Old Man Strength

Old Man Strength: EP 7.9 J. D. Scholten

In this episode of Old Man Strength, Chris Shipley is joined by Bill Blank as they sit down with former professional baseball player, Iowa State Representative, and Congressional candidate J.D. Scholten. J.D. shares his incredible journey—from growing up with a coach for a dad, starring at Nebraska and reaching the College World Series, to pitching independent ball in Canada and the Netherlands, and then making history in his mid-40s by becoming the oldest player in Sioux City Explorers history and the only active state legislator to play pro baseball. He recounts the wild story of his game-worn hat surviving a bus fire and ending up in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. The conversation dives deep into politics, including his 2018 campaign against Steve King that shocked the district, the current state of the Democratic Party in Iowa, campaign finance reform, public education vs. vouchers, healthcare access, and why rural Iowa has shifted so dramatically. J.D. also opens up about family, motivation, authenticity in politics, and what’s next after deciding not to seek re-election. Raw, honest, funny, and full of real talk—no scripts, no filters. This is Old Man Strength at its best. Sponsored by: * Revelton Distilling Company * We Will Pizza * Styled by JJ Boutique * Jenny Farrell Team at RE/MAX Concepts * Iowa Beef Steakhouse * US Fex Shipping AI * Kyle Lehman at WinTrust Mortgage Live from the AKC Andrew Downs Studios. Listen now for baseball stories, political insight, and old-school Midwest grit. Turn it up and lock in.

Old Man Strength: EP 7.8 The Gang is Back

We go old school with Aaron, Tim and Chris discuss their ailments as old men, the lessons they try to teach their kids from their experiences and discuss the best shows they are currently watching. Sponsored by Revelton Distilling, Iowa Beef Steakhouse, Kyle Lehman at Wintrust Mortgage, Jenny Farrell REMAX Concepts, Styled by JJ Boutique, We Will Pizza, Live from the AKC Andrew Downs Studios.

Old Man Strength EP 7.7: Steve Spears (Stuck in the 80’s) – Valley Girl, Journey Concerts, Live Aid, John Hughes & 20 Years of 80’s Nostalgia

Chris Shipley and Dave Larson are joined by Steve Spears, the award-winning host of the long-running Stuck in the 80’s podcast (now over 780 episodes and 20 years strong). Steve dives deep into his lifelong love of 80’s pop culture, from his first Journey concert in 1981 and his obsession with Valley Girl (which he’s watched hundreds of times) to Live Aid, the Challenger disaster, and why 80’s music and movies created a common language we still speak today. He also talks about his new book Stuck in the 80’s, memorable (and sometimes awkward) interviews with icons like Huey Lewis, Steve Perry, Debbie Foreman, and Olivia Newton-John, the magic of the 80’s Cruise, and how technology has changed the way we experience nostalgia. If you grew up with MTV, Blockbuster nights, mixtapes, and John Hughes movies, this episode is pure 80’s comfort food. Sponsored by Revelton Distilling Company, US-FEX Shipping AI, Iowa Beef Steakhouse, Styled by JJ Boutique, Jenny Farrell REMAX Concepts, Kyle Lehman at Wintrust Mortgage and We Will Pizza, LIVE from the AKC Andrew Downs Studios.

Old Man Strength: EP 7.6 Brent Blum Inside the We Will Collective, NIL Wars, Massive Fundraising Stress & What's Next

Brent Blum returns to Old Man Strength for a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation about his time leading the We Will Collective at Iowa State. He shares never-before-told stories from the chaotic NIL portal battles — including raising millions on tight deadlines, late-night DocuSign sessions from the Dominican Republic, and the insane stress of keeping top Cyclones like Joshua Jefferson, Tamin Lipsey, and Milan Momchilovic in Ames. Brent opens up about the personal toll it took on him and his wife Krystal, the incredible relationships built along the way, the good (and messy) side of college athletics, player loyalty vs. big-money offers, and why he ultimately stepped away. He also talks about his new chapter with Farm Bureau and the lasting impact of "Cyclones helping Cyclones." Raw, honest, and full of insight — don't miss this one from the AKC Andrew Downs Studios. Sponsors: * Revelton Distilling Company * We Will Pizza * Iowa Beef Steakhouse * Styled by JJ Boutique * Jenny Farrell - RE/MAX Concepts * Kyle Lehman at Wintrust Mortgage LIVE from the AKC Andrew Downs Studios.

Old Man Strength EP 7.5: Comedian & Triple Espresso Star John Bush on Hawaii Roots, Stand-Up Life, Shadow Puppets & More

The guys sit down with nationally touring comedian, actor, and longtime Triple Espresso cast member John Bush for a fun, wide-ranging conversation on Old Man Strength. John shares stories from growing up between Hawaii and Minnesota, breaking into comedy (including his very first time on stage at David Wood’s Rib Tickler), life on the road, shadow puppet routines with deep family vaudeville ties, and the realities of decades in stand-up. The guys also dive into Iowa State basketball fever, hidden Iowa gems, BBQ, gender reveal parties, detasseling corn, and plenty of old-man wisdom (and belly-button hernias). Plus: Dave from In the Cye of the Storm cohosts & the crew talks Cyclones March Madness plans, and there’s the classic “Shut the F*** Up” segment with a heartfelt message. A laugh-packed episode full of storytelling, comedy insights, and old-man real talk. Sponsored by Revelton Distilling Company, Iowa Beef Steakhouse, We Will Pizza, Kyle Lehman at Wintrust Mortgage, Jenny Farrell REMAX Concepts and LIVE from the AKC Andrew Downs Studios.