Absolute B.S. with Brad and Steve

Every once in a while, we get to talk to someone who bowls us over, and this episode is no exception. With today’s mental health challenges, it’s refreshing to hear voices unafraid to be transparent, unafraid of embarrassment through personal choice, and unafraid to show how a life full of trials can be spun into a force for good. Sometimes you have to laugh through the pain, so get some mental band-aids and join us as we speak with women’s life coach and all-around force of nature, Rebecca Thomas.

Networking and contributing to your community are the some of the most important aspects of working in today’s business world— and it’s a lesson not everyone hears. In this episode of Absolute B.S., we speak to Austin Reynolds and Max Rispler, two young entrepreneurs doing all they can to leave a mark on the city they work in! Through late nights, bottle service, and a loose grasp of social media, it looks like it’s working. Make some tacos and give a listen.

It’s been a few... hundred... months.... But we’re back in the studio with our next guest! Featuring a storied career and trusted voice in the news, AND a major focus on health and wellness, Val Lego is now ready to take those talents in media to the next opportunity! Join us as we talk through the B.S. of switching careers later in life, the joys of trying to keep up with technology, and whether or not there’s something more "super than natural" going on just beyond our understanding of the world... Get your haircut and give it a listen.

This time on Absolute B.S. with Brad and Steve, we invite Erik Wolenberg, Executive Director of the Hope Network Foundation to our table. Through extremely self-deprecating humor we take a look into the world of Philanthropy— what thank means, why it is a thing, and how we should go about doing it locally. There’s that, an intention of starting a Kiss-Club in Grand Rapids, how we’re turning into our own fathers and the real importance of updating your Facebook profile. Have a stick of gum and give a listen!

This episode of Absolute BS with Brad and Steve, we are joined by the formidable Craig Clark of Clark Communications! A mainstay in corporate and private PR messaging and problem solving, Craig lends his spin on GR’s PR scene, where it’s going and where it’s been, also sharing humorous antics from his youth and the last time he threw up in public. It’s the kind of stuff you need to hear, so get back to the knitting and listen up.

Money! Some consider it, some don’t. Some have it. Some won’t. Listen in as we talk with Paige Afendoulis, a financial guru, a celebrated author, and succession planning consultant bringing her experience in family money management to our studio. We open her book of thoughts for children and adults alike on the importance of planning, investing, and managing personal finance. It starts way before you think it should, so grab a notebook and listen up!

Business executive, exotic homeowner, and now celebrated author-our next guest takes us through a personal journey, one of loss, acceptance, forgiveness, and eventual transformation. On this episode we talk to the indomitable Sheila VanZile, and gain perspective on using art to reconcile personal loss and the awakening to the promise of tomorrow. We also work our way through dumb things too. Grab some French Fries and listen up.

Whether you're canna-curious or canna-confident, you can always rely on our next guest to give you the 420 on what exactly you need to do to put together a personalized package to elevate your experience. We’re talking to Sarah Tupper, founder of Sarah Jane, a women-empowered, cannabis brand. The world of marijuana is much more complex than most believe, and Sarah walks us through that carefully. And of course, we talk a lot of B.S. Grab some snacks and have a listen.

Sometimes a pairing comes along that works just too well. We talk a lot of B.S. over here at ABS. Our guest this week talks a lot about…just S. This episode we are joined by Diane Teall Evans, Nutritional therapist and founder of DITEA Wellness, providing nutritional therapy programming for the betterment of women’s -gut health, energy, hormones, and skin. She’s also co-host of the educational podcast Get Your S#!? Together discussing dietary and lifestyle issues. We cover entrepreneurialism, sleepwalking misadventures, eating exotic foods, and when it’s appropriate to pass gas in front of your significant other. Have a probiotic and listen up.

On this episode of Absolute BS we talk with Monica Mendez, an unapologetic force of nature, leading the GR Chamber’s Talent and Leadership Program. We go over it all-her exodus from Mexico, her love for sappy movies, Steve’s terrible ability to speak Spanish, and we hear, quite possibly, the most transparent, embarrassing, and human story we’ve been told from a guest.

On this episode of Absolute B.S. with Brad and Steve, we get to talk to two paragons of the science world. One guy is redefining the methods to identify and eradicate cancer— the other is keeping the operation running smoothly. Meet Anthony Chang and Chad Bassett! Join us for that story, as well as finding out what scientists do in their spare time, how martial arts influences critical thought, and why the good doctor always points to the camera in photographs!

For this episode of Absolute BS with Brad and Steve, we set the studio on fire with the unadulterated energy and enthusiasm brought to the room. Hang on, as we dive into the minds of Stephanie Andrews and Holly Visser; two besties driving much of the good coming out of the Grand Rapids Public School systems. Join us as we discuss the organization’s driving mission to educate, the possible benefits of exercise, why flora is better than fauna, and other eye-opening topics. Get a cocktail for this one.

After a few weeks out doing summer stuff, we’re back in the studio with another episode. This time we’re speaking with the Vice President of Business Development at the HR Collaborative, Mike Parnacott. Join us as we learn why HR is not as bad as we all think it is, why working in food service is more fun than retail, and when it’s the appropriate time to let your parents know about all times you lied to them when you were younger.

They say the second time is even better, and after being on our very first episode of Absolute BS with Brad and Steve, we felt we owed our guest another shot. We’re happy to have back Krista Paulin, Vice President of Marketing and Community Affairs for Huntington Bank West Michigan. Join us for a lively conversation about hipsters, the elderly, the damage caused by cell phones, and making relationships work when the world is full of disease. Go rake your yard and give a listen.

It takes a lot to rattle Brad’s cage, but in this episode, it happens as we interview Partner and COO of Failure Lab, Anna Baeten! Join us as we talk about the upside of failing, what it means to be Asian in America, and why it’s not a good idea to let Steve write Brad’s questions for the guest!

This time we did it live! With real people watching! Listen into the magical sounds of LaughFest 2022 as we interview our next guest Trino, the comedy magician. His routine co-mingles comedy and theatrical feats, giving audience and hosts alike an energetic and thoroughly modern take on the ancient art of illusion. Then there’s the hair! He’s been seen on Fox, The Verge, CW Network, and ABC as well as a guest act on the Masters of Illusion tour. Do magician’s have interesting things to say? Go for a jog and find out!

This time on Absolute BS with Brad and Steve, we’re joined by author, entrepreneur, and whiskey-drinking creator of GoodFellows Creative, Marissa Callie Fellows! Join us as we travel through what starting a business in a pandemic looks like and the mental taxation it can have on yourself and your relationships. It ain’t easy being 30 in today’s world, but Marissa is making the best of it. Bring us along on your walk and listen in.

It’s not easy pulling off a festival of comedy during a pandemic, but our next guest Zack Berends is doing it with some style. As the events and festival manager for Gilda’s Laughfest, Zack is still finding the humor in all things. We debate, discussion, and dialogue about why comedy that challenges you is a necessary evil. Practice some #SelfCare and give a listen as we discuss the healing power of laughter.

It’s time to get vulnerable. On this episode of Absolute B.S. with Brad and Steve, we’re joined by consultant, therapist, ally, and all-around advocate of 'being kind', Erin Fisk. It’s time for the eye-opening take on race and gender equality in West Michigan you always knew we were going to have. Go iron your shirts and give us a listen.

Occasionally, one is 'hashtag blessed' and gets to converse with a superstar. Kicking off Season 4 of Absolute B.S. with Brad and Steve, we sit down with internet sensation Liz Della Croce to discuss her online food, travel, and health resource ‘The Lemon Bowl.’ From her humble beginnings blogging to the creation of a digital empire, her stories, recipes, and global reach know no bounds. Grab a plate of hors’ devours as we find out how to turn passion into profit and see if this Midwest mom is still datable.