Get Deep Podcast

08/28/2025

🔊 New Episode Alert! 🔊

On this episode of the “Get Deep Podcast”, we sit down with Allen Eskens, local best-selling author and former criminal defense lawyer. Allen shares how his years in the courtroom shaped his storytelling, the discipline it takes to master the craft of writing, and the real-life experiences—and daydreams—that fuel his imagination. We also talk about his breakout first novel, “The Life We Bury”, which became a best seller and set the stage for his writing career, as well as his newest release, “The Quiet Librarian”. Find Allen’s full collection of books at https://alleneskens.com/books

🎙️ Brought to you by our episode sponsors:
Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery and Distillery and ⁠⁠Community Bank Mankato Area




Catch the full episode here:
https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/tEmsXaf7bWb

On this episode of the Get Deep Podcast, we sit down with Allen Eskens, Mankato’s own best-selling author and former criminal defense lawyer. Allen shares how his years in the courtroom shaped his storytelling, the discipline it takes to master the craft of writing, and the real-life experiences.....

08/15/2025

🔊 New Episode Alert! 🔊

Jenny Barnes & David Hruska: Life, Loss, and “Dam Pie” at the The Rapidan Dam Store

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with siblings Jenny Barnes and David Hruska—second-generation owners of the beloved Rapidan Dam Store. Known far and wide for their famous “Dam Pie,” Jenny and David reflect on a childhood spent along the Blue Earth River, the family legacy they inherited, and the joy of serving travelers from around the globe.

In June 2024, their world changed when flash flooding eroded the Rapidan Dam, claiming their family home and forcing the demolition of their iconic store. With deep emotion and unshakable resilience, Jenny and David recount the loss—and the community support that followed.

But this story doesn’t end in tragedy. Jenny and David have reopened the Dam Store in Mankato, in the former Wagon Wheel Café location, and they share what the move has meant, what’s changed (and what hasn’t), and their hopes for the future.

Stick around for stories of serving pie to the Minnesota Vikings and Timberwolves—moments that prove joy and generosity are still on the menu.

🎙️ Brought to you by our episode sponsors:
⁠Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery and Distillery⁠ and ⁠iWealth

https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/wHFJI0jpRVb

Jenny Barnes & David Hruska: Life, Loss, and “Dam Pie” at the Rapidan Dam StoreIn this heartfelt episode, we sit down with siblings Jenny Barnes and David Hruska—second-generation owners of the beloved Rapidan Dam Store. Known far and wide for their famous “Dam Pie,” Jenny and David reflec...

08/06/2025

🔊 New Episode Alert! 🔊

Andy Donahue: Minnesota State Director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Catch the full episode here: https://bit.ly/45m38gu

Join us for a conversation with a statewide leader who has dedicated his career to supporting small businesses. Andy’s journey has taken him from his early days at Wells Fargo, to serving as a regional SBDC director in Wisconsin, and ultimately back to his hometown of Duluth to lead Minnesota’s SBDC network. Across nine regional centers, Andy and his team help entrepreneurs at every stage—whether launching a startup, expanding their operations, or navigating the challenges of long-term growth and sustainability. In this episode, he shares the collaborative efforts driving local economic development and the inspiring stories of working shoulder-to-shoulder with small business owners.

🎙️ Brought to you by our episode sponsors:
Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery and Distillery, South Central MN Small Business Development Center, and Community Bank Mankato Area

Get Deep · Episode

08/02/2025

🔊 New Episode Alert! 🔊

Tim Johnson: Owner/Operator of High Spirits Liquor and Hooligan’s, cornerstones of Mankato’s local retail and hospitality scene. Catch the full episode here: https://bit.ly/45in8jZ

Join us for a conversation with a local entrepreneur who has spent years creating spaces where people gather, connect, and make memories. Tim shares his journey of building and running successful businesses, the unique relationships that have shaped his career, and stories from his one-of-a-kind team—including a current NHL player who returns to work at Hooligan’s between contracts.

🎙️Brought to you by our episode sponsors:
Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery and Distillery and iWealth

07/23/2025

🔊 New Episode Alert! 🔊

Tom Miller: memorial sculptor and owner of Monuments by Miller. Catch the full episode here: https://bit.ly/4lJeFgT

Join us for a conversation with a master craftsman whose work is etched into the very fabric of Mankato! Tom reflects on his path as a sculptor and storyteller—shaping stone and legacy alike. As one of the most visible artists in the region, he shares the stories behind some of Mankato’s most iconic monuments, including the Winter Warrior at the Blue Earth County Library and the Buffalo at the intersection of Front and Main. Stay tuned for minute 1:22:20, where Tom recounts his unforgettable trip into an abandoned marble quarry with “Mad Mountain Jim”—and the discovery of the very stone used for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

🎙️Brought to you by our episode sponsors:wines and Community Bank

07/23/2025

🔊 New Episode Alert! 🔊

Tom Miller: memorial sculptor and owner of Monuments by Miller. Catch the full episode here: https://bit.ly/4lJeFgT

Join us for a conversation with a master craftsman whose work is etched into the very fabric of Mankato! Tom reflects on his path as a sculptor and storyteller—shaping stone and legacy alike. As one of the most visible artists in the region, he shares the stories behind some of Mankato’s most iconic monuments, including the Winter Warrior at the Blue Earth Library and the Buffalo at the intersection of Front and Main. Stay tuned for minute 1:22:20, where Tom recounts his unforgettable trip into an abandoned marble quarry with “Mad Mountain Jim”—and the discovery of the very stone used for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

🎙️ Brought to you by our episode sponsors:
Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery and Distillery and Community Bank Mankato Area

07/12/2025

🔊 New Episode Alert! 🔊

Mike McGowan: third generation owner of McGowan Water. Catch the full episode here: https://bit.ly/GetDeepPodcast_MikeMcGowan

Join us for a conversation with a hometown business owner who’s been keeping Southern Minnesota’s water clean for over 70 years! Mike breaks down his sink-or-swim journey stepping into the family business—navigating generational pressure while carving out a path of his own. From water systems to fire calls as a longtime volunteer firefighter, he shares about leadership, responsibility, and serving his community. Stay tuned for minute 1:42:31, where Mike reflects on how firefighting has evolved and how rural departments are finding new ways to work together.

🎙️ Brought to you by our episode sponsors:
⁠⁠Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery and Distillery and iWealth⁠⁠⁠

06/25/2025

Carter Person: co-owner of Cork & Key, and partner in the ATOM hospitality group!

Join us for an expansive conversation with seasoned entrepreneur Carter Person. With deep roots in a family dedicated to hospitality and community, Carter shares what it was like growing up in the family business — giving us an honest breakdown of the rewards and challenges of working closely alongside relatives. From catering for the Vikings to unexpected setbacks, our guest shares firsthand industry insight that reflect his career immersed in service, growth, and community.

Stay tuned for minute 8:27, where Carter shares the story of one of his earliest infamous moments at family-run Tav on the Ave

&Key

06/18/2025

Nicole Panko: owner of Ember Wellness Studio! Catch the full episode here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/get-deep

Join us for a conversation rooted in health and wellness - at the heart of our community! Nicole’s entrepreneurial experience extends beyond her current venture, and we were so engaged with how her previous business successes led her to creating the community at Ember. From her own journey to healthier living to the lessons she’s learned from testing her own limits, our guest’s wealth of knowledge shines in this open and honest interview.

Stay tuned for minute 48:59, where Nicole shares how she weeds through her wealth of ideas for which concepts to develop - and which to let go

05/22/2025

Shane Bowyer: professor of management at MSU Mankato and local community pillar! Catch the full interview here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/get-deep

Our guest this week has an incredible range of expertise in the business sector; overseeing the Northwoods League Baseball Franchise as a general manager, owner of the Sports Institute training facility, and so much more right here in our community. Join us as Shane takes us through his most memorable experiences, and the core mission of service that’s kept him active in Southern Minnesota.

Stay tuned for minute 1:44:03, where Shane shares some of his favorite experiences working with the Minnesota Vikings

04/15/2025

The construction detour to Chankaska is scenic! The pizza and wine delicious as always! Stop out and support Get Deep’s longest sponsor and favorite date night destination ❤️

04/09/2025

Joe Holtmeier: owner of Holtmeier Construction, Dirt Merchant Inc, and Pentagon Materials! Catch the full episode here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/get-deep

Join us for a winning conversation with a Southern Minnesota community pillar! This multi-faceted entrepreneur takes us through the ins and outs of a legacy in construction. From unexpected collaborations to the responsibilities of a good leader, Joe takes us through his story spanning multiple continents (and industries!)

Stay tuned for minute 1:18:30, where our guest shares why the mission of staying local is so essential for Holtmeier employees