SpearHead Conversations Podcast

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.

JOEY DEE: VIDEOGRAPHER, KABRON FILMS

This week on Spearhead, the energy is out this world! Host Xavier Mercado sits down with the multifaceted Joey Santiago also known as Joey Dee, a man of many talents and experiences. Joey, who has lived in both Milwaukee and Chicago, shares his journey from a struggling high school student to a successful entrepreneur. His story is a testament to resilience and the power of continuous learning.
Joey Dee has made a name for himself in the music, fashion, and aviation industries. From serving as an infantryman in the military to becoming an accomplished videographer and photographer, Joey’s career spans multiple fields and continents. He discusses his passion for the creative process, particularly in videography, emphasizing the significance of color correction and a personal touch in his work. Throughout the episode, Joey talks about his experiences traveling and highlights his involvement with Kabron Clothing, an urban streetwear brand embraced by major artists in music videos.
One of the central themes of the conversation is Joey's understanding of helping our youth through educational programs in photo, video, and audio engineering. He believes in the importance of sharing knowledge to keep these art forms alive and relevant. Joey also shares his insights on overcoming failure, continuous learning, and self-belief in achieving success.
Joey is a true inspiration, demonstrating that through hard work and dedication, anything is possible.

ETHAN MURRAY: COMEDIAN

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado chats with comedian Ethan Murray. Born in Russia and raised in Brookfield, Wisconsin, Ethan shares his journey into comedy. His background provides a unique perspective, merging cultural influences from both his birthplace and upbringing in the Midwest.
Starting with hobbies like magic and piano, Ethan found his calling in comedy at the age of 15 or 16, inspired by figures like Jim Careyand Conan O'Brien. These early interests laid the foundation for his creative exploration, eventually leading him to the world of comedy. The episode delves into Ethan's creative process, highlighting his growth from his first daring stunt of drinking ketchup to his advanced techniques in music and skit filming.
He discusses handling hecklers, the evolving comedy landscape, and the importance of authenticity. Each experience and challenge has shaped his approach to comedy, making his performances both relatable and unique. Ethan's insights into these aspects offer valuable lessons for aspiring comedians and fans alike, emphasizing the necessity of staying true to oneself in the entertainment industry.
Throughout the conversation, Ethan's passion for comedy and his dedication to his craft shine through. Offering listeners an insightful look into the world of a rising comedian, this episode provides a deep dive into the creative mind and journey of Ethan Murray. His story is not just about making people laugh but also about perseverance, creativity, and the continuous pursuit of one’s dreams.

ELI STAMSTAD: AUDIO ENGINEER, PHOTOGRAPHER

In this episode of SPEARHEAD CONVERSATIONS, host Xavier Mercado interviews audio engineer and photographer Eli Stamstad about his career journey and the experiences that have shaped him. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Eli has made a significant impact on Milwaukee's music scene since interning at High Five Studios in 2018. He credits many mentors, including former guest and friend Steve Hybiki, for their pivotal roles in his development.
Eli highlights the importance of communication in the recording studio, especially in providing constructive feedback to artists. He discusses managing conflicts and creative differences, advocating for patience and understanding. His meticulous approach has paid off in complex projects, showcasing his dedication to high-quality results.
Beyond audio engineering, Eli has a strong background in photography, coming from a lineage of photographers. He continues to document his journey, capturing moments as he works with artists. His brand, Run Along Forever, co-founded in early 2021.
Looking ahead, Eli aims for a steady income from record points and managing artists globally. He advises aspiring audio engineers to continually improve their mixing skills, emphasizing the importance of dedication and continuous growth. Eli’s story underscores that success in the music industry requires both technical expertise and the ability to navigate creative collaborations.

SHANE MOSLEY JR: PROFESSIONAL BOXER

In this riveting episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado sits down with rising star Shane Mosley Jr., a talented professional boxer making waves in the sport. Shane, known for his remarkable wins and impressive resilience, takes us through his journey from venturing into boxing at age 15 to achieving his ambitious goals in the ring.
 
Despite growing up with a famous boxing father, Sugar Shane Mosley, Shane has forged his own path, using comparisons and criticisms as motivation. He delves into the emotional and mental aspects of boxing, sharing how he channels nerves and fear into strength, crediting his success to a disciplined lifestyle of prayer, meditation, and focus.
 
Shane opens up about his memorable victories, including a hard-fought title bout against Gabriel Rosado, and his determination to become a world champion. With anecdotes from his privileged upbringing and heartfelt reflections on his mentors—his father and other boxing greats—Shane reveals the dedication and sacrifices required to excel in the sport.
 
Listeners will gain insights into the nuances of a boxer's life, the financial challenges many fighters face, and the misconceptions about the sport. Shane also shares his vision for the future of boxing, emphasizing unity among fighters. Through candid stories and personal advice, Shane Mosley Jr. encourages aspiring boxers to embrace challenges and learn from failures. His ultimate goal? To leave a legendary legacy in the sport of boxing. Don't miss this inspiring and insightful conversation.

SEVEN: ARTIST/ CREATOR OF FINNA

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado sits down with the uniquely inspiring guest known simply as Seven. Seven, whose real name is Joshua Taylor, is an artist and clothing designer from Milwaukee. His brand, Finna, has become a recognizable name in the city, celebrated for its accessible art and clean, meaningful designs. Originally from Elgin, Illinois, Seven shares his remarkable journey into the world of art and fashion. After a 26-year career in logistics, he made a bold transition to pursue his passion for art. In the episode, he delves into his creative process, the challenges he has faced, and the support system that has sustained him throughout his transformation. The conversation takes an intimate turn as Seven discusses his motivators, including a poignant moment with his daughter that affirmed the significance of his work. He emphasizes the importance of mental health, particularly for men, and reflects on how it has influenced his life and artistry. Listeners gain insight into how Seven balances his time between creating art and designing clothing. He reflects on what it means to be an authentic creator in a supportive community like Milwaukee. The episode is rich with personal anecdotes, professional insights, and heartfelt advice for aspiring artists. Join Xavier and Seven for an engaging discussion that highlights the beauty of Milwaukee’s art scene and the profound impact of staying true to oneself.

SHELBY MCEWEN: TEAM USA OLYMPIC HIGH JUMPER

In this episode of "Spearhead Conversations," host Xavier Mercado is joined by elite athlete Shelby McEwen, a standout high jumper aiming to reach his fullest potential and compete in the Paris Summer Olympics. Shelby delves into his journey from a creatively inclined high school student and avid basketball player to a decorated track and field champion. He offers motivational insights on the importance of discovering one's calling, having faith, working tirelessly, and trusting the process despite challenges.
Shelby recounts his transition from basketball to track, the support he received from his faith and family, and significant milestones such as becoming an SEC champion, a three-time All-American, and a Tokyo Olympic finalist. He also discusses his training regimen in Houston under coach Patrick Powell, his mental and physical preparation for high-pressure events, the impact of COVID-19 on his athletic career, and his upcoming high jump competitions in China and the Czech Republic leading up to the Olympic trials.
In addition to his sporting achievements, Shelby encourages young athletes to remain undeterred by negativity and to relentlessly pursue their dreams. This episode is a testament to Shelby McEwen's dedication, hard work, and unyielding belief in his potential, offering inspiration not just to athletes, but to anyone striving to achieve greatness.

JONAH DENAE: POET, SPOKEN WORD ARTIST

In the latest episode of "Spearhead Conversations," Xavier Mercado interviews poet and spoken word artist Jonah Denae from Milwaukee. Jonah shares her journey from a modest upbringing, crediting her first-grade teacher, Miss Davis, for igniting her passion for poetry. She reflects on how poetry has given her a voice and contributed to her resilience. Jonah discusses how Milwaukee's diverse culture and music scene have influenced her artistry. Starting with battle rapping in 8th grade, she drew inspiration from artists like Nas, Jay-Z, and Tupac, blending poetry with music to create a unique style. Recent achievements include her book "Beyond Thin Walls," performances at the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, and being a finalist in the Milwaukee youth poet laureate competition. Jonah also shares the challenges she faced on her creative journey. Looking forward, Jonah talks about upcoming projects such as her new single "Last Woman Standing," more books, and ventures into acting and music video production. She and Xavier highlight the importance of authenticity and perseverance for aspiring artists.

SAM CURRO: THIRD COAST HEATING & COOLING

In this episode of SPEARHEAD CONVERSATIONS, host Xavier Mercado interviews Sam Curro, the co-founder of Third Coast Heating and Cooling. Sam discusses the immense stress and financial pressures he faced while launching his HVAC company, sharing motivational stories about his journey. He proudly recounts key milestones, such as acquiring a box truck to serve as a mobile shop, highlighting his drive to grow his business. Sam and Xavier delve into the dual nature of living in Milwaukee, a city known for its beauty and grittiness. They reflect on personal hardships and the trauma embedded in the streets, emphasizing the importance of cherishing life's blessings. Through candid conversations, they share their experiences of survival and resilience in the face of adversity. A major focus of this episode is Sam's dedication to community service. He talks about organizing clothing drives and fundraisers for the homeless, which he conducts without any government assistance. Sam's advice to young people and aspiring entrepreneurs is to remain authentic and pursue their dreams without seeking undue attention. The discussion also covers the specifics of the HVAC industry. Sam describes the satisfaction of completing jobs and the challenges of fixing substandard work. He shares the origin story of Third Coast Heating and Cooling and its ongoing climb of success.