fly fixes, playing chess on a Turkmenistani ferry with foreign truckers, and learn a few interesting facts about countries you didn’t even know existed.

Erik Kennedy (Young, Active, and Sober in Milwaukee) returns and is joined by Dr. Munther Bakarat to take a deeper dive into the world of drinking in Milwaukee. Erik is in his fifth year of sobriety, and is very active in the community, serving on a number of different boards throughout the Milwaukee. Dr. Bakarat is the Director of Behavioral Health at Advocate Aurora, offering a professional’s perspective on the topic. They’ll discuss healthy and unhealthy relationships with alcohol, how moderating alcohol intake can lead to a healthier lifestyle, and why cutting booze can be so intimidating. They'll also provide a few pointers for people looking to cut back, among other great tidbits. 

We’ve talked about “serial entrepreneurs” on The GoGedders before, but Ken Muth might just take the cake. A perpetual learner with a competitive spirit, Ken was born into an entrepreneurial environment, spent time on Wall Street as an analyst for Baird, and eventually returned to Wisconsin to sail the Muth Mirror Systems ship.On this episode of The GoGedders Podcast, you'll hear Richie and Ken’s talk, live from The University Club. In addition to Ken’s story, you’ll hear him discuss balancing family and business, why Wall Street teaches you to make decisions quickly, why taking care of his people is what he’s most proud of, and much more. 

If you’re like most folks, you’ve got a whole slew of New Year’s resolutions to attend to. But unfortunately (if you’re like most folks), 80% of those resolutions will be tossed out the door just two weeks after 2020 roars in.On this week of The GoGedders Podcast, Richie sits down with Wade Ritchie and Tasha Tyriver of Milwaukee’s own F45 Training to talk about goal setting, diet, and fitness. They’ll also discuss taking care of yourself mentally, what it’s been like to start a gym in Milwaukee, and more. 

Though there’s plenty of podcasts out there, a good portion of them stop before they even hit three episodes. Why? Because it’s a lot of work! That said, there are a few simple things that make a podcast great, and help it gain the listenership it deserves.Richie brought Nils Parker up to the stage at Podfest MKE to talk about what those key components are. Nils Parker is one of the top authors and ghostwriters in the world who’s been in content creation for a long time. In fact he works directly with some of the best in their fields: Guy Raz, Matthew Berry, Lewis Howes and Tony Robbins to name a few. The books he's touched have sold over 6 million copies. He knows a thing or two about storytelling, and according to him, that’s what great content is all about.Tune in to hear Richie and Nils talk about why a great story fuels great content, how simple messaging is key, and how the future of podcasting will be shaped by people curating engaging content — not by algorithms, and much more!

These chilly winter months can get pretty crazy. Whether you’re running all over town buying gifts, going to four different family parties, or just trying to fit in some well-deserved self-care, one thing’s for certain:‌ the most wonderful time of the year is a whirlwind! Add a new relationship into the mix and you’ve got a recipe to make anyone’s head spin. Lucky for you, Kessler’s Diamonds sponsored a special holiday edition of “Dating Advice”‌ on The GoGedders Podcast.Richie Burke brought back Danika Tramburg (Miss Wisconsin, USA), Gabi Suliga (Miss Milwaukee), and professional matchmaker Lori Mendelson (author of “Smart, Funny, Single”) to cover holiday dating etiquette, how to handle your busy schedule, how to tell if someone is serious about you, and much more!

On this episode of The GoGedders Podcast, you’ll join host Richie Burke live from Milwaukee Brewing Company’s new space for MMAC’s “What’s Your Story?” event. In his 15-minute talk, Richie covers a simple framework for creating content that resonates across multiple channels. He also goes over positioning your customer as the hero and your brand as their guide. The concepts can be applied to video content, websites, and even your elevator pitch!

On this week’s episode of The GoGedders Podcast, Richie sits down with members of Milwaukee’s premier emerging professional group, Echelon. Known for events like “Dinner in the Alley”, “Served”, and “Meaningful Makeover”, Echelon aims to help Miwaukee’s homeless population and works toward ending homelessness in our city. Along the way, the group has made a name for itself and engaged members by offering its own diverse culture, ensuring everyone is welcome to come together to tackle a common goal. Sarah Tomczyk, Jonathan Newby, and Brandon Tschacher join to discuss what fuels this group’s success, how Echelon helps break down preconceived notions Milwaukeeans may have about one another, the ways people can get involved with Echelon events, and more.

Bookworm Gardens is an imaginative, independent nonprofit organization that makes this experience a reality for kids in Wisconsin, day in and day out. Their space, a beautiful botanic garden, is inspired by “children's literature, the natural world, and the imagination” and gives children of all backgrounds a chance to experience some of the elements of their favorite stories in real life.This week on The GoGedders Podcast, host Richie Burke is joined by Sandy Livermore, Elizabeth Wieland, and Cate Tinker — the Gardens’ founder, Executive Director, and Director of Education & Community Programming, respectively. Listen in to hear all about how Bookworm Gardens got started, how the space inspires children (and children at heart!) through nature and hands-on storytelling, and more.

You asked for it, you’ve got it!‌ Back for its third installment, the Dating Advice series returns, now sponsored by Kessler’s Diamonds! On this episode, Richie sits down with now-familiar favorites Danika Tramburg (Miss Wisconsin, USA), Gabi Suliga (Miss Milwaukee), and professional matchmaker Lori Mendelson, author of “Smart, Funny, Single”. They dive into topics like communicating with exes when you’re in a relationship, transitioning from hooking up to being exclusive, approaching people at a bar, reading body language, and more!

Though most people associate "Geneva Supply" with "Amazon", this local strategy and fulfillment company also helps students in the area explore career paths and learn about the working world through an initiative called BizTank.On this episode of The GoGedders Podcast, Richie and Alex sit down with Jeff Peterson, CEO and Co-Founder of Geneva Supply. They chat about how the company was founded, how BizTank began, the ways the program helps students explore different career paths, and much more! They’re also joined by Hunter, a BizTank participant turned intern who hops on the mic to talk about the impact the program has had on her life.

Whether you're interested in starting a podcast, growing your show, or want to kick back and listen to live local podcasts, PodFest MKE has something for you! Richie and Alex sit down with Kyle Haggee and Lizzie McLaren from Bridge The City to preview this inaugural event.

 GoGedders host Richie Burke interviews VICE Media's George Jeng live from FallX19 and discusses innovation in the media landscape and what's next in journalism.

Richie goes over the state of podcasting, how we started and grew the GoGedders podcast, and what we've done to successfully launch and grow podcasts for everyone from local businesses to global brands. If you're interested in all things podcasting or looking to start or grow your own show, this episode is for you!

What drives innovation? Is it people? Process? Who's considered an innovator? What even is innovative thinking? What does it take to get there? Marquette University's newest podcast, Innovators on Tap, aims to explore the questions above and understand what it takes to challenge the status quo. Hosted by Chuck Swoboda, Innovator-in-Residence at Marquette University and former CEO of Cree, Inc., the show's aim is not to provide copy-and-paste recipes for innovation — rather, Innovators on Tap tackles complex topics by picking the brains of some of the country's brightest minds.On this episode of The GoGedders Podcast, Richie sits down with Chuck Swoboda, Kyle Hagge, Kate Trevey, and our very own Alex Moehn to talk about how this stellar new podcast came to be. They'll cover the show's progress from idea to execution, and you'll learn plenty about innovation along the way.

Disrupt Milwaukee 3.0 is taking place on November 7 at Best Place. In this episode of The GoGedders Podcast, we preview the event and talk about innovation, transformation, the future of workplaces, how companies can adapt and recruit top talent, and more.

Over the past few years, the term “Gig Economy” has been trending -- and for good reason. The Gig Economy refers to 36% of US workers who parted ways with traditional nine-to-five jobs to be their own boss through freelance opportunities, independent contracts, and other revenue-generating side hustles. On this episode of The GoGedders Podcast, you’ll hear from Sarah Ferrance, who previously held positions at Bon-Ton, Kohls, and Harley Davidson before leaving the corporate world to start her own consulting firm, Hyacinth Nembhardt, who has a side hustle catering frozen/blended beverages, and Beth Ridley, who recently left a successful corporate career to launch a career wellness company.

Talent retention, innovation, and startup activity have long been lagging in Milwaukee — but in recent years, we've seen the momentum pick up. The Commons is one of the organizations making this shift happen. The Commons brings students from Milwaukee's collegiate ecosystem together and pairs them up with our thriving corporate and startup worlds to teach them entrepreneurial and innovative skills. They get real-world experience working with Milwaukee area businesses, and everyone wins. On this episode, we're joined by three of The Commons Innovation Fellows: Olivia Menzia, Tara Rahmani, and Ahmed Ali. We'll learn about their diverse backstories, what going through the Commons has taught them, their perspectives on Milwaukee, and why they've all chosen to stay here after graduating — even though that isn't what they planned on.

At this point, you've probably heard that the DNC will be hosted in Milwaukee, that it's projected to bring 50,000 visitors, and that it’s projected to have an economic impact of over $200 million on our city. What you may not know is the backstory of Joe Solmonese, the man leading the charge to bring this event to life, and how this opportunity could change both the outside perspective and the overall growth trajectory of our city.On this episode, you'll hear: What Milwaukee needs to do to take advantage of this opportunity  The arc of the convention and what needs to happen from now to July 2020 What happens if the Bucks make a late run to the Finals leading up to the conventionHow the convention will spread far beyond downtown MilwaukeeThe biggest concerns leading up to the convention Milwaukee’s outside perception and how this can change it Joe’s backstory and what motivates him 

This week, we're joined by Christine Specht, CEO of Cousins Subs. After Producer Gabe fanboyed about Cousins' fresh fries for a good five minutes, she sat down with Richie to talk about her journey at the helm of this awesome sandwich chain.You'll hear all about how the brand initially started and has now successfully transitioned into its modern form, why Milwaukee (and Wisconsin as a whole) is great place to do business, working in a family business, how to stand out in a competitive market and much, much more.

Due to the popularity of the Dating Advice to Milwaukee Men episode, we're back (and better than ever). On the first installment, we spent a lot of time analyzing the life of Chris Stegman and had the privilege of hearing from Jonathan Haedt and the  Matt Michalek, better known as "The Wolf of Milwaukee". This time we’ve got more legit guests. We’re joined by Miss Wisconsin, USA, Danika Tramburg, Miss Milwaukee, Gabi Suliga, and matchmaker Lori Mendelson from “Smart, Funny, Single“. From how to optimize your dating profile, easy-to-follow self-care tips, what people are really looking for when they’re out on the town, how to date without falling victim to intimidation, and what to do when your boyfriend goes out for a cocktail and wakes up in Austin, Texas — we have you covered. 

Mayra Alaniz and Kenyon Terrell join us Live from the Rotary Club of Milwaukee. We shine the spotlight on these two inspiring recipients of the Rotary Scholarship, both of whom are first-generation minority college students doing great things. We are also joined by Eric Isbister, one of the mentors of the program and founders of the Rotary Scholarship Fund. 

Live from the Rotary Club of Milwaukee, Richie goes over the booming trends and what to expect in the audio, voice, and podcasting space in 2019. He'll also cover how we started and grew this very podcast. Stay tuned for the other half, featuring interviews with the Rotary Scholars.

We teamed up with the hosts of one of our favorite podcasts, Experience Milwaukee, to bring you an episode filled with our favorite things to do around town. Experience Milwaukee hosts Steve Glynn and Adam Derus join us to go over our favorite hidden gem breweries, date spots, and more. As a bonus, Producer Gabe came on to rescue the episode with his craft cocktail expertise after Richie named JoCats as his favorite spot to grab a drink in Milwaukee.

Ben and Kyle from Milwaukee's Bridge The City Podcast came by GGMM to preview their Political Open Mic event. The event is being held May 16th at Gathering Place Brewing Company in partnership with Newaukee. The Bridge the City Podcast helps bridge together people, resources, and ideas that inspire Milwaukee to action. Their show has featured interviews with Mayor Tom Barrett, Alex Lasry, and many more Milwaukee leaders. They've covered topics like Youth Justice in Milwaukee and Election Specials, and even let Ian Abston on for an episode. Tune in, learn what they're all about, and check out their podcast! Head to https://www.bridgethecitypodcast.com/ to learn more about the event.

Serial entrepreneur and author of the new book "Lost in Startuplandia" Kelly Fitzsimmons stopped by the GGMM HQ to hop on the mic. She shared her journey through starting six companies (a couple with very successful exits) and navigating the trials and tribulations of entrepreneurship. Kelly was once $5M in debt, but climbed right out and made an inspiring comeback. There are tons of takeaways for current and aspiring entrepreneurs, and this is a compelling episode for anyone who likes a good story! 

Chuck Swoboda and Kelly Fitzsimmons come on the podcast to talk all things innovation. Two awesome innovators were at GGMM HQ on the same morning. There was some slight overlap, so we mic'd them up — and we're so glad we did. As CEO of LED lighting company Cree, Chuck grew the company from $6M to $1.6B, and in 2013, Cree was recognized as one of America's 25 Fastest Growing Tech Companies by Forbes Magazine.Kelly is the author of "Lost in Startuplandia". She is the founder of 6 companies and has a few successful exits to date. This episode has a ton of great takeaways for anyone trying to take their company to the next level and navigate the ever-changing landscape of today's market. 

Matchmaker Lori Mendelsohn stopped by The GGMM HQ and we ended up recording an impromptu podcast. We cover the Milwaukee dating scene, online dating tactics, first dates and more. Special guests Jonathan Haedt and The Wolf of Milwaukee, Matt Michalik, join over the phone.

Nicolet High School State Champions Jalen Johnson, Kobe Jonson, and Jamari Sibley join us on the podcast this week. We explore what it's like to be a top recruit in 2019, how social media impacts the process, and how they pushed through adversity both on and off the court to win the 2019 state title.

If you’ve never heard of The Commons, it’s an insanely cool collaboration that sits between three very important Milwaukee worlds — startup, corporate, and higher education. They aim to keep Milwaukee’s innovative minds around for the long haul, and help both startup and corporate businesses alike find great talent right here in the city.Joe Poeschl, the Program Director and Founder, comes on to talk about the program’s start, success, and inspiring future. He brought along Joshua Shefner, Founder of Blue Mangoes, a socially-minded dried fruit startup that’s been though gener8tor’s gBETA program after going through The Commons. Our own Gabe Wichser (better-known as Producer Gabe), a Commons alum, also makes his first podcast appearance on the other side of the mic.

Jeff Sherman steps in as guest host and sits down with Marques Johnson before his induction into the Wisconsin Sports Hall of Fame. They compare his Milwaukee Bucks teams to this year's squad, talk about his role in the movie White Men Can't Jump, the evolution of the basketball, Milwaukee, the Fiserv Forum, and more!

Jeffrey Gitomer is a sales legend. He's written 15 books, including The Little Red Book of Selling, which has sold over 5 million copies on its own. He's the co-host of The Sell or Die Podcast, which has over one million downloads. He's even been inducted into the NSA's Speaker Hall of Fame. Today, he joins The GoGedders to present a Sales Masterclass. We talk about his path to become a world-class sales trainer, how to disrupt the sales landscape, what the right questions to ask are, the right way to ask for the sale, perseverance, podcast growth and more! 

Jackie Hermes, Ane Ohm, and Rashi Khosla came to the GGMM HQ for a live podcast during Milwaukee Women's Entrepreneurship Week. We’ll go over the transition from the corporate America to entrepreneurship, challenges women women entrepreneurs face (that men may not be aware of), what it takes to build a successful company in Milwaukee, overcoming societal obstacles, and more.

At the age of 15, on the eve of basketball tryouts, David Cooks got hit with a spinal aneurism out of nowhere. It left him T-6 paraplegic. But David didn’t let that stop him. With a new outlook on life, David has gone on to build an impressive coaching resume—even working with Coach K at Duke. He’s also been on the coaching staff of USA Basketball, and was the head coach of the Marquette University High School team for over a decade.Now, David is an author, speaker, and coach. This episode is packed with lessons on overcoming adversity—tune in to hear David Cook talk about his inspiring story! 

Meet the Sherman Phoenix, an uplifting entrepreneurial space born from the ashes of violence in Milwaukee’s Sherman Park neighborhood. It’s now home to over 29 entrepreneurs in the food, culture, and health & wellness spaces.Juli Kaufman and Trueman McGee came on the podcast to tell the inspiring story of the Sherman Phoenix, talk segregation in Milwaukee, and discuss how the city can move forward.Learn more about the Sherman Phoenix here→ bit.ly/2BYFkSL and listen to the episode wherever you find podcasts!

From March 4–8, 47 awesome events will take place across Milwaukee for Women's Entrepreneurship Week. Organizers Jackie Hermes, Christina Haidemenos, and Jenny Weeden sit down to give us an overview of the week and talk Women's Entrepreneurship in Milwaukee.

Sure, 80% of New Year's resolutions have failed by now. But why is that? Turns out, you might've been going about this whole thing wrong! Richie sits down with Joe Sweeney and Derek Deprey—two top leadership and high performance experts—to give you tactics that'll make 2019 your best year yet. They chat about why motivation is an ugly word, what you can do to find success in all aspects of life, and more.

Jeramey Jannene (Urban Milwaukee), Andy Nunemaker (Dynamis/Applied Systems), and Matt Dorner (Milwaukee Downtown Bid) sit down with Richie to talk all things Hop. These local leaders debate if it's worth having a street car in Milwaukee, and how it might impact the city's future.

Live from the 2018 MKE Blockchain Conference, Richie sits down with James, Davis, and Paul to discuss how Milwaukee can better retain the top young talent coming through our University system. They’ll also discuss how Milwaukee can compete with (and beat) larger cities in the startup arena. These three guests all have a unique perspective; Davis is currently a senior at Marquette University, and the founder of the Marquette Blockchain Lab, James is the Senior Director of Tech Advancement and Outreach at Northwestern Mutual, and Paul is the founder of Digital Asset Advisors. Though Paul’s business is based out of LA, he grew up in the midwest and attended Marquette University. 

With the Milwaukee Blockchain Conference this Friday at Northwestern Mutual, we had the Marquette Blockchain Lab team (who is organizing the event) stop by. Davis, Alec, Clayton, and Gabi give a conference preview. We also touch on what Blockchain is, how it will affect businesses, the value of a college experience, talent retention in Milwaukee, and more.