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Nostalgia Street

Nostalgia Street

Written by: 4Front Studios
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 Nostalgia Street is a podcast where Vince and Jeff bring people together through shared memories and experiences. If you miss the way life was when you were younger or if you love to reminisce on the good ole days, this podcast is for you.2023 Economics Leadership Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • The World Belongs To Those Who Show Up

    The World Belongs To Those Who Show Up
    Jun 11 2024
    Welcome back to Nostalgia Street, your podcast for stories that shape our lives. In this episode, hosts Vince and Jeff chat with Jen Hoesing, the Chief Development Officer at Girl Scouts, about her childhood in Marcus, Iowa. Vince kicks off the podcast by asking Jen about her childhood guilty pleasure. Jen admits she loved sneaking in episodes of The Golden Girls when her parents weren't home. This led to a lively discussion about how Jen would modernize the show if she were in charge of a remake. Her dream cast includes Melissa McCarthy, Issa Rae, Tina Fey, and Ali Wong, bringing a fresh and diverse energy to the beloved classic. Jen’s hometown of Marcus, Iowa, is a small community rich in tradition. She shares fond memories of the annual Marcus Fair, a significant local event that she still prefers to attend over Christmas gatherings. Her family history in Marcus runs deep, with several generations calling it home. Reflecting on her childhood, Jen discusses how little Jen and grown-up Jen are quite similar. She describes herself as friendly, engaged, and involved from a young age. Encouraged by a supportive community and great teachers, Jen grew up believing she could be anything she wanted—a belief she credits to the positive messages of the early '80s. Jen shares amusing stories from her past, like using her bedroom phone to call the 1-800 number on tampon boxes with friends. Despite the embarrassment of such antics in the late '80s and early '90s, these memories highlight the innocence and fun of her childhood. Growing up in a small family unit, Jen was closely connected to her grandparents and extended family. Her mom, an interior designer, worked from home, balancing family life with professional projects. Her dad ran an insurance business with her grandpa, a staple on Main Street in Marcus. Jen's passion for music led her to Luther College, where she pursued a degree in music education. She recounts her involvement in the State Fair Singers and Jazz Band program, which significantly influenced her decision to attend Luther. Jen shares amusing stories from band camp and choir tours, highlighting the camaraderie and memorable experiences. After college, Jen ventured into the real world with a clear sense of direction but acknowledged moments of self-doubt. She credits her success to supportive mentors who helped her focus on her strengths. Jen's career journey took a significant turn when she moved to Tallahassee, Florida, with her husband, where she pursued a graduate program in arts administration. Now working with Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons, the guest oversees a vast territory covering multiple states. The organization serves girls from kindergarten through 12th grade, offering a range of programs that develop leadership skills and community engagement. The discussion highlights the diverse achievements of Girl Scouts, from local community service projects to earning prestigious awards like the Gold Award. The guest emphasizes the importance of fundraising beyond cookie sales to support the Girl Scouts' mission. Strong partnerships and donations enable the organization to provide cutting-edge programs and reach girls in underserved communities. Fundraising is presented as an opportunity to match people’s passions with meaningful causes. The podcast concludes with a reflection on the significance of showing up and making a difference in one's community. Drawing from her experiences growing up in a supportive small town and working with Girl Scouts, the guest shares a powerful message: "The world belongs to those who show up." This philosophy underscores the importance of participation and engagement in creating positive change. This insightful episode showcases the transformative power of life experiences and the critical role of organizations like Girl Scouts in developing future leaders. Connect with Jen Hoesing: Facebook LinkedIn Learn more about Girl Scouts: LinkedIn Facebook Learn more about 4Front Studios and connect with us on social media! Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube 114 S Main Ave Unit 220, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
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    55 mins
  • The Tortured Boybands Department - An Interview With Kristi Laue

    The Tortured Boybands Department - An Interview With Kristi Laue
    Jun 4 2024

    In this heartwarming episode of Nostalgia Street, hosts Vince and Jeff sit down with Kristy Laue, the creative director at Lawrence and Schiller, to delve into the stories that shaped her childhood and career. From her upbringing in the small town of Jamestown, North Dakota, to her high school pranks and the quirks of growing up on a farm, Kristy’s tales paint a picture of a life filled with unique experiences and cherished memories.

    Kristy grew up in Jamestown, a town of about 14,000 people, just five hours from Sioux Falls. Raised on a farm, Kristy describes her childhood as untethered, with the freedom to explore and the joy of being close to nature. She fondly recalls her days spent with minimal adult supervision, which often led to imaginative and sometimes mischievous adventures. The farm life also included a stint with bison farming, a nod to North Dakota’s agricultural diversity and her father's entrepreneurial spirit.

    Kristy shares insights into her family dynamics, detailing the roles each sibling played. As the middle child, she was the achiever, striving for attention through good deeds. Her older brother, now an engineer, was the pragmatic one, while her older sister was the athlete, known for her outgoing nature. The youngest brother, the classic baby of the family, often got away with the most. These relationships shaped Kristy's formative years, teaching her the values of hard work, cooperation, and occasionally, sibling rivalry.

    Despite the strong presence of '90s country music in her household, thanks to her parents, Kristy gravitated more toward pop music. Boy bands and radio hits of the era left a lasting impact on her musical tastes, though she maintains an appreciation for the country classics that defined her childhood summers.

    High school in Jamestown was a blend of academic achievement and memorable pranks. Kristy recalls the infamous senior prank, “Operation Snuff the Buff,” where her class draped a sheet over the town's giant buffalo statue, Dakota Thunder, declaring their class pride. This act of rebellion, visible from across the valley, cemented their place in local lore.

    The conversation transitions to a more personal reflection, as the guest shares memories from Jamestown. The local teen hangout, whimsically named "The Bunker," served as the venue for a memorable school dance on Y2K night. Despite the widespread fear, the night ended without incident, adding a nostalgic charm to the guest's recollection.

    From there, the podcast explores more personal stories, including the guest's experiences as a band and choir kid. They humorously recount the intense summer field drills and the unexpected chores at International Music Camp, highlighting the blend of hard work and fun that defined those days. This segment is peppered with amusing anecdotes, such as flavoring Zima drinks with Jolly Ranchers and the unending supply of Surge and Tab.

    Towards the end, the conversation becomes more introspective. Kristy shares a significant life lesson learned through her experiences: "done is better than perfect." This mantra, developed from a lifelong battle with perfectionism, resonates deeply. It's a reminder that striving for perfection can often impede progress and that doing your best in the moment is sometimes all that matters.

    As the episode wraps up, Kristy highlights the influence of music in her current life. Though not involved in formal music activities, she enjoys singing to her kids and appreciates the musical environment fostered by their drummer husband. The episode concludes on a heartwarming note, with the guest reflecting on their musically inclined extended family and the joy of shared musical traditions.

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    114 S Main Ave Unit 220, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
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    45 mins
  • Pagaents and Accents - An Interview With Heather Kittelson

    Pagaents and Accents - An Interview With Heather Kittelson
    May 28 2024
    In this episode of Nostalgia Street, hosts Vince and Jeff welcome Heather Kittleson, founder of Fortitude, as their special guest. Heather shares childhood memories, and stories that shaped who she is today. The episode kicks off with a fun and spontaneous question from Vince: "If you could recast a beloved cartoon with live-action actors today, who would you choose?" Heather picks Looney Tunes and humorously imagines herself as the Roadrunner, with Jeff as Elmer Fudd. The conversation is filled with laughter as they envision other characters being played by friends and family members. Heather shares her early years growing up in the Ozarks of Missouri. Born in Mansfield and later moving to Ava, Heather paints a picture of life in the countryside. She recounts the simplicity and beauty of nature, with winding roads, tree canopies, and days spent playing on the family farm. Her childhood stories include riding four-wheelers, building forts, and snowy days leading to school cancellations. Heather describes the dynamics of growing up with three older brothers, sharing both the rough-and-tumble moments and the deep bonds they formed. Moving to Minnesota in the third grade brought a new set of challenges and adjustments. Heather recalls the strong accent she had and how her family was often teased for it. Despite these challenges, she quickly made friends and adjusted to her new environment, showcasing her resilient and friendly nature. Listeners get a glimpse into farm life, where Heather spent time in the milking barn with her father, a farmer and former probation officer. From being accidentally hit by a shovel to manipulating her brothers into doing her chores, her anecdotes highlight the playful and sometimes mischievous nature of sibling relationships. Heather takes us back to her high school days in Slayton, where weekends were spent in the unique tradition of "pounding laps." Friends would drive from one end of town to the other, making U-turns at Pizza Ranch and catching up with each other in the middle of the street. This routine, filled with loud music and laughter, created lasting memories. From dancing to Vanilla Ice's "Ice Ice Baby" to adoring classics like "Grease," "Footloose," and "Dirty Dancing," these cultural touchstones shaped her teenage years. Raised in a Christian home, her media consumption was carefully monitored, but sleepovers brought the occasional thrill of horror films. Heather's aspirations took her to Marshall College and then to Mankato State, where she pursued aviation with dreams of joining the Air Force. However, an injury during her high school years and subsequent setbacks redirected her path. Despite the challenges, including a stress fracture and a broken foot, Heather embraced college life, eventually earning a degree in elementary education. After graduation, Heather moved to Minneapolis and immersed herself in the corporate world as an executive assistant. She describes her experiences working in the towering IDS building and navigating the city's bustling streets. Heather candidly shares her battle with alcoholism, which intensified after the birth of her fourth child. Struggling with postpartum depression, she turned to alcohol, leading to a downward spiral that nearly cost her life. In December 2019, she reached rock bottom but was saved by her husband's intuition. His decision to come home that day prevented her from taking drastic measures. Heather's recovery journey began at Woodstock treatment center, and by January 2020, she returned home, just before the onset of COVID-19. The pandemic provided a unique opportunity for her to reconnect with her family and embrace sobriety. Heather's story is one of redemption and resilience, offering hope and inspiration to others facing similar battles. Today, Heather is passionate about breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction. She advocates for education and awareness, aiming to plant seeds of knowledge and support for those in need. Her upcoming event in September focuses on empowering young girls and their guardians with the tools and understanding to navigate life's challenges. Heather Kittelson's story is a testament to the power of vulnerability and community. Her journey from small-town weekends to overcoming personal demons offers valuable lessons and encouragement for anyone facing their own struggles. Connect with Heather: Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Learn more about the Fortitude Podcast: LinkedIn Facebook Instagram YouTube Learn more about 4Front Studios and connect with us on social media! Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube 114 S Main Ave Unit 220, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
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    57 mins
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