The Sauce Talk Podcast

#39 - Parenthood

Ever since I was a kid, I dreamed of becoming a father. On April 1st, 2019, that dream became reality when my son Maximus was born. Watching him grow from a tiny baby into the smart, funny, opinionated 7-year-old he is today has been the most surreal and beautiful experience of my life. From first words and first steps to seeing his personality take shape, every moment has been unforgettable. Parenthood has also been the most challenging journey I’ve ever faced, and in this episode I wanted to share my honest perspective on what the past seven years have really been like. Just a small window into the journey of being a parent.   *Mixed & Mastered by Carson Kopp ( @carson.kopp )                                                                                                         **Intro Music by N3str0 ( @n3str0 ) https://thesaucetalkpodcast.com [https://thesaucetalkpodcast.com]

#38 - Autodidact Beer (Ron Cassel)

Ron Cassel, co-owner of Autodidact Beer in Morris Plains, NJ, helped launch the brewery in 2023—and they’ve been making serious noise ever since with some of the best IPAs out there. What started as two friends home brewing turned into a true partnership built on passion, creativity, and a shared vision. It’s not just the beer—the taproom has become a go-to spot for great vibes, community, music, and a touch of nature. Known Ron since middle school, so it was awesome catching up and having him on the show.     *Mixed & Mastered by Carson Kopp ( @carson.kopp )                                                                                                         **Intro Music by N3str0 ( @n3str0 ) https://thesaucetalkpodcast.com [https://thesaucetalkpodcast.com]

#37 - Ultra Nostalgia

Nostalgia — that deep, sentimental pull toward the moments, memories, and little pieces of the past that shaped us. It’s the driving force behind so much of what I do today… especially this podcast. There is nothing on this earth that fills me with more joy than reminiscing about being a kid — no responsibilities, no bills, no stress. Just raw, pure innocence… well, mostly! Experiencing everything for the very first time. And that’s the magic of it — you only get those “firsts” once. You can never truly go back. Maybe that’s why reflection hits so deeply. And that’s exactly what this episode is about. This Friday, I’m taking you on a nostalgic ride — a small window into my childhood growing up in the 90s. Back when the days felt longer, summers felt endless, and life was beautifully simple. So come along with me. Get ready to go knee-deep in the feels as we remember what it was like to just be a kid again. I present to you… Ultra Nostalgia.   *Mixed & Mastered by Carson Kopp ( @carson.kopp )                                                                                                         **Intro Music by N3str0 ( @n3str0 ) https://thesaucetalkpodcast.com [https://thesaucetalkpodcast.com]

#36 - The PokePlumber

Nicholas Hildebrandt, also known as The PokePlumber, is a plumber by trade and a Pokémon influencer by night. He lived what many would consider a normal life until the loss of his biological father triggered a vicious, drug-fueled downward spiral that led to chaos and hopelessness throughout his twenties. Eventually, Nicholas reached a turning point and made the decision to change the course of his life. A single move to Arizona to get clean proved to be the catalyst that changed everything. It was there that he not only pursued his plumbing career head-on, but also rediscovered his love for Pokémon—something that would rapidly reshape his future. Today, known as The PokePlumber, he is a well-respected Pokémon collector and content creator, specializing in market analysis and product investing within the Pokémon TCG community, along with pack rips and unboxings. He has a fascinating story, and it was a pleasure getting not only an education in Pokémon that I didn’t have prior, but to also learn about his journey!   *Mixed & Mastered by Carson Kopp ( @carson.kopp )                                                                                                         **Intro Music by N3str0 ( @n3str0 ) https://thesaucetalkpodcast.com [https://thesaucetalkpodcast.com]

#35 - James McMenamin (MECRO)

I’ve been drawn to graffiti for as long as I can remember. The subway-car era was a little before my time, so most of the work I grew up seeing lived on city walls and highway overpasses. Then one day in high school, I stumbled across a couple of magazines and DVDs that revealed an entirely new world to me: freight train graffiti. That discovery changed everything. My next guest didn’t just participate in that world—he thrived in it at a level most writers only dream of. James McMenamin, better known as MECRO, began painting in 2006 and quickly became one of, if not my absolute favorite graffiti artists of all time. His range, his style, his technical skill—it's unmatched. His work has not only secured his place in graffiti history, but has also built an incredible life for himself and his family. In 2008, Jimmy stepped into the mural business, founding Glossblack LLC, which he still runs today. Through it, he’s been able to bring his art to the world legally and professionally, transforming businesses and public spaces with the same level of craft and precision that define his freight pieces. Add to that his studio and gallery work—rare, powerful, deeply expressive—and you start to see the full picture of an artist who keeps evolving, both creatively and personally. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Jimmy since 2018, when we collaborated on a limited run of MECRO pins. That project led to two more pin releases—and a friendship I’m forever grateful for. Jimmy isn’t just an incredible artist; he’s a devoted father, a visionary, and a spiritual mentor. You’re going to learn a lot from him. This episode is a special one, and I’m truly thankful to share it with the world.   *Mixed & Mastered by Carson Kopp ( @carson.kopp )                                                                                                         **Intro Music by N3str0 ( @n3str0 ) https://thesaucetalkpodcast.com [https://thesaucetalkpodcast.com]