SpearHead Conversations Podcast

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado sits down with Brown Deer’s Wrestling Coach Sedrick Hay, a wrestling coach whose journey through adversity, service, and mentorship is deeply inspiring. His story reflects resilience, growth, and a commitment to shaping young lives through sport.

Raised in Milwaukee, Coach Hay was drawn to athletics early on, eventually finding his path in wrestling after being introdu...

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, Comedian Tez joins host Xavier Mercado to dive into the journey behind his rise as a standout Milwaukee comedian. Growing up on the north and east sides, Tez reflects on how his family, upbringing, and community shaped the authentic voice he brings to the stage. His comedy is real, grounded, and drawn from lived experience, making every punchline relatable and impactful.

Tez speaks openly...

Christopher Morgan’s journey, featured in this episode of Spearhead Conversations, is a story of resilience, authenticity, and community. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Chris grew up in a large family surrounded by the realities of urban life and single-parent households. Those early lessons shaped his dedication to giving back, leading him to years of community involvement and partnerships with organizations like Chil...

In this heartfelt Episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado welcomes Milwaukee’s own Will Sanchez. a master barber, entrepreneur, and community builder whose story embodies perseverance, purpose, and family. From cutting hair in his basement to owning a thriving 9000-square-foot barbershop, Will’s journey stands as a powerful testament to resilience and vision.

What began as a creative necessity soon transformed into ...

Join host Xavier Mercado for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation with Darlene Piszczek, a visionary businesswoman, community organizer, and lifelong advocate for affordable and supportive housing. In this episode, Darlene opens up about her Milwaukee roots, the early family and foster care experiences that shaped her calling, and the personal journey that fueled her passion for uplifting the underserved.

Together, Xavier and Dar...

In this episode, host Xavier Mercado welcomes Maia Puleo, owner of Infinite Gymnastics, which operates locations in Brown Deer and Mequon. Maia reflects on her upbringing and how being raised Buddhist while attending Catholic school shaped her individuality and confidence to stand out. That early awareness of identity became a guiding force throughout her journey.

Maia’s love for gymnastics began at just...

In this engaging episode, Squire Robinson joins host Xavier Mercado for a captivating conversation that sheds light on the experiences shaping his multifaceted journey. Squire reflects on his beginnings and the determination it took to push past barriers, sharing how his passion for visual art blossomed into a career as an accomplished painter. Through painting, he discovered an expressive outlet that not only allowed him to proces...

In this electrifying episode, DJ Breezy, known offstage as Christian Alexander Reyes unleashes the powerful story behind his rise in music. From his earliest days, what began as a love for sound quickly transformed into an unstoppable calling. Fueled by passion, Breezy invested countless hours honing his craft, turning obstacles into fuel, and transforming challenges into stepping stones. What started with spinning tracks at small ...

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado reconnects with the dynamic DJ Sushi Lor for an inspiring and high-energy catch-up two years in the making.

Since their last conversation, Sushi has been making waves nationwide, lighting up festival stages, deepening her community connections, and evolving as both an artist and cultural leader. She opens up about her whirlwind travels, bucket-list milestones, and unfo...

In this inspiring episode of Spearhead Conversations, we sit down with Stacy Taylor, founder of Women Passionately Pursuing Christ (WPPC). From her Milwaukee roots to a career in oncology nursing shaped by caring for her father, Stacy’s journey is both heartfelt and motivating. Her faith became her anchor through life’s challenges, ultimately inspiring her to take a leap of faith, leaving nursing behind to launch WPPC...

On this episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado welcomes Milwaukee’s rising vocal powerhouse, Akira. Born in West Allis, she relocated to New York and Massachusetts before returning home to Milwaukee, shaping a story defined by resilience, growth, and an unwavering passion for the arts.

Akira’s creative journey began with ballet, gymnastics, and even coding camps before she discovered her true calling in music. Infl...

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado sits down with rising boxing star Joey Borrero, better known in the ring as “El Hijo de Dios.” Joey’s story is rooted in resilience, faith, and a relentless drive to succeed. Born in Las Vegas and raised in Puerto Rico by his grandparents, he shares how his upbringing shaped both his character and his dream to pursue boxing at the highest level.

Joey reflects on his ea...

In this episode, artist Deena Rae Del La Garza joins host Xavier Mercado to share her creative journey, the evolution of her voice, and the importance of community. Originally from Elk Grove, Illinois, Deena recalls how art eclipsed all other childhood interests. Although she studied at the Pacific Northwest College of Art, her path included detours through massage therapy, yoga, and creative gigs that shaped her resilience and exp...

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado sits down with Julia Graves, a talented vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and Milwaukee native. Growing up in a musical family, Julia was surrounded by creativity from an early age. She developed her skills on saxophone and guitar and found her voice as a singer and songwriter, carving her path in a challenging industry.

Julia shares the personal experiences that shape ...

Kaprice Maxwell’s journey as an artist is a powerful testament to talent, resilience, and self-discovery. Born and raised in Milwaukee, she was surrounded by music from an early age, even as the only musician in her family. Leading church choirs at just seven years old and participating in orchestra, choir, dance, and sports helped shape her creative drive.

Influenced by artists like Missy Elliott, Anita...

Jesse Booker’s journey is a powerful example of how positivity, authenticity, and community involvement can create lasting impact. Known as the “Golden Voice of Racine,” Jesse grew up as an only child, naturally drawn to building genuine relationships across diverse groups, a trait that continues to shape his personal and professional life.

After serving in the military to fund his education, Jesse atten...

On this episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado welcomes Joseph “Silke Dot Jose” Wilke a community leader, musician, educator, and passionate advocate for Milwaukee’s youth. Born and raised in Sheboygan, Joseph was shaped by his early experiences and the guidance of his single mother and grandmother, excelling in both academics and athletics.

Joseph’s career began as a middle school gym teacher in Milwaukee, but his...

In this powerful episode, Xavier Mercado sits down with Andres Zapata, Founder of GEMBA LLC. and associate pastor at his church in the Mukwonago area. Inspiration blooms as both sit in for a heartfelt conversation on perseverance, purpose, and community impact. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Andres opens up about overcoming a difficult childhood and finding direction through faith, resilience, and hard work.

He shares his profession...