The Sponge Show

Why the Past Still Matters (and Always Will): Future History with Dustin Mack from the History Museum at the Castle

In this inspiring episode of The Sponge Show, host Brad Cebulski sits down with Dustin Mack, the newly appointed Executive Director of the History Museum at the Castle in Appleton, Wisconsin. Dustin shares how his deep passion for history grew from a personal journey of understanding the present through the lens of the past, and how that passion now fuels his mission to make history more accessible, immersive, and relevant to the community. From the bold vision behind the museum's cutting-edge “You Are Here” exhibit to the importance of telling both proud and painful stories from our shared past, this conversation explores how local history can empower identity, empathy, and transformation. But it’s not just about exhibits, it’s about the future. Dustin reveals exciting plans to consolidate cultural assets in the Fox Valley, turning the museum into a hub for arts, history, science, and education. Imagine a vibrant museum campus where kids, families, and tourists can explore astronomy, minerals, local culture, and art all in one block. Whether you’re a lifelong learner, a parent, an educator, or just someone curious about what makes Appleton tick, this episode offers a compelling look at how preserving the past can pave the way to a stronger, more connected future.

Breaking the Scent Barrier: How Tied Fragrances is Disrupting an Overpriced Industry

In this episode of The Sponge Show, host Brad Cebulski sits down with Brady Van De Hey, founder of Tied Fragrances, to unpack how a regular guy with an engineering background challenged the over-sexualized and overpriced norms of the fragrance industry. Sparked by a frustration with the absurdity of celebrity cologne ads, Brady launched his own scent brand—initially dubbed "QuickSpritz"—with a mission to create high-quality, down-to-earth fragrances at a fraction of the cost. From studying top-selling scents and collaborating with fragrance houses to pitching scent prototypes at family gatherings, Brady takes listeners through his scrappy and resourceful journey of bringing a brand to life. What began as a spoof evolved into a heartfelt brand rooted in memory and meaning. Brady and Brad discuss how Tied Fragrances leaned into the wedding industry, tapping into the emotional resonance of scent during life’s most cherished moments. They explore how the brand personalizes each bottle, the business lessons learned while scaling, and the importance of connecting with consumers in a market dominated by luxury façades. This is a refreshingly honest conversation about building a brand with purpose, personalization, and a touch of rebellion.

A Cultural Gem in De Pere: Exploring the Mulva Cultural Center with Marv Wall

The episode with Marv Wall from the Mulva Cultural Center on The Sponge Show explores the story behind this cultural gem in De Pere, Wisconsin. Marv shares the inspiration for the center, which was a gift from Jim and Miriam Mulva, who wanted to give back to their community. The conversation delves into the center's unique architecture and its vision to provide diverse cultural experiences, from large rotating exhibits to educational programming and community gatherings. The Mulvas' dedication to enriching De Pere through this innovative space is a central theme. Listeners gain insights into the current and upcoming exhibits, including the immersive Sharks exhibit and future attractions like a Star Wars memorabilia collection and displays on spying and navigation. Marv emphasizes the center’s accessibility and affordability, aiming to break the perception of exclusivity and ensure that the space is welcoming to all. The discussion also highlights the center's dining and retail offerings, reinforcing its role as a comprehensive destination for locals and visitors alike. By the end of the episode, listeners will appreciate the Mulva Cultural Center as a hub of learning, exploration, and community connection. Marv’s enthusiasm and the center's commitment to world-class quality make a compelling case for visiting and engaging with its evolving programs. Whether you're drawn by the exhibits, the café, or the sense of community, the center promises a memorable and enriching experience for all.

From Opera in New York to Indoor Farming – Alex Tyink from Fork Farms

Brad Cebulski, the host of The Sponge Show, interviews Alex Tyink, the CEO of Fork Farms, an indoor agriculture technology company. They discuss the origin story of Fork Farms and how growing their own food made them feel better physically and mentally. They talk about the impact of food on our health and the need for fresh, affordable, and high-quality food. They also discuss Fork Farms' market fit, focusing on serving the K-12 education sector and their plans to expand into other verticals. They emphasize the importance of testing, learning, and adapting in entrepreneurship and the need to keep the mission and intentions pure. Things to take away from the episode: * Growing your own food can have a transformative effect on your physical and mental well-being. * There is a need for fresh, affordable, and high-quality food in our communities. * Fork Farms focuses on serving the K-12 education sector and aims to decentralize food production. * Testing, learning, and adapting are crucial in entrepreneurship. * Keeping the mission and intentions pure can lead to success.