On the next episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Avree Antony to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios. From a young age, Antony of Sun Prairie, WI was destined for greatness on the basketball court. A standout athlete with rare talent, she caught the attention of college recruiters early, receiving her first full scholarship offer from Illinois State University while still in eighth grade. As her high school career took off, she became one of the most sought-after players in the state of Wisconsin, earning 19 Division I scholarship offers and national recognition.
But on February 26, 2022, during her junior year, everything changed. Driving to the basket in a state tournament game, Avree felt a sudden pop in her knee, a moment that would alter her path forever. The diagnosis: a torn ACL. Despite surgery and an optimistic outlook for a senior-year comeback, complications with her cartilage would keep her sidelined.
Ultimately, Avree narrowed her college choices to Butler, Illinois State, and Colorado State. It was a visit to Fort Collins that sealed her decision to become a Colorado State Ram. Yet, even there, her knee continued to challenge her with multiple surgeries and setbacks.
On November 2, 2024, after an emotional conversation with her doctor, Avree made the courageous choice to medically retire from college basketball. Now, she shares her journey of resilience, heartbreak, and self-discovery—hoping her story inspires others facing life’s toughest decisions. This will be a good one. You won’t want to miss this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791. CAN’T WAIT!!!
On the next episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, On the next episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Dr. Roopa Shah to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios. Dr. Shah is a well-known family physician in the Madison, WI area. Since graduating from Michigan State University, she has spent her entire professional life serving her patients for nearly a quarter century. She is on the podcast to share how she managed being a wife, mother, and doctor and playing all those roles with passion and determination.
Raised in suburban Detroit, MI, Dr. Shah didn’t venture far for her undergrad and graduate work. Michigan State University checked all the boxes for what has become a fulfilling career. SSM Health would take a chance on her right after she completed her residency in St. Paul, MN. Her medical career started in the delivery room where she helped expectant mothers bring newborns into the world.
It wasn’t long after the start of her career when she would start her family. She would have two of her own children. As rewarding as her career was, motherhood also brought its own share of rewards and demands. With the help of a supportive husband, nannies, and hard work she managed to keep moving forward in her career. After battling some anxiety with her profession and parenthood, she leaned on exercise and some self reflection to bring balance back to her life.
Dr. Roopa Shah has turned her passion for exercise into a pursuit to climb mountains. She uses her experiences and medical background to help her patients to live their best life. This will be a good one. You will not want to miss this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791. CAN’T WAIT!!!
On this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Sarah Carlson to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios. Carlson, a familiar face to many in Madison, WI, where she has seen action at all three stations (Ch. 3, 15 & 27). Sarah’s journey has been anything but smooth. In 2008, she began experiencing strange symptoms in what she described as “feeling funny”. Not realizing at the time, she discovered she was experiencing seizures. Her diagnosis was epilepsy, and not long after, doctors would discover a benign brain tumor. While the tumor was successfully removed, the scar tissue left behind would change everything.
In 2011, Carslon experienced an on-air seizure that forced her to step away from the news desk in order to address her health. She would move to the Chicagoland area to be near her parents, who became her biggest support system while helping care for her two young children. Eventually, her children relocated back to Madison to be with their father, leaving Carlson with a new mission: to fight for her health and find the right treatment. For many years, she tried different medications, remaining determined to regain her life, and one day return to the career she loved.
That determination paid off. In 2021, Carlson returned to Madison to be closer to her children. And after 12 long years experimenting with different medications and tons of hope, she finally found some meds that virtually eliminated her seizures. Then, in January 2025, Carlson returned to the news desk and returned to the anchor chair of the evening news.
Sarah Carlson’s story is one of perseverance, faith, and the power of never giving up. You won't want to miss this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791. CAN'T WAIT!!!
On the next episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Mark Bardenwerper to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios. At age 36, Bardenwerper started to feel “crummy” and decided to check out the walk-in clinic. Originally diagnosed with acid reflux, he would have bouts of chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
As the head wrestling coach at Watertown High School, Bardenwerper would work out with his athletes. One such workout resulted in severe nausea and chest tightness that brought some good natured teasing from an assistant coach and some of the team. He sensed something was not right.
Fast forward to the fall of 2016. A family outing with his son turned into an emergency helicopter ride via Medflight from his hometown of Watertown to the UW Health University Hospital in Madison, WI. Numerous tests showed significant blockage resulting in triple bypass surgery during Thanksgiving.
Bardenwerper, a self-proclaimed “I’m not much for doctors” kind of guy encourages people to get their physicals and have things checked out when they sense something is wrong. He enjoys family vacations, coaching his children’s sports, and his role as coach and Learning Strategist in the Exceptional Learning Department at Watertown High School. You’ll really enjoy this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791. CAN’T WAIT!!!
ATTENTION ALL WOMEN and men who have that special woman in their lives (spouse, daughter, or friend).
On the next episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Barbara Geldert, aka The Hormonista, to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios. Geldert was living her best life, a hard working professional who wore many hats right out of high school. Among her many careers, one of her greatest joys was teaching, including a memorable chapter as a teacher in Mexico.
But at age 42, Geldert’s world began to change. She started noticing changes in her body and mind. Unexplained weight gain, brain fog, and growing fatigue. Not knowing it at the time, she was entering perimenopause, a natural but often misunderstood time in a woman’s life. Despite her active lifestyle, fitness advocate, and exercise instructor, Barbara gained 76 pounds and fell into depression, unsure of what was happening to her.
At age 52, Geldert’s life took a turn. Dr. Mindy Pelz’s book, The Menopause Reset seemingly fell out of nowhere and into Geldert’s hands. A quick read that finished in one day, Geldert gained knowledge and renewed self-understanding that would lead her to feeling better for the first time in years.
Today, with training from Dr. Pelz, she is helping other women through her company, Full Cycle Hormones, where she educates and empowers women to understand their bodies and embrace every phase of menopause.
Join us as Barbara Geldert shares her powerful journey from confusion to clarity, from struggle to self-acceptance — and how she’s helping women everywhere reclaim their life, confidence, and joy. You’ll really enjoy this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791. CAN’T WAIT!!!
On this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Hugh Roberts to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios. Hugh is a man whose story is all about hard work, determination, family, and community spirit.
On a cold January 1994 day, tragedy struck when Hugh and his wife Jane were on their way to a funeral and their vehicle was hit by a train. Hugh was med flighted from his hometown of Randolph, Wisconsin, suffering a neck injury that required a halo device for stabilization. His wife was taken to another hospital nearby. Hugh says his faith in God, determination, and an incredible work ethic, which he learned growing up on the family farm helped lead to a speedy recovery.
Prior to the accident, Hugh’s life had already been filled with hard work and determination. A minor league baseball player in the 1950s and ’60s, he had a dream of making it to the big leagues. When his father passed away, he returned home to carry on his father’s legacy by running the family farm and turning a small painting business into a thriving business.
But Hugh’s impact didn’t stop with farming and painting. In the late 1970s, he started the Randolph Boys & Girls Basketball Club, a program that became the foundation for many state championships for this small community. Later, founded Roberts Bros Painting AAU basketball program where he helped develop young athletes from across the state of Wisconsin into college and professional athletes.
Now 91 years young, Hugh continues to inspire everyone around him with his humility, kind heart, and love of sports. His life story is so inspiring. You’ll really enjoy this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791. CAN’T WAIT!!!
On this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Kelsey (McCarthy) Townsend to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios. In this heartfelt episode, we explore the inspiring journey of Kelsey Townsend, a mother of four, who fought an 84-day battle with COVID-19 while pregnant with her fourth child.
Kelsey’s story is a testament to the power of hope, grit, and the loving support of family, friends, community, and complete strangers. After contracting COVID-19 late in her pregnancy, Kelsey’s condition took a turn for the worse, leading to a medically induced coma that lasted 60 of those grueling days. Her family faced an agonizing waiting game, holding onto faith while doctors worked tirelessly to save her life.
Against all odds, Kelsey awakened on Jan. 1, 2021 to the surprise of her care team. For the first time in 60 days, she was able to reach out to her husband via text message and began her road to recovery. In this emotional interview with Townsend, we find out how important her family, and her medical team, were in her fight to stay alive in the face of unimaginable circumstances.
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Kelsey Townsend (McCarthy) and her journey of survival, the strength of motherhood, faith, and the lessons she learned about life, love, and second chances. You don’t want to miss this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791. CAN’T WAIT!!!
On this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Tom Anderson to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios. Anderson is a visionary entrepreneur and owner of Buck & Honey’s restaurants in the Madison, Wisconsin area. With four locations in the Madison area, one is always near. Anderson has built a reputation for offering more than just food, he’s creating a memorable experience for his guests. With their great food AND drink menu, 5 star customer service, and a welcoming AND vibrant atmosphere, people keep coming back. Buck & Honey’s has been recognized as one of Madison’s best restaurants.
Anderson’s journey to success didn’t come easy. In 2008 and 2009, his world faced a financial crisis and housing market collapse that hit him especially hard. Faced with worry and fear and professional setbacks, he went to what he knew best: restaurant hospitality. Following in the footsteps of his father, who owned a successful restaurant business, Anderson took a leap of faith. In 2010, he opened the very first Buck & Honey’s in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. What he wanted to do was to give the community something it truly needed: a place where people get a great meal at a decent price, enjoy craft cocktails, and an opportunity to forget about the troubles of the world.
In the last fifteen years, Buck & Honey’s has become a household name in the Madison area, serving as both a local favorite and a destination for visitors looking for an unforgettable dining experience. Today, Tom Anderson shares his story of calculated risks, hardwork, and dedication to build a restaurant rooted in integrity, vision, and passion. You won't want to miss this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791. CAN'T WAIT!!!
On this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Katie Valk to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios. Katie shares her deeply moving story of loss and resilience. In August 2021, Katie’s mother tragically passed away, leaving behind her husband and three children. Katie, just a junior in high school at the time, faced uncertainty. She talks openly about how this devastating loss forced her to mature quickly, cope with grief while trying to maintain a sense of normalcy in her life.
Through heartbreak and sadness, Katie has learned not only to survive, but to thrive. She reflects on the lessons she’s gained from her mother’s passing—how it deepened her family's bond, and inner strength. Katie’s journey is a testament to resilience, showing that it gets better but it will always hurt.
Join us for this heartfelt conversation as Katie Valk inspires us with her strength, outlook on life, and the remarkable way she’s choosing to honor her mother’s memory while building a future full of memories. You don’t want to miss this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791. CAN’T WAIT!!!
On this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Heather Lowe to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios. Lowe, a woman whose story from small-town Wisconsin to sobriety and business woman is nothing short of inspiring.
Heather was raised in Lodi, WI, just north of Madison, enjoying the fun and care-free lifestyle of high school—sports, activities, and partying. Alcohol quickly became a part of her every weekend, a coping skill for sadness and a vehicle to celebrate. That lifestyle followed her into college and after.
After graduating with a degree in social work, Heather embraced the life of a dedicated professional, committed to her career, powered by exercise, and still, partying hard. She surrounded herself with others who enjoyed the same lifestyle. Eventually, she started her family, going from full-time to part-time while her husband traveled for work. In the quiet evenings, after children were in bed, loneliness and boredom crept in. The coping strategy she turned to was drinking.
What started as a way to pass the time, a glass of wine or a drink, turned into more and more drinks. Heather’s life began to spiral out of control, leading to more frequent drinking and an increasing cycle of anxiety and shame. In February 2018, Heather made the courageous decision to put the drink down and she hasn’t looked back.
Using her own experience of getting sober and staying sober, Heather founded Ditched The Drink, a business dedicated to helping women get sober and reclaim their lives. Today, she shares her story with the hope of inspiring others to survive and thrive like she has. You won't want to miss this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791. CAN'T WAIT!!!
On the next episode (Thurs, Aug. 28th) of Survive & Thrive 8791 the Podcast, I welcome my son, Will Decorah to the Buck & Honey's remote studios to talk about the pressures of sports, the journey he took as a student-athlete through high school & college, and becoming a first time father.
Will was a part of two state football championships with the Waunakee Warriors, he was a member of the first boys basketball team to reach the state tournament in school history, and enjoyed two seasons as a manager and one season as player in the Wisconsin Badger Basketball team.
But, nothing can compare to being a father for the first time as he and his wife, Samantha Murray would welcome Annie Alice Decorah into the world on July 19, 2024. Will will talk about the struggles he and his wife would go through before that incredible day in July 2024.
You won't want to miss this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791. CAN'T WAIT!!!
On the is episode of Survive and Thrive 8791, I share my work journey to Washington, DC and Pennsylvania. The National Prevention Network Conference I attended gave me some really good ideas for my day job.
The sights, sounds, and scenery were amazing and I would recommend both places to travel to. The White House, monuments, and other places of DC were very cool to see.
In Pennsylvania, I went to the Little League World Series, paid my respects to Jim Thorpe, the greatest athlete of all-time in the community of Jim Thorpe, PA. I then traveled the backroads of the Pocono Mountains to Carlisle, PA. Carlisle was home to the Carlisle Indian Industrial School. This was a school where Native American children were taken to after being forcibly removed from their homes and native lands. The US government wanted to assimilate the Indian to the white world.
Carlisle now is a United States Military Facility. The only remnants of the school is the cemetery where 200 Native American students were buried. The died from disease, malnutrition, or homesickness.
You won't want to miss this episode. Can't wait!!!
On this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome LO Johnson to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios. Johnson, a standout athlete, performance coach, and role model whose journey has been defined by resilience, courage, and a dream.
LO’s story begins at Waunakee High School, where he was a standout. Excelling in both football and track, he was a state champion in both sports, cementing his reputation as a winner. After high school, LO took his talents to the University of New Mexico where he would be able to compete in football and track. But the transition from being a celebrated high school athlete to redshirting as a freshman was not an easy one. The adjustment brought challenges and emotions that left him feeling alone at times. He helped himself through by opening up and seeking counsel, sharing his struggles, and finding the strength to clear his mind and keep moving forward his dreams.
Clarity of the mind led to a resurrection of his track & field career. In 2020, LO was back on the track, ready to prove himself. He would capture the Mountain West Indoor title in the 60-meter dash. Yet, just as he was getting back into form, the world came to a halt with the COVID-19 shutdown. Despite the shutdown, LO pressed on, eventually transferring to be closer to home and run for the University of Wisconsin. There, he made his mark with the Badgers, setting school records and ending his college career at the NCAA Outdoor Track Championships in 2023.
Now, with his collegiate career behind him, LO has transitioned as the CEO of Sprint University in Houston, TX. Houston allows him to continue training the next generation of track athletes while still chasing his dream of becoming a professional and Olympic competitor. LO’s story is a testament to having dreams and working towards those dreams. You won’t want to miss this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791. CAN’T WAIT!!!
On this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Laurie Meixelsperger to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios. Laurie is a retired educator who spent decades being of service and educating young minds in her classroom, but perhaps her most powerful gift of service came outside of school—in the form of selfless love for her brother Tim Holmes.
In 2007, Laurie became a living kidney donor for her brother. For years, her brother had known a transplant might one day be necessary, and his family had openly talked and prepared to step in if that day arrived. At the Holmes Family Christmas in 2006, Laurie noticed something that didn’t look right. Her brother didn’t look himself, his energy was low, his face had lost its healthy color, and she could sense something was not right.
Just weeks later, in February, Laurie would get the call that she had anticipated. With the help of a close colleague, she knew what was coming and had taken all the necessary steps to make her a match for donation. She would undergo surgery and give her brother the gift of a better life. After the procedure, she awoke and was greeted with flowers, a thank-you card, and her brother’s face glowing once again with color and life.
Laurie’s story reminds us all that with ove of family and a little courage, you can be of great service to your loved ones or anyone that needs your help. Everyday, people can make extraordinary choices to give the gift of life. She encourages others to consider being a living donor or to become an organ donor. It is a decision that can ripple out and change a life forever.
Laurie shares her story, the impact it had on her family, and why she believes in the power of giving life. You won’t want to miss this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791. CAN’T WAIT!!!
On this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Greg Marshall to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios. Today, Marshall, a three-time Emmy Award–winning brand and marketing developer whose creative work has represented some of the biggest names in Wisconsin sports and entertainment. Over the years, Marshall has collaborated with former Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, “One Call That’s All” high-profile attorney David Gruber, and the Milwaukee Brewers, all through his role at CI Design Inc., a Milwaukee-based company.
Marshall’s success story is made even more inspiring by the personal health scare he’s had to overcome. Just after his second year at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Marshall began experiencing severe headaches—then, without warning, suffered a seizure that would land him in the hospital. The initial diagnosis was encephalitis, doctors later discovered that wasn’t the case. During this uncertain time, he even lost feeling in his legs, though he was still able to walk.
Through it all, Marshall’s positive attitude and sense of purpose became his driving force to overcome his situation. Since then, he’s worked his way back, spurred on by family and his hometown of Lodi, Wisconsin.
Besides his professional successes, Greg Marshall is also a gifted performer. His one-man show, “Greg Marshall Pops Out of the Trees,” has been entertaining audiences at venues across the Midwest with its storytelling, music, and relatable life experiences.
Marshall’s inspiring journey, from a health scare to career breakthroughs will leave you captivated and inspired. You won’t want to miss this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791. CAN’T WAIT!!!
On this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Dr. Joe Gothard to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios. Dr. Gothard, became the leader whose story comes full circle in the very community that called home. A proud graduate of Madison (WI) LaFollette High School, Dr. Joe first made his mark as a standout high school football player, eventually being recruited by the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. But when a nagging knee injury from his senior basketball season ended his dream of playing college football. His life took him in a new direction—one that would lead him to come home twice.
Returning to Madison, Dr. Gothard began working at local schools and coaching youth football. His principal, Dr. Michael Meissen recognized his natural leadership and encouraged him to pursue a degree in teaching. Inspired, he earned his degree from Edgewood College and returned to his high school alma mater as a Biology teacher. From there, his career path led him to serve as dean of students and principal at LaFollette High School. From there, he would become superintendent at two different Minneapolis–St. Paul school districts.
The 2019–20 school year would test Dr. Gothard’s leadership skills like never before. In just 90 days, he navigated a teacher strike, the COVID-19 school shutdown, the tragic death of George Floyd, and the loss of a school board member. He managed all this while keeping the district moving forward.
In May 2024, Dr. Joe Gothard returned home to become superintendent of the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD), bringing his wealth of experience and unwavering love and commitment to the students, staff, and families of his hometown.
Today, he joins us to share his journey from athlete to educator to leader. He will share his suggestions for surviving and thriving that can be applied to any situation or professional experience. You won’t want to miss this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791. CAN’T WAIT!!!
On this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Dawn Boldon to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios. In 2009, Dawn’s life changed when her husband, Bill, lost his courageous battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer. Diagnosed in the spring of 2005, Bill endured rounds of radiation and chemotherapy in the hope of overcoming his diagnosis. While surgery to remove the affected portion of his colon was presented as a possible treatment option, Bill decided against that, a decision Dawn had to accept, despite the eventual result. After four years of fighting, Bill passed away, leaving behind a grieving wife and young son.
Not long after Bill’s passing, Dawn was encouraged by friends who knew how much love she still had to give. She would step into the world of online dating. Through eHarmony, she connected with Tim Jandt through email messaging. Jandt, a person with a similar story, had also experienced the heartbreak of losing a spouse to cancer. Their shared pain became a ray of hope for the healing process to begin. What began as email messaging would turn into a bond that would lead to a deep friendship and, eventually, love.
As their bond grew stronger, their families did as well. Dawn and her son, along with Tim and his three sons, would form a new blended family rooted in love, resilience, and sports. After a long engagement, Dawn and Tim wed in 2018 and today, they are living their best life together.
In this episode, Dawn shares her story of loss, confusion, healing, second chances, and the unexpected joy that can ease the pain of a lost loved one. Her story is one focused on not being afraid to fall in love again, and second chances are worth it. You won’t want to miss this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791. CAN’T WAIT!!!
On this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Steve Gehrmann to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios. Steve, a self-published author with two books to his credit shares the real, unfiltered journey of writing and publishing his own work. His second book, “The Happy Zone” is a blueprint for achieving happiness in all aspects of life and he’ll talk us through the highs and lows of this creative process. That process was filled with self-doubt, questions, and breakthroughs that led to an enormous amount of satisfaction in July 2021.
But Steve Gehrmann’s story isn’t just about writing, it’s about a life of happiness that he has lived so far. He grew up in the small town of Sun Prairie, WI that laid the foundation for the passions in his life. From mischief and lessons learned to milestones that shaped who he is today, his ability to tell a story is as honest as it is entertaining.
After a college experience being on the radio broadcast for the 1991 Division III national championship game for his alma mater, the University of Wis-Platteville, Steve entered the radio business, chasing his passion for media and connection before pivoting into a career as a consumer loan underwriter. Through it all, one constant in his life has been a love for sports. A huge fan at heart, Steve spends much of his free time trying to get the next selfie with legendary athletes or entertainment icons. Each selfie with an amusing story.
Steve Gehrmann’s journey is an inspiring look at how an everyday person can turn their life into stories worth sharing. If you're thinking about writing a book, chasing your dreams, or just need a reminder that your story matters, this episode brings honesty, humor, and heart to it. You won’t want to miss this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791. CAN’T WAIT!!!
On this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Ken Penfield to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios. In January 2025, the Penfield family would experience a tragedy no family should have to go through. Their oldest child, Kay, passed away from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Their lives would be changed forever.
Ken courageously shares his story about the events that led to that fateful day. Speaking from the heart and fearlessly vulnerable, he walks us through the ups and downs of Kay’s life, talents, achievements, struggles, and the battles they fought since high school. Kay is not defined by their final days, but a life that was full of hope.
This heart-wrenching story is not just about a grieving father, but now a passionate advocate for awareness, prevention, and screening. His mission is to help other families, educators, and members of the community recognize the warning signs, stop the stigma surrounding mental health, and create spaces where young people feel accepted, heard, and supported.
This episode is not just about the loss of a child and sibling. It’s about grieving, coping, and the importance of open conversations about youth mental health. Ken’s story is powerful and deeply moving. If sharing his family's pain can save a life, then Ken’s and Kay’s story will continue to make an impact in the world. You won’t want to miss this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791. CAN’T WAIT!!!