In this episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, host Maxwell sits down with Grant Gillon, the 2023 winner of MasterChef, to discuss his journey from a small-town dad in Altoona, Iowa, to national fame as a self-taught culinary star. Grant opens up about what it was like transitioning from being a home cook to navigating the intense spotlight of a hit TV show. He reflects on the months of secrecy after his MasterChef victory, dealing with the sudden influx of attention and the unique pressures that came with turning his name into a brand.

Grant shares how his love for cooking, rooted in home and family, continues to shape his professional path. Despite offers from restaurants and culinary ventures, he made the bold decision to strike out on his own, building a career as a private chef and offering personalized dining experiences. He also discusses the lessons he learned while briefly working in a Des Moines area restaurant, gaining hands-on knowledge of the inner workings of professional kitchens.

In this candid interview, Grant talks about the challenges of balancing fame, family, and passion, all while staying grounded in his Iowa roots. He emphasizes his commitment to remaining in Iowa, where he can raise his family and contribute to the state's growing culinary scene.

Listeners will also get a glimpse of Grant's future plans, his heartwarming cooking sessions with his young son, and the joy he finds in sharing his culinary knowledge with others. Whether you're a fan of cooking shows or simply curious about how one Iowan has turned his dream into a reality, this episode offers an inspiring and down-to-earth conversation with a true Iowa talent.

This epidode is presented by WELLABE. Be Well.

In this episode of Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast "Weekend Pour," Maxwell sits down with two key players in the Greater Des Moines' home-building scene: Dan Knoup, Executive Officer of the Home Builders Association of Greater Des Moines, and Kirk Mickelson, owner of KRM Custom Homes. Recorded on-site at KRM's stunning home in this year’s HomeShowExpo 2024, the trio dives into the ins and outs of the custom home-building industry, the current real estate market, and the evolution of Des Moines’ residential landscape.

The conversation begins with an inside look at the HomeShowExpo2024, held in the scenic Shadow Creek West neighborhood in Clive, where both Dan and Kirk explain the year-long planning process that goes into showcasing Des Moines’ finest homes. Kirk discusses the design philosophy behind the beautiful home they’re sitting in, which he built to prioritize both family living and large-scale entertaining. With features like a spacious kitchen, a panoramic view, and smart home technology, the home stands as a testament to the craftsmanship KRM Custom Homes is known for.

Dan and Kirk also touch on the challenges builders face in today’s housing market, including rising costs, labor shortages, and regulatory hurdles. They discuss how these issues impact both builders and potential homeowners, especially those looking to break into the market. The episode also explores the HomeShowExpo 2024 as an "idea factory," where attendees can gather inspiration for their own homes, whether they're building new or planning a remodel.

From the future of the Des Moines housing market to advice for aspiring builders, this episode offers a comprehensive look at what goes on behind the scenes in the home-building industry, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in real estate, construction, or design.

In this episode of Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, Maxwell interviews singer-songwriter Patricia Holly, whose musical journey to success began by simply having fun on TikTok. Initially, she gained followers by making satirical videos of the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard trial. Her humorous take on the courtroom antics struck a chord, and she quickly built a following.

What sets Patricia apart is her authenticity. She emphasizes how she started creating content because she enjoyed it, not because she had a grand plan to go viral. This passion for creativity—whether through acting, filmmaking, or music—has shaped her career. Patricia discusses how she had previously ventured into filmmaking, writing, producing, and starring in a film called Sucks to Suck, a satirical take on a vampire struggling at the job of being a vampire. Though it didn’t gain widespread attention, the experience taught her about the balance between passion projects and commercial appeal.

Patricia discovered that consistency and doing what you love are key to finding an audience, especially on platforms like TikTok. Once she gained traction, she shifted her focus to singing and songwriting, a passion that had always been part of her creative identity. She even gained representation from a TikTok agency, which helped her participate in viral singing competitions.

Patricia shares the humbling experience of independently releasing her EP's and receiving support from her followers. She reflects on the importance of hard work, not just viral success. With her unique voice and dedication, Patricia continues to grow her career, all while staying true to her roots in Iowa.

This insightful interview showcases Patricia’s blend of creativity, perseverance, and authenticity, serving as a guide - and inspiration - for artists navigating today’s digital landscape.