Cedar Rapids has a hidden advantage most cities would kill for, and Kenyon Thorp is one of the people trying to protect it. From a flood-damaged, century-old theater to a thriving event venue, Kenyon shares how the Ideal Theater became a stage for original music, intimate shows, and a new kind of nightlife in NewBo.Rod sits down with Kenyon, owner-operator of the Ideal Theater and the Olympic Southside Theater, for a conversation about historic preservation, live music, and the hard realities of building an independent venue in a market that resists risk. Kenyon reveals how a drop-ceiling discovery, a massive rehab, and a complete business pivot turned a building slated for demolition into a cultural landmark.You'll discover:

• Why the Ideal's stamped tin ceiling and early-1900s architecture shape every show
• How a $5 cover charge battle taught Kenyon the real economics of live music
• Why the venue shifted from regular bar hours to events-only, weddings, and private rentals
• What makes certain genres thrive in the room while others fall flat
• How ticket data, curation, and local trust determine whether an act can draw in Cedar Rapids

Kenyon also breaks down the broader cultural problem facing Iowa music: why local artists struggle to gain traction, why "imported" acts still dominate, and how newsletters like The Marquee are helping build a real audience for artists people should be hearing now, before they blow up later.If you care about live music, historic venues, local culture, or the business behind making a room feel electric, this is essential listening. Kenyon's vision for the Ideal is bigger than one theater - it's about proving that Cedar Rapids can support originality, reward taste, and create the kind of unforgettable show people talk about for years.

Kenyon Thorp

is the owner-operator of the Ideal Theater and Olympic Southside Theater in Cedar Rapids' NewBo District, known for restoring historic spaces and building a platform for emerging and original acts.

Rod Hullaby

is the host of the Skive Off Podcast, where he provides a platform for poople to tell their stories, journeys and lessons learned along the way. The video version can be found on the Youtube channel, @skiveoffpodcast

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JJ Santagata’s path to becoming head coach of the Sheridan Hawks is anything but ordinary - and that’s exactly why this conversation hits. From a late start in hockey to nearly quitting the sport entirely, then finding his way back through college, coaching, and a string of hard-earned pivots, JJ shares the lessons that shaped his relentless coaching style and why he still believes the right people and the right culture matter more than any label on a jersey.Rod Hullaby leads a candid, wide-ranging conversation with JJ about the moments that forced him to grow up fast: dropping out of graduate school, moving from Virginia to Ames, Iowa, getting fired, rebuilding his career, and eventually landing in Sheridan, Wyoming. Along the way, JJ opens up about the frustrations of junior hockey, the pressure of coaching young players and parents, and the mindset shift that took him from rigid and reactionary to patient, transparent, and purpose-driven.You’ll discover:

• Why JJ walked away from ice hockey as a kid - and what pulled him back in
• How a bad experience as a player shaped the coach he became
• What it took to build a summer training program from 30 players to 75-plus
• The recruiting strategy that helped Sheridan go from sixth to first in the division
• Why he thinks families should chase the coach and the culture, not just the league tag

Rod and JJ also break down the reality of junior hockey today - the misinformation, the league confusion, and the pressure on families trying to choose the next best step for a player. JJ makes a strong case for development over branding, and he explains how his program helps players get better on the ice while also preparing them for the next stage of life off it.This episode is essential listening for hockey parents, junior hockey players, coaches, and anyone who’s ever had to rebuild after a setback. If you want a real look at what it takes to lead, develop, and keep showing up when the road gets hard, this one delivers.

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High school sports content can look ordinary fast - unless you treat every game like a brand moment. Dade Davis shows how he turned a creative eye, athlete instincts, and a camera he had to prove he deserved into Civic Graphics, the visuals that made a school program look professional.Rod Hullaby sits down with Dade to unpack how he went from drawing and playing sports to shooting basketball, soccer, track, and senior portraits with a style that keeps getting sharper. What starts as a conversation about photography quickly turns into a blueprint for building skill, confidence, and a real creative business from the ground up.You'll hear how Dade learned to think five steps ahead on the field, why bad gear can actually teach you the fundamentals faster, and how Instagram, YouTube tutorials, and a strong photography community helped him develop his style. He also breaks down the difference between capturing unpredictable sports action and directing senior sessions where creativity, communication, and trust matter just as much as the shot itself.Rod and Dade also get into the business side that most creatives overlook - pricing work, earning trust, managing long hours, balancing school with paid projects, and knowing when to push forward versus step back before burnout takes over. Dade shares what it meant to be given creative freedom by a basketball program, why NIL and social media have changed the game for athletes and creators, and how mentorship from photographers like Laura Eckert helped him turn passion into paid work.If you're a student creator, young photographer, athlete with an eye for content, or anyone trying to build something real while still figuring it out, this episode is packed with practical insight and motivation. Dade's story is proof that you do not need to wait for the perfect moment or perfect equipment to start making work people notice.Perfect for listeners who want the creative hustle, the behind-the-scenes of sports media, and an honest look at what it takes to grow from first project to future professional.