Midwest Legends Episode #7: Chef Adam--Dive Bar Burgers, The Dells, and Gordon Ramsey IRL
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.
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Midwest Legends Episode #6: Alex Wehrley— Farmtok, Scotcharoos, and Dive Bar Margaritas
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.
Russell sits down with Myles Montplaisir, better known as the “You Betcha Guy,” for a laugh-filled look at their Midwest experiences. From listening to legendary stories at dive bars to reminiscing on blue-collar workplaces packed with camaraderie, the two revisit fond memories that have plenty of Midwest charm. Though many assume Myles hails from Wisconsin, he’s here to set the record straight by sharing stories about his childhood in Fargo, North Dakota. You’ll hear about “raft burn,” summer trips to Detroit Lakes, and wild tubing rides with his dad at the wheel. Together, Russell and Myles reflect on why Midwesterners take pride in their roots, their work, and their people.
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Midwest Legends Episode #4: Milwaukee Uncut— Worm Phobias, Midwest Boot Camp, And Making It Official At Culvers
Richie and Bre, from Milwaukee Uncut, dropped by the Midwest Legends studio to chat with Russell about the city they all love and the state they call home.Through their work in Milwaukee Uncut, Richie and Bre make Wisconsin’s landmark city a more exciting place to live, work, and grow up in. On this episode, they get the chance to talk about their own Wisconsin upbringings and joke about the Midwest experiences Richie hasn't tried, or is just avoiding, for as long as he can. You’ll hear stories about interesting characters they've met and standout places they've come across, including businesses with eyebrow-raising names. It's an interview you won't want to miss out on, as they swap stories with Russell along the way.
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Midwest Legends Episode #3: Ed the Diver & Christie B—The Beauty, Danger & Delight Of Midwest Waters
Ed Bieber (known as “Ed The Diver”) and Christie B dove their way into Midwest fame, but came up to the surface to share their story with Russell Nicolet.In this episode, learn how a mission to clean up the waterways of the Midwest began with Ed retrieving lost fishing lures for his kids. Since then, Ed and Christie B have joined forces, cleaning up trash and returning the treasures they find to their rightful owners. They do it all, and they’re not afraid of the not-so-glamorous work that can come with it. Together, they share their collaborations with local groups, the finds that have mystified them, and the ones that led them to call law enforcement. They’ve been across the Midwest, featured on CBS National News, and now they’re here to give you the inside scoop.
Hey there! Midwest Legends is not a show about Paul Bunyan, Babe the Blue Ox, or Sasquatch, but you will hear lots of great stories from the modern-day doers and dreamers leaving their mark on the Midwest. Each episode, one of these folks shares part of their journey with host Russell Nicolet. If you haven’t heard of them before, Midwest Legends is here to introduce you.
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