Episode 203 Sam Demma (Speaker & Author)

🎣 T Fish: My Journey to Catch 1,000 Fish on Camera | Passion Pod Ep. 204 🎣 In this inspiring episode of Passion Pod, host Chris Johnson sits down with David Tiefenthaler—a dedicated fisherman, 7th grade English teacher, and long-time content creator from Wisconsin. David, known online as T Fish, has spent nearly a decade sharing his fishing adventures and expertise with the world. After completing an incredible challenge of catching 50 different fish species in Wisconsin, David is now on a bold new mission: to catch 1,000 unique species of fish on camera, creating a video for each one. His journey blends education, adventure, and a deep love for the outdoors, offering both tips for fellow anglers and stories that spark curiosity about the natural world. In this episode, David opens up about: How an injury shifted his passion from running to fishing The origins of his content creation journey His favorite fish to catch (and why!) Memorable fishing stories and lessons learned along the way The challenges and excitement of setting—and chasing—big goals Whether you’re a fishing enthusiast, an aspiring creator, or just love a great story about following your passion, this episode is for you!

Episode 203: Sam Demma — Inspiring Youth, Redefining Success, and Being Someone’s Taco In this episode of Passion Pod, we sit down with Sam Demma, a world-traveling Canadian youth keynote speaker who has delivered hundreds of speeches to inspire and empower young people across the globe. Sam is the author of the self-help book Empty Your Backpack, a must-read for young adults looking to unlock their potential, and he’s just released his first children’s book, Be Someone’s Taco. Join us as Sam shares his most memorable moments on stage, the life lessons he’s learned from speaking to diverse audiences, and how his perspective on life and success has evolved over the last few years. We dive into why success looks different for everyone, the importance of self-discovery, and the power of making a positive impact—no matter your age. Tune in for heartfelt stories, practical advice, and a fresh take on what it means to live a life full of purpose and passion.

In this episode, Chris Johnson sits down with Wisconsin’s own Michael Perry—best-selling author of Population 485, celebrated music artist, and humorist known for his wit and wisdom. Mike shares what it was like growing up on a farm and how those rural roots shaped his creative journey. Discover how Mike hustled his way into a writing career, taking every job he could find, and hear about his early influences—including a unique friendship with Justin Vernon of Bon Iver. Mike opens up about the inspiration behind his new book, Improbable Mentors, and the surprising story of why he turned down an invitation to appear on the Oprah show. The conversation also dives into Mike’s relationship with PBS Wisconsin, where he crafts original comedy content, and his personal picks for favorite artists and music venues across the Midwest. From laughter to life lessons, this episode is packed with heartfelt stories and creative inspiration. Tune in for: Growing up on a Wisconsin farmMike’s first steps into writing and storytellingBuilding a career by saying yes to every opportunityFriendship and collaboration with Justin VernonBehind the scenes of Improbable MentorsTurning down the Oprah showCreating comedy for PBS WisconsinMidwest music, venues, and more

Episode 201: Embracing the Okayest—Hunting, Humor, and Community with Eric Clark & Tyler Mieden Join Chris Johnson as he sits down with Eric Clark and Tyler Mieden, the passionate duo behind the Okayest Hunter brand. In this episode, Eric and Tyler open up about their very first hunting experiences and the serendipitous way they met, leading to the birth of a brand that celebrates authenticity in the hunting community. Discover the story behind Eric’s "Where to Hunt" app and how it evolved into a podcast, plus the surprising impact of online shaming that inspired the Okayest Hunter movement. The conversation gets real about the power of positive messages from fans who finally feel seen and supported, thanks to Okayest Hunter’s mission. Expect plenty of laughs as Eric and Tyler share their funniest hunting mistakes, poke fun at industry gimmicks, and reflect on the joy of not taking themselves—or hunting—too seriously. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoorsman or just love a good story about turning challenges into community, this episode will leave you inspired to embrace your own “okayest” moments. Tune in for: First hunting stories & how Eric and Tyler metThe evolution from app to podcastHow online shaming sparked a movementMessages from fans who found confidence through Okayest HunterGimmicks, goofs, and the funniest hunting mistakesAnd much more!

How do you go from quitting the sport you love to becoming a full-time professional bowler? Kelly Whipple’s journey is all about resilience, rediscovery, and rolling with the punches—literally. Kelly, a Sheboygan, Wisconsin native, first picked up a bowling ball at age 3, but it wasn’t until a coworker at McDonald’s convinced her to join the middle school team that her true bowling journey began. Despite a rocky start, Kelly’s relentless practice paid off—culminating in a high school state championship and a standout collegiate career at UW Whitewater, where she was named D3 Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year. But the path wasn’t always smooth. After her worst season as a junior, Kelly nearly walked away from the sport. Instead, she started a bowling Instagram to rediscover the fun, connected with new coaches, and made a stunning comeback her senior year. Now, as a full-time pro bowler, she’s turning heads on the lanes and online. In this episode, we dive deep into: Kelly’s early years and the unlikely McDonald’s moment that brought her back to bowlingThe grind from middle school beginner to high school state champCollege bowling highs and lows: awards, setbacks, and comebacksLiving with and caring for her grandparents while chasing her dreamsHow hating to be bad at anything fueled her growthGetting sponsored by Kwik Trip and navigating funny online commentsBowling through the pandemic (including some epic Wii Bowling)The astonishing comeback that changed her pro career trajectoryAlmost becoming an insurance agent—and why she didn’tUsing social media jobs to level up her own brandWhat it really means to be a professional bowlerHow to choose the right bowling ball, and so much more If you’re into stories of perseverance, reinvention, and chasing your passion—this episode is for you. 🎳

From summer camp curiosity to global disc golf pioneer—Terry Miller, aka “The Disc Golf Guy,” shares how a childhood passion became a lifelong career. Terry opens up about discovering the sport as a kid, competing professionally in college, and the Gary Vee spark that pushed him to launch his vlog and personal brand. He walks us through the leap of faith—quitting his IT job at Kohl’s—to pursue disc golf full-time, and the five-year grind it took to make it sustainable. We dig into: Early days: falling in love with disc golf at summer campThe Gary Vee book that inspired his content journeyQuitting corporate IT to chase the dreamBuilding The Disc Golf Guy brand and podcast (10+ years running)Helping pioneer live disc golf coverage and media standardsFavorite memories traveling the world for the sportThe patience, resilience, and community that made it all possible If you care about turning passion into a career—or you’re part of the disc golf community—this one’s packed with insight, heart, and history.

Episode 198: Grant Anderson – The Journey of a Brewers Relief Pitcher In this episode, Chris sits down with Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Grant Anderson for an inside look at the highs, lows, and unforgettable moments of his baseball journey. Originally from Texas, Grant opens up about growing up with his twin brother—also a pro ballplayer—and the sibling rivalry and support that shaped his early years. Grant shares his favorite memories from high school and college baseball, the thrill of being drafted by the Seattle Mariners, and the tough moments that nearly made him walk away during his time with the Texas Rangers. He talks about the life-changing trade to the Brewers, how the coaches in Milwaukee have helped him elevate his game, and why the support of his family has been the key to his perseverance. Hear what makes this Brewers team so special, plus Grant’s favorite memories from his career so far. Whether you’re a baseball fan or just love a good underdog story, this episode is packed with inspiration, behind-the-scenes insight, and heartfelt moments.

Episode 197: Cristian Strehlow – The Soundtrack to 680 Million Streams In this episode, Chris sits down with Cristian Strehlow, the creative force behind some of the most recognizable lo-fi and instrumental beats on the internet. With over 680 million streams across his various aliases, Cristian’s music has become the backdrop for countless TV shows—including major hits like RuPaul’s Drag Race. Cristian shares how his journey began in Milwaukee and how a pivotal track on Chillhop in 2018 became his big break, opening doors to collaborations and opportunities across the globe. Now based in California, Cristian reflects on building a career in music, the evolution of the lo-fi genre, and what it’s like hearing his work on television. Tune in for insights on creative hustle, the power of streaming, and what it takes to stand out in today’s music industry!

In this powerful episode, Chris sits down with Hansel Canady, owner of Hancan Barbershop and the official barber for the Green Bay Packers—including head coach Matt LaFleur and many of the team’s biggest stars. But Hansel’s journey is about so much more than fresh fades and celebrity clients. Hansel opens up about his childhood in Chicago, including the traumatic experience of being jumped and beaten so badly he was put into a coma. He shares the challenges of moving to Green Bay, facing racism in school and the community, and the struggles that led him down a path of selling drugs and serving prison time. This episode dives deep into Hansel’s story of resilience—finding his first job as a felon at a gas station, graduating from beauty school, and building his business from the ground up by handing out business cards to every customer who walked through the door. Hansel’s raw honesty and determination will inspire anyone who’s ever faced adversity or dreamed of a second chance. Tune in for an unforgettable conversation about redemption, hustle, and the power of believing in yourself—no matter where you start.

Episode 195: Chad Vandegriffe – From Backyard Soccer to the World Stage Join us for an inspiring conversation with professional soccer player Chad Vandegriffe! Chad shares his journey from kicking a ball around as a kid to competing at the highest levels of the sport. He opens up about his early days in soccer, the nerves and excitement of trying out for pro teams, and what it’s like to win major awards and travel the world as an athlete. Chad dives into the lessons he’s learned about the intricacies of the game, the stories behind his impressive jersey collection, and the realities of getting older as a player. Whether you’re a lifelong soccer fan or just love a good underdog story, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and inspiration. In this episode: Chad’s introduction to soccer as a kidThe challenges of pro team tryoutsWinning awards and traveling the globeLearning the deeper strategies of the gameCollecting jerseys and the stories behind themNavigating the ups and downs of a long careerAdvice for young athletes and more! Listen now and get inspired by Chad’s passion, perseverance, and love for the beautiful game.