Unturned Stones

Cisco's journey from Milwaukee to Green Bay is more than just a geographical move—it's a story filled with heartfelt lessons and candid reflections. Growing up in a large diverse family with financial constraints, Cisco navigated a world where joy coexisted with economic challenges. His stories offer a window into the complexities of cultural identity and familial bonds that defined his upbringing. Cisco's relationship with his father adds another layer to his story, one marked by absence and...

Join us in the episodes where I reconnect with Frank Berg, an old friend from our college days at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. We explore Frank's fascinating journey from his roots in a large Catholic family in Wisconsin to his current life in Denver, Colorado, where he thrives as an entrepreneur. Frank shares how his religious upbringing instilled values of tolerance and service, and how his spiritual path has evolved towards Zen Buddhism, enriched by experiences such as silent ret...

Step into the gripping world of law enforcement with George Opelt, as he shares a lifetime's worth of experiences. His personal and professional saga is a testament to growth, resilience, and the relentless search for understanding. Uncover how formative relationships shape us, the humor in George's early career challenges, and the profound impact of critical incidents on a police officer's life. Embark on a narrative that traverses the highs and lows of police work and the fundamental human...

In this episode, I interview my friend, Ryan Baudhuin, a Marine Corps veteran and advocate for men's mental health, to discuss his personal growth and his journey of overcoming struggles. Ryan openly shares his experiences with substance abuse, PTSD, and how he found peace and purpose through hunting. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of a supportive community and the therapeutic power of nature. What stands out in the conversation with Ryan is his candor. He brings to...

In this episode, we dive into the journey of Nate Gorski, a man shaped by diverse experiences and life roles as a son, a husband, and a father. Nate shares with us the complexities of his family life like learning his father was not his biological father when he was young. The conversation also delves into the challenges faced by veterans dealing with PTSD, highlighting the drastic shift from military to civilian life and the concept of trauma bonding. We also dive into the topic of fatherhoo...

In this episode, I interview Joey Nielsen who pulls back the curtain on his life, complete with the ups and downs, joys, and struggles that have contributed to his personal growth. Raised amidst the hardworking ethos of North Central Iowa, Joey unpacks the unique family dynamics from his childhood, marked by his biological father's absence and the unwavering support of his mother and adoptive father. We explore Joey's adolescence, detailing his battles with mental health, and how these...

In this heartfelt episode, I interview my long-time friend Tory Dewalt. We reflect on our relationships with our fathers and our roles as older siblings, contemplating the lessons we've learned and how we can share them with younger generations. Our talk spans from the difficulties of frugality, shaped by our upbringings, to the appreciation of both the good and bad experiences in life. Don't miss this profound and insightful conversation as we explore the complexities of friendship, personal...

In this episode, I interview Chris Mackenzie who has been the athletic trainer at Greendale High School for the past 23 years working with kids in all sports. Chris was the first person to speak openly about mental health with me and had a big impact on starting my own journey to dealing with mental health. We discuss some very vulnerable subjects around mental health in a marriage and the impact it can have. How stress can build and cause us to rely on ways to cope with it. As well as the ev...

In this episode, I talk more about the origin of this podcast and some of the events in my life that have lead me to this point. I dive into how I came to realizations regarding seeking validation, learning to let go of my ego and the important of meeting my wife.