SpearHead Conversations Podcast

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado chats with comedian Ethan Murray. Born in Russia and raised in Brookfield, Wisconsin, Ethan shares his journey into comedy. His background provides a unique perspective, merging cultural influences from both his birthplace and upbringing in the Midwest.

Starting with hobbies like magic and piano, Ethan found his calling in comedy at the age of 15 or 16, inspired by fig...

In this episode of SPEARHEAD CONVERSATIONS, host Xavier Mercado interviews audio engineer and photographer Eli Stamstad about his career journey and the experiences that have shaped him. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Eli has made a significant impact on Milwaukee's music scene since interning at High Five Studios in 2018. He credits many mentors, including former guest and friend Steve Hybiki, for their pivotal roles in his dev...

In this riveting episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado sits down with rising star Shane Mosley Jr., a talented professional boxer making waves in the sport. Shane, known for his remarkable wins and impressive resilience, takes us through his journey from venturing into boxing at age 15 to achieving his ambitious goals in the ring.

Despite growing up with a famous boxing ...

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado sits down with the uniquely inspiring guest known simply as Seven. Seven, whose real name is Joshua Taylor, is an artist and clothing designer from Milwaukee. His brand, Finna, has become a recognizable name in the city, celebrated for its accessible art and clean, meaningful designs. Originally from Elgin, Illinois, Seven shares his remarkable journey into the world o...

In this episode of "Spearhead Conversations," host Xavier Mercado is joined by elite athlete Shelby McEwen, a standout high jumper aiming to reach his fullest potential and compete in the Paris Summer Olympics. Shelby delves into his journey from a creatively inclined high school student and avid basketball player to a decorated track and field champion. He offers motivational insights on the importance of discovering one's calling...

In the latest episode of "Spearhead Conversations," Xavier Mercado interviews poet and spoken word artist Jonah Denae from Milwaukee. Jonah shares her journey from a modest upbringing, crediting her first-grade teacher, Miss Davis, for igniting her passion for poetry. She reflects on how poetry has given her a voice and contributed to her resilience. Jonah discusses how Milwaukee's diverse culture and music scene have influenced he...

In this episode of SPEARHEAD CONVERSATIONS, host Xavier Mercado interviews Sam Curro, the co-founder of Third Coast Heating and Cooling. Sam discusses the immense stress and financial pressures he faced while launching his HVAC company, sharing motivational stories about his journey. He proudly recounts key milestones, such as acquiring a box truck to serve as a mobile shop, highlighting his drive to grow his business. Sam and Xavi...

In this energetic episode of "Spearhead Conversations," Xavier Mercado interviews Brandis Frater, known as Mr. New York, a DJ and prominent figure in Milwaukee nightlife. Mr. New York shares career highlights, including a night with NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo and his memorable first Summerfest show, discussing the challenges he has overcome to achieve his success.

Listeners learn about his background, from his early years in Vi...

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado interviews the talented music producer Steve Hybicki, also known as 'The Sauce.' Steve shares his journey from discovering artists on Instagram to creating hit songs in the studio. He delves into his collaboration with artist Valerie Lighthart and discusses the challenges of working remotely versus in-person. Listeners will hear about Steve's remarkable achievements, i...

In this episode of SPEARHEAD CONVERSATIONS, host Xavier Mercado sits down with Ravonn Posey Jr. also known as ‘Big P’, a dedicated and passionate hip-hop artist from Milwaukee. They delve deep into the various barriers Big P has faced in his rap career, including the pressure to conform to certain stereotypes within the industry and the challenges of gaining recognition from a city that often goes unnoticed.

Big P shares his journe...

In this vibrant episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado engages in a compelling dialogue with the talented hip-hop artist Dominique Howard also known as Mo City. Originating from the dynamic streets of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Mo City sheds light on his latest album "Milwaukee W.I.," delving into the deeply personal inspirations behind his tracks and the city that has profoundly influenced his artistic journey. Xavier ...

In a captivating episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado engages in a profound dialogue with Kevin Silva, a gifted Latino music producer with roots in Puerto Rico and a burgeoning presence in Milwaukee's music landscape. Silva shares the gripping trajectory of his musical journey, starting from his remarkable ability to play the movie theme music at the tender age of four by ear, to his establishment o...

Join host Xavier Mercado on this exhilarating episode of Spearhead Conversations as we delve into the vibrant world of reggaeton with Milwaukee's dynamic duo, Gego Y Nony. Discover how these talented brothers, with roots stretching from Puerto Rico to the heart of the Midwest, are transforming the reggaeton scene with their clean, exhilarating sound and powerful narratives drawn from real-life experiences. In this episode, Gego Y N...

Join Xavier Mercado for an exciting episode of *Spearhead Conversations* as he chats with the talented photographer Randolla, owner of ‘Wave Factory MKE.’ Randolla shares his journey from high school to becoming a renowned lifestyle photographer, leaving behind a business degree for his passion. Discover how he captured the attention of stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Travis Scott. In this episode, Xavier unco...

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, we are introduced to Mocha Harris, a dedicated host and influential figure within Milwaukee's cultural landscape. Her journey, highlighted in this engaging conversation, revolves around her leadership in organizing Milwaukee Day events and her unwavering commitment to her hometown's community. Through her platform, MkE (Milwaukee) Expanded, Mocha not only elevates local talent but also st...

In this compelling episode of "SPEARHEAD CONVERSATIONS," we sit down with Danny Rivera from the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office to explore his life story and his journey into law enforcement. Listeners will be captivated by Danny's initial hesitation to join the police force due to hiring delays, followed by his transformative experience at the six-month training academy. He shares insights into his evolution into a new officer p...

In this captivating episode of "SPEARHEAD CONVERSATIONS," host Xavier Mercado engages in a riveting discussion with the charismatic Noel G, unveiling the intricacies of Noel's journey through the highs and lows of Hollywood. With anecdotes from iconic sets such as 'Training Day' and 'Fast and the Furious,' Noel provides an intimate glimpse into his favorite projects, accompanied by heartfelt behind-the-scenes stories. He delves int...

Tune in to the latest episode of SPEARHEAD CONVERSATIONS with host Xavier Mercado featuring the talented Alesha Marie. In this episode, Alesha shares her musical journey, delving into the moment she discovered her passion and its profound emotional impact. Xavier discusses with Alesha her artistic background and how her experiences shaped her path along her musical journey. Alesha opens up about her music's power to connect with di...