Episode 94 — Bold Flavor & Great Coffee

Tonight we’re joined by our longtime friend Aaron Deshotel to talk about his Kickstarter campaign for Ember Forged Spices — chef-crafted blends designed to bring bold, restaurant-quality flavor to everyday home cooking.

With over 20 years in professional kitchens, Aaron created clean-ingredient, all-purpose spice blends that eliminate guesswork and deliver maximum flavor without hidden junk.

We’ll talk about:

• The mission behind Ember Forged Spices

• Why flavor and nutrition don’t have to compete

• The journey from restaurant kitchens to home essentials

• What’s next for the brand

Joining us as well are Bill Reichlin and Dana Reichlin of Colockum Craft Coffee, fellow builders and longtime supporters of the show.

🔥 Support Aaron’s Kickstarter:

👉 https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/emberforgespices/ember-forged-spices

☕ Visit Colockum Craft Coffee:

👉 https://www.colockumcraft.coffee/

Good food. Great coffee. Real conversation.

After Ken curated music for Bruce in the first installment, Episode 94 reverses roles. Bruce brings selections designed to surprise Ken — whether it’s an unfamiliar track, an unexpected performance, or an artist he didn’t see coming.

With no context given in advance, Ken reacts in real time, drawing on his own musical background and instincts. The conversation focuses on feel, craft, and the moments that make you stop and say, “Wait… who is that?”

This is a single-segment episode built around discovery, curiosity, and the joy of being surprised by music

Minnesota is once again under a national spotlight.

In this episode of The Weather’d Report, we’re joined by returning guest and Minnesota State Representative Shane Mekeland for a grounded, inside perspective as fraud investigations and renewed attention on Minneapolis continue to unfold.

This is an evolving story — with facts still emerging and narratives moving quickly. Representative Mekeland joins the conversation not as an investigator or prosecutor, but as a legislator and a voice for his constituents navigating increased scrutiny on the state.

We also widen the lens beyond one district, discussing how Minnesotans are reacting to the attention and how members of the Republican caucus — including voices such as Walter Hudson and Julia Coleman — are balancing transparency, accountability, and political pressure as events continue to develop.

This conversation focuses on context, consequences, and what comes next — without rushing to conclusions.

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Season 3 of The Weather’d Report begins with music.

Ken will introduce songs Bruce has most likely never heard before. Bruce reacts in real time — no prep, no backstory, no safety net.

Both hosts are musicians with shared tastes that span genres and decades, including eras that predate them both. Ken’s musical lineage runs deep through his late father, Eddie Madden, a composer who worked closely with the Boston Pops and major symphonic figures of the mid-20th century. Bruce brings a singer-songwriter’s ear and a genuine appreciation for all styles of music.

One segment. One conversation.

This one might surprise you.

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In Episode 90, Bruce and Ken welcome longtime friend and independent journalist Steve McShane for a raw, insightful conversation that spans his days in Whiskey Hell to the creation of Razor Wire News — and the revelations that pushed him to start telling the real stories others won’t touch.

This episode blends deep conversation, real-world perspective, and classic Weather’d Soul authenticity. The crew also dives into a craft beer tasting, exploring flavor subtleties, pour technique, and what sets true craft brewing apart.

https://www.razorwirenews.com/

In Part 2 of Bruce’s conversation with George Fontes, the energy shifts into a calm, Sunday-morning coffee chat about the craft behind his voice. This episode explores the inner workings of World Ablaze — how George shapes his tone, develops his topics, and brings a distinctive presence to the microphone.

George walks Bruce through his creative process, the mindset he enters before recording, and the philosophy that guides the style of his commentary. They dive into the balance between intuition and preparation, how authenticity carries a show, and what makes a host’s voice connect with an audience.

The episode also touches on the additional podcast he produces with his brother, unpacking:

the origin of the show,

their on-air chemistry,

the differences in tone from World Ablaze,

how the sibling dynamic creates a unique storytelling space,

and the future direction of their collaborative work.

Part 2 reveals the thoughtful, process-driven side of George Fontes — the creator, storyteller, and craftsman behind the mic.

https://www.worldablazepodcast.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@randomwithmanuelandgeorge

https://randomwithmanuelandgeorge.substack.com/

In Part 1 of this two-episode feature, Bruce sits down with George Fontes — AV veteran, entertainment industry insider, and the personality behind the champagne-and-cigar lifestyle.

This episode focuses on the man before the microphone:

His early path into events and AV

The realities of high-pressure entertainment production

What he learned managing crews, venues, logistics, and expectations

How that world shaped his mindset, personality, and creative direction

And of course — the origin stories behind his signature lifestyle of champagne, cigars, and unapologetic indulgence

George breaks down the rituals that keep him grounded, the mentors and mistakes that defined his career, and what it takes to stay sharp in an industry that never sleeps.

This episode is a deep dive into craftsmanship, personality, and the making of a unique American storyteller.

https://www.worldablazepodcast.com/

https://fontesprosound.com/

This week’s Weather’d Report, Bruce sat down with longtime friend Joey DeSimone to talk about their shared history with the Lake Lundy Lunkers — that tight-knit crew of guys who gather every year for a weekend of fishing, poker, and camaraderie that’s equal parts tradition and therapy.

What started years ago as a simple fishing trip has evolved into a genuine brotherhood. Bruce and Joey swapped stories about the early days — sleeping in the trucks, questionable poker rules, and the characters who’ve come and gone over the years — as well as how the Lunkers became a symbol of loyalty, laughter, and letting go for each of them.