"The Commute" Podcast

Steve Olivas

About

A weekly podcast focusing on interesting jobs and the interesting people doing them. A sprinkle of humor and a smatter of IQ - Dr. Steve brings the inside scoop on "How does it work?"

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439 episodes

Bruce Sisk (Treatment Relief . org)

Real Quick: This is an extremely special episode. You won't believe Bruce's story or the raffle he is putting on for charity. One of the most generous and humble guys I've ever met, I wish I could do more for him. You'll be just as impressed--believe me.

41m
Jul 13, 2023
John Salaway (Country/Americana Legend) Rizz & The Believers

One at a time...that's how I'll upload the audio from interviews conducted at the video recording of "Don't Stop Tryin'" by the new super group, Rizz & The Believers. Here is Country and Americana Musician, John Salaway, talking with me about the project. Pardon the background noise--there was a LOT going on in the production studio during the event! There will be video to come...although I don't yet know the medium upon which I will present it.

9m
Jun 23, 2023
Troy Luccketta, Jr. Rizz & The Believers

One at a time...that's how I'll upload the audio from interviews conducted at the video recording of "Don't Stop Tryin'" by the new super group, Rizz & The Believers. Here is Troy Luccketta, Jr., talking with me about the project. Pardon the background noise--there was a LOT going on in the production studio during the event! There will be video to come...although I don't yet know the medium upon which I will present it.

9m
Jun 23, 2023
Michael Staertow (The Guess Who) Rizz & The Believers

One at a time...that's how I'll upload the audio from interviews conducted at the video recording of "Don't Stop Tryin'" by the new super group, Rizz & The Believers. Here is Michael Staertow, of The Guess Who, talking with me about the project. Pardon the background noise--there was a LOT going on in the production studio during the event! There will be video to come...although I don't yet know the medium upon which I will present it.

9m
Jun 23, 2023
Michael Devin (Whitesnake; Lynch Mob) Rizz & The Believers

One at a time...that's how I'll upload the audio from interviews conducted at the video recording of "Don't Stop Tryin'" by the new super group, Rizz & The Believers. Here is Michael Devin (Whitesnake; Lynch Mob), talking with me about the project. Pardon the background noise--there was a LOT going on in the production studio during the event! There will be video to come...although I don't yet know the medium upon which I will present it.

10m
Jun 23, 2023
Peter Keys (Lynyrd Skynyrd) Rizz & The Believers

One at a time...that's how I'll upload the audio from interviews conducted at the video recording of "Don't Stop Tryin'" by the new super group, Rizz & The Believers. Here is Peter Keys, of Lynyrd Skynyrd, talking with me about the project. Pardon the background noise--there was a LOT going on in the production studio during the event! There will be video to come...although I don't yet know the medium upon which I will present it.

10m
Jun 23, 2023
Celebrity Chef, Joe Gatto

Stepping aboard the food truck this week is celebrity chef, Joe Gatto! Chef Joe made a name for himself by cooking everything (EVERYTHING) from scratch--including condiments and (believe it or not) charcoal! He and I are perfectly in sync during this conversation, meaning this is a fabulous and funny conversation to draw you in and not let go!

1h 0m
May 22, 2023
School Superintendent (Rural Nebraska), Robert Drews

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute Stepping aboard the school bus this week is a School Superintendent, Robert Drews. But Robert isn't your average ordinary superintendent--he oversees a single-building school district in rural Nebraska! Listen in and learn about the role and duties of a superintendent, but also hear the challenges (and rewards) somewhat unique to a small town setting. A great guest with the heart of a teacher, you will enjoy this conversation!

59m
May 15, 2023
Rock Star (Heaven's Edge), Reggie Wu

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT IN THE INTRO! This week, we've got another rock star stepping aboard the tour bus! Form the band Heaven's Edge, guitarist Reggie Wu joins us to talk about the band getting grunged in the early 90s, and how they are making a big comeback with a new album! A guest I completely fell into sync with, Reggie and I have a great conversation and probably a new friendship. Fantastic episode!

59m
May 08, 2023
Physiatrist, Dr. Emerald Lin

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute Joining us this week is a physician who is a specialist in an area of medicine I previously did not know existed! Dr. Emerald Lin is a Physiatrist, and discusses the field in a way that helps to separate it form other medical specialties. Learn along with me as we explore the world of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation!

59m
May 04, 2023
Rock Star (The Guess Who), Michael Staertow

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute Stepping aboard the tour bus for his second go-around, Michael Staertow joins us to talk about The Guess Who and their upcoming album release, "Plein D'Amour"! Michael is the perfect guest -- funny, engaging, talented, and has something to say. Always a fun and funny sit-down, you will feel the time fly by! Check out the band at www dot TheGuessWho dot com.

1h 0m
May 01, 2023
Social Media Content Manager, Cris Cohen

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute Joining us on the bus today is social Media Marketing Expert, Cris Cohen! Cris talks about the algorithms and changes made over the years--and then talks about the importance of mining great content from his musical clients. The interview is the key...and we break down the dynamics and mechanics of a great interviewer. A lot for everyone this week!

59m
Apr 27, 2023
Rock Star (The Brandon Fields Experience), Brandon Fields

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute A friend of the show joins us on the bus this week! From The Brandon Fields Experience, rock star Brandon Fields climbs aboard! We have a fantastic conversation about music, touring, and life in general. Brandon is a great guest because he is such a good hang--and enormously talented to boot! Enjoy the reason podcasts exist...

59m
Apr 24, 2023
Executive Coach, Jack Bergstrom

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute Quite a turn we took this week! I wanted to chat with Jack Bergstrom about his 21-day water fast (we will at a later date)...but he is also a high level executive coach, and that was too alluring for me to pass up! We spoke about his philosophy, his background, and some of the interventions he makes to help his clients achieve the goals they set. Absolutely fascinating--and a great guy to boot!

58m
Apr 20, 2023
Rock Star (Saigon Kick; Bronson Avenue). Chris McLernon

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute What a fantastic interview! Old friend and intensely smart guy, Chris McLernon, steps his rock star self onto the tour bus! He is promoting his two new CDs, Bronson Avenue and Kinell--but the conversation is an incredible dive into what it was like to move to Hollywood in the mid 80s to try to make it in the newly shaped music industry. I can't say enough. You'll see.

59m
Apr 17, 2023
Author/Rock Star/Speaker, Sandy Gennaro

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute We've got a rock-star-turned-speaker-turned-author this week, as I interview sandy Gennaro in front of a live audience at the Rock n Pod Expo, 2023!! We were asked to do a live 30-minute interview on the main podcasting stage--and Sandy nailed it! We talked about his career, his speaking gigs, and his book, "Beat the Odds in Business & Life"!

55m
Apr 13, 2023
Rock Star (Janata), Mike Lustig

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute Climbing aboard the tour bus today is a musician from a band that shot out of the gate with so much potential--but then got dropped (unceremoniously) by their label (Polygram). Guitarist from the band, Janata, Mike Lustig joins the show! An amazingly interesting chat about the way the industry works, and how so many forces have to work together to make it big. Oh, not to mention: Janata played at Stevie Ray Vaughan's last show EVER. Listen in...

59m
Apr 10, 2023
Strength & Conditioning Coach, Kevin Wisham

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute Joining us this week is high school and military Strength & Conditioning Coach, Kevin Wisham. Talk about an uplifting guest! When Kevin speaks, you can feel his passion and his integrity. He speaks to the job specifically, but also shares inspiration as he chats globally about the need for strength and conditioning. A great episode.

58m
Apr 06, 2023
Rock Star (AntiSaint), Matthew Whiteman

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute Stepping aboard the tour bus this week is Matthew Whiteman, front man and lead vocalist for the band, AntiSaint. Matthew talks about the struggles in making it as an up-and-coming band, but also details the rewards of moving up each rung of the ladder. A fun guest and an articulate young man, Matthew is an easy hang. Check him out!

58m
Apr 03, 2023
Rock Star (Lillian Axe), Steve Blaze

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute We feature a rock star on today's show (Steve Blaze from Lillian Axe)--but the conversation goes so much deeper than music or a new video release (both of which are happening). Steve and I philosophize a bit, discussing religion, fate, truth, and kindness. A whopper of an episode, and one of my favorites ever!

59m
Mar 30, 2023
Rock Star (Any Given Sin), Mike Conner

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute Climbing aboard the tour bus this week is Mike Conner, songwriter and guitar player for the band, Any Given Sin. Mike talks about the origin of the band, the path they found toward success, and their current tour with Saliva. He also talks a LOT about the state of the industry in 2023. A fantastic (and honest) discussion from a true insider.

59m
Mar 27, 2023
Village Trustee, Brad Meyer

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute Continuing our theme of local politics, we have Village Trustee, Brad Meyer stepping aboard the bus today. But brad is more than that--he was the subject of MANY stories from Season 1 of "The Commute". He was my partner in crime for some of the best and worst decisions I've ever made. But history like that cannot be taught--it has to be lived. Live this little piece of our lives today!

1h 0m
Mar 23, 2023
Rock Star (Halestorm), Joe Hottinger

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute We've got a HUGE rock star on the show this week for Music Monday! From the platinum-selling band, Halestorm, lead guitarist Joe Hottinger steps aboard the tour bus! Joe talks about the band, their success, and the wild ride that he has been on. A low key guy gives an enormous interview--listen and learn how awesome of a guy he is.

59m
Mar 20, 2023
Coppersmith, Ernie Estes

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute Incredible guest this week! Coppersmith, Ernie Estes, climbs aboard the bus to talk about his career in copper rebuilding and restoration for high-end, old mansions. Ernie has the heart of a teacher as he walks listeners through some of the more complex talents and knowledge he has acquired over the years--as well as laughs through some stories of "things rich people do." This is the kind of guest I created the show to meet!

59m
Mar 16, 2023
Rock Star (Autograph), Simon Daniels

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute Another rock star climbs aboard the tour bus--from the band Autograph, Guitarist and lead singer, Simon Daniels is here! Simon talks about his musical history, going way back to how his father (a classical pianist) inadvertently influenced his son to go into rock and roll. Listen in as we have one of the most free-flowing, easy conversation of all the rock stars I have interviewed. A great guest with a great story!

1h 0m
Mar 13, 2023
Professional Dungeon Master (Dungeons & Dragons), Ed May

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute This week, have I got a profession for YOU! remember the Professional Puppeteer, Ed May? For the past few years, he has made his living as a Professional Dungeon master for online gamers playing Dungeons & Dragons! Listen in as he talks about his role, the unique characteristics of the job, and the way he got into it in the first place. A walk down a lane I had never traversed--but super interesting!

1h 1m
Mar 09, 2023
Rock Star (Tom Keifer Band; Brother Cane), Tony Higbee

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute Happy Music Monday! A real treat this week--Nashville-based guitarist, Tony Higbee climbs aboard the tour bus. He talks about his path through the music industry, winding up as the lead guitarist for Tom Keifer's (Cinderella) Band, and also recently adding duties for the band Brother Cane. A fun and candid guest with a solid resume of success in a tough industry!

59m
Mar 06, 2023
Register of Deeds, Jan Davis

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute We continue our look at the responsibilities (and importance) of local politicians today, as County register of Deeds, jan Davis, steps aboard the campaign bus to talk about her position. Anything but mundane, I found it fascinating to talk about the record keeping process--and just how important having a centralized point for real estate (and military records) is to life as a property owner!

59m
Mar 02, 2023
Frmr GM and VP of Sirius/XM, Gregg Steele Heppner

Become a Patron! Help to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCommute Gregg Steele Heppner was the architect of much of how Sirius/XM operates today (from a programming standpoint). He was on the team that oversaw the merger between Sirius and XM, and then worked to form the channel line-up (and their content) in the aftermath. A fascinating conversation about a medium that has meant so much to so many people--this is a NOT MISS!

59m
Feb 27, 2023