Midwest Legends

3d ago

Matthew Golden is a first-round draft pick, lightning-fast wide receiver, and now a Midwest Legends guest. At just 22 years old, Matthew has worked hard, gained a lot of perspective, and he's not even as old as the history he is making. It’s been 23 years since Green Bay’s home team chose a wide receiver as their first round pick, and he says that draft night “will stick with me for the rest of my life.” He shares the lessons he’s learned, the advice he'd pass on to younger players, and his love for Packers Nation: “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.” Tune in to hear who Matthew considers a true legend, the superpower he’d choose if he had one, and the unexpected moment on Lake Michigan that quickly became a story to remember.

Dec 2

This week’s guest, Billy Doucette, better known as Billy Deuce, admits he’s terrible at ending conversations, so it’s a good thing Midwest Legends actually has a runtime. Billy has grown up all over the country, and that “foot in both worlds” perspective has given him plenty of material and earned him quite a following online and in person. He and Russell bond over their shared love of Kwik Trip and Chris Farley, who Billy selects as his Midwest Legend. You’ll want to hear all the stories Billy has from sharing a car and touring with comedian (and notable Midwest Legends guest) Charlie Berens. Tune into this episode to learn more about unpleasant hotel visits, a basement alligator named Chompers, and more.

Nov 18

Die-hard Packers superfan Matt Ramage sits down with Russell Nicolet to talk about his favorite team and more. Matt fondly remembers growing up in a home where every Packers game was an event that could see uncles placing bets on anything they could think of. He and Russell reminisce on childhoods spent outdoors, and the reverence that the Packers and Lambeau Field have in Green Bay. Learn more about how Matt grew his online following, and his very wholesome answer for who comes to mind when he think of Midwest Legends.

Nov 11

Every dive bar has at least one story to tell, and thanks to Jared Schutz, those stories and the bars themselves are reaching a wider audience. Jared and Russell discuss dive bar charm, quirks, and maybe most importantly: etiquette. He shares the memories he’s made and hidden gems he’s discovered along the way (check out his interactive “bar map” online). Since starting his journey in 2022, Jared has traveled across Wisconsin, built a loyal following, and learned a thing or two about what makes a dive bar great.

Nov 10

Richard Lorbach, the man behind “Drink Wisconsinbly,” joins Russell Nicolet to share stories about growing up in the Midwest and talk about watching his homegrown brand take off. Richard and Russell bond over their shared love for Wisconsin, childhoods spent outdoors, and the communities and friendships that form at local dive bars. Now 13 years strong, the Drink Wisconsinbly Pub is a staple in the Deer District, but its reach extends far beyond that. Even though the brand maintains in-state and out-of-state fame, Richard does his best to keep a low profile on social media, earning a self-aware chuckle from Russell. You’ll want to hear Richard’s story of the rowdy night at the Drink Wisconsinbly Pub before the sixth game of the 2021 NBA Finals.

Nov 7

Richard Lorbach, the man behind “Drink Wisconsinbly,” joins Russell Nicolet to share stories about growing up in the Midwest and talk about watching his homegrown brand take off. Richard and Russell bond over their shared love for Wisconsin, childhoods spent outdoors, and the communities and friendships that form at local dive bars. Now 13 years strong, the Drink Wisconsinbly Pub is a staple in the Deer District, but its reach extends far beyond that. Even though the brand maintains in-state and out-of-state fame, Richard does his best to keep a low profile on social media, earning a self-aware chuckle from Russell. You’ll want to hear Richard’s story of the rowdy night at the Drink Wisconsinbly Pub before the sixth game of the 2021 NBA Finals. Music: “All the Good Stuff” by Charly Twins — Licensed via Artlist (License #ce25me)

Oct 28

You may have seen him win Cutthroat Kitchen, compete on Super Chef Grudge Match, Beat Bobby Flay, and Hell's Kitchen, but today, Adam Pawlak is in front of the camera as a guest, not a chef. Chef Adam discusses how a job at a pizzeria at the early age of 14 led to a career in the restaurant industry that many know him for today. Russell shares his own experience working in the restaurant industry, and the two discuss what makes a restaurant great. Pawlak gives his take on Midwestern dishes, as well as plenty of mouth-watering inspiration for those who are eager to try something new. Food is a universal language, and Pawlak is always ready to teach and inspire.

Oct 21

Alex Wehrley talks with Russell Nicolet about cabin life, Wisconsin accents, and everything in between. Wisconsin will always be home sweet home for Alex. She shares childhood memories from her grandparents’ retirement farm, and Russell notes that for some Midwest folks, “taking it easy” in retirement can mean taking on more work. Alex also sets the record straight on the realities of farm life and how social media sugarcoats the early mornings and long hours. Together, the two trade bar stories, including the time patrons mistook Russell for a preacher. It’s a conversation full of warmth, humor, and Midwest charm that feels like home.