Podcast · Comedy

Midwest Legends

by Midwest Legends Podcast · English · Comedy

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 yo

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 1 hr
Latest: 29 Sep 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

29 Sep 2026 · 54 min

Midwest Legends Episode #38: Kirby Puckett Jr. - Jump on my Back, Teammates, and His Father's Legacy

This week on the Midwest Legends Podcast, Russell interviews Kirby Puckett Jr., son of the legendary Twins baseball star Kirby Puckett! Tune in to hear Kirby Jr.’s experience growing up with a dad who would get recognized at the store and have over house guests like Cal Ripken and Kenny Lofton, but who was also just dad to him. Kirby Jr. fondly remembers Saturday mornings when he would watch fishing with his dad and appreciates that his father never pressured him to follow in his footsteps. Kirby Jr. talks about learning how incredible his father’s stats were, the charitable efforts he…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

E37 · 22 Sep 2026 · 58 min
Midwest Legends Episode #37: Jack Morris - Pitching, 9th Inning Talks, and A Helicopter Domino's Run
This week on Midwest Legend’s Podcast the baseball legends continue with Jack Morris! Jack takes Russell through the highlights of his hall of fame worthy baseball career, including when he learned his famous split ball, coming home to the Twins, and memorable stories with manager Tom Kelly. Jack talks fondly of his teammates and their historic wins. Did you know after he won the world series in ’84 Jack rode in a helicopter to go pick up pizzas from Domino’s? It’s a true story. Make sure to tune into this episode for more incredible stories from Jack Morris!
E36 · 15 Sep 2026 · 59 min
Midwest Legends Episode #36: Tom Kelly Pt. 2 - Managing the Twins, Puckett, and The '87 World Series
Welcome back to the Midwest Legends Podcast for Tom Kelly Pt. 2! This week, Tom takes Russell through his journey of becoming a renowned baseball manager. Although Tom claims he was just thinking about how “not to get fired,” throughout his first managing stint with the Twins in ’87, it’s clear there’s much more genius in his management style then he lets on. Enough genius to lead to the Twins winning it all that very season! Tune in to hear from Tom about why he prioritizes defense, his iconic conversation with Jack Morris before the 10thinning, a surprising story about Kirby Puckett, and…
E26 · 9 Sep 2026 · 55 min
Midwest Legends Episode #35: Tom Kelly Pt. 1 – Learning to Play Ball, Carew, and The Big Leagues
This week on the Midwest Legends Podcast, Russell welcomes the legendary Tom Kelly to the pod! Tom Kelly may have had just a short stint in Graceville, Minnesota before moving to New Jersey, but little did he know he would be a Midwesterner again, becoming a legendary manager for the Minnesota Twins. Growing up with a father who was also a pitcher, Tom learned to always keep his spikes clean regardless of how busy he was playing multiple games as a kid. When Tom made it to the big leagues it was both exciting and overwhelming playing with legends like Olivia and Carew. Tom Kelly is full of…
E34 · 28 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 22 min
Midwest Legends Episode #34: Charlie Parr -- A Guitar Obsession, Busking, and The Power of Music
This week on the Midwest Legends Podcast, Russell sits down with Minnesota native and legendary musician Charlie Parr! Charlie takes Russell back to his childhood in Austin, Minnesota where he begrudgingly did farm work, drew dinosaurs all over his father’s record collection, and eventually became obsessed with learning to play the guitar. After moving to the Twin Cities, Charlie became immersed in the music scene and prioritized music above all else. From living on a dinky town three seasons porch, to studying philosophy, to helping his community members, Charlie’s life has been anything…
E33 · 21 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 15 min
Midwest Legends Episode #33: Kent Hrbek -- The Twins, Fishing, and A Play Everyone Still Talks About
This week on the Midwest Legends Podcast Russell sits down to talk with the Minnesota and Twins baseball legend Kent Hrbek! Kent grew up just about a mile from the old Twins stadium and fondly remembers watching the lights from his childhood bedroom… fast forward a couple years and he’s a real deal Twins player! Kent discusses his baseball legacy including his two World Series wins and opens up to Russell about his father’s ALS diagnosis. Kent reflects on his impressive career and reminds everyone that baseball is “just a game” at the end of the day. And that play everyone still talks about…
E32 · 14 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 16 min
Midwest Legends Episode #32: Lazerbeak -- Doomtree, Naz Reid, and the Minneapolis Music Scene
This week on the Midwest Legends Podcast, musician, producer, and Doomtree crew member Aaron Mader (AKA Lazerbeak) joins Russell to dive into his experience coming up in the vibrant Minneapolis music scene. From growing up in Hopkins, Minnesota with a day job as a pizza delivery driver to working with big names in the music industry like Lizzo, Trampled By Turtles, POS, Doja Cat, and many more, Lazerbeak knows that the Midwest music industry is truly unique. Tune in to hear how he accidentally named himself after a Transformer and (almost) lost 7k in the trash…
E31 · 30 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 5 min
Midwest Legends Episode #31: Christian Yelich -- MKE Baseball Fans, Giannis, and the Cubs Rivalry
MVP and All-Star baseball legend Christian Yelich joins Russell this week on the Midwest Legends Podcast! Christian Yelich’s legendary status goes without saying. From being the first member of his family to play baseball to becoming the face of MKE baseball, Christian has already made history and he’s just getting started. Don’t miss Christian’s take on Giannis heading to Miami, the iconic Cubs rivalry, and what he thinks makes Milwaukee so special!
E30 · 23 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 5 min
Midwest Legends Episode #30: Lou Nanne -- Hockey, Herb Brooks, and The True Story Behind 'Miracle
Former NHL Player, Olympian, and Minnesota legend, Lou Nanne joins Russell on this week’s Midwest Legends episode! Lou has years of impressive accomplishments under his belt. Known as “the Godfather of Hockey,” although he would argue that title actually belongs to John Mariucci, Lou has undoubtedly made an impact on the hockey world. Coming from a small Canadian town, playing at the U of M, going from player to General Manager of the North Stars, attending the Olympics, and supporting his family along the way, Lou has just about done it all on and off the ice. Tune in to hear Lou’s behind…
E29 · 16 Jun 2026 · 45 min
Midwest Legends Episode #29: Leroy Butler Pt. 2 -- Lambeau Leap, Presidents, and -20 Degree Games
The legendary Packers player Leroy Butler is back again for part two! This week, Leroy goes behind the scenes of his anxiety inducing draft experience when his dream of becoming an NFL player finally came true at the same time he realized he has no idea where Green Bay is. Leroy talks Russell through his accidental creation of the now iconic Lambeau Leap and his disbelief that a US President didn’t know what it was… Don’t miss Leroy’s journey full of emotional moments, amazing accomplishments, and an enduring sense of humor throughout it all!
E28 · 9 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 2 min
Midwest Legends Episode #28: Leroy Butler Pt. 1 -- The Projects, Puntrooskie, and Getting to the NFL
This episode was so good, it had to be a two-parter! You may know him as the inventor of the Lambeau Leap or for his run in the iconic Puntrooskie play, but in this week’s Midwest Legends episode Leroy takes Russell back in time to his life before the Packers. Leroy grew up with everything stacked against him. He grew up in the projects in Duval County, Florida, was raised by a hardworking single mother, and had a physical disability where he couldn’t run or jump like the other kids. None of that stopped him from achieving his biggest goal: playing in the NFL. Tune in to hear this amazing…
E12 · 9 Jun 2026 · 33 min
Midwest Legends Episode #12: Matthew Golden -- Playing For Green Bay, Being The #1 Draft Pick, and Jordan Love
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…
E27 · 2 Jun 2026 · 1 hr
Midwest Legends Episode #27: Laila Edwards -- Canadian Rivalries, UW Madison, and Olympic Gold
Midwest Legend? More like international legend! This week, star hockey player Laila Edwards gives Russell the inside scoop on her amazing journey from growing up in Ohio playing on the boy’s hockey team to winning gold at the 2026 Olympics in Milan. Laila takes us behind the scenes of the Olympics, sharing how she overcame the nerves to clinch the win over the iconic Canadian rivals in the game that had everyone on the edge of their seats. Not only has Laila cemented herself as a force on the UW Badgers Women’s Hockey team, but also as a great friend, leader, and Chipotle-lover off the ice.…
E26 · 19 May 2026 · 1 hr 12 min
Midwest Legends Episode #26: Ben Leber -- Vikings History, Tough Love, and the Drama of the Draft
Former Minnesota Vikings linebacker and current sideline analyst Ben Leber joins Russell to discuss his journey from a multicultural childhood in Iowa to a professional NFL football player. Ben talks about his supportive family, including two older brothers who inspired him to try football and how coaches along the way shaped the player he later became. After a trying rookie season in college, Ben reached a turning point where he chose to keep going despite the challenges of higher expectations. From that moment on, he’s embraced an incredible football career. From the highs and lows of…
E25 · 12 May 2026 · 58 min
Midwest Legends Episode #25: Noah Bakken -- Motocross, Train Jumping, and Winning Big at Monster Jam
Noah Bakken, a motocross expert who is no stranger to performing impressive feats on two wheels, sat down with Russell to talk all things speed and spectacle. Noah Bakken remembers his childhood growing up in a family of motorcycle lovers fondly. Despite his first ride on a PW50 when he was just three ending with him hitting a swing set, he fell in love with all thing’s motocross. Noah tells Russell all the behind the scenes of his most viral motocross tricks, including his awe-inspiring train jumping videos and his popular “Coffee Run” videos, with the third one already in the works! He and…
E24 · 14 Apr 2026 · 9 min
Midwest Legends Episode #24: Dial-in Special Part 3 w/ Jared Schutz
Welcome to Midwest Legend’s third dial-in special. Jared from Wisco Dive Bars sat down with Russell to react to 3 listener submitted stories. Featuring stories from Lindsay, Dan, and Nate
E23 · 26 Mar 2026 · 1 hr 15 min
Midwest Legends Episode #23: C.J. Ham--Skateboarding, 10 Years in the NFL, & the Minneapolis Miracle
CJ Ham recently retired from the NFL after 10 seasons playing for the Vikings, and he sat down with Russell to talk about where his love for football started and where it’s taken him. CJ Ham remembers dropping out of Augustana’s fall training camp for three days. He was one of many freshman players who quit, but he can’t remember the head coach telling anyone else to come back if they changed their mind. This wasn’t the only time others saw CJ Ham’s potential, and he’s quick to express his gratitude to those who supported him throughout his career. He and Russell discuss how the…
E22 · 17 Mar 2026 · 1 hr 19 min
Midwest Legends Episode #22: Promise --The Radio Biz, Summerfest, and Interviewing Ice Cube
For Promise, the road to landing a morning show on Hot 105.7 FM wasn’t easy, but it was a labor of love. He sat down with Russell to talk about how his passion carried him through the long hours and late nights. From hosting a college radio show to becoming the voice Milwaukee woke up to, Promise spent years honing his craft. Hosting gigs are scarce, and while that scarcity helped fuel his hunger to learn, it also brought plenty of pressure. Russell and Promise find common ground here, with Russell sharing how he once felt pressure to conform to the identity of a “big city lawyer.” Promise…
E21 · 3 Mar 2026 · 58 min
Midwest Legends Episode #21: Ryan Ruebl -- Fish Fry, Kwik Trip, and Catching 74 Walleyes
Ryan Ruebl’s entrepreneurial spirit collided with his love for Wisconsin and 'Meanwhile In Wisconsin' was born. He stopped by the Midwest Legends studio to talk with Russell about America’s Dairyland. Ruebl knows his way around a fish fry, and he’s got tips and recommendations, but his lips are sealed on the best fishing spots. He and Russell bond over their love for the Packers, and joke about sitting next to football fans who've had a few at Lambeau Field. Tune in to hear stories about a life-changing Kwik Trip partnership, Ruebl’s earlier entrepreneurial hustles, and the creation of his…
24 Feb 2026 · 1 hr 19 min
Midwest Legends Episode #20: Mason Crosby -- Kicking, Holding Records, and Aaron Rodgers Pranks
Mason Crosby's sixteen-year run with the Green Bay Packers was fueled by his commitment to be present and available to his teammates. Newly retired, he sat down with Russell Nicolet to reflect on the memories that defined his history-making NFL career. As a kicker, Crosby became adept at balancing “hurry up and wait” with the intense, barely-over-a-second window most kickers have to launch the ball. His first year as a Packer was Brett Favre’s last, and he and Russell share stories from that era, with the added perspective of Favre having recently appeared on Midwest Legends. Tune in to hear…
E19 · 17 Feb 2026 · 16 min
Midwest Legends Episode #19: Dial-in Special Jared Schutz- Biting A Rattlesnake & An Armadillo Prank
Call 866-MW-LEGND for a chance to have your story played on a future dial-in episode! On the second Midwest Legends dial-in episode, Russell Nicolet and Jared Schutz are back, reacting to three more handpicked stories live on the mic. We set up 866-MW-LEGND so that our listeners could tell their stories, and boy have we had fun listening to them. Enjoy stories about someone chewing on a rattlesnake rattler (the full story is somehow less horrifying and also more horrifying than you might expect), a quick errand that turned into a two hour adventure, and an armadillo prank that made the news.…
E18 · 10 Feb 2026 · 57 min
Midwest Legends Episode #18: Chris Kanan -- Family Supper Clubs, Lawn Hacks, and Ope it's Mow Time
Chris Kanan probably knows more about lawns than most people do, but he does anything but gatekeep. He sat down with Russell in the Midwest Legends studio to talk about his journey and get into the weeds of keeping a lawn looking tidy. Chris explains how a brief stint studying architecture led to a focus in landscape architecture, with a chief focus on lawns: “Everyone was always looking at the grass.” While Chris acknowledges the “keeping up with the Joneses” aspect of lawn care, he and Russell share stories of neighborly connections kept strong through the shared pursuit of a healthy lawn.…
E17 · 5 Feb 2026 · 57 min
Midwest Legends Episode #17: Brett Favre -- Tough Love, Beating the Odds, and Being a Hall of Famer
Brett Favre is a Mississippi kid who became a larger than life figure in Green Bay and an NFL icon. He sat down with Russell to talk about the moments that came before, during, and after his legendary run. Brett was once told he wouldn’t play more than three years. When he officially retired in 2011, he had a twenty-year legacy behind him. That legacy was fueled by many things, including tough love from his father and a strong steady desire to get on the field and play. He and Russell discuss key Packers players throughout history, and Brett reminisces on the days when he ran the wishbone…
E16 · 20 Jan 2026 · 1 hr 4 min
Midwest Legends Episode #16: Jim McMahon -- Superbowls, Mike Ditka, and Golfing with Michael Jordan
Jim McMahon is in the Midwest Legends hotseat this week, but it’s nothing he can’t handle. McMahon walks Russell about the highs and lows of his career, which spanned seven NFL teams, two Super Bowl wins, and injuries that could’ve ended most careers. Along the way, McMahon and Russell bond over their love of football and the reverence they hold for some iconic football players. Tune in to listen to the stories about a life-threatening injury with a miraculous recovery, how McMahon used headbands to give back, and how a false report on him led to a hotel bomb threat.
E15 · 13 Jan 2026 · 1 hr 6 min
Midwest Legends Episode #15: Andrea Boehlke -- Red Carpets, Shaq, and Being on Survivor 3 Times
Andrea Boehlke’s love for Wisconsin has stayed strong, even as her career took her to New York and Los Angeles. While she spent plenty of time interviewing celebrities, today she’s the one with the inside scoop. A three-time competitor on Survivor , Boehlke revisits the cover story she and her mom created to comply with the NDA she received after being selected for the show while still in college. She and Russell bond over farm life and talk about the relentless work ethic that guides farmers from sunup until sundown. They also find common ground in approaching touchy conversations, whether…
E14 · 6 Jan 2026 · 1 hr 4 min
Midwest Legends Episode #14: Gilbert Brown -- The Gravedigger, Lambeau, and Everything But Pickles
Gilbert Brown made a name for himself on the Green Bay Packers defensive line, and he stopped by the studio to talk with Russell about the experiences that defined his career. No matter the story, Brown always brings plenty of humor and heart. He’s happy to revisit everything from his iconic Gravedigger dance to the origins of his famous Gilbert Burger, and he and Russell bond over their shared love for the Packers. They talk about the mystique of Lambeau Field, and Russell fondly recalls sitting on top of the family van, back when the only obstacle to getting a peek at the action was a…
E13 · 30 Dec 2025 · 18 min
Midwest Legends Episode #13: Dial-in Special w/ Jared Schutz--Packer Pride & Water Balloon Bar Fights
Call 866-MW-LGND for a chance to have your story played on a future dial-in episode! On the first Midwest Legends dial-in episode, Russell Nicolet shares hosting duties with previous guest Jared Schutz. We set up 866-MW-LGND so that our listeners could tell their stories, and boy have we had fun listening to them. For this episode, we handpicked three stories for Russell and Jared to react to, live on the mic. Enjoy stories about midnight bar shenanigans, peak Packer Pride, and a photo with Kid Rock that did not survive the night. Featured Callers: Lenny from Minnesota John from California…
E11 · 2 Dec 2025 · 59 min
Midwest Legends Episode #11: Billy Deuce -- Touring W/ Charlie Berens, Chris Farley, & A Basement Alligator
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…
E10 · 18 Nov 2025 · 1 hr 15 min
Midwest Legends Episode #10: Packer Pride, Internet Memes & Gym Class Fails
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.
E9 · 11 Nov 2025 · 1 hr
Midwest Legends Episode #9: Jared Schutz— Brett Favre, A Bearded Dragon, and Wisco Dive Bar Reviews
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.

About Midwest Legends

Midwest Legends is a English comedy podcast from Midwest Legends Podcast. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Midwest Legends Podcast
Language: English
Category: Comedy
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 1 hr
Latest episode: 29 Sep 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1840177251
Rights: Midwest Legends Podcast

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