Writer/director Kurt Larson hosts this weekly exploration of what it means to be a Star Wars-watching, Disneyland-going, DC and Marvel comic book-reading, collectable-collecting geek, all while trying to remain a well-balanced adult pursuing a life-long dream.
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The JoContractor show shares useful and entertaining stories about the ins and outs of home remodeling, both from the perspective of the diverse group of people out doing the work and the equally diverse group of people needing the work done. We focus primarily on the world of residential remodeling, and the millions of people whose lives are touched by this industry everyday. Our show includes interviews with contractors, industry pros and homeowners. We also have a live Q&A style show from ...
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Russ Henry: Minnehaha Falls Landscaping
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Russ Henry, President of Minnehaha Falls Landscaping, joins Lori and Sam at the Wonderwoman Studio Shop for a show about bee friendly landscaping, organic yards and the benefits of moving away from herbicides and pesticides in your future lawn maintenance.By Lori Reese and Sam Devine
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I bet you don't really realize how big the company Bosch is? Or that it was Robert Bosch who founded the company and that it dates back to 1886. Kurt Johnson joins Lori and Sam for a fun and well informed show about the Bosch company and some of the fine products, including power tools of course, that it produces. LinkedIn…
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Melissa Pahl: Outside Sales at JH Larson Electric
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Melissa Pahl, who is currently working for JH Larson, shares with us some of her adventures in the construction world and how she came to be living and working here in Minnesota. From small town Wisconsin to years spent running her own company in Chicago, Melissa is an interesting woman with a strong background in working hard! About JH Larson: Wor…
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On this episode of our Construction Quickies: Just the Tips! series, we talk about ice dams. What do you as a homeowner need to know about ice dams? What exactly they are What causes them Ways to deal with them on your own Long-term solutions to eliminate them entirely Listen along as Lori and Sam walk through their knowledge of ice dams.…
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Jessica Rowland owns a painting company. But painting isn’t just something she does well, she is actively producing jobs for others in the field of painting. Jessica is a big picture thinker. Listen along as we discuss the industry of painting and talk about the trades as a whole. We also look into some of what it might take to start and grow your …
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Kelsi Sharp of Sharp Sign Company and much more!
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1:09:29
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Kelsi Sharp is a designer and fabricator of unique works here in Minneapolis, though her work shows up all around the country. We focus a lot on her sign making abilities, which is a significant part of what she does. We talk a lot about hand painted sign work, which is something that you really start to notice when you are exposed to the history a…
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Your Hosts and JoContractor the App.
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In the first half of this episode we sit down and have a conversation with each other- just the three hosts. Get to know more about Lori, Merrick and Sam. What do they do for fun? The second half we introduce you to the JoContractor App that we are building. JoContractor is the most simple customer resource management and project management tool av…
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Damaris Hollingsworth of Design by Melo joined us for a very fun show about her life as an award winning architect and how she became the owner of her own firm here in Minnesota. This show was a little more laid back than some because Damaris is simply easy to have a chat with! You want to know more about her life and work, and how she aspires to b…
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John Thomas is one of the Thomas brothers, four of whom own PipeRight Plumbing here in Minnesota. John's kindness and warmth, as well as his unwavering dedication to faith and decency, come through naturally as we trade stories about plumbing and the trades in general. I’m not saying you are likely to learn much about plumbing on this episode- mayb…
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Sarah Lechowich of True North Roofing
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Sarah Lechowich of True North Roofing joined the JoContractor team to discuss a wide range of topics- though as you can imagine, we do focus a good amount of our energy on roofing! Sarah is confident and knowledgeable about the world of roofing. She comes across as almost professorial, which she owes to the fact that she was a professor in the past…
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Gabe Reese joins us for a conversation about his journey into construction after receiving a degree in history. We cover a lot about what it takes to learn and grow in the construction industry and how rewarding that growth can be. Gabe is Lori’s son, so this show was a little more personal than some. These two are a classic example of multigenerat…
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Another question and answer show- this time with even more live questions! We fielded questions from homeowners and construction industry folks. If you have a question that you would like answered on our next Q&A session please email them to: info@jocontractorshow.comBy Sam
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Construction Quickies-Just the Tips! In this segment of our Construction Quickies series, we talk insulation. insulation is one of the most important parts of your home from a building science, energy efficiency and overall comfort standpoint. Poorly insulated homes are the cause of poor energy efficiency, bad air quality and the dreaded ice dam! T…
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Construction Quickies-Just the Tips! In this segment of our Construction Quickies series, we talk gutters. Gutters aren’t just places for sleeping when you are down and out- they control the flow of water off of your home! Do you need them (not always)? How do you keep trees from growing in them? How much do they cost to replace? The JoContractor t…
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Melanie Zaelich of Happy Place Interiors
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1:10:35
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On our first episode of season 2 of The JoContractor Show! we have a wonderful conversation with Melanie Zaelich of Happy Place Interiors. Melanie teaches us quite a bit about what she does and why it can be very beneficial to homeowners as they start thinking about updating their home. We confront our own discomfort with design and decorating as w…
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Construction Quickies-Just the Tips! In this segment of our Construction Quickies series, we talk landscaping. Fixing up your yard can be very rewarding, both personally and financially. Alongside exterior painting and your roof, it is the biggest public facing representation of the value of your home. The JoContractor team gives you just enough in…
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This week we got together with just the 3 of us for a little Q&A. As usual we had a fun time with it. We had some live questions from homeowners on the show, which was a first for us. We covered some random, but interesting topics, from what tools a homeowner should have to how to choose a contractor. We wanted to thank our listeners who sent in yo…
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Construction Quickies-Just the Tips! In this segment of our Construction Quickies series, we talk windows. Do your windows need refinishing or replacing? What do you need to know when you start looking at windows? Can I refinish or fix them myself? Where do I turn for information? Look no further! The JoContractor team gives you just enough informa…
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Mike Halsey of Halsey Hardwoods knows a lot about hardwood flooring! He joins the crew to talk about his career in hardwood floor refinishing and his life in Minneapolis.By Sam
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Construction Quickies-Just the Tips! In this segment of our Construction Quickies series, we talk decks. Does your deck need refinishing or replacing- or maybe you don't have a deck but want one? What do you need to know when you start looking for a deck company? Can I do it myself? Where do I turn for information? Look no further! The JoContractor…
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Construction Quickies-Just the Tips! In this segment of our Construction Quickies series, we talk roofing. Does your house need a new roof? What do you need to know when you start looking for a roofing company? Can I do it myself? Where do I turn for information? Look no further! The JoContractor team gives you just enough information in this 15 mi…
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In this episode we explain quickly how to get started with the process of getting your house painted.By Sam
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Andrew Lien joins us to share the story of his journey in the world of construction. He currently works for Quarve Construction based here in Minnesota. Andrew has an interesting background and clearly loves telling a story. Enjoy our 13th episode!By Sam
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Tim Stone, fittingly of Tim Stone Architects, joined us to share his story. Time shares insights into design and whne you need an architect vs when you might need a designer. He shares with us a little about his life and his journey to becoming an architect, and how he ended up in Minnesota. There is a lot to learn in this show if you are just star…
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Elena Nelson of Nicollet Ace Hardware
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Elena is one of the primary owners of Nicollet Ace Hardware. She and her husband are also owners of the Coon Rapids Ace and the Forest Lake Ace. Elena takes great pride in making these stores a staple in their communities for providing quality and reliability when it comes to finding what you need, but also in employing the people she relies upon t…
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Mary Belfry, our first homeowner interview!
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Mary has worked in real estate and has had many of her own home renovations projects completed over the years. We gain valuable insight from the perspective of a thoughtful homeowner in this episode of the JoContractor Show!By Sam
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We answer a bunch of questions from homeowners looking for information about how to find and deal with construction service providers.By Sam
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The Apprentices! Heather MacKenzie and Aiden Hughes
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Two interns share their experiences thus far in the world of construction.By Sam
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Dustin has spent his life in the trades. He's been in commercial and residential, as well as being a serious entrepreneur. He's taken a needed step back from all of the stress and pressure, and his story will give you a lot to think about, both in construction and about life. Dustin is a well known member of the Twin Cities community and we thoroug…
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Erika Scherman joins us for some work talk and then we open up about life and and whatever comes to us. Erika is one of the owners and President of MC Tool and Safety Sales, a specialty tools and safety equipment provider based in Blaine, MN. Her varied interests and experiences shine through as we talk about her current position and some of entrep…
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In this show, the first in our series of question and answer shows, Lori, Merrick and Sam answer common questions from hard working contractors.By Sam
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Vivian Guerra stops by to talk construction and what it means to be one of the few Native American women in construction.By Sam
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Tom Siwek from Siwek Lumber stops by for a chat about the history of his company, his family and NE Minneapolis.By Sam
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The hosts of your favorite new show talk about themselves and the work their experiences in construction.By Sam
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Listen as we introiduce ourselves and begin this journey. Lori, Merrick and Sam talk about their businesses and set some plans for the future.By Sam
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Stay Cool, Geek 186: Superman's Mustache
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Kurt and the Millennials are back to debate the critical issues of the day... Justice League Review. Thor: Ragnorak Review. IMAX 3D vs 2D vs Standard Pepsi vs Coca-Cola Sunkist vs Fanta And more... KURT ON TWITTER KURT ON INSTAGRAM
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Stay Cool, Geek 185: SHAZAM! And other DC heroes...
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Dave Jahblahblahblah joins Kurt to go over a slew of news tidbits that have far reaching implications to a whole host of our favorite properties. STAR WARS! A new, original trilogy is being helmed by Rian Johnson, along with a live-action TV show. MARVEL EXPANDING! Could Marvel finally be getting the rights to the X-Men and the Fantastic Four? And …
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Stay Cool, Geek 184: Jedis, JJ, & Harvey
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The Last Jedi has finally released a true trailer, and Jahblahblahblah is here to help Kurt break it down. Is Kylo turning good? Is Rey going bad? What is Luke's hair doing? Are the Porgs ruining it? Does Snoke look cool? Plus, the music, the shots, the anticipation! The guys also chat about the firing of Collin Trevorrow, the hiring of JJ Abrams, …
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Stay Cool, Geek 183: Clowns Run Amok in The Mummy
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October is here! And that means a visit from our favorite Horror Host Hall of Famer, Dr. Gangrene! Thankfully, the guys have a slew of interesting horror topics to break down: Jamie Lee Curtis is returning to Halloween, The Walking Dead is upon us, IT is racking up dollars at the box office, and... well, The Mummy is out for rental. These two class…
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Stay Cool, Geek 182: Game of Thrones Featuring Porgs
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Kurt is back, and he brings with him a whole slew of topics to ponder with regular contributor Dave Jahblahblahblah... Star Wars, The Last Jedi, and whether or not the evil BB8 droid is leading Kurt to the dark side of anxiety regarding the new film. Are the Porgs a sign that The Last Jedi is truly becoming "Disneyfied"? Is this simply an Empire St…
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Stay Cool, Geek 181: What's Been Going On?
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An update from Kurt on his podcasts, his projects, and what's coming in the new year.
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Stay Cool, Geek 180: San Diego Comic-Con Recap
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Kurt, Cultspark Bob, and Jahblahblahblahblah break down all the biggest news and events from SDCC2017. Avengers Infinity Way Thor Ragnorak Ready Player One Bright Blade Runner Dr. Doom's standalone film Spawn Reboot Star Trek Discovery Krypton The Defenders Westworld The Walking Dead AND STRANGER THINGS!…
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Stay Cool, Geek 179: Disney & D23 Recap
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D23 came and went with a ton of news, so it only seems right that Kurt bring in superfan Bart Scott to discuss all things Disney! The Last Jedi! Incredibles 2! Toy Story 4! A Wrinkle in Time! Wreck It Ralph 2! The Lion King! Dumbo! Mary Poppins Returns! Aladdin! Avengers Infinity War! And that's just the MOVIES! They also talk about all the new the…
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Stay Cool Geek 178: Spider-Man Comes Home
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In which Kurt & Mr. Marvel Tommy break down everything good, bad, and indifferent from Spider-Man Homecoming. Where does it stand against the other Spidey films? How was Holland? Is the Vulture a good villain for the MCU? Did anything distract from the story? Was Iron Man in the film too much? Were they missing anything? What were their favorite ea…
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Stay Cool, Geek 177: Han Solo Enters an Asteroid Field
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In which Kurt and Jahblahblahblahblah discuss the firing of Lord & Miller from the standalone Han Solo movie. What does this mean? Should we be concerned? What does this say about Kathleen Kennedy? And what do we think of the Ron Howard hiring? The guys get fairly passionate about all things happening in the Star Wars cinematic universe, all while …
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In which Kurt explains his latest project, and how it involves the Stay Cool, Geek audience. He then turns the show over to Millennial Nate and Jake from State Farm as they break down all the latest games from E3. SPIDER-MAN! Skyrim! Monster Hunter! The return of Mario! Battlefront 2! Project Scorpio-urr XBOX one X? DragonBallZ! And, has The Last o…
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WONDER WOMAN IS FINALLY HERE! DC Dave and the Prism Princess help Kurt break down the good, the great, and the fantastic! NO, REALLY! They also briefly discuss Spider-Man Homecoming and whether or not there's too much Tony Stark, the Justice League Dark director removal, and why Joss taking over the Justice League is truly a moving gesture.…
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Stay Cool Geek 174: Star Trek and the road to Castlevania
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In which Kurt and two self-described Trekkies/Trekkers go over the new Star Trek Discovery trailer. Does it look like Trek? Does it have too much action? Will they buy the CBS streaming service in order to see it? Castlevania is here, and its trailer is hitting all the geek nostalgia sweet spots of the guys. They talk about the brilliant marketing …
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Stay Cool, Geek 173: Blade Running with Star-Lord
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The Millennials are back, and they're here to shorten words! Come with us on another exciting edition of Stay Cool, Geek as we totes discuss GOTG Volume 2, Blade Runner 2, The Defenders, Dunkirk, and the Mumms! The guys also discuss the latest slang and music of their generations. Yes, really!
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Stay Cool, Geek 172: David Fincher's New Teen Titans
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In which we discuss The New Teen Titans, Unbreakable 2, World War Z 2, Masters of the Universe, Thundercats, Hanna-Barbera, and millennials. There are also casual detours into the rock and roll hall of fame, Thundarr the Barbarian, Krypto the dog, GoBots, T2, Watership Down, Robotron, and the Legend of Zelda.…
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