SpearHead Conversations Podcast

SWIFT SLOAN: SWIFT MOTION PICTURES LLC.

 
In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado sits down with Milwaukee legend and independent filmmaker Swift Sloan to highlight a journey built on resilience and vision. Raised in Milwaukee’s inner city, Swift shares how early creative moments and real-life experiences shaped his authentic approach to storytelling and fueled his passion for film.
Discovering filmmaking in the late 1990s, Swift pushed forward despite limited resources and knowledge. His first project, Circumstances, became a turning point, proving that determination and creativity can turn obstacles into opportunity.
Swift speaks on the importance of authenticity, discipline, and staying rooted in Milwaukee. Rather than chasing bigger markets, he chose to build where his story began, allowing the city’s culture to give his work a realism that sets it apart.
As a pioneer of independent film in Wisconsin, Swift reflects on milestones like going into year 10 of Swift Motion Pictures and his advocacy for creative growth in the state. His message is clear.. trust your vision, take the risk, and keep moving forward, no matter the odds.

DAVIE CUEVAS: WORLD CLASS KINGZ PARLOR

In this warm and inspiring episode, Davie Cuevas opens up about his journey from a difficult childhood to becoming a proud entrepreneur and creative voice in Milwaukee. Raised amid foster care and family struggles with addiction, his early years were filled with uncertainty. Through it all, music became a source of comfort and hope, shaped by his parents’ influence and his own love for creating and collaborating.
As Davie grew older, his passion for music taught him discipline and resilience, even as he faced financial hardships and personal battles with addiction. Instead of giving up, he leaned into growth and found a new calling in barbering, another creative outlet that allowed him to connect with people and build something meaningful.
Starting at just 15 years old, Davie began cutting hair wherever he could, slowly turning small opportunities into big steps forward. From basement setups to opening World Class Kingz Parlor, his journey was guided by persistence, faith in himself, and lessons learned during a short but impactful time living in Puerto Rico.
In his conversation with Xavier Mercado, Davie speaks from the heart about the importance of education, generational wealth, and giving back through mentorship. His story is a reminder that with perseverance, community, and compassion, it’s possible to turn life’s challenges into a legacy that uplifts others.
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CHIKO DAZE: SIN NOMBRE

In this powerful episode, Chico Days shares his journey from humble beginnings to becoming an influential voice in Milwaukee’s music scene. Born in Texas and raised in Milwaukee, he reflects on being raised by his grandparents, the impact of faith and music, and the challenges that later pulled him into street and gang life. Despite adversity, his early foundation singing in church alongside his grandfather, kept his passion for music alive.
Chiko Daze describes a major turning point after the birth of his daughter, which inspired him to shift both his life and his artistry. Moving away from rapping about gang culture under the name Sinister New Breed, he began creating music rooted in purpose, spirituality, and real-life lessons, using his platform to inspire growth and positive change.
He also speaks on overcoming limited resources, industry barriers, and a competitive local scene, eventually opening for artists such as Kid Frost, Quinto Soul, and Tech N9ne. His persistence earned him respect and recognition within Milwaukee’s community.
In conversation with Xavier Mercado, Chiko Daze emphasizes authenticity over trends and numbers. Now known as Sin Nombre (“no name”), he focuses on message over ego, aiming to guide the youth and redefine success. The episode highlights his continued evolution, including his latest EP Un Issachar, and his commitment to making meaningful impact through music.

JUAN GUZMAN: DJ WHYTE NITE

Juan Guzman, The infamous DJ Whyte Nite joins Xavier Mercado and for an inspiring episode of Spearhead Conversations. Born and raised in Milwaukee, with Puerto Rican, Mexican, Greek, and Polish roots, he shared how his upbringing and cultural influences fueled his passion for music. His journey began early, inspired by his older brother, DJ Goose, whose dedication to the craft left a lasting impression.
He started by carrying crates and experimenting with DJ software in high school, developing his skills through persistence and curiosity. Influenced by hip-hop and reggaeton legends such as Fat Joe, 50 Cent, Jay-Z, Daddy Yankee, and Lil Wayne, DJ Whyte Nite built a versatile open-format style that set him apart across genres.
His career milestones include joining V100’s Mix Squad, earning a top mix on DJ City’s international platform at just 19 years old, and regularly performing at Milwaukee’s iconic Summerfest, where he opened for major artists like Pitbull and Farruko. He has also proudly served as the Milwaukee Bucks’ DJ for ten seasons.
Beyond the stage, DJ Whyte Nite remains committed to giving back through community involvement and local initiatives supporting Milwaukee’s youth. Throughout the episode, he emphasized hard work, humility, and continuous growth, while Xavier highlighted his consistency, impact, and lasting influence.

SEDRICK HAY: WRESTLING COACH, BROWN DEER SCHOOL DISTRICT

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado sits down with Brown Deer’s Wrestling Coach Sedrick Hay, a wrestling coach whose journey through adversity, service, and mentorship is deeply inspiring. His story reflects resilience, growth, and a commitment to shaping young lives through sport.
Raised in Milwaukee, Coach Hay was drawn to athletics early on, eventually finding his path in wrestling after being introduced to the sport in high school by Coach Tomes. Despite limited support and financial challenges, wrestling provided him with discipline and structure that helped shape his character.
After high school, Coach Hay faced early fatherhood, financial hardship, and difficult personal choices. He openly shares how his decision to join the Marine Corps became a turning point, instilling accountability and direction that changed the course of his life.
Today, Coach Hay channels those lessons into coaching, building the Brown Deer wrestling program from just three athletes into a diverse, competitive team. Grounded in mentorship and character development, his mission extends beyond winning, focusing on impact, community, and guiding both athletes and families on and off the mat.

TORIN “TWO TIMES” TURNER: PROFESSIONAL BOXER

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado sits down with professional boxer Torin “Two Times” Turner from Racine, Wisconsin. Turner reflects on his early life, sharing how homelessness, constant moving, and a tough upbringing shaped his resilience. He explains how sports grounded him and how his cousin introduced him to boxing as a high school freshman, igniting a passion that would guide his future.
 
Torin opens up about his rise through the boxing ranks, including losing his first match and taking a long break from the sport during his incarceration. He describes how that time, along with support from his family, transformed his mindset. He also credits his longtime coach and mentor, Steve Golden, for guiding him over 17 years and helping him navigate both triumphs and setbacks.
 
Throughout the conversation, Turner highlights the discipline, sacrifice, and mental strength required to succeed in boxing. He speaks proudly about representing Racine, inspiring others, and being a role model for his children and community. Torin closes by sharing his goals, chasing a world title, growing his barber career, and staying committed to being a present father, while encouraging young people to lead, create their own path, and strive to be better than the generation before.
 

COMEDIAN TEZ: STAND UP COMEDIAN

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, Comedian Tez joins host Xavier Mercado to dive into the journey behind his rise as a standout Milwaukee comedian. Growing up on the north and east sides, Tez reflects on how his family, upbringing, and community shaped the authentic voice he brings to the stage. His comedy is real, grounded, and drawn from lived experience, making every punchline relatable and impactful.
Tez speaks openly about the challenges of climbing in an industry that often prioritizes online numbers over genuine talent. Instead of letting that discourage him, he stays locked into consistency, authenticity, and integrity. He knows what he brings to the table, and he’s committed to sharpening his craft with purpose and confidence.
Collaboration has been a major part of his growth. Working alongside other Milwaukee comedians helped him build momentum and ultimately led to big moments, like opening for Chico Bean and Tommy Davidson. Those opportunities reinforced the power of preparation, professionalism, and believing fully in his style.
For Tez, success means owning his time, making bold decisions, and nurturing real relationships. He credits Milwaukee for grounding him and giving him a loyal foundation. His story is one of resilience, community, and steady elevation, proof that Comedian Tez isn’t just rising, he’s becoming a force in the comedy world.

CHRISTOPHER MORGAN: THE MIL CLOTHING COMPANY

Christopher Morgan’s journey, featured in this episode of Spearhead Conversations, is a story of resilience, authenticity, and community. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Chris grew up in a large family surrounded by the realities of urban life and single-parent households. Those early lessons shaped his dedication to giving back, leading him to years of community involvement and partnerships with organizations like Children’s Hospital and the Milwaukee Bucks.
A passion for fashion, sparked in middle school and influenced by brands like Adidas, led Chris to co-found The Mil Clothing Company with his cousin, Brandon. Officially launched in 2019, the brand pays tribute to Milwaukee while standing for movement, impact, and legacy. For Chris, The Mil represents more than clothing, it’s a symbol of culture, pride, and purpose.
His journey wasn’t without obstacles. From starting in a spare bedroom to facing business rejections, Chris turned challenges into motivation. Seeing The Mil featured on national television and supported by his community proved the power of perseverance and purpose.
Today, through events like open mics, entrepreneur markets, and even events like Juice Fest, Chris continues to uplift and unite Milwaukee’s creative scene. His message to dreamers and young entrepreneurs is simple: stay authentic, stay consistent, and never give up.

WILL SANCHEZ: LEGENDS BARBERSHOP & HAIR STUDIO

In this heartfelt Episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado welcomes Milwaukee’s own Will Sanchez. a master barber, entrepreneur, and community builder whose story embodies perseverance, purpose, and family. From cutting hair in his basement to owning a thriving 9000-square-foot barbershop, Will’s journey stands as a powerful testament to resilience and vision.
What began as a creative necessity soon transformed into a calling. Guided by family and local mentors who recognized his potential, Will turned his passion into Legends, a barbershop built on connection, culture, and confidence. Every client who walks through its doors leaves not just looking sharp, but feeling valued and inspired.
Adversity tested his resolve when a devastating fire nearly ended everything he built. But through faith, family, and especially the support of his parents, family, and peers, Will turned loss into motivation. Those trials taught him patience, persistence, and leadership, qualities that continue to define his path today.
Now, Will’s impact reaches far beyond the barber’s chair. He mentors aspiring barbers, promotes financial literacy, and advocates for homeownership, empowering others to create generational wealth and build legacies of their own. His story reminds us that true success isn’t measured by what you achieve, but by how many lives you elevate along the way.

DARLENE PISZCZEK: RALLY SERVICES LLC

Join host Xavier Mercado for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation with Darlene Piszczek, a visionary businesswoman, community organizer, and lifelong advocate for affordable and supportive housing. In this episode, Darlene opens up about her Milwaukee roots, the early family and foster care experiences that shaped her calling, and the personal journey that fueled her passion for uplifting the underserved.
Together, Xavier and Darlene reflect on her decades-long career dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals facing chronic homelessness and mental illness, work that has transformed lives from South Milwaukee to communities across the nation. Darlene speaks candidly about overcoming systemic barriers, embracing emotional intelligence, and taking the bold step of launching her own company, Rally Services llc, with a mission to make work joyful and life meaningful.
She also shares her role in South Milwaukee’s revitalization, championing public art, inclusive spaces, and community engagement to infuse new vibrancy into the city’s downtown. Listeners will gain insight into her vision for spreading hope through creativity, collaboration, and compassion, along with the timeless lessons she’s learned about leadership, purpose, and leaving a lasting impact.