SpearHead Conversations Podcast

ANTHONY BUCHANAN: CARDIAC DA PULSE

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado talks with Anthony Buchanan, known as Cardiac the Pulse, about his journey, music, and personal growth. Raised by his grandparents in Milwaukee, he found inspiration in a wide range of artists, from The Stylistics to Hootie & the Blowfish. Therapy helped him embrace authenticity, shaping both his life and music.
Anthony’s artistic path began with poetry, tap dancing, and trumpet playing before evolving into songwriting and performance. His time with the Running Rebels organization refined his skills, while influences like Nas and Tupac helped him develop his storytelling voice.
The name Cardiac the Pulse reflects his deeply personal approach to music. His latest project, Give Me Grace, explores themes of growth and spirituality, and he looks forward to future collaborations and partnerships.
Anthony leaves aspiring artists with advice: surround yourself with supportive people, stay focused, and pursue your passion fearlessly. His journey is a testament to resilience, creativity, and authenticity in music.

KOBY KRUEGER: PROFESSIONAL MMA FIGHTER

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado sits down with Koby Krueger, a rising MMA fighter from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Training under the renowned Anthony Pettis camp, Koby is determined to make his mark in the competitive world of Mixed Martial Arts.
Koby shares his journey growing up on Milwaukee’s south side, overcoming challenges as the son of a single mother. Initially inspired by WWE, he later found his true passion for MMA through icons like Anderson Silva. A shoulder injury temporarily sidelined him, but he used the setback as fuel to return even stronger.
His training, led by Sergio Pettis—not just a brother-in-law but a tough-love mentor—pushes him to new heights. He discusses the discipline required to balance fatherhood and fighting, from strict dieting to mental preparation, all while managing the nerves that come with stepping into the octagon.
Koby credits mentors like Ray Pettis for shaping his career and staying motivated by his teams legacy and his children’s future. With ambitious goals for multiple wins this year, he remains focused on proving himself in professional MMA, driven by perseverance, hard work, and self-belief.

MAZEN MUNA: METRO CAR WASH AND DETAILING CENTRE

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado sits down with Mazen Muna, a prominent Milwaukee entrepreneur, to discuss his journey, business ventures, and community impact.
Born and raised in Milwaukee, Mazen displayed an entrepreneurial spirit from a young age. After navigating multiple majors at UW-Milwaukee while working full-time, he built a career rooted in resilience, adaptability, and hard work. His first major venture, Dogg Haus, became a Brady Street staple, expanding before the pandemic forced closures—an experience he now sees as a blessing. He later acquired Metro Car Wash and Detailing Centre, applying the same principles of fair pricing, quality service, and strong customer relationships.
Mazen shares powerful insights on showing up daily, trusting your instincts, and staying connected to the community. His advice? Ignore naysayers, embrace challenges, and give it your all.
A must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs, this episode is a testament to Mazen’s relentless drive and lasting impact.

ADAM SKIFF: S&R FLOORING

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado sits down with Adam Skiff, the visionary founder of SNR Flooring. With nearly 20 years of experience, Adam has built one of southeastern Wisconsin’s most respected flooring companies by overcoming challenges like ADHD and boldly rejecting the traditional 9-to-5 grind to chase his entrepreneurial dreams.
 
Adam’s journey began with ventures in roofing and home repairs before discovering his true passion for flooring. Teaming up with a childhood friend, he co-founded SNR Flooring and took bold risks to establish a business renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship. Eventually, Adam set out on his own, specializing in hardwood and luxury vinyl plank flooring, carving out a reputation for quality and precision.
 
Today, Adam finds deep fulfillment in transforming homes and building lasting connections with his clients. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, he’s confident SNR Flooring will continue its legacy of delivering top-notch results.
 
Discover more about Adam and SNR Flooring at snrwoodfloors.com

RYAN SHULTZ: UNDERDOG PRODUCTIONS, EROS FILMS

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado interviews Ryan Schultz, founder of Underdog Productions and Eros Films, as he shares his journey from Racine, Wisconsin, to becoming a respected creative in video production.
Ryan launched Underdog Productions in 2021, inspired by personal experiences of feeling underestimated. In 2022, he expanded with Eros Films, a cinematic wedding storytelling venture co-founded with his wife.
A self-taught filmmaker, Ryan’s journey reflects resilience and adaptability, evolving from filming on an iPhone to mastering professional equipment. He emphasizes authentic storytelling, client connections, and work-life balance.
Ryan credits mentors like business coach’s and collaborator’s Johnny Bridgewater for guiding his growth. Tune in for insights on creativity, perseverance, and turning passion into success.

PROTEGÉ : ACTOR, MUSICIAN, MODEL

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado interviews multifaceted artist and actor Protegé, whose journey through music, acting, and modeling highlights the power of creative expression and personal growth. Raised in Milwaukee, Protégé found solace in music from an early age, using songwriting and beat-making as a form of therapy to navigate life’s challenges.
 
Protegé shares how he overcame the stigmas surrounding therapy and the “rapper” label, evolving from a hesitant artist to fully embracing his creative identity. His breakthrough track “Voicemails,” recorded during college, captured his emotional struggles and marked a shift toward more authentic storytelling.
 
Beyond music, Protegé has expanded into acting and modeling, contributing to film soundtracks before landing roles in the Circumstances films. His modeling career, which began with music promo shoots, grew into standout campaigns like Kessler’s Diamonds, blending artistry with visibility.
 
Grateful for his support system, including engineer TK and local artists, Protegé emphasizes the power of Milwaukee’s creative community. Looking ahead, he envisions touring, filmmaking, and international collaborations while encouraging artists to stay dedicated and true to themselves.

CHARLIE CLIPS: MUSICAL ARTIST, BATTLE RAPPER, ENTERTAINER

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado interviews legendary battle rapper Charlie Clips, exploring his rise to fame, challenges, and lasting impact on the industry. Clips reflects on transformative moments, including a pivotal underground battle that tested his adaptability and led to legendary introduction to a field he’s now dominated. Known as one of the greatest in his field, Clips shares insights into his meticulous preparation, support system, and commitment to giving back.
He candidly discusses personal struggles, such as coping with his father’s life sentence and breaking generational cycles for his son. Clips also recounts his transition to mainstream success on Wild ’N Out, crediting Nick Cannon for recognizing his talent. Throughout the episode, he emphasizes resilience, authenticity, and the importance of staying motivated.
This engaging conversation is a testament to Clips’ humility, consistency, and enduring influence, making it a must-listen for fans and aspiring rappers alike.

DJ GEMINI GILLY

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado interviews DJ GEMINI GILLY, one of the official DJ’s for the Milwaukee Bucks and a rising star in the local music scene. GILLY shares her journey of breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry, emphasizing the importance of hands-on experience, authenticity, and trusting the process. She recounts pivotal moments, such as learning to DJ on vinyl, receiving mentorship from figures like Mr. New York and DJ Bizon. Her achievements, including performing at Summerfest and opening for artists like SZA and Ja Rule, highlight her dedication to community and representation. GILLY GEMS ONLY event series takes center stage as a platform for promoting diverse music and fostering inclusivity. She also reflects on overcoming gender-related challenges, advocating for women in the industry, and creating safe, welcoming spaces at her events. With a vision to expand GEMS ONLY globally and continue performing at major festivals, DJ GEMINI GILLY inspires aspiring DJs to embrace their unique journeys, learn from setbacks, and stay true to their passions. This episode celebrates resilience, community, and the transformative power of music.

NIMESH ‘NEMO’ RUPAREL: STORE DIRECTOR OF ANTETOKOUNBROS, FOUNDER OF THE MILWAUKEE SWAP

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado talks with entrepreneur Nimesh Ruparel, known as “Nemo,” about his inspiring journey. Nimesh shares his pivotal role in Antetokounbros, home of a lifestyle brand created in partnership with the Antetokounmpo family, where he helped design the store and shape its merchandise strategy with a focus on community and legacy.
He reflects on his academic path at MATC and UW-Milwaukee, where he earned a marketing degree and an entrepreneurship certificate while balancing fatherhood, work, and education. During this time, he honed his skills in business planning, sales, and marketing.
Nimesh also discusses founding The Milwaukee Swap, Wisconsin’s first sneaker convention, which grew from a small Facebook group into a community of nearly 60,000 members. Its 2012 launch event drew hundreds of attendees.
Throughout the episode, Nimesh shares insights on overcoming challenges, fostering connections, and building purposeful brands, offering valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.

EMILY LANDERS: A LITTLE SOMETHING, A LOT OF LOVE

In this heartfelt episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado sits down with Emily Landers, founder of A Little Something, A Lot of Love. A mother of three and former teacher, Emily shares how her own miscarriage at 15 weeks inspired her mission to support families experiencing pregnancy loss, miscarriage, and stillbirth.
Emily’s “joy bombs”—care packages filled with items like gemstone bracelets, rainbow prisms, and handwritten notes—offer comfort and hope to grieving families. Supported by local businesses and her community, Emily reflects on the overwhelming response to her initiative and the fulfillment she finds in helping others heal.
Throughout the episode, Emily discusses the importance of breaking taboos around pregnancy loss and fostering conversations that make grief less isolating. With personal stories and deep empathy, she highlights how her work has brought solace to many, turning her own pain into a source of light for others.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation about compassion, community, and finding purpose in the wake of loss.