What happens when you find yourself traversing the country in a van called Betty White listening to podcasts? You start thinking maybe, just maybe, when finally get out of that van, you could have your OWN podcast! So we thought, hey why not? We've got stories to share, tales to tell and tea to spill! Join us for this introductory taste of the Free Range Junker Podcast!

Becoming the self-proclaimed Prince of Pressed Steel and Junk Yard Jezebelle didn't happen overnight- it took years of side hustlin', curb pickin, barn diggin' and estate salin' to get to where they are today! Join Rick and Kari for a ride along through their start up years!

Kari and Rick chat about their first ever cleanout that they did when starting their estate sale business. They chronical lessons learned along the way, unique finds, interesting occurances that are pretty typical when cleaning out years of someone's life in a home.

In this week's episode, Kari and Rick discuss one of the strangest estate clean outs they have ever done. Hundreds of tennis ball tubes, thousands of legos and oodles of "adult items" were among the quirky discoveries- so listen in to hear how they set a new record at the landfill!

Tune in to hear why Kari and Rick haven't uploaded a new episode in over a month! From the peaks to the pits, they share the rollercoaster ride of life that sometimes gets in the way of picking vintage awesomeness. They also delve into the unusual stories that make their business interesting, from a dilapidated building with a disturbing smell to the mystery of footsteps in an empty shop. But the strangeness doesn't stop there. Kari and Rick also talk serial killers and discuss the presence of a mischievous ghost in their midst!

Today we are joined by Sara Washburn from Peace by Piece, a professional organizing and estate sale company in western Wisconsin. We'll talk about how to part with your junk, how to organize your hoard, when to ask for help, dogs, blood donation, and how to market a small business! It's like a fruit salad- a little bit of everything! So buckle up kids- it's time to chat with Sara and Blaze the labrador retriever!

In this episode, Kari and Rick dive into a fascinating discussion about provenance, focusing on wartime treasures. They share personal stories, including surprising discoveries in the basement of their Retro Ranch building. These items revealed unknown aspects of her reserved grandfather's life, including his role as an interpreter and lady friends all over the world during WWII. The episode highlights the rich, often hidden histories behind vintage items and the profound personal stories they can unveil.

Join Kari and Rick as they sit down with the family of Bruce Ibold—a passionate toy collector, store owner, real estate mogul, and, most importantly, a devoted investor in people. Through heartfelt conversations, you’ll be inspired by Bruce’s remarkable story as seen through the eyes of those who knew him best and continue to carry on his legacy. We’ll dive into the world of toys, explore the sense of community Bruce fostered, and share how we came to connect with his family and help find new homes for his cherished collection. This is a journey of love, legacy, and nostalgia that you won’t want to miss!