Average Joe and Friends Podcast

Episode 019 - Rodney Baker - Father, Entrepreneur, Community Servant, Personal Trainer, Friend, and a Person who Gives Back

Rodney came out to talk a little and catch up. I have not seen Rod in the flesh for years, but we went to high school together. I knew he was out doing this fitness thing, Gifted Elite Academy, but what I did not know, was that Rodney has been working for his community and giving back for ever, and it is just in his blood. We got to talk about so many things with family, love, life, mentality, just living right. Lotta shout outs to old friends too. This dude is the genuine article. He is "Never Not Working"
Gifted Elite Academy FB: https://www.facebook.com/GiftedEliteAcademy
Gifted Elite Website: https://giftedeliteacademy.com/
Gifted ELite IG: https://www.instagram.com/Gifted_elite
Gifted Elite TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@giftedelite?_t=8mSFLfh8z4Z&_r=1
 

Episode 018 - Phil Juarez - Old Friend, Skater, Gang Member, Mental Health Advocate, Dad

I knew when Phil came over we could cover some topics, but in no way did I expect to go so deep down into some of the Darkest parts of mental health. I love this man so very much, he was part of what raised me from age 11 to 18. I spent hours upon hours with this dude grinding hand rails, jumping off ramps, rippin heaters, and just skating and talking. Since those days Phil is still the same great human, but he has a pretty powerful and emotional story to tell. He is figuring it out everyday, and I am grateful that he was willing to sit down for 2+ hours with me and talk about our past, present, and future.

Episode 017 - Amanda Wright - Entrepreneur, Twin Mom, Photographer - Werk Force Brewing

Amanda owns the best brewery in the Southwest Suburbs, she has 3 beautiful children, and sexy husband named Brando. But before all that, Amanda was a sick ass Photographer, kick ass around the Chicagoland area. We had a very awesome conversation about her journey through life that I think a lot of you will really love.
 
Werk Force: https://www.werkforcebrewing.com/
 
WF Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/werkforcebrewingco
 
WF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/werkforcebrewing
 

Avg Joe Sports - Guest Appearance on First and Ten with Foz - The State of Chicago Sports 2025

I was honored to collaborate with my homie  @FirstTenFoz  to talk about the sad state of Chicago sports as a whole in 2025. We had to break down the  @ChicagoBears   @cubs   @whitesox   @ChicagoBulls  and the  @blackhawks  and discuss who has the brightest long term and immediate future in our city. And talk about the legacy we are leaving our young children in this terrible period of Chicago Sports history.
You can see all of Foz's content on his Youtube Page linked above and follow his FB pages for More Content. Check out Bedrocks Bar in Shorewood, amazing Pizza and Craft Beer Selection.
First and Ten with Foz Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19c5Lvto2Y/?mibextid=S66gvF
First and Ten with Foz Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094519232595
Chicago Bears Fan 4 Ever Group: https://www.facebook.com/CBF4E
 

Episode 016 - Eric Kapraun - Ex Coworker and Office Roomie, Current Friend, Beautiful Human, Hop Samurai

Eric and I worked at Phase Three Brewing together in the early days, but before that Eric worked for many years for Half Acre Beer Co. He is such a radical guy, and this conversation was much needed. I think you guys will love his approach and perspective on life and work as much as I do. Bro is a superstar.
Yakima Chief Website: https://www.yakimachief.com/
Dark Matter Coffee Website: https://www.darkmattercoffee.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqNzmI1FL9Xy0GuhEdhnJcd3N31gcZ6AmOrRYDaj59WDbZnU3GX
Phase Three Brewing: https://www.phasethreebrewing.com/
Half Acre Beer Co: https://halfacrebeer.com/

Episode 015 - Jeremy Schmidt, Friend, Taproom Manager at Crafted 1979, Lions Fan - Average Joe and Friends

This man has gone through so much recently. Like a whirlwind, from spending a sunday on the sideline for Bears vs Lions, to tragedy, to the  @detroitlionsnfl  flying him out for the Vikings Vs. Lions Season wrap up and now just back to everyday life. I love this man so much, he is a friend and a Craft Beer Legend. The best of the best, I hope you enjoy the conversation and hug the people around you a little tighter.
Here is an article from Jeff Seidel about the whole situation: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/columnists/jeff-seidel/2025/01/07/detroit-lions-fans-jeremy-schmidt-ben-roth/77490338007/

Episode 014 - Mike Pallen - Small Biz Owner, Craft Beer Dude, Music Man, Father, Foodie, Sneakerhead

Meet Mike Pallen. Sure, he started a super successful brewery in Elk Grove Village 8 years ago or something like that, but he is also just a really cool person. He had a whole life before beer in the music industry locally and across the country. He loves cars, sneakers, awesome food, and he is also a damn fine family man.
 
He also brought some crazy good Oxtail Sandwiches from Dorrie's Kitchen with some Sweet Honey Siracha Wings. As seen on  @super_goode  located in Elk Grove Village. So tasty. Check out @Super_Goode on Instagram and Youtube and he has a Merch store etc... Love what he is doing on the local food scene.

Episode 013 - Jeff Beal - Wine Expert, Bourbon Guy, Craft Beer Lover, Railroad Man, Foodie, Music Man

My friend Jeff Beal is the absolute GOAT. Longtime railroad man turned Wine Expert, Craft Beer lover, and bourbon guy. Sure he may look like Coach Quenneville but the man can spin a yarn as good as anyone. I love talking to the guy with or without microphones running and I think you all are gonna enjoy Jeff as much as I do.

Episode 012 - Edmer Abante, Dad, Musician, Tech Bro, Average Joe and Friends

My friend Edmer "Mer Abante is a bad Mother, for real. We met while I was in college and his musical performances blew me away along with hiw swag and general approach to life. 20+ years later the man has transformed himself into an even badder Motha, still killing the music world, raising 2 amazing kids with 2 different Moms and taking the tech world on with all the swag he approaches music with.  @MERplay 

Episode 011 - Alex Hoffer, Musician, Gamer, Cook, Youtuber

Alex Hoffer kicks so much ass. He is a very talented old friend of mine. A gifted singer, a funny ass dude, cooking hobbyist, and entertaining YouTuber. I love all the places this conversation went. Take the ride with us. Check Alex out at  @nowwerecooking  and  @OlderThanAverageGamer  on Youtube.  And check out his music page to see where you can catch him live.  
Stay tuned to the end of the podcast to hear him play a little song.