There's always sides of people's stories that we don't get to hear. In this podcast, join host Ross Theisen as he sits down with many people whom you may or may not know of, as he digs into the sides of their stories, you may or may not have heard. All in effort to find out what their path of personal success has looked like, and all the struggles they've overcome along the way.
Matt Barnes is the Founder and Owner of The Leisure Club (@leisureclub.co) here in Columbus, Ohio. From knowing he always had a passion for the arts, community and entertainment, the journey Matt takes on us in this episode ventures from; an original interest in performance and theater, to obtaining a business degree as a safety plan, living in 27 different places before he was 30, an experiential…
Megahnn DeWees ( @meg.citrinehair) is a Salon Owner, Extension Specialist, and Co-Founder of Citrine Hair & Skin here in Columbus, OH. If you've ever walked through the Franklinton Arts District in Columbus, Ohio, there's a good chance you've passed one of the coolest-looking salons in the city. Lots of plants, moss-covered walls, glowing neon, I'll say, unmistakable vibes. That space is Citrine…
Kevin Cappy is a musician, comedian and content creator in the band HummusVacuum (@hummusvacuum999) Cappy's made plenty of rounds in the Ohio music scene across Cleveland and Columbus, and now finds himself blending comedy, music and content creation in the coolest ways with his project HummusVacuum. As we dive into Cappy's story of pursuing music and blending comedy, we also cover his early days…
Nate Winkelmes is a musician under his project The Fears ( @fears.fm ) After his first appearance on the show being way back on episode 5, this week I sit down for a great return conversation with musician and creative, Nate Winkelmes. 5 years ago when Nate was first on the show, he was just beginning his real venture into making music through the first phase of his (then) band 'The Fears', after…
Tanya Vora (@totalllytanya) is a Stand Up Comedian & Entrepreneur with her brand/event series Spice Up . After growing up a shy kid, Tanya eventually found herself in the world of start-ups and hustle culture, and dove headfirst into business pitch competitions called "hack-a-thons", getting plenty of experience speaking into a live mic while pitching to a panel. She would then transition this…
Ryan Francis performs under the name "Huge Huge" (@hugeeugeofficial), was in cult-favorite indie horror movie ThanksKilling , and is (dubbed by me) a real good liver of life! Ryan's back on the show this week for a proper catch up and my goodness does it not dissapoint. If you're a longtime listener of this show, you'll know that one, Ryan is a past guest of the show with his first appearance…
Mike Larsen ( @writemikelarsen ) is a Comedian and Writer. This week it's a really fun dive into the world of comedy and television as I sit down with Mike Larsen who's got plenty of experience and plenty of stories to share across his time in performing and writing comedy, and even writing political speeches along the way. Whether it's stories from sharing stages with the likes of Robin Williams,…
Travis Irvine is...well many things! Some of which are a Journalist, Stand-Up Comedian, Filmmaker, avid Traveler and with involvement in Politics, he once ran for Mayor of Bexley Ohio. This week we get to hear all the stories of Travis, and I thought I was really good at collecting side quests in life, but this man has me beat by a mile! It's a story pillared by those 5 subjects I listed at the…
Brandon McMaster is a musician in the bands Former and Lucky Shot. Brandon's story I will kind of categorize as one of really knowing your passion and having that love really stick with you through lots of ups and downs. His story is one of reinvention, and a lot of self-reflection. We start with discovering that love of music through his mom, to starting bands in high school, to helping launch…
Mo Hill ( @mo_funnyyy ) is a Stand-Up Comedian from Columbus, OH. While getting his start in Ohio, Mo now often calls New York his comedy home as he travels there (and all over) while building a pretty active stand up career, as well as writing for sketches and film projects! In this episode we uncover how it all got started for Mo from simply growing up around laughter and humor, to realizing…
Rochelle Collins ( @therochellecollins ) is a Stand-Up Comedian based in Columbus, Ohio In this episode, I sit down with C omedian and all around funny person Rochelle Collins — a Columbus-based comic whose roots in farm life might of taught her a thing or two that now fuels her creative world. But listen we don't talk about farming much in this one honestly, but what we do talk about is her…
Adam Little (@alilshow) a sketch Comedian, Writer & Filmmaker from Columbus, Ohio. In this episode, it's a RETURN guest from a few years back, it's Adam Little back on the show for a fun catch up conversation since his last time on the show, back in 2021 and as you could guess, a lot has changed. We talk a lot about his changed perspectives on content creation and his social media presence now and…
In this episode, I catch up with Corey Mouch, musician from the band @ Southcourt (formerly 90s' Kids ), and we talk all about what it's like being a musician chasing the dream of music in this one, the highs and lows of chasing a dream in general, and how he's learned to create just for the love of it. I've gotta say, as I always do, these episodes, stories and perspectives are always in my…
This week on I'm joined by Angela Petro, the founder of Sweet Carrot and catering company Together & Co. , and simply someone with a lot of stories, laughs, and insight to share! In this conversation, Angela shares a ton of wisdom, and also a little judgment, mostly for the fact that I've never worked a serving job and haven't watched enough Ted Lasso...(This is fair.) We get into how she built…
This week I sit down with Aly Moore ( @aaprilshowers ) , Brand Manager for Goodland Brand and the force behind GOOD Market Cbus , two community-driven projects based right here in the heart of the Franklinton Arts District of Columbus, OH. We get into how Aly first got involved with Goodland, how her role naturally grew through a genuine love for the brand and its mission, and what it means to her…
In this episode, I sit down with Jesse Vogel, a passionate advocate for housing rights and a current candidate for Columbus City Council, here in Columbus Ohio. Jesse shares his journey from studying law at Ohio State to organizing housing initiatives during the pandemic, and now running a grassroots campaign focused on housing stability, community connection, and meaningful change. He dives into…
Nick Giumenti ( @nickgiumenti ) joins me this week for a wide-ranging, honest, and reflective conversation about the journey of My Ticket Home , the band's recent return, and what really happened to the long-lost MTH album. We dig into the early grind of being underage on tour, the evolution of the music industry and evevoling relationship with it, better defining what we want and don't want in…
Tara Defrancisco (@taradefrancisco) is the Founder of The Nest Theatre & an Actor as well as Improv Comedian with her show 'HERE: The (Improvised) Musical'. Tara's a seasoned vet in the world of improv comedy, along with her worldwide traveling show "HERE The Improvised Musical", and lately, she's become your resident positive pep-talker over on instagram and TikTok. There's a real good chance…
Nickey Winkelman (@nickeywink) is a Comedian based in Columbus, OH. In this episode, I sit down with comedian Nickey Winkelman to talk about her story and journey in stand-up, the evolving comedy scene, and the challenges of balancing creative work with personal life. We also dive into her early days of getting started in comedy, the pressure of social media in today's entertainment industry, and…
Lacie Evans (@laciemevans) is an Entrepreneur, Influencer, Content Creator and badass cowgirl! This week is a sit down with Lacie Evans, someone who, from the moment she walked in the studio door, it was like we had been friends for years! We dig into Lacie's story of living the farm life and how she's now turned that into an awesome online presence and blossoming career! We uncover how she…
Mikey Liesner is a Videographer, Documentarian, and co-host of The Strange Road Podcast. This one gets chalked up into that column of episodes that I can simply describe as FUN. As we dive into Mikey's story of navigating a career in video, we really dig into how it all started when he was young, due to him wanting to grab a camera to travel the world and document the strange and unusual. This…
Sean Mackowski (@sean2damax) is an Entrepreneur, Musician and most recently Founder of guitar pedal company, Tallon Electric . After finding and following a passion for music at a young age that lead him into the touring worlds in bands like My Ticket Home, Attack Attack! and Truslow, Sean also noticed that while he was involved in many of these creative endeavours, his real knack was an attention…
Tyler Phillips (@typhillips7) is the head of Fan Culture and Development with the Columbus Crew . Alright this week I have my second ever return guest, for a full second sit-down, as I've got my friend Tyler Phillips back on the show, for the first time since episode 10 back in 2020! So as you could probably guess, we had a lot to catch up on in both life and career. Where we last left off, Tyler…
This week I sat down virtually with my friend Robert Teegarden (@rmtshoots) as we dive into his story of navigating the world of Video Production and creation. Whatever type of creative you may be, a guarantee there's something that'll click with you in this one! As Robert and I chat all things within the creative world, he shares his story from entering the world of music and production, to…
This week I talk to Dr. Eugene K. Choi who is a Performance and Business Coach, but he does it all from a Neuroscience-Based background. So I've never had a guest quite like Eugene on this show before, and it was a blast to get to know him and how he got started in all that he does. He shares how he went from working in the pharmaceutical world, to chasing a dream of Filmmaking to then bringing…
We're going back into the WYDH vault this week as I dig up what was originally E74, and my conversation with Simi Botic, Intuitive Eating Counselor, Health Coach and Founder of Unmeasured . This conversation with Simi has remained one of my favorites since the moment it happened. As she shares her story of searching for body positivity and overcoming a difficult relationship with food, and how…
In this episode, I sit down with Jon Paton, the founder of Fit Fresh , a meal prep company that's doing way more than just feeding people, it's making a difference! Jon shares his story of how Fit Fresh came to be,and the power of his "why" behind it all in becoming a business that thrives on positivity and community impact. You'll leave this episode 100% wanting to be friend's with Jon and…
We're opening up the WYDH vault this week and diving WAY back in to what was originally Episode 8, and my conversation with creator of OHD Video (then OhioHD Video) Scott Handel. SO much has happened since this interview years ago, but, I felt this one was worth a reshare given Scott's story of starting OHD, and all the hidden gems within. He shares a lot about the importance behind taking…
Melissa Blackburn (@mellybburn) is a small business coach and co-creator of Haven Collective If you're aiming to start your own business, pivot in your current career path, or are self-employed of any kind, this one's filled with many gems dropped by Melissa! As we uncover her journey of starting Haven Collective, a coworking space in Columbus, Ohio, she talks about the challenges and rewards of…
Alex Lewis (@lewisalex10) is a poet and writer through his own popular newsletter "Feels Like Home" and Columbus Underground , as well as his projects like Car Window Poetry. If you're looking for a laid back conversation about why making your art for authentic reasons is enough to do them, this is the one for you! Alex is great as he shares his story of passion for writing at a young age, how…
In this episode, I sit down with Brandi Lust , a powerful advocate for personal growth, community building, and host of CreativeMornings here in Columbus, Ohio. We dive deep into the challenges that creatives face, especially in times of uncertainty, where things just aren't working the way they used to. Brandi opens up about her own struggles in the creative world and how she's learning to trust…
Nic Bronkall is a Health & Wellness Coach, focused in the areas of Breathwork, stress & anxiety management, physical therapy, as well as strength & conditioning coaching. After a childhood diagnoses of ADHD left him feeling confused and gave him the feeling that there was something wrong with him, that stuck with him growing up and led directly into a ton of his work and outlook he shares in this…
Brian Penn is the owner of Clean Kicks , a shoe restoration and cleaning service. Guys, this episode is just flat out great. Plain and simple. As we dig into Brian's story, not only do we talk about how a lifelong passion for sneaker culture pushed him to start up the idea mid-pandemic, but, he really opens up about his entire life journey. From being born with eye issues that had doctors say he'd…
In this episode, I sit down with the talented (and hilarious) Mark Eshleman, AKA ReelBear Media . Mark has been instrumental in shaping the visual identity of a lot of great artists, most notably through his long-standing collaboration with Twenty One Pilots. We dive deep into his journey, starting from his early days in video production, and while we cover the story of how he first connected with…
Austin Parker is a Fitness Coach and Personal Trainer under his brand 'APFit' . Austin knew from a young age that he had a real passion for the fitness world, and after playing 4 years of College Basketball and living the corparate America life, he decided to take the dive fulltime into becoming a Personal Trainer and took that leap of faith to believe in himself, and follow his purpose! In…
Hanna Williford ( @hannawilliford ) is a Sports Broadcaster, Journalist & Reporter for the Columbus Clippers , The Big10 Network and a lot of Ohio State sports here in Columbus. As well as a writer for TheCbusToday ! This week I sit down with Hanna Williford. It's a fun dynamic in this because normally, Hanna is on this side of the microphone as she's normally the one doing the interviewing. So…
Alex Copeland is the creator of " Plenty O'Cookies " and performs as his Drag Queen persona " Plenty O' Smiles " This episode is a fun chat as I get to know the story of Alex Copeland. We cover going from growing up in a small town and moving off to college to see more of the world, then finding a passion for baking and leaning into that to create a whole business out of it, how he entered the…
Walker Evans is a co-founder of Columbus Underground , an independently owned online news publication here in Columbus, OH. ------- THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY------- United Strength - @united_strength Located right outside of Downtown, aims to create an environment that is welcoming to all, judgement free, and results driven. Whether it's open gym hours filled with community members all…
In this episode I sit down with Todd Johnson, the owner of Columbus, OH based gym, United Strength . Todd shares his journey from his early days in the fitness industry, to creating a thriving gym dedicated to health, wellness, and community. We discuss his passion for building a supportive environment where members can connect and grow, and how it came together through a lot of ups and downs. We…
Jake Germany AKA 'Phangs' is a Musician & Creative Director. This week I sit down (virtually) with Phangs, who's real name I did NOT just learn in the conversation...an incredibly talented artist whose journey from creating Myspace layouts to designing for Bad Bunny is a real fun one to cover! We dive into his creative process, how he balances multiple artistic endeavors, and the importance of…
Hannah Romes is a Columbus based Comedian in the worlds of Improv, Stand-Up and Sketch Comedy, and a co-owner of Hashtag Comedy Co. This week I chat with the funny and delightful Hannah Romes. From the small streets of her hometown to the vibrant comedy scene of Columbus, Ohio, Hannah shares her story of growth and creativity. We delve into the nuances of impostor syndrome, the challenges of…
Saud Ahmed is a musician and most notably the vocalist of past projects The Crimson Armada , The Holy Guile , and most recently Ear to Ear . After meeting in what feels like another lifetime ago when he was helping produce the band I was in at the time, and then keeping general connection through social over the years, I sit down with Saud for the first time to really get to know him. With sit…
Simon Fraser is a stand-up Comedian and part of the team that brings you Don't Tell Comedy . In this episode, I dive into a laid-back chat with Simon Fraser, and yes, we uncover why he loves High Noons so much. From reflecting on the ups and downs of life to reminiscing about childhood creative endeavors like making YouTube videos and writing stories, we also discuss his adventures of beginning…
Anthony Craparotta is a musician and Founder of @lyricvidsdotcom This week it's a virtual chat with Anthony as we take a deep dive into the music & creative industries. From his start in music and pursuing that passion, to becoming a signed artist and touring the world, to then retiring from that and starting up his business making lyric videos that now crafts visuals for some of the entertainmnet…
Andy J. Pizza, an illustrator, bestselling children's book author, and host of "The Creative Pep Talk" podcast. We dive deep into Andy's creative journey, exploring his early influences, including impact from the comedy world and Jim Carrey's work. The conversation unfolds as we discuss the highs and lows of the creative process, touching on moments of self-discovery and the importance of…
Ashley Tracy is an Ohio based Wedding, Family & Couples Photographer In this episode I sit down with the talented Ashley Tracy, a photographer hailing from right here in Ohio. We uncover Ashley's journey, from her background in news reporting to the pivotal moment when she decided to turn her passion for photography into a thriving business. As we delve into Ashley's entrepreneurial venture, she…
'No Name Tim' is my guest this week. He's a Music Producer & Engineer, and within that, has produced entrance themes for stars in the pro wrestling world. (NJPW/TNA) So, why's he called "No Name Tim"? Does he have an actual name? We uncover all of that plus a lot more is we dive into his multifaceted journey. From an initial foray into advertising and communications to a serendipitous connection…
Mackenzie Schutt is a Personal Trainer at Fit One Four here in Columbus, OH, and most recently won 'Miss Ohio'! In this episode I get to know Mackenzie Schutt and how she got involved in the world of modeling, fitness, and the full story behind what led her to being crowned 'Miss Ohio'! After having previously only gotten to interview Mackenzie for a few small commercial film projects we made for…
Bridjet Mendy is a Comedian from Columbus, OH. This week I get to know my (until now) good internet friend Bridjet Mendy and how she entered the comedy world, getting involved in stand-up and improv. We chat what got her interested in improv and getting started in Chicago, navigating a fear of public speaking, and how she started in stand up. We also each dig into our time (and gripes) working in…
Andrew White ( @andrewleewhite ) is a Columbus, OH based Photographer in the worlds of food & lifestyle. It's another "Ross finally sits down with an internet friend" type of episode as I get to know Andrew this week! We talk about how he got into photography, how he made the leap from employed to self employed to become a freelancer, the feeling of being out of place and uncomfortable in a job…
