The Chills Podcast

Hosted by Brent Loberg

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Latest episode

Mar 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Welcome to The Chills Podcast, a podcast that dives deep into the core of businesses, exploring their challenges and victories. As we navigate the business landscape, we delve into personal aspects, discuss family life, and explore the strategies that have kept their companies thriving in this dynamic environment. Our guests generously share wisdom from their experiences, offering valuable insights and recounting transformative moments at work that have shaped their approach towards business. We also venture into their personal lives, unveiling instances that inspire them, and giving our audience a glimpse into what truly drives these entrepreneurs. As we conclude each episode, we express our gratitude for their honesty and the time they've invested. Join us on The Chills Podcast as we traverse the peaks and valleys of the business world, extracting lessons, sharing laughter, and leaving you enriched with knowledge and inspiration.

Listen to episodes

42 recent

March 20, 2026Episode 4233 min

How to Turn Your Weirdest Experiences Into Published Books | Jessica Freeburg

Jessica Freeburg turned childhood experiences seeing ghosts into a thriving author platform with nearly 20 years of writing experience and 14 published books exploring paranormal legends, ghost stories, and dark history. As co-host of Darkness Radio and a certified mindfulness coach, Jessica shares how she built her business by writing what she knows, embracing the creepy and unexplained stories most people avoid. In this episode, she reveals her strategy for producing 3–4 narrative nonfiction books per year with co-writer Natalie Fowler by transforming real newspaper reports of paranormal encounters into compelling short stories using Google Docs and color-coded spreadsheets. Jessica also discusses how she built an audience before her first book deal by starting a ghost hunting group of creative professionals, the haunted family heirloom that caused unexplainable activity in her home, and how her creative retreats blend mindfulness, art, writing, and ghost hunts to help people tap into their most human trait: creativity. If you've ever felt your weirdest experiences or deepest passions couldn't become a business, this episode proves that building a platform around what makes you different can lead to a fulfilling and profitable career.

March 6, 2026Episode 4142 min

Nobody Knows What It's Like to Be a Business Owner Until You Are One | Bill Gschwind

Bill Gschwind lost a $2M equipment rental business in his 40s, then went to law school at 48. Now he runs Minnesota Construction Law Services, spending 50% of his day as a business consultant because he learned most legal problems are really communication failures. He shares "the gauntlet" every entrepreneur runs, why contractors build millions but keep pennies, and why entrepreneurship is the loneliest place in the world. His philosophy: "Keep them with inspiration after they come out of desperation." For contractors and entrepreneurs who need an advisor who's actually walked the walk.

February 20, 2026Episode 4025 min

When Is It Time to Hire HR? A Fractional HR Expert Explains

Running a business often means becoming an accidental HR expert, and for many founders, that’s where overwhelm sets in. In this episode, Nicki Leritz, founder of People Solutions Hub, shares how her 20+ years in corporate HR led her to fractional consulting, and why small businesses often outgrow their people systems faster than they realize. We discuss when to seek HR support, the warning signs founders shouldn’t ignore, and how people-first HR can reduce risk and support sustainable growth.

February 6, 2026Episode 3926 min

From Microsoft to Small Business Owner: Building an IT Company That Actually Cares

What if getting laid off four times was the best thing that ever happened to your career? In this episode, we talk with Kevin Remde, owner of CMIT Solutions West Metro, about career reinvention, entrepreneurship, and why cybersecurity is critical for small and midsize businesses. Kevin shares his journey from music student to Microsoft evangelist to business owner, and how each setback led to new opportunities, while breaking down cyber threats, cloud security, AI risks, and what it really takes to leave the corporate world and build something of your own.

January 23, 2026Episode 3836 min

The Guy Who Makes 19,000 Fans Happy Every Night at Target Center | Jeff Munneke

In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Munneke, VP of Fan Experience for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx and the only original employee still with the franchise since 1988. Jeff takes us behind the scenes of professional sports to share how unforgettable game-night experiences are built for 19,000+ fans, why sports is ultimately a people business, and the leadership lessons he’s learned over nearly four decades in the NBA.

January 16, 2026Episode 3734 min

From Starbucks to CEO: How This Minnesota Startup Is Taking On Uber & Lyft

In this episode, MOOV Rideshare CEO Murid Amini shares how he went from Starbucks barista and U of M engineering student to launching Minnesota’s first local rideshare alternative as Uber and Lyft threatened to leave. He breaks down raising $250K for permits, attracting 800 drivers in month one, and building the highest-paying, community-focused rideshare in the Twin Cities. A must-listen for anyone curious how a local startup takes on billion-dollar giants.

January 2, 2026Episode 3644 min

Minnesota's New Flag Is Tearing Us Apart. Here's Why That Matters

Minnesota storyteller and Star Tribune contributor Brandon Ferdig joins us to unpack the state’s growing cultural divides, from the new flag controversy to dropping education rankings, and why both sides are mirroring each other more than they admit. We explore his reporting on homeless encampments, the gray wolf debate, and what growing up in northern Minnesota taught him about identity and nuance. Brandon also shares his early Bitcoin journey, the cultural impact of blockchain, and his upcoming trip to D.C. to brief U.S. Senators. A conversation about unity, complexity, and why the middle ground matters now more than ever.

December 19, 2025Episode 3540 min

How to Design Your Yard Around How You Actually Want to Live | Landscape Design Secrets

Diana Grundeen never planned on becoming a landscape designer, she just wanted to skip a boring science class. That detour turned into a 30-year career building pollinator-friendly yards and helping homeowners rethink how they want to live outside. In this episode, we dive into the art of residential landscape design, from her “speed-dating your yard” consultation process and the rise of the pollinator movement to why most patios are too small, how lawns-to-legumes programs work, and the emotional payoff of seeing a yard in a completely new way.

December 1, 2025Episode 3432 min

How to Sell Your Family Business Without Destroying Your Legacy

Deborah Everson, co-founder of Everson Retail, shares how she went from an IT project manager to running and transforming a family hardware store into a thriving boutique-style business. After selling it following 56 years in the family, she reflects on legacy, exit planning, and helping other entrepreneurs let go of their businesses without losing their purpose.

October 21, 2025Episode 3332 min

Ep 33 - The Family That Rises Together

Meet Brad, Hannah, and Kalli Klingman, the powerhouse family behind RiseUp Labels — a fast-growing custom label company built on creativity, grit, and teamwork. What started as a small family idea has grown into a thriving business that proves success sticks when you rise together.In this episode, the Klingmans share how they turned challenges into opportunities, balanced family and business life, and created a culture of growth that keeps them moving forward. You’ll hear powerful lessons about leadership, communication, and the heart behind building something that lasts.Watch the full episode now and subscribe for more inspiring conversations.Brought to you by Allweather RoofCommercial Roofing Experts Since 1925 | https://www.allweatherroof.com#RiseUpLabels #FamilyBusiness #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessSuccess #TheChillPodcast #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #InspiringStories