Julius "The Mad Syncer" Pates is a visionary DJ, producer, and event curator who has been shaping the house music scene for decades. From co-founding the legendary Three Degrees Global to launching Mi Casa Holiday, Julius has built a movement that blends music, culture, and community. As house music celebrates 40 years, he continues to push boundaries, creating immersive experiences worldwide.

In this episode, Michael Gutierrez reconnects with his longtime friend Julius Pates to explore the evolution of house music, club culture, and global event production. They discuss the rise and impact of Three Degrees Global, the creation of Mi Casa Holiday, and the future of house music in an ever-changing industry. Julius shares insights on curating experiences, the psychology of DJing, and how he builds connections through music.

This episode is a must-listen for music lovers, DJs, and event organizers looking to understand the deeper impact of house music culture. Julius’ journey offers valuable lessons in entrepreneurship, artistic evolution, and community building. Whether you're a die-hard house music fan or a creator looking for inspiration, this conversation highlights the power of music to shape lives and bring people together.

References

• Julius “The Mad Thinker” Pates Instagram: @madthinker
• Mi Casa Holiday: Official Website
• Three Degrees Global: History of Three Degrees
• Chicago House Music 40th Anniversary: Chicago House Music
• Crowbar (Legendary Chicago Club): Chicago Nightlife History

Listener Questions

1. How did Julius Pattes create Mi Casa Holiday and Three Degrees Global?
2. What role did Chicago play in shaping the global house music scene?
3. How has club culture evolved over the past 40 years?

Connect with Mike: https://linktr.ee/mtrlinks

"Born and raised in Chicago, I learned at a young age that community starts with us, the neighbors, made up of 77 communities, commitment, hard work and dedication. We're much more than just a second city. We are visionaries, we are creators, we are fans, we are friends, we are stories, stories that matter, like yours."

-Mike

Jalen Coleman-Lands is a standout athlete and entrepreneur with an inspiring story of resilience and adaptability. From breaking records with the University of Illinois to winning a national championship with Kansas, Jalen’s basketball journey reflects his drive to succeed both on and off the court. Now stepping into the financial services sector, Jalen is committed to empowering communities with financial literacy and mentorship.

In this episode of Mike Talk, host Michael Gutierrez sits down with Jalen Coleman-Lands to discuss his journey through collegiate basketball, the challenges of transitioning between schools, and the lessons he learned along the way. Jalen shares his decision to step away from the NBA dream and focus on creating meaningful impact through mentorship and financial education.

This episode sheds light on the importance of adaptability, decision-making under pressure, and leveraging relationships to build a fulfilling career. Listeners interested in leadership, mentorship, and financial literacy will gain valuable insights from Jalen’s story, while fans of college basketball will appreciate his first-hand account of winning a national championship.

References

• Jalen Coleman-Lands’ Instagram: @jclcinco
• Email Jalen Coleman-Lands: colemanjalenlands@gmail.com
• Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.: Learn more
• University of Kansas Basketball: KU Athletics

Listener Questions

1. What can we learn from Jalen Coleman-Lands’ journey in NCAA basketball?
2. How do college athletes transition to financial careers after sports?
3. Why is financial literacy important for underserved communities?

Connect with Mike: https://linktr.ee/mtrlinks

"Born and raised in Chicago, I learned at a young age that community starts with us, the neighbors, made up of 77 communities, commitment, hard work and dedication. We're much more than just a second city. We are visionaries, we are creators, we are fans, we are friends, we are stories, stories that matter, like yours."

-Mike

Omar Sanchez is a talented singer-songwriter and producer who rose to fame with Los Alacranes. With Grammy-winning hits and a career spanning over two decades, Omar is a pioneer in blending Duranguense with modern styles. Now a music producer and mentor, he focuses on inspiring the next generation of artists and creating a legacy of positivity and resilience.

In this episode, Michael Gutierrez hosts Omar Sanchez for an inspiring conversation in Spanglish. Omar shares his journey from humble beginnings to international fame, recounting his experiences in music, family, and personal growth. They discuss his upcoming projects, including collaborations, a book, and a documentary about his life and career.

This episode offers a heartfelt look at the importance of perseverance, community, and legacy-building. Omar’s story inspires artists and entrepreneurs alike, demonstrating the power of hard work and faith. Listeners will gain insights into the music industry, mentorship, and overcoming life’s challenges.

References

• Omar Sanchez on Instagram: @omarsanchezomi
• Los Alacranes: Official Website
• Ratatouille (Movie): IMDb
• Kung Fu Panda (Movie): IMDb
• Moreno’s Liquors (Little Village): Moreno’s Liquors

Listener Questions

1. How did Omar Sanchez rise to fame with Los Alacranes?
2. What can we learn from Omar Sanchez’s journey as a musician and producer?
3. How does mentorship impact young musicians in Chicago?

Connect with Mike: https://linktr.ee/mtrlinks

"Born and raised in Chicago, I learned at a young age that community starts with us, the neighbors, made up of 77 communities, commitment, hard work and dedication. We're much more than just a second city. We are visionaries, we are creators, we are fans, we are friends, we are stories, stories that matter, like yours."

-Mike

Matt Liston is a passionate filmmaker from Chicago Heights, now residing in Los Angeles. He began his career with independent films like "Chasing October," blending documentary and scripted content, and has since worked on major projects, including collaborations with LeBron James. Matt remains deeply connected to Chicago, evident in his storytelling and ongoing projects.

In this episode, Matt and I discuss his journey from a Chicago sports enthusiast to a filmmaker in LA. They delve into his notable works, including the Cubs-themed "Chasing October" and his upcoming podcast, "Game Plan: The Wendell Brown Story." The conversation highlights the challenges and triumphs of documenting sports stories and the emotional impact of these projects.

Listeners interested in sports documentaries and filmmaking will find valuable insights into creating compelling sports narratives. Keywords such as "Chicago Cubs," "documentary filmmaking," "Wendell Brown story," and "sports activism" are woven throughout the episode, making it a rich resource for aspiring filmmakers and sports fans alike.

References:
- Chasing October
- Game Plan: The Wendell Brown Story
- Uninterrupted Presents "Mr. Impossible"

Potential Listener Questions:
1. What inspired Matt Liston's documentary "Chasing October" about the Chicago Cubs?
2. How did Matt Liston become involved in Wendell Brown's story?
3. What are the key challenges in creating sports documentaries according to Matt Liston?

Connect with Mike: https://linktr.ee/mtrlinks

"Born and raised in Chicago, I learned at a young age that community starts with us, the neighbors, made up of 77 communities, commitment, hard work and dedication. We're much more than just a second city. We are visionaries, we are creators, we are fans, we are friends, we are stories, stories that matter, like yours."

-Mike

Melissa and Joe are the passionate owners of Perkolator Coffee, a beloved coffee shop in Chicago's Portage Park neighborhood. Joe, a coffee aficionado since childhood, and Melissa, a former editor and local historian, combined their talents to create a community hub. Their journey from opening a vintage store to establishing Perkolator Coffee demonstrates their dedication to fostering community and their love for high-quality, hand-picked coffee.

In this episode, I'm taken to Coffee School by Melissa and Joe of Perkolator Coffee, as they discuss their incredible journey in the coffee business. They share their story of opening Perkolator Coffee, their experiences in the coffee industry, and the unique process of coffee cupping. Our conversation highlights their commitment to the community and their innovative approach to bringing people together through coffee.

Listeners interested in coffee culture, community building, and the intricacies of coffee tasting will find this episode highly informative. Melissa and Joe explain the art of coffee cupping, the importance of supporting local businesses, and how they transitioned from a vintage store to a thriving coffee shop. Keywords include "coffee cupping," "Portage Park," "Chicago coffee shop," "community building," and "local business."

References:

• Perkolator Coffee
• Portage Park
• Perkolator Coffee on Instagram

Potential Listener Questions:

1. How did Melissa and Joe transition from a vintage store to a successful coffee shop?
2. What is the process of coffee cupping and why is it important for quality assurance?
3. How does Perkolator Coffee contribute to the Portage Park community?

Connect with Mike: https://linktr.ee/mtrlinks

"Born and raised in Chicago, I learned at a young age that community starts with us, the neighbors, made up of 77 communities, commitment, hard work and dedication. We're much more than just a second city. We are visionaries, we are creators, we are fans, we are friends, we are stories, stories that matter, like yours."

-Mike

Michelle and Sandy are the dynamic sister duo behind the popular podcast "Wines to Find." Both lifelong wine enthusiasts, they transformed their passion for wine into a platform where they explore and share the intricacies of wine tasting, pairing, and selection. Since launching in January 2020, they have reviewed hundreds of wines from around the world, aiming to educate and entertain their audience with each episode.

In this episode, I welcome Michelle and Sandy from "Wines to Find" to open you, the listener, the world of wine. The sisters share their journey from wine enthusiasts to podcasters, offering tips on wine tasting, pairing, and selecting wines for different occasions. They also discuss how to navigate the vast wine market, highlighting the importance of understanding wine regions and varietals.

Listeners interested in expanding their wine knowledge will gain valuable insights from this episode. Michelle and Sandy cover essential tips on wine selection, the nuances of wine pairing, and how to enhance your wine tasting experience. Keywords include "wine tasting," "wine pairing," "wine regions," "wine varietals," and "wine enthusiasts."

References:

• Wines to Find Podcast
• Instagram - Wines to Find

Potential Listener Questions:

1. What are the best wine regions to explore for beginners?
2. How can I improve my wine tasting skills and palate?
3. What are the key factors to consider when pairing wine with food?

Connect with Mike: https://linktr.ee/mtrlinks

"Born and raised in Chicago, I learned at a young age that community starts with us, the neighbors, made up of 77 communities, commitment, hard work and dedication. We're much more than just a second city. We are visionaries, we are creators, we are fans, we are friends, we are stories, stories that matter, like yours."

-Mike

Desmond Clark is a former NFL tight end who played for the Chicago Bears, including on the 2006 Super Bowl team. Beyond his impressive football career, Desmond is a motivational speaker, leadership coach, and the founder of the DC Influence and Leadership Training Academy. He is dedicated to empowering others through his motivational content and public speaking engagements, inspiring people to achieve greatness in their personal and professional lives.

In this episode, I get to sit down with Desmond Clark to discuss his transition from NFL star to motivational speaker and leadership coach. Desmond shares insights from his football career, the importance of mental health, and his ongoing commitment to breast cancer awareness in honor of his late mother. Our conversation covers the challenges and rewards of personal growth, leadership, and staying motivated in the face of adversity.

Listeners interested in personal development, leadership training, and the journey from professional sports to motivational speaking will find this episode particularly enlightening. Desmond offers practical advice on overcoming obstacles, cultivating success, and the importance of mental health. Keywords include "leadership training," "motivational speaking," "Chicago Bears," "mental health," and "personal development."

References:

• Desmond Clark's Official Website
• Wake Forest Hall of Fame
• Breast Cancer Awareness
• Bear Down Logistics

Potential Listener Questions:

1. How did Desmond Clark transition from an NFL career to becoming a motivational speaker and leadership coach?
2. What are Desmond Clark's key strategies for overcoming obstacles and staying motivated?
3. How does Desmond Clark contribute to breast cancer awareness and support?

Potential Episode Titles:

1. "Desmond Clark: From NFL Star to Motivational Leader"
2. "Leadership Lessons from the Gridiron: Desmond Clark's Journey"
3. "Empowering Others: Desmond Clark's Path from Football to Inspiration"
4. "Desmond Clark on Overcoming Adversity and Finding Success"
5. "Motivated Mondays with Desmond Clark: Insights from a Former Bear"

Connect with Mike: https://linktr.ee/mtrlinks

"Born and raised in Chicago, I learned at a young age that community starts with us, the neighbors, made up of 77 communities, commitment, hard work and dedication. We're much more than just a second city. We are visionaries, we are creators, we are fans, we are friends, we are stories, stories that matter, like yours."

-Mike

Christian Farr is an accomplished journalist with NBC5 Chicago, known for his insightful reporting and commitment to community stories. Originally from Wilmington, Delaware, Christian's journey in journalism has taken him through major metropolitan areas like New York, Dayton, and Philadelphia before settling in Chicago. With over 16 years in the Windy City, Christian has become a respected figure in Chicago's media landscape, dedicated to covering important issues and uplifting minority communities.

In this episode, I welcome Christian Farr to discuss his career in journalism and his experiences covering crime and community stories in Chicago. Christian shares his background, the challenges he faces as a journalist, and the importance of mental health and mentorship in his work. We take a deep dive into the necessity of positive representation and the impact of community-focused reporting.

Listeners interested in journalism, community issues, and mental health will gain valuable insights from Christian Farr's experiences. He emphasizes the importance of networking, mentorship, and positive storytelling in media. Keywords include "Chicago journalism," "NBC5 Chicago," "community reporting," and "mental health in journalism."

References:

• NBC5 Chicago
• Christian Farr on Instagram
• Christian Farr on Twitter
• Chicago's Community Action Board

Potential Listener Questions:

1. How does Christian Farr manage the emotional toll of covering crime in Chicago?
2. What advice does Christian Farr have for aspiring journalists in minority communities?
3. How can community members support positive news stories and mental health initiatives in their areas?

Connect with Mike: https://linktr.ee/mtrlinks

"Born and raised in Chicago, I learned at a young age that community starts with us, the neighbors, made up of 77 communities, commitment, hard work and dedication. We're much more than just a second city. We are visionaries, we are creators, we are fans, we are friends, we are stories, stories that matter, like yours."

-Mike