Midwest Legends

Welcome back to the Midwest Legends Podcast for Tom Kelly Pt. 2! This week, Tom takes Russell through his journey of becoming a renowned baseball manager. Although Tom claims he was just thinking about how “not to get fired,” throughout his first managing stint with the Twins in ’87, it’s clear there’s much more genius in his management style then he lets on. Enough genius to lead to the Twins winning it all that very season! Tune in to hear from Tom about why he prioritizes defense, his iconic conversation with Jack Morris before the 10thinning, a surprising story about Kirby Puckett, and much more!

This week on the Midwest Legends Podcast, Russell welcomes the legendary Tom Kelly to the pod! Tom Kelly may have had just a short stint in Graceville, Minnesota before moving to New Jersey, but little did he know he would be a Midwesterner again, becoming a legendary manager for the Minnesota Twins. Growing up with a father who was also a pitcher, Tom learned to always keep his spikes clean regardless of how busy he was playing multiple games as a kid. When Tom made it to the big leagues it was both exciting and overwhelming playing with legends like Olivia and Carew. Tom Kelly is full of sage advice like “If you work hard at whatever you’re doing, I think you fit in anywhere,” and stories about his transition to a manager of the Twin’s historic baseball franchise. Tune in to this week’s episode and then catch Part 2 to hear all of Tom’s incredible World Series stories!

This week on the Midwest Legends Podcast, Russell sits down with Minnesota native and legendary musician Charlie Parr! Charlie takes Russell back to his childhood in Austin, Minnesota where he begrudgingly did farm work, drew dinosaurs all over his father’s record collection, and eventually became obsessed with learning to play the guitar. After moving to the Twin Cities, Charlie became immersed in the music scene and prioritized music above all else. From living on a dinky town three seasons porch, to studying philosophy, to helping his community members, Charlie’s life has been anything but linear and he loves it that way. Tune in to hear Charlie’s take on the pros and cons of touring, the transformative nature of music, and how the Midwest has too many musical legends to count…

This week on the Midwest Legends Podcast Russell sits down to talk with the Minnesota and Twins baseball legend Kent Hrbek! Kent grew up just about a mile from the old Twins stadium and fondly remembers watching the lights from his childhood bedroom… fast forward a couple years and he’s a real deal Twins player! Kent discusses his baseball legacy including his two World Series wins and opens up to Russell about his father’s ALS diagnosis. Kent reflects on his impressive career and reminds everyone that baseball is “just a game” at the end of the day. And that play everyone still talks about with Kent and Ron Gant? He tells Russell what really happened… you don’t want to miss this one!

This week on the Midwest Legends Podcast, musician, producer, and Doomtree crew member Aaron Mader (AKA Lazerbeak) joins Russell to dive into his experience coming up in the vibrant Minneapolis music scene. From growing up in Hopkins, Minnesota with a day job as a pizza delivery driver to working with big names in the music industry like Lizzo, Trampled By Turtles, POS, Doja Cat, and many more, Lazerbeak knows that the Midwest music industry is truly unique. Tune in to hear how he accidentally named himself after a Transformer and (almost) lost 7k in the trash…

MVP and All-Star baseball legend Christian Yelich joins Russell this week on the Midwest Legends Podcast! Christian Yelich’s legendary status goes without saying. From being the first member of his family to play baseball to becoming the face of MKE baseball, Christian has already made history and he’s just getting started. Don’t miss Christian’s take on Giannis heading to Miami, the iconic Cubs rivalry, and what he thinks makes Milwaukee so special!

Former NHL Player, Olympian, and Minnesota legend, Lou Nanne joins Russell on this week’s Midwest Legends episode! Lou has years of impressive accomplishments under his belt. Known as “the Godfather of Hockey,” although he would argue that title actually belongs to John Mariucci, Lou has undoubtedly made an impact on the hockey world. Coming from a small Canadian town, playing at the U of M, going from player to General Manager of the North Stars, attending the Olympics, and supporting his family along the way, Lou has just about done it all on and off the ice. Tune in to hear Lou’s behind the scenes account of what actually happened during the historic 1980s Olympics with Herb Brooks and what the movie ‘Miracle’ got right and wrong…

The legendary Packers player Leroy Butler is back again for part two! This week, Leroy goes behind the scenes of his anxiety inducing draft experience when his dream of becoming an NFL player finally came true at the same time he realized he has no idea where Green Bay is. Leroy talks Russell through his accidental creation of the now iconic Lambeau Leap and his disbelief that a US President didn’t know what it was… Don’t miss Leroy’s journey full of emotional moments, amazing accomplishments, and an enduring sense of humor throughout it all!

This episode was so good, it had to be a two-parter! You may know him as the inventor of the Lambeau Leap or for his run in the iconic Puntrooskie play, but in this week’s Midwest Legends episode Leroy takes Russell back in time to his life before the Packers. Leroy grew up with everything stacked against him. He grew up in the projects in Duval County, Florida, was raised by a hardworking single mother, and had a physical disability where he couldn’t run or jump like the other kids. None of that stopped him from achieving his biggest goal: playing in the NFL. Tune in to hear this amazing journey of overcoming the odds from the entertaining and joyful perspective of Leroy Butler!

Matthew Golden is a first-round draft pick, lightning-fast wide receiver, and now a Midwest Legends guest. At just 22 years old, Matthew has worked hard, gained a lot of perspective, and he's not even as old as the history he is making. It’s been 23 years since Green Bay’s home team chose a wide receiver as their first round pick, and he says that draft night “will stick with me for the rest of my life.” He shares the lessons he’s learned, the advice he'd pass on to younger players, and his love for Packers Nation: “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.” Tune in to hear who Matthew considers a true legend, the superpower he’d choose if he had one, and the unexpected moment on Lake Michigan that quickly became a story to remember.

Midwest Legend? More like international legend! This week, star hockey player Laila Edwards gives Russell the inside scoop on her amazing journey from growing up in Ohio playing on the boy’s hockey team to winning gold at the 2026 Olympics in Milan. Laila takes us behind the scenes of the Olympics, sharing how she overcame the nerves to clinch the win over the iconic Canadian rivals in the game that had everyone on the edge of their seats. Not only has Laila cemented herself as a force on the UW Badgers Women’s Hockey team, but also as a great friend, leader, and Chipotle-lover off the ice. Tune in to hear what happened when another Cleveland Heights local, Travis Kelce, heard Laila’s family needed some extra help getting to the Olympics… You won’t want to miss this episode!

Former Minnesota Vikings linebacker and current sideline analyst Ben Leber joins Russell to discuss his journey from a multicultural childhood in Iowa to a professional NFL football player. Ben talks about his supportive family, including two older brothers who inspired him to try football and how coaches along the way shaped the player he later became. After a trying rookie season in college, Ben reached a turning point where he chose to keep going despite the challenges of higher expectations. From that moment on, he’s embraced an incredible football career. From the highs and lows of draft night to the legendary teammates he met along the way, Ben Leber tells Russell the inside scoop and the honest truths about his time in the NFL.

Noah Bakken, a motocross expert who is no stranger to performing impressive feats on two wheels, sat down with Russell to talk all things speed and spectacle. Noah Bakken remembers his childhood growing up in a family of motorcycle lovers fondly. Despite his first ride on a PW50 when he was just three ending with him hitting a swing set, he fell in love with all thing’s motocross. Noah tells Russell all the behind the scenes of his most viral motocross tricks, including his awe-inspiring train jumping videos and his popular “Coffee Run” videos, with the third one already in the works! He and Russell discuss the trials of mastering such a dangerous sport, including two broken femurs. Noah remembers his win at Monster Jam as a highlight in his career, celebrating with his entire family. There’s no telling what he will accomplish in the motocross world next! Tune in to hear Noah’s journey to becoming a Midwest motocross star with some twists and turns along the way.

Welcome to Midwest Legend’s third dial-in special. Jared from Wisco Dive Bars sat down with Russell to react to 3 listener submitted stories. Featuring stories from Lindsay, Dan, and Nate

CJ Ham recently retired from the NFL after 10 seasons playing for the Vikings, and he sat down with Russell to talk about where his love for football started and where it’s taken him. CJ Ham remembers dropping out of Augustana’s fall training camp for three days. He was one of many freshman players who quit, but he can’t remember the head coach telling anyone else to come back if they changed their mind. This wasn’t the only time others saw CJ Ham’s potential, and he’s quick to express his gratitude to those who supported him throughout his career. He and Russell discuss how the competitiveness required to succeed in football can become unhealthy, with team losses being twisted into personal failure. CJ Ham shares how he keeps his mindset in check with the help of his faith. Tune in to hear stories about CJ being recruited in an alley to play football, his love of skateboarding, and that time he thought his career was over after the NFL draft. Football Designed by Spencer Young - Forever Young Designs

For Promise, the road to landing a morning show on Hot 105.7 FM wasn’t easy, but it was a labor of love. He sat down with Russell to talk about how his passion carried him through the long hours and late nights. From hosting a college radio show to becoming the voice Milwaukee woke up to, Promise spent years honing his craft. Hosting gigs are scarce, and while that scarcity helped fuel his hunger to learn, it also brought plenty of pressure. Russell and Promise find common ground here, with Russell sharing how he once felt pressure to conform to the identity of a “big city lawyer.” Promise is quick to give credit to those who supported him, while also knowing his worth: “If I waited for people to give me my flowers, I’d be under them.” Tune in to hear stories about Promise interviewing Ice Cube, working nights in radio while still managing a 9–5, and his unexpected journey into stand-up.

Ryan Ruebl’s entrepreneurial spirit collided with his love for Wisconsin and 'Meanwhile In Wisconsin' was born. He stopped by the Midwest Legends studio to talk with Russell about America’s Dairyland. Ruebl knows his way around a fish fry, and he’s got tips and recommendations, but his lips are sealed on the best fishing spots. He and Russell bond over their love for the Packers, and joke about sitting next to football fans who've had a few at Lambeau Field. Tune in to hear stories about a life-changing Kwik Trip partnership, Ruebl’s earlier entrepreneurial hustles, and the creation of his signature Cheddka. If you don't already know what Cheddka is, any guesses?

Mason Crosby's sixteen-year run with the Green Bay Packers was fueled by his commitment to be present and available to his teammates. Newly retired, he sat down with Russell Nicolet to reflect on the memories that defined his history-making NFL career. As a kicker, Crosby became adept at balancing “hurry up and wait” with the intense, barely-over-a-second window most kickers have to launch the ball. His first year as a Packer was Brett Favre’s last, and he and Russell share stories from that era, with the added perspective of Favre having recently appeared on Midwest Legends. Tune in to hear stories about Aaron Rodgers’s pranks, a meaningful moment with Charles Woodson, and the realities of stepping away from the NFL’s structured schedule and back into everyday life.

Call 866-MW-LEGND for a chance to have your story played on a future dial-in episode! On the second Midwest Legends dial-in episode, Russell Nicolet and Jared Schutz are back, reacting to three more handpicked stories live on the mic. We set up 866-MW-LEGND so that our listeners could tell their stories, and boy have we had fun listening to them. Enjoy stories about someone chewing on a rattlesnake rattler (the full story is somehow less horrifying and also more horrifying than you might expect), a quick errand that turned into a two hour adventure, and an armadillo prank that made the news. Featured callers: Tim from Washington, Colin from Iowa, and Gordon from Alabama Got a Midwest story you love telling at the dive bar, tailgate, or around the campfire? Dial 866-MW-LEGND and leave us a voicemail!

Chris Kanan probably knows more about lawns than most people do, but he does anything but gatekeep. He sat down with Russell in the Midwest Legends studio to talk about his journey and get into the weeds of keeping a lawn looking tidy. Chris explains how a brief stint studying architecture led to a focus in landscape architecture, with a chief focus on lawns: “Everyone was always looking at the grass.” While Chris acknowledges the “keeping up with the Joneses” aspect of lawn care, he and Russell share stories of neighborly connections kept strong through the shared pursuit of a healthy lawn. Tune it to hear stories about Chris’s legendary grandpa, the finer points of lawn beer etiquette, and how women are showing men up when it comes to cultivating lush landscapes.