SpearHead Conversations Podcast

SpearHead Conversations Podcast

Spearhead Conversations is hosted by a Milwaukee native, and features the very best of Southeastern Wisconsin. As you’ll listen to our podcast you will hear from entrepreneurs, musicians, athletes, artists and more- who all display how they make our community a special place to work, live, and play.

Episodes

October 3, 2025 30 mins

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...

Mark as Played

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 ...

Mark as Played
September 19, 2025 32 mins

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...

Mark as Played

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...

Mark as Played
September 4, 2025 30 mins

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...

Mark as Played
August 29, 2025 38 mins

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...

Mark as Played
July 31, 2025 41 mins

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...

Mark as Played

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 ...

Mark as Played
July 4, 2025 39 mins

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...

Mark as Played
June 27, 2025 57 mins

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...

Mark as Played

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...

Mark as Played
June 13, 2025 70 mins

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...

Mark as Played

Jeffrey McAlister Jr.‘s journey is a testament to passion, perseverance, and purpose. Raised in Beloit, Wisconsin, he was inspired by his father’s style and developed a love for art, cooking, and fashion. What began as childhood interests and college modeling experiences evolved into a self-made career as a stylist, event producer, and community leader.

He founded FashionSense, a brand focused on helping others express their style ...

Mark as Played

In this episode, Xavier Mercado sits down with Kewl Tay, the creative mind behind Juice Talk TV and the Visionary clothing line. Tay shares how growing up in Milwaukee, surrounded by his mother’s taverns and a hardworking family, shaped his drive and business mindset. Music was a constant in his life, influencing his ambitions from an early age.

Tay began as a musician, recording with limited resources a...

Mark as Played

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado sits down with Jez Hernandez, founder of Sweet Shop 28 and Mini Stacked MKE. Originally from Guadalajara, Jalisco, and raised in California and Wisconsin, Jez shares her inspiring journey of immigrating to the U.S. and finding her path as an entrepreneur.

Her love for fashion, influenced by her mother’s work as a clothing vendor, led her to ...

Mark as Played
May 8, 2025 44 mins

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, Xavier Mercado sits down with Milwaukee’s own Cre$po, a rising reggaeton artist whose sound is helping shape the city’s Latin urban music scene. From his early beginnings on Milwaukee’s south side to earning spots on major stages, Cre$po’s journey reflects resilience, talent, and a deep connection to his roots.

He opens up about the experiences that shaped him, growing up in a two-parent ...

Mark as Played

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado sits down with Milwaukee artist and producer Richie P. Goldchain to explore his journey, creative process, and the experiences that have shaped his career.

Richie discusses how his Southern roots and Milwaukee upbringing influenced both his personal identity and musical style. From digging through his father’s record collection to creating music with friends in high sc...

Mark as Played
April 24, 2025 57 mins

In this inspiring episode, Xavier Mercado sits down with Milwaukee creative and community leader Ray Nitti. Ray shares his journey from emerging artist to a powerful force uplifting both Milwaukee and his native Virgin Islands. He opens up about his evolving music career and the realization that the perfect time to act is always “now.”

Ray highlights his work with the Creative Corridor, where he and a pa...

Mark as Played

Brian C. Wilson Jr. joins Spearhead Conversations for an inspiring episode that charts his powerful transformation from facing adversity to leading with purpose as a successful entrepreneur and changemaker.

As the founder of Seven Generation Contractors LLC, the only American Indian-owned commercial, residential, and military concrete company in Wisconsin. Brian shares how his Indigenous roots, personal struggles, and commitment to...

Mark as Played
April 10, 2025 50 mins

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado sits down with Benny T, the visionary behind SayWerd, a Milwaukee-based vintage shop that brings nostalgia to life through iconic pieces from the ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s. Benny shares how his love for community and culture inspired the creation of a space where memories are rekindled through fashion.

Raised in a business-minded family, Benny’s entrepreneurial spirit show...

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    The Joe Rogan Experience

    The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

    On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

    The Bobby Bones Show

    Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.