SpearHead Conversations Podcast

MELANY VIRUET: CHILDLIKE FAITH

In this inspirational and impactful episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado welcomes Melany Viruet, the creative mind behind Childlike Faith, a brand inspired by her Christian faith. Growing up in a bilingual, Puerto Rican household in Milwaukee, Melany’s journey is one of resilience and purpose, shaped by her family’s support and strong values.
Melany describes facing the challenges of self-doubt and balancing personal growth with professional goals. A pivotal moment at a church event gave her the clarity and inspiration to pursue her passion, ultimately leading to the creation of Childlike Faith as a brand that shares her story and beliefs.
Since its launch in 2023, Childlike Faith has grown into more than a clothing line; it’s a platform for connection. Through designs that reflect her values, Melany engages her community at vendor markets and online, spreading messages of faith, humility, and resilience.
In conversation with Xavier, Melany shares how her brand emphasizes trust, perseverance, and the power of community. By sharing her story, she hopes to inspire others to follow their dreams and navigate their own journeys with faith and purpose.

JESSICA JE’ LOVE: PERFORMING ARTIST, SONGWRITER, ENTREPRENEUR

In Episode Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado interviews the talented and resilient artist Jessica Je’ Love. From her roots in Indianola, Mississippi, to becoming a key figure in Milwaukee’s music scene, Jessica’s journey reflects hard work and determination. Starting her musical exploration at age of 6 and growing as an artist in community programs like Running Rebels, she forged her path with tenacity and strategic focus.
Jessica’s persona, “Pretty Little Beast,” embodies a unique blend of elegance and boldness. Inspired by icons like Aaliyah, Tupac, and TLC, she has developed an authentic style that sets her apart in an often imitative industry. Her growth over the years shows in her refined sound and distinctive brand, which resonates with fans looking for originality and strength.
Beyond music, Jessica’s entrepreneurial spirit shines. As a skilled cosmetologist and the founder of Honeymilk Spa, she underscores the value of diversifying skills. Her commitment to understanding the business side of entertainment has allowed her to carve out a niche as both an artist and a businesswoman, inspiring aspiring creatives to build their careers strategically.
The episode concludes with Jessica’s dreams of collaborating with industry icons like Kanye West and Beyoncé and her desire to support other artists. Jessica’s story is a testament to perseverance, authenticity, and unwavering belief in her vision, with a promising future fueled by passion and purpose.

ERIAN C.R.: URBAN LATIN ARTIST

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, we explore the journey of Puerto Rican reggaeton artist Eric Damian Crespo Roman, also known as Erian C.R. Born in Milwaukee and raised in Puerto Rico, Erian returned to Milwaukee, where he developed a deep connection to the city and its vibrant music scene. He credits Milwaukee’s gritty culture with teaching him resilience and helping him reach key career milestones, like performing at Summerfest.
Collaboration has been central to Erian’s career. He has worked with various Milwaukee artists and is a strong advocate for unity over competition. Erian believes in the power of artists coming together to create a supportive community, emphasizing that collaboration elevates everyone involved.
Influenced early on by family and friends, Erian transitioned from rap to singing, finding his place in the reggaeton genre. Overcoming self-doubt was a significant part of his journey, as he pushed past insecurities to carve out his unique sound and voice within the genre. This resilience has been a defining aspect of his growth as an artist.
Rather than chasing massive fame, Erian focuses on creating meaningful music that resonates. His goal is to become a respected figure in reggaeton, building a legacy based on authenticity and dedication. His journey reflects a deep passion for his community and a vision for a lasting impact in the music world.

IAN BENNETT: CAPTAIN OF MILWAUKEE WAVE, FOUNDER OF IB26 FUTBOL ACADEMY

Ian Bennett’s journey is one of resilience, hard work, and dedication to his sport and community. Born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, Bennett overcame challenges like asthma to excel in soccer and football, ultimately attending Marian University in Indiana, where he balanced athletics and academics, earning a degree in sports management. Bennett’s professional career took off when he was drafted by the Charleston Battery, but early setbacks taught him the value of perseverance and focused guidance. His commitment led to a 19-year career with several teams, including a distinguished tenure with the Milwaukee Wave since 2009. Outside of professional soccer, Bennett gives back by running IB26 Futbol Academy, a facility offering youth training programs, funded in part by his clothing line and partnerships. His passion for arena soccer matches his fast-paced style, and he draws inspiration from his parents’ work ethic, leading by example as the Wave’s team captain. In Spearhead Conversations, Bennett shares his journey, highlighting his pride in the Milwaukee community and his drive to mentor young athletes. Host Xavier Mercado expresses gratitude for Bennett’s insights and the positive impact of his story.

MARTIN MOORE JR: CONTENT CREATOR

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado welcomes Martin Moore Jr., a content creator, radio host, and creative force. Known for his varied career as a mechanic, photographer, vlogger, and podcast host of “Said No One Ever,” Martin shares his journey from aspiring carpenter to mechanic, and finally to content creator, fueled by a passion for photography and storytelling. Martin reflects on how a creative rut in 2004 led to daily vlogging on YouTube, which revived his creativity. He highlights his commitment, even wearing the same outfit for five years to simplify decision-making. His story reveals his dedication, time management, and passion. He mentions his work with Milwaukee’s Koss Corporation, connecting his local roots with their role in audio innovation. The episode covers personal milestones, such as traveling to all 50 states with his wife, and his radio career, which began with an invitation from Steve Scaffidi at 620 WTMJ. Martin offers insights on productivity, personal growth, and the value of authenticity, advising aspiring creators to focus on passion. Prepare for the energy to unravel Martin Moore Jr. is upon us!

ROGER GONZALES JR: GONZALES VISUALS

In this episode of SPEARHEAD CONVERSATIONS, host Xavier Mercado sits down with Roger Gonzales Jr., founder of Gonzales Visuals. Raised in Waukesha with a stint in Texas, Roger has transformed a challenging upbringing into a story of entrepreneurial success.
He shares his journey from feeling like an outcast in school to discovering his passion for videography and launching his business. Originally called “Key Diversions,” he rebranded to Gonzales Visuals in 2018, capturing Milwaukee’s culture and collaborating with local artists.
This episode highlights Roger’s personal and professional life, his grandmother’s influence, and the balance between fatherhood and entrepreneurship. Roger discusses his transition from a stable 9-to-5 job to the risks and rewards of running his own business,
Roger’s story is one of perseverance, community, and passion. Tune in to hear about his early days in a metal band, touring with Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, and the lessons he’s learned in pursuing his dreams. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or an established entrepreneur, Roger’s insights on creativity and growth are sure to inspire.

JAPHET BANDA: IM SO MKE

In this inspiring Episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado speaks with Japhet Banda, founder of “I’m So MKE” and a graphic designer from Milwaukee’s inner city. Growing up as one of twelve siblings, Japhet used art to express himself, even reimagining Dragon Ball Z characters as Black. Though he initially aspired to be a chef, advice from his father led him to pursue graphic design, a more stable career path.
After earning a degree from Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC), Japhet faced challenges entering the job market but remained resilient. In 2021, he launched “I’m So MKE,” a brand focused on mental health, women’s empowerment, and community impact, often offering free design services for social causes. His dedication to using his art for advocacy has become central to his work.
Japhet’s journey is one of perseverance, teaching himself design skills and building a career despite early doubts. His work ethic, shaped by his experiences in the service industry, emphasizes community engagement and personal growth. His mantra, “Create and Inspire,” reflects his mission to leave a lasting impact through his designs.
In this episode, Japhet shares the lessons and challenges he’s encountered, highlighting the importance of vision, community, and staying true to his purpose. His story is an inspiring testament to self-belief and persistence.

FRANK FLORES: WORLD CLASS TATTOO CO.

Frank Flores founder of ‘World Class Tattoo Co.’ exemplifies perseverance, passion, and entrepreneurial spirit. Raised in Milwaukee’s South Side, his childhood was marked by instability, but his love for art emerged early, nurtured by a family friend. His artistic journey truly began when he was introduced to graffiti and the bold colors of the hip-hop era, eventually finding his calling in tattooing.
At just 11 years old, Frank received his first tattoo from local artist Albert Gonzalez, igniting a passion that would shape his future. Despite financial struggles, Frank remained dedicated, perfecting his craft by tattooing from home and gaining experience in various shops.
Specializing in custom photorealism and black-and-gray tattoos, Frank is known for creating a welcoming, family-like atmosphere. He particularly focuses on memorial tattoos, which provide comfort and healing to his clients.
Frank’s story is one of resilience and determination. He believes in transforming hardship into opportunity, balancing his personal and professional life with a strong work ethic. Despite facing the challenges of being a felon and lacking a college degree, Frank’s journey proves that with persistence and hard work, obstacles can be overcome.

AUSTIN RUMBERG: RUMBERG AUTO

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado sits down with Austin Rumberg, a rising entrepreneur in Milwaukee who's turning heads with his auto detailing business, Rumberg Auto. Austin shares his inspiring story, from his roots in San Francisco to discovering his passion for cars through his father’s influence, and how that led him to launch his own business after working at elite dealerships like Mercedes-Benz and Porsche.
Austin dives into the challenges he faced transitioning from an employee to the owner of a growing business, revealing the tough lessons learned along the way. He talks about the grit it takes—long hours, unmatched attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering quality service. He also shares behind-the-scenes insights into his daily operations, client interactions, and what’s next for Rumberg Auto.
Full of passion and perseverance, Austin’s journey is sure to inspire both budding entrepreneurs and car enthusiasts. Tune in for a dynamic conversation about overcoming obstacles and building a business from the ground up.

KORBEL JORDAN: LL COOGI

In this episode of SPEARHEAD CONVERSATIONS, host Xavier Mercado interviews battle rapper Korbel Jordan also known as LL Coogi. Born and raised on Milwaukee's North Side, LL Coogi shares his journey from humble beginnings to international success. He discusses his career beyond rap, including merchandise and fan engagement, and stresses the importance of persistence, ignoring naysayers, and chasing dreams.
 
LL Coogi reflects on pivotal career moments, such as his battle with Arsenal and being the first to headline in Nigeria. He also shares advice for aspiring artists, particularly from inner cities, and talks about future ambitions in acting, writing, and voiceover work.
 
Listeners will hear about his travels to places like London, Nigeria, and Canada, various places he plans to visit as well, and memorable interactions with figures like Wu-Tangs very own RZA. The episode offers an inspiring mix of personal stories and career insights from a rising star in battle rap.