SpearHead Conversations Podcast

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.

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.