SpearHead Conversations Podcast

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.

ZONK ROLAN: LATIN ARTIST

In this electrifying episode, host Xavier Mercado dives into an inspiring conversation with Zonk Rolan, a dynamic Latin artist from Milwaukee. Born in Las Piedras, Puerto Rico, Zonk takes us on a thrilling journey from his childhood move to the U.S. at ten, to his unstoppable rise in the punk rock scene.
With a fearless, spontaneous approach to music, Zonk passionately reveals the importance of capturing raw, unfiltered inspiration. His Boricua roots pulse through his sound, infusing his music with an unmistakable energy that speaks to his heritage.
The episode explores Zonk's multifaceted career, from his energetic beginnings as a hype man for rapper Denny Lanez to his fearless experimentation across genres like spoken-word, rap, and reggaeton. He proudly introduces "Raeggeton" (Rage Reggaeton), a fiery subgenre he created, and opens up about the challenges of chasing his artistic dreams while navigating limited resources.
Zonk's reflections on personal growth, creative collaborations, and his aspirations to have worked with legends like Willie Colón are nothing short of inspiring. With insights into his latest project, 'Ya Me Canse Pero No Me Quite', this episode is an exhilarating deep dive into the power of culture, music, and relentless passion.

Elizabeth Kay: Radio/TV Host, Communication Coach

In this energetic episode of Spearhead Conversations, Elizabeth Kay joins host Xavier Mercado for a compelling discussion about her journey, career, and the lessons she's learned along the way. Known for her prominent role in the 'Elizabeth and Radar Show’ on 99.1 The Mix, Elizabeth offers listeners an inside look at what makes her a beloved figure in Milwaukee, delving into both personal and professional aspects of her life.
Elizabeth emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding others as the true essence of charisma and connection. She believes that genuine care and effort to understand different perspectives are crucial in bringing people into conversation. Creating a legacy and embracing growth, that has impacted and resonated with listeners across Milwaukee and Southeast Wisconsin 
Balancing her public persona with her private life, especially regarding her family and friends' privacy, is one of the challenges Elizabeth candidly discusses. Her deep love for Milwaukee is evident as she attributes much of her success to the community's grit and caring nature. She reflects on the resilience she built through personal tragedies and how these experiences have shaped her path. Throughout the episode, her enthusiasm for radio and commitment to her audience shine, offering inspiration to fans and aspiring media professionals alike.

RICK TAYLOR: CONTENT CREATOR, RICK TAYLOR ENTERTAINMENT

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado talks with Rick Taylor, a content creator from Milwaukee with deep ties to the city's culture and creative scene. Rick shares his journey from a young music enthusiast to becoming a prominent figure in Milwaukee's podcasting industry. He recounts his early musical influences, inspired by his father's diverse taste. Rick has written music as well as performed, it’s rooted in his very being. Rick's creativity extends beyond music, having ventured into video production and scriptwriting in middle school. He expanded his skills by contributing to music videos and creating notable projects like Slap City and The Muffin Man. Influenced by filmmakers like Tyler Perry and Ice Cube, Rick prefers writing drama scripts based on real stories. Between 2020 and 2022, he transitioned to podcasting, where his show quickly gained popularity for its positive message and welcoming energy. Rick discusses the importance of energy, passion, and audience engagement, which have been crucial to his success. He expresses pride in Milwaukee and prioritizes personal connections over popularity when selecting guests for his show. He also shares insights into his creative process and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and young people to follow their passion and start where they are. Xavier and Rick reflect on their mutual support and the positive reception from Milwaukee's community, highlighting the city's vibrant culture and momentum toward progress. As the episode wraps up, Rick shares his vision for taking his podcast global and attracting larger artists, solidifying his role in Milwaukee's creative landscape

TAVARIS SMITH: COMEDIAN

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado chats with Milwaukee comedian Tavaris Smith, who uses humor as a bridge and balm in life. Tavaris shares how he turns social media criticism into comedy, using it as a therapeutic outlet while highlighting the importance of understanding different perspectives for mental health.
The conversation takes listeners through Tavaris' journey performing across cities, showcasing the universal power of laughter. He also shares his aspirations, emphasizing the importance of taking leaps of faith to achieve dreams.
Packed with anecdotes from his comedy career—like his start at the Comedy Cafe, dealing with hecklers, and an embarrassing moment at the Ice House in Pasadena—Tavaris discusses his authentic, conversation-based comedy style and influences such as Dave Chappelle and Bill Burr.
Tavaris and Xavier also explore the challenges of societal expectations, offering insights on using comedy for personal expression. Xavier wraps up by celebrating Tavaris' impact on and off the stage. Embark on this lively conversation full of humor, honesty, and valuable life lessons from Milwaukee’s very own Tavaris Smith!🔥

KAIYISSA AMBRIZ: CALLA AND ASHER

In this captivating episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado chats with Kaiyissa Ambriz, owner of Calla (Kya) and Asher, a thriving charcuterie business. Raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Kya shares her journey from a free-spirited childhood to discovering her passion for culinary arts. 
Influenced by her Mexican heritage and her father's entrepreneurial spirit as the owner of Milwaukee's first taco truck, Kya attended culinary school at MATC. Despite challenges, she emerged with a renewed sense of purpose. Inspired by the artistic nature of charcuterie, she launched Calla and Asher, starting with Mexican-inspired snack boxes and expanding to larger displays and party favor boxes, gaining rapid popularity.
Kya discusses promoting her business through authentic social media, personal branding, and engaging with her audience. She highlights the support from the Milwaukee community and the importance of participating in farmers' markets. Reflecting on milestones, including travel opportunities, she receives praise from Xavier for her courage.
Looking ahead, Kya aims to expand her workshops, host events, and create a community space for youth. She advises aspiring entrepreneurs to seize opportunities and overcome fear. This episode is a testament to her passion, determination, and the power of pursuing one's dreams while staying true to one's roots.