Explore every episode of the podcast Beans & Banter
Dive into the complete episode list for Beans & Banter. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
Shifrah Morgan joins us to discuss her experience with the Rama Cult.
She describes what it was like to grow up inside: the punishments, the constant hypervigilance, and how the outside world treated cult kids.
She also talks about the few kind people who showed up for her, the violence she witnessed and how it shaped her, the trauma responses she still works through, and the abuse that happened inside other members’ homes.
This is part 1 of a 4-part series. Stay tuned for more.
⚠️ Content advisory: This episode includes frank discussion of childhood abuse, physical violence, and cult control. Viewer discretion is advised. The accounts shared are Shifrah’s personal recollections and experiences.
Grab a coffee, pull up a chair, and prepare yourself for Shifrah's experience.
This week we sat down with Alex Hartwig, wife of Lucas Hartwig of Twig's Beverage, and an adoptive mom of three who also works as an adoption consultant.
She tells us how her family got started, what it was like when a placement fell through, and why open adoption means so much to her.
We also talk about what adoption actually costs, the anti-adoption conversation, and some of the questions people ask adoptive parents that they really shouldn’t.
It’s a heavy one at times, but an honest one.
Grab a coffee, pull up a chair and get to know Alex Hartwig with us!
Growing up in Wisconsin comes with plenty of stories, questionable decisions, and memories that still make us laugh.
From BB gun wars and summer farm work to high school parties and run-ins with the law, we're looking back at the wild, ridiculous, and unforgettable moments of growing up in a small town.
Grab your Mill mug, pick a smoking or non section, and settle in for some wild stories.
We loved having Big Daddy & Holo of Live From the 715 on our show!
We swap stories about hometown memories, community events, questionable conspiracy theories, UFO sightings, and the strange things people do when something is free.
Grab your Mill mug, pull up a chair, and join us for another round of laughs, opinions, and conversation that probably should have stayed at the bar.
A note from Cami: this episode is unbleeped.
Listen to Live From The 715: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4mWJ5jR2cnnMtrjUrVw7lA?si=daf6b1ae728c47f7
Follow Big Daddy and Holo: TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@livefrom715 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Livefrom715 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/livefrom715?exln=OXlzb3JnenMyMWRh
This week, we sit down with Kaci and Allan of Bloomed on Dairy to talk about dairy farming, flowers, family, business, social media, burnout, marriage, motherhood, and the stories that shape who we become.
Allan is a third-generation dairy farmer, while Kaci went from corporate HR to stay-at-home mom to building her own flower business.
Their conversation covers the realities of running businesses, raising four kids, growing up in farming, and why telling a good story can make all the difference.
And yes, there is plenty of banter along the way.
Grab a coffee, pull up a chair, and get to know Kaci and Allan with us.
Learn more about the Meet Me at the Mill event happening October 14:https://www.facebook.com/share/14pXe1fGR7K/
Keep up with Bloomed on Dairy: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576745034199
Coach Adam Gafner has spent decades around hockey, including years as a coach and parent, but for him the sport has always been about more than winning.
We talk about pressure, losing, adversity, parenting, coaching teenagers, competition, and teaching kids how to become better humans.
Adam also opens up about his battle with stage 4 neuroendocrine cancer and how that experience completely changed the way he looks at time, family, and living in the present.
This conversation was so good we split it into two parts. Stay tuned for part 2 coming soon.
Grab your Mill mug, pull up a chair, and get to know Coach Adam Gafner with us.
Three brothers. One family business. A whole lot of Sun Drop.
We sit down with the Hartwig brothers to talk about growing up around Twigs Beverage, their wildly different paths, and what it means to carry on a family business that has been part of Shawano since 1951.
The future of Twigs Beverage is in good hands!
Grab a coffee (or Twigs Soda), pull up a seat, and get to know the Hartwig Brothers with us.
We talk about FFA, farming, livestock, the greenhouse, the county fair, student safety certifications, and why agriculture education is about much more than farming.
This is a funny, candid conversation about teaching, agriculture, and small-town life.
Grab a coffee, pull up a chair, and get to know Miss Mandi McClone with us.
What happens when you look at your kid and realize they're becoming their own person?
In this episode, we sit down with our son Cubby for a conversation about growing up, family, sports, work, and figuring out what comes next.
At 15, he's already working, building a small business, and learning lessons that will stick with him long after high school. We talk about the role parents play in pushing their kids, knowing when to let go, and sometimes knowing when a kid needs a little push.
We love Cubby. He's a good kid. And our favorite right now.
Grab a coffee, pull up a seat, and get to know Cubby with us.
From environmental impacts to economic promises, data centers have become one of Wisconsin's biggest emerging topics. Quinn of @WisconsQuinn joins us for an honest discussion about the concerns and unanswered questions surrounding this rapidly growing industry.
This is an eye-opening episode.
Grab a coffee, pull up a seat, and get to know Quinn with us.
What do computer programming and law enforcement have in common? For Chief Deputy John Rousseau of the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, more than you'd think. After walking away from a career in software to pursue public service, he found himself using both passions to improve policing from the inside out.
In this episode, John shares about his journey from computer programmer to Chief Deputy while offering an honest look at the people behind the badge.
From innovation and leadership to parenting and public service, he discusses why trust in law enforcement is built through transparency, integrity, and a commitment to serving the community.
It's a thoughtful conversation that challenges perceptions and reminds us that behind every uniform is someone dedicated to making a difference.
Grab a coffee, pull up a seat, and get to know John Rousseau with us.
Our audience asked to hear more from our family, so this week we invited our son Knox to join us on the podcast.
We talk about baseball (of course), Minecraft, school, church, future dreams, friendship, and why kindness matters. Along the way, you'll also hear Knox's thoughts on the moon landing, aliens, and plenty of random family stories that had us laughing (and possibly a little emotional).
We also reflect on the qualities we hope our kids carry into adulthood and the lessons they're already teaching us.
This conversation offers a glimpse into the heart behind our family and The Mill.
Thanks for being part of our journey. We hope this conversation leaves you smiling and encourages you as much as it encouraged us.
Grab a coffee, pull up a seat, and get to know our son Knox.
Warning: This video discusses sexual abuse, molestation, and spiritual abuse. It may include difficult or triggering subject matter. Viewer discretion is advised. Please take care while watching, and don't hesitate to pause or stop if needed.
This is the episode you've all been waiting for. We won't lie, this is a tough watch.
In this episode, we start to scratch the surface of the Two by Twos cult that NiCole and our guest Amber grew up in.
We will be producing a longer series on this so stay tuned for more on that.
For now, grab a coffee, pull up a seat, and buckle up as we dive into the Two by Twos cult.
In this episode, we dive into her career, how she and NiCole became friends (it's a story involving gum and a slap threat), and what life is like in retirement.
Like all our episodes, this one goes in many directions and it's a really fun conversation. (There's even a story about murder for all you true crime fans).
Grab a coffee, pull up a chair, and get to know our friend Catherine with us.
We'll be honest, this episode is very random. We had two guests who had to reschedule (we'll talk about why). So what you get is a fairly unfiltered, random conversation between Keith and NiCole.
We share stories about embarrassing childhood moments, parenting, hopes for our small town, and more.
If you need to listen to some banter, this is the episode for you.
Grab a coffee, pull up a chair, and laugh with us. We still don't know what we're doing.
In this episode, we sit down with Brad and Courtney of Duo Couture. We dive into the realities of buying inventory at wholesale markets, the logistics of shipping and storage that come with rapid growth, navigating tricky customer return situations, and the ongoing challenge of balancing a marriage with being full-time business partners.
Whether you're a small business owner or a customer, this one offers so much insight into the logistics it takes to maintain success and sanity.
Grab a coffee, pull up a chair and get to know Brad and Courtney with us!
Welcome to the first episode of our side series, "Beers & Banters". Nothing is off the table. Nobody is safe from getting called out. And the beers are cold.
On this episode, we're diving headfirst into the rabbit holes that keep us up at night. From the collapse of Building 7 and the missing $2.3 trillion at the Pentagon, to why no mummy was ever actually found inside a pyramid... basically, we're questioning everything we were taught in school.
Plus, we get into the Anunnaki, Admiral Byrd's diary, the Tic Tac UFO incident, and why Alex Jones might have been right about more than we want to admit.
Subscribe so you don't miss the next rabbit hole. This podcast is explicit and intended for audiences 18+. Do your own research.
Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of suicide, mental health, and emotional distress. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988 in the United States to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
What would make someone volunteer to give away part of their liver to save another person's life?
In this episode, we sit down with Mandy Williams, the living donor who gave 73% of her liver to our friend Andy.
She shares the incredible story behind her decision, the surgery, recovery, and the unexpected emotional challenges that followed.
From misconceptions about organ donation to honest conversations about anxiety, mental health, family support, and finding purpose through hardship, this is a raw and inspiring look at what it means to make a life-changing sacrifice for someone else.
This is a reminder that ordinary people are capable of extraordinary things. If you’ve ever considered organ donation, this one is for you.
Grab a coffee, pull up a chair, and buckle up as we get to know Mandy Williams.
Every small town has stories, and this episode has plenty of them.
In this episode, we hang out with our friend Justine who is one of the reasons The Mill’s Closet exists. You’ll hear about unforgettable first dates, family memories, paranormal encounters, and just the moments that make a community feel like home.
This is a conversation full of laughter, honesty, and stories you won't soon forget. We laugh… a lot.
Grab a coffee, pull up a seat, and get to know our friend Justine.
In this episode, Jaime Lee, better known to many as “The Sun Drop Girl”, shares her journey of embracing creativity, small-town roots, and the unexpected paths life can take.
From building “Shawano News” from scratch to preserving local stories and moments that matter, the conversation explores what it means to stay true to yourself, even when people don’t fully understand your vision.
There’s conversation about faith, family, veterans, old souls, aliens (obviously), entrepreneurship, growing up in Wisconsin taverns, and the beauty of Midwest culture. Jaime also opens up about learning to trust the process, chasing dreams without losing yourself, and why sometimes being “good enough” matters more than endlessly chasing perfection.
Grab a coffee, pull up a seat, and get to know The Sun Drop Girl with us!
Episode 21 is a full catch-up with the usual chaos, including podcast updates, life talk, bad reviews, Facebook Live moments, and a lot of side tangents that go everywhere… as usual.
We also touch on some real-life health/test result conversations before jumping right back into marketing, content ideas, and running a business.
It’s funny, unfiltered, and a little deep at times. Thank you for hanging out with us while we figure things out in real time. We love this community.
Grab a coffee, pull up a chair, and join us for this chaotic conversation.
A lot of you know the story of our friend, Andy. He received a life-changing liver donation back in October from an amazing woman named Mandy (She'll be on an upcoming episode soon).
Andy and NiCole have been friends since high school, so this episode dives deep into the past. You'll also discover in this episode that we are definitely not medical experts, so take what we say... lightly (don't come after us, UW-Health).
Also, ladies, be on the lookout for when NiCole gets really mad at Keith later in the episode. You'll learn something in between all the bleeps.
With that said... grab a coffee, pull up a chair, and get to know our good friend, Andy. ______________________ Check out the story Fox 11 did on Andy and Mandy HERE.
Savannah Wood from Good Day Wisconsin on Fox11 joins us for a conversation about how she got into journalism and what live TV is actually like.
From starting in a middle school news program to working in local news, she talks about learning to think on her feet, building confidence on camera, and why being real matters more than being perfect.
The conversation also gets into early mornings, connecting with people, and the real impact local news can have on small businesses and the community.
Unfiltered, a little chaotic, and a solid behind-the-scenes look at local news.
Grab a coffee, pull up a chair, and get to know Savannah with us.
In this episode, we sat down with Josh Russell, the guy behind “Dang That’s Awesome.”
He built a Wisconsin food/travel TikTok to 7.4M views in 8 months, and he actually explains how he did it without the usual fluff.
We get into what’s actually moving the needle on TikTok right now: timing, hooks, why followers aren’t the metric people think they are, and how he turned simple food reviews into real revenue with restaurants and resorts.
His backstory’s just as wild. West Virginia, Green Bay, country rap career, touring… now full-time content and photography. It all connects in a way that makes sense once you hear it.
We also hit algorithm strategy, posting timing, going live locally, pricing your work, sponsored content without selling out, and yes… chicken wings and the “glazing” situation.
Go follow him: @dang.thats.awesome
If you’re running a business or trying to build something online, this one’s worth your time.
Grab a coffee, pull up a chair, and get to know Josh Russell with us.
This is a real one with a guy who took a heat press, about a $1000, and turned it into a full-blown printing and design shop, DotCom Branding.
Now he’s running thousands of shirts a week, doing wraps, branding, and anything else that comes through the door. But it didn’t come clean or easy.
We get into the chaos of small-town business, scaling from nothing, setbacks like a house fire, and what it actually takes to keep things moving when the work never stops.
It’s not polished. It’s just what it looks like when you build it from the ground up and keep it alive.
Grab a coffee, pull up a chair, and get to know KC with us.
This one goes from funny stories to some pretty real moments, like what happens when you leave everything you’ve ever known… and people stop listening.
We talk about faith, getting cut off, rebuilding life from scratch, and somehow ending up running a successful cleaning business.
Grab a coffee, pull up a chair, and get to know more about Miriam with us.
In this episode, we hang out with Representative Elijah R. Behnke. No fluff, no pretending, just real talk.
We dig into what it actually means to represent people, not a party. From stadium deals to lake laws, the toughest calls aren’t always the ones you’d expect.
Nothing polished. Nothing scripted. Just a straight-up look at how decisions get made when there’s no perfect answer.
Grab your coffee, pull up a chair, and get to know Elijah Behnke with us.
This one starts a little all over the place… and somehow lands exactly where it’s supposed to.
We sat down with Lindsay Johnson, who’s been behind a lot of what Shawano’s becoming—turning empty storefronts into a place people actually want to hang out.
We get into what it really takes to build a small town, why nothing happens as fast as people think it should, and the small stuff that actually moves the needle.
There’s a lot in here about backing local, building something that lasts, and figuring it out as you go.
And yeah… at some point we veer off into aliens, growing up, and the kind of life choices that don’t always make sense until they do.
Grab a coffee, pull up a chair, and get to know Shawano's Downtown Coordinator, Lindsay Johnson.
Ernie Allen has done a little bit of everything—restaurant floors, bar shifts, years at Chili’s, time with Mission BBQ, and now leading as an Area Sales Manager at Performance Food Group. Not a straight path… and that’s kind of the whole story.
We get into the COVID grind, what it really means to care about the people you serve, convincing his southern wife that Wisconsin winters are a good idea, and raising two boys with some structure behind it.
Somewhere in there, we talk about why the journey might actually be the point.
It’s real, it’s easy, and yeah, there are a few laughs in there too.
Grab a coffee, settle in, and meet our guy, Ernie.
📍 The Mill New episodes weekly
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Hans is the founder of F.I.R.E. Fitness Camp, which has grown to 21 locations across Wisconsin. But the road there wasn’t exactly smooth.
In this episode, we talk about what entrepreneurship actually looks like — the failures, the risks, and the mindset it takes to keep going when things don’t work the first time.
We also get into why entrepreneurs often struggle in franchise systems, the biggest mistakes new business owners make, and why starting a business sometimes requires a little bit of insanity.
Put down the shovel, grab a coffee, pull up a chair, and take a break with us. We’re happy you’re here.
After more than 30 years in law enforcement, Mike thought retirement would be the easy part. Instead, he found himself facing what many officers quietly experience after the badge comes off — the loss of identity, purpose, and the transition into a very different life.
Now he’s working to make sure first responders have somewhere to turn when they need support.
It’s an honest conversation about the realities of policing, the transition into retirement, and why simply checking in on someone can matter more than we realize.
Grab a coffee, pull up a chair, and hang out with us for a bit. We’re grateful you’re here.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- Check out the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Death Response (LEDR) program: https://www.wiledr.org
After nearly three decades in law enforcement, Tony sits down to talk about the road from serving 28 years in Oconto County to finding purpose after law enforcement.
He shares stories about camaraderie, tough supervisors, break room humor, and the moments that shaped him on and off the job.
This conversation dives into retirement, identity, marriage, and what it feels like to step away from a career that defined you for so long. It is honest, funny, reflective, and real.
Grab a cup of coffee, pull up a seat, and hang with us as we introduce you to our friend, Tony.
Need insurance? Check out https://insurance-greenbay.com or email Tony at tony@americanadvantagegb.com.
Some episodes are fun. Some are chaotic. And some hit you right in the chest.
This one is all three.
Jordan joins us to talk about growing up adopted, riding a Greyhound bus from Texas as a kid, losing his mom to addiction, falling headfirst off a concrete wall at 21, and waking up unable to walk or talk.
And somehow, through all of that, finding purpose.
We talk blind dogs, brain injuries, Sunday school panic attacks, football debates, red string theory, integrity, and why sometimes the worst moments in your life end up becoming the thing that shapes you the most.
Oh, and apparently, he had a Doctor Dolittle moment after his accident.
Classic.
Grab a coffee, pull up a chair, and hang out with us for a bit.
In this episode, we talk early business chaos, tough love, family tension, growth, and what it really looks like to build something with the people you love.
This one is messy, honest... and a little unhinged.
Grab a coffee, pull up a chair, and sit with us for a bit.
Our oldest son, Sawyer, joins us for this episode.
He’ll connect with anyone who’s military, comes from a blended home, has a stepdad and brother, or knows what it’s like being the oldest. He's a college-age kid finding his footing and building something of his own.
He’s a great kid.
We’re proud of him.
Grab a coffee, pull up a chair, and get to know our cat son, Sawyer.
Pastor Keith Sorlie shares his tender and empathetic heart with us. This conversation centers on obedience, timing, and discovering purpose when life does not go as planned. If you are burned out, questioning your faith, or wondering if it is too late to start something new, this one is for you.
Prepare to be inspired by his outlook on life and faith.
Grab a cup of coffee, pull up a seat, and sit with us for a while.
It's our first guest! Our podcast girl, Cami, joins us to reflect on her journey from Los Angeles back to the Midwest and the lessons that came with it.
This is a conversation about creativity, values, faith, and choosing a different pace.
Grab a cup of coffee and hang with us for a little bit.
In this episode, we talk about small town life, community, and the moments that stick with you.
We share stories about Christmas traditions, raising kids in a close-knit town, and what it really means to show up for the people around you (even when life gets messy). It’s honest, sometimes funny, sometimes heavy, and very real.
Grab a coffee, settle in, and hang out with us for a bit ☕
In this episode, we dive into the real-life chaos and joy of running a small-town coffee shop while raising a family. From hiring employees (and learning as we go), to building a team we genuinely care about, to navigating the highs and lows of mixing business with family life (for better or worse 😅) - this conversation is honest, funny, and very real.
We are Keith and NiCole Fischer, owners of The Mill in Bonduel, Wisconsin. The Mill is a coffee lounge, bourbon retailer, and boutique. But more than that, it’s a gathering place for numerous people, full of countless stories.