Shows
Stream of Consciousness with Dan: Stories from the MidwestStream of Consciousness #63 - Kurt BushSend us Fan MailThis episode of Stream of Consciousness w/ Dan dives into a fast‑moving, no‑nonsense conversation with coach Kurt Bush — a coach who works with people from every walk of life, not just athletes. We get into what real coaching looks like today: cutting through excuses, building trust, challenging people without breaking them, and knowing when to push versus when to pull back. Kurt talks about how he found his lane, what keeps him grounded, and why the smallest conversations often end up being the ones that change someone’s direction.We break...
2026-06-0850 minStream of Consciousness with Dan: Stories from the MidwestFriday's w/ Dan #16Send us Fan Mail This week on Friday’s w/ Dan, we talk about a week that felt heavier than most. The sudden loss of Kyle Busch, a driver woven into the fabric of my childhood, brings a reminder of how fragile life really is. From there, we shift into the perseverance of Apollo 13 — what it means to keep going when everything goes wrong, and how that mirrors the daily work of sobriety. And we close with a small act of kindness that meant more than the giver probably realized: two fishing poles waiting in the backseat after...
2026-05-2210 minStream of Consciousness with Dan: Stories from the MidwestStream of Consciousness #63 - Rebekah Henshel - Henning's CheeseSend us Fan Mail This episode of Stream of Consciousness w/ Dan features a conversation with Rebekah Henshel from Henning’s Cheese, part of the family behind one of Wisconsin’s long‑standing cheese companies. We talk about what it’s like to grow up around a multi‑generation family business, what people don’t see behind the Henning’s name, and how much work goes into keeping a place like that running in today’s world. Rebekah shares stories about family, responsibility, and the day‑to‑day reality of life inside a legacy brand. It’s an easygoing, honest lo...
2026-05-1842 minStream of Consciousness with Dan: Stories from the MidwestStream of Consciousness #62 - Caroline CrockerSend us Fan MailIn this episode of Stream of Consciousness w/ Dan, Dr. Caroline Crocker joins the show for a conversation that moves effortlessly between science, story, and the human heart. A former microbiologist, professor, CEO, and international speaker, Caroline brings a lifetime of experience shaped by her family’s World War II history and her own journey through truth, trauma, faith, and resilience.We talk about what it means to inherit stories, how trauma echoes across generations, why she writes the way she does, and the surprising places life has taken her — from the...
2026-05-1841 minStream of Consciousness with Dan: Stories from the MidwestFriday's w/ Dan #15Send us Fan MailThis week on Friday’s w/ Dan, we start with family and legacy. I talk about my Uncle Jim, who passed in 2018 in a tragic accident near the farm he loved. In his honor, my family created the James R. Backes Memorial Scholarship, awarded each year to a hardworking FFA student at Westin High. We just had the ceremony Wednesday night — my dad presented, two of his brothers were there, and a close family friend joined us. It was one of those nights that reminds you how love and legacy carry forw...
2026-05-1508 minStream of Consciousness with Dan: Stories from the MidwestStream of Consciousness #61 - Al Bekkum - Nordic CreamerySend us Fan Mail This week on Friday’s w/ Dan, I sit down with Al Bekkum of Nordic Creamery — a licensed cheesemaker, buttermaker, and the heart behind one of Wisconsin’s most beloved family dairies. We talk about his family’s century‑long farming legacy, the craft behind award‑winning cheese and butter, life in the Driftless Region, and what it takes to keep a small creamery thriving. It’s a conversation about tradition, hard work, and the pride of making something by hand that brings people together. Nordic Creamery Wisconsin Cheese | Goat Cheese | Gift Baskets...
2026-05-1149 minStream of Consciousness with Dan: Stories from the MidwestFriday's w/ Dan #14Send us Fan Mail After a week in the hospital, I’m recording from Brodhead, Wisconsin, where I’m staying with my parents and rebuilding my strength. In this episode, I talk about being discharged, starting AA, and reaching two weeks of sobriety. From quiet walks to waking up clear‑headed, I’m learning what choosing a new path really looks like. If you’re struggling, I hope this reminds you that change is possible and you don’t have to do it alone. @DanBackes-Omahahttps://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1768323039635344d43bab5cfSupport the
2026-05-0805 minStream of Consciousness with Dan: Stories from the MidwestFriday's w/ Dan #13Send us Fan MailThis week’s episode comes from Methodist Hospital in Omaha, where I’m recovering after years of alcohol abuse finally caught up with me. I talk honestly about facing the reality of my condition, beginning sobriety, and reconciling with God, my family, and myself.I also share real gratitude for the doctors, nurses, techs, and staff who are helping keep me alive. It’s a raw, unpolished episode about hitting a turning point and choosing to fight for your life one day at a time.www.youtube.com/@DanBackes-Omahah...
2026-05-0211 minStream of Consciousness with Dan: Stories from the MidwestEpisode 60 - Steve Stetter - Decatur DairySend us Fan MailToday we’re heading to Decatur, Wisconsin to talk with someone who’s been shaping the state’s cheese story for decades. Steve Stettler is a Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker, but what really stands out is the way he approaches the work — steady, consistent, and rooted in the community around him.Decatur Dairy isn’t flashy; it’s a place built on craft, good milk, and people who care about doing things the right way. Steve’s spent his life in that rhythm, and this conversation gets into the heart of what...
2026-04-3046 minStream of Consciousness with Dan: Stories from the MidwestFriday's w/ Dan #12Send us Fan Mail This week on Friday’s w/ Dan, I share an update on Chuck Bigler, who recently suffered a serious stroke but has now been moved out of the ICU and is receiving good care at St. Mary’s in Madison. If you’d like to send prayers or a card, his family welcomes them at PO Box 508, New Glarus, WI. I also talk about learning the Our Father in Swahili, celebrate Brian Voltaggio’s first-ever individual competition win, and give a shoutout to my Great Aunt Joan for a small kindness that meant a lot. It...
2026-04-2406 minStream of Consciousness with Dan: Stories from the MidwestStream of Consciousness #59 - Marieke Penterman - Marieke GoudaSend us Fan MailIn this episode, we head to Thorp, Wisconsin, to explore the story behind Marieke Gouda — a creamery built on Dutch heritage, Wisconsin soil, and a relentless commitment to craft. We talk about the traditions, techniques, and passion that turned a family dream into one of the country's most celebrated cheesemakers.It’s a conversation about roots, resilience, and what it takes to create something that feels both deeply personal and unmistakably Wisconsin.Home - Marieke Gouda- Wisconsin Cheese, Farm, Store, and Cafe in Thorp, WIhttps://open.spot...
2026-04-2449 minStream of Consciousness with Dan: Stories from the MidwestStream of Consciousness #58 - Nelson Schrock - Kingston CreamerySend us Fan MailIn this episode, I sit down with Nelson Schrock, General Manager of Kingston Creamery in Cambria, Wisconsin. Nelson brings a quiet, grounded presence as he talks about the craft of cheesemaking, the values that guide their work, and what it means to run a small, tradition‑driven creamery in the heart of dairy country.It’s a conversation about community, heritage, and the kind of steady leadership that doesn’t need attention to make an impact. If you love Wisconsin stories and the people who keep its tradit...
2026-04-2040 minStream of Consciousness with Dan: Stories from the MidwestFriday's w/ Dan #11Send us Fan MailThis week’s episode sits in that space where heaviness and hope overlap. I talk about the unexpected losses that hit close to home, the people who shaped me, and the reminders of how quickly life can change. But I also share the light that broke through — my novella moving into the editing stage, and the good news I learned about my second cousin’s acceptance to UW–Green Bay.We close with Psalm 30:5 and a prayer for everyone carrying something heavy right now. It’s an episode about grief, gratitude, and the sm...
2026-04-1708 minStream of Consciousness with Dan: Stories from the MidwestStream of Consciousness #57 - Elle Williams - Carr Valley CheeseSend us Fan MailIn this episode of the Wisconsin Makers Series, Daniel sits down with Elle Williams, Director of Sales and Brand Development at Carr Valley Cheese and a licensed cheese grader (#489) — one of the rare people in the state who can literally taste quality at a professional level.Elle brings a blend of deep Wisconsin roots, technical expertise, and genuine love for the craft of cheesemaking. Together, we explore how Carr Valley has carried more than a century of tradition forward, what it means to grade cheese wi...
2026-04-1344 minStream of Consciousness with Dan: Stories from the MidwestFriday's w/ Dan #10Send us Fan MailThis week’s Friday’s w/ Dan goes deep. I talk about Augie Nieto, the impact he left behind, and why his story hit me harder than I expected. I share my own connection to ALS through my fraternity brothers, the work we did, and the people we lost. I take a moment to reflect on Lou Gehrig’s iconic speech — a reminder of what real courage looks like. Then I shift into a conversation about leadership with Kurt Bush and the E + R = T framework that’s been shaping how I think about grow...
2026-04-1014 minStream of Consciousness with Dan: Stories from the MidwestStream of Consciousness #56 - Magic BarclaySend us Fan MailMagic Barclay has lived through more than most people could imagine — and she’s turned every chapter of that story into a mission to help others heal. In this episode, Magic opens up about the physiology of trauma, the patterns our bodies hold onto, and the practical steps people can take to reclaim their health. It’s a conversation about survival, resilience, and the science behind why our past shows up in our present. Honest, direct, and deeply human.About Magic | Magic BarclayAbout | Wholistic Natural Healthhttps...
2026-04-0650 minStream of Consciousness with Dan: Stories from the MidwestStream of Consciousness #55 - Chuck Bigler - Puempel's TavernSend us Fan MailThis one’s a little surprise drop. I sat down with Chuck Bigler of Puempel’s Tavern in New Glarus, Wisconsin — a place with more history and character than just about anywhere in the state. Chuck talks about what it means to keep a place like Puempel’s alive, the stories behind the walls, and the people who make it feel like home. It’s an easy, honest conversation with someone who’s been part of the heartbeat of New Glarus for years.https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1768323039635344d43bab5cfhttps://op...
2026-04-0348 minStream of Consciousness with Dan: Stories from the MidwestFriday's w/ Dan #9Send us Fan MailThis week on Friday’s w/ Dan, we explore courage in its quietest and most unexpected forms. From the remarkable adaptability of octopuses, to the mystery and responsibility surrounding Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, to the everyday courage shown by the people we love — especially my mom on her birthday — this episode weaves together science, reflection, and faith. We close with a prayer for strength, comfort, and the steady kind of courage we all need.https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1768323039635344d43bab5cfhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2ZHWgVJf5Dadq6c1jHFrNC?si=90a...
2026-04-0313 minStream of Consciousness with Dan: Stories from the MidwestStream of Consciousness #54 - Joey Widmer - Widmer's Cheese CellarSend us Fan MailIn this episode, I’m kicking off the first stop on my Wisconsin Cheese Tour — a project that’s part storytelling, part hometown pride, and part celebration of the people who make this state what it is. Growing up in Wisconsin, cheese was more than food; it was part of the landscape. So today, we start exploring the creameries, the makers, and the cows behind it all. This is the beginning of a new series of episodes, and I’m excited to bring you along for the ride. Widmer's Cheese Cellars of Wiscon...
2026-03-3144 minStream of Consciousness with Dan: Stories from the MidwestFriday's w/ Dan #8Send us Fan MailIn today’s Friday’s w/ Dan, we start with a simple moment of kindness that turned into something unforgettable — a woman, a case of Spotted Cow, and a reminder of how small gestures can ripple. Then we honor Master Sergeant Noah L. Tietjens and the legacy he left behind. And finally, we talk about Rookie — a story that carries real weight and real heart. This one means a lot.http://www.youtube.com/@DanBackes-Omahahttps://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1768323039635344d43bab5cfhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2ZHWgVJf5...
2026-03-2710 minStream of Consciousness with Dan: Stories from the MidwestStream of Consciousness #53 - Keith Gensure - Pine Creek AcademySend us Fan MailPine Creek Academy doesn’t make songs so much as they make moments — the kind that hit you in the chest before you even realize why. In this episode, Daniel sits down with vocalist and rhythm guitarist Keith Gensure to talk about the band’s rising momentum, the emotional architecture behind their sound, and the creative instincts that shaped tracks like “Dandelion.”Keith opens up about the early days of the band, the lessons he carried from past projects, and the moment Pine Creek Academy finally locked into the i...
2026-03-2344 minStream of Consciousness with Dan: Stories from the MidwestFriday's w/ Dan #7Send us Fan MailThis week’s episode is all about the quiet, meaningful moments that snuck up on me — the ones that didn’t make any noise but somehow carried the most weight. We start with the real story of St. Patrick and how his life of humble faithfulness ended up shaping my whole week. From there, we talk about a Wichita State freshman who reminded me what it looks like to do the unglamorous work, a simple handwritten note from a podcast guest that hit deeper than I expected, and a moment with my sister that l...
2026-03-2011 minStream of Consciousness with Dan: Stories from the MidwestStream of Consciousness #51 - David McKeeSend us Fan MailIn this episode, I sit down with David McKee for a conversation that unfolds the way the best ones do — naturally, honestly, and with a surprising amount of depth hiding in the quiet moments. We talk about resilience, mindset, the boiling‑water analogy, and the small internal shifts that can change the way you move through the world. David brings this grounded blend of psychology, neuroscience, and lived experience that makes everything feel both practical and human.It’s less of an interview and more of a thoughtful meander — two people comparing notes on...
2026-03-191h 22Stream of Consciousness with Dan: Stories from the MidwestStream of Consciousness #50 - Normand PothierSend us Fan MailIn this episode, I talk with Normand Pothier of Peanut Butter Sunday — the Acadian punk band out of Baie Sainte‑Marie, Nova Scotia that’s been carving out their own lane with heart, grit, and zero pretense. We get into how the band came together, what drives their sound, and why their music feels like a love letter to the place they’re from.With permission from the band, I also share a clip of “Mermaid” from their 2025 self‑titled album — a track that shows exactly why they’re impossible to forget.If y...
2026-03-171h 17Stream of Consciousness with Dan: Stories from the MidwestFriday's w/ Dan #6Send us Fan MailIn this week’s Friday’s w/ Dan, we sit with the quiet kind of goodness that rarely makes headlines but holds the world together. It’s National Good Samaritan Day, which feels like the perfect backdrop for a conversation about small, steady acts of care — the kind that show up in families, in faith, and in the everyday moments we usually overlook.I talk about Beacon, my seventeen‑year‑old childhood dog, and the way my parents have loved her with this gentle, unwavering devotion. I share what it means for Sam and...
2026-03-1414 min